Public Affairs Committee approves $5,000 for America 250 parade, OKs St. Mary's permit and hears museum report

The Public Affairs Committee on Monday approved a $5,000 city contribution to support the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce's America 250 parade and voted to grant St. Mary's a special-event permit. The committee also heard staff reports, including a police personnel update and the City Museum's annual report.

Dave, a city staff member who presented the proposed America 250 pre-funding agreement, said the chamber would coordinate businesses, nonprofits and community groups for a parade planned for Sunday, July 5, and requested a $5,000 city contribution to support planning and municipal services such as police presence, street closures, barricading and public works. He said the funding agreement would go to the full council on April 6 for final approval. "The agreement provides for a city contribution of $5,000 to support the planning and execution of the parade," he said.

The committee moved the funding agreement forward by voice and roll call; the clerk recorded affirmatives for the members who voted. A consent motion to approve St. Mary's special-event permit also passed by roll call.

Member Murano moved to approve the committee minutes from Dec. 15 earlier in the meeting; the motion was seconded and approved.

In staff reports, a city staff member noted recent police-department personnel changes. Member Murano said Robbie Peterson retired on Jan. 24 and that Sergeant Choque Ware was promoted to sergeant on Jan. 26.

The City Museum representative presented the museum's annual report, saying the museum's numbers and metrics have grown and noting plans for a temporary relocation to the 200 Main building in 2026 while the National Register-listed museum building receives investment. The presenter said the museum is expanding an online catalog that now lists a little over 3,000 objects and that annual sales approach $40,000; she added that the museum, as a nonprofit, takes no commission from artists, who pay a $5 monthly fee to help cover expenses.

The committee chair said the proposed one-way sign on Kenwood Street at Pioneer School would be taken up at the next meeting after the chief prepares a document with additional details.

With no public commenters at this meeting, the chair moved to adjourn; members approved the motion and the meeting ended.