Public Meetings - Park Ridge, Illinois

The Park Ridge City Council held a Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The council approved a fire vehicle upfitting purchase order and a budget amendment for holiday lights, received updates on the train station and budget workshop schedule, and held a lengthy discussion on affordable housing incentives. A date was set for a future discussion on mandatory inclusionary zoning for rental properties. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the non‑agenda citizen comment period or during public comment on agenda items. Discussion Items - Fire Department – Purchase Order for Battalion Chief’s Vehicle: Executive Officer Lizowski presented a request to approve a $29,199.17 purchase order with Red Line Works, LLC of Prospect Heights, IL, for emergency lighting, siren installation, and custom cabinetry for the new Battalion Chief’s vehicle (FD 100), an SUV housed at Station 36 serving as a mobile command center. The work involved three separate quotes; one vendor was the lowest on cabinetry and second‑lowest on lighting/sirens. Staff recommended awarding both portions to that vendor to expedite the project and avoid delays common in the industry. The council approved the motion 7–0. - Finance – Budget Amendment for Holiday Light Installation: A motion was made to amend the FY2026 General Fund budget by $23,070 (noted as $23,700 in the transcript, creating a discrepancy with the agenda) to fund holiday light installation. Alderperson Rapissant voiced opposition, calling the expenditure wasteful and irresponsible given resident struggles. The motion passed 6–1, with Rapissant voting no. The city’s Finance Director noted that savings in other areas helped offset the overage. - Department Head Report – Finance: Director Austin reported that a vendor for the train station space had withdrawn, but a new proposal is under review. The budget workshop schedule was outlined: the first workshop on October 16 (regular council night), a second lighter meeting on December 1, first reading on December 7, and final reading on December 21. Council members encouraged colleagues to submit budget ideas early. A proposed start time of 6 p.m. for workshop meetings was endorsed. - Administrative Services – Compensation Study: The director announced that the compensation study is underway and results are expected by year‑end, which will influence salary adjustment pools in the FY2027 budget. - Procedures & Regulations – Affordable Housing PUD Public Benefit List: Director Austin presented the Planning & Zoning Commission’s (PZC) recommendation to make no changes to the existing 13‑item public benefit list in the Planned Unit Development (PUD) ordinance. The recommendation was based on research showing Park Ridge’s list is comparable to other suburbs and already includes affordable housing. Alderperson Moran proposed creating a weighted scoring system or tiered structure to prioritize benefits like affordable housing. Alderpersons Lawrence and Muno expressed caution about losing discretion through formulas. Alderperson Steinfels suggested simply reorganizing the list into tiers to visually highlight priorities. The mayor noted that affordable housing has never been used as a PUD benefit in Park Ridge. Alderperson Rapissant advocated for moving directly to mandatory inclusionary zoning for rental developments, as the current voluntary approach has produced no affordable units. The council agreed to leave the PUD benefit list unchanged and to schedule a dedicated discussion on mandatory inclusionary zoning for rentals on November 4, 2026. - Department Head Report – Procedures & Regulations: Director Austin announced the city had won three grants: an EV readiness program through the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus (no cash match), an IDNR historic preservation grant for surveys north of the tracks, and a NITA (Northern Illinois Transportation Authority) grant for parking studies related to the People Over Parking Act near the Des Plaines Metra station. These grants require no financial match, only in‑kind staff time. - New Business – Zoning Ordinance Review: Alderperson Leftler raised the possibility of reviewing zoning ordinances, including building height restrictions, arguing the current code may be outdated for modern architecture. Alderperson Moran and Steinfels opposed a blanket height increase, noting that the PUD process already allows for exceptions. Director Austin suggested that such topics could be considered during the comprehensive plan update. Key Outcomes - Approved (7–0): Purchase order with Red Line Works, LLC for $29,199.17 for emergency lighting, siren installation, and cabinetry for the Battalion Chief’s vehicle. - Approved (6–1): FY2026 General Fund budget amendment of $23,070 (agenda amount; transcript says $23,700) for holiday light installation. Alderperson Rapissant dissented. - No Change: The council accepted the PZC’s recommendation to make no changes to the PUD public benefit list. However, the council directed staff to bring back a discussion on mandatory inclusionary zoning for rental properties at the November 4, 2026 meeting. - Future Action: The first budget workshop will occur on October 16, 2026, and the second on December 1, 2026, with budget readings on December 7 and 21.

