Venice Ridge? Council Recap!

According to our faithful sources, last night's City Council meeting lasted 5 1/2 hours.

The first half of the meeting was dedicated to listening to a long parade of residents detail their recent experiences with flooding, residents' concerns and ideas for addressing the problem, and marginal updates provided by city staff.

According to one of our sources, there was a disturbing pattern of people who related that they had never experienced any flooding until last September and then again this past June 19th. The most frequently asked question was, "What changed?" The PRU Crew is wondering the same thing, and hoping the learned engineers on the Flood Control Task Force, along with the consultants hired to study the problem, will answer that question.

Many people addressing the Council used the word "emergency" to convey their belief that the City must address this issue immediately. The Crew believes people have paid enough attention to know that without the problem being given "emergency" status, the likelihood of approval for spending any money to mitigate the problem is nil. We're told even Mayor Schmidtzkrieg characterized the problem as an "emergency", so we feel confident in believing the Mayor would not veto a spending ordinance approved for this matter by the Council.

One of the exasperating circumstances for residents seems to be the snail's pace at which information is being gathered, by both the consultants hired to study the issue and the Flood Task Force formed to discuss the issue to come up with recommendations, and formulation of a final plan. We hate to tell you this people, but things can only move as fast as they can move -- and then the search for money begins. And make no mistake about it, whatever plan is eventually settled on will require gobs of money. We hope a majority of residents will be prepared to pay for what it is they say they need and want.

In the meantime, people may want to keep Service Master on speed dial.

The second half of last night's Council meeting was devoted to discussions of zoning changes for commercial parcels along Northwest Highway.

The zoning for the Napleton Cadillac parking lot property was changed from a B1 zoning designation to an R3, which means residential, despite the recommendations made by the Planning and Zoning Commission. We trust the neighbors in the immediate area are pleased with this change. We also trust that nobody will be surprised if Mr. Bill Napleton becomes totally pissed off about the change and files a law suit. The Crew hasn't heard any rumors about such a thing, as we try to avoid moving in the same circles as the likes of Mr. Napleton, but we're just saying we wouldn't be surprised by such a move.

The old Audrey's property was left as-is in terms of the zoning designation, but should the owner wish to place a generator 5 feet from the sidewalk, that could now be done, as the Council voted on an amendment offered by 3rd ward Alderman Don Bachtard that allows generators to be placed as close as 5 feet from any property lot line.

We hear this change to the zoning code for the placement of generators is a particular triumph for one particular resident. We also hear this particular resident thinks his shit doesn't stink and he has the right to act obnoxiously at Council meetings -- throwing a stack of petitions at the Director of Community Development and demanding that she pass the petitions around to the Council.

We're told Mayor Schmidtzkrieg got all up in the guy's grill. Good.

As for the PRU Crew, we generally feel Ms. Davis operates at a level barely above incompetence but, nevertheless, she's still the Director of Community Development -- required to attend public meetings for the benefit of the public. Be careful, sir, at whom you throw things or we may be tempted to see to it you go home wearing whatever it is you chose to throw at a city staff member.

As for Alderman Bachtard and the other Alderidiots, your silence on the matter was duly noted.

There you have it people, an admittedly lite recap.

The Crew has decided to take the month of July off -- off meaning an irregular posting schedule, if any -- we'll see you again in August.

Special Meetings for Special People!

We're wondering if the special people on the Park Ridge City Council will be "going green" and taking public transportation to their special meeting tonight! The PRU Crew suggests the above --

We hope to be able to provide PRU readers with a recap tomorrow!

Whoomp! There it is!

Have an amazing weekend!

Relocation, Relocation, Relocation!

In this week's edition of the Journal and Topics we read about Rising Costs Send Johnny's Place Packin'.

The article reports the owner "[Mr. John] Nasiopoulos made it clear he did not want to leave Park Ridge, but cited a rent increase and rising taxes as two reasons he had to leave.

"It (the increase) was almost $1,000 a month," he said. "I either had to raise my prices to the point where I aggravate my customers... or I buy garbage product," he said. "And I never considered reducing the quality of the product."

The PRU Crew recalls many other businesses that have closed up or moved on from Park Ridge -- Happy House, Bailey's, Walter's Restaurant, and Napleton Cadillac to name just a few -- for reasons that didn't seem to have much to do with the constantly cited "Park Ridge is unfriendly to business" complaints we hear from members of the Park Ridge business community.

We've also heard complaints from businesses that landlords in Park Ridge need to adopt a more realistic view of the rental market, which seems to fit the bill in the case of Johnny's Place.

We are very seriously wondering how exactly Park Ridge is "unfriendly to business." Does the business community experience insurmountable difficulty when trying to open a business here? What are those difficulties? Does the business community find shoppers in Park Ridge particularly tight with a buck? Did the Chamber experience any up-tic in sales during their "Shop Local" campaign?

