City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met Feb. 23
City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met Feb. 23
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Chair Brennan.
2. Roll Call
Committee Members Present: Chair Brennan, Vice Chair Karen Sienko and Alderman Brian Belanger
Absent: None
Elected Officials: Alderman Veremis
City Staff Present: Police Chief McLean, Fire Chief DuFort, Police Deputy Chief Brett Kaczorowski Elmhurst History Museum Director David Oberg, and Communications Director Michael Queroz
Guests: Dan Gibbons of the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot and Michael LoCicero of the Elmhurst Walk and Rollers Working Group
3. Public Comment
Elmhurst Resident Brian Moran spoke to the Committee about being upset with traffic conditions and the traffic study results near his home.
Armaline Moretti of the Elmhurst Walk and Rollers Group spoke to the Committee about pedestrian safety concerns regarding an accident that occurred near Lincoln School
4. Receipt of Written Communications
None
5. Business Before the Committee
A. Minutes of the February 9th, 2025 meeting of the Public Affairs & Safety Committee
Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the minutes of the February 9th, 2026 meeting. Alderman Belanger seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.
B. Twilight Trot 5k
Dan Gibbons spoke to the Committee about the 2nd annual upcoming proposed Dan Gibbons Twiligt Trot 5k to be held on May 30th, 2026. Gibbons stated he will notify residents affected by delivering a flyer twice before the event. Gibbons stated that last year there were 479 runners. Alderman Belanger asked about wording on the notification form to residents, conversation ensued, and the notice will be adjusted to state that any comments can be emailed to City Hall.
Chair Brennan asked if there were any concerns over parking issues in the area. Deputy Chief Kaczorowski stated that the police department posts no parking signs for the fire hydrant side of street to ensure residents still have access to their streets. Chair Brennan asked about reimbursement costs. Gibbons stated that he reimburses the City of Elmhurst for expenses.
Alderman Belanger motioned to approve the report. Alderman Sienko seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.
C. Elmhurst French Market
Communications Manager Michael Queroz spoke to the Committee about the 2026 Elmhurst French Market schedule and operations plans. Queroz noted that it would be the third year of the market, and it is proposed to be held again at 188 W. Parkin in 2026. Queroz noted this would be the last year at this location due to the temporary police station. The Committee discussed that they observed less pedestrian traffic at the market last year.
Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the report. Alderman Belanger seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.
D. E-Bike and e-scooter
Chief McLean spoke to the Committee about a proposed ordinance for E-Bikes and E-Scooters. McLean stated it was important to focus on key points relevant to Elmhurst that were not addressed on a state level. Chief McLean provided an overview of the proposed report. Chair Brennan stated that the intent is to keep everyone safe and implementing now would allow the City of Elmhurst to get proper messaging out.
Alderman Belanger and Alderman Sienko both agreed they would like to move forward with the Committee report as written. Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the report. Alderman Belanger seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.
E. No Mow May
Elmhurst History Museum Director Dave Oberg presented information to the Committee on the No Mow May referral. Oberg thanked Amanda Melone for compiling the information from other communities. Oberg related that most other municipalities have the cut off date as Mother’s Day for No Mow May.
Chair Brennan inquired with Alderman Sienko and Alderman Belanger if they agreed with the concept of a Mother’s Day cut off. All Alderman agreed. Conversation ensued regarding necessary signage and the Committee stated that signage for participation is not necessary but is nice to have. Alderman Veremis recommended placing a notice on Elmhurst Connect. Oberg related he would prepare a report for the next upcoming Committee meeting.
F. Styrofoam Packaging Referral
The Committee directed City Staff to compile additional industry data points for an upcoming meeting.
G. Events that require City services referral
The Committee began discussion regarding reimbursement costs for special events, putting together a framework and recommendation. Chair Brennan stated that the Committee would like to look at City events to see what costs are involved, get as much data as possible, and ensure there is consistency among events. Chair Brennan also noted that they must consider the City of Elmhurst grants received as a part of the conversation.
Chief McLean provided an overview of City events and the evolution and growth of the events over the last 15 years. Alderman Sienko asked if Public Works, Fire, and Police can compile data. Deputy Chief Kaczorowski replied that costs information is retained. Chair Brennan also noted an important part of the conversation is to look at where proceeds of the events go. Alderman Sienko inquired about adding the additional (2) signatures to the referral. Chair Brennan noted that Alderman Talluto and Nardino’s signature will be added. This topic will be discussed at a future meeting.
6. Other Business
Alderman Belanger noted there is a possibility he will be not present at the March 9th meeting.
Chief McLean noted that a $750,000 grant was awarded to the City of Elmhurst for police technologies from Representative Chuy Garcia.
Chair Brennan discussed the intersection of Crescent and Fairfield, noting a complaint about a large tree. The recent collision was discussed and determined the tree did not contribute to the collision.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Alderman Sienko and seconded by Alderman Belanger. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.
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