City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met Dec. 8
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. by Chair Brennan.
2. Roll Call
Committee Members Present: Chair Michael Brennan, Vice Chair Karen Sienko
Absent: Alderman Brian Belanger
Elected Officials: Mayor Levin
City Staff Present: Assistant City Manager Johnson, Police Chief McLean, Fire Chief Dufort, Communications Manager Queroz, Museum Director Oberg
Guests: Michael LoCicero, Alison Dondlinger, Jason Peot                     Â
3. Public Comment
4. Receipt of Written Communications
None
5. Business Before the Committee
A. Minutes of the November 24, 2025 meeting of the Public Affairs & Safety Committee
Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the minutes. Chair Brennan seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye. Motion carried.
B. Public Arts Commission Request – Bernard Williams Sculpture
Assistant City Manager Johnson briefed the Committee on the Public Art Commission’s request to purchase the Bernard Williams sculpture located near the Elmhurst Art Museum property. Johnson detailed the formal quote valuing the sculpture at $25,000, listing a $5,000 discount, for a total purchase price of $20,000. It was noted the artist would receive $16,000 and the Elmhurst Art Museum would receive $4,000 of the proceeds. $20,000 was budgeted in 2025 for Elmhurst public art. The piece is currently located on park property, therefore, if purchased, the City and Park District would enter into a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the sculpture. Chair Dondlinger and member Peot of the Public Art Commission answered Committee questions about the proposal.
Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the report recommending the purchase. Chair Brennan seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye. Motion carried.
C. Rideshare Access Program Reimbursement Agreement with PACE – 2026
Assistant City Manager Johnson presented the proposal to approve the execution of the Rideshare Access Program Reimbursement Agreement, up to $85,000, for 2026. Johnson explained the program provides subsidized transportation services to seniors and those with disabilities in Elmhurst. The Committee discussed the increase in ridership over the last decade and the decrease in cost per ride as the program transitioned from a scheduled bus and taxi based service to a rideshare app based service. ACM Johnson related a budget of $85,000 was estimated to meet the demand for ridership in 2026. Chair Brennen asked about monthly auditing of the program. ACM Johnson indicated monthly reports are submitted to the City by PACE, however, they generally have a three month reporting delay. Chair Brennan requested the Committee see the end of year/2025 PACE report when available.
Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the report recommending the reimbursement agreement. Chair Brennan seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye. Motion carried.
6. Other Business
None
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Alderman Sienko and seconded by Chair Brennan. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye; motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
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