Anybody got any insights?

We ask because we do not expect the economy to get much better any time soon, and more importantly we also hear rumors that another large business player in town could be having some serious problems.

Every time our town loses a business that closes or decides to relocate out of Park Ridge, and then invites Park Ridge consumers to follow them out of town without the lost business having been replaced by some other tax generating entity, taxpayer's here will feel the pinch. Given the City's current financial position, these losses are felt more deeply than they may otherwise have been.

If City government is truly an impediment to new businesses opening in Park Ridge, we would hope that members of the business community would grab their brass and speak up. You can't fix problems you don't know exist.

We have yet to hear anyone in the business community articulate the precise issues that may make doing business in Park Ridge difficult or more difficult than in other places.

We're all ears.

Man, It's A Hot One!

Like seven inches from the midday sun!




Stay cool, unlike the PRU Crews equipment today.

We hope to be back in the blogger game by tomorrow.

Dangerous Thoughts!

We read an article in the online Chicago Tribune -- Antioch district decides against book ban -- that discussed the efforts by some parents to eliminate an award winning book from the high school freshman summer reading list, despite having the option of reading an alternative selection. The article reports that parents' objections were based on their sense that the book uses "vulgar" and "racist" language.

The Tribune article describes the book, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, as "a coming-of-age story about a 14-year-old boy who triumphs over obstacles after leaving an American Indian reservation to attend an all-white school."

The PRU Crew was reminded of a similar effort last year by parental zealots and the Illinois Family Institute to eliminate birth control information from the Maine South curriculum, despite the ability to have their own children opt-out of the class. In a twisted way we were gratified to learn from the Tribune article that Park Ridge isn't the only place where absurdly concerned parents try to dictate curriculum and values for an entire community.

We will never understand people who seem to fear information. Also, we will never understand people who seem to believe 14 year old boys -- and girls too! -- don't use vulgar language. The PRU Crew actually finds the judicious employment of some vulgarity is useful! Though we admit we'd rather not hear anyone under the voting age using it.

After reaching the voting age, paying attention to elections, public policy discussions, listening to politicians make promises, then voting, and the general condition of being a citizen of Illinois under what could be said to be one of the most politically corrupt State governments in the Union -- we don't understand how anyone over 18 isn't walking around muttering "Fuck!" to themselves all day long!

Because the PRU Crew loves to piss off people who piss us off, we asked ourselves, "What would piss off the thought police as much as possible?" The answer we came up with is, we think District 207 should consider adding an elective Junior and Senior level course to the high school curriculum devoted entirely to the reading and discussion of "banned" books.

With a heavy dose of Constitutional and public policy issues thrown into the mix.

Keep the thought police hopping!

"The thorn defends the rose"

Last week we talked about Rainbow Hospice and the Taste of Park Ridge. The PRU Crew's sentiments about both of these organizations and their activities hasn't changed. We still very much appreciate them both.

Our faithful PRU readers may remember from last year our post about the Taste of Park Ridge. We offered PRUdos to the Pub-dogs for pushing for transparency in the face of some seriously strident opposition and criticism.

The Pub-dogs are again making another call for transparency, regarding the financial arrangements for the Taste of Park Ridge Inc.

And again the PRU Crew is appreciating the tenacity of the Pub-dogs.

In the words of a Shaolin master -- "To suppress a truth is to give it force beyond endurance."

On The Go!

Offered by Beverage Pouch Group

Kind of like a Capri Sun for adults! Same light golden color!

We knew after boxed wine it was only a matter of time.

Get out and go have a good time this weekend!

Freewheeling Mid-June!

#1 -- shell gaming it out!

It was reported to us by our sources that at last Monday's Council meeting a member of the audience, while addressing the Council on the issue of contributions to community groups, made mention of a "social service agency" which receives funds from the City and is sponsoring the Taste of Park Ridge.

And in an online article from the Herald-Advocate, we see that the "social service agency" is none other than Rainbow Hospice.

The PRU Crew supports the mission of Rainbow Hospice and believes the services they provide are of tremendous value. But -- and dear PRU readers you knew that was coming -- according to their most currently published 2008 annual report (.pdf), Rainbow Hospice's net assets for 2008 totaled $635,130, out of a budget that totals more than $15.9 million.

While the City Council is in deficit spending mode, costs are rising, many city employees have agreed to wage freezes, and it is unlikely the City Hall chiller unit will be the last unbudgeted "emergency" to come along, the City Council voted to give $5000 in taxpayer money to Rainbow Hospice.

In terms of the total budget and deficit for the City of Park Ridge, $5000 is peanuts -- and the Council's inflated giving of $700 more to Rainbow Hospice than the originally approved 2009/2010 budget is a speck on a peanut's ass, if peanut's can be said to have asses that is.

