City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met March 9
City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met March 9
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:31 p.m. by Chair Brennan.
2. Roll Call
Committee Members Present: Chair Brennan, Vice Chair Karen Sienko and Alderman Brian Belanger (teleconference)
Absent: None
Elected Officials: None
City Staff Present: Police Chief McLean, Deputy Police Chief Brett Kaczorowski, Elmhurst Fire Chief Dick Dufort Elmhurst History Museum Director David Oberg, City Engineer Ted Sianis
Guests: Christy Sopko and Tom Paravola of the Elmhurst City Centre
3. Public Comment
None
4. Receipt of Written Communications
None
5. Business Before the Committee
A. Minutes of the February 23rd, 2026 meeting of the Public Affairs & Safety Committee
Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the minutes of the February 23rd, 2026 meeting. Alderman Belanger seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.
B. Events that Require City Services
Chair Brennan provided an overview of the referral for the Events that Require City Services. Chief McLean provided an overview of data that was gathered and compiled by City Staff regarding event staffing costs. Conversation among the Committee and City Staff ensued discussing specifics of Rock the Block. Cycling Classic, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade staffing costs. Alderman Belanger asked the Police Department staff if any special events are in the annual police budget. Chief McLean responded that the Police Department does not have a line item for each event, but the staffing costs are included in the overtime budget. Alderman Belanger inquired if that was similar for Public Works. City Engineer Ted Sianis stated it was.
Chair Brennan inquired about the history of the Turkey Trot reimbursement agreement. Chief McLean provided a historical summary of how the Turkey Trot grew in size and moved locations to the downtown area.
Chair Brennan inquired with Elmhurst City Centre staff about the Rock the Block Public Works costs. Tom Paravola stated they pay 100% of electrical costs as well as streets support. Paravola noted that they have not been charged for police services. Chair Brennan inquired about the alcohol sales with Paravola and Paravola noted that the proceeds pay only a portion of their budget for Rock the Block. The Committee noted that this was a good starting point and further conversation would take place at a future meeting.
C. No Mow May
Chair Brennan provided an overview of the No Mow May report and updates completed, noting this is an opt-in program for Elmhurst residents. Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the report. Alderman Belanger seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.
D. ADA Transition Plan Sidewalk Self-Evaluation Services Contract
City Engineer Ted Sianis discussed the ADA Transition Sidewalk Plan with the Committee, noting that this was a self-evaluation plan. Sianis proposed signing a contract with the vendor Deepwalk, which would allow for interns to scan and input data for compliance.
Alderman Sienko inquired if Sianis had a map of where the scanning would start. Sianis stated that the plan would be to target highly trafficked pedestrian areas, schools, and the business districts.
Alderman Belanger inquired about the process of scanning. Sianis stated that the physical scanning would be handled by engineering interns at low staffing costs and Deepwalk would have a project manager holding progress meetings. Chair Brennan inquired about new sidewalks and Sianis stated that all new sidewalks will be ADA compliant when constructed. Conversation ensued about the specifics of pricing and what services Deepwalk was providing.
Chair Brennan stated he would like additional details and follow up on the levels of effort and work Deepwalk completes. Alderman Sienko requested additional information in the report regarding ongoing costs.
Sianis noted that he will add additional detail to the report for ongoing costs, areas to be targeted and prioritized first, processing work by Deepwalk and an estimate on how much $70,000 will complete next year.
Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the report with the additional detail added. Alderman Belanger seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.
E. Neighborhood Traffic Study Number 7
City Engineer Ted Sianis noted that the open house event for Neighborhood Traffic Study 7 was very positive. Sianis provided an overview of the changes that were recommended in the report.
Chair Brennan noted that he spoke with Alderman Jensen, but still needs to speak with Alderman Bram to give both an opportunity to provide direct feedback. Chair Brennan inquired if there were enough funds available to complete all the proposed changes, Sianis stated there is. This topic was postponed until an April meeting.
F. Neighborhood Traffic Study Number 9 (Contract with KLOA)
City Engineer Ted Sianis provided a summary of the request to move forward with Traffic Study for Area 9. Sianis noted that the area near the Wagner Center would be postponed until the completion of the pedestrian bridge.
Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the report. Alderman Belanger seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.
6. Other Business
Alderman Belanger noted he will be absent for the March 23rd meeting.
Chief McLean noted that the St. Patrick’s parade was successful.
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 7:54 p.m.
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