Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met July 14

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 Michael Brennan, Vice Chair Karen Sienko and Alderman Brian Belanger

Absent: None

Elected Officials: Mayor Levin and Alderman Jensen

City Staff Present: Police Chief Michael McLean, Deputy Police Chief Brett Kaczorowski, and Fire Chief Dick DuFort.

Guests: Michael LoCicero of the Elmhurst Walk and Rollers

3. Public Comment

Elmhurst Resident Yeen Yu requested the Committee find ways to manage e-scooters in Elmhurst while still allowing use of them. Yu stated he does not want to see a ban of e-scooters and states he does not use e-scooters for fun, but for a proper and safe method of transportation.

4. Receipt of Written Communications

Written communication from Elmhurst resident Hunter Bauer requesting the Committee introduce an ordinance that allows adult riders to use e-scooters outside of the City Centre area.

Written communication from Diane DiBartolomeo requesting additional signage and communications reference bikes, scooters, and skateboards in the City Centre. 

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Minutes of the June 23rd, 2025 meeting of the Public Affairs & Safety Committee

Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the minutes of the June 23rd, 2025 meeting. Alderman Belanger seconded.   Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.

B. Jackson Elementary School PTA Fundraiser Request

Adam Roths of the Jackson School PTA appeared before the Committee to discuss the upcoming proposed Jackson School PTA Fundraiser to be held in the municipal parking lot behind the Knights of Columbus on September 27, 2025. Roths related the event is a fundraiser cornhole tournament from 4:00 PM until 11:00 PM, but they plan to be inside after 8:00 PM. Chair Brennan asked about the impact for open businesses and parking in the area, Roth responded that only the center of the parking lot was blocked off and other parking is available in the lot.  Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the report. Alderman Belanger seconded. Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.

C. E-bike and Scooter Discussion

Chief McLean spoke to the Committee about the increased public messaging, educational outreach and enforcement the Elmhurst Police Department performed regarding E-scooters and E-Bike laws. Chief McLean noted that (2) days after social media messaging went out, an off-road electric dirt bike struck a pedestrian on a York street sidewalk. Citations were issued to not only the rider of the electric dirt bike, but the parent for allowing an unauthorized person to operate it. Chief McLean noted that the police department has been also researching other municipalities and their messaging attempts to keep E-scooters out of commercial business districts. Chief McLean noted that enforcement has been focused on the commercial business districts where the risk to pedestrians is highest and roadways elsewhere in the City.

Mayor Levin noted that he recently spoke with state officials regarding concern that the current state regulatory framework is difficult to understand and does not make sense to the public.

Chair Brennan stated he will start a referral to formalize this process and that the objective is to pass a City of Elmhurst ordinance that allows Elmhurst Police to enforce violations under our local ordinances. Chair Brennan noted that this was an opportunity to provide simple safety guidelines that everyone understands.    

Chair Brennan noted that the Village of Roselle, Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg had good content with their local ordinances and noted it is important that we put together an ordinance that is easy to understand and keeps people safe in the community.

Michael LoCicero of the Elmhurst Walk and Rollers working group noted that the working group will come up with a recommendation regarding this topic in the coming weeks.

6. Other Business

Alderman Belanger noted he will be absent for the July 28th committee meeting. 

Fire Chief DuFort spoke of a water rescue on Salt Creek and a structure fire the Elmhurst Fire Department responded to.

Police Chief McLean spoke on the status of Short-Term Rental licenses, noting that the application is now available via the City of Elmhurst website. The City is in the process of sending notices to known Short-Term rentals to begin the application process. 

Police Chief McLean explained that due to several rain cancellations, the Elmhurst City Centre will host their concert make up rain dates on August 13th, 20th, and 27th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the North York Stage. The Committee did not object to the requested make-up dates.

Police Chief McLean also noted that there were (10) responses for the architecture services RFQ issued for the police station project and staff are currently reviewing them. 

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Alderman Sienko and seconded by Alderman Belanger. Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Absent, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:00  p.m.

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