Elmhurst council approves consent agenda including $55,000 settlement, traffic and street projects

The Elmhurst City Council on Monday approved a broad consent agenda that included a $55,000 settlement in a federal civil case, a planned unit development for Visitation Catholic Church, new left-turn restrictions at North Avenue and Maple Avenue, and several street‑maintenance and contract awards.

The council voted 14-0 to approve the consent agenda as read, excluding specific items removed earlier in the meeting. City Attorney (name not specified) described the settlement with plaintiff Jolly Wells as "for a full release without any admission of any guilt whatsoever on the part of the city or its officer in the amount of $55,000," and said the agreement was intended to "save attorneys fees." The settlement was listed on the consent agenda as item 6.28 and was approved as part of the package.

Why it matters: the package moves multiple projects and contracts into procurement or implementation, establishes traffic rules at a crash-prone intersection, and resolves pending litigation without admission of liability.

Key votes and actions at a glance

- Consent agenda (multiple ordinances/resolutions and reports, items 6.2–6.28 as posted, minus items removed on the record): motion to approve moved by Alderman Jensen and seconded by Clerk Tamer; outcome: approved 14-0.

- Accounts payable (item 6.3): the council approved the accounts payable listing for March 17. Alderman Hill said he would "vote present" on this item because it included…