The Park Ridge City Council convened at 7:00 PM on Monday, October 5, 2026, in the City Hall Council Chambers. All seven alderpersons were present (Moran, Sanchez, Lawrence, Muno, Steinfels, Rapisand, Lefler), with Alderperson Muno attending remotely. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, several proclamations, consent agenda approvals, reports from boards and commissions, public works contracts, and three final readings of zoning variances. Consent Calendar - Approved the City Council minutes and Committee of the Whole minutes from September 21, 2026, both by 7-0 roll call votes. - Approved the following routine items by a single 7-0 vote (Consent Agenda): - Contract for Classification and Compensation Study with MGT Impact Solutions, LLC for $26,550.00. - Contract for Hydro Excavating Water Service Lines Program with Anchor Heavy Civil, LLC for $50,000.00. - Contract for Rock Salt with Morton Salt, Inc. for $240,266.40. - Contract for Metra Train Station Exterior Door Replacement with Anderson Lock Company, Ltd. for $62,276.00. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the Council on non-agenda items. Discussion Items - Mayor’s Report: - Appointed eight individuals (Mary Ginal, Eamon Healy, Emily Huser-Ward, Emma Milligan, Andre De Rosa, Emilia Tsipas, Abby Matza, and Paige Fallico) to the Youth Commission for two-year terms expiring June 30, 2028. Approved 7-0. - Proclaimed October 23, 2026, as Arbor Day, noting Park Ridge’s Tree City USA designation and urging tree planting. - Presented Historic Preservation Awards to four properties: 1 South Northwest Highway (Sustainability/Adaptive Reuse Exterior), 100 Courtland Avenue (Restoration/Rehabilitation Exterior), 223 South Fairview Avenue (Stewardship Exterior), and 1700 Ballard Road (Stewardship Exterior). - Recognized Gabriella Foukas as the National American Miss Illinois Princess 2026. - City Clerk: Announced that in-person voter registration is closed; online registration available through October 18. Early voting location changed to the Centennial Activity Center (attached to the pool) from October 19 to November 2. - Finance Director: Presented warrant reports; no questions. - Community Health Commission (Ald. Rapisand): Announced the “Run/Walk Park Ridge” pilot program, active October 1 – December 31, 2026. Participants are encouraged to walk or run all approximately 140 miles of city streets, tracked via an app. T-shirts offered. - Farmers Market Committee (Ald. Muno): Four markets remain; last market is Saturday, October 31 (Halloween). Next committee meeting October 21. - Historic Preservation Commission (Ald. Sanchez): Next meeting October 7; will discuss state grants and the awards program just presented. - Planning & Zoning Commission (Ald. Steinfels): Reported that on September 29, the commission gave a negative recommendation on a proposed hotel development; timeline for council review is TBD. Next meeting October 13. - Public Works Committee (Ald. Lefler): - Holiday Lights Contract: Moved to approve a contract with B&B Holiday Decorating, LLC for $103,068.25. This item was amended at the September 21 Committee of the Whole to include roofline lighting, requiring a budget amendment to follow. Ald. Rapisand opposed, stating the rooftop lighting was not worth the overage. The motion passed 6-1. - Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) Resolution: Approved a resolution (7-0) to apply for an 80/20 grant (80% state, 20% local match) for constructing a side path connector on Touhy Avenue between Talcott Road and Dee Road, linking to the Des Plaines River Trail entrance. The sidewalk will be on the south side of Touhy. - Sustainability Commission (Ald. Lefler): Meeting scheduled for October 7 at 7:00 PM. - Youth Services Commission (Ald. Lawrence): Noted the new Youth Commission appointments and encouraged nominations for the Golden Apple Award for youth leadership. - Zoning Board of Appeals (Ald. Lawrence): Three final readings approved unanimously (each 7-0): 1. 2800 Habberton Avenue (VA-26-21): Variances to install new ground-mounted mechanical equipment within the interior side yard setback and permit encroachment. The property is undergoing an addition; existing HVAC equipment is a legal nonconformity. ZBA recommended approval 5-0. 2. 766 N Northwest Highway (VA-26-22): Variances for exterior stairwell encroachment into the interior side yard setback, and balcony encroachments into both the interior side yard and rear yard setbacks. The lot is irregular due to diagonal plating along Northwest Highway. ZBA recommended approval 5-0. 3. 1309 S Crescent Avenue (VA-26-23): Variances to permit a residential fence on an irregularly shaped double-frontage lot and allow the fence in required yard areas. The lot is triangular with frontage on Crescent and Talcott. ZBA recommended approval 5-0. Key Outcomes - All consent agenda items and routine approvals passed 7-0. - Holiday lights installation contract approved 6-1 (Ald. Rapisand dissenting). - ITEP resolution for sidewalk on Touhy Avenue approved 7-0. - Three zoning variance ordinances approved on final reading, each 7-0. - Next Committee of the Whole meeting will include a budget amendment for the holiday lights roofline lighting overage.

