Heather Bereckis

The meeting commenced with a presentation regarding the city achieving a bronze-level designation as a Bicycle Friendly Community from the League of American Bicyclists, an effort spearheaded by the Walk and Rollers group. Public forum included an objection from a resident regarding proposed island construction impacting privacy due to a proposed map amendment for a high-density townhouse project. Another speaker voiced support for a proposed local ordinance to enhance safety for cyclists and users of e-scooters and e-bikes. The council proceeded to approve the consent agenda, excluding item 6.5 concerning the Island Construction Map amendment and variations, which was set for separate discussion.

The meeting included public comments primarily focused on Tree Preservation. Key business involved the approval of reports related to the 2026 Street Resurfacing Program Construction Bids, 2026 Street Resurfacing Resident Engineering Services, the 2026 Watermain Improvements Project Construction Bids, and the 2026 Watermain Improvements Project Construction Engineering Services. An update was provided on the Indiana & Van Auken Sidewalks Project, indicating that Indiana sidewalk construction will proceed first. The committee discussed a draft referral regarding the Tree Ordinance, amending it to use recommended educational documents as a starting point and requesting further information on a private property tree preservation plan from the Village of Glen Ellyn.

The meeting addressed public comments concerning Case 25 P 08, which involved a Map Amendment and Variations for properties at 241 & 245 N. West Ave, 503 W. Third St, and 240 N. West Ave. This was the third time the item was before the Committee. Committee members voiced support, citing that the proposal fits the neighborhood, is less intrusive than current zoning allows, and aligns with the Comprehensive Plan, despite its age. A motion was passed to prepare a report supporting the request in concurrence with the Zoning & Planning report findings. Additionally, the Committee noted upcoming meetings and scheduling conflicts.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a roll call establishing a quorum of 14 members present. The primary agenda item involved a presentation from the Metropolitan Mayor's Caucus (MMC) regarding their 2024 Homes for a Changing Region report for the City of Elmhurst. Key housing needs identified included more physically accessible, smaller, and affordable homes for seniors, housing options that better match income for renters (nearly half of whom are cost-burdened), and fewer options for first-time home buyers due to rising median home sale values. The report presented five potential strategies, which will be referred to the DPZ committee for further consideration. These strategies included leveraging nonprofit resources for preserving affordable housing (e.g., connecting with the Community Investment Corporation or exploring DuPage County's community land trust), considering the creation of a dedicated Housing Commission, exploring 'missing middle' housing to fit between single-family homes and large apartments, increasing the supply of affordable housing through engaging mission-driven developers, and exploring an inclusionary housing ordinance.

The meeting included ceremonial recognitions for the York Girls Cross Country Team for winning the 2021 IHSA State Finals and the York Dukes Varsity Soccer Team for earning the Class 3A State Championship title. The City Council addressed a lengthy consent agenda which involved approvals for previous meeting minutes, accounts payable, the 2022 meeting schedule, an appointment to the ZNP Commission, reports on a facade grant request, a strategic plan development process, insurance renewal, and a Spring Road Business Association request. Additionally, the council considered ordinances to amend liquor license limitations and levy taxes for the fiscal year 2021, including levies for Special Service Areas Number Six, Thirteen, and Sixteen. Several ordinances were presented for abating the tax levy for 2021 related to various general obligation corporate purpose bonds. The council also reviewed a budget and appropriation ordinance for 2021, and resolutions approving consulting agreements and engineering services agreements for a railroad crossing project.