City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met May 22.
Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Committee: Chairman Scott Levin, Alderman Dannee Polomsky, Alderman Bob Dunn
Elected Officials: Patty Spencer
Staff: Police Chief Michael Ruth, Fire Chief Thomas Freeman, Deputy Chief of Police Robert Tannehill, Deputy Fire Chief William Anaszewicz, Museum Director Brian Bergheger
Guests: John Quigley, Mike LoCicero, Jennifer Gullang (Item B)
2. Business Before the Committee
A. 2017 Immaculate Conception Parish Block Party
Chairman Levin presented the request for the IC Parish block party asking if any concerns with public safety or issues from last year. No concerns were voiced from public safety and no issues were brought forward form last year. Report approved and signed by Committee.
B. NEXT Yoga Outdoor Yoga Classes
Jennifer Gullang of NEXT Yoga requested to hold two free 60 minute outdoor yoga classes, one at City Centre Fountain on June 17th, at 12 p.m. and the second at Elmhurst 255 Plaza on July 15th, at 10:30 a.m. Alderman Polomsky asked Gullang to contact City Centre and work out the logistics of using the City Centre Fountain. Gullang was asked to provide a certificate of insurance, which she related she will forward. Chairman Levin asked about public safety issues. Chief Ruth advised Gullang to make sure pedestrian traffic at both locations will not be obstructed. Report approved and sent to Committee for signatures.
C. 2017 Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest
Mike LoCicero of the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation spoke about the 2017 Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest to be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017, on the Museum grounds and the layout is the same as last year, but with an extra tent. LoCicero has limited the purchase to 800 tickets to help keep the event manageable and enjoyable to the participants. LoCicero spoke about the partnership with the Elmhurst Rotary Club and The Elmhurst Heritage Foundation working together to bring on more sponsorship from the local restaurants and bars. Museum Director Brian Bergheger spoke about working closely with Explore Elmhurst Trolley and Metra as convenient transportation to and from the event. Bergheger received positive feedback from local businesses from last year’s event and hopes to continue the positive feedback this year. LoCicero related Red Arrow Tap is planning on being a sponsor along with Pints. LoCicero hopes the people who attend the event will frequent the restaurants in town. Alderman Polomsky asked about donations of the beer and how much would be donated this year. LoCicero advised all the beer was donated the first year of the event and most donated last year and hopes to have the same amount donated this year, but may have to purchase more if there is an increase of patrons. Chairman Levin asked if any issues from last year or public safety problems. Police Chief Ruth advised there were no issues and the Police Department will provide part time officers for the event. Fire Chief Freeman advised no issues on the fire side. Report approved and sent to Committee for signatures.
D. Police Department Purchase of Replacement Vehicles
Police Chief Ruth submitted a report to replace four police vehicles and trade in the ones being replaced. The squad cars to be replaced are PD6, PD7, PD9, and PD15. Alderman Dunn asked how is it determined when to replace a police vehicle. Police Chief Ruth advised Chanel Caron, Fleet Manager for the City of Elmhurst, uses American Public Works Association (APWA) recommended standards for replacement life cycles for vehicles in the City fleet. The City’s revised life cycles of these police vehicles exceeds the APWA standards. Report approved and sent to Committee for signatures.
E. Pending Items Review
The following items were reviewed:
Knights of Columbus-has been addressed
Naming of the PW Facility-tabled for future discussion
Palmer Drive Underpass Electronic sign-Alderman Polomsky advised still need to discuss and how it fits within the Municipal Code
First Street parking and Safety near YMCA-tabled to review with the OPUS plan
Contracted Animal Control Company and Coyote Policy-tabled for future discussion
Trash Removal Hours and Noise Complaints-tabled for future discussion looking into the noise ordinance
Parking Regulations Downtown Elmhurst: Alderman Polomsky spoke about getting more people to park in the City parking garages. John Quigley spoke about allocating spaces in the parking garages for commuters, shoppers and employees of the downtown businesses. Bergheger mentioned Finance Director Trosien monitors the parking concerns in the downtown area.
3. Public Comments:
None
4. Other Business
None
5. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
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