It appears to us that Rainbow Hospice, while doing angel's work, has managed to raise plenty of money for themselves -- a payroll of more than $7.9 million is nothing to sneeze at -- and their cause, and so they've felt generous enough to shift at least some money toward a sponsorship for the Taste of Park Ridge.

The PRU Crew likes and appreciates both Rainbow Hospice and the Taste of Park Ridge. But we can't help getting the feeling this kind of shell game of taxpayer money movement is wrong, especially in light of the City's financial condition.


#2 -- Boxed in!

The PRU Crew hasn't managed to track down the original source of the email message posted below. Nor have we been able to obtain 2 other unrelated sources for confirmation of what is contained in the message. So, we're publishing what has been forwarded to us and we're going to let PRU readers confirm, deny, and-or have their say about it --

The city of Park Ridge is in negotiations for a deal that could result in the closing off the passageway (Framer’s Alley) behind the Starbuck's/Hill's Hallmark courtyard. The plan, as I understand it, is to build a retail space facing the courtyard that completely fills the walk-through space and eliminates pedestrian passage. The open space immediately behind the passageway leading to Pickwick’s rear theatres would become more parking lot.This is one of my absolute favorite spots in Park Ridge. It is unique, charming, and a little taste of Europe. It links a main parking lot with the uptown shops, making Park Ridge’s uptown extremely pedestrian-friendly. It also very conveniently links the front and back theatres of the Pickwick. I believe the city will be making a huge mistake by eliminating this space. We already have many retail spaces, both empty and full, but only one space that lends such character and pedestrian accessibility to the heart of uptown.

Anyone care to speak up and claim authorship?

Recap Roulette!

The first ward has a new Alderman. Mayor Schmidtzkrieg's appointee, Mr. Joseph Sweeney, was unanimously approved by the Alderidiots at last evening's meeting -- but not before the 7th ward's Ald. Frank assWsol tried to defer the vote for another two weeks, under the ruse of wanting a "second reading" of the matter to give residents more public time to be aware of the appointment and "because tonight is the only evening Mr. Sweeney is publicly answering questions."

We're not sure what has crawled up Ald. assWsol's backside, besides the 6th ward's Unfriendly Ghost, Ald. Tom Carey, but assWsol is proving himself to be the biggest, double talking asshole on the council these days.

The 2nd ward's Lord of the Manor, Rich DiPietro spoke against deferring the vote and noted that "residents have been informed since June 1."

Three members of the audience spoke in support of moooving forward with the approval vote last night -- including Ald. assWsol's 7th ward political benefactor and friend, former Ald. Larry Friel. Friel noted that during the previous process of appointing an Alderman to fill an unexpired term, each ward had two Aldermen, but now with only 1 Alderman per ward the 1st has been without any dedicated aldermanic representation since the mayoral election.

The Council voted 2 (Wsol and Carey) to 4 (Bach, DiPietro, Allegretti and Ryan) not to defer the matter.

After questioning on various public policy issues from the Alderidiots, the final vote to approve Mr. Joseph Sweeney as the new 1st ward Alderman was unanimous. Alderman Sweeney was given the oath of office by City Cluck Betty Henneman and took his seat at the Council horseshoe.


City attorney Buzz Hill explained some parliamentary requirements for the Council's vote regarding Mayor Schmidtzkrieg's veto of the over-budget contributions to community groups. It seems it was necessary for the Council to first vote to reconsider the issue before voting to override the Mayor's veto. So, in a vote of 6 (Bach, Allegretti, Ryan, Carey, Wsol and Sweeney) to 1 (DiPietro), the Council voted to reconsider the matter.

The Council then moved to the issue of the veto. Ald. Frank AssWsol motioned to vote to override Schmidtzkrieg's veto. Again, three members of the audience rose to speak and urge the Alderidiots not to be fiscally irresponsible and override the Mayor's veto, but the effort fell on deaf ears.

During the Council discussion, Ald. AssWsol cited "proof" from the United Way as to the "return on investment" each contribution should earn -- according to Ald. AssWsol's United Way source, each $1 "investment" returns approximately $6 - $8 to the community.

The PRU Crew laughed heartily when hearing about this -- apparently Ald. AssWsol isn't aware of quite how the United Way makes its money or how it measures "return on investment." Truly, we had tears in our eyes!

We're unwilling to do the necessary research and accumulation of cyber sources for the sole purpose of discounting AssWsol's "proof", but we invite readers to go Googling for more in-depth discussions -- here are some key words: franchise, copyrights, licensing. Enjoy!

Mayor Schmitzkrieg explained that he feels the Council is being fiscally irresponsible by choosing to add to the City's budget deficit in an amount over the original 2009/2010 approved budget. Schmidtzkrieg also noted that for all the Alderidiot's talk of concern for social services, when given the choice of adopting an alternative plan that would ensure contributions for those in need but limit contributions for those groups that do not deal with those in need, the Council chose to ignore the alternative and instead spend money the City does not have.

