City of Elmhurst Development, Planning, & Zoning Committee met Oct. 27
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
Chair Jensen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Present: Jensen, Nardini, Veremis
Absent: None
Staff Present: Bereckis, Franz, Johnson
Elected Officials: None
3. Receipt of Written Communications
None
4. Public Comments
None
5. Business Before the Committee
A. Development, Planning & Zoning Committee Meeting Minutes October 14, 2025
Alderman Veremis made a motion to approve the minutes, with one correction on Jim Rogers name, of the DP&Z Committee on October 14, 2025. Alderman Nardini seconded. Voice vote. Motion passed.
B. Referral – Improvement and Renovation Business Grant Program Review Team Constituency
BDM Bereckis went over the additional information provided on City Centre, LYBA and a general comparison of SSA’s versus business associations. Additionally, per Alderman Nardini’s request more information was added to Board Docs Monday afternoon regarding the history on the City Centre SSA and funding. Alderman Nardini explained he is trying to understand the background on SSA’s. The Committee discussed the 2004 memo on the establishment of the SSA’s and the physical services provided by the SSA that include items such as snow removal, garbage holiday decorations, lighting. It was noted that City Centre also provides marketing events such as Rock the Block and Boo-tiful Saturday and general promotion of the Downtown. City Centre manages the SSA money and their budget includes SSA funds, a small City contribution, and sponsorship opportunities. City Centre has its own Board of Directors that is elected by City Centre members.
Alderman Veremis explained that the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce has been in place for over 100 years and City Centre for several years. They are established organizations with staff and budgets. The LYBA is a newly formed organization operated by business owners without dedicated staff. Alderman Veremis went over the grant process. The differences between business associations, SSA’s, and Chambers of Commerce were discussed. It was noted that a business organization has the goal to drive traffic and visibility to their location. The missions of the City Centre and Chamber of Commerce are broader. The LYBA is a new organization and cannot be compared to City Centre or the Chamber.
Chair Jensen stated that he agreed to be part of the referral because the situation is unique in that LYBA is  a new business association and overlaps with a TIF. After further review and the discussion to date he is not in favor of adding LYBA to the process yet due to it only recently being formed. He noted that it lacks the professional staff that both the Chamber and City Centre have. He noted that there needs to be clear delineation of who should be involved in the marketing grant process. He suggested reviewing again in the future after the organization has become more established. Alderman Veremis referenced the institutional credibility of the Chamber and City Centre.
BDM Bereckis pointed out that the Chamber and City Centre have a staff person on the grant committee, whereas if the LYBA was included it would be a business owner who might also be eligible for grants. In this scenario a competitor could potentially see another business owner’s marketing plan.
Alderman Nardini stated he needs a better understanding of the organizations and grant process before making a decision.
Chair Jensen explained that the Chamber is international organization, and Alderman Veremis provided a summary of the services the Chamber provides such as marketing, membership breakfasts, and educational opportunities.
Discussion will continue at an upcoming meeting. It is anticipated that a report will be completed for the referral.Â
6. Other Business
None
7. Adjournment
Alderman Nardini made a motion to adjourn at 7:59 p.m. Alderman Veremis seconded. Voice vote. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
https://go.boarddocs.com/il/coe/Board.nsf/Public
