City of Park Ridge City Council met September 18.
Here is the minutes as provided by the council:
I. Call to order
Mayor Maloney called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. Roll Call
City Clerk Henneman read the roll call and the following elected officials indicated their presence:
Ald. Moran, Milissis, Wilkening, Shubert, Melidosian, Mazzuca, Joyce and Mayor Maloney
Staff present: P. Lisowski, F. Kaminski, A. Simon, J. Gilmore, C. Peterson, J. Brown, and W. Zingsheim
III. Pledge of Allegiance
Attendees of the meeting pledged their allegiance to the United States flag.
IV. Approval of Minutes
A. Regular Meeting of the City Council – September 5, 2017
Moved by Ald. Wilkening. Seconded by Ald. Shubert.
Motion carried; voice vote
Abstention: Ald. Moran
B. Committee of the Whole – September 11, 2017
Moved by Ald. Moran. Seconded by Ald. Mazzuca.
Motion carried; voice vote.
V. Reports of City Officials
A. Mayor’s Report
1. Proclamation – Constitution Week, and
2. Recognition of the Maine South High School Constitution Team
Mayor Maloney read and presented a Proclamation recognizing Constitution Week, September 17 – 23 to
Jeanette Frye, a member of the 21st Star Chapter American Daughters of the Revolution organization. Frye
explained that each member has a relative that fought in the Revolutionary War. The organization educates the
public about the Constitution, supports veterans in various manners, and offers scholarships.
The Maine South High School Constitution Team and their instructor also attended the meeting and explained
thevarious sections that make up the Constitution. Students on the team are split into six sections of which they
study and compete nationally.
3. Boards and Commissions
A. Approve the re-appointment of Eileen A. Manning to the Community Health Commission for a
three-year term ending September 30, 2020
Moved by Ald. Moran. Seconded by Ald. Mazzuca.
Motion carried; voice vote.
B. Approve the appointment of Joseph Nykoluk to the Community Health Commission for a threeyear
term ending September 30, 2020
Moved by Ald. Moran. Seconded by Ald. Mazzuca.
Motion carried; voice vote.
C. Approve the appointment of Kathleen Sheffert to the Youth Services Commission as a student
commissioner for a two-year term ending June 30, 2019
Moved by Ald. Moran. Seconded by Ald. Milissis.
Motion carried; voice vote.
Eileen Manning was present for recognition.
B. City Council
No report.
C. City Attorney
No report.
D. City Clerk
No report.
E. City Manager
No report.
VI. Consent Agenda
*All items listed with an asterisk are considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one
motion. There will be no separate discussion of those items unless an Alderman so requests, in which
event the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the
Agenda.
VIII.I.1. Approve final reading of an Ordinance amending Article 13, Chapter 15, Sections 2 and 6 of the
Municipal Code
VIII.I.2. Approve a Right-of-Entry Agreement with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County
VIII.J.2. Approve the contract for an emergency standby generator replacement to JRC Contracting LLC in
an amount not to exceed $23,749.87
VIII.K.1. Approve warrants for the period ending September 15, 2017 in the amount of $920,119.77
reviewed by Ald. Milissis
Moved by Ald. Moran. Seconded by Ald. Shubert.
ROLL CALL
AYES: Ald. Moran, Milissis, Wilkening, Shubert, Melidosian, Mazzuca, and Joyce (7)
NAYS: None (0)
ABSENT: None (0)
Motion carried, 7 – 0.
VII. Citizens Who Wish to Address the City Council on a Non-Agenda Item
No comments.
