Public Meetings - Park Ridge, Illinois

Note: The meeting was originally scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. per the published agenda. The user-provided date of April 2, 2026 is used here as instructed. No meeting minutes or transcript were available, so this summary reflects only the planned agenda items; no actual proceedings, votes, or public comments are documented. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – Meeting Minutes of March 4, 2026 (no action recorded) Discussion Items / Updates - L. Hodges Addition – Intensive Historic Survey Update (no discussion recorded) - Discuss Vice Chair (no discussion recorded) Action Items - Vice Chair Selection (no vote recorded) Other Items - Council Liaison Report (no report provided) Citizens wishing to be heard on Non-Agenda Items - No public comments documented. Key Outcomes - No decisions or votes are recorded. The next meeting is listed as May 6, 2026 (subject to change).

The Park Ridge Sustainability Commission met on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered routine approvals, calendar planning for upcoming community events, and detailed work items on waste/recycling, mobility, education, and climate/energy initiatives. Key decisions included approval of prior minutes, submission of an EV readiness memo, and discussion of funding for community composting and reusable bags. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – The minutes from the March 4, 2026, meeting were approved unanimously without discussion. (Motion by Commissioner Arwadi, seconded; all in favor.) Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the Citizens Wishing to be Heard portion. Discussion Items - Calendar – Commissioners reviewed upcoming events: - Earth Day Fair – April 18, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the Main Park Leisure Center. Commissioners Vanessa, Tracy, and Michelle will staff the table; an educational game on composting will be updated to align with the new waste hauler contract. - Brownie Troupe Visit – April 10, 2026, 3:30–4:30 PM. Tracy will lead a short composting activity using the game. - One Earth Film Festival – Hosted by Park Ridge Community Church (date not specified). Commissioners encouraged attendance and noted other screenings in nearby suburbs. - Bike Month Proclamation – May 4, 2026, being prepared by Commissioner Carolyn. - Farmers Market – Season begins Memorial Day weekend (late May). Commissioners will staff the sustainability table once per month; the July 4 weekend date was removed from the sign-up. - Other Events – EV Expo (June 27), Sustainable Yards Walk & Bike Ride (July 12), and Solar Tour (end of September) were noted. - Work Item 1: Mobility – Commissioner reported outreach to Drew regarding the bike plan and scheduling community bike rides. Coordination with Go Green for a bike-themed discussion in July is underway. - Work Item 2: Waste and Recycling - Community Composting – Funding for the current program (Urban Canopy) is expected to run out in May due to increased pickups. Commissioners agreed to track spending and request additional funding from the city. They also considered whether to continue with Urban Canopy or seek a quote from the new waste hauler (SBC) for farmers market compost collection, as SBC might include it under the municipal contract at no extra cost. - Farmers Market – Discussion on purchasing reusable bags for promotion. Budget for educational materials is $1,500; a design with a single-color city/sustainability logo could yield about 300 bags. Commissioners also discussed including waste hauler flyers in the bags and coordinating with the city on plastic bag ban outreach (ordinance passed, effective January 1, 2027). - New Waste Hauler Contract (SBC) – Commissioners noted SBC’s expanded recycling list and the need to update educational materials. Questions arose about sticker requirements for yard waste bins and whether old bins can be reused. Free stickers are available at City Hall. - Work Item 3: Education and Outreach – No new items, but commissioners agreed to revise website content to reflect the new waste hauler contract, including composting options and sticker information. - Work Item 4: Climate/Energy - EV Memo – A revised memo highlighting three main recommendations was reviewed. Commissioners reached consensus to send it to City Manager Joe for further action. The EV Readiness Program application deadline is June 15, 2026; the commission will seek a lead staff member. - Municipal Aggregation Grant Funds – Commissioners discussed possible uses (bike engineering study, LED streetlights, renewable energy credits) but decided to wait until the issue returns to City Council before formally amending their original recommendation for a grant. - Community Solar – A memo on the MC Squared community solar clearinghouse program was circulated for review. Initial steps may include adding a link to the Citizens Utility Board on the commission website, requiring only commission approval; a full program adoption would need council approval. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved – Unanimous. - EV Memo approved for submission – To be sent to City Manager Joe; commissioners will also pursue the EV Readiness Program application. - Community Composting funding – Commissioner Anderson and Vanessa will track expenditures and prepare a budget amendment request. - Reusable Bags – Commissioner will seek a design and cost quote within the $1,500 budget; flyers from the new waste hauler will be requested for inclusion. - Next Meeting – Scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Commissioners were reminded to discuss budget requests for the upcoming fiscal year at that meeting. - Adjournment – Motion by Commissioner Klein, seconded; all in favor.

