City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met June 12
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 P.M. by Chair Brennan
2. Roll Call
Committee Members Present: Chair Brennan, Alderman Nardini,
Absent- Alderman Hill
Elected Officials: Mayor Scott Levin
City Staff Present: City Manager Jim Grabowski, Interim Fire Chief Richard Dufort, Fire Battalion Chief Steve Reynolds, Police Chief Michael McLean, Deputy Police Chief James Gandy, Museum Director David Oberg, Communications Manager Kassondra Schref, Public Works Director Stan Balicki, City Planner Eileen Franz, Assistant City Planner Jessica Gal
Guests: Barbara Lonergan and Marylin Krolak
3. Public Comments
Barbara Lonergan, from “Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition,” spoke to the Committee regarding the City of Elmhurst Sustainability Plan. She spoke in support of said plan, emphasizing the importance of residents being educated regarding topics related to sustainability, including what can be recycled and the manner to compost materials.
4. Receipt of Written Communication
None
5. Business Before the Committee
A. Minutes of the May 22nd, 2023, meeting of the Public Affairs & Safety Committee
Minutes were continued to next meeting, pending an amendment under Other Business to reflect the police department conducting a traffic safety study in the Columbia, Grantley, and Emroy Neighborhood.
B. Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Open Meeting 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 Meeting Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21).
Alderman Nardini motioned for the minutes of the March 23rd, 2017 meeting to remain closed, Chair Brennan seconded. Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Nardini Aye. Motion carried.
C. DuPage Senior Citizens Council Funding Request
Marylin Krolak, Executive Director for DuPage Senior Citizens Council, along with several of her colleagues, provided information to the Committee about the services provided by the Council. These services included meals, yard clean ups, and “friendly” phone calls. A report was presented comparing funding received from Elmhurst as well as other municipalities. Chair Brennan asked what occurred when there was a surplus in the amount Elmhurst provided and if those funds would stay within Elmhurst. Marylin Krolak also explained the organization was starting a program in which clients could eat at participating restaurants, Alderman Nardini asked how the restaurants would be compensated. Both Chair Brennan and Alderman Nardini commended the organization for the fine work they do in serving the senior population.
Alderman Nardini motioned to approve the report to provide $32,000.00 in funding, Chair Brennan seconded. Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Alderman Nardini Aye. Motion carried.
D. Sustainability Action Plan Update
City of Elmhurst City Planner Eileen Franz and Assistant City Planner Jessica Gal provided an update to the Committee regarding the Sustainability Action Plan. Chair Nardini questioned how the City was doing compared to the goals that were set. City Planner Franz explained some of the goals were difficult to quantify, as they included public education and other non-tangible components. Alderman Nardini asked how much money was being spent on consultants and if the funding came out of the general fund. Alderman Nardini also questioned what the organizational structure was of the sustainability action plan. City Planner Franz related there were multiple departments and entities that were part of the action plan. Chair Brennan related it was very important to analyze the data and any other variables associated with the action plan. Alderman Nardini questioned if there was a benefit to the recycling companies to increase recycling and commented education was important. Chair Brennan inquired about the use of solar panels and if the city has noticed an increase in such.
E. Review of Fire Department Fleet/Equipment and Purchase of a Fire Engine
Interim Fire Chief Dufort and Battalion Chief Reynolds provided information regarding the request to purchase a Pierce Pumper Truck. The rising costs of fire apparatus purchases as well as significant lead times were discussed. The availability of a pending state grant was also discussed, with information provided by City Manager Grabowski and Mayor Levin. The trade-in value of a current piece of fire apparatus as well as the needs of fire equipment was also discussed. With requested revisions made to the original, Alderman Nardini motioned to approve the report, Chair Brennan seconded. Roll Call Vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Alderman Nardini Aye, motion carried.
6. Other Business
Alderman Brennan discussed concerns regarding two crosswalks in Elmhurst, Spring/Harrison and York/Van Buren. Alderman Brennan suggested the City look at the possibility of crosswalk improvements for the safety of pedestrian and bicyclists.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Alderman Nardini and seconded by Chair Brennan. Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Nardini Aye, motion carried. Meeting adjourned 9:50 P.M.
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