City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met Nov. 24
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: City Manager Jim Grabowski, Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson, Police Chief Michael McLean, Deputy Police Chief Brett Kaczorowski, Elmhurst History Museum Director David Oberg, Fire Chief Dick Dufort, City Engineer Ted Sianis, and Communications Michael Queroz
Guests: Marylin Krolak of the Dupage Senior Citizen’s Council and Alison Dondlinger of the Public Arts Commission
3. Public Comment
None
4. Receipt of Written Communications
None
5. Business Before the Committee
A. Minutes of the November 10th, 2025 meeting of the Public Affairs & Safety Committee
Alderman Belanger motioned to approve the minutes of the November 10th, 2025 meeting. Alderman Sienko seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.
B. Dupage Senior Citizens Commission Request
Marylin Krolak of the Dupage Senior Citizen’s Council appeared before the Committee to discuss the request for funding for the DuPage Senior Citizen’s Council in the amount of $50,000. Chair Brennnan asked about the current funding gap and Krolak explained that the funding statistics are prepared based on the usage in Elmhurst, additionally Krolak states the organization does it’s own fundraising. Chair Brennan noted that in previous years, the funding gap has been larger than $50,000. Krolak stated that federal funding has been difficult and unpredictable to obtain. Additionally, Krolak states that the organization anticipates usage to be on the rise due to the aging of “baby boomers.”
Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the report. Alderman Belanger seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.
C. Public Arts Commission Request
Alison Dondlinger of the Public Arts Commission presented information to the committee on the recommendation to purchase the Bessie Coleman sculpture by artist Bernard Williams, originally part of the Crossings temporary exhibit at the Elmhurst Art Museum/Wilder Park for $20,000. Dondlinger noted that it currently sits on Elmhurst Park District property by approximately 4 feet, would cost approximately $2,500-$5,000 to move the piece onto City of Elmhurst property, but preliminary conversations with the Park District were favorable to allow the piece to remain on their property.
Alderman Belanger inquired what the full budget was for art for Explore Elmhurst. Assistant City Manager Johnson noted it was $20,000. Chair Brennan stated that this $20,000 intended for this project is a carry-over budget amount that was not spent from the previous year.
Alderman Belanger asked about the other projects of the Public Arts Commission. Dondlinger noted that the partnership with the City of Elmhurst is new, but they recently worked on the Olmec Spring road project and the parking garage mural.
Chair Brennan inquired about the price being set at $20,000 by the artist relative to the set budget amount. Dondlinger noted that the cost of the sculpture is significantly more than $20,000, but the artist has agreed to discount the price.
Chair Brennan noted that the sculpture was permanently installed and inquired who the sculptures currently belong to. Dondlinger stated they belong to the artist and it is common for outdoor exhibits to be installed permanently due to the weather. Dondlinger noted that if the sculpture was not purchased, it would be possibly moved to another location. Dondlinger stated it was the intention of the Public Arts Commission to also explore purchasing the additional sculpture by Bernard Williams in the same location.
Chair Brennan requested further conversation at a future meeting. Chair Brennan requested that the report should reflect the actual undiscounted price and that it include location details with the Elmhurst Park District. This topic will be discussed at a future meeting.
D. Renewal of O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission IGA
City Manager Grabowski provided an overview to the Committee of the City of Elmhurst’s membership in the O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission. Grabowski stated that the City of Elmhurst has been a member since 2014-2015 and recommends the City renew the agreement. Chair Brennan agreed, noting that it is important to stay engaged with our concerns to ensure noise does not increase. Alderman Sienko inquired how often we renew this agreement. Grabowski stated that we renew every 5 years.
Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the report. Alderman Belanger seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.
E. Neighborhood Traffic Study # 6
City Engineer Ted appeared before the Committee to discuss the updated report for Neighborhood Traffic Study #6. Sianis stated that 2 bullet points should have been removed from the previous report presentation.
Alderman Belanger motioned to approve the report. Alderman Sienko seconded. Voice vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.
6. Other Business
Chair Brennan inquired that during each traffic study, there has been a recommendation that the yield signs are changed to stop signs. Chair Brennan asked if this is something that is going to be done either way, should we just move forward now with the replacement. City Engineer Sianis stated that there is value to looking at neighborhoods individually for their traffic needs and concerns instead of making a blanket change.
Chair Brennan stated he was impressed and happy with the current Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons that have been installed and inquired about the budget remaining for this year and future installations. Sianis stated that the next location planned for this year is St. Charles and Arlington, but the City has experienced dependability issues and is reviewing options for manufacturers.
Chair Brennan also noted that the City should consider adding additional signage such as a stop line or reflective bar to the stop sign at Euclid and McKinley.
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 8:21 p.m.
https://go.boarddocs.com/il/coe/Board.nsf/Public
