Public Meetings - Park Ridge, Illinois

The Farmers Market Committee convened on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 6:30 PM at City Hall (meeting location corrected to Council Chambers). Key actions included approval of amended minutes, purchase of three new tents, and a decision to protect the market logo through updated operating rules rather than formal trademarking. Subcommittee reports highlighted successful marketing metrics and operational concerns. Call to Order & Roll Call - Members present: Stephanie Goodrich, Karen Grunch, Jessica Curry, Brenda Holcomb, D Winekey, Katie Daniels, Amy Nedich, Deion Dharmopoulos, Molly O'Keefe, Kelly Moonau. Approval of Minutes - Minutes from July 15, 2025 were approved as amended (correction of meeting room to Council Chambers and removal of duplicate paragraph). Motion carried unanimously. Reports - City Liaison Report: None. - Market Master Report: Karen reported on the successful passport program with 100% vendor participation. Noted that last Saturday saw multiple vendor cancellations due to predicted bad weather; an email was sent reinforcing the rain-or-shine policy and that absences affect annual approval. Discussion on vendor generator concerns during rain. - Market Manager Report: None. Discussion Items - A. Purchase of New Tents: Committee reviewed replacing the worn market tent, kids activity tent, and community tent with new Easy Up tents priced at $295–$299 each, including printed logo/name on the valance at no extra cost. Colors can be chosen to differentiate tents. Consensus to proceed with purchase of three tents. - B. Logo Use Rules: Discussed adding protective language to the market's rules of operation for logo use, versus formal trademarking (estimated legal fees up to $1,000). Committee favored the rules update approach, which can be drafted by the city attorney and adopted for the 2027 season. Action Items - A. Approval of Tent Purchase: Motion made and seconded to purchase three tents (market, kids activity, community). Motion passed unanimously. - B. Approval of Trademarking Expenditure: No motion was made; committee declined to spend funds on trademarking and will instead update operating rules. Subcommittee Reports - Finance: Nothing to report. - Marketing & Communications: Amy shared lessons learned from the inaugural passport program (need longer lead time, simpler stamp/sticker system). Presented positive metrics: email open rate averaged 72%+ (benchmark 45–60%), subscriber base grew from 1,400 to 2,300; Facebook engagement up 482%, followers reached 9,020 (up 1,200 from last year); attendance for first six weeks was 26% higher than 2025. - Operations: Tim reported that SBC is replacing garbage bins due to odor issues. Discussed vendor setup challenges (new employees unfamiliar with traffic flow) and ongoing parking sign confusion on light poles; will revisit with public works. Proposed bagging signs during market hours. - Special Events: None. New Business - Amy presented a memorandum proposing a closer marketing partnership with the city, citing efficiencies and her upcoming term expiration in October. The proposal outlines rationale and potential division of responsibilities. Committee will discuss further at a future meeting. Adjournment - Meeting adjourned.

