Park Ridge City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting – September 8, 2026

The Park Ridge City Council held a Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered public safety updates on traffic calming, approval of three public works contracts, and a presentation on the city's pest control enforcement and abatement services. No formal action was taken on traffic calming; however, three contracts were approved unanimously. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn to closed session, which passed 7–0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Michael Hendricks (505 Parkwood Avenue) expressed frustration over persistent speeding on North Dee Road, particularly the 400 and 500 blocks, and called for more police enforcement and use of radar. He also raised concerns about modified mufflers and noise.
• John Hum (517 North Parkwood) described a recent accident at Sibley and Dee Road, presented his own speed analysis on Dee Road, and argued the 35 mph speed limit is unsafe for a road with three schools and heavy pedestrian traffic. He requested traffic calming measures.
• Susan Hum (517 Parkwood Avenue) echoed concerns about speeding on Dee Road, noting the road's proximity to Maine Park and school bus crossings, and reported cars driving 45–50 mph.

Discussion Items

• Traffic Calming (Public Safety - Police): Chief Campworth and Director Mitchell presented improvements to the city's traffic calming process, including a centralized tracking spreadsheet, extended enforcement periods (14 days), increased traffic unit staffing, and a new “intermediate solutions” category (yellow zone) for areas where the 85th percentile speed is between 32 and 34 mph in a 25 mph zone (previously only green <32 and red ≥34). Public Works added options such as high‑visibility crosswalks and speed feedback signs. Council discussed the 85th percentile methodology, transparency of data, and a request from Alderperson Sanchez to lower the threshold near schools. No motion was made; the presentation was for education. Staff will create a public‑facing summary and consider adding traffic concern reporting to the website.
• Pest Control Enforcement and Abatement (Procedures and Regulations): Public Health Inspector Tim Schwartz and Drew presented the city’s current complaint‑based program. Key points: the city uses a licensed vendor for public property; private property owners are required to hire their own vendor and provide treatment reports. The city issues door hangers (shown to council) to notify residents of rat activity. Council discussed the door hanger wording, bait box signage, and the common cause of rodent issues (wildlife feeding by residents). No policy changes were recommended at this time.
• Fire Department: Chief Sorensen invited the public to the 9/11 ceremony on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. on the front steps of City Hall.
• Department Head Report (Procedures and Regulations): Drew noted that upcoming topics include housing and comp plan items in September/October, and that the hotel development proposal (currently before the Planning and Zoning Commission) has been continued to September 29.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (unanimous voice votes): ame - Extension of cleaning services contract: One-year extension with Crystal Maintenance Services in the amount of $78,780.00 (final renewal allowed).
  • Green Alley Project contract: Awarded to Acura, Inc., the low bidder, for $512,851.00 (six bids received; project 50% city‑funded, 50% abutting property owners). Construction expected early to mid‑October.
  • Library exterior concrete and masonry repairs: Contract awarded to Berglund Construction Company, low bidder, for $98,136.00 (four bids received; includes retaining wall, tuckpointing, step and capstone repairs).
• Closed Session: Motion to adjourn to closed session (pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) for real estate and 2(c)(11) for litigation) passed by roll call vote of 7-0, with all alderpersons voting yes.