The Park Ridge Appearance Commission met in special session on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers, 505 Butler Place, Park Ridge, Illinois. Chair Manningley presided with Commissioners Druco and Kelly present. With only three commissioners present, the chair noted that the commission would need to agree on votes in order to act. The commission approved prior minutes, disposed of a consent agenda, reviewed contested appearance cases, and gave directional feedback on a pre-submittal. The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 28, 2026, subject to change. Consent Calendar - Approved the August 26, 2026 meeting minutes with a correction to the consent-agenda motion wording. No separate copy of the draft minutes was included in the source materials. - The commission placed seven cases on a consent agenda and then approved that consent agenda unanimously: SA-26-17 (agenda lists 806 Courtland; the transcript referred to 805 Courtland), SA-26-18 at 1200 S Clifton, SA-26-19 at 1815 Woodland Avenue, SA-26-20 at 729 S Fairview, SF-26-10 at 1113 S Rose, SF-26-11 at 13 N Merrill, and CI-26-13 at 42 Main Street. - GA-26-04 (new garage at 421 Leonard) and SF-26-09 (single-family residence at 421 Leonard) were pulled from the agenda because they involve the same property; no action was taken on them. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered on non-agenda items. Discussion Items - SA-25-08 Revision, 2608 W Sibley: The commission asked about vertical board-and-batten siding meeting horizontal siding at outside corners. The applicant confirmed the vertical siding was intended to continue. The commission approved the case with the condition that the revised left and revised right elevations continue the vertical board-and-batten siding at the second floor, consistent with the front elevation. - SA-25-12 Revision, 2112 Birch Street: The applicant explained revisions that replaced hardie board siding with thin brick behind the chimney and added stone to the garage massing. A commissioner objected to the transition and corner detail on the east elevation. The commission first voted to continue the case to the next meeting, but after the applicant returned with photos and new information, the commission voted to reopen the case and then approved it as submitted. - SA-26-21, 1413 Ashland Avenue: The commission noted siding-abutting-brick transitions on the north and south elevations and approved the case with a comment that the material transitions include the offset noted in the design guidelines, stated as six inches. - SA-26-22, 1852 W Crescent Avenue: The commission required new siding to wrap to inside corners rather than stop at outside-corner material transitions. The motion approved the case with conditions that the new siding wrap to the inside corner at the entry, wrap around the left side elevation, and wrap around to an inside corner on the rear elevation. - CI-26-14, 104 Main Street: The commission asked whether the proposed sign was a lit box sign. The applicant described it as a flat sign with raised lettering, unlit, using a white background so red letters could be seen. The commission approved the sign as presented. - Pre-submittal, 638 Park Plaine: No formal action was taken. The commission advised the applicant that changes in material should occur at a change in plane or at an inside corner, that same-plane siding-to-brick transitions typically would not be approved for new work, and that existing conditions would be treated more leniently. A suggestion, not a requirement, was made about relating or grouping the front windows. Key Outcomes - Approved the minutes as amended. - Approved the seven-case consent agenda unanimously. - Approved SA-25-08 with a condition; SA-26-21 with an offset comment; SA-26-22 with wrap conditions; CI-26-14 as presented; and SA-25-12 as submitted after reopening the case. - No cases were continued to the next meeting once SA-25-12 was reopened and approved. - The meeting adjourned by unanimous voice vote after no public comments. - Next meeting: Wednesday, October 28, 2026, subject to change.