The Park Ridge City Council Committee of the Whole met on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered routine department reports, two major action items (first reading of a historic district ordinance and approval of a crack sealing contract), and a discussion on the process for future historic districts. A key vote passed 6-1 to approve the first reading of the Spanish Town Historic District, with a condition to exclude a property if the new owner objects by the second reading. The council also agreed to consider a moratorium on future historic district applications at the next meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No citizens spoke on non-agenda items. - Emily MacArthur (applicant for the historic district) and Phil Payne (a former resident of a landmarked home in the proposed district) provided testimony. MacArthur stated that the new owner of the fifth property had verbally expressed support and had already begun landscaping improvements. Payne described his experience obtaining a certificate of appropriateness for a second-story addition, characterizing the process as manageable. Discussion Items - Police Department Report (Chief Campworth): - Citizens Police Academy reopening for fall (15-20 participants, 8 weeks on Tuesday evenings). - July 3 fireworks follow-up meeting scheduled; Taste of Park Ridge follow-up pending. - Four new officers graduated from the academy and started field training; one new police officer sworn in on August 18. - Recruiting for a records technician and part-time CSO. - Officer Trevor Norberg received an award from the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists for DUI enforcement. - E-bike/e-scooter enforcement: 173 enforcements in July, with 8 written warnings and 8 citations for violations including extra passengers, sidewalk riding, age requirement, and trick riding. Several fleeing and eluding cases noted. - Anticipated decrease in enforcement as school resumes; preparing for new state e-bike laws expected to take effect January 1, 2027 (bill currently on governor’s desk, not yet signed). - Volunteer Corps: 242 hours in July; 527 hours year-to-date. - Social service summary: interviews for a new full-time social worker ongoing; one candidate declined, working on another. - Overall summer conditions in uptown area were calm with proactive patrols; no after-action meeting deemed necessary. - Self-initiated activity and year-over-year comparisons showed increased proactive focus. - Fire Department Report (Chief Sorensen): - Congratulated Deputy Chief Tucker on his retirement after 26 years of service. - Procedures and Regulations – Spanish Town Historic District (HD-26-01): - Director Austin introduced the city’s first-ever local historic district, proposed by a public applicant (Emily MacArthur) for five properties at 1305 South Crescent, 524 South Fairview, and others. The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) recommended approval by a 4-0 vote after a public hearing on August 5. - Council discussion focused on the process: concerns about neighbors using the ordinance to retaliate, the need for 100% owner consent, and the potential for future districts to include unwilling owners. The city attorney clarified that the council can reduce the district size but cannot add properties. The property owner of the fifth house (the southernmost) had changed hands after the July meeting; the previous owner had opposed the district. City staff confirmed the new owner is not opposed but wishes to remain anonymous and did not want to actively participate. A letter from the new owner (page 178 of the packet) was noted. - Alderman Moran expressed concern about the precedent and potential for abuse, but supported the district if all five owners are in favor. Alderman Rapazand and others emphasized that no owner should be forced into a district. - The council voted 6-1 (Moran opposed) to approve the first reading, with the understanding that if the fifth owner objects before the second reading, the district will be amended to include only the four properties that are fully supportive. The second reading is scheduled for the next meeting. - The council also agreed to consider a moratorium on future historic district applications, with a discussion item to be brought back at the next meeting. - Finance and Budget – Server Hardware Purchase: - Director of Finance requested approval for server hardware and software licensing at a not-to-exceed cost of $27,500. The purchase is from CDW under a Sourcewell contract, requiring a two-thirds vote. The price was confirmed as stable. Approved by voice vote (no opposition noted). - Administrative Services – August Human Resources Report: - The report provided updates on staff changes and pension meeting schedules; no action required. - Public Works – Street Crack Sealing Contract: - Three bids were received for the crack sealing program (low $49,940 from Patriot Pavement Maintenance, high $109,048; one non-responsive). The program will seal approximately four miles of streets to extend pavement life. Staff recommended the low bidder. Approved by voice vote. - Public Works – Special Service Area No. 26-112 (Washington/Harrison Green Alley): - An ordinance establishing an SSA for a green alley project was presented for first reading. The alley was selected by lottery in 2023, with 50% city funding and 50% from residents. A public hearing was held on June 15, and no objections were filed during the 60-day period. The SSA will last five years. Second reading scheduled for September 8. Approved by voice vote. Key Outcomes - Historic District First Reading Approved (6-1): Motion to approve first reading of the ordinance designating the Spanish Town Historic District (HD-26-01) passed 6-1 (Alderman Moran dissenting). The council conditioned approval on verification that all five property owners are in support; if the fifth owner objects by the second reading, the district will be reduced to four properties. - Server Hardware Purchase Approved: Motion to approve purchase up to $27,500 passed by voice vote (two-thirds required; no opposition). - Crack Sealing Contract Awarded: Contract with Patriot Pavement Maintenance for $49,940 approved by voice vote. - SSA 26-112 First Reading Approved: Ordinance establishing Special Service Area No. 26-112 for green alley paving approved by voice vote; second reading set for September 8. - Moratorium on Future Historic District Applications: The council agreed to bring back a discussion item on a potential moratorium at the next meeting, to allow time to review the process.