In a final vote of 5 (Bach, Allegretti, Ryan, Carey and Wsol) to 2 (Sweeney and DiPietro) the Council voted to override Mayor Schmidtzkrieg's veto of the over-budget taxpayer contributions to community groups.


The final low light of last night's Council meeting was the vote to approve a contract for the replacement of the chiller unit for the City Hall air conditioner. Mayor Schmidtzkrieg asked Public Works Director Wayne Zingsheim again what his thoughts are about the impending collapse of the unit, and again Zingsheim detailed the guesses being made about the system's ability to survive as needed throughout the summer months. The Mayor then asked City Manager Jim Hock for assurances that federal grant money would be forthcoming and if the purchase of a new a/c unit would qualify for reimbursement from such a grant. The Mayor also tasked Mr. Hock with finding a commensurate cut within the current budget should the grant money fail to appear as promised.

In a final vote to approve the contract, the Alderidiots voted 6 (DiPietro, Allegretti, Ryan, Carey, Wsol and Sweeney) to 1 (Bach). Our sources tell us this may not be a done deal and that the Mayor is again considering a veto for this unbudgeted expenditure.


The last item of business on the Council agenda was whether or not to pass an ordinance requiring commercial property owner's to clear sidewalks of snow. Such an ordinance would carry with it a fine of up to $50 per day that a commercial property owner remains in violation of the ordinance. Ald. AssWsol, not getting his way on his first effort to defer a vote, again offered a motion to defer the vote. The Council then voted unanimously to defer the issue.

There now, feel better AssWsol? You got one!

And there you have it people -- our recap roulette of last night's Council meeting! We thank you for your patience today!

You Know The Drill!

There's a Council meeting tonight! On the agenda (.pdf) are some items of interest -- approval of a new Aldermonkey for the 1st ward and consideration of Mayor Schmidtzkrieg's veto of contributions to community groups.

We hope to have a recap for PRU readers tomorrow!

Let There Be LED Light!

From monkeylectric.com

Have a way cool weekend!

Mr. Television Asks, Are You Ready?

From the book cover: Old Jewish Comedians by Drew Friedman

Tomorrow is D-Day! As in the switch to digital televison day and we hope everyone in Park Ridge is prepared!

The PRU Crew wrote about this topic in May 2008 in our post Mr. Television Wants You To Know! The original February 2009 deadline was delayed by the Obama administration, but tomorrow's deadline will be met.

Bloomberg.com reports "Beginning early in the morning and ending by midnight, 974 TV stations, including those in the largest cities, will stop sending the analog signals used since the birth of TV, according to the Federal Communications Commission."

Again we want to remind people if you know of a neighbor or friend who may be caught unawares or for whom the costs of the switch may be prohibitive, please check out the links provided below and see if you can lend a hand.

General information can be obtained here - http://www.dtv.gov

A full-service help center is located here -- Arlington Hts. support center

Good luck!

Another Healthful Reminder!

To District 64 Grade 8 Parents & Staff:

We are writing with an update regarding an increase in the number of grade 8 students reporting influenza-like illnesses and to request your cooperation as we prepare for promotion ceremonies tomorrow.

We realize that the promotion ceremony is an important milestone in your child’s life. However, we must ask you to comply with recommended health guidelines in consideration of your own child’s health as well as the hundreds of other students, family members and District 64 staff who will be present at these events.

This means that students must be fever-free for 24 hours prior to the time of the ceremony to participate. Students who have a fever and other flu symptoms must remain at home. Please consult with your physician if you have any questions about your child’s illness and his/her ability to participate. We also encourage you to review cough/sneeze etiquette with your children and the principles of hand hygiene, as explained in detail on our Web site at this link: http://www.d64.org/page.php?pid=389

As a precaution, District 64 staff will not offer the customary congratulatory handshake or hug to students as they receive their diplomas tomorrow evening while on stage.

For students who are unable to participate due to illness, the Board of Education will officially present their certificates at the Monday, July 13 meeting. Please contact the Superintendent’s office at 847-318-4300 if you would like your child to participate at this alternate event.

Thank you for your cooperation in our efforts to promote the good health of all members of the District 64 community.

Sally Pryor, Superintendent
Margaret Petkofski, RN, Facilitator, School Health Services

Our thanks to a PRU reader for the submission

Council COW Round Up!

Mayor Schmidtzkrieg called last night's Council COW to order and our representatives got down to business.

As usual, the meeting agenda contained a line item allowing citizens to address the Council on non-agenda items -- Mr. Dave Areen took the opportunity to discuss the vacant property at Greenwood and Northwest Hwy., stating he believes the large swath of land in that area could be used for an underground water retention facility to relieve some of the flooding in the area. Nice thinking, Mr. Areen!

The Council then moved on to the Public Works portion of the meeting.