Date discrepancy note: The Agenda lists the meeting as March 26, 2026 at 7:00 p.m., but the instruction for this summary specifies the meeting took place on March 27, 2026 at 13:00 UTC. No minutes or transcript were provided to resolve this conflict. Introductory paragraph: This summary is based solely on the agenda, as no minutes or transcript were made available. Therefore, only the planned agenda items can be reported; no actual discussion, public comments, decisions, or votes are recorded. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – February 26, 2026: The agenda included approval of the prior month's minutes, but no outcome or discussion is documented. Public Comments & Testimony - Citizens Present Wishing to be Heard on a Non‑Agenda Item: An agenda item for public comment was listed, but no speakers, positions, or topics were recorded. Discussion Items - V.A. New Meeting Space & Time Proposal: Listed on the agenda; no further details available. - V.B. Future Commission Events, Topics and Planning: Including bike safety, flu shots & vaccines, and Stop the Bleed & CPR certifications. No discussion transcript exists. - V.C. Speaker Events: Agenda item without recorded discussion. - V.D. Social Media Accounts: Listed but no details provided. Administration Report - VI.A. City Staff: No report content recorded. - VI.B. Community Liaison Updates: No updates recorded. Key Outcomes - No votes, decisions, directives, or next steps were documented. The meeting agenda included an adjournment item, but no time or action was recorded.

The Zoning Board of Appeals met on March 19, 2026 at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The board considered one major variance request and adjourned at 7:10 PM. All votes were unanimous (6-0). Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (February 26, 2026): The minutes from the previous meeting were approved by unanimous voice vote (motion by Commissioner Sirio, second by Commissioner Vlasich). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke or were present. Discussion Items - Variance at 652 N. Northwest Highway (Suite B) – VA-26-06 (Major): The applicant, Michelle Fores of Carbon Klaus Sign Company, representing tenant Hot Works, requested a major variance to permit an illuminated wall sign that does not face a public street. The suite faces an interior courtyard, and the zoning code requires wall signs to face a public street unless at a secondary entrance (limited to 16 sq ft and specific wording). The applicant argued that strict adherence would cause undue hardship due to the building's unique orientation and that the proposed sign would match existing signs of other tenants. Commissioners noted a similar variance had been granted previously in the same development and agreed the situation constituted a unique circumstance not covered by the code. The board found the staff-prepared findings of fact sufficient, including that strict compliance would cause undue hardship, the plight was due to unique circumstances, and the variance would not alter the essential character of the locality. Key Outcomes - Motion to Recommend Approval to City Council: Commissioner Sirio moved to recommend approval of the major variance as shown in submitted plans (case VA-26-06). The motion was seconded by Commissioner Vlasich and passed unanimously (6-0). As a major variance, the matter will proceed to the Park Ridge City Council for final action. Staff will assist the applicant with next steps. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:10 PM.

This special meeting of the Farmers Market Committee was held on March 19, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Finance Conference Room, 505 Butler Place, Park Ridge, IL. Note: The agenda lists the meeting date as March 4, 2026, but the metadata indicates the meeting actually occurred on March 19, 2026. No transcript or minutes were provided, so details are limited to the agenda. Discussion Items - New Vendor Applications (Agenda Item III.A): The committee was scheduled to discuss new vendor applications for the upcoming farmers market season. No further details are available. Action Items - Approval of New Vendors (Agenda Item IV.A): A vote on approving new vendors was planned. No outcome is recorded. Other - The meeting opened with roll call (Agenda Item I) and included a period for citizens wishing to be heard on non‑agenda items (Agenda Item II). The meeting adjourned under Agenda Item V. No public comments or additional actions are documented.

