Aldermen Say Elmhurst Stormwater Solutions will Involve Use of School and Park Property

Concept plans are very preliminary, but engineers say excavation will leave the properties in better condition than they are now.

Elmhurst City Council unveiled a plan Monday to alleviate flooding throughout the city by utilizing land belonging to Elmhurst Unit District 205 and Elmhurst Park District. On display in council chambers were conceptual drawings of public areas identified as potential water retention basins. While a lot of work has been done since the 2010 floods devastated numerous areas of the city, nothing "tangible" has been implemented yet to take care of overland flooding, Public Works and Buildings Committee Chairman Jim Kennedy said. In 2010, RJN Group analyzed system failings on the sewer and sanitary side, resulting in the soon-to-be-constructed, $6 million southwest Elmhurst Wet Weather Project. RELATED: 'Four Times in 10 Years': Elmhurst …

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Jim Court

8:28 am on Wednesday, May 8, 2013

I think that as a city, we should doggedly look at how every dollar is spent, do everything possible to increase efficiency, eliminate any waste, be creative, innovative, and not operate in the business as usual mode. The pertains to all Government bodies, not just the city. I have expressed many valid ideas yet there seems to be a mindset that unless you are employed by the city, are a paid …   more ›

City Prepares to Make an Official Offer on the Pauli Property

Also, aldermen will hear an update on flood cost and mitigation efforts.

Elmhurst residents and aldermen will get a better picture of the toll the April 18 flood took on the city at 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 6. Following the inauguration of newly elected Mayor Steve Morley and 1st Ward Alderman Marti Deuter; re-elected aldermen Kevin York (4th Ward), Chris Healy (5th) and Pat Wagner (7th); and new city Treasurer Elaine Libovicz, council members will hear an update on storm damage and what's being done to mitigate flooding. The updates will be given by 6th Ward Alderman and Public Works and Buildings Committee Chairman Jim Kennedy, City Manager Jim Grabowski, staff from Christopher Burke Engineering and Public Works staff. The council meeting will continue with public comment. Members of the community will be …

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Jim Court

8:58 pm on Monday, May 6, 2013

Erin and Ellen are two outstanding city employees.   more ›

Letter to the Editor

Letter: When did City Hall First Contemplate Six-story Office/Public Parking Project?

So many questions swirl around the proposed six-story Addison Avenue project.

The question is not rhetorical. When did a project pitched as relief of downtown parking turn into an incentive program for private interests? The answer relates to the capacity of Elmhurst residents to have their voice heard, and my guess is that the contemplation began a lot earlier than the public learned of it. The project already approved is four stories, first-floor retail, second- to fourth-floor public parking and an approximate city cost of $12.5 million. The revised proposed project is six stories, first-floor retail, second- and third-floor office, a possible fourth-floor office, fifth and sixth floors for public parking, and an approximate city cost of $14 million to $16 million.        Here are a few more questions related to …

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Passion for the People: Elmhurst City Council Bids Farewell to 1st Ward Alderman Paula Pezza

Aldermen praised her four years of accomplishments on Elmhurst City Council.

Leaving a legacy of tenacious questioning of city business—and leaving 6th Ward Alderman Jim Kennedy as the only Immaculate Conception High School graduate on the City Council—Paula Pezza, surrounded by family, ended her career as 1st Ward alderman Monday. “I can only hope that I delivered on my promises,” she said. Pezza, a 26-year Elmhurst resident, recently took on a role with the Realtors Association Governmental Affairs Committee, which lobbys state representatives and local governments for the real estate industry and owners rights. She did not seek re-election; Marti Deuter was elected last week to join Diane Gutenkauf in representing the 1st Ward. Pezza has served on Elmhurst City Council since 2009; in 2005, she ran for mayor of …

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Vehicle Use Policy, Rifle Purchase, Mariano's Liquor License and More on City Agenda Monday

City Council meets at 7:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 209 N. York St.

