Public Meetings - Park Ridge, Illinois

Note: The agenda for this meeting is dated Monday, March 9, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., but the meeting is recorded as taking place on March 10, 2026. This discrepancy is reflected in the title and summary. No minutes or transcript were available; the summary below is based solely on the agenda. Roll Call - The meeting was called to order. Attendance was not recorded in the provided materials. Approval of Minutes - A. February 9, 2026 – The minutes from the previous meeting were scheduled for approval. Action Items - A. Case 25-00036427 (continued) – This case was carried over from a prior meeting for further consideration. - B. Case 25-00040582 (continued) – Also a continued case from a previous meeting. - C. Case 26-00004716 – A new case was on the agenda for action. No details regarding the nature of these cases (e.g., animal complaints, licenses, violations) were provided in the agenda. Discussion - An open discussion period was listed, but no specific topics were recorded in the available materials. Old Business - Items previously discussed were to be revisited, but no specifics were noted. New Business - New matters were to be introduced, but none were listed in the agenda. Public Comment - A period for public input was scheduled, but no comments were recorded in the available materials. Adjournment - The meeting was adjourned. Time of adjournment not provided. Key Outcomes - No votes, decisions, or directives were recorded in the agenda. The meeting appears to have been primarily procedural, with continued cases and routine items.

The Park Ridge Sustainability Commission met on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Six of nine commissioners were present, meeting quorum requirements (five of nine). The meeting covered a wide range of sustainability topics including an EV readiness program deadline, community composting metrics, farmers market reconfiguration, and a single-use bag ordinance. No members of the public spoke. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approved: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the February 4, 2026 meeting. Discussion Items - Decision Making Structure: The commission discussed an email from Andrea Klein regarding the decision-making structure. All present agreed to continue the current informal consensus-based approach. No formal vote was taken, but consensus was recorded. - Calendar & Upcoming Events: Key upcoming events were reviewed: - April 18: Park Ridge Park District Earth Day Fair (commission will staff a table; shifts to be organized). - April 23 (Thursday): One Earth Film Festival (location to be confirmed, likely at the church). - April 25: Friends of the Parks bike sale (possible informal info table). - May: Bike Month proclamation (needs to be submitted by mid-April city council meeting). - June 27 (Saturday): EV Expo at the triangle lot (location to be confirmed). - Regular commission meetings: April 1, May 6, June 3. - Mobility: Brad Olson circulated a draft memo to Drew regarding engagement on the new bike plan. The memo highlights prior commission discussions for the consultant. Commissioners were asked to provide feedback by email within two weeks; if no concerns, the memo will be sent without a formal vote. Community bike rides scheduling is in progress, with promotion assistance from Wheel & Sprocket. - Waste and Recycling – Single-Use Bag Ordinance: The first reading of the ordinance occurred on Monday (March 2 or 3). The second reading is scheduled for the March 18 city council meeting. A concern about accessibility for employees with disabilities was raised; Michelle Agreda researched and found no documented issues. She will continue to investigate. - Community Composting: Vanessa Anderson reported that the community composting program has collected over 5,000 pounds since installation (nearly one year). The breakdown is 3,700 pounds at the triangle lot (five bins) and 1,600 pounds at D-Road (three bins). Urban Canopy, the current hauler, has 150 residential participants. The portal provides metrics on emissions reduction. Educational materials and potential events (e.g., pumpkin smash) were discussed. The commission plans to track waste more closely and prepare for the transition to the new waste hauler (SBC), which will offer residential food/yard waste collection—a different service from the community composting. - Farmers Market: The market reconfiguration moves it from the parking lot to the street. The exact location for the commission’s table is pending; they will coordinate closer to the start. Dates for the 2026 season need to be set, with a goal of having each commissioner work 2-3 shifts to spread the load. Service hours for local students will be offered (St. Paul of the Cross and possibly Mary Seat of Wisdom). The market also requested children’s engagement activities; ideas included coloring sheets, a composting game, and reuse activities. - Education and Outreach: A Girl Scout troop from Field School (2nd graders) requested a presentation on composting and recycling. Michelle Agreda and another commissioner will coordinate. The commission plans to create an FAQ/educational memo about the new SBC composting service once details are finalized, and to use QR codes and social media to disseminate information. - Climate/Energy – Electric Vehicle (EV) Memo: The EV memo (dated January 2026, needs correction from “2025”) recommends applying to the Metro Mayors Caucus EV Readiness Program. The application requires adopting the Greenest Region Compact (already done) and submitting a letter of commitment by April 30 to join the waitlist. There is no financial commitment; staff time for meetings is the main requirement. Commissioners discussed whether to include a budget recommendation for EV charger installation in the same memo. Consensus was to separate the budget ask (for the 2027 budget) and present the EV readiness request as a first step. The memo will be revised accordingly and brought back for final approval at the next meeting. - Municipal Aggregation Grant Funds: Kevin Roose presented a list of how other municipalities use their aggregation grant (e.g., sidewalk improvements, environmental initiatives). The commission discussed possible uses: EV chargers, an electric mower/blower exchange program, street lighting upgrades (a meeting with Public Works is scheduled for March 12), or a resident sustainability grant. No specific project was selected. The consensus is to recommend that the funds be used for sustainability broadly, and to return with a specific proposal later. This may be included as an addendum to a future memo. - Community Solar: Kevin Roose reported that Deerfield and others promote MC Squared as their official community solar provider. Options include direct link to Citizens Utility Board’s comparison tool or endorsing a single provider with vetted terms. The commission will research further and potentially invite Adam Hoover from NIMEC to present on pros and cons. Key Outcomes - Decision Making Structure: Retained informal consensus (no formal vote). - Mobility Memo: To be finalized via email feedback; to be sent to Drew within two weeks if no concerns. - EV Memo: To be revised to separate the EV readiness application (step one) from the budget recommendation (step two). Revised version to be approved at the April 1 meeting. - Composting Data: Recorded as 5,000+ pounds collected; will be used for social media and education. - Farmers Market: Planning to set dates at next meeting; shifts to be scheduled. - Next Meeting: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 (note: not a joke). - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned by consensus.

