Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met Aug. 11

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 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, Deputy Fire Chief Steve Reynolds, Business Development Coordinator Heather Bereckis, City Engineer Ted Sianis.

Guests: Michael LoCicero of the Elmhurst Walk and Rollers Working Group, Michael Worthman of KLOA, Evan Morris of Phase Three Brewing, Andrew Hickey and John Escalante of the Elmhurst University                                      

3. Public Comment

None

4. Receipt of Written Communications

None

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Minutes of the July 28th, 2025 meeting of the Public Affairs & Safety Committee

Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the minutes of the July 28th, 2025 meeting. Alderman Belanger seconded. Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.

B. Spring Road Business Association Elmtoberfest Request

Evan Morris of Phase Three Brewing and the Spring Road Business Association appeared before the Committee to discuss the proposed Spring Road Business Association Elmtoberfest to be held in a portion of the municipal parking lot next to Phase Three Brewing on October 4th, 2025 from 11:00 AM until 10:00 PM. Morris described the event, activities, and impact to the area.

Alderman Sienko inquired about set up and tear down times and dates. Morris noted that set up would be required in the afternoon the day before the event and tear down would take place the Monday after the event. Chair Brennan asked if the Spring Road Business Association had any concerns, Morris stated that the feedback they have received so far was outstanding and everyone was in favor.  Chair Brennan inquired about the stage location and Morris stated it would be centered within the blocked off area inside the tent. Alderman Belanger asked if the entrance to the front of the business would remain open and Morris stated it would.  

Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the report with an amendment noting the set up and tear down times. Alderman Belanger seconded. Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.

C. Elmhurst University Temporary Liquor License request/Homecoming events

Elmhurst University Security Director John Escalante and Assistant Security Director Andrew Hickey appeared before the Committee to discuss the upcoming 2025 Elmhurst University Homecoming events and parade to be held on Saturday, October 4th, 2025.  Escalante described the plans for the parade, block party, and homecoming game. Chair Brennan inquired about the criteria for food vendors and if tailgating was permitted at regular football games. Escalante noted that many food vendors have been repeat invitees and that tailgating is permitted at most football games, but this event will be larger in size. Chair Brennan asked if there was any negative feedback from local residents on street closures.  Escalante stated that he has not received negative complaints and that residents are invited to attend. Deputy Chief Kaczorowski noted that the street closures for the parade are “rolling closures” and the roadway is immediately opened after the parade passes.   

Alderman Belanger motioned to approve the report with a corrected date on the report. Alderman Sienko seconded. Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.

D. E-Bike and E-Scooters Safety Referral

Chief McLean and the Committee discussed an overview of the draft report regarding safety concerns for unlawful use of e-scooters and electric motorcycles. Alderman Belanger inquired if there was a specific section noting where they are permissible for use, Chief McLean noted that e-bikes and e-scooters are in different sections of state law and currently e-scooters are allowed on sidewalks while e-bikes are prohibited. Alderman Sienko inquired about the differences of categories for on highway and off highway, Chief McLean noted the differences and noted the trend of some users to ride electric motorcycles, that at first glance, appear to be e-bikes. Chair Brennan noted the draft report could be updated to clarify if the vehicle requires a license plate in section C. Alderman Sienko inquired about expanding the “walk your wheels” postings to other portions of the City along North York street. Alderman Belanger noted he would be concerned about removing the sidewalk restrictions for safety and that bike routes can be further discussed separate from this draft report.

Chair Brennan noted his concern for Class 2 e-bikes operated by children on public streets and that this should be examined in the draft report to be more restrictive than state law. Chair Brennan said that this was a good start and this topic will be discussed at a future meeting. 

E. Elmhurst Fire Department Training Tower Discussion

Chief Dufort and the Committee discussed the current use, history, condition, and future need repairs and updates of the Elmhurst Fire Training Tower. Mayor Levin noted that there would be potential for state funds to be received to assist in this project. Chair Brennan noted that the Public Affairs and Safety Committee would prepare a report, but this would eventually go to the Public Works Committee for follow-up. Chair Brennan encouraged all members of the Committee to take a tour of the training tower and visit it in person to get a better understanding for future conversations. This topic to be discussed at a future meeting.     

F. Liquor License Updates Referral

Business Development Coordinator Heather Bereckis and Mayor Levin discussed with the Committee current liquor license costs for the City of Elmhurst as well as a comparison of other municipalities. Bereckis noted that last year, the liquor license code was examined and simplified. Bereckis stated upon comparing (14) other municipalities and the City of Chicago, the City of Elmhurst would require a 27% decrease to put our liquor license fees in a comparable range. Bereckis noted that several Elmhurst businesses are on payment plans to accomplish the liquor license fees. Mayor Levin noted that he spoke with a local business, and they stated they need to sell 700 bottles of wine in order to equal payment for the liquor license, noting this is a significant cost. Mayor Levin noted that to be fair to the business community and be competitive, this is the right thing to do. Mayor Levin noted that even with a reduction in fees, we will still be within the top 5% for costs. Chair Brennan noted he would be in favor of moving forward and directing staff to prepare a draft report. Alderman Belanger and Sienko sated they would also be in support. This topic to be discussed at a future meeting. 

G. Neighborhood Traffic Study 4

City Engineer Ted Sianis and Michael Worthman from KLOA presented information to the Committee on preliminary recommended signage and traffic calming techniques for Neighborhood Traffic Study area 4. Sianis noted that there would be a recommendation for curb bump outs and mid-block curb bump outs on both Grantly Avenue and Columbia Avenue. Chair Brennan inquired if other communities have done this. Worthman stated that Oak Park and Mt. Prospect both have implemented curb bump outs. Worthman stated that he would recommend placing temporary bump outs in place and if they work, placing them into the next roadway project. Sianis also noted that additional signage would be added along York road into neighborhoods for no truck routes. Alderman Jensen inquired about a painted crosswalk to be added on Schiller near the green space. Sianis stated that a painted crosswalk would be recommended to be added. Additionally, Sianis said they would recommend no parking signage on Third street near Field School noting no parking for unattended vehicles.  

H. Neighborhood Traffic Study 5

City Engineer Ted Sianis and Michael Worthman from KLOA presented information to the Committee on preliminary recommended signage and traffic calming techniques for Neighborhood Traffic Study area 5. Worthman stated that temporary electronic speed signs would be placed on Park Avenue. Additionally, Church street would be amended to a standard 25 mph residential zone. Alderman Jensen recommended adding additional 20mph School Zone signage on Huntington Lane near Edison Elementary School. Sianis and Worthman discussed proposed changes to Arlington Avenue and the train tracks but noted that any restructuring done would be a significant road construction undertaking. 

I.  West Avenue Crosswalk Study Referral

This topic was tabled to a future meeting.

6. Other Business

None

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Alderman Sienko and seconded by Alderman Belanger. Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:46 p.m.

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