VIII. Reports of Boards, Commissions and Committees
A. Community Health Commission - Ald. Joyce
1. Greenest Region Compact 2 (GRC2) presentation, and
2. Approve Resolution – Metropolitan Mayor’s Caucus supporting GRC2
Tricia Williams, Chairman of the Community Health Commission spoke about the environmental health of the
community. She explained the mission of the commission, its make-up, and the commissions support of the
Greenest Region Compact 2 (GRC2). The Commission strongly recommended that the City of Park Ridge
consider endorsing the GRC2 and to sign the associated Resolution developed by the Metropolitan Mayors
Caucus. The commission believes this action would demonstrate Park Ridge’s commitment to sustainable
principles and practices for the community and support the goals stated in the 2016-2017 Strategic Planning and
Goal Workshop Summary Report. She explained the importance of sustainability, the benefits and goals of the
GRC2, and the City’s achievements to date. Endorsement of the GRC2 would help Park Ridge move proactively
towards a culture of sustainability and the ten areas addressed in the Compact 2; climate, economic
development, energy, land, leadership, mobility, municipal operations, sustainable communities, waste, recycling,
and water. Additionally, it would provide the City a strong forum to address vital issues including climate change,
aircraft noise and pollution.
William explained that the GRC2 Resolution is voluntary and requires no funding and that all local initiatives are
fairly evaluated for economic, environmental and social benefits. There are many external resources such as the
Metropolitan Mayor’s Caucus, the Councils of Governance, and potential local, state, and federal grant
opportunities. The resolution demonstrates a commitment from community leaders to provide for a sustainable
future for all of Park Ridge’s residents.
Commission members were identified and questions from the Elected Officials were addressed.
The following amendment was offered by Ald. Mazzuca:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Park Ridge, Illinois endorses the concepts found in
the Greenest Region Compact 2 as proposed by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and agrees to work to
incorporate these concepts in our long-range strategic planning.
Moved by Ald. Mazzuca. Seconded by Ald. Melidosian.
Ald. Mazzuca believed it was necessary that the connection between the GRC2 and the strategic planning
session was clear. Tricia Williams found the amendment acceptable.
Jane Peale thanked Ald. Mazzuca for the amendment and viewed this as the City’s “Paris Agreement.”
ROLL CALL (on the amendment)
AYES: Ald. Milissis, Wilkening, Shubert, Melidosian, Mazzuca, Joyce, and Moran (7)
NAYS: None (0)
ABSENT: None (0)
Motion carried, 7 – 0.
Ald. Melidosian did not believe the Resolution tied the hands of the City. He supported its concepts.
Ald. Joyce pointed out that it allows the City to organize and take credit of the activities and the accomplishments.
He appreciates the work of the commission.
ROLL CALL (main motion, as amended)
AYES: Ald. Wilkening, Shubert, Melidosian, Mazzuca, Joyce, Moran, and Milissis (7)
NAYS: None (0)
ABSENT: None (0)
Motion carried, 7 – 0.
Chairman Williams thanked the City Council and looks forward to working together along with staff on
environmental health and sustainability. Members of the commission were applauded.
B. Historic Preservation Commission – Ald. Joyce
Ald. Joyce indicated that the commission held its first meeting after its summer break. The commission has
initiated a new survey of the Hodges Park subdivision for any historic properties.
C. Library Board of Trustees – Ald. Melidosian
Ald. Melidosian reported that the Library is getting ready to start its construction. Dialogue continues between the
City and Library on certain safety requirements which are based on the level of construction taken by the Library.
Also, Ald. Melidosian explained that a copy of an agreement between the City and Library was provided to the
Library in the spring. He advised the Board, if any modifications need to be made, the board should return a redlined
document the City for further review.
According to City Manager Gilmore, the City marked up the agreement and the Library’s attorney was to review
the changes and get back to the City. Attorney Simon indicated that the agreement addresses taxing, power,
responsibility for maintenance and repairs, and capital improvements, including any financing of those matters.
Attorney Simon did not recall what policy issues were included.
D. Liquor License Review Board – Liquor Commissioner/Mayor Maloney
No report.
E. O'Hare Airport Commission - Ald. Mazzuca
Ald. Mazzuca reported there is a meeting on September 20 and that a new lawsuit has been filed by those who
do not like new flight paths overhead.
F. Planning & Zoning Commission - Ald. Wilkening
No report.
