Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met June 23

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, Alderman Sienko, Alderman Belanger

City Staff Present: City Manager James Grabowski, Police Chief Michael McLean, Deputy Police Chief James Gandy, Fire Chief Dick Dufort, History Museum Director Dave Oberg,

Elected Officials: Mayor Scott Levin, Aldermen Emily Bastedo and Mike Baker

Guests: Daniel Maziarz, Michael LoCicero. Armaline Mirretti

3. Public Comments

Michael LoCicero, Chair of Elmhurst Walk and Rollers, informed the committee Elmhurst has submitted its application to be designated as a “Bike Friendly Community”.

4. Receipt of Written Communication

None

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Public Affairs & Safety Committee Meeting, June 9th,  2025, Minutes

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

B. Knights of Columbus Classic Car Show

Ernest Iannotio spoke to the committee regarding the request to utilize the City of Elmhurst municipal parking lot for the Knights of Columbus Annual Car Show. Iannotio explained the show was in its tenth year, and it is well attended and a good community event. There was discussion regarding parking and the areas which would be cordoned off, and Iannotio explained there would be limited impact to surrounding businesses. Chair Brennan inquired where the attendees would park and if the Knight of Columbus Hall and front bar would be open. Iannotio explained the front bar would be open, however there was no alcohol allowed or served outside the bar area. Alderman Belanger motioned to approve the report, Alderman Sienko seconded. Roll call vote: Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried. 

C. E-Bike and Scooter Discussion

Chair Brennan related there has been a lot of discussion within the community on this topic, and he felt it was important to start a conversation.  Chief McLean provided an update on the laws recently passed in Illinois regarding E-bikes and E-scooters and updated the committee on the educational efforts the Police Department and City have undertaken. Chair Brennan sought clarification of the Illinois law regarding e-scooters. Chief McLean related currently in Illinois, municipalities must authorize low-speed e-scooters, otherwise they are not allowed, per Illinois Vehicle Code 11-518(a). Chair Brennan stated that it was an important data point regarding what was and what was not permitted in Elmhurst. There was continued discussion regarding what steps to consider in the future, with the committee acknowledging the challenges associated with the topic. There was discussion what other communities have recently passed, and Mayor Levin related it was hard to say what might be the best ordinance for Elmhurst. There was discussion related to what could be done presently while the committee continued to research. There was discussion regarding an information flyer which was posted on social media and disseminated in resident’s water bills. Alderman Belanger related the flyer was a good start, yet there was a desire for more detailed information. Alderman Belanger also related a plan of action would be a good idea to add to the flyer. Michael LoCicero, Chair of Elmhurst Walk and Rollers, related education should be the primary focus. There was discussion on the limitations currently available with enforcement, particularly the challenges of often the only option being a State of Illinois traffic citation with a court appearance required in Wheaton. Chair Brennan stated the complexities had been discussed, and it sounded as if everyone agreed that writing state citations to children was not recommended. He related his concern was keeping kids safe, and whatever the committee would recommend should be aged driven, including a simple ordinance which was safety driven and focused on minors.  Chair Brennan related the City should stay the course on continued education, to reenforce the state regulations, and further discussion was warranted in the future. Alderman Sienko related it was important to separate E-scooters versus E-bikes during discussions. Finally, Alderman Sienko asked what the state laws were requiring helmet usage. The item will be continued to a future committee meeting. 

D. Pending List Discussion

Dave Oberg, Executive Director of the Elmhurst History Museum, reviewed the pending list with the committee. It was determined that several items in the pending list were resolved and should be removed. 

6. Other Business

Dave Oberg spoke about the recent dedication of the new outdoor performance space at the museum. 

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Alderman Sienko and seconded by Alderman Belanger. Roll call vote: Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye, motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 P.M.

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