SPECIAL E-NEWS EDITION: May 15

184 cases reported in Elmhurst as of 5/15/20.

Storm Recap 5-14/15-20,
Important for residents during a heavy rainfall event 

On Thursday, May 14, 2020, the City of Elmhurst experienced rainfall totaling of 1.4 inches, with an additional 2.6 inches overnight into Friday morning. The City experienced citywide street flooding to some degree, which cleared within approximately an hour. The Southwest Wet Weather Facility was in operation and water was being pumped to the 2 MG excess flow tank. All stormwater detention facilities were open and active and operated as designed. Elmhurst Police and Public Works Crews worked throughout the night to monitor streets and clear debris from flooded areas. The majority of reports to the City during this storm event included backyard and street flooding. 

It is important for residents to understand that street flooding will occasionally happen during significant rain events as designed by the stormwater detention operation plans. The stormwater mitigation system is designed to relieve homes of flooding by redirecting the water into the streets, which then drains into the detention basins. This can take anywhere between 30 minutes to 1 hour based on the amount of water. Commuters are cautioned to avoid all flooded streets and not attempt to drive through standing water. Playing in floodwater is also extremely dangerous. 

During a heavy rain event, the City often receives inquires on when the Elmhurst Quarry will be open to relieve Elmhurst of standing floodwater. The DuPage County Stormwater Management Team operates the Elmhurst Quarry and is responsible for opening the facility during a heavy rain event. This system takes additional overflow water from Salt Creek and does very little in preventing flooding on Elmhurst streets. During this event, the quarry was operated beginning at about 1:30 am. 

It is important to call the Elmhurst Police Department at 630-530-3050 to report street flooding or basement backups. The Police Department is equipped with dispatching the appropriate City Employees to the scene and also keeps record of the incident. 

Elmhurst is updating its Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan with the goal of identifying roadway improvements to make walking and biking easier.

The City is hosting several online opportunities for residents to review and comment on the proposed recommendations:

  • Webinars: Join us for a one-hour webinar on May 27th at Noon or 5:30pm to hear from the project team about the draft recommendations. Register for the 12 pm webinar here, OR register for the 5:30 pm webinar here. Space is limited.

  • StoryMap: Review draft recommendations, maps, and proposed design solutions. Click here to view the draft recommendations on the Story Map.

  • Survey: Provide feedback on what you think about the proposed improvements. Click here to access the survey.
Visit BikeWalkElmhurst.com for more information

Elmhurst Police Continue to Investigate Shooting in the 800 Block of S. Linden Avenue.
Elmhurst Police are investigating a shooting that occurred on May 14, 2020, at approximately 8:55pm in the 800 block of South Linden Avenue. Police responded to a report of shots fired in the area of Van Buren & Linden. Upon arriving at the scene, police found a 54 year old Elmhurst man, who was the victim of a gunshot wound in the 800 block of S. Linden Avenue. 

Witnesses report that a vehicle described as a light color, newer model SUV, traveling W/B on Van Buren in the 300 block slowed and someone from inside the vehicle fired several shots at the victim who was walking on the sidewalk. The suspect vehicle fled the scene W/B Van Buren toward Colfax. Police have recovered a rifle believed to be involved in the shooting in the 700 block of Colfax. 

The victim was transported to Elmhurst Hospital by Elmhurst Fire Department Paramedics for treatment where he is recovering from gunshot wounds.

Police are asking that anyone with information or video footage of the of the incident or immediate area to contact the Elmhurst Police Department at 630-530-3050. This remains an active and ongoing investigation.

Authority 
Chief Michael Ruth
Elmhurst Police Department
630-530-3050
This Memorial Day, the City of Elmhurst will be commemorating fallen veterans in a very special and safe way. 

Many of us look forward to the Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade which includes participation from nearly 100 organizations and countless spectators. For over 100 years, Elmhurst has proudly come together to pay respects and honor for those who have fallen. To continue with our traditions in a safe manner, the City of Elmhurst is planning the “2020 Always Remember Memorial Day Convoy”. 

The convoy will include first responder emergency vehicles and preselected special service and military vehicles only. The route will cover 16 miles of Elmhurst, with vehicles passing through each ward and will start at 10am CST.

We are encouraging interested spectators to participate in a variety of safe ways:

  • Show your support by decorating the front of your home which could include posting your flag and adding a ribbon to your parkway tree. Ribbons will be provided by Elmhurst American Legion THB Post 187 for a donation of $1, $5, $10, $20, $25, $50 or $100. Ribbons ordered online will be safely home delivered to resident donors by the start of Memorial Day weekend and residents also can pick up ribbons at Post 180 (310 W. Butterfield) via a drive-thru table open week days from 12 noon to 1 p.m. until Friday, May 22nd.

  • On Memorial Day at 5pm CST, a prerecorded ceremony along with footage from the convoy will be available to watch on Elmhurst TV’s YouTube page.This will also be available to watch on Comcast and AT&T Uverse at a later time.

  • If your home is on the route, please consider parking your car at the end of your driveway and decorating your vehicle. You can turn your flashers on and wave as the convoy goes by.

  • Listen to patriotic music while watching the convoy by tuning in to the Elmhurst College radio station WRSE on 88.7 FM, or stream the station online at www.wrse887fm.com.