Now that City of Elmhurst budget talks are complete, aldermen have been focusing on a number of other items, including a sewer rate increase and acquisition of property in the North York tax increment financing district, both of which are on the agenda Monday, April 15. Before the regular City Council meeting, aldermen will meet in executive session at 7 p.m. to discuss pending litigation, purchase or lease of real property and appointment, employment or compensation of a city officer or employee. The regular meeting will be called to order at 7:30 p.m., and will begin with a proclamation recognizing April as Autism Awareness Month. The meeting will then open to residents who wish to make comment. Members of the community are invited to …

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Drive-Through, Liquor License, Sewer Rates On Committee Agendas Monday

On the eve of Election Day, Elmhurst aldermen continue business as usual.

Chik-fil-a needs permission for a drive-through, Mariano's reps are asking for a liquor license, sewer rates once agreed upon are back to the drawing board and various summer events are up for discussion at Elmhurst committee meetings tonight. All four of the city's standing committees meet at the same time, at 7 p.m. Monday, April 8, at City Hall, 209 N. York St. Following is a look at their agendas: Development, Planning and Zoning Committee Steve Morley, chairman Dannee Polomsky, vice chairman Norman Leader Finance, Council Affairs and Administrative Services Committee Steve Hipskind, chairman Kevin York, vice chairman Mark Mulliner Scott Levin Public Affairs and Safety Committee Patrick Wagner, chairman Paula Pezza, vice chairman …

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Jim Court

10:14 pm on Monday, April 8, 2013

they finally did.   more ›

Letter to the Editor

Letter: Diane Gutenkauf is Always Accessible to Residents

She will keep all Elmhurst residents informed like she has kept her ward informed during her tenure as alderman.

Current 1st Ward Alderman and mayoral candidate Diane Gutenkauf should be the next mayor of Elmhurst. Since Diane joined the City Council in 2007, she has proven to be an accessible and responsive alderman. Along with so many other 1st Ward residents, I have been proud to have her serving us. Like most of us, I’m a busy person. It’s hard to keep up with everything going on in city government, however, having Diane as a representative has made it easy. Her commitment to keeping the 1st Ward informed through email blasts, face time with individuals and occasional information events has been great! She has excellent communications skills and always responded quickly and with helpful information whenever I had questions. Diane has put …

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Jim Court

6:36 pm on Friday, April 5, 2013

Lead the charge, initiate, innovate, challenge, improve, these are what I believe a leader verses a manager does. Ann Tranter was a great Alderman. Her support should mean something. I love Elmhurst, I am not so sure I like politics. Donna Lomicki was another great Alderman.   more ›

Letter to the Editor

Letter: Marti Deuter Has What it Takes to Be Next 1st Ward Alderman

Marti Deuter is experienced, honest and organized, and she puts residents first.

Candidates for the position of alderman should have the following characteristics: I believe that Marti Deuter has all of these characteristics, which is why, on April 9, I will be voting for Marti Deuter for 1st Ward Alderman. —Kristin Whitehurst, Elmhurst

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City Council Expected to Approve City/School TIF Agreement Tonight, and Budget Talks Wind Down

Also up for approval: Zoning Commission appointment, sidewalk SSA and fuel contract.

Elmhurst City Council members are expected to sign off on the intergovernmental agreement with Elmhurst Unit District 205 that provides for revenue sharing from the city's tax increment financing districts tonight, Monday, April 1, at City Hall, 209 N. York St. The School District approved the agreement at its last meeting. The open City Council meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. following an executive session at 7 p.m. to discuss pending litigation and purchase or lease of real property. A late add-on (March 29) to the regular meeting agenda lists a proclamation: "Ambodimanga Ankazamba, Madagascar Day." In addition to approval of minutes and accounts payable, the consent agenda includes the following items: The council will then hear any …

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Jim Court

11:39 pm on Monday, April 1, 2013

in me. Writing on this smartphone seems to limit the way I write.Oh well I think you understand what I am trying to say.   more ›