Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst City Council met March 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. Executive Session - Mayor Levin called Executive Session to order at 7:00pm.

1.1 Executive Session for the Purpose of Discussing: Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, or Dismissal of Specific Employees of the Public Body or Legal Counsel for the Public Body, pursuant to Open Meetings Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)Act 5 ILCS 120/2, Purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, pursuant to the Open Meetings Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) and Pending /Probable Litigation pursuant to the Open Meetings Act 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(11)

Roll Call

Present: Tina Park, James Nudera, Guido Nardini, Mike Brennan (phone), Rex Irby, Marti Deuter, Jennifer Veremis, Jacob Hill, Karen Sienko, Chris Jensen, Michael Bram, Brian Cahill, and Noel Talluto

Absent: Emily Bastedo

13 Present, 1 Absent

Also Present: Treasurer Curran, City Attorney Storino, City Attorney Durkin, City Manager Grabowski (entered at 7:17pm), Assistant City Manager Johnson (entered 7:17pm), HR Director Palm (left at 7:17pm)

Alderman Hill moved to convene into executive session. Alderman Bram seconded.

Ayes: Tina Park, James Nudera, Guido Nardini, Mike Brennan, Rex Irby, Marti Deuter, Jennifer Veremis, Jacob Hill, Karen Sienko, Chris Jensen, Michael Bram, Brian Cahill, and Noel Talluto

Nays: None

13 Ayes, 0 Nays, 1 Absent

Motion carried

2. Call to Order - Mayor Levin called the regular city council meeting to order at 7:51pm.

2.1 Pledge of Allegiance

2.2 Roll Call-Ward 5

Present: Tina Park, James Nudera, Emily Bastedo, Guido Nardini, Mike Brennan (phone), Rex Irby, Marti Deuter, Jennifer Veremis, Jacob Hill, Karen Sienko, Chris Jensen, Michael Bram, Brian Cahill, and Noel Talluto

Absent: None

14 Present, 0 Absent

Also Present: Treasurer Curran, City Attorney Storino, Assistant City Manager Johnson, Finance Director Coyle, Public Works Director Balicki, Police Chief McLean, Fire Chief Dufort, IT Director Kravets, and Communications Manager Schref

3. Public Hearing

3.1 City of Elmhurst - Public Notice of Public Hearing - City of Elmhurst Request to General Assembly for Legislation Authorizing Acquisition of Property by Eminent Domain Using “Quick-Take” Powers

Mayor Levin declared the public hearing open at 7:53pm.

Public Comment

Mike Durkowski - Inquiring why the city isn't using the other side of the street at York for sidewalk.

Presentation delivered by Assistant City Manager Johnson.  Alderman Deuter moved to close the public hearing. Alderman Jensen seconded. A voice vote was taken. Motion passed unanimously. Public Hearing closed at 7:59pm. Regular meeting resumed.

4. Public Forum

Bob Dunn - 500 Belden. Spoke in support of the Route 83 Bridge

Mike Durkowski - 566 W. Fay. Spoke against the water tax and bike path.

5. Receipt of Written Communication from the Public - None

 6. Announcements

Clerk Tamer announced the hours/dates of early voting at City Hall. Youth Commission hosting Digital Safety for Students 3/5 at 7:30pm in council chambers. Teen Job and Volunteer Fair at York 3/13 3:05-6pm.

Alderman Bram mentioned the sound wall on 290 needing repairs and that city staff has been following up. North York resurfacing and construction is almost complete.

 7. Consent Agenda

7.1 Executive Session Meeting Minutes of the Elmhurst City Council on February 5, 2024

7.2 Executive Session Meeting Minutes of the Elmhurst City Council on February 20, 2024

7.3 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Elmhurst City Council on February 20, 2024

7.4 Accounts Payable - March 4, 2024 - $ 9,204,052.64

7.5 Report - Case 24 P 02 Krueger Steel Conditional Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development with Site Development Allowances- 900 N. Industrial Drive (DP&Z)

7.6 Report - Spring Road Business Association Pet Parade (PA&S)

7.7 Report - Liquor Classification and Fee Updates (PA&S)

7.8 Report - 2024 Explore Elmhurst Trolley (PA&S)

7.9 Report - Kenilworth Avenue-Parking Restrictions (PA&S)

7.10 Report - Route 83 (Kingery Highway) Pedestrian Bridge - Phase II Engineering (PW&B)

7.11 Report - 2024 Sidewalk Replacement Project (PW&B)

7.12 Report - IDOT Smart Corridor Intergovernmental Agreement (PW&B)

7.13 Report - 2024 Tree Purchase & Planting Program (PW&B)

7.14 Report - DuPage County Gasoline and Diesel Procurement Joint Purchase (PW&B)

7.15 Report - Two (2) Ford Lightning Pick-Up Trucks (PW&B)

7.16 Report - 2024 Contract Paving Program-Professional Engineering Services (PW&B) (See Item 9.1)

7.17 O-10-2024 - An Ordinance Making Appropriations for Special Service Area Number Thirteen if the City of Elmhurst for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2024 and Ending December 31, 2024