The Park Ridge City Council met on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers to consider routine consent agenda items, approve appointments to boards and commissions, and conduct a first reading of a special use permit extension. The meeting also included reports from city officials and commission liaisons. Consent Calendar - Lease for Uptown Train Station Space: Approved a lease with Midwest Doughboys, LLC. - Cell Tower Lease at Dee Road: Approved an agreement with Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC for the cell tower premises at 930 N. Dee Road (Dee Road train station site). - Fire Department Uniforms: Approved a one-year contract extension with On Time Embroidery, Inc. ($40,000). - SCBA Compressor and Fill Station: Approved a purchase order with Air One Equipment of South Elgin, IL ($80,940). - Police Station Feasibility Study: Approved a study by Cordogan Clark Architecture, Engineering and Construction ($38,500). - Aggregate Material Delivery and Debris Hauling: Approved a contract with RC Topsoil Inc. ($218,860). - Sidewalk Grinding Program: Approved a contract with Universal Concrete Grinding, LLC ($30,000). - Thermoplastic Pavement Marking: Approved a one-year extension with Superior Road Striping, Inc. ($30,000). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the council on non-agenda items or on items removed from the consent agenda. Discussion Items - Appointments to Boards and Commissions: The council unanimously (7-0) approved the following appointments: Gene Sims and Danielle Crawford to the Youth Commission (three-year terms expiring July 31, 2029), and John Mays and Meghan Roberts to the O'Hare Airport Commission (three-year terms expiring June 30, 2029). - Garden Club Beautification Awards: Mayor Deacons presented the 35th annual residential beautification awards. From 14 entries, the top five winners each received a $100 check from the Park Ridge Garden Club, a one-year honorary membership, and a yard sign from the city. Winners were announced in alphabetical order; Robert and Denise Basco were the first named. - City Clerk Report: Early voting for the November election will relocate to the Centennial Activity Center to accommodate increased turnout. Candidate packets for the April 2027 consolidated election become available August 25, 2026. - Library Board Updates: The library launched a new Roku streaming stick collection, allowing adult cardholders to borrow devices preloaded with Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV, Paramount+ with Showtime, and Disney+ with Hulu for two-week periods. Also announced a summer reading send-off on August 22 and a pop-up media sale on August 29. - Special Use Permit Extension - 10 Higgins Road (First Reading): The council heard a first reading of a resolution to extend the special use permit for a car wash development by one year, to September 8, 2027. Applicant Chris Jenks (Driven Car Wash) cited delays due to coordination with MWRD, IDOT, and other agencies but expressed confidence in completing the project within the extension. Staff noted that only one extension is permitted under city code. The council voted 7-0 to approve the first reading; final adoption will occur at a later meeting. - Salt Supply Inquiry: An alderperson asked about the city's road salt supply for the upcoming winter, referencing an article about Mount Prospect's difficulties. Staff responded that they have some salt on hand and will evaluate purchasing options in September/October, noting that the state cooperative (CMS) historically offers the lowest price. - New Business: Fred reminded the council of the Park Ridge Market After Dark event on Saturday, August 22, from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM at the farmers market footprint on Prairie Avenue. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of the August 3, 2026 City Council and Committee of the Whole meetings. - Approved appointments to the Youth Commission and O'Hare Airport Commission (7-0). - Approved the consent agenda in its entirety (7-0). - Approved the first reading of the resolution to extend the special use permit for 10 Higgins Road (7-0); final reading scheduled for a future meeting. - No other votes or formal actions were taken. Reports of Boards and Commissions - Administrative Services Committee: No additional items. - Community Health Commission: Next meeting August 27. - Farmers Market Committee: Next meeting August 19. - Finance & Budget Committee: No report. - Historic Preservation Commission: No items for this meeting; item on next agenda. - Liquor License Review Board: Did not meet. - O'Hare Airport Commission: No report. - Planning & Zoning Commission: Completed above action; next meeting August 25. - Procedures and Regulations Committee: No items. - Public Safety Committee: No items. - Public Works Committee: No items. - Sustainability Commission: No report. - Youth Services Commission: Next meeting August 27; seeking youth commissioners. - Zoning Board of Appeals: Next meeting October 27.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. As a result, no summary of discussions, decisions, or public comments can be generated.

