Houseal Lavigne, Elmhurst's Conservation Design Forum Tapped for North York Land Use Plan

Written by Carol Kania Morency

The Elmhurst City Council was down five alderman and one mayor Monday night. Still, even in August, city business continues. Here is a round-up of council action:

Elmhurst Group on Roster for North York Road Plan

• Read more articles about Conservation Design Forum here.

Marketing Firm Gets Five-Month Contract

Findzall Community Marketing now has a five-month contract with the city. The group will be paid $85 an hour, with a total cap of 208 hours or a maximum $17,680.

Last month, the council debated whether to extend Findzall's contract for a year or for a shorter time period, citing the need to review how the city markets itself to businesses and to shoppers.

First Ward Alderman Diane Gutenkauf on Monday stressed that the shorter contract would give the city time to evaluate its entire marketing process, including how Findzall is faring as the first point of contact for businesses interested in locating in Elmhurst and as a loudspeaker touting the city's retail selection.

Residents near the intersection of Cedar Avenue/Barclay Court and Madison Street approached the Public Affairs and Safety Committee earlier this year requesting stop signs. After a review, city engineers recommended yield signs instead, citing “moderate site distances.”

Third Ward Alderman Michael Bram and 1st Ward Alderman Diane Gutenkauf, however, objected to this recommendation, saying that the city has a policy of following the guidelines established by the federal government for traffic control sign placement, and that according to those guidelines no new signs were warranted at this intersection.

Public Works Director Mike Hughes reaffirmed that the city did follow federal guidelines, but they were written for a wide range of circumstances, including national parks and airports. Municipalities often needed extra guidance, he said, and city engineers often turn to their own professional literature for help with local traffic questions. 

In the end, Hughes said, city staff need to rely on their own expertise and judgment. The signage request was approved with Bram and Gutenkauf voting no.