Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met Feb. 26.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. by Chair Brennan.

2. Roll Call

Committee Members Present: Chair Brennan, Vice Chair Hall, Alderman Nardini

Absent: None

Elected Officials: Mayor Levin, Alderman Marti Deuter, Alderman Jennifer Veremis, Alderman Michael Bram, Alderman Rex Irby

City Staff Present: City Manager James Grabowski, Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson, Police Chief Michael McLean, Deputy Police Chief Brett Kaczorowski, Police Sergeant Anthony Cuzzone, Deputy Fire Chief Steve Reynolds, Communications Manager Kassondra Schref, Business Development Coordinator Heather Bereckis

Guests: David Guiliani, Ray Lee, Brenda Garcia

3.  Public Comment

None

4.  Receipt of Written Communication

The Committee received a letter from the management company of Liberty Village at 415 N. York where a petition was signed requesting an Explore Elmhurst Trolley stop is added to their location. 

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Minutes of the February 12th, 2024 meeting of the Public Affairs & Safety Committee

Alderman Hill motioned to approve the minutes of the February 12th, 2024 meeting. Alderman Nardini seconded.   Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Nardini Aye, Hill Aye. Motion carried.

B.  Spring Road Business Association Pet Parade

Brenda Garcia appeared before the Committee to discuss the upcoming proposed Spring Road Business Association Pet Parade to be held on Saturday, May 18th, 2024. Alderman Hill motioned to approve the report. Alderman Nardini seconded. Roll call vote:  Chair Brennan Aye, Nardini Aye, Hill Aye. Motion carried.

C.  Police Station Space Site Feasibility Study – Presentation of Options

Ray Lee of FGM Architects and Police Chief Michael McLean spoke with the Committee about the history of the current police station project, the deficiencies of operation, building issues, and future space needs. Conversation ensued and Ray Lee presented several options with associated cost analysis. The Committee discussed that Option 3 and Option 4 of the presentation would be inadequate and not feasible and that the focus should be on Option 1 and Option 2. Alderman Hill requested further information from Ray Lee on the renovation of the Police Station using the current footprint, with a renovation. Conversation ensued on potential options to place a training facility or firing range at another property. This topic was continued for further discussion. 

D.  Liquor Classification and Fees Update

Business Development Coordinator Heather Bereckis spoke about Liquor Classification and Fees update, noting a streamlined approach with updated definitions on liquor classifications. Aderman Nardini motioned to approve the report with amended wording change to include each additional endorsement. Alderman Hill seconded. Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Nardini Aye, Hill Aye. Motion carried.

E.  2024 Explore Elmhurst Trolley

Communications Manager Kassondra Schref discussed the plans for the 2024 Explore Elmhurst Trolley.  Alderman Hill stated he would be voting against the report noting the budget costs compared to what is delivered. Mayor Levin, Chair Brennan, Alderman Hill, Alderman Nardini, and Alderman Bram discussed objectives of the Explore Elmhurst Trolley program as well as the program intended purposes.  Alderman Nardini motioned to approve report. Chair Brennan seconded. Roll call vote:  Chair Brennan Aye, Nardini Aye, Hill Nay. Motion carried.

F.  Kenilworth Avenue Parking Restrictions

Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson spoke to the Committee about a signed unanimous request from residents on Kenilworth Avenue between Adelia Street and Church Street. Johnson discussed recent parking and littering concerns due to students parking on the residential street. Alderman Nardini motioned to approve report. Alderman Hill seconded. Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Nardini Aye, Hill Aye. Motion carried.

6. Other Business

Deputy Fire Chief Steve Reynolds announced that the Elmhurst Fire Department was awarded ISO 1 Rating. 

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Alderman Nardini and seconded by Alderman Hill. Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Nardini Aye, Hill Aye, motion carried. Meeting adjourned 9:51 p.m.

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