The Council COW members present -- Ryan and Carey were both absent -- voted unanimously to approve the contract for Traffic Controls and Street Light Maintenance.

The next item of business was approval of the low bid for replacement of the condenser unit for the City Hall air conditioning system. Public Works Director Wayne Zingsheim said the low bid for replacement of the system came in $4,000 less than the original proposal he previously presented to the Council and that no bids were received for only repair to the system.

City Manager Jim Hock told the Council that the cost of this unbudgeted item may be eligible for reimbursement from a $158,000 grant expected to be received by the City of Park Ridge from the federal government.

Both Aldermen Don Bachtard (3rd ward) and the 2nd ward's Lord of the Manor, Rich DiPietro asked Mayor Schmidtzkrieg if he considered this expenditure to be a matter of emergency spending and if the Mayor would otherwise veto this expenditure.

Mayor Schmidtzkrieg questioned Director Zingsheim at length about whether or not the City Hall system would breakdown. Zingsheim answered that, "That is the $64 thousand dollar question" and that his recommendation is to put in a new system now and avoid an emergency situation.

Director of Economic Development Kim Uhlig repeatedly reassured the Council that this expenditure would meet the federal requirements for showing energy savings and would be reimbursable from the expected federal grant.

Mayor Schmidtzkrieg again asked the Director of Public Works if it is "more likely than not the air conditioning system would fail" and Zingsheim again said he believes it is "more likely than not" that the system will soon fail and require replacement.

Alderman Bachtard expressed his grave concerns for adding to the budget deficit at this time and that he would rather "roll the dice" and take the risk when the matter is "not an emergency yet."

The Council COW then voted 3 (Allegretti, DiPietro and Wsol) to 1 (Bach) to approve replacement of the City Hall air conditioning unit.

Next up the Council discussed passage of and ordinance that will require businesses to remove snow from sidewalks. Seventh ward Alderman Frank Wsooooolman suggested changing the wording of the ordinance to say "commercial property" and that he is concerned that city staff has the discretion to issue daily tickets for non-compliance with the proposed ordinance.

Alderman Jim Allspaghetti expressed his concern that passing this ordinance may "create a cause of action" should a commercial property owner fail to remove any naturally accumulating snow. Both the City Attorney Buzz Hill and Mayor Schmidtzkrieg agreed that the ordinance could add language that specifically says the ordinance does not create a cause of action.

Alderman Wsol again asked if there are any other instances where city staff has discretion over the amount of fines and City Attorney Hill said there were but that it has been the City's policy, when issuing daily fines for non-compliance, to issue those tickets at the minimum.

The Council COW then voted unanimously to approve the ordinance.

The next item on the agenda, related to snow removal, was another plea from Public Works Director Zingsheim to change the current snow removal ordinance and allow Public Works to issue warnings and then tickets to people who plow or shovel snow into the street, after Public Works plows have cleared the roadway. Council members found the ordinance as written to be problematic -- Ald. DiPietro offered that whenever residents get wind of what the Council is proposing on this issue they then "come to enlighten the Council" on the issue, and for that reason Ald. DiPietro has opposed this ordinance during the 3 previous times it has been offered. The PRU Crew tried hard not to laugh when we read that in our source reports.

On the matter of passing and ordinance to make it unlawful to deposit snow from a public or private area onto the public way, the Council chose to defer the matter and allow city staff to try to more precisely word the ordinance.

The next item of business was to approve the placement of 11 parking meters along the North side of Summit Avenue, east of Washington Ave. Public Works Director Zingsheim assured the Council this would not add any expense to the current budget since the meters are in stock and staff is present during the day anyway, so there wouldn't be any additional labor costs involved.

The Council COW then voted unanimously to install the new meters.

The Council COW also voted unanimously to approve the mandatory sidewalk replacement plan -- with City Engineer Sarah Mitchell noting there are currently about 1000 sidewalks squares which meet the city rating for mandatory replacement.

The Council COW then discussed various flooding and traffic issues on Western Avenue, Touhy to Elm as well as hearing updates from the Public Works Director about flood control plans in other towns. Zingsheim noted that both Palatine and Arlington Hts. have subsidy plans that allow for city reimbursement of up to $5000 for private homeowners who install overhead sewer systems.

The PRU Crew feels using public funds to subsidize private property improvements is a very bad idea. We are told the Lord of the Manor noted the City of Park Ridge has provided this very option in the form of facade improvement grants to commercial properties, so this may be something to consider. Alderman Bachtard also strongly expressed his support for this idea.

The PRU Crew rests our case. Bad idea.

The Public Safety portion of the agenda was up next for Council COW discussion and, as expected, the Council COW unanimously approved an ordinance restricting use of skateboards in the underground parking garage.