The Farmers Market Committee of Park Ridge, Illinois, met on March 19, 2026. The agenda for this meeting, originally published for March 18, 2026, listed the following items. No minutes or transcript of the proceedings are available for this summary; therefore, no discussion details or outcomes can be reported. The meeting agenda included: - I. Roll Call - II. Approve Minutes of February 18 and March 4, 2026 - III. Citizens Wishing to be Heard on Non-Agenda Items - IV. City Liaison Report - V. Market Master Report - VI. Market Manager Report - VII. Discussion Items: A. Market Map, B. Market Manager, C. Market Operations, D. Committee Member Updates – Tents - VIII. Action Items - IX. Sub-Committee Reports: A. Finance, B. Marketing & Communications, C. Operations, D. Special Events - X. Old Business - XI. New Business - XII. Adjournment Note: The meeting date per the user instruction is March 19, 2026, while the printed agenda date is March 18, 2026. This discrepancy is noted. Since there are no consent calendar, public comments, discussion details, or key outcomes available, those sections are omitted. This summary is based solely on the agenda document, as no minutes or transcript were provided.

The Park Ridge City Council Committee of the Whole met on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, beginning at 7:45 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The council addressed a wide range of items including the creation of a new farmers market liquor license, the 2026 outdoor dining program, a traffic attorney contract, parking amendments, a lead service line replacement loan, and other operational matters. Consent Calendar - One-Year Contract Extension with DLZ Illinois, Inc. – Approved unanimously (7-0) to extend civil engineering consulting services for site plan review and stormwater inspections. Rates unchanged. - Traffic Court Attorney Contract (PD-26-01) – Approved (voice vote, unanimous) to award $78,000 to Addis Law Group of Northbrook for prosecution of local ordinance and misdemeanor traffic arrests. Fine revenue increased 81% under the prior contract (from $28,000 in 2024 to $62,000 in 2025, excluding four months). - Certificate of Authority for Rock Salt Purchase – Approved (voice vote) to join the state of Illinois Central Management Services’ joint purchasing agreement for bulk rock salt. - FY2026 Budget Amendments for FY2025 Carryover Items – Approved (voice vote) to amend the budget for capital projects and equipment that were not completed in the prior fiscal year, plus an $18,000 increase for motor equipment costs. - Intergovernmental Agreement for Park Ridge Fireworks Display – Approved (voice vote) to define roles and responsibilities among the city, Maine Township High School District 207, and the Park Ridge Park District. - First Reading of SSA No. 26‑112 (Washington/Harrison Green Alley) – Approved (voice vote) to propose a special service area with 50% city/50% resident funding for alley paving. Public hearing set for Monday, June 15, 2026. Estimated total cost: $507,483. - Asphalt Alley Engineering Contract with Spaceco, Inc. – Approved (voice vote) for $133,300 to design and inspect five alleys in poorest condition. - First Reading of Parking Prohibition on S. Rose (Devon Ave north 200 feet) – Approved (voice vote) to change restricted hours from 7–9 a.m. to 8 a.m.–2 p.m. to match surrounding streets. Survey: 2 out of 3 property owners in favor. Public Comments & Testimony - Farmers Market Liquor License: Tasso Pirulis (owner of Elias Cafe) spoke in support, noting mimosas would be made with fresh juices and that the cafe has insurance covering the city. A member of the Farmers Market Committee (via letter) had expressed opposition; the committee voted to approve with that one exception. Rocco Catalano also voiced support. - Expanded Outdoor Dining: Michael Athens (business owner, 32 Main Street) opposed the program, citing loss of 90+ parking spaces for six months and difficulty attracting employees. He noted that commuters use the freed metered spaces and urged reconsidering the season length and parking impact. - Green Alley Paving: Katie Mainwaring (resident) expressed strong support, describing frequent flooding from the dirt alley. Discussion Items - First Reading: Ordinance Creating an S‑5 Farmers Market On‑Premise Consumption Liquor License – Staff proposed a new license allowing beer and wine sales (limited to a single vendor this year, Elias Cafe, serving mimosas). Hours initially set at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Council debated hours, footprint (including Cumberland Park), safety, liability, and age‑verification. The vendor requested earlier hours (8 a.m.) for business reasons. After discussion, the ordinance was approved on first reading by a vote of 5–2 (Aldermen Steinfelds and Ramperson opposed). - Expanded Outdoor Dining Program for 2026 – Staff sought guidance on four points: continuing the program, charging a fee, the fee amount, and season duration (currently May 1–November 1). Council consensus favored shortening the season (e.g., mid‑May to mid‑October) and increasing fees by more than the 2.4% CPI, pending feedback from restaurants. Staff was directed to research other municipalities’ fees and to survey participating restaurants on the shortened season. - Lead Service Line Replacement Loan Program – The city must replace 2,488 known lead service lines by 2037. Staff recommended applying for a zero‑interest federal loan (IEPA Public Water Supply Loan Program) to cover the full $3.73 million annual cost (250 replacements/year) for 30 years, rather than billing residents. Council expressed strong support for applying; no opposition was voiced. - Parking Prohibition on Manor Lane (Northwest Highway to Potter Road) – Staff proposed restricted parking 7–9 a.m. (resident permit only) after a survey showed 6 of 8 property owners in favor. Council raised concerns that the restriction would shift parking to nearby streets (e.g., Northwest Highway multifamily residents). A motion to table the item passed (voice vote) to allow staff to develop a holistic citywide solution for similar parking conflicts. - Waste Hauler Update – Director Mitchell reported that SBC will begin service on May 1, 2026. New carts will be delivered in April; Groot will pick up old carts. Food scrap collection will be offered in yard waste bins (not paper bags). - Uptown Metra Station Update – The station remains open with limited hours (5 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and reduced access due to vandalism. The city is seeking a new vendor to occupy the space and provide oversight. Key Outcomes - Farmers Market Liquor License – Approved first reading (5–2). Final reading will be scheduled later. - Outdoor Dining Program – No vote taken; staff will return with updated season length, fee proposal, and restaurant feedback. - Lead Service Line Loan – Council consensus to submit the loan application; staff will bring back loan acceptance and necessary ordinances if awarded (expected late 2026/early 2027). - Manor Lane Parking – Tabled indefinitely pending a broader parking study. - Police Recruitment – Three conditional offers made for the police academy; a fourth is anticipated. A second social worker position is being developed.

