Regular Meeting of the Park Ridge City Council - October 19, 2026

On Monday, October 19, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., the Park Ridge City Council met in regular session at City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Maloney was absent, and Alderperson Moran served as temporary chair. A quorum was present. The meeting included approval of minutes, appointments, a proclamation, a consent agenda item, public comment, several committee reports, a presentation on a historic survey, and action on a zoning variance.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the October 5, 2026 City Council and Committee of the Whole minutes (unanimous).
• Approved appointments: Scot Karstens to Planning & Zoning Commission (term through 2030); Nicole Wyatt to Animal Commission (term through 2029); Jill Hetzel to Community Health Commission (term through 2029) – all approved unanimously.
• Mayor Maloney’s proclamation designating October as "Community Planning Month" in Park Ridge was read.
• Approved a purchase order with Red Line Works, LLC for $29,199.17 for emergency lighting, siren installation, and cabinetry for the Battalion Chief’s vehicle (FD 100) as part of the consent agenda (unanimous).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Manuela Gucca, a resident at 1091 Northwest Highway, reported repeated traffic accidents on that street, including an incident where a car entered her garage. She requested action to improve safety. The chair recommended she contact her ward alderperson for coordination with public works and public safety.

Discussion Items

• Holiday Lights Budget Amendment (Finance & Budget Committee): The council considered an amendment to the FY2026 General Fund Budget in the amount of $23,070 to fund holiday light installation. One alderperson (not named in transcript) voted against, stating the display could have been done within the existing budget and that adding rooftop lights was not worth the cost. The motion passed with a voice vote showing aye and nay; no roll call taken.
• Intensive Historic Survey of L. Hodges Addition (Historic Preservation Commission): City Planner John Scopletti and consultant Erica McGuire (McGuire Glaskin Associates) presented findings from a survey of 193 principal buildings in the area bounded by Butler Place, El Plain Avenue, Cortland Avenue, and the Union Pacific Railroad. Key findings: 10 properties are eligible for individual City of Park Ridge landmark status; 121 properties contribute to a potential City Historic District; 3 properties are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The survey also noted a 20% demolition rate in the area. Recommendations included creating an interactive web map, design guidelines, and requiring historic impact studies before demolition. The draft report is with the State Historic Preservation Office for final approval. Council members discussed next steps, noting a pending moratorium on demolitions. No vote was taken; the presentation was informational.
• Zoning Variance for 245 Vine Avenue (Zoning Board of Appeals): The council considered an ordinance for a three-unit townhome development with reduced off-street parking. Two variances were initially requested: (1) relief from parking requirements, and (2) relief from minimum lot area (lot size allowed 2.75 townhomes; applicant proposed 3). Due to the Illinois "People Over Parking Act," which exempts properties within a half-mile of transit from local parking regulations, the parking variance was moot. The council first approved a motion to remove any parking-related conditions from the ordinance (voice vote, unanimous). The remaining lot area variance had been recommended for denial by the ZBA (4-3 vote). The applicant’s representative, Brianna Skelly (also a Park Ridge resident), argued that the property’s irregular trapezoidal shape (50-foot width, varying depths) and proximity to railroad tracks constituted a hardship, and that the proposed townhomes are more compatible than a by-right four-unit multifamily building (which would require no parking). Several members of the public spoke in favor of the variance, citing the project’s quality and the fact that the applicant voluntarily included a three-car garage and one on-site parking space. One citizen expressed concern that neighboring lots of similar size would then also seek variances. After deliberation, council members noted that the zoning code’s townhome density formula (2.75 units) may be outdated and that the attached parking mitigates potential parking spillover. The motion to approve the final reading of the ordinance (including the lot area variance) passed by a roll call vote of 7-0.
• Other Committee Reports:
  • Farmers Market Committee: Two markets remain; vendor applications for 2027 open by end of November; next meeting October 21 at 6:30 p.m.
  • Library Board: The consortium expanded to 34 member libraries (adding Rolling Meadows and Waukegan); National Friends of the Library Week (October 18-24); fall book sale October 23-25.
  • Community Health Commission: "Walk Run Park Ridge" program active; aldermanic walks scheduled; "Stop the Bleed" event held with 39 participants (sold out).
  • Planning & Zoning Commission: Next meeting October 27.
  • Youth Services Commission: Next meeting October 22 at 6 p.m.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes, appointments, proclamation, and consent agenda item (all unanimous).
• Approved FY2026 General Fund Budget amendment for holiday lights ($23,070) with one opposing vote.
• Approved ordinance for zoning variances at 245 Vine Avenue (three-unit townhome development) – roll call 7-0.
• No formal action taken on the historic survey presentation; further discussion will occur via the Historic Preservation Commission and City Council.
• Several committee reports were received and filed.