G. Zoning Board of Appeals - Ald. Moran
1. Approve the first reading of ordinance granting a Zoning Variance for a pole sign at 1220 W.
Touhy Avenue (17-13-VA)
Move by Ald. Moran. Seconded by Ald. Shubert.
Community Preservation and Development Director Brown provided background history regarding the property
being discussed. The property was rezoned from B-1 to B-2 last winter which has an existing monument sign;
there is a request for a variance which involves the sign setback of 5 feet and the square footage of the sign
area. The ZBA heard the case August 24, 2017 and held a public hearing. The request was split and voted on in
two components. The Board approved the setback location 6 – 0. The size request at 72 square feet was
approved,
4 – 2. Brown indicated that the ordinance presented for the final reading would separate the two votes.
Ald. Mazzuca presented the following motion:
Motion to divide the question between the variance for the setback and the sign area.
Moved by Ald. Mazzuca. Seconded by Ald. Moran.
ROLL CALL (to divide the question)
AYES: Ald. Shubert, Melidosian, Mazzuca, Joyce, Moran, Milissis, and Wilkening (7)
NAYS: None (0)
ABSENT: None (0)
Motion carried, 7 – 0.
Questions and discussion regarding the setback were addressed.
ROLL CALL (setback variance)
AYES: Ald. Melidosian, Mazzuca, Joyce, Moran, Milissis, Wilkening, and Shubert (7)
NAYS: None (0)
ABSENT: None (0)
Motion carried, 7 – 0.
The sign area of the requested 72 square feet was addressed. Director Brown explained that there are gas
stations in the area with pole signs which are allowed in B-2 areas.
Ald. Joyce inquired about the conformance of the other gas station signage in the area.
Director Brown explained that the property previously had a pole sign that was knocked over. The business
replaced it with a monument sign since the property was zoned B-1. The property was rezoned last year and
approved for a Special Use. The applicant is requesting a pole sign that would conform to the Ordinance with the
exception of the two variances.
Chris Kalischefski from Corporate Design and Development Group (Hoffman Estates), took a few moments to
present the placement and the proposed design of the signage.
Mayor Maloney questioned Mr. Kalischefski about safety in regards to the size of signage based on the study he
had mentioned. He also questioned him why he did not choose to have 2 monument signs instead of one pole
sign. Mayor Maloney got the impression that the applicant was doing the City a favor by having a pole sign. The
mayor found Kalischefski’s argument disingenuous.
Ald. Mazzuca questioned staff about the number of monument signs allowed and placement of the signs outside
of sight lines for traffic.
Ald. Melidosian questioned whether the square footage requested included one or both sides. Ald. Melidosian
also spoke about the APA study which he believed was general study on signs, not specific to gas stations. He
believed visual cues on a gas sign would be different than a strip mall sign. Director Brown added that the APA
has conducted several studies, its most recent one done in conjunction with the Sign Council. He indicated that if
a text amendment was being considered, the study would be a consideration. The City’s standard is 32 square
feet.
According to Attorney Simon, a pole sign is allowed in this district. In terms of size, the City should approve the
smallest possible sign that meet the goal. He asked the applicant to demonstrate the areas of the sign that least
accomplish its goals.
Ald. Melidosian questioned if they were any contractual business obligations regarding to the size.
Ald. Mazzuca recognized that the draft Findings of Fact provided indicated that “strict application of the terms of
the Zoning Ordinance will not result in undue hardship” to which Ald. Mazzuca agreed. Another bit of information
provided by the architect Matthew Ackerman acknowledged that people make their decision by price. Ald.
Mazzuca pointed out that less than one third of this sign is dedicated to displaying price. He believes the sign
space requested is more than the applicant needs.
City Manager Gilmore questioned Director Brown about area competition, the size of the competitor’s current
signage, and whether they would need to be brought into compliance? Director Brown explained that the signs
are non-conforming in the B-1 zoning district; pole signs are not allowed in B-1. At one time, they were allowed;
they do not comply with the current standards. If one is damaged or in need of repair, the owner would need to
put up a monument sign, seek a variance, or request rezoning. Typical maintenance and repair is allowable.
