Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met Oct. 28

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 6:31 P.M. by Chair Brennan

2. Roll Call

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

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, City Engineer Ted Sianis

3.  Public Comments

Elizabeth Pawlek spoke to the committee regarding the change of location for early voting at City Hall, stating she was concerned about tripping hazards and allotted space.

4. Receipt of Written Communication

None

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Public Affairs & Safety Committee Meeting, October 15th, 2024

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

B. Elmhurst Cycling Classic Recap

Tim Radcliffe, a representative for the Elmhurst Cycling Classic, provided the committee with a recap of the event. He said he was happy with the number of racers and stated that rain during the last two races diminished some spectators. He further related that while the majority of racers were from the Midwest, there were some from other areas and he anticipated drawing more racers from around the country in the future. Radcliffe related he was very happy with the assistance the City of Elmhurst provided for the 2024 event, and he looked forward to the 2025 Elmhurst Cycling Classic. Alderman Nardini inquired on what other needs Radcliffe foresaw for the future.  Chair Brennan asked about the success of the Runners Twilight race. In addition, Chair Brennan inquired if Radcliffe thought they had enough volunteers for set-up and take-down and if it appeared as if there was less impact on the neighborhoods with the race being held on a Saturday as opposed to Friday. 

C. Organized Retail Crime Grant Camera Outlay

Chief McLean provided an overview of the Organized Retail Crime Grant and the way the requested cameras would be deployed. Chief McLean provided information on the manner in which technology was being used to assist Police Departments with investigating crimes, including crimes related to organized retail thefts. Chief McLean further explained that the equipment from this grant would be leased and any repairs would be covered by the manufacturer.   There was discussion on the difference between a License Plate Reader versus a Public Safety Camera and the retention period, which Chief McLean related was governed by Illinois Statute. Chief McLean explained that the Police Department retained License Plate Reader data for 90 days and Public Safety Camera footage for 30 days. Alderman Hill had questions related to FOIA requests and what other communities who were awarded grant money were doing. Alderman Hill had concerns on unintended consequences related to FOIA. Chair Brennan explained the request was only for one year and would be reviewed on an annual basis. Alderman Nardini related he was in favor of technology that could be used to deter crime. Alderman Nardini motioned to approve the report, Alderman Hill seconded.

Roll call vote: Brennan Aye, Hill Aye, Nardini Aye. Motion carried.

D. Sidewalk Master Plan- Referral

Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson provided an update to the on-going process of the Sidewalk Master Plan, including an overview of a basic draft which was completed. Assistant City Manager Johnson related the city had identified approximately three hundred missing segments/gaps of sidewalks throughout the City of Elmhurst. There was significant discussion regarding the goal of the master plan, and if that should be establishing sidewalks on at least one side of the street versus both sides. Chair Brennan asked if the plan should omit areas in which there were already sidewalks on one side of the street, as he felt the goal of the plan was for sidewalks on at least one side of the street. Alderman Nardini requested if a map could be developed to designate which areas already had sidewalks on one side of the street versus areas with no sidewalks on either side. Alderman Nardini asked if the goal was for every linear foot of Elmhurst to have sidewalks. Alderman Hill related the goal was trying to make Elmhurst uniform and expressed concerns of residents being upset if their side of the street did not get a sidewalk. Alderman Hill commented he was happy with the draft priority list, as it matched the Safe Routes to School. Alderman Hill related what was lacking was a stated intent on what the long- term goal was. Chair Brennan related the spirit of the plan should be to give city staff latitude to do what was economically prudent. Alderman Nardini stated the committee should not let the report dictate not doing something that would otherwise make sense. Chair Brennan requested each row of the prioritization list be numbered. The financial costs were discussed both on an annual basis as well as in the future, with Chair Brennan stating this would be a multi-decade plan. Finally, Alderman Hill requested the report be more definitive in its statements. 

E. Stop Signs at Bus Stops

There was brief discussion regarding the removal of a stop sign at Third/Glenview based upon the traffic engineering company (KLOA) recommendations in the Neighborhood Traffic Study. Chair Brennan related he had concerns of children crossing the street to get to a bus stop, and stated the topic would need further discussion. 

6. Other Business

A.2024 RRFB Installation Update

Assistant City Manager Johnson provided updates for the intersections of York/Van Buren and Spring/Harrison. 

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Alderman Nardini and seconded by Alderman Hill. Roll call vote: Brennan Aye, Hill Aye, Nardini Aye, motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 PM.

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