The Planning and Zoning Commission met on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers to continue the public hearing on applications for a Map Amendment (MA-26-05) and Planned Unit Development (PUD-26-03) for a hotel and multi-family development at 809 W Touhy Avenue, 5 Third Street, 11 Third Street, 13 Third Street, 19 Third Street, 21 Third Street, 25 Third Street, 850 Garden Street, and 842 Garden Street. The meeting also included approval of prior minutes, public comment on non-agenda items, and a City Council liaison report. Consent Calendar - Approval of the minutes from the September 15, 2026 meeting. The minutes were approved as amended, with Commissioner Gilpin abstaining due to absence. The motion passed with all other commissioners voting in favor. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke on non-agenda items. - The public hearing on the development case drew extensive testimony. Approximately 30 minutes of public comment were heard, with speakers largely opposing the project. Key concerns included excessive height (61.5 feet vs. 40-foot limit), density (37 residential units vs. 18 allowed under R2 zoning), traffic congestion, inadequate parking despite claims of surplus, and lack of substantial public benefit. Some speakers acknowledged the applicant’s efforts to reduce density and improve circulation but argued the project remained too large. Letters of support from residents on the block were read by the applicant, indicating the block has transitioned to commercial use and that the development aligns with the Uptown Master Plan. Discussion Items - Continued Development Case MA-26-05 and PUD-26-03: The applicant, Andrew Nass, and architect Teo Scorte presented revised plans. Changes from the August 25, 2026 iteration included: reduction of residential units from 52 to 37, removal of one floor, a 10-foot setback on the fourth floor, and a 24-foot wide pass-through to improve traffic circulation. The hotel component remained at 95 rooms with a height of 61.5 feet at its peak. The event space was reconfigured to direct noise toward Touhy Avenue. The applicant argued that the PUD process allows exceptions and that the plan provides substantial public benefits, including underground parking, $250,000 in escrow for city-directed use, and compliance with the Uptown Master Plan’s goals for a hotel and event space. Commissioners questioned the accuracy of renderings, the event space design, traffic flow, and the compatibility of the massing with the surrounding neighborhood. The public works traffic study was noted as still pending updates. The commission discussed findings of fact for both the map amendment and the planned unit development. Key Outcomes - Map Amendment (MA-26-05): A motion to recommend approval of the map amendment (rezoning from R2 to B4) with a condition that the PUD be completed was voted on. The vote resulted in a 4-4 tie (Commissioners Karstens, Shepherd, Hutchinson, and Chair Hanlin voting yes; Commissioners Gilpin, Papraki, Schubert, and McMillan voting no). The chair ruled that the motion failed, but the recommendation (with the tie) will be forwarded to the City Council for final decision. - Planned Unit Development (PUD-26-03): A motion to recommend approval of the PUD was defeated by a vote of 2-5-1 (Commissioners Hutchinson and Karstens voting yes; Commissioners Schubert, McMillan, Papraki, Shepherd, and Gilpin voting no; Chair Hanlin abstaining). The commission does not recommend approval of the PUD. The application will still be sent to the City Council with the recommendation. - City Council Liaison Report: Alderman Steinfels reported on recent council actions, including a moratorium on historic districts, approval of a green alley contract, library patio repairs, holiday lights budget, and Metro station improvements. He also noted ongoing discussions about the affordable housing plan and potential tiering of public benefits. - Upcoming meetings: October 13, 2026 and October 27, 2026.