Attorney Simon questioned whether there was a cooling off period that would be applicable. After researching
the matter, he determined that a cooling period is applicable to a Special Use, not a variance.
Ald. Milissis believes there was adequate explanation by the business owner and his representative. He
recognized that a larger sign would be easier to read than a smaller sign. He will support the request.
Ald. Moran explained that the “Trio” uses up space on the sign unnecessarily causing the sign to be larger than it
needs to be. Trio is something that the City does not need to promote. The price and BP should be the main
focus.
Ald. Shubert believes the safety and business needs have been addressed. The station is in his Ward so he will
support the variance.
Ald. Melidosian believes Ald. Mazzuca and Moran made good points. People pick gas by price. He has been
impressed with BP’s ability to compete with Thorton’s. However, in his opinion too much space is taken up on
other unnecessary messaging which adds to visual clutter. He will not support the motion.
ROLL CALL (sign area)
AYES: Ald. Joyce, Wilkening, Milissis, and Shubert (4)
NAYS: Ald. Mazzuca, Moran, and Melidosian (3)
ABSENT: None (0)
Motion carried, 4 – 3.
2. Approve the first reading of an Ordinance granting a Zoning Variance for an encroachment into a
rear yard at 1025 S. Knight Avenue (17-15-VA)
Moved by Ald. Moran. Seconded by Ald. Shubert.
Director Brown explained that the applicant currently has a large elevated platform/deck that is rotting and very
old. He indicated that the applicant testified at a Planning and Zoning meeting that the deck would be replaced
with a paver patio due to physical hardships and handicaps in the family. The total encroachment into the rear
yard would be 17 feet.
The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the variance with a vote of 5 – 1. No neighbors opposed the project.
ROLL CALL
AYES: Ald. Joyce, Moran, Milissis, Wilkening, Shubert, Melidosian, and Mazzuca (7)
NAYS: None (0)
ABSENT: None (0)
Motion carried, 7 – 0.
H. Procedures and Regulations Committee – Ald. Wilkening
No report.
I. Public Works Committee – Ald. Moran
1. Approve final reading of an Ordinance amending Article 13, Chapter 15, Sections 2 and 6 of the
Municipal Code / Approved by omnibus vote
2. Approve a Right-of-Entry Agreement with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County / Approved
by omnibus vote
Ald. Moran briefly commented on the parking changes that would go into effect October 1. He discussed with
Director Zingsheim about communicating to those that will be affected.
J. Public Safety Committee – Ald. Melidosian
1. Approve final reading of an ordinance authorizing the sale or disposal of surplus personal property by
the City of Park Ridge (1995 Pierce Saber Fire Engine)
Moved by Ald. Melidosian. Seconded by Ald. Moran.
Mayor Maloney questioned Executive Officer Lisowski why the engine could not be sold to another department.
Lisowski explained that FEMA will not allow it to be sold to another municipality due to safety reasons. It could be
sold as a parade vehicle or used as a farm vehicle to water crops. There are various other reasons allowable by
FEMA.
Ald. Milissis believes FEMA’s goal is to modernize and upgrade fleets across the United States. The reason they
give out money is to use new and not circulate old, used vehicles.
ROLL CALL
AYES: Ald. Moran, Milissis, Wilkening, Shubert, Melidosian, Mazzuca, and Joyce (7)
NAYS: None (0)
ABSENT: None (0)
Motion carried, 7 – 0.
2. Approve the contract for an emergency standby generator replacement to JRC Contracting LLC in an
amount not to exceed $23,749.87 / Approved by omnibus vote
K. Finance and Budget Committee – Ald. Mazzuca
1. Approve warrants for the period ending September 15, 2017 in the amount of $920,119.77 reviewed by
Ald. Milissis / Approved by omnibus vote
IX. New Business – For announcement, deliberation, and/or discussion only; no official action will be
taken.
Mayor Maloney recognized the work of the Police Department, Public Works Department, and CERT volunteers
that assisted in making sure weekend Special Events ran smoothly.
X. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m.
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