Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met July 22

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:01 P.M. by Chair Brennan

2. Roll Call

Committee Members Present: Chair Brennan, Alderman Hill, Alderman Nardini

Elected Officials: Mayor Scott Levin

City Staff Present: City Manager James Grabowski, Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson, Deputy Police Chief James Gandy, Fire Chief Dick Dufort, History Museum Executive Director Dave Oberg, City Planner Eileen Franz

3. Public Comments

Emily Heinowski spoke regarding traffic concerns she had at West/Surf, and requested the committee consider a 4 way stop sign at the intersection. 

Kevin Diamond spoke on his opposition to backyard chickens being allowed in Elmhurst.

Residents Amy Frantz, Tom Flanagan, Karen Flanagen, Jenny Chen, and James Hong all spoke on their opposition to the recommendation of Traffic Study #3 to raise the speed limit on Argyle to 25 MPH. 

Dan Virgil spoke to the committee, advising he was in favor of sidewalks, in favor of creating a better infrastructure for bicycles, and in support for backyard chickens. 

4. Receipt of Written Communication

The committee received several letters in opposition to the recommendation of increasing the speed limit on Argyle. 

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Public Affairs & Safety Committee Meeting, June 24th, 2024

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

B. Knights of Columbus Classic Car Show Request

A representative from the Knights of Columbus provided information to the committee on the September 8th event. It was explained they were expecting 50-70 classic cars, and the event would take place from 8:00 AM- 3:00 PM. There were questions from the committee to confirm the exact time, as the report indicated the event would be from 8:00 AM -4:00 PM.  Chair Brennan asked if the cars came from the local area. Alderman Hill asked if there were any changes to the event from the previous year. Alderman Nardini suggested a representative from the Knights of Columbus speak to the owner of “Golden Boy BBQ” to advise them of the event and any impact the event would have on their business.   The committee also confirmed there would be no alcohol sales outside during the event, with alcohol only being available to be purchased at the indoor bar of the Knights of Columbus. 

Alderman Nardini motioned to approve the report, Alderman Hill seconded. Roll Call vote: Brennan Aye, Hill Aye, Nardini Aye. Motioned carried. 

C. Backyard Chickens

City Planner Eileen Franz provided an overview regarding what the restrictions were in other communities that allowed backyard chickens. Chair Brennan related that while there were pros and cons to chicken coops in backyards, he believed the cons heavily outweighed the pros. Chair Brennan indicated he spoke to many residents regarding the issue, and he stated most residents voiced concerns over allowing backyard chickens. Alderman Hill indicated there were two communities that border Elmhurst that allow chickens.  He also stated he believed allowing beehives in backyards would be worse than allowing chickens. Alderman Hill also stated he did not believe it would be very common for a resident to have chickens if they were allowed in Elmhurst. Alderman Nardini related he did not need chickens in his hometown and would oppose to them being allowed. Chair Brennan related he also represents the residents of Ward 7, and he is hearing his Ward does not want backyard chickens. Chair Brennan recommended staff write a report indicating Elmhurst would continue to outlaw chickens in Elmhurst. 

D. Crossing Guard Services RFP

Deputy Chief Gandy provided an overview on the history of crossing guard services provided by the Police Department over the years, including contracting with Andy Frain since 2020. The RFP process was discussed along with the three companies who submitted proposals. Deputy Chief Gandy explained the reasons for the recommendation of Andy Frain to continue to provide crossing guard services. There was significant discussion regarding potential cost sharing with the school district for providing crossing guards and the difference between a 1- or 3-year contract. There was discussion regarding a referral for city staff to pursue discussion with District 205 to share costs for crossing guards. Mayor Levin explained the advantages to a 3-year contract, with Chair Brennan and Alderman Hill supporting a 3-year contract. Chair Brennan indicated it would be likely the rate would increase if there was only a 1-year contract.   Alderman Nardini related he was not very happy with the other two proposals received. Mayor Levin explained while the other two proposals might have been lacking, there was a benefit to determine the market based upon the proposals of the hourly rate the other two proposals contained. There was discussion of the school crossing near Conrad Fischer School, which the City did not pay for.  Alderman Nardini related he did not want to support a bid process in which the other two companies were non-viable. Alderman Hill motioned to approve the report, Chair Brennan seconded. Roll call vote: Brennan Aye, Hill Aye, Nardini, Nay. Motion carried. 

E. Neighborhood Traffic Study 3- Report

City Manager Kent Johnson provided a summary of the report for Neighborhood Traffic Study 3, focusing on the recommendation from KLOA on changing several streets from a 20 MPH speed limit to 25 MPH. In addition, Assistant City Manager Johnson provided a map of current streets which were 20 MPH. Alderman Hill commented many of the streets that had 20 MPH limits consisted of roadways with curvatures to them. Chair Brennan questioned the lack of 20 MPH speed limits in school zones on the map. Alderman Hill questioned the original pilot study, and if it was consistent with the current study being discussed. Alderman Nardini asked if the only item that caused a strong reaction was speed, and he was prepared to sign the report if the speed limits on the streets in question remained 20 MPH. There was lengthy discussion regarding the advantages to consistency of a 25 MPH limit. Alderman Hill expressed concern on what to tell residents on other streets in Elmhurst in which the studies might indicate more cut-thru traffic than on Argyle, and expressed concern on setting precedent if the recommendations are not followed. Alderman Nardini related if the speed limit was not changed to 25 it would just be disagreeing with the recommendation. Mayor Levin related the consistency of speed limits was a valid argument. Chair Brennan related while there were differing opinions, he felt 25 MPH on a residential street was fast. Alderman Hill stated the speed limits and traffic studies should be based on actual data and not agreeing to the recommendations from KLOA did not sit right with him.  Mayor Levin related the purpose of the traffic studies were to create consistency. Alderman Hill related this topic opens many questions, and Chair Brennan asked why they should not question the status quo. Alderman Hill asked if the previous studies should be re-examined. Chair Brennan related while there was support to get the report out of committee, there was still more work to do. 

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

Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson provided an updated overview regarding the creation of a master plan for new sidewalks, providing maps to the committee. Alderman Hill questioned if there were overlays of safe routes to school and pedestrian plans. Chair Brennan indicated he was not comfortable with the point system, and related there should be more priority to safe routes to school. Assistant City Manager Johnson provided clarification to the priority point system.  Alderman Hill related he was fine with the tool, and inquired once priorities were established, what was the committee going to do next.  There was discussion on funding, long term planning, and sidewalks within a TIF district. There was discussion on advantages to constructing sidewalks in conjunction with street resurfacing for cost saving purposes. Alderman Nardini related if funding was not part of the master plan, then timing should be. In addition, Alderman Nardini related the committee needed to make their own rubric and then establish priorities. Alderman Hill commented the goal of this plan should be to the intent to establish a framework for new sidewalks. Alderman Nardini related they needed to make their own rubric and determine priorities. Chair Brennan requested the next time this comes to committee, that a spread sheet be provided to assist with visualization. Mayor Levin commented that the component of this commute was not to create funding for the projects, but to come up with a long-term plan. Finally, Alderman Nardini requested part of the process should be to assign negative points for the streets which would be more difficult to construct sidewalks. 

6. Other Business

Deputy Chief Gandy updated the committee on the installation of a bollard by the Park District near West/Randolph.

Alderman Nardini asked if there was a schedule for the installation of RRFB’s at several intersections.

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Alderman Hill and seconded by Chair Nardini. Roll call vote: Brennan Aye, Hill Aye, Nardini Aye, motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:01 PM.

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