Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met Feb. 13.

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 Deuter.

2. Roll Call

Committee Members Present: Chair Deuter, Alderman Hill, Alderman Nudera

Elected Officials: None

City Staff Present: Fire Chief Bill Anaszewicz, Police Chief Michael McLean Deputy Police Chief James Gandy, Museum Director David Oberg,

Guests: Resident Brian Moran, Elmhurst City Centre Staff Thomas Paravola, Christy Sopko, Kelli Rolston, Public Arts Commission members Betsy Goltermann and Gene Evans, and Elmhurst Walk in Ministry Director Jackie Crnkovich

3. Public Comments

Resident Brian Moran, 553 N. Michigan, spoke to the Committee regarding traffic concerns he had in the area. He commented on cars “cutting thru” from the private property near Michigan/Gladys as well as speeding vehicles and cars not stopping at the stop sign.

4. Receipt of Written Communication

None

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Minutes of the February 27th, 2023 meeting of the Public Affairs & Safety Committee

Alderman Nudera motioned to approve the minutes of the February 27th, 2023 meeting. Alderman Hill seconded. Roll call vote: Chair Deuter Aye, Hill Aye, Nudera Aye. Motion carried.

B. Cue for the Cause

The Committee discussed the written report for the event. The event will consist of the same footprint from previous years. Elmhurst Walk-In Ministry Director Jackie Crnkovich was present to answer any questions. Police have reported no concerns in previous years, and Chair Deuter confirmed fencing/barriers will be utilized to separate the event space.

Alderman Hill motioned to approve the report, Alderman Nudera seconded. Roll Call Vote: Chair Deuter Aye, Hill Aye, Nudera Aye. Motion carried.

C. Umbrella Sky Project

Tom Paravola, Executive Director for Elmhurst City Centre, made a request to utilize two additional City of Elmhurst properties for the purpose of hanging the “Umbrella Sky Project” public art display and the secondary purpose of creating holiday season light displays over winter. The two properties requested to utilize were at 110 Cottage Hill and the N. York Street stage area at the Elmhurst 255 complex. Tom Paravola explained the plan was to utilize the space for a three -year arc, but the current request was only for a 12- month period. Chair Deuter asked questions regarding the strength of the structure as well as the actual umbrellas. Chair Deuter confirmed with Tom Paravola the funding for the project was a separate discussion not before the committee. Alderman Hill asked for clarification regarding the temporary structure definition, what the display would be defined as, and if the structure would be permitted as a temporary or permanent structure. In addition, Alderman Hill asked if the umbrellas/structure would be a permeable structure. Tom Paravola explained the structure and concept was used in Batesville, Indiana, and Alderman Hill questioned what the feedback was from the town. Alderman Nudera questioned the maintenance of the structure, how it would be anchored, and if the elements such as wind and noise have been considered. Chair Deuter acknowledged the time sensitivity of the project getting approved.

Alderman Hill motioned to approve the committee report recommending the project be approved, Alderman Nudera seconded. Roll call vote: Chair Deuter Aye, Hill Aye Nudera Aye Motion carried.

D. Explore Elmhurst Update

City of Elmhurst Communications Manager Kassondra Schref provided an update to the Committee of the new brand design for the “Explore Elmhurst” logo and the new Explore Elmhurst website being constructed.

F. Firearm Safety Education

Police Chief Michael McLean presented a draft report regarding expanded Firearm Safety Education programming which the Elmhurst Police and Fire Departments may participate in. Alderman Nudera spoke regarding the goal of gun safety, and emphasized it was to protect children. Alderman Nudera sought clarification regarding statistics of comparing accidental shootings versus firearm deaths as a result of gun violence. After discussion and amendments to the draft report, Alderman Hill motioned to approve the amended report, Alderman Nudera seconded. Roll Call Vote: Chair Deuter Aye, Hill Aye, Nudera Aye. Motion carried.

6. Other Business

None

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Alderman Hill and seconded by Alderman Nudera. Roll call vote: Chair Deuter Aye, Hill Aye, Nudera Aye, motion carried. Meeting adjourned 8:53 P.M.

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