City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met Feb. 9
City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met Feb. 9
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 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: None
City Staff Present: Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson, Elmhurst Police Chief Michael McLean, Elmhurst Police Deputy Chief Brett Kaczorowski, Elmhurst History Museum Director David Oberg, Fire Chief Dick Dufort, and Communications Director Michael Queroz
Guests: Michael LoCicero, Elmhurst Walk and Rollers
3. Public Comment
None
4. Receipt of Written Communications
None
5. Business Before the Committee
A. Minutes of the January 26th, 2025 meeting of the Public Affairs & Safety Committee
Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the minutes of the January 26th, 2026 meeting. Alderman Belanger seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.
B. Spring Road Business Association Pet Parade
Amy Schiller of the Spring Road Business Association spoke to the Committee about the upcoming proposed Spring Road Business Association Pet Parade to be held on May 16th , 2026. Schiller provided an overview of the event logistics. Alderman Sienko inquired about cost a sharing agreement, it was noted by Deputy Chief Kaczorowski and Chief McLean that this event has not been previously billed and requires minimal staffing compared to events hosted on holidays with a larger footprint, but the decision rests with the Committee.
Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the report. Alderman Belanger seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.
C. Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th
Bob Richards of the Elmhurst Running Club spoke to the Committee about the upcoming proposed 4 on the 4th Race to be held on July 4th, 2026. Chair Brennan inquired about attendee numbers. Richards stated he estimates 1,500 runners and would potentially look at limiting the run if it grows over 1,600. Chair Brennan inquired about residents within the race route being able to get out. Chief McLean noted that this race is a generally serious runners, the closure time is limited, and residents can park outside of the race route before the event.
Alderman Belanger motioned to approve the report. Alderman Sienko seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.
D. Explore Elmhurst Trolley.
Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson and Communications Director Michael Queroz spoke to the Committee about the ridership data and noted that it was uploaded on boardocs for review.
Chair Brennan provided an overview on suggested changes, including a reduction in hours for both the summer program and the holiday program. Alderman Belanger noted that the reduction in hours appeared to be a measured response according to the data provided. Alderman Sienko stated she would like to see additional savings from this program and to cut additional hours.
Conversation ensued regarding a potential cut to an additional hour of operation, noting that Alderman Sienko agreed and Chair Brennan not in agreement. Alderman Belanger stated that he would be open to removing an additional hour from the front end and can see both sides of the argument to any potential cuts. Alderman Sienko stated that when comparing discussions from other committees, the trolley program is a “nice to have” program.
Conversation ensued on the holiday trolley. Chair Brennan noted he was in favor of cutting (2) hours. Alderman Sienko stated she was considering cutting the entire holiday trolley program all together. Alderman Belanger stated he was in favor of shortened hours, but is not in favor of cutting the holiday trolley completely. Alderman Belanger stated he was in favor of shortening the number of weeks and cuts to hours.
Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson noted that he will speak with Aries Charter, but if the City of Elmhurst cuts additional hours beyond what was initially discussed, Aries Charter could change their overall rate and proposal.
Alderman Sienko stated she would like to see a community survey of all residents and not just those who use the trolley. Johnson stated that there have been previous surveys conducted that included questions on the trolley.
Conversation ensued and the Committee agreed to move forward with amending the report to include a reduction in hours and language for a survey. Alderman Belanger motioned to approve the report. Alderman Sienko seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.
E. E-bike and E-Scooter Safety Referral
Chief McLean spoke to the Committee about recent communication from the Illinois Secretary of State seeking further legislation and greater education efforts. Chief McLean noted that House Bill 4840 was introduced recently with additional language for classifications. Chief McLean recommended an approach to focus on Elmhurst specific concerns as it is becoming apparent that state legislation will be introduced soon and notes that our local ordinances are set up to immediately adopt state law.
Chair Brennan noted that if the Committee moves forward with the current report, we run the risk of conflicting with a new state law. Chair Brennan asked the Committee their feelings on reducing the scope and going with the recommendation to align with state laws.
Alderman Sienko stated she agrees with that approach. Alderman Belanger stated that legislation needs to get out sooner than later and hopes more communities get aligned with the state as time goes on.
Michael LoCicero of the Elmhurst Walk and Rollers stated that new state legislation could be months in the making and that other communities that did outright bans will now have to backtrack and confuse residents.
6. Other Business
Chief McLean provided an update on the status of the design of the new police station before the Architecture and Building Committee.
History Museum Director David Oberg spoke about communications and participation for Dan Hampton of the 1985 Chicago Bears to be in a fall exhibit.
Chair Brennan discussed the necessity to have a framework and structure for reimbursement for city events. Chair Brennan noted that there were (2) events in front of the Committee tonight and we rely on previous status quo. Chair Brennan noted intent for introducing an upcoming referral that the Committee can discuss and put forward a recommendation and framework.
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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