Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met Jan. 22

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 Brennan, Alderman Hill, Alderman Nardini

Elected Officials: Mayor Levin, City Clerk Haddad-Tamer

City Staff Present: Police Chief Michael McLean, Deputy Police Chief James Gandy, Fire Chief Dick Dufort, Communications Manager Kassondra Schref, Business Development Manager Heather Bereckis, Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson

3. Public Comments

None

4. Receipt of Written Communication

None

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Public Affairs & Safety Committee Meeting, January 8th, 2024, Minutes

Alderman Nardini motioned to approve the minutes; Alderman Hill seconded. Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Hill Aye, Nardini Aye. Motion carried.

B. Referral- Expanding Explore Elmhurst Trolly Routes

Communications Manager Kassondra Schref provided updates regarding questions previously asked pertaining to an expansion of the trolly route, including a list of City lots, rates for a second trolly, and the use/availability of Park District lots for trolly pick-ups/drop offs. There was discussion related to the cost of a second trolley, with the cost being the same for 2 hours versus 6 hours, with the cost being $1389.00 per day. There was also discussion regarding the Park Districts willingness to allow the use of their parking lots for trolly drop offs/pickups. Chair Brennan asked for data regarding peak times for trolly usage.

Alderman Hill provided a sample route that he composed, which included stops at Third/York, Crestview Park, Michigan/Crestview, Berens Park, and Fire Station 1. Alderman Hill related his sample was simply a starting point, as it was a limited vision. He further related his goal was for this second route to be on a trial basis, to test for approximately one month to see if it would be advantageous, with the goal not to affect the current trolly route. Alderman Hill also emphasized he believed linking the north side stops with a stop at York/Third would be of benefit as a downtown destination. Mayor Levin commented that the proposed route was not consistent with the original trolly program as it was intended. Alderman Nardini related he believed in the trolly mission, but also agreed it was not meant as transportation. Chair Brennan related the proposed expansion of the trolly route was a process. He related he was open to a pilot program for a second trolley, but the route and locations must make sense.

C. French Market Discussion

Communications Manager Schref gave a presentation on the proposed French Market, which would take place in a City Parking Lot near 180 W. Park. The French Market would take place on Sundays from June to October, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The numerous advantages to the location were discussed. Communications Manager Schref related this market would be of a “European Style” market, and there was discussion regarding how this market would not interfere with the Farmers Market, which takes place on Wednesdays near York/Vallette. Chair Brennan asked if the French Market carried their own insurance. Alderman Nardini asked what the French Market paid to the City. Alderman Hill commented that he liked the location, and inquired on if the vendors paid sales tax and if the French Market would interfere with library operations on Sundays. Finally, Alderman Hill questioned how success would be defined after the one-year trial. Communications Manager Schref related it took other French Markets several years to get established, and the success of other suburban French Markets was mentioned. The Committee agreed the French Market discussion should proceed and was looking forward to reviewing a future report and getting any final questions answered.

D. Referral-Liquor Classification and Fee Updates

Business Development Manager Heather Bereckis outlined the efforts to simplify the classification and fee structure for liquor licenses. Within the report, the classifications would change from the current amount of twenty-six (26) to five (5). Mayor Levin commented on the numerous advantages to simplifying the classifications. There were questions and comments regarding definitions of “limited service” versus “full service”. There was discussion regarding the fees being cost neutral. The committee agreed to postpone signing the report until the remaining questions were answered.

E. Adams and Stratford Intersection Control

Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson outlined the process regarding the determination of the need for a stop sign for eastbound and westbound traffic on Adams. He explained the intersection was currently uncontrolled, and after examining crash data, recommended two way stop signs. There was discussion regarding doing a long- term study to see if stop sign placement helps to reduce crashes, and what the lead time for the stop signs being placed into the ground would be. There was additional discussion regarding the on-going Neighborhood Traffic Studies, with Alderman Nardini asking how to increase the funding for the studies. Alderman Nardini further related he was happy with the report and was thrilled to sign it. Alderman Hill inquired what motorists were possibly avoiding, as it was possible the intersection was experiencing cut-thru traffic. Alderman Nardini related motioned to approve the report; Alderman Hill seconded. Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Hill Aye, Nardini Aye. Motion carried.

6. Other Business

Police Chief McLean shared with the Committee statistics of crashes that occurred in the City in 2023, emphasizing the total amount of crashes has remained relatively flat, and are still about 400 less per year than years prior to 2020.

Fire Chief Dufort provided the Committee with an update of the progress of the “First Responder Memorial”, including updates on fundraising efforts and a potential timeline for completion.

Chair Brennan had a discussion with Assistant Manager Johnson regarding crosswalk improvements, including the areas of Spring/Harrison, York/Van Buren, and St. Charles/Arlington.

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Alderman Nardini and seconded by Alderman Hill. Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Hill Aye, Nardini Aye, motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:03 p.m.

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