The Community Health Commission of the City of Park Ridge, Illinois, held its September 2026 meeting. The agenda covered routine approvals, a public comment period, and discussion of community health events and programming. Because the meeting minutes and a transcript were not provided, this summary reflects only the agenda; no votes, decisions, or speaker positions can be confirmed. Date and Source Note - The agenda lists the meeting as Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., while the date provided for this summary is September 28, 2026. This discrepancy could not be resolved from the available materials. - Source materials: agenda only; minutes were marked unavailable and the transcript was empty. Roll Call - Agenda item I; attendance was not recorded in the available materials. Approval of Minutes - Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes of August 27, 2026, was on the agenda. - Approval of the Special Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2026, was on the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - The agenda included a period for citizens present wishing to be heard on a non-agenda item. No public comments were recorded in the available materials. Action Items - The agenda included an Action Items item but did not specify the proposals to be considered. Discussion Items - Google Account Sign-in Information: Scheduled as a discussion item; no details were provided. - Future Commission Events, Topics and Planning: The commission planned to discuss the following: - Stop the Bleed Event Final Updates - Community Bike Ride Sub-Committee Updates - Run Park Ridge Sub-Committee Updates - Senior Citizen Focused Event Planning - Farmers Market Booth Final Updates - Immunizations Information Updates/Flyer - Commission Member Term Updates: Scheduled for discussion. Administration Report - City Staff: Scheduled as an agenda item. - Community Liaison Updates: Scheduled as an agenda item. Old Business and New Business - Both items appeared on the agenda; no specifics were provided. Adjournment - The meeting was scheduled to conclude with adjournment; the time was not recorded in the available materials. Key Outcomes - No votes, tallies, directives, or next steps can be reported because the minutes and transcript were not provided. The agenda itself lists only items for consideration, not decisions.

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) met on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Commissioners present: Tabur, Genko, Deslin, Sereo, and Shilling. The board reviewed three variance requests, approved minutes, and received updates from staff and the council liaison. All three variance cases received unanimous recommendations for approval to the City Council. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (August 27, 2026): The minutes were approved with one abstention (Commissioner Deslin) and four affirmative votes (Genko, Tabber, Shilling, and Sereo). Public Comments & Testimony - Case VA-26-22 (766 N. Northwest Highway): A public commenter shared a personal story about a house fire as a child, emphasizing the importance of a second means of egress, and expressed support for the proposed stairwell and balcony. - For the other two cases, no oral public testimony was given, though neighbors provided written or verbal support noted by the applicants. Discussion Items - Case VA-26-21 – 2800 Habberton Avenue (Mechanical Equipment Variances): The applicant sought two major variances to install new mechanical equipment in the interior side yard, requesting one foot of relief (from the required 5-foot setback to 4 feet). The existing unit already occupied a similar non-conforming location. The board noted that adding a second floor (encouraged by city policy) created a need for an additional unit, and consolidating equipment next to the existing unit was the most practical design. A neighbor provided a support letter. The board found unique circumstances (corner lot, existing non-conformity) and undue hardship if strict adherence was required. - Case VA-26-22 – 766 N. Northwest Highway (Stairwell and Balcony Variances): The applicant requested three major variances: exterior stairwells encroaching the interior side yard, a balcony encroaching the interior side yard, and a balcony encroaching the rear yard by more than four feet. The lot is a parallelogram (skewed shape) due to the alignment with Northwest Highway, resulting in effective setbacks larger than standard. The stair and balcony provide a code-required second means of egress from the second floor. The board acknowledged the unique lot shape as a hardship and noted the safety benefit of an alternate exit. - Case VA-26-23 – 1309 S. Crescent Avenue (Fence Variance on Double Frontage Lot): The applicant sought two major variances to allow a 5-foot wooden fence on a double frontage lot (fronting both Crescent Avenue and Talcott Street). The city’s zoning code does not provide fence regulations for such lots, creating an undue hardship. The board observed that the rear yard area facing Talcott already functions as a backyard (garages, driveways) and that a fence would not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. The applicant received verbal approval from neighbors. - Discussion Items/Updates: Staff noted plans for a 2027 strategic work plan to assess past variance cases, categorize them, and explore potential regulatory changes to streamline approvals for homeowners. Commissioners expressed interest in understanding how future affordable housing policies may affect ZBA evidentiary considerations. Key Outcomes - Case VA-26-21: Motion to recommend approval to the City Council passed unanimously (5-0). Findings: strict adherence would cause undue hardship; plight due to unique circumstances; variance will not alter essential character. - Case VA-26-22: Motion to recommend approval to the City Council passed (3-0, with two commissioners not recorded due to transcription gaps). Findings adopted as prepared by staff. - Case VA-26-23: Motion to recommend approval to the City Council passed (unanimous based on transcript). Findings adopted. - Council Liaison Report: The council liaison reported that all cases recently forwarded from the ZBA were approved by the City Council, and noted upcoming developments (hotel on Prairie Avenue) and a pending affordable housing ordinance that may be of interest to the board.

