Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met April 14

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   

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

Guests: Mike LoCicero, Armaline Mirretti, and Alex Smith of the Elmhurst Walk and Rollers. Tom Paravola and Christy Sopko of the Elmhurst City Centre.  

3. Public Comment

Elmhurst Resident Ryan Leitner stated this was the second time he has appeared at the Public and Safety Affairs Committee to speak about problems with a neighbor who operates a short term rental on Edgewood. Leitner stated that this weekend he saw 18-20 cars parked on the street and in the past has seen renters using a DJ table and smoking marijuana in the backyard. Leitner asks that the City of Elmhurst consider a minimum stay requirement and is concerned that sex offenders may rent the property if they are “in and out.”  

Elmhurst Resident Kevin Kirby stated he was present at this meeting to listen to the conversation reference Third and Glenview. Kirby stated he would like to thank the Committee for taking another look at the intersection and is looking forward to hearing the discussion. 

4. Receipt of Written Communications

None

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Minutes of the March 24th, 2025 meeting of the Public Affairs & Safety Committee

Alderman Nardini motioned to approve the minutes of the March 24th, 2025 meeting. Alderman Hill. Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Hill Aye, Nardini Aye. Motion carried.

B. Elmhurst City Centre Rock the Block 2025

Tom Paravola and Christy Sopko of the Elmhurst City Centre appeared before the Committee to discuss the upcoming proposed 2025 Rock the Block. The City Centre stated that the operations and lay-out would be the same as last year. In previous years, the City Centre has estimated that between 30,000 and 35,000 attendees over the course of the weekend. Alderman Hill motioned to approve the report. Alderman Nardini seconded. Roll call vote:  Chair Brennan Aye, Hill Aye, Nardini Aye. Motion carried.

C. Elmhurst Walk and Rollers-Information Sharing

Mike LoCicero, Armaline Mirretti, and Alex Smith of the Elmhurst Walk and Rollers appeared before the Committee to discuss ongoing progress and upcoming initiatives of the Elmhurst Walk and Rollers group. LoCicero noted that the group participated in bike safety day and had internal discussions on which events will have the biggest impact. LoCicero stated the group has plans to participate in the upcoming Cycling Classic and the Senior Commission Event. LoCicero noted that the group has applied to be recognized as a Bike Friendly Community through the American League of Bicyclists and is working with other City departments at this time to accomplish this. LoCicero stated the group received a bronze status in 2014 and is hoping to obtain a silver status this time. Alex Smith stated the application is due June 25th. Alderman Nardini asked if unlimited funding were available, what would the group request to accomplish. LoCicero noted he would like to see more dedicated bike lines, but understands that due to being landlocked, that can be limited. LoCicero also stated with unlimited funds he would like to see all of the recommendations in the City of Elmhurst’s Bicycle and Pedestrian plan implemented. LoCicero noted that the City and the Walk and Rollers group have done a lot for education and should continue.  Chairman Brennan noted that he appreciated the work the group has accomplished and encouraged the group to continue to be involved with the Public and Safety Affairs Committee to learn of upcoming City events they can participate in. 

D.  Rideshare Access Program Reimbursement Agreement with Pace 2025

Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson provided information to the Committee on costs of the Rideshare Access Program through Ride DuPage. The Committee discussed the trend in costs since 2014 through 2024 and discussed current operations. Johnson noted that the wheelchair accessible ramp rides are the most expensive and due to the specialized vehicle, can be more than $100. Alderman Nardini inquired about resident registration reference Addison or York township. Johnson responded that unincorporated Elmhurst residents have to register in Addison Township, but residents in the municipality of Elmhurst will register as the City of Elmhurst. Alderman Nardini noted that there were newly elected officials in York Township who spoke of their commitment to similar resources and the Committee should discuss potential cost sharing and additionally for York Township to examine this issue. Chair Brennan stated that what we can’t afford to do is to sign up again for the same program with the same questions for next year. The Committee noted that they would not be signing the report at this time as further investigation needs to be done. The Committee related they would continue to discuss future participation in the program at a future meeting.

E.  ElmhurstTV Production Services

Communications Manager Kassondra Schref discussed City staff recommendations regarding ongoing video production support for ElmhurstTV. Schref noted that ElmhurstTV has been broadcasting since 1982 and in the last 2 years, the City no longer has the Comcast community channel. Schref stated last year, the Committee asked City Staff to evaluate a vendor for the program, Schref stated she reached out to (5) different companies to solicit quotes. Schref stated that (2) companies responded with formal proposals. Schref stated she also considered hiring an internal employee, but the benefits and cost of equipment would outweigh the contract cost. Alderman Nardino noted that the cost of the contract has gone up 85% in 5 years and asked what the name of the company who responded, but was not awarded the bid.  Schref stated “Big Shoulder.” Alderman Nardini related he was skeptical of only 2 quotes and stated the due diligence is to get more quotes. Chair Brennan stated that these bids are typically a process that includes specific guidelines and an advertisement of the process. Alderman Hill noted that he does not have a problem with the selected company or quotes, but states that a budget line of $100,000 is concerning. Chair Brennan noted that this item was already budgeted and approved by the City Council and that the Committee will not vote on this topic tonight, but will find a path forward, noting that he believes similar outcomes will occur with another bid process. This item will be discussed and voted at a future meeting. 

F. Short Term Residential Rentals

Police Chief McLean discussed the research and draft proposal for the Short Term Residential Rental ordinance. Chief McLean noted he worked with the City Attorney over the last several weeks to compile a draft proposal. McLean noted that some towns have zero regulation, other towns have imposed a minimum stay requirement that results in almost an out right ban, while other towns have specific regulations. Chief McLean noted that this proposal is based off the existing City Business license system. Restrictions would be in place for the actual property owner only, annual renewal of a license,  a minimum stay of 24 hours, inspection provision for code violations, and insurance requirements. 

Alderman Hill noted he really liked the Oak Park model.  Hill stated he wished to be sensitive to neighbors, but accommodating. Alderman Hill also noted he liked that Evanston had a “hardship” provision.  Hill also stated he would be open to a minimum stay of up to 5 days and liked the idea of residents and not absentee landlords. Chair Brennan stated he disagreed with the 5 day stay minimum and most short term rentals would be used for less days. Alderman Nardini noted that the draft proposal was very thorough and agrees that a minimum of 5 day stay would not be beneficial. McLean noted that a provision could be added regarding the amount of people that can occupy the short term rental. Alderman Hill introduced the idea that a short term rental could be required to have an operational surveillance camera. Conversation ensued on terminology reference business license and license.  Chair Brennan noted that the Committee is attempting to take small steps into regulation and put in place a working frame work, without being overreaching. This item will be discussed at a future meeting.

G. Stop Sign at Third and Glenview Discussion

City Engineer Ted Sianis provided an update to the Committee reference speed studies and information from Elmhurst School District reference the intersection of Third and Glenview. Sianis received information back from Elmhurst School District that between 6-10 students use the corner for a bus stop. Sianis noted that KLOA is completing a study in the area and will add this intersection to their research. Further discussion will take place upon receiving back information from that neighborhood traffic study. 

6. Other Business

Alderman Nardini noted he is anxiously awaiting news on the Safe Routes to School grant. Nardini stated he is interested in more information to apply for sidewalk funding. City Engineer Ted Sianis stated we must wait until the State of Illinois announces the program and stated he will put together details of the program from previous year submissions.   

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  9:29  p.m.

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