7.18 O-11-2024 - An Ordinance Making Appropriations for Special Service Area Number Six of the City of Elmhurst for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2024 and Ending December 31, 2024

7.19 O-12-2024 - An Ordinance Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Non-Exclusive License Agreement By and Between the York Vallette Business Association and the City of Elmhurst, DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois (Farmer's Market)

7.20 O-13-2024 - An Ordinance to Approve and Authorize the Execution of a Market License Agreement by and Between Bensidoun USA, Inc. and the City of Elmhurst (French Market)

7.21 O-14-2024 -An Ordinance Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Non-Exclusive License Agreement By and Between the Elmhurst University and the City of Elmhurst, DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois (Blue Jay 5K)

7.22 O-15-2024 - An Ordinance Approving and Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement by and Between the City of Elmhurst and Clarke Environmental Mosquito Management, Inc. for Mosquito Abatement Services for the City of Elmhurst

7.23 R-25-2024 - Resolution Authorizing the City of Elmhurst to Request Approval of Legislation by the General Assembly Authorizing the City of Elmhurst to Acquire Certain Real Property by Eminent Domain Using “Quick-Take” Powers Under The Eminent Domain Act

7.24 R-26-2024 - A Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of a Notice of Award and Authorizing the Execution of a Contract for the 2024 Contract Paving Program, Project 24-02 for the City of Elmhurst, Illinois

7.25 R-27-2024 - A Resolution to Approve and Authorize the Execution of a Professional Design Engineering Services Agreement by and Between Bravo Company Engineering, Inc., and the City of Elmhurst for the Northwest Elmhurst Roadways Reconstruction Project – Phase II

7.26 R-28-2024 - A Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of a Notice of Award and Authorizing the Execution of a Contract for the Underground Storage Tank System Replacement Project, Project 24-22

7.27 R-29-2024 - A Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of a Notice of Award and Authorizing the Execution of a Contract for the Native Grass Stewardship

The Mayor removed 7.3 for next meeting as link wasn't available.  Alderman Hill removed 7.8, Alderman Irby removed 7.15, and Alderman Bram removed 7.10.  Alderman Nudera moved to accept the consent agenda minus items 7.3, 7.8, 7.15, and 7.10.  Alderman Bram seconded.

Ayes: Tina Park, James Nudera, Emily Bastedo, Guido Nardini, Mike Brennan, Rex Irby, Marti Deuter, Jennifer Veremis, Jacob Hill, Karen Sienko, Chris Jensen, Michael Bram, Brian Cahill, and Noel Talluto

Nays: None

14 Ayes, 0 Nays

Motion carried

 7.8 Alderman Brennan moved to accept the report.  Alderman Nardini seconded. Alderman Brennan spoke in support of the report while mentioning the goals and criteria of the program including connecting shopping districts. The program isn't meant for public transportation to different neighborhoods. He further mentioned that staff and committee could not identify a stop north of North Avenue in meeting criteria. There is no tax burden to residents as there are other funding sources in report including tourist dollars. Alderman Hill spoke against the report and would like to put the program on hiatus. He feels the ridership is flate and doesn't believe it meets all criteria and that businesses don't contribute. He'd like to find ways to decrease cost and increase ridership and pursue cost sharing partnerships. Alderman Irby inquired about savings on the trolley by using a different vehicle. Alderman Bram hadn't seen the criteria on boarddocs until 2023 and doesn't feel the stops represent all the criteria. He'd like the committee to pull back the report and consider the comments made at the meeting. Alderman Deuter spoke in support of the report and feels it enhances business districts, not transportation. She stated it's working how it was intended for it to work and doesn't believe the city needs to stop service to explore new ideas. Alderman Brennan stated he won't be bringing it back to committee but will continue to review annually. Also, they can't expect the company to hold the trolley for the city for 2024 while they work through this in committee. Alderman Talluto stated she was voting against the report as this is a nice to have program and not a must have. She states there is an increase cost to residents lately in other areas such as water, sales tax, and possibly parking. Alderman Jensen spoke in support of the report and doesn't feel the city needs to put it on hiatus to improve it. Alderman Nudera spoke in support of the report and maybe make changes in the future, however, it is a good part of the community. Alderman Park spoke in support of the report and how it helps to meet the goal of helping people explore Elmhurst. Alderman Deuter stated if they discuss cost it should be discussed in committee first. Alderman Veremis spoke in support of the report and stated that they don't have to stop the program this year to reevaluate. She further stated that businesses do already invest in the program. Alderman Hill stated he'd like to find ways to have ridership improve. Alderman Irby stated a statistic of approx 20% on trolley and feels it's not for everyone. Alderman Bram wondered how many walk to the trolley stop and doesn't want to limit stops throughout town. Alderman Nardini disagreed and stated the program is of equality and many do drive to the stops, and the trolley is a good way to connect business districts. Alderman Brennan stated the committee will continue to review criteria annually.