This summary is based solely on the agenda provided, as no minutes or transcript were available. The agenda originally listed the meeting date as Monday, September 14, 2026, but the instruction specifies the meeting occurred on September 23, 2026; this date discrepancy is noted. The following agenda items were scheduled, but no record of discussion, public comment, or votes exists. Consent Calendar - No items listed on the agenda as consent calendar items; all action items were scheduled for separate consideration. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded due to the absence of a transcript or minutes. Action Items (Proposed) - Approve $2,500 budget for a run/walk event – Listed as an action item on the agenda. - Approve $1,500 budget for event giveaways replenishment – Listed as an action item on the agenda. - Approve $100 budget for Stop the Bleed event refreshments – Listed as an action item on the agenda. Key Outcomes - No outcomes or votes are available because the meeting minutes and transcript are missing. The status of the proposed budgets cannot be confirmed.

The Park Ridge City Council Committee of the Whole met on September 21, 2026. Roll call confirmed a quorum. The council reviewed the FY2027 draft Capital Improvement Plan, approved a classification and compensation study, approved four Public Works contracts (one amended), heard a detailed affordable housing plan implementation presentation, and received police and fire department reports. Public comment focused on affordable housing, and the council agreed to continue that discussion at the next meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - A resident of 1505 Devine Avenue asked to speak after the affordable housing discussion item; the mayor confirmed comments would be accepted. - Kristen Berg (1505 Devine Avenue) expressed support for adding a voluntary density bonus to the PUD process, but said she did not expect it to create affordable units because developers are not required to build them. She cited the proposed 50/52-unit apartment development and criticized the lack of prioritization of affordable housing on the PUD public benefit list. - Nan Parson (422 Lake Avenue) urged the council to make clear that Park Ridge wants affordable housing and advocated for mandatory inclusionary housing. She cited Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Evanston, Oak Park, and Elk Grove Village as examples and referenced the Housing Opportunity Development Corporation (HODC). - A member of the public asked how a Northwest Municipal Conference wage/salary survey would differ from the proposed compensation study; staff said the study is more comprehensive. Finance & Budget - FY2027 Draft Capital Improvement Plan: The council reviewed the multi-year draft CIP before upcoming budget workshops. No formal action was taken. One member had questions about out-year adjustments and was referred to Director Littman. Staff said budget workshop dates would be set, likely including a November regular meeting and a follow-up session. Administrative Services - Classification and Compensation Study: Staff requested approval of a $26,550 contract with MGT Impact Solutions, LLC for a classification and compensation study covering approximately 46 non-represented job titles and 55 employees, plus elected officials. The city's last such RFP was in June 2017; the RFP was issued June 18, 2026, and 14 firms responded. MGT was selected after a scoring matrix and second review of three finalists. The amount is within the $40,000 budget, and the study is expected to take about 20 weeks, from Q4 2026 into Q1 2027. Council discussion addressed the importance of comparable communities, the 3-5 year best-practice cycle for these studies, and implementation timing; the contract was approved 7-0. - HR Monthly Report: The September HR report was included in council packets; no questions were raised. Affordable Housing Plan Implementation - Director Austin presented a menu of eight strategies from the city's adopted affordable housing plan. Illinois housing data puts Park Ridge at about 8% affordable, against a 10% state target, an estimated gap of about 315 units. - Four strategies are financial or council-level: demolition fees/developer impact fees, first-time homebuyer assistance, senior aging-in-place assistance, and employer-assisted housing (staff has identified 38 local employers). - The Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) has finished work on two strategies: (1) it recommends a voluntary density bonus/inclusionary housing program - for example, a 20-unit base project could build 30 units with 5 affordable units through a 150% density bonus; (2) it recommends no changes to the PUD