The Park Ridge City Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, proclamations, a consent agenda, citizen comments, and multiple action items from boards and commissions. All votes were conducted via roll call due to Alderperson Moran's remote participation. Consent Calendar - Approved the final reading of an ordinance amending the municipal code to adopt the Single-Use Bag Program. - Approved a purchase order for one Zoll X Series cardiac monitor/defibrillator with accessories from Zoll Medical Corporation for $41,280.68. - Approved a one-year extension to the contract for the Tree Planting Program with Yellowstone Landscape in the amount of $50,650. - Approved a one-year extension for the Sidewalk Replacement Program with Strada Construction Co. in the amount of $221,380. - All consent items were approved by a 7-0 roll call vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Stephen Millot (10 North Summit) addressed the Council regarding a request for a dog park at Hinckley Park. He noted he is blind and walks his dog in the area. Mayor Maloney referred him to the Park Ridge Park District and specifically to board president Cindy Graul, noting that a dog park already exists near Oakton Sports Complex. Discussion Items - Minutes Approval: The Council approved the March 2, 2026 City Council meeting minutes (7-0) and the March 2, 2026 Committee of the Whole minutes (6-0-1, with Alderperson Lefler abstaining due to absence). A correction was noted for the Committee of the Whole minutes: the names of the motion mover and seconder under adjournment were missing and will be corrected by reviewing the recording. - Mayor's Report: Two proclamations were presented: - Proclamation declaring Nicholas Hayward as "Mayor for the Day" – a second-grade student at Roseville, recognized for his civic engagement and community involvement. - Proclamation declaring March 29, 2026 as "Education and Sharing Day" in Park Ridge, honoring the Lubavitcher Rebbe Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson and emphasizing moral and ethical education. - City Clerk Report: Election day (primary) ran smoothly. Early voting saw over 2,300 residents; 15 election judges served. Final results will be certified in coming weeks. - Finance Director Report: Alderperson Rapisand reviewed five warrant reports covering periods ending February 27, March 4, March 12, March 3, and March 4, 2026, in amounts ranging from $262.98 to $852,224.88. - Finance & Budget Committee: Approved the purchase of a Storage Area Network (SAN) for a not-to-exceed cost of $30,000.00 (7-0). The SAN will replace aging equipment and provide redundant data storage; price is volatile due to market demand, so the city will use a sourcewell contract for a 7.75% discount off list price. - Planning & Zoning Commission: Approved final reading of an ordinance granting a special use for a medical/dental clinic at 27 N Northwest Highway (SU-26-03) (7-0). The Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended approval 6-0 after a public hearing with no comments. The property is the former American Science Center building. - Zoning Board of Appeals – Item 1: Approved final reading of an ordinance granting a variance for a wall sign for a second-story business at 120 Main Street, Unit 202 (VA-26-02) (7-0). The sign is for an existing tutoring center changing its name to Elevated Minds; the ZBA recommended approval 7-0. - Zoning Board of Appeals – Item 2: Approved final reading of an ordinance granting a variance to operate a medical/dental clinic without providing minimum off-street parking at 813 Devon Avenue (VA-26-04) (7-0). The applicant, Abby Ruba (1505 Bell Plain Avenue), described the business as appointment-only, operating 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week, with average appointments of 90 minutes and about nine clients per day. The ZBA recommended approval 6-1. Several alderpersons expressed concern about cumulative parking demand in the South Park neighborhood, especially with an ice cream shop and childcare center on the same block. Despite voting yes, they urged a longer-term parking solution. - Zoning Board of Appeals – Item 3: Approved final reading of an ordinance granting three variances for a wall sign at 120 S. Northwest Highway (VA-26-05) (7-0). The variances allow a replacement sign for a funeral home that is not on the sign frieze, covers architectural detail, and exceeds maximum size. The ZBA recommended approval 7-0 on each variance. Jackie Matthews of the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce spoke in support, noting the business's long history and new owners' community service. The applicant confirmed that an existing white sign will be removed, leaving only the new sign. Key Outcomes - All four action items (SAN purchase, special use, and three zoning variances) were approved by 7-0 votes. - The consent agenda was approved 7-0. - Minutes were approved: Council minutes 7-0; Committee of the Whole minutes 6-0-1 (Lefler abstain). - The Council adjourned at the conclusion of the meeting, with the next meeting (Committee of the Whole) to follow shortly.

