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Thursday, November 14, 2024

City of Park Ridge Mayor's Advisory Board met September 17.

Meeting240

City of Park Ridge Mayor's Advisory Board met Sept. 17.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

I. Call to order

Chairman Mazzuca called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.

ROLL CALL: Chairman Mazzuca, Ald. Moran, Wilkening and Melidosian were present. Deputy Clerk Peterson recorded the minutes.

II. Approval of Minutes

Deputy Clerk Peterson explained that the approval of the minutes has been deferred until after recommendations for the open positions have been made.

III. Interviews

6:00 p.m. Alicja Kapusciarz – Adult Youth Service Commissioner

Chairman Mazzuca welcomed the applicant and explained the interview process. The applicant was given 2-3 minutes to explain why they should be selected to serve.

Ms. Kapusciarz explained that she is employed by a college and works with dual-credit high school students educating at a college-level and provides them assistance if required.

She has reviewed the minutes of the commission. She has knowledge of working with college and high school level students and knows what they like to do on campus. She would be able to bring her knowledge to this position of what students like today. She spoke about the ever-changing social media. She did not foresee any problems attending 75% of the meetings. Ald. Moran explained some of the events that are planned by the commission annually. He extended her an invitation to the next meeting.

Chairman Mazzuca explained the follow-up process and thanked the applicant for their time.

6:10 p.m. Kenneth E. Dallmeyer – Planning & Zoning Commission

Chairman Mazzuca welcomed Mr. Dallmeyer back; he interviewed a few weeks ago and was invited back for another interview. The applicant was given 2-3 minutes to explain why they should be selected to serve.

Mr. Dallmeyer comments on a recent case reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission and recognized the very good work produced by City staff. He has a background in transportation planning and has previously worked for the Village of Orland Park and the Village of Schaumburg. He has lived in Park Ridge for more than twenty years. He has always been very interested in Park Ridge and agrees that Park Ridge is a fine place to live and work. He is here to help the City.

Chairman Mazzuca stressed the importance of the decisions brought forth by the Planning and Zoning Commission. He also explained the follow-up process and thanked the applicant for their time.

6:20 p.m. George Korovilas – Planning & Zoning Commission

Chairman Mazzuca welcomed the applicant and explained the interview process. The applicant was given 2-3 minutes to explain why they should be selected to serve.

Dr. Korovilas believes the Planning & Zoning Commission is one of the most important commissions in the City since it is responsible for addressing many important issues including density and the balance of residential and business. He would have no problem reviewing materials or attending meetings. He built his own home, acting as the general contractor and has also built three offices. He plans to retire in the City.

In his opinion, he has seen many positive changes made by the City; he believes that density will be a problem in the future. The density of a particular zoning should be adhered to by an applicant with no additional units being allowed. As an example, he mentioned the apartment unit complex built on the southeast corner of Greenwood and Northwest Highway. He believes the original request exceeded 70 units. He would support a case if the request was within the number of units for which the property is zoned. His schedule would allow him to attend the meetings. He explained that he served as an O’Hare Airport Commissioner and attended all meeting. He also recognized the positive change made to staff at City Hall.

Chairman Mazzuca explained the follow-up process and thanked the applicant for their time.

6:30 p.m. Thomas Aridas – Planning & Zoning; Animal Commission; Community Health & Youth Services

Chairman Mazzuca welcomed the applicant and explained the interview process. The applicant was given 2-3 minutes to explain why they should be selected to serve.

Although he signed up to serve any vacancy, he believes he would be suited to serve on the Planning or Zoning Commission or the Zoning Board of Appeals. He has lived in Park Ridge the last ten (10) years. He is a lawyer by trade but has not practiced outside of a government setting. He was employed out of college by the ICC as and worked for them for 9 years, last serving as Chief Administrative Law Judge. He is familiar with government, administrative procedures and working with and reviewing records. He left and joined a parent company for Peoples Gas in Wisconsin. His main role is to deal with external situations and work out solutions. He worked with state government for the purpose of getting legislation passed for one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country. He mentioned the project is a matter of public safety, relating it to the explosions on the east coast.

Chairman Mazzuca questioned Mr. Aridas in regards to the ICC’s wait period before working as a lobbyist after leaving. He spoke about cleansing periods for various levels or employment. He offered opinions to staff; he never had final authority. Although he would prefer to serve on the two commissions mentioned previously, he simply wants to get involved. His family partakes in many activities in the City and mentioned the vibrancy of the Uptown area. He spoke about having a balance between business and residential. He mentioned his flooding issue a few weeks ago after the rainfall. He was affected by the residential commuter parking issue.

Chairman Mazzuca explained the follow-up process and thanked the applicant for their time.

IV. Deliberations

Approve to recommend the appointment of Alicja Kapusciarz as an adult commissioner to the Youth Services Commission for a three (3) year term

Moved by Chairman Moran. Seconded by Ald. Wilkening.

Motion carried; voice vote.

The Board spoke about Tom’s willingness to serve on the Animal Commission but though the City might be best served by one more passionate about the position. The Animal Commission meets only as needed.

Chairman Mazzuca preferred to pass on any other deliberations. Deliberations would continue on the 24th of September at 6:30 p.m.

V. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m.

https://parkridge.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=parkridge_f60dfef7774738eedd7ce70287888187.pdf&view=1