The Historic Preservation Commission of Park Ridge met on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered updates on the L. Hodges Addition historic survey, the 2026 HPC Awards Program, goal setting for the Historic Preservation Plan, and future landmarking efforts. A public comment challenged the accuracy of a 100-year-old home certificate application. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the February 4, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. (Motion, second, voice vote – all in favor, none opposed). Public Comments & Testimony - Pat Adlaff (board member, Park Ridge Historical Society) voiced concerns about the application for 313 South Fairview for a 100-year-old home recognition. She stated there is no evidence that Mayor William H. Malone ever lived on Fairview Avenue, and that the applicant's claims are incorrect. She provided documentation showing Malone lived on Cumberland Avenue, and that his census occupation was corporation treasurer for sand and gravel, not real estate. She requested the false reference to William H. Malone be removed. Staff confirmed they would remove all incorrect information from public documents; the property will still receive a 100-year certificate. Discussion Items - L. Hodges Addition – Historic Survey Update: Staff reported that the consultant received approval from the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office (SHIPO) for the survey form in November 2025. The consultant is slightly behind schedule due to waiting for SHIPO, but the next deliverable will be an outline and a handful of completed survey forms. The consultant is expected to present at the April 1, 2026 HPC meeting (45-60 minutes), which will be the main agenda item. This survey is funded through a CLG grant from SHIPO. - HPC Awards Program (2026): Commissioners discussed and agreed to keep the same award categories as 2025. Key dates: Application period opens May 1, 2026 (Historic Preservation Month), deadline August 7, 2026. The award ceremony is planned for October 14, 2026 at INLE Studios (pending venue confirmation). Jurors from 2025 have expressed interest in serving again; staff will confirm. Commissioners will review juror nominations in September 2026. - Historic Preservation Plan – Goal Identification for 2026: Commissioners reviewed the existing plan (pages 17-21) and identified several goals for the year: Create a list of potential landmark candidates. Explore historic district designations for Hodges Park and Barrie Parkway. Remove the action item regarding consultant selection (not within HPC purview). Develop easy-to-use resource lists for homeowners on financial and preservation benefits of landmarking (e.g., tax credits, property age guides). Coordinate walking tours with partners (library, historical society, Kalo Center) – planned for summer 2026. Assess the zoning code for potential preservation updates (noted as part of the comprehensive plan process). Evaluate whether the HPC should review the municipal code sections on historic preservation. - Future Landmarking Analysis: Staff proposed creating an internal document (ongoing form) for commissioners to list properties they believe are strong candidates for landmark designation. This will help set annual goals and track progress. Commissioners gave the green light to proceed. Commissioner Joan shared an initial list of potential landmarks: Buckite home, Verity home, 118 North Prospect, 1020 South Night, St. Luke's Church (designed by second licensed female architect in Illinois), Carnegie Library, Raffle House, 225 Lake, St. Andrews Church, building at Devon and Talcott (former Pifos Pharmacy), 164 South Prospect, Hodges Park, Maine East High School, City Hall, Park Ridge Library, St. Mary's Park Ridge (former movie theater). Also noted that the P&Z Commission meeting included a withdrawn proposal for a 60-room boutique hotel; houses on Third Street may be worker cottages connected to the historic brickyard. - Council Liaison Report: Malone Fountain 100th anniversary – Event planned for July 3, 2026 (noon). Commission to coordinate with Park District, Historical Society, and Library for a reenactment/celebration. Open Meetings Act considerations noted; a liaison will be designated. 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence – City requests commission ideas for community celebration; possible incorporation into Farmers Market appearances or performances by high school theater/choir groups. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved (unanimous, February 4, 2026). - False Malone reference to be removed from the 313 South Fairview 100-year-old certificate application; staff will redact from public records. - Survey consultant will present at the April 1, 2026 HPC meeting. - Awards program dates set: Open May 1, 2026; deadline August 7, 2026; ceremony October 14, 2026 (venue TBD). - Landmark candidate tracking document to be developed by staff for commissioner use. - Commissioners assigned to develop resource materials (financial benefits, age-of-house guides) and review zoning code. - Next meeting: April 1, 2026 (subject to change; may be moved to larger room).