Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met Feb. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Brennan.

2. Roll Call

Committee Members Present: Chair Brennan, Vice Chair Hall, Alderman Nardini

Absent:           

Elected Officials: Mayor Levin                          

City Staff Present: City Manager James Grabowski, Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson, Fire Chief Dick Dufort, Police Chief Michael McLean, Deputy Police Chief Brett Kaczorowski, Communications Manager Kassondra Schref, Business Development Coordinator Heather Bereckis

Guests: Patricia Hudson, Lena Cuevas, Rosa Carmona, Pete DiCianni, Marc Molina, Peter Richey

3.  Public Comment

Patricia Hudson spoke about her concern for safety at the intersection of York and Diversey. Hudson stated her mother was fatally struck by a motor vehicle while crossing the street. Hudson requested the City of Elmhurst take further safety measures at the intersection.

Lena Cueves spoke about her concern for safety at the intersection of York and Diversey. Cuevas stated she frequently sees children running across the street and requested a camera in the area as well as other safety measures. 

Rosa Carmona spoke about her concern for safety at the intersection of York and Diversey. Carmona stated that the intersection is very wide and is nerve-wracking for elderly and children to cross.

Pete DiCianni spoke about his concern for safety at the intersection of York and Diversey. DiCianni stated he is making a formal request to address safety issues in the area. DiCianni requests that the area is safer and walkable.   

4. Receipt of Written Communication

None

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Minutes of the January 22nd, 2024 meeting of the Public Affairs & Safety Committee

Alderman Hill motioned to approve the minutes of the January 22nd, 2024 meeting. Alderman Nardini seconded. Roll call vote:  Chair Brennan Aye, Nardini Aye, Hill Aye. Motion carried.

B.  Elmhurst University Bluejay 5k

Marc Molina from Elmhurst University and Peter Richy from Honor Flight Chicago appeared before the Committee to discuss the proposed 2024 inaugural Elmhurst University Bluejay5k. The race will take place on Saturday, April 27th and will showcase the University campus as well as the Collegeview neighborhood for a 5k run that benefits the Veteran’s program Honor Flight Chicago. Alderman Nardini motioned to approve the report. Chair Brennan seconded. Roll call vote:  Chair Brennan Aye, Nardini Aye, Hill Abstain. Motion carried.

C.  Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th

Adam Krzemkowski of the Elmhurst Farmer’s Market appeared before the Committee to discuss the upcoming 2024 Elmhurst Farmer’s Market. The 2024 Market will be held every Wednesday starting June 5th until October 30th. Alderman Hill motioned to approve the report. Alderman Nardini seconded. Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Nardini Aye, Hill Aye. Motion carried.

D.  Liquor Classification and Fees Update

Business Development Coordinator Heather Bereckis spoke about Liquor Classification and Fees update, noting a streamlined approach with updated definitions on liquor classifications. Alderman inquired about the percentage increases in fees. Bereckis related that the approach is revenue neutral and will simplify the process.  Further information to be presented at an upcoming meeting.  

E.  French Market Discussion

Communications Manager Kassondra Schref discussed the proposed 2024 Elmhurst French Market. The French Market would be hosted in the parking lot adjacent to 180 W. Park and would be on Sundays from June through October with approximately 40 vendors on a 1 year trial basis. Alderman Nardini motioned to approve the report. Alderman Hill seconded. Roll call vote:  Chair Brennan Aye, Nardini Aye, Hill Aye. Motion carried.

E.  Explore Elmhurst Trolley Referral

Communications Manager Kassondra Schref discussed the plans for the 2024 Explore Elmhurst Trolley.  Alderman Hill spoke of the recommendation for a stop to be added to Beren’s Park. Conversation ensued discussing objectives and benefits of the Explore Elmhurst Trolley program and the value of the software that was recently utilized to count ridership and stops. The Committee agreed to generate a report at the next meeting. 

6. Other Business

City Manager Grabowski inquired about the week of March 25 through March 29th. The Committee noted that there would not be a meeting for Public and Safety Affairs that week. 

City Manager Grabowski also announced the Open House for the upcoming Neighborhood Traffic Studies on February 28th, from 5pm-7pm, noting that a letter would be sent to residents in each ward being studied.  Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson spoke about an upcoming look at crosswalk improvements in the area of York and Van Buren. 

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Alderman Hill and seconded by Alderman Nardini. Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Nardini Aye, Hill Aye, motion carried. Meeting adjourned 8:38 p.m.

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