Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst Public Affairs and Safety Committee met Sept. 8

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: None

City Staff Present: Police Chief Michael McLean, Deputy Police Chief Brett Kaczorowski, and Fire Chief Dick DuFort, Elmhurst History Museum Director Dave Oberg, City Engineer Ted Sianis.

Guests: Michael LoCicero, Armaline Mirretti, and members of the Elmhurst Walk and Rollers Working Group, Kari Feldkamp of the Elmhurst Park District  

3. Public Comment

Armaline Mirretti spoke about her safety concerns regarding pedestrians crossing on West Avenue in the area of Second Street. Mirretti stated she was in favor of adding acrosswalk and Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RFBB) in the area.

4. Receipt of Written Communications

None

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Minutes of the August 25th, 2025 meeting of the Public Affairs & Safety Committee

Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the minutes of the August 25th, 2025 meeting.  Alderman Belanger seconded.   Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye.  Motion carried.

B. E-Bike and Scooter Safety Referral - Discussion

Michael LoCicero and members of the Elmhurst Walk and Rollers Working Group presented their recommendations to the Committee regarding safety concerns and potential ordinances for use of e-scooters and e-bikes in the City of Elmhurst. LoCicero provided an overview of the Elmhurst Walk and Rollers working group mission and previous work in the community. LoCicero noted that it was important to correct the behavior when addressing these issues. LoCicero presented a powerpoint and hand out to members of the Public Affairs and Safety Committee with the group’s recommendations.

Alderman Belanger thanked the group for the presentation and stated this was an important issue to get correct. Alderman Belanger noted he would read the full report and would need time to review all recommendations. 

Alderman Sienko agreed and noted that a lot of work went into these recommendations, noting she would read the full report and thanking the group for their time. Alderman Sienko asked if any other towns do a certification for 12-16 year olds. LoCicero stated no other towns had similar certifications that he knows of.

Chair Brennan thanked the working group for their recommendations. Chair Brennan inquired why the group chose 12-16 year olds for E-Scooters and not E-Bikes. LoCicero stated he does not know if that was specifically discussed, but noted that E-Bikes are very similar to regular bikes and he would recommend that most younger children only use low speed Class 1 E-bikes. 

Chair Brennan stated he appreciates the hard work and time that went into these recommendations. Chair Brennan asked History Museum Director Oberg to please ensure it is added to Boarddocs for public viewing and Chair Brennan noted he would reference it at an upcoming council meeting. 

This topic will be discussed at a future meeting.

C. West Avenue Crosswalk Study Referral – Discussion

City Engineer Ted Sianis spoke to the Committee about the final recommendations by KLOA relating to the West Avenue Crosswalk study. Sianis noted the recommendation included adding additional signage, a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RFBB), advisory bicycle lanes, and a high visibility crosswalk.   Sianis noted the mountable island was not recommended. 

Alderman Sienko motioned to approve the report with the amendment of a date change on the report and deletion of 5th bullet reference the mountable island. Roll call vote: Chair Brennan Aye, Sienko Aye, Belanger Aye. Motion carried.

D. Neighborhood traffic study #8

City Engineer Ted Sianis spoke to the Committee about the upcoming proposed Neighborhood Traffic Study #8. Chair Brennan inquired how many additional neighborhood studies were remaining. Sianis stated that there were (3) remaining neighborhood studies and the project is expected to be completed in 2027.  

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

E. Elmhurst Park District Family Fall Fest

Kari Feldkamp of the Elmhurst Park District appeared before the Committee to discuss the upcoming proposed Park District Fall Fest to be held on October 4th, 2025. Feldkamp noted that this event has been growing since inception and that in 2019, in cooperation with the City of Elmhurst, South Street from York Road to Arlington Street is closed for the event. Feldkamp estimates the attendance each year at 4,000 attendees. 

Chair Brennan inquired about how the Park District decides which food trucks to use. Feldkamp stated that they have regular groups they pull from and send a notice to each of them for their availability at the beginning of the year. 

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

6. Other Business

Chief McLean provided an update to the Committee on traffic enforcement on Alma street near the York High School. McLean noted that Public Works recently completed reconstruction of Alma making improvements to tighten and narrow the ends of street, slowing down cars.  Elmhurst Police have observed a 5mph reduction in average speed on the street. 

Elmhurst History Museum Director Dave Oberg announced the upcoming Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest on September 10th as well as the Town vs Gown vintage baseball game on September 28th. 

Chief McLean provided an update to the Committee noted that applications and letters for Short Term Rentals have gone out and the City is currently taking applications via online portal.  

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 8:25 p.m.

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