City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met Jan. 26

City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met Jan. 26

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Vice Chair Sienko.

2. Roll Call

Committee Members Present: Vice Chair Karen Sienko and Alderman Brian Belanger

Absent: Chair Brennan

Elected Officials: None

City Staff Present: Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson, Police Chief Michael McLean, Deputy Police Chief Brett Kaczorowski, Elmhurst History Museum Director David Oberg, Fire Chief Dick Dufort, and Communications Manager Michael Queroz, Assistant City Planner Jessica gal

Guests: Michael LoCicero, Elmhurst Walk and Rollers                      

3. Public Comment

None

4. Receipt of Written Communications

Elmhurst Cool Cities provided written communications in favor of a Community Garage Sale, encouraging residents to throw away fewer items.  Elmhurst Cool Cities noted they support eventually eliminating Spring Clean Up days, encouraging residents to find alternatives for their gently used and reusable items by offering Community Garage Sale days.

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Minutes of the January 12th, 2026 meeting of the Public Affairs & Safety Committee

Alderman Belanger motioned to approve the minutes of the January 12th, 2026 meeting. Alderman Sienko seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Absent, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried

B. Explore Elmhurst Trolley

Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson briefed the Committee on previous Elmhurst Trolley program performance and the proposed plan for 2026. Johnson noted that the City has been satisfied with the recommended vendor’s customer service, there are not many trolley companies outside of the City of Chicago, and the recommended vendor did not increase prices from previous years. Johnson provided an overview of prices reductions if the Committee considered reducing operations by (2) hours. Johnson stated he would speak at the next meeting along with IT Director Kravets to compare ridership hours. Alderman Belanger noted that although there is a cost per rider, it is important to look at the program holistically with regards to bringing in patrons to local businesses. Vice Chair Sienko stated the conversation would be continued at the next meeting with further data discussion. 

C. City-wide Garage Sale Referral  

Communications Manager Michael Queroz and the Committee introduced the referral for a City-wide Garage Sale. Vice Chair Sienko noted she has received feedback from other Alderman stating that a garage sale would result in saving trash entering landfills. Alderman Belanger stated he would be interested in receiving information on different levels of involvement that the City could participate in. 

Vice Chair Sienko asked if permits were necessary. Assistant City Manager Johnson stated that the current ordinance allows for (2) garage sales per year, but would recommend amending that ordinance to include the City-wide Garage Sale. Communications Director Michael Queroz stated he would bring back further information on levels of participation, registration, and ensure dates do not conflict with other City events. 

D. Styrofoam packing materials.

Assistant City Planner Jessica Gal and The Committee introduced the referral for Styrofoam Packaging restrictions. Alderman Belanger stated he would like further information on the impact to local businesses and if there are similar bans in place in other communities. Vice Chair Sienko requested information on the percentage of businesses that still use Styrofoam and more information about the potential state legislation taking effect in the future. This topic will be discussed at a future meeting.   

6. Other Business

Elmhurst History Museum Director David Oberg thanked those who participated in the Elmhurst Gives Back blood drive over the weekend. 

Police Chief Michael McLean discussed the community Project Visioning Open House that was held tonight, allowing feedback on architecture and building design.  

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Alderman Belanger and seconded by Vice Chair Sienko. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Absent, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.

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