By Dee Longfellow
For The Elmhurst Independent
“We’re going to try to do this meeting as normally as possible.”
Those were the words used by Elmhurst Mayor Steve Morley on Monday, April 6 at the beginning of the first of what could be several “virtual” City Council meetings.
Watching live via ElmhurstTV.com, one could see the dais included only Mayor Morley, City Manager Jim Grabowski, 7th Ward Alderman Mark Mulliner and City Clerk Jackie Haddad Tamer, each sitting with a chair separating them. When the roll was taken, all but one alderman were “present,” as was City Treasurer Elaine Libovicz.
There was and still remains a way to submit written communications to the City’s elected officials through the web site, normally done in person at the beginning of regular meetings. Conference Rooms 2 and 3 were open at City Hall for people who wished to watch the meeting there. It included a way for residents to comment during public forum, however, no one signed up to do so.
Council approves measure to assist first responders
A discussion ensued about a recommendation by the Finance, Council Affairs and Administrative Services (FCAAS) Committee that the City Council approve a resolution exempting emergency responders from the FMLA expansion provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and from qualifying reason number 5 of the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act, in effect through Dec. 31.
As Chair of the FCAAS Committee, 4th Ward Alderman Noel P. Talluto explained the recommendation, which she said was discussed at length in committee.
“We’re currently in unprecedented times as a community, a country and a world, and unprecedented times call for special measures to be in place,” Talluto said. “First of all, all employees are doing an amazing job. This measure provides the City with a way to schedule for things like police protection and wastewater treatment.
“All employees can use the provision of the emergency sick leave act if the person or their family has the COVID-19 Coronavirus or are ordered to quarantine due to the virus. The only exclusion we are recommending is, if someone can’t work due to lack of childcare. The City and its employees will be helped as much as possible with shift changes to accommodate them and by helping workers find childcare.
“I strongly recommend your support on the ordinance, as it allows the City flexibility to continue scheduling emergency responders as necessary.”
The vote was tallied and the recommendation was approved by a vote of 13-0 with one absent. Later in the meeting, the Resolution ratifying the Executive Order 2020-2 and the measures in the recommendation were approved 13-0 (one absent).
Mayor Morley’s report
• There are now 31 confirmed cases in Elmhurst.
• The Governor’s stay-at-home order has been extended through April 30.
• “The best thing we can do is make sure people have accurate information.”
• Last week, DuPage County started “DuPage County COVID 19 Dashboard.” It has lots of details and daily updates, so it’s the best place to get the latest information.
• All of our first responders are wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
• The data we receive is tied into Du-COMM so we get a heads-up when one of our responders is going to a call for a Coronavirus person. At this time, they are treating every call as if it is high-risk person.
• Timothy Christian Schools has agreed to provide emergency daycare for the families of healthcare workers at Elmhurst Hospital.
• Timothy Christian is also creating masks for hospital workers.
• Elmhurst College is providing rooms to the hospital for on-call staff, who don’t wish to travel to their homes between shifts.
• The Elmhurst Public Library is making masks in the “Makery.”
• The Park District is doing its best to keep parks open so residents can walk through and enjoy them. They have taped off their playgrounds, as have the schools.
• There is an entire page at elmhurst.org dedicated to the COVID 19 Coronavirus.
• There are numerous places to volunteer, including Elmhurst Hospital.
• At the Giving DuPage web site, there are opportunities to deliver meals, etc. and for “virtual volunteering” on the phone.
“Please continue to support local businesses, especially those restaurants and bars which are listed on the City’s web site, which are offering extra services, like curb-side pick-up,” Morley said.
He praised Erin Jason in the City’s economic development department for doing a great job keeping businesses apprised of opportunities available through the SBA.
Morley said he had talked with Pam Dunley, president of Elmhurst Hospital, who asked if the mayor was wearing a mask!
“Now, the CDC is stating that masks are better than nothing at all,” he said. “If you’re shopping for food or other trips, it’s best to wear some kind of cotton mask. The CDC web site offers directions on how to make your own at home.”
To support local healthcare workers, there is an opportunity to sponsor a sign that can be placed outside the hospital.
“You have no idea how much it means to them when they show up and see a sign or get the simplest thank you note or letter,” Dunley told Morley. “We’ve had people deliver flowers that workers walk through on their way inside, people have come out and played music.”
To find out how to get a sign to support the hospital workers, contact Susan Tyburski at the Elmhurst Hospital Foundation.
Grabowski talks about City services, revenue shortfalls expected
City Manager Grabowksi spoke about business continuing on at the City.
“We’re trying to keep life as normal as possible,” he said.
He said that the garbage hauler was getting concerned about its own staff, having seen a 30% increase in volume of pick-up at homes. On the other hand, the commercial side is down right now.
“Bulk item pick-up has been suspended, we’re going to hold off until Spring Clean-Up,” Grabowski said. “It will happen as scheduled on [the weeks of] April 25, May 2 and May 9. It coordinates with your regular garbage pick-up day.”
Finances are clearly a concern and will remain so through 2021, most likely, according to Grabowski.
“The Finance Committee had an overview as to what we are looking at,” he said. “Sales tax will be down significantly, we’re not sure about property taxes, but we are concerned about all of our revenue sources, quite frankly.”
Positive update on police employee
At the police department, Grabowski reported that, rather than roll all meetings at the station, officers are getting daily directives in their cars to minimize physical contact.
Chief Ruth said the employee who tested positive with COVID-19 is doing well and is due back to work in a few days. The five other employees that person had come in contact with were all tested and seem to be healthy.
Praise all around for pulling together in a crisis
Sixth Ward Alderman Jim Kennedy offered a word of gratitude to Mayor Morley.
“This is obviously a tough time for our community, our country, and our whole planet,” he said. “I want to say thank you for everything you’ve done over the past weeks to help the residents.”
“It’s really a team effort,” Morley replied. “This Council meeting is a good example. We’re doing lots of new things, we may not do it perfectly the first time, but we’re going to do it and get things done.”
Alderman York echoed Kennedy’s comments, commending Morley and Grabowski’s “outstanding leadership during this very difficult time.”
“I assure everyone that this is a very difficult time financially and we’re going to see that fall off for quite some while,” York said. “But this is a lot different from [the difficult financial times of] 2008 and 2009, at this time, we have amazing fund balances, we had virtually nothing back in those times.
“We are standing by to help navigate this situation, but we’re in a good place going into it.”
