Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met June 10

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 Nardini

Committee Members Absent: Alderman Hill

City Staff Present: Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson, Police Chief Michael McLean, Deputy Police Chief James Gandy, Fire Chief Dick Dufort, History Museum Executive Director Dave Oberg, Communications Manager Kassondra Schref,

Guests: Cathy Jordan, representative for the Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest

3.  Public Comments

Resident Victoria Ludkowski spoke to the committee regarding traffic concerns she had at the intersection of Michigan/Gladys. She related there were poor sightlines and provided pictures to the committee. She made several recommendations for improvements to the intersection.

Art Sowinski spoke to the committee regarding the long-term vision of sidewalk and biking safety, including the use of “sharrows” and an increase in bicycle racks throughout the city.

4. Receipt of Written Communication

None

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Public Affairs & Safety Committee Meeting, May 28th, 2024

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

B. Review of Executive Session Minutes

The committee approved keeping the minutes closed.

C. Pending List Review

The committee reviewed the list of topics, agreeing to add backyard chicken coops to the list.

D. Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest Request

Cathy Jordan presented an overview of the planned event, reviewing previous years events and explaining the plan for next year. It was explained many attendees for the event often will walk to the downtown restaurants after attending and the event was a showcase of the downtown area bringing additional foot traffic. She explained this year’s event was planned for one hour less than previous years and explained what their planned ticket sales for the event would be. Chair Brennan inquired why not plan for more attendees, and Kathy Jordan explained the insurance costs factored into the amount of ticket sales. Chair Brennan also asked about the rationale for the reduction in hours. Alderman Nardini commented he was a supporter of the event and looked forward to this year’s fest. Alderman Nardini motioned to approve the report, Chair Brennan seconded. Roll call vote:  Brennan Aye, Nardini Aye. Motion carried.

E. Elmhurst Police Department Annual Report

Chief McLean presented an overview of the Elmhurst Police Department’s annual report, providing statistics and an overview of accomplishments from 2023. Alderman Nardini inquired what crime statistics the police department was legally obligated to report. Additional questions about the report were held for the next committee meeting.

F. Michigan and Gladys Intersection Evaluation- Report

Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson presented an overview of the report, discussing crash history and other factors which are used to determine the feasibility of adding stop signs. He explained the intersection has been an area of concern amongst residents for some time and has had attention from police and city staff. In addition, he explained while the crash history did not support a four way stop sign per the MUTCD, the MUTCD allowed other factors to be considered, which could include sight distance and the existence of cut through traffic. Alderman Nardini motioned to approve the report, Chair Brennan seconded. Roll call vote:  Brennan Aye, Nardini Aye. Motion carried.

G. New Sidewalk Policy Review and Creation of a New Sidewalk Master Plan Referral- Introductory Discussion

Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson gave a briefing regarding the creation of a master plan for sidewalks in the city.  He provided updates on grant opportunities and presented a map of areas within the City of Elmhurst that did not currently have sidewalks.

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Alderman Nardini and seconded by Chair Brennan. Roll call vote: Brennan Aye, Nardini Aye, motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:04 P.M.

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