SPECIAL E-NEWS EDITION: May 19

201 cases reported in Elmhurst as of 5/19/20.

Storm Recap 5-17-20
Important for residents during a heavy rainfall event 

The City of Elmhurst experienced a significant rain event on Sunday, May 17th. Precipitation totals indicate parts of Elmhurst received up to 7.88 over the last four days, with 3.11 inches falling on Sunday.  

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. Street flooding cleared as soon as the heavy rainfall stopped. 

The City’s Public Works crews worked expeditiously to remove debris from clogged inlets and to open City roadways. All major roadways are now open. Streets are currently being swept to remove sediment and debris that may have been caused by the storm. Crews continue to assess street conditions, clear inlets, replace manhole covers and monitor residential street closures. 

All stormwater systems performed properly during the event, but the volume of rain overwhelmed portions of the system’s capacity. The Southwest Wet Weather Facility was in operation and sewerage was being pumped to the 2 million gallon excess flow tank. Five homes reported a sewer back up. 

It is important for residents to understand that street flooding will continue to occur 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. When the water in Salt Creek reaches a certain level, the water will automatically begin flowing into the quarry. The weir works by gravity and does not need human intervention to start taking water from the creek into the quarry system. An additional inlet (sluice gate) can be opened to take in even more creek water. The DuPage County Stormwater Management Team operates the Elmhurst Quarry and is responsible for opening the sluice gate only when necessary. This system takes overflow water from Salt Creek, but does very little in preventing flooding on Elmhurst streets. During this rain event, the sluice gate was opened by the DuPage County Stormwater Management Team.

Please report street flooding or basement backups by calling the Elmhurst Police Department at 630-530-3050. The City only monitors the City’s official social media pages. Posting on social media or connecting with anyone other than the Elmhurst Police will not help you during an emergency event. The Police Department is equipped with dispatching the appropriate city employees to the scene and also keeps record of the incident. 


Special Flood-Related Refuse Pick Up, Saturday May 23rd
The City will hold a special flood-related refuse pick up on Saturday, May 23rd. Residents can place flood damaged refuse on the curbside with the exception of electronics, hazardous materials, or yard waste.
Join Elmhurst Deputy Fire Chief for a tour of the Elmhurst Fire Station!
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. The route begins and ends at the Elmhurst American Legion (310 W. Butterfield).

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 spots.  Feel free to take a walk to the route or find a public parking spot 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. 
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
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.
 


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 is Kris doing to stay positive and have fun through the State’s "Stay at Home Order"?

"T he Brynhaven neighborhood celebrated my dog, Pickles, 2nd birthday with a socially distant parade. Each car received a homemade "baked bento box" that was provided from a distance. Suffice to say, it was a hit!

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