The Historic Preservation Commission of Park Ridge met on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The main action was a public hearing and vote to recommend city council approval of the proposed Spanish Town Historic District (HD-26-01). Commissioners also discussed the HPC Awards program, the L. Hodges Addition historic survey, a new SHPO grant, and other administrative items. Consent Calendar - Roll Call & Approval of Minutes: Commissioners Healy, Pierce, and Rowe were absent; a quorum was present. The minutes from the July 1, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Applicant Presentation: Emily MacArthur (1305 South Crescent) and Mike Shannon (430 Talcott Place) presented the history and architectural significance of the five homes proposed for the Spanish Town Historic District. MacArthur explained that the homes—built in the 1920s by the team of William Derschlag and Benedict Brunes—are rare Spanish Colonial Revival style in the Midwest. She advocated for protection from demolition and infill development. Shannon shared his personal renovation experience and referenced a Wall Street Journal article about Hinsdale’s historic district, arguing that historic preservation can increase property values and community interest. - Anonymous Letter: A letter from an anonymous individual (identified only by address 1309 South Crescent) was read into the record at the discretion of the commission. The writer stated they were purchasing the home and planned to maintain and preserve its charm. The commission interpreted the letter as supportive of the district. - Additional Written Comment: A letter from Brian Lazzaro of the Park Ridge Historical Society, dated August 5, 2026, was read. The Society expressed strong support for the historic district application, noting the uniqueness of the Spanish Town homes and the importance of preservation. Discussion Items - Spanish Town Historic District Public Hearing (HD-26-01): Staff presented a memorandum detailing the application received June 1, 2026. The proposed district includes five contiguous properties: 424, 428, and 430 Talcott Place, and 1305 and 1309 South Crescent Avenue. The commission had already completed a preliminary review on July 1, 2026, and scheduled the public hearing for this meeting. Commissioners discussed the requirements for a historic district (minimum of two contiguous properties; supermajority consent needed). Staff clarified that a historic district does not guarantee against demolition but requires a certificate of appropriateness from the commission. The commission also addressed questions about future expansion of the district: additional contiguous properties could apply through the same process, requiring consent of 50% plus one of the new group. - HPC Awards Program Update: Staff reported that one application had been received and another was in progress; potentially two more properties were being considered. The commission discussed extending the nomination deadline from August 7 to August 24, 2026, to allow more submissions. Commissioner Joan proposed the extension, and staff agreed to check with the awards vendor and coordinate with the communications team to publicize the new deadline. The awards ceremony date of October 14, 2026 at the Kalo Center was to remain unchanged. - L. Hodges Addition Intensive Historic Survey Update: Staff announced that the consultant is finalizing the document and will present the final report at the September 2, 2026 commission meeting. After commission approval, the report would go to city council for consideration. Commissioner noted satisfaction with the preliminary findings. - Future SHPO Grants Update: The city was awarded one of two grant applications submitted. The grant will fund a historic survey in the Uptown area, roughly bounded by the six corners intersection of Northwest Highway, the southern property line of the country club, and the western portion of Prospect Avenue. Staff will issue a request for proposals (RFP) for the survey work. A similar survey was conducted in 2017 or 2019 by Margaret Guzak. - Other Updates: - Plaques for the two most recent landmarks (Barry Parkway and the William H. Malone fountain) are pending coordination with Public Works. - Bookmarks promoting historic preservation are available at the library; distribution is being carefully managed. - Commissioner noted that a 100-year-old brick home at 926 Bell Plain has been sold