public benefit list, which contains about 13 items with affordable housing listed 11th. No Park Ridge PUD project has produced affordable housing units to date. - Staff has also compiled a list of roughly 80 senior housing developers for outreach and is continuing work on preserving existing naturally occurring affordable housing (Strategy 8). - Council debate covered whether the first four strategies would reduce the 315-unit gap, how affordability is measured, mandatory vs. voluntary inclusionary zoning, prioritizing/tiering PUD benefits, and legal/obligation risks from density bonuses. One council member expressed support for a mandatory 15% affordable requirement for large rental developments, but not for fee-simple ownership; another said they had favored a mandate. Staff noted the prior council had chosen a voluntary approach. One council member also corrected references to low-income housing, saying the discussion concerned affordable housing. - Consensus: The council agreed to continue the discussion in approximately two weeks (targeting October 5), with staff providing links to prior PZC presentations and data. The future discussion will include the density bonus, PUD public benefit priorities, and pros/cons of mandatory vs. voluntary inclusionary housing. - Department head report: A council member asked about the Q3 review of boards and commissions' missions, goals, and objectives; staff said the work is ongoing and will likely be brought forward in smaller packages by the end of the year. Public Works - Hydro Excavating Water Service Lines Program: Bid opening August 27; three bids from $757 to $1,572 per excavation. The $50,000 contract with Anchor Heavy Civil, LLC covers approximately 65 residential water service line excavations to refine the city's lead-service-line inventory for IEPA reporting. Approved by voice vote. - Rock Salt: The city participates in the state CMS joint purchase. Morton Salt, Inc. was the low bidder at $91.01 per ton; the approved contract amount was $240,266.40 for up to 2,640 tons. The city has 1,100 tons in storage and averages about 3,000 tons per year. Approved by voice vote. - Holiday Lights Installation: B&B Holiday Decorating, LLC submitted the low bid after a September 10 bid opening. The original recommendation was $79,064.65 for the base contract plus option 1 (74 pedestrian pole lights). The council amended the motion to include option 3 roofline lighting, raising the total to $103,068.25, above the $80,000 budget. The amendment passed 6-1 and the amended contract passed 6-1, with Alderperson Rapissan dissenting on both votes. Several members spoke in favor of the added lighting for community cheer and business district vitality; one cited budget concerns. - Metra Train Station Exterior Door Replacement: Five bids were received August 27; the low bidder, Anderson Lock Company, Ltd., received the $62,276 contract to replace three exterior door sets at the Summit Avenue Metra station. The budget was $60,000. Approved by voice vote. Public Safety - Police Department: The August 2026 report noted a successful National Night Out and senior breakfast; a public safety facility feasibility study is underway; four officers graduated from the police academy and are in field training; a new social worker and records technician have started. E-bike enforcement totaled 158 enforcements and 11 written warnings/citations. The Volunteer Corps logged 120 hours in August and 647 hours year to date. August traffic stops fell from 808 in 2025 to 482 in 2026; the chief attributed the reduction partly to grant scheduling. Council discussion also noted four part-time police desk vacancies, described as difficult to fill. - Fire Department: No action or discussion items were listed. The fire chief announced a funeral for an active-duty Chicago Fire Department battalion chief at St. Paul the Cross on Thursday at 11 a.m., with possible traffic impacts near the Canfield crossing. Key Outcomes - Approved the MGT Impact Solutions, LLC classification and compensation study contract for $26,550 by a 7-0 roll call vote. - Approved Public Works contracts for Anchor Heavy Civil, LLC ($50,000), Morton Salt, Inc. ($240,266.40), and Anderson Lock Company, Ltd. ($62,276) by voice votes. - Approved the B&B Holiday Decorating holiday lights contract as amended to $103,068.25 by a 6-1 roll call vote. - Took no formal action on the FY2027 draft Capital Improvement Plan; budget workshop dates will be announced. - Agreed to continue affordable housing implementation discussions at the next Committee of the Whole meeting, with staff providing background materials on the density bonus, PUD public benefit priorities, and mandatory vs. voluntary inclusionary options.

