Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met July 28

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chair Brennan

2. Roll Call

Committee Members Present: Chair Brennan, Alderman Sienko

Committee Members Absent: 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 Irby, Nudera, Nardini, Virgil

3. Public Comments

Residents Connie Cain, Jennice Fritz, Diane Himes, Dawn Reiman, Tom Sitkowski, George Widmar, and Mike LoCicero all spoke to the committee regarding the placement of the stop sign at Euclid/McKinley.  Chair Brennan related he typically did not comment after public comments, but related he wanted the residents to know the neighborhood traffic studies try to be proactive with traffic safety and he also personally examined at the intersection as well. 

4. Receipt of Written Communication

A letter was received regarding support of E-bikes and another letter was received regarding the placement of the stop sign near Euclid/McKinley. 

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Public Affairs & Safety Committee Meeting, July 14th,  2025, Minutes

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

B. E-Bike and Scooter Safety Referral- Discussion

Chair Brennan related he would like to continue to have a directional discussion regarding the potential of any ordinances related to e-bikes and e-scooters. Chief McLean explained that the city recently began installing large stickers on the ground to create a visual boundary to educate people to walk their bikes and scooters on business district sidewalks. In addition, Chief McLean provided the committee with a worksheet to outline the basic concepts of what a draft report to create regulations for e-scooters and e-bikes might contain. Chair Brennan related he was not necessarily in agreement with what the State of Illinois did with the state law regarding e-scooters only being allowed for ages 18 and up. Chair Brennan related he believed 16 was a good age for both e-scooters and e-bikes. Mayor Levin related there has been some discussion to request the state to re-examine what was passed. Chair Brennan related he wished to have some simplistic rules established that would be easy for everyone to follow. Alderman Sienko had a question regarding e-bikes being permitted on the Prairie Path, and Chair Brennan related he felt strongly they should be permitted at proper age. Alderman Nardini mentioned that technology will continue to change and any ordinances passed should be in consideration of such. Chair Brennan stated the goal of the meeting was to give some guidance on the next steps. There was discussion on parental liability, with Chair Brennan stating the parents would most likely be paying any penalties/fines. Chief McLean stated the community would most likely expect consequences for parents who knowingly purchase a prohibited device for a child. There was continued discussion regarding framework associated with a potential draft report, with Chief McLean seeking clarification on the direction the committee wished to move forward with on several related points, including fine structure, the maximum posted speed limit of streets that e-scooters would be allowed to travel, and the utilization of towing vehicles that would be considered illegal. Alderman Nardini asked what other communities were doing with enforcement of state versus local tickets. Alderman Irby related he has heard concerns with e-bikes and e-scooters on the paths and concerns on the number of passengers. Chair Brennan related there were several items which the committee could start to move forward on.

C. First Street Parking Restrictions- Draft Report

City Engineer Sianis provided an update to the committee of previous parking restrictions on First Street, west of Addison. Sianis explained the intersection and area had changed since the street was resurfaced in 2016 and with the addition of the Marke building. Chair Brennan had a question on the positioning of a striped median. There was discussion regarding the number of parking spaces needed for delivery and ride-share vehicles, with it being suggested three 10-minute parking spaces and eight new 2-hour parking spaces would be most appropriate. Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the report with the three 10-minute spot amendment made, Chair Brennan seconded. Roll call vote: Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, motion carried.

D. Stop Sign Placement at Northbound Euclid Avenue and McKinley Avenue- Discussion

City Engineer Sianis provided an overview of the process which was taken when stop signs were added to the intersection. Sianis explained the placement of the sign for northbound Euclid was to prevent cars from stopping and queuing in front of a resident’s driveway.  Chair

Brennan related the primary concern was the stop sign was not close enough to the intersection. It was decided additional options for the stop sign placement would be explored.

E. Evergreen Avenue Parking Restrictions- Draft Report

City Engineer Sianis explained the purpose of the report was to codify the parking restriction signs which have been in place since the late 1980’s. Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the report, Alderman Brennan seconded. Roll call vote:  Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, motion carried.

6. Other Business

City Engineer Sianis related he would be bringing additional neighborhood traffic studies back to the committee.

Elmhurst History Museum Executive Director Dave Oberg advised he received updated insurance information from the Knights of Columbus Hall for the Jackson School “Bags Tournament” to be held at the York/Vallette parking lot. 

Chief McLean related the Public Safety Night would be held at York Commons Park on August 7th at 7:00 PM. 

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Alderman Sienko and seconded by Alderman Brennan. Roll call vote: Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:43 P.M. 

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/coe/Board.nsf/Public