and will be torn down to make way for two houses. The commission expressed regret and discussed the need to proactively identify at-risk properties. - A landmarked homeowner at 611 Cedar wishes to install a lamppost; staff must research the protocol and whether a document needs to be recorded with Cook County. - Staff sent the link to the HPC webpage as requested. - Next Meeting: The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 2, 2026, with expected agenda items: final presentation on the L. Hodges Addition survey, a 100-year-old home application, and an update on the HPC Awards. Key Outcomes - Spanish Town Historic District – Vote to Recommend Approval: The commission voted unanimously (3-0-0, with commissioners Healy, Pierce, and Rowe absent) to recommend that the city council approve the historic district designation as shown in the submitted plans (Case HD-26-01). The motion passed on the understanding that the owner of 1309 South Crescent (who wrote a supportive letter) is in favor of inclusion. Staff will coordinate with the applicant to schedule a city council presentation. - HPC Awards Nomination Deadline Extended: The commission approved an informal extension of the nomination deadline to August 24, 2026, subject to vendor confirmation. Staff will update the city’s social media and webpage. - Next Steps for Surveys: The L. Hodges Addition survey will be presented for final approval in September; the Uptown survey will proceed via an RFP process once grant documents are finalized. - Administrative Matters: Staff will follow up on the lamppost request, the filing of landmark documents with Cook County, and the production of plaques.

The Park Ridge City Council met as a Committee of the Whole on Monday, August 3, 2026, beginning at 8:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 505 Butler Place, Park Ridge, Illinois. Alderperson Sanchez was absent and Alderperson Muno participated remotely. All nine action items passed by 6-0 roll-call votes. The council approved leases and contracts, received a police station feasibility study, heard a status update on the citywide comprehensive plan, and adjourned to closed session. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar was used; every action item was considered and voted on separately. Public Comments & Testimony - No non-agenda comments were heard during the formal opening public comment period. - Later discussion referenced a resident who spoke about rat control and a Chicago resident who raised concerns about accessible parking in Uptown and proposed preferential parking for veterans. Staff said the accessibility issue was already being handled through the city's ADA process. Finance and Budget - Action Item: Approved an agreement between the City of Park Ridge and Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC for the lease of the cell tower premises at 930 N. Dee Road (Dee Road Train Station). Staff explained that the city took possession of the tower after stalled negotiations with Crown Castle. The new lease includes an $85,000 upfront payment, $65,000 in first-year rent, 5% annual increases, a 10-year term, and an option for another 10 years. The previous lease paid about $14,500 per year. Passed 6-0. Staff said leases for the other carriers on the tower are expected soon. Administrative Services - Action Item: Approved a lease with Midwest Doughboys, LLC for space at the Uptown Train Station. The city received two RFP responses; staff recommended the bagel and coffee shop over a vending lease because an on-site vendor provides a regular presence, reduces vandalism risk, and allows the full station to be open from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. Base rent is $5,400 per year. Passed 6-0. A council member said the lease was a win for the city and thanked staff. - Department Head Report: The Volunteer Appreciation Event is scheduled for Tuesday, September 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pennyville. Public Works - Action Item: Approved a contract with RC Topsoil Inc. for aggregate material delivery and debris hauling in the amount of $218,860. The bid opening was held July 15; three bids were received and one was non-responsive. The contract covers black dirt, stone, sand, and hauling leaves, spoils, and street sweeping debris. Passed 6-0. - Action Item: Approved the Sidewalk Grinding Program with Universal Concrete Grinding, LLC in an amount not to exceed $30,000. The July 21 bid opening produced three bids ranging from $43.71 to $50 per grind. The program will address approximately 650 trip hazards. Passed 6-0. - Action Item: Approved a one-year extension with Superior Road Striping, Inc. for thermoplastic pavement marking in the amount of $30,000. This is the second of three optional extensions under the suburban purchasing cooperative; it covers approximately 17,000 linear feet of lines and 30 square feet of letters and symbols. Passed 6-0. - Department Head Report: Dee Road construction is projected to be complete in late August or early September and is reported on schedule. Public Safety - Police Action Item: Approved a comprehensive feasibility and space needs study for the police station with Cordogan Clark Architecture, Engineering and Construction for $38,500. An RFP was issued April 23, 2026; eight proposals were received. The study will evaluate current conditions, future needs, and options including the existing site or other properties. Passed 6-0. - Police Discussion/Department Report: National Night Out will be held the next evening, August 4, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at City Hall. - Fire Action Item: Approved a final one-year contract extension with On Time Embroidery, Inc. for Fire Department uniforms in the amount of $40,000. The city will go back out for an RFP next year. Passed 6-0. - Fire Action Item: Approved a purchase order for an SCBA compressor and fill station with breathing air storage and cylinder rack at Station 35 from Air One Equipment of South Elgin, Illinois, in the amount of $80,940. Staff noted the budget was $80,000 and the additional amount funds replacement of aging cylinders and tanks. Passed 6-0. - Fire Department Head Report: Des Plaines has notified RED Center that it will withdraw in September; Des Plaines represents about 20% of RED Center's budget. Staff said the dispatch transition is expected to be mostly seamless, with possible 30-to-60-second delays in mutual aid. Wheeling and Wilmette had already left, and no new municipalities have joined. The Station 36 RFP is expected in the next month or two. Procedures and Regulations - Action Item: Approved a one-year contract extension with Willdan Engineering for building plan review and inspection services. Staff said Willdan has performed well and kept the same terms and pricing. A council member reported receiving resident compliments about contract inspectors and voted in favor. Passed 6-0. Discussion Items - Citywide Comprehensive Plan: Staff presented a status and existing-conditions update. The plan was launched in October; consultants conducted outreach at the farmers market, Market After Dark, the Taste, and public workshops; completed an existing land use map and parcel inventories; and focused on eight subareas, mostly commercial districts. The next steps are an executive summary to a future Committee of the Whole, goals and objectives in August and September, a draft plan in October, a public road show in autumn, and formal adoption proceedings in winter. Staff said the project remains on schedule. - Rat Control: In response to a resident's comments, staff described current measures, including site visits, a professionally printed door-hanger education campaign, external resources, and dedicated funding. Council members requested a future Procedures and Regulations discussion item to explain current practices, consider ordinance changes and education, and take changing compost policies into account. - Accessible and Veterans Parking: Staff confirmed that a formal ADA complaint about accessible parking in Uptown is being processed with the city attorney. Council discussion on preferential veterans parking raised enforcement and license-plate questions, and the proposal was generally deferred until the broader parking study is underway. Key Outcomes - All nine action items passed 6-0, with Alderperson Sanchez absent. - Council moved to closed session by a 6-0 vote under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) (real property acquisition or lease) and 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) (litigation). - No new business was considered before the closed session. - Future items noted by staff include additional cell tower leases, an affordable housing plan package for a future Committee of the Whole, a Station 36 RFP, and a rat-control discussion item under Procedures and Regulations.