The route is within a quarter mile walk from most any home in Elmhurst and will traverse many open public parking lots.  Feel free to take a walk to the route or find a public parking lot on the route to park your vehicle and watch the 2020 Always Remember Memorial Day Convoy. PLEASE REMEMBER TO PRACTICE PROPER SOCIAL DISTANCING AND SAFETY MEASURES. Stand at least 6 feet apart from one another and wear face masks. 

Please join us in commemorating this day in a safe and smart manner. 
Calling ALL Elmhurst Community Members!
Let’s make some NOISE for our 2020 ELMHURST GRADUATES! 
Our graduates deserve a SALUTE like no other this yea r.  

The City of Elmhurst has collaborated with various Elmhurst schools on a plan to honor all 2020 graduates. Here is how you can support our mission in recognizing our community’s graduating class:

  • Residents, business owners and ALL Elmhurst Organizations…. Please DOWNLOAD THIS SIGN and display it proudly in your window.

  • If you are an Elmhurst business or organization, please consider adding THIS JPEG to your website and social pages with a message to our graduates.

  •  MAKE SOME NOISE! On Sunday, May 17th please step outside and join us in a COMMUNITY CHEER for one minute at 1pm to salute the Elmhurst class of 2020. 


Please note: This initiative is to recognize all graduates of 2020, no matter which school they attend! Each individual school will of course have their own special way of recognizing graduates.

All graduates have been faced with a challenging way to celebrate a HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT. We hope that this community wide effort lifts their spirits and shows our pride and support for them.
Reminder! Public comment options for public meetings
City Hall is closed to walk-in service during normal business hours, however City Hall continues to be open during public meetings and for public comment opportunities. There are several ways to provide public comment during these meetings including online and in person. On May 4th, the City added a call-in option for public comment. A list of public commenting options can be found on the City's Agenda Center/Boardocs . If you any questions or require assistance, please contact the City's Deputy Clerk at 630-530-3010.
DuPage Small Business Relief Grant Program: Reinvest DuPage

In an effort to assist small businesses and independent contractors impacted by COVID-19, DuPage County, in conjunction with Choose DuPage, is launching Reinvest DuPage, a grant relief program. Grants can be used for payroll, rent, mortgage payments, utilities, and other expenses necessary to maintain operations. Businesses and contractors that have received other funds intended for this purpose (i.e. PPP, EIDL) are not eligible.

To apply for this program, you must complete an online application.  Applications will open on Monday, May 18, 2020 at 9:00AM CST . Learn More at Reinvest DuPage .
Illinois Mask Requirements
The State has mandated Illinoisans to wear a face mask or covering shield when leaving your home or reporting for essential operations. This is especially important when people cannot maintain 6-feet of social distancing. Example areas include shopping at essential businesses, picking up food, visiting a health care provider, traveling on public transportation, walking through condo or apartment complex common areas, when interacting with people providing essential services, when feeling sick, coughing, or sneezing. You do not have to wear a masking when running or walking in your neighborhood or when performing outdoor activities on your own property. 
Mayor seeks candidates for Ward 1 & Ward 4 Alderman Seats

Mayor Morley is accepting applications to fill the City’s 1st ward and 4th ward vacant aldermanic seats.

With the advice and consent of the Elmhurst City Council, Mayor Morley will appoint replacements to serve the 1st and 4th wards of Elmhurst until the April 2021 election.

Applications will be accepted through the close of business on May 29th, 2020 .

REMINDER: You must live in the ward that you are applying for and must be a registered voter at this location for a minimum of one year.

#ElmhurstStaysHome Campaign
We’re calling on residents to get creative! Send us your pictures and videos on how you and your families are staying positive and having fun through the State’s "Stay at Home Order". We will collect this content through the month of May, and feature it on our website and social pages. Some of the submissions may also make a debut in the next City of Elmhurst Front Porch Newsletter.

All you have to do is fill out this form! https://www.elmhurst.org/forms.aspx?FID=148
Yard Signs Available!

Show your community support by displaying an "Elmhurst Stays Home" yard sign!

Signs are available for no contact pick up outside of the City Hall parking lot entrance doors while supplies last!

Thank you for your community support!

Thank you also to  Vital Signs USA  in Elmhurst for their generosity! Without them the yard signs would not be possible.
Featured Resident #ElmhurstStaysHome

What are Kathryn and her family doing to stay positive and have fun through the State’s "Stay at Home Order"?

"Maddie (age 19) giving her brother Carter (age 22) a haircut on our back deck." 

Thank you for your commitment to loving our community. #ElmhurstStaysHome

Connect with the City of Elmhurst on COVID-19 Updates
Over the next coming weeks, you’ll find timely information and updates on our  City's website   to help you and your family stay safe. We also encourage you to follow the City's  Facebook  and  Twitter pages, and to subscribe to our  Alert Center . We will continue to send  E-Newsletters with updates on the virus as it relates to our community. Please also make sure you are subscribed to receive our  CodeRED Alerts. We will use this method to communicate any information requiring a direct and immediate need to take action for public safety. These notifications will enable us to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations.
City of Elmhurst
630-530-3000 
Weekdays: 8:30am - 5pm