By Heather McDonald

The Park Ridge Village Board tabled discussion on a referendum to determine the future of the Fire Department again, after voting down a stop-gap measure to address what the president has been calling a “public safety issue.”

The board Monday, Sept. 25, voted down a proposal to have the board work with the Fire Department to repair or replace its 1980 Engine 2 for $60,000 on a vote of 2-3. Board members Randy Busch and Steve Bergin approved the proposal, while President Trish Baker and board members Jim Sachs and Gordon Renfert rejected the idea.

“I’m having a little difficulty (with) the recommendation in that the board a month ago decided to have a public referendum about the future of the Fire Department or direction of (fire protection),” Sachs said.

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