The Park Ridge City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, August 3, 2026. Mayor Maloney presided; Alderperson Sanchez was absent and Alderperson Muno participated remotely, so all votes were taken by roll call. The council approved minutes and the consent agenda, received the FY 2025 audit report, debated the mural-definition ordinance, approved a sign variance, and voted not to reconsider the Flock camera purchase order. Consent Calendar - Approved the July 20, 2026 City Council minutes and the July 20, 2026 Committee of the Whole minutes, each by a 6-0 roll-call vote, with no public comments. - Approved the consent agenda by a 6-0 roll-call vote, including: - Final reading of a resolution establishing the City of Park Ridge Mural Program. - Final reading of an ordinance amending the Park Ridge Municipal Code regarding the Building Official and Deputy Building Official. - Purchase order to College of DuPage for $20,662.40 for Basic Academy training of four police recruits. Reports and Presentations - Mayor's Report: The council received a memorandum on adding live entertainment endorsements to existing liquor licenses; no questions were raised. The Mayor and the Youth Services Commission presented the 2026 Golden Award to Mary Lynch, recognizing her community service, including youth ministry, mission outreach to Kentucky, North Dakota, and the Bahamas, and leadership of teen-led initiatives such as furniture drives, holiday assistance, and fundraisers for Lambs Farm and the local food pantry. - Finance Director: The warrant report C073026 for the period ending July 30, 2026, in the amount of $1,004,024.10, was reviewed by Alderperson Moran. - Annual Comprehensive Financial Report: Don Shaw of Lauterbach and Amon presented the FY 2025 ACFR. The city received a clean, unmodified audit opinion and expects the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 2025. The general fund ended 2025 with a $1.3 million surplus; revenues were about 3 percent above projections and expenditures were about 1.2 percent above projections. The fund balance equaled about 8.5 months of FY 2026 expenditures, down from just over nine months, above the city's three-month policy floor. The Finance Director noted that Cook County property-tax distribution delays likely reduced expected receipts by about 3 percent, or a few hundred thousand dollars, with a larger impact on schools and the library. Public Comments & Testimony - Joe Foss (1200 block of South Vine Avenue) expressed frustration about rat infestations and overflowing garbage near Washington, alleging inaction and asking about a city rat-prevention plan. The Mayor clarified that Oakton Pool is a Park District facility and that the city did not pay for Pride festival security. - Daniel Arnswald, an Edison Park resident, permanent disability placard holder, and Vietnam-era veteran, said Uptown Park Ridge lacks adequate ADA spaces and veteran recognition. He said he submitted five points for review and thanked city staff for arranging his appearance. - Missy Langan (1924 Canfield) recounted the city's 2014 rat problem, said neighbors spent thousands of dollars on mitigation, and urged the council to consider rodent-control funding and resident education during the upcoming budget process. Board and Commission Reports - Community Health Commission: A mobile school-based health clinic held with District 64 and Cook County Health served 16 children; services included six vaccinations, eight physicals, and eight sports physicals, with a focus on uninsured or underinsured families. - Farmers Market Committee: National Farmers Market Week was announced; the market is halfway through its season, and the next meeting is August 19 at 6:30 p.m. - Historic Preservation Commission: It will meet August 5 at 6:00 p.m. and is accepting nominations for its second annual historic preservation awards. - Library Board: Summer reading has three weeks remaining; the send-off event is set for August 22 on the library lawn. - Liquor License Review Board: Its meeting was canceled because there was no pending business. - O'Hare Airport Commission: It reviewed flight data and noted increased air traffic over the city due to construction and Fly Quiet rotations. - Sustainability Commission: It will meet Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. - Youth Services Commission: It is accepting applications for young leaders. Discussion Items - Mural definition (ZA-26-03): The final reading of an ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance to create a definition of mural was presented. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended adoption 6-0 on July 28, with no public comments. Council discussion focused on whether the definition's restriction on logos, products, or elements related to the nature of the business would prevent schools or public buildings from commissioning mascot- or activity-themed art. Staff and several council members said the definition is intended to distinguish murals from signage and that final approval remains discretionary. The ordinance was approved 4-2, with Alderpersons Moran and Lawrence voting no. - Flock camera reconsideration: Alderperson Moran moved to reconsider the previously approved $24,000 purchase order for Flock Safety Solutions camera equipment and software. He cited contract language allowing Flock to share footage with other agencies in good faith, possible access by federal agencies, and provisions about storing deleted footage. Alderperson Steinfels opposed reconsideration, saying the concerns had been discussed and that Illinois statute governs Flock's obligations. The motion to reconsider failed 3-3, so the original approval remained in effect. - Sign variance (VA-26-12): Staff presented the final reading of a zoning variance at 140 N. Northwest Highway for LensCrafters to install an additional wall sign facing a rear parking lot that exceeds the 16-square-foot maximum. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval 7-0 on July 23 with no public comments. The ordinance passed 6-0. Key Outcomes - Approved the July 20, 2026 minutes and the consent agenda, each with 6-0 votes. - Received the FY 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report as an informational item. - Approved the mural-definition ordinance (ZA-26-03) by a 4-2 vote. - Approved the LensCrafters sign variance (VA-26-12) by a 6-0 vote. - Rejected the motion to reconsider the Flock Safety Solutions purchase order by a 3-3 vote. - No new business was brought forward; the meeting adjourned by a 6-0 roll-call vote.

