By Dee Longfellow
The City Council meeting on Monday, July 17 began with a presentation by Kassondra Schref, the City’s communications manager, about the City’s new web site that had just gone “live.”
“The web site was last redesigned in 2006 so it was time to update it,” Schref said. “We are working with a new web provider.”
She went through some of the highlights of the new site, many of which offer much more transparency and communication methods.
“This is where residents can sign up for alerts,” she said.
Schref pointed out several sections that could be accessed by residents, such as a place to find out about the City’s Boards and Commissions, as well as City Council, to see their agendas and minutes, find out about elected officials, see a ward map, find out who your alderman is and their contact information.
The site includes an overview of the office of the City Clerk including forms, applications and voter information, and the City Manager’s office offers a directory of all administrative officials, the City’s strategic plan, citizen surveys and the community grant program. Another page lists City services available to residents from each department.
Schref said there were three “sub-sites,” one being the Elmhurst Police Dept., another the Elmhurst Fire Department, where homeowners can sign up for their alerts. There is also a subsite for stormwater management, which contains historical data and information on projects that are still in the works.
“The Community section has the current marketing campaign, events calendar, communication efforts, and other things residents might be looking for,” said Schref. “It leads to the Community portal, where you can find out about senior and youths services, transportation options and a report on the City’s sustainability efforts.”
The business section talks about the business license program, economic development, available services and incentives.
“The ‘How do I?’ answers frequently asked questions,” Schref added. “There are also quick links to make a payment, to access BoardDocs, to request services, it links right to ElmhurstConnect, learn about City codes, recycling and refuse pick-up, maps, and much more.”
The most important message Schref underscored for residents was to sign up for alerts.
“You can sign up for e-notifications,” she said. “Citizens can also subscribe to ‘Code Red,’ which is a subscription for emergency alerts.”
Following Schref’s presentation, Alderman Mike Brennan (7th Ward) raised a question.
“First of all, thanks very much for the effort,” he said. “The question is, if I’m already signed up, do I need to sign up for alerts again?”
Schref said for news flash and alerts, you’ll have to sign up again, but not for other programs such as WaterSmart.
Two special service vehicles approved for police
One of the consent agenda items was a recommendation by the Public Works and Buildings (PWB) Committee to purchase two 2024 Ford Expedition Special Service Vehicles to replace PD1 and PD2. In addition, the Committee asked that the City waive competitive bids, suspend the rules to approve the report and resolution in the same night so that the City Attorney can prepare the appropriate resolution.
Alderman Jacob Hill (Ward 2) made a comment about the purchase.
“I want to take this opportunity to make a comment, first of all, thanks to the staff and to the Public Works Division for all the hard work,” Hill said. “I heard some of the discussion and as I understand it, this type of vehicle was specifically requested. I know. We’ve discussed exploring alternative fuel options when City vehicles are purchased and I understand there is no hybrid version of the Expedition.
“I understand the decision and I will vote to approve it, but I didn’t want to pass up a chance to comment, that I’d like us to keep sustainability in mind and pursue options more deliberately. Make it a deliberate priority. Show the public we’re at least exploring the costs and options, maybe they don’t make sense, but it needs to be a more deliberate priority.”
Third Ward Alderman Michael Bram agreed.
“We did adopt a policy about looking for alternative fuels previously, but we need to do a better job,” Bram said. “We need to fully discuss and consider alternatives and give [residents] a reason why we did or did not go with a particular decision.”
The recommendation to purchase the vehicles was approved 12-0 (2 absent).
Grabowski reports on watermain break
During his report to Council, City Manager Jim Grabowski discussed the July 5 watermain break.
“I want to thank everyone for their patience,” he said. “We appreciate everyone who worked to keep our drinking water safe – that’s most important thing.”
Grabowski noted that numerous notifications had been sent, using all City channels. On Friday afternoon, the City was able to work with County and use their system called “DuPage IPAWS,” which stands for Integrated Public Alert and Warning System.
“It’s similar to an Amber Alert and it is not required that people sign up for it in advance,” Grabowski said. “This was the first time IPAWS had been used by the County for something besides a weather alert.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve our communication systems.”