The Appearance Commission of Park Ridge, Illinois, convened on March 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. (Note: The published agenda lists the date as Monday, March 16, 2026; the user-provided date for this summary is March 17, 2026.) No transcript or minutes were available; this summary is based solely on the agenda. The meeting was scheduled to address roll call, approval of prior minutes, and review of seven single-family alteration cases. Consent Calendar - No items were listed on the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - The agenda included a segment for public comments on non-agenda items, but no speakers or testimony were recorded in the source material. Discussion Items - Roll Call – Scheduled to begin the meeting. - Approval of Minutes – January 28, 2026 – The commission was set to approve draft minutes from the previous meeting. - Appearance Review Cases: - SA-25-07 REVISION – Single-family alteration at 1104 S Lincoln. - SA-26-04 CONTINUED – Single-family alteration at 1200 N Hamlin. - SA-26-05 CONTINUED – Single-family alteration at 806 S Vine Ave. - SA-26-06 – Single-family alteration at 2101 Birch St. - SA-26-07 – Single-family alteration at 907 Peale. - SA-26-08 – Single-family alteration at 435 S Clifton. - SA-26-09 – Single-family alteration at 751 East Ave. - Other Business – Agenda item for additional discussion without specified topics. - Adjournment – Scheduled to close the meeting. Key Outcomes - No decisions, votes, or directives are recorded because neither minutes nor a transcript of the proceedings were provided. The agenda indicates that the commission was expected to act on the approval of the January 28, 2026 minutes and to review the listed appearance cases, but the actual outcomes remain unknown. Discrepancy note: The agenda states the meeting was scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2026, but this summary uses the user-requested date of March 17, 2026. The source material does not clarify which date is correct.