The Animal Commission of the City of Park Ridge, Illinois, was scheduled to meet on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Second Floor Conference Room at 505 Butler Place. However, the user instruction indicates the meeting took place on July 29, 2026. Due to the absence of meeting minutes and a transcript, no details about roll call, approval of minutes (June 29, 2026), action items (Case 26-00022001, 26-00022072, 26-00023282), discussion, old/new business, or public comment are available. Note on Discrepancy The agenda lists the meeting date as July 27, 2026, but the instruction provided for this summary states July 29, 2026. The actual date cannot be confirmed from the available materials. No other information is available for this meeting.

The Planning and Zoning Commission met on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered approval of previous minutes, withdrawal of a major development application, a continuance for a site plan review, and a public hearing on a zoning text amendment to define murals. The City Council Liaison provided updates on recent council actions. The meeting adjourned after approximately one hour. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – June 23, 2026: The minutes were approved unanimously by voice vote after a motion and second, with no corrections. Commissioner Schubert was exempt as a new member. Development Cases - MA-26-04 and PUD-26-02 (809 W Touhy Ave and adjacent properties): This application for a hotel and multi-family development was withdrawn by the applicant. Staff noted the applicant intends to reapply with substantially different changes, requiring a new case number and public notice. - ZPR-26-10 – Site Plan Review at 245 Vine Avenue: The applicant requested a continuance. The item had previously gone to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), which recommended approval of a parking variance but denial of an additional townhome. Staff advised the applicant to first seek City Council action on the variances. The commission voted unanimously to continue the case to September 15, 2026 (the August 11, 2026 meeting was cancelled). Public Hearing & Action - ZA-26-01 – Zoning Text Amendment for Mural Definition: The commission held a public hearing. Staff planner Claudia Hampel and summer intern Sarah explained that City Council is advancing a mural program limited to publicly owned buildings. The text amendment (red-lined version provided) only adds a definition of "mural" to the zoning ordinance to distinguish murals from signs. A mural is defined as an image on the exterior of a building that does not depict letters, products, logos, or similar elements related to the business on the property. The program itself is a separate resolution. During discussion, commissioners raised concerns that the definition does not explicitly limit murals to publicly owned buildings and that it could be interpreted to allow murals on private structures (e.g., retaining walls, underpasses). Staff offered to forward a recommendation to include "other suitable structures" but noted the program already restricts locations. After public comment (none offered), the commission voted unanimously (6-0) to recommend approval of the amendment as drafted, with no modifications. The motion stated the amendment clarifies the definition and serves the current program. City Council Liaison Report - Joseph Steinfelds reported on City Council and Committee of the Whole meetings from July 6 and July 20, 2026. Key items included: - Passage of a school zone speed limit adjustment on Talcott near Roosevelt Elementary. - A decision not to create a parking permit area for the Morris Meacham area. - Updates to weed ordinances to align with state law. - Discussion on flock camera systems. - The mural discussion at the July 20 Committee of the Whole meeting, which led to the text amendment before the commission. - An update on the city’s eminent domain action (ongoing negotiations; a brief report expected at the August 3 City Council meeting). Key Outcomes - Minutes approved (unanimous). - Continuance granted for ZPR-26-10 to September 15, 2026 (unanimous). - Mural definition amendment recommended for approval (unanimous, 6-0 vote). The recommendation will be forwarded to City Council. - Next meeting: August 11, 2026 was cancelled; the next regular meeting is August 25, 2026 (subject to change).