Ayes: Tina Park, James Nudera, Emily Bastedo, Guido Nardini, Mike Brennan, Marti Deuter, Jennifer Veremis, Chris Jensen, and Brian Cahill

Nays: Rex Irby, Jacob Hill, Karen Sienko, Michael Bram, and Noel Talluto

9 Ayes, 5 Nays

Motion carried

7.10 Alderman Bastedo moved to accept the report. Alderman Cahill seconded. Alderman Bram does not support the report because he feels while the bridge would be beneficial, it is a nice to have not a need to have right now with costs being raised at the city.  He would like to focus on the essentials for the city and the funds could be used elsewhere. Alderman Irby couldn't find the referral and IDOT Agreement that was suggested from Public Works committee meeting on October 13, 2020.  Therefore, he moved to postpone the item. There was no second. Motion died due to no second. Alderman Deuter located the referral from 2016. Alderman Talluto inquired about the $300,000 of city share in the report which City Manager Grabowski stated it is to allow the city to apply for more grant dollars.

Ayes: Tina Park, James Nudera, Emily Bastedo, Guido Nardini, Mike Brennan, Marti Deuter, Jennifer Veremis, Jacob Hill, Karen Sienko, Chris Jensen, Brian Cahill, and Noel Talluto

Nays: Michael Bram and Rex Irby

12 Ayes, 2 Nays

Motion carried

 7.15 Alderman Bastedo moved to accept the report.  Alderman Cahill seconded. Alderman Bastedo stated the city was able to fund these two vehicles where originally they were unable to purchase due to availability. Alderman Irby spoke in support of the report and stated he looked forward to having these vehicles with the city.

Ayes: Tina Park, James Nudera, Emily Bastedo, Guido Nardini, Mike Brennan, Rex Irby, Marti Deuter, Jennifer Veremis, Jacob Hill, Karen Sienko, Chris Jensen, Michael Bram, Brian Cahill, and Noel Talluto

Nays: None

14 Ayes, 0 Nays

Motion carried

 8. Reports and Recommendations of Appointed and Elected Officials

8.1 Mayor Levin - The Mayor congratulated Chief Dufort and the EFD for the ISO1, which is the highest rating of the fire department. He also congratulated the public works department for achieving the same rating. Parade Saturday 3/9 at noon. The Mayor reminded residents that signs are not allowed on parkways, as it's election season.

8.2 City manager Grabowski - City Manager thanked staff and council for the neighborhood traffic study open house the week prior. He also reported on the storm from the week prior and that Elmhurst didn't have any damage. The new alert system didn't inform residents as the National Weather Service didn't have Elmhurst included. The settings have now been changed and will be working in the future.

8.3 Alderman Jensen updated council on ONCC and the next steps to implement the plan.

9. Resolutions

9.1 R-30-2024 - A Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Professional Material Testing Engineering Services Agreement With Construction & Geotechnical Material Testing, Inc. for the 2024 Contract Paving Program (See Item 7.16)

Alderman Bastedo moved to accept the resolution.  Alderman Cahill seconded. Alderman Bastedo requesting council to suspend the rules so staff can keep on schedule.

Ayes: Tina Park, James Nudera, Emily Bastedo, Guido Nardini, Mike Brennan, Rex Irby, Marti Deuter, Jennifer Veremis, Jacob Hill, Karen Sienko, Chris Jensen, Michael Bram, Brian Cahill, and Noel Talluto

Nays: None

14 Ayes, 0 Nays

Motion carried

10. Other Business - None

11. Adjournment - Alderman Veremis moved to adjourn the meeting.  Alderman Talluto seconded.

Ayes: Tina Park, James Nudera, Emily Bastedo, Guido Nardini, Mike Brennan, Rex Irby, Marti Deuter, Jennifer Veremis, Jacob Hill, Karen Sienko, Chris Jensen, Michael Bram, Brian Cahill, and Noel Talluto

Nays: None

14 Ayes, 0 Nays

Motion carried

Meeting adjourned at 9:20pm.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/coe/Board.nsf/Public