Next, Hoopty Lou Jogman, who was sitting in for acting Police Chief Tom Swoboda, updated the Council on some IDOT issues with Red Speed's efforts to install red light cameras in Park Ridge. Hoopty Lou said Red Speed expects the cameras will be up and running by August.

The PRU Crew has previously stated our opinions of both red light cameras and Hoopty Lou -- 'nuff said.

The last item on the Council COW agenda brought kudos from Council COW members for Mayor Schmidtzkrieg's Flood Control Task Force, with Aldermen noting that to date the task force is populated with impressive talent which it is hoped will lead to workable suggestions for flooding controls.

Finally, Ald. Bachtard offered a brief update of on an O'Hare, ONCC, and FAA issue involving the FAA's reconsideration of the 65DNL sound level used to measure jet noise disruptions over communities. Ald. Bachtard noted that Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and the ONCC has pressed the FAA for this re-review of the matter.

The PRU Crew is wondering why Congresswoman Schakowsky didn't lock in this effort by insisting her proposed amendment to the 2009 FAA Re-authorization bill be made a part of that law? Not that we don't trust big hulking federal bureaucracies, but we don't.

There you go people! Your regular Council COW round up!

Worth Another Look!

To all the recent Park Ridge graduates, at all levels of education, congratulations!

The above video is of one of the best commencement speeches ever delivered; it's worth watching, again.

Our wish for you is that you find what you love -- stay hungry -- stay foolish.

While our Maine South Seniors begin their Commencement this evening at 7:00 pm at the Rosemont Theater, our City Council will be conducting another COW meeting at City Hall, also beginning at 7:00 pm.

Don't Drop The Soap!

Found on Gizmodo.com

Brass Knuckle Soap!

What will they think of next?

The PRU Crew is feeling generous today. We think we'll pitch in and buy a case of these for former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich as a parting gift for his eventual, all-expenses-paid vacation from society, courtesy of the Feds.

Stay clean and have a great weekend!

House Of Cards!

Just about everywhere one reads the news, the talk of the day is the economy. And foreclosures. And people losing their homes. The PRU Crew doesn't know anyone who hasn't felt the pinch.

In last week's Pioneer Local there was a story about Foreclosures rising fastest in northern suburbs. On the same day as the Pioneer article appeared, we published a piece about vacant homes and the necessity for enforcement of the City's property maintenance code. Also, at last Monday's City Council meeting, City Manager Jim Hock reminded the Council of the City's property maintenance code, and City staff and the Council discussed the problems of neglected properties.

However, failing to make mortgage payments isn't the only way someone can lose their home. Failing to pay property taxes is another way a homeowner can lose their property.

On July 16, 2009 beginning at 8:30 a.m. the 2007 Annual Tax Sale for delinquent property tax liens will take place. The annual tax sale is the County's attempt to move delinquent properties back onto the property tax generating rolls and collect past due payments.

When people fail to pay their taxes, we all suffer and have to pick up the slack.

Of course nobody is immune to the problems in the economy and, according to the Cook County Treasurer's records, there are a number of Maine Township properties set to be sold for delinquent taxes -- properties like the one below --



Property PIN number 09-27-414-018-0000

According to the Cook County Treasurer, former Mayor Howard P. Frimark failed to pay his 2007 2nd installment property tax bill, and it looks like he's failed to pay his 2008 1st installment property tax bill too.

After over-seeing two consecutive years of millions of dollars in deficit spending by the City of Park Ridge we find former Mayor Howard hasn't managed to keep his personal accounts in order either.

Somehow, we aren't surprised.

It's Getting Crowded In There!

For most people who find themselves in the position of experiencing something from a different point of view, that experience is often idiomatically referred to as "the shoe being on the other foot."

For 4th ward Alderman Jim Allspaghetti, it appears the other shoe is in his mouth -- as evidenced by a report in today's Journal and Topics.

The report notes, as we recapped for you yesterday, "Ald. Allspaghetti complained about the candidates [for replacement of the 1st ward alderman] appearing before Schmidt's committee instead of the council. "We had no input and as Mayor Schmidt has said, he selected this candidate from input he had from four members of some commission he selected."

The Lord of the Manor, Ald. Rich DiPietro diplomatically corrected Allspaghetti's recall -- or lack thereof -- and urged that the Council minutes for the meeting, at which Allspaghetti was appointed, be furnished to current Council members.

We think you should get to see those minutes too --

Council Min 6605

It looks to us as if Allspaghetti has trouble remembering the things he does and the events he participates in. That must be why Allspaghetti, along with former Mayor Howard, forgot to mention the pre-appointment $300 campaign contribution Allspaghetti made to Frimark's mayoral effort.

The PRU Crew doesn't believe a campaign contribution of $300 would have been a good enough reason to keep Allspaghetti off the Council. But we do feel the failure to disclose the contribution during the appointment process sure does raise some red flags and reveal the characters of those involved.

We sure are glad that particular bit of history isn't repeating itself.

