Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met May 28

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 Hill, Alderman Nardini

Absent: None

Elected Officials: Mayor Levin, Alderman Bastedo, Alderman Bram, Alderman Irby, Alderman Jensen Alderman Nudera, Alderman Sienko

City Staff Present: City Manager Jim Grabowski, Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson, Police Chief Michael McLean, Fire Chief Dick Dufort, Deputy Police Chief Brett Kaczorowski, History Museum Director David Oberg, Communications Manager Kassondra Schref, City Engineer Ted Sianis

Guests: Members of Elmhurst Walk and Rollers Working Group, Neighborhood Residents of Neighborhood Traffic Study Area #3

3. Public Comment

Michael LoCicero spoke of his traffic concerns in the area of York and Cayuga, with vehicles regularly disobeying the stop sign. 

Armaline Mirretti spoke in favor of lowering speed limits and spoke of the increased risk to pedestrians as speed limits increase.

Karen Flanagan spoke in favor of keeping speed limits at 20 mph in the areas of traffic study #3 that are currently 20 mph. Flanagan asked the Committee not to approve the report.

Barbara Gallagher spoke in favor of keeping speed limits at 20 mph in the areas of traffic study #3 that are currently 20 mph. She stated she currently sees vehicles speeding.

Emily Turek spoke in favor of keeping speed limits at 20 mph in the areas of traffic study #3 that are currently 20 mph and asked why the City was considering raising the speed limit.

Jenny Chen spoke in favor of keeping speed limits at 20 mph in the areas of traffic study #3 that are currently 20 mph and asked the Committee to take the speed increase off the recommendation.   

Julie Dolan spoke in favor of keeping speed limits at 20 mph in the areas of traffic study #3 that are currently 20 mph. Dolan stated she has lived on Argyle for 15 years and believes as a society, we are moving too fast and becoming too distracted. 

Amy Franz spoke in favor of keeping speed limits at 20 mph in the areas of traffic study #3 that are currently 20 mph.  Franz stated she has lived in Elmhurst 7 years and recently moved to Argyle for better traffic and lower speed limits. 

A resident spoke of his concerns of motorists using Argyle instead of Spring Road and stated he does not know why the Committee is increasing speed limits and believes that safety does not outweigh consistency. 

Kassondra Schref stated she agreed with the previous speakers on keeping speed limits at 20 mph.

4.  Receipt of Written Communication

A letter from the Bryan Middle School Principal, Jacque Discipio, spoke in favor of the installation of rectangular rapid flashing beacons at the intersection of York and Van Buren.

A signed petition was presented by Jenny Chen in favor of keeping speed limits at 20 mph in the areas of traffic study #3 that are currently 20 mph signed by 138 residents.

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Minutes of the May 13th, 2024 meeting of the Public Affairs & Safety Committee

Alderman Hill motioned to approve the minutes of the May 13th, 2024 meeting.  Alderman Nardini seconded. Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Hill Aye, Nardini Aye. Motion carried.

B.  Elmhurst Walk and Rollers Bike Safety Day Recap

Michael LoCicero, Armaline Mirretti, and Victoria Ludkowski from the Elmhurst Walk and Rollers working group, appeared before the Committee to present their annual report and share information about accomplishments from the year. Mayor Levin and the Committee thanked the working group for their hard work and noted how productive they have been.    

C.  Pedestrian Safety – RFBB Installations - Report

Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson presented information to the Committee to discuss the upcoming plan for installation of RRFB’s to assist in pedestrian safety across the City of Elmhurst. These beacons are similar to the beacons installed currently at York and Prairie Path.   Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson stated that City Staff will get as much done as possible with the current budget and the projects not completed will be placed in a queue for next year. Alderman Hill motioned to approve the report with added verbiage for rationale on priority locations. Alderman Nardini seconded. Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Hill Aye, Nardini Aye. Motion carried.

D.  Neighborhood Traffic Study Area 3 Committee Report

The Committee discussed the KLOA recommendation to keep traffic speed limits consistent at 25 mph in residential areas. The Committee discussed enforcement, resident feedback, safety, and specific unique characteristics that may warrant different speeds. The Committee requested further information from City Staff on the history of why this area was originally 20 mph, what other parts of the City are 20 mph, and also trends in other communities. This topic will be discussed at a future meeting.

E.  Van Auken and Armitage Intersection Evaluation - Report

Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson presented information to the Committee on a recommendation to add traffic control signage to the intersection. The Committee approved the report. Alderman Nardini motioned to approve the report. Alderman Hill seconded. Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Hill Aye, Nardini Aye. Motion carried.

F.  Michigan and Gladys Traffic Control Referral

The Committee discussed traffic safety at the intersection of Michigan and Gladys. The Committee discussed cut through traffic, obstructed view problems, and feasability of adding a 4 way stop for intersection safety. The Committee directed City Staff to explore options for sightline issues as well as potentially adding stop signs to Michigan Avenue.  

6. Other Business

Communications Manager Kassondra Schref spoke about the upcoming French Market located at 180 W. Park/Elmhurst beginning June 9th, 2024 from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM. 

Elmhurst History Museum Director Dave Oberg stated spoke about the upcoming Downtown Plan Meeting.

Police Chief Michael McLean spoke about the release of the Police Department’s Annual Report.

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. Meeting adjourned  9:19 p.m.

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