The Park Ridge City Council met in regular session on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers, 505 Butler Place. The meeting included approval of minutes and warrants, two mayoral proclamations, a consent agenda, a public comment period, committee reports, and discussion of a proposed six-month moratorium. Consent Calendar - Approved the September 8, 2026 City Council minutes and the September 8, 2026 Committee of the Whole draft minutes. - Approved a one-year extension of the cleaning and custodial services contract with Crystal Maintenance Services in the amount of $78,780. - Approved the Green Alley project contract with Acura Incorporated in the amount of $512,851. - The consent agenda was enacted by one roll-call motion with no items removed. Reports of City Officials - Mayor Marty Maloney presented two proclamations: Constitution Week (September 17–23, 2026), marking the 239th anniversary of the framing of the U.S. Constitution and citing the federal public law requiring an annual presidential proclamation; and a "Mayor for the Day" proclamation honoring Beatrice Darial, a winner of the Park Ridge Public Library Summer Reading Program. - The September City Manager Report was distributed for review. - Warrants C091726 for the period ending September 17, 2026 in the amount of $2,401,861.02 and M091726 in the amount of $40,676.97 were reviewed by Alderperson Muno. - Voter registration will be held Saturday, October 3, from 12:30–2:00 PM at the Park Ridge Library. Public Comments & Testimony - A resident of 1709 Greendale Avenue raised three issues. First, repeated off-leash dog activity in Woodland Park and Northwest Park; he stated that despite attending Animal Commission meetings, little has been done, and described groups of off-leash dogs meeting in Woodland Park between 7:15 and 8:15 AM and larger groups in Northwest Park around 4:00 PM, noting his own leashed dog is reactive. Second, he requested a traffic study for a thoroughfare issue near his home, citing a prior successful conversion of a one-way street to a two-way street. Third, he reported that the developers of the proposed Third Street hotel are pledging a $250,000 contribution to Hankley Park if the project is approved, and he questioned whether that pledge is legal. - Alderperson Jordan asked follow-up questions about the off-leash dog gatherings; the resident confirmed the times and locations. - A speaker noted the September 29 meeting was not on the posted calendar and provided copies of the notice to staff. Committee Reports - Public Safety Committee: No report for this meeting. - Public Works Committee: Considered a contract for exterior concrete and masonry repairs at the Park Ridge Library with Berglund Construction Company in the amount of $98,136. - Historic Preservation Commission: Held a special meeting September 14 to approve the 2026 award program nominees; next meeting October 7 at 6:00 PM. - Liquor License Review Board: License renewal paperwork is due back by Halloween. - Planning and Zoning Commission: Last met September 15; the next meeting September 29 at 7:00 PM will be a continued hearing on the proposed hotel development on Third Street. - Youth Services Commission: Next meeting September 24 at 7:00 PM; new members are welcome. - Farmers Market: Next meeting October 21 at 6:30 PM; next year's market location will be discussed, and a Run/Walk Park Ridge planning meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 7:00 PM. Discussion Items - The council discussed a proposed six-month moratorium, which staff noted came from previous city council discussions rather than directly from a commission. The item requires two readings, and the agenda included the option to waive the first reading that evening. A council member asked whether, after six months, the moratorium would end if no changes were needed and whether someone could request another one; staff confirmed the process is used with zoning actions and noted there is no exact "shot clock" under the law. The transcript provided does not record a separate final vote tally on the moratorium. Key Outcomes - Approved the September 8, 2026 City Council minutes, the Committee of the Whole draft minutes, and the consent agenda by roll call. - Discussed, but did not record a final vote on, the six-month moratorium action item; the option to waive the first reading was available on the agenda. - Next steps: Planning and Zoning continued hearing on the Third Street hotel on September 29 at 7:00 PM; voter registration October 3 at the library; Youth Services Commission September 24; Historic Preservation Commission October 7; Farmers Market meeting October 21.