A Not So Quickie Council Roundup!

Last night's City Council meeting may have been a short affair, but it wasn't all that sweet.

The bulk of discussion occurred under the Mayor's report. After Mayor Schmidtzkrieg read 2 proclamations and 1 resolution, he then introduced the new CEO of Lutheran General Hospital, Mr. David Stark. Mr. Stark made some nice comments about both the hospital and Park Ridge.

Mayor Schmidtzkrieg then moved on to reading his memo regarding the appointment of Mr. Joseph Sweeney to fill out the remainder of the term for 1st ward Alderman. The City Attorney Buzz Hill said the Council must act on the appointment within 30 days. Fourth ward Ald. James Allspaghetti asked when "30 days" began. Mr. Hill answered, "30 days begins now."

Mayor Schmidtzkrieg then read his memo detailing his reasons for vetoing the Council's spending amendment for community groups -- reiterating the City's financial crisis and warning the Council that he would veto every amendment to the City budget for increased, non-emergency spending if such an amendment was not accompanied by a commensurate revenue stream or expenditure cut.

The City attorney said that both State law and our local ordinances are "effective to make this veto" and that the matter will "appear for reconsideration at the next City Council meeting."

Mr. Hill also offered that there seemed to be a conflict between the language of the "3 P" manual -- the City's manual of "Practices, Procedure and Policy" -- which indicates a veto may be overridden by a vote of 5 Aldermen, while the municipal code indicates a veto may be overridden by a vote of 2/3 of the Aldermen "holding office." Mr. Hill indicated that he strongly believes "the latter applies" and is consistent with State statute.

The 2nd ward's Lord of the Manor, Rich DiPietro then asked if the "official notification begins tonight" for the veto. Mr. Hill indicated yes it did and that the matter "must be acted upon at the next meeting."

Next up, Mayor Schmidtzkrieg indicated that the City Attorney is still figuring out how the Mayor can give back his salary to the City. In the mean time, Mayor Schmidtzkrieg has received his first mayoral paycheck and is going to be purchasing a video camera for that City so that meetings can be taped and then uploaded for viewing on the City website. This drew applause from audience members in attendance.

In other Mayoral news, Schmidtzkrieg indicated that former Public Works Director Joe Saccomanno has agreed to chair the Mayor's Flood Control Task Force, and Mayor Schmidtzkrieg has attended two ribbon cuttings for the opening of the new Dominic's Kitchen Store and Amphora Spa.

Our sources tell us Mayor Schmidtzkrieg then seemed to jokingly state that he has unilaterally decided to extend the Shop Park Ridge effort for another 30 days. In a more serious tone, Mayor Schmidtzkrieg then added that it is important to show prospective businesses that businesses already here in town are successful.

Benedict Alderman Ryan discussed the number of complaints he's received regarding neglected properties, especially the Napleton properties. Ryan indicated that he'd talked to the property manager but had not gotten any reasonable response and he wanted to know "what can we do?" The PRU Crew is wondering if Benedict Ryan has bothered to also contact Norwood builders about the unsightly condition of the Executive Office Plaza?

Ms. Carrie Davis, Director for Community Preservation and Development, said that the 2 Health Dept. officers the City has to rely on are trying to do their best and that the City sends out notices of violation. Ald. Ryan pressed on wanting to know what the City can do. Ms. Davis finally stated that the City can take action to remedy problems for neglected properties , issue fines, and place liens on properties of owners who are non-complaint.

The Mayor then asked about the vacant houses in the planned but as yet un-built Heinz development on Northwest Hwy. at Greenwood. Ms. Davis said the City is "tracking those properties." Schmidtzkrieg pressed on, asking if the development is moving forward. Ms. Davis said she didn't know, but her opinion is that the plan probably wouldn't move forward, and that "July is the time limit for the Heinz development."

City Manager Jim Hock's report included, in addition to closed session requests, his taking the opportunity to remind everyone about the property maintenance code and that the City is attempting to enforce the provisions in the code. Mr. Hock also said that the City appreciates anyone with a complaint or information forwarding it to the City for action.

Mr. Hock also responded to an earlier request from the Mayor asking what kind of percentage water rate increase would be needed to "get rid of" the deficit in the water fund. Mr. Hock said the water rate would have to be increased another 7% -- an average of $27 per homeowner -- to alleviate the projected water fund deficit. Mayor Schmidtzkrieg thanked Mr. Hock for the information and then urged the Council to do exactly that.

Under "Citizens Wishing To Address The City Council On A Non-Agenda Item", the Director of the Center of Concern, Mr. Mary Shurder asked about the Mayor's veto and the effect it would have on the funding for community groups, asking if it meant "starting over again?" The Mayor responded, "No, if the veto is upheld it would get the City back to the funding level passed in the April budget." The Mayor also said there is the possibility that Alderman DiPietro's "alternative plan", which reduces funding to groups not providing for human needs could also be considered." Ms. Shurder then reiterated her understanding that the veto is merely a veto of the change, not elimination of funding for community groups.

