Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met Aug. 25

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:02 P.M. by Chair Brennan

2. Roll Call

Committee Members Present: Chair Brennan, Alderman Sienko, Alderman Belanger

City Staff Present: Police Chief Michael McLean, Deputy Police Chief James Gandy, Fire Chief Dick Dufort, History Museum Director Dave Oberg, City Engineer Ted Sianis, Business Development Manager Heather Bereckis

Elected Officials: Mayor Scott Levin

3. Public Comments

Resident Kevin Kirby spoke to the committee about the need for a crosswalk on West Ave, between First Street and North Ave, illustrating several points why the need existed.  

4. Receipt of Written Communication

None

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Public Affairs & Safety Committee Meeting, August 11th,  2025, Minutes

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

B. West Ave Crosswalk Study Referral- Discussion

Michael Worthman from KLOA briefed the committee on the traffic study, which was conducted, including vehicle counts and pedestrian crossing counts. There was discussion regarding the criteria used to justify a crosswalk. There was continued discussion on the uniqueness of the street and some traffic factors. Alderman Belanger commented on the distance to the area in correlation to North Ave and related it was more problematic with Second Street being split when intersecting with West Ave. Alderman Belanger inquired if the city ever installed a crosswalk when it did not meet the engineering criteria. Chair Brennan related the committee had been looking at the intersection for some time and commented that the speeds on West Ave are high. Chair Brennan further explained he struggled with the facts presented by KLOA, and he understood the data presented was a collection at one point in time. Chair Brennan related he found it hard to believe a street of this nature would not warrant more. Alderman Belanger stated he was also very data driven and provided an example of Salt Creek Park being west of West Ave, with many families not allowing their children to cross West Ave to get to Salt Creek Park. Alderman Sienko stated this topic was her referral, and stated she thought the committee could do something to increase the safety. Alderman Sienko questioned how many people crossed at North Ave because they could not cross near Second Street. Alderman Sienko stated if we want to promote walkability, then we need to make it walkable. City Engineer Sianis provided some options for the committee to consider, and there was discussion on the cost of Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFP’s) and the city’s plan moving forward in the installation of RRFP’s at designated intersections which meet certain criteria. Chair Brennan related he felt there was more work to be done on this topic. 

C. Neighborhood Traffic Study 4- Draft Report

City Engineer Sianis stated KLOA took the suggestions from the committee and the recommendations were included in the draft report. Chair Brennan related the draft report included many of the suggestions from the committee and others. Alderman Belanger related he felt good with the report and questioned what the timeline would be for certain traffic calming measures to be implemented. There was discussion with monitoring the intersection of Schiller/Willow. Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the report, Alderman Belanger seconded. Roll call vote: Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye, motion carried.

D. Neighborhood Traffic Study 5- Draft Report

City Engineer Sianis stated KLOA took the suggestions from the committee and the recommendations were included in the draft report. Chair Brennan asked if the speed feedback signs suggested on Park Ave would be temporary signs or permanent. It was explained the Police Department had two speed feedback signs which can be posted on fixed objects, and they were rotated throughout the city. Chair Brennan commented Park Ave was one area that should be monitored. Alderman Brennan motioned to approve the report, Alderman Sienko seconded. Roll call vote: Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye, motion carried.

E. Liquor License Updates Referral- Draft Report

Business Development Manager Bereckis presented the draft report, outlining what was discussed in a previous meeting. There was discussion about the lowering of liquor license fees, as many of the fees were higher than surrounding communities. Mayor Levin related it was the right thing to do, as he had spoken to many business owners who did not think the fees were fair. Alderman Bellanger related it shows support to our businesses and he was in support of the report. Alderman Sienko related the report would help businesses stay in Elmhurst. Chair Brennan stated he did not like that the city’s fees were higher compared to other communities. Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the report, Alderman Belanger seconded Roll call vote: Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Bellanger Aye, motioned carried.   

6. Other Business

Alderman Belanger related with the start of the new school year; he has heard some instances of reckless driving around York High School. 

Alderman Sienko stated the new art mural was completed at the Adelaide Parking Deck and it turned out very nice. 

Elmhurst History Museum Executive Director Dave Oberg related the museum would be having a new exhibit open soon. 

Chief McLean stated the Police Department would be swearing in Tim Griffin as a new Part-Time Police Officer.

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Alderman Belanger and seconded by Alderman Sienko. Roll call vote: Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye, motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:21 P.M.

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