Park Ridge Mayor Marty Maloney told city leaders, residents and other stakeholders he is looking forward to another year of building on the strengths of the city, delivering his annual state of the city address on Feb. 17.
Maloney made his remarks at the top of the City Council meeting, stating that as the needs of the community change, so too would city priorities in order to meet the needs of residents and of the time.
He used a metaphor about being unable to step into the same river twice.
“It’s not the same river,” he said. “We change, the community changes.”
But, the river and the city will continue forward, the mayor said.
“Park Ridge is strong. Park Ridge is stable, and we’re moving forward to take advantage of what we have in front of us,” he said.
Soon, Maloney said, residents can expect to see changes to plastic bag use in the city.
“That is something City Council is currently working on,” he said.
The mayor said the city is also considering tougher regulations on vape products and reconsidering the city’s electric sign ordinance.
“And of course, last but not least, the parking study [results and suggestions] will return next month with ideas on how to manage what we have,” he said.
Maloney allowed city leadership to say a few words about their departments.
Police Chief Bob Kampwirth said his department now has a utility terrain vehicle that can be used in water, and funds for a second, full-time social worker who will join the department soon.
“There is lots of work to be done, and adding a second social worker, there will be nothing but positive from that,” he said.
The department is also considering a feasibility study to figure out whether a new police station should be built or the current one, located in City Hall, gets expanded.
The Park Ridge Fire Department got a new fire station last year, and Chief Jeff Sorensen praised it.
“Our biggest win in decades is the new Fire Station 35 at Devon and Cumberland [avenues],” he said. “We are definitely healthier, safer and better able to respond as a fire department now and in the future because of this project.”
Sorensen said he hopes for another similar win with a new Station 36 at Oakton Street and Greenwood Avenue. This is a priority for 2026, he said. Besides housing fire response vehicles, that station is also home to a training ground and classrooms. But the project is broadly similar to Station 35.
“A lot of the rehabilitation plan is similar,” he said.
Sorensen said he hasn’t nailed down the costs because the design isn’t finished, but he hopes to go out for bids later this year.
Maloney then wrapped up his comments by stating a few city priorities, including a flood control project and an overview of the local ordinances being considered – including the bag ban and one concerning signage.
“We will be conservative in the year ahead, for sure, but there are opportunities and we will make no small plans to go after those opportunities,” he said.
The mayor closed by touting a common good.
“Park ridge approaches challenges the same way: Through a shared commitment to the common good,” he said. “We do not approach as individuals, but together. That which is good for the hive is good for the bee.”
Jesse Wright is a freelancer.