Under New Business, the 6th ward's Unfriendly Ghost Tom Carey said he was concerned with a lack of communication from the Mayor with the Council on such things as appointment of a replacement 1st ward Alderman, wondering how it is that the Mayor can name people to a flood control task force and to whom does the task force report, and the video taping of Council meetings. The Unfriendly Ghost indicated he had hoped for a "more collaborative effort."

The Mayor indicated that he had widely publicized the flood control task force and had not been keeping that secret, and he didn't believe there would be a cost to video taping the Council meetings but if there was he would certainly inform the Council. The Mayor also repeated that 2 years ago every member of the Council, except one, had agreed that video taping Council meetings was a good idea. The Mayor then asked Ald. Carey if he now thought video taping Council meetings wasn't a good idea. The Unfriendly Ghost said he, "didn't have an opinion at this time."

The PRU Crew is wondering if the Unfriendly Ghost has forgotten the things he has previously voted for -- like giving the Mayor appointment powers?

Alderman Don Bachtard (3rd ward) asked the City Attorney if video taping Council meetings required Council action. Mr. Hill said, "No, it would not. The City Council can voice their objection but the law allows the video taping of open meetings."

Ald. Allspaghetti asked if there would be "staff time devoted to getting video online?" Mayor Schmidtzkrieg said he believes the process is simple and shouldn't involve any lengthy staff time.

Ald. Frank Wsooooolman (7th ward) thanked City Engineer Sarah Mitchell for her work in putting together the contract for Council approval for the water main projects.

The last bit of Council fun then came with Benedict Ald. Ryan's saying they are all "getting used to the transparency thing." He wanted to know how the process worked for selecting the Mayor's appointment for a 1st ward Alderman, and he said he wanted to see the resumes of the other candidates. Mayor Schmidtzkrieg said he would see to it that the resumes were provided to any interested Aldermen. When the Aldermen were asked who was interested, only Benedict Ryan and Allspaghetti said they are.

Benedict Ryan then said he believed Ald. Allspaghetti went through a similar situation, at which time Ald. Allspaghetti began to detail a "vetting process" distinctly different from the actual vetting process he, himself, went through -- completely failing to remember that until former Mayor Howard named him as his replacement, Allspaghetti was not vetted by the City Council.

The Lord of the Manor, Ald. DiPietro said as much and asked that the City Council minutes for the appointment of Allspaghetti to the Council be provided to the current Aldermen.

The Council then adjourned to closed session to discuss personnel matters -- collective bargaining issues and hiring.

The PRU Crew feels the compromise being struck on personnel wage issues is a workable solution to some of the City's current fiscal problems, and we are reservedly pleased with what we hear about the new Chief of Police.

Welcome aboard the crazy train, Chief K.

Update -- Here's the formal announcement about the new Park Ridge Chief of Police.

Crack that whip! Whip it! Whip it good!

The City of Park Ridge will be 100 years old next year. The first City Council meeting was held on July 7, 1910. The PRU Crew is wondering if in all that time any Mayor has ever exercised the legal power of his veto.

Well people, there is a first time for everything -- and we may have on tonight's City Council agenda (.pdf) what could possibly be the first Mayoral veto of a City Council action in the history of Park Ridge.

Crack that whip! Give the past the slip!

Mayor Schmidtzkrieg has issued a memo to the City Council detailing his reasons for issuing a spending veto -- a spending veto! -- of the Council's decision to approve "contributions to various community groups over and above the amounts specified in the budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year adopted by the City Council on April 20, 2009." (emphasis added)


When somethings going wrong, you must whip it!


We can hardly wait to hear the reports of the Alderspenders tortured justifications for insisting on going over and above the budgeted amount they originally approved, and why it is necessary to override Mayor Schmidtzkrieg's veto, as we expect they will.


It's not too late to whip it, whip it good!


Also available on the City website is another memo from Mayor Schmidtzkrieg naming Mr. Joseph Sweeney as the Mayor's choice to fill the remainder of the term for 1st ward Alderman.

The PRU Crew was very happy to see that Mayor Schmidtzkrieg did the right and honorable thing by disclosing to the Council that Mr. Sweeney was a generous $150 contributor to his campaign. We noticed that campaign disclosure statements weren't due for a few weeks -- you know we try to keep track of those things -- but we were hoping this wouldn't be deja vu all over again! We're very glad it's not.


Get straight! Go forward! Move ahead!


The PRU Crew is looking forward to throwing back a few and coming up with possible monikers for the new Council member -- after we've had a chance to see him in action, and assuming the Council approves this appointment.


No one gets away until they whip it!


Once again people, we hope to have a recap for our faithful PRU readers tomorrow!


Whip it good!