City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met Nov. 10
City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met Nov. 10
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Brennan.
2. Roll Call
Committee Members Present: Chair Michael Brennan, Vice Chair Karen Sienko, and Alderman Brian Belanger
Absent: None
Elected Officials: None
City Staff Present: Police Chief Michael McLean, Deputy Police Chief Brett Kaczorowski, Elmhurst History Museum Director David Oberg, Fire Chief Dick Dufort, and City Engineer Ted Sianis
Guests: Eric Weech of the Spring Road Business Association
3. Public Comment
Armaline Mirretti spoke about her concerns for snow and ice removal on York road, south of the railroad tracks. Mirretti stated that the conditions are icy when it snows and requests it to be cleared better.
4. Receipt of Written Communications
None
5. Business Before the Committee
A. Minutes of the October 27th, 2025 meeting of the Public Affairs & Safety Committee
Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the minutes of the October 27th, 2025 meeting. Alderman Belanger seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.
B. Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Open Meetings Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06 of the Open Meetings Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21)
History Museum Director Oberg advised the Committee that the City Attorney guidance is for the minutes to remain lawfully closed. Alderman Belanger motioned to approve the guidance of the City Attorney and for the minutes to remain lawfully closed. Alderman Sienko seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.
C. Spring Road Business Association Winter Fest Request
Eric Weech of the Spring Road Business Association presented information to the Committee on the proposed Spring Road Business Association Winter Fest Request to be held on December 13th, 2025 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, closing Prairie Path Lane from Spring Road to Pioneer Park. Alderman Sienko inquired if there were any complaints from residents, Eric stated there was not. Alderman Belanger inquired how many residents were affected, Eric stated that (4) homes are in the street closure area. Chair Brennan inquired if there were additional staffing requirements with other Spring Road events occurring at the same time, Deputy Chief Kaczorowski advised that an officer is staffed at Spring and Prairie Path to assist with additional pedestrian crossings and the road closure. Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the report. Alderman Belanger seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.
D. (1) 2026 Pierce Saber Pumper/Rescue Truck – Draft Report
Fire Chief DuFort briefed the Committee on the purchase of a 2026 Pierce Saber Pumper/Rescue Truck. Chief DuFort noted that this would replace a fire truck that has been in service since 2009. Chief DuFort provided the Committee with an overview of the current Fire Department fleet and usage.
Chief DuFort noted that only several fire trucks are manufactured each year and are difficult to obtain. The Elmhurst Fire Department was able to reserve a fire truck from the manufacturer during the building process. Chief DuFort also noted that it is anticipated that prices will rise in 2027. Chief DuFort requested a suspension of the rules in order to acquire this engine before it is sold to another agency. The Committee inquired about Engine F2 and F3. Alderman Belanger inquired about the trade in value for the current fire truck. Chief DuFort noted the trade in value was $25,000. Chair Brennan and Alderman Belanger asked Chief DuFort to add additional language for trade-in value and detailed description on the 60k equipment cost. Chair Brennan asked if some equipment from the old engine truck would be re-used for the new engine truck. Chief DuFort stated he would transfer some equipment over. Alderman Sienko inquired if this will be purchased with the 2025 budget, Chief DuFort stated it was. The Committee requested that language also be added to the report.
Chair Brennan inquired if a grant was applied for, Chief DuFort noted he is always keeping in mind grants and was able to obtain one for the last fire engine and fire training tower. Chief DuFort stated he would ask about a grant for this purchase.
Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the report with additional language added for trade-in value, detailed description on the 60k equipment cost, and budget roll over details. Alderman Belanger seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.
D. Neighborhood Traffic Study #6
City Engineer Ted Sianis discussed the finalized Neighborhood Traffic Study #6. Sianis noted 2 modifications from the previous presentation 2 weeks ago, the updated crosswalk at Monterey Avenue and Thomas Street adjacent to Pick Park, and the updated high visibility crosswalk at Montrose and Berkeley. Chair Brennan noted he was satisfied with the modifications. Alderman Belanger motioned to approve the report. Alderman Sienko seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.
F. Review of pending list
Elmhurst History Museum Director Oberg provided an overview of the pending list noting the items that will be kept on the list and those that have not yet been discussed at the Committee.
6. Other Business
Chair Brennan inquired about enforcement strategies for the new North Avenue traffic signage. Chief McLean noted that enforcement by officers already has begun.
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 7:56 p.m.
https://go.boarddocs.com/il/coe/Board.nsf/Public