Darien City Council met Monday, Feb. 6.
Here are the minutes as provided by Darien:
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council of the
CITY OF DARIEN
February 6, 2017
7:30 P.M.
A WORK SESSION WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:03 P.M. BY MAYOR WEAVER FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVIEWING ITEMS ON THE FEBRUARY 6, 2017 AGENDA WITH THE CITY COUNCIL. THE WORK SESSION ADJOURNED AT 7:16 P.M.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council of the CITY OF DARIEN
February 6, 2017
7:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Darien was called to order at 7:30 P.M. by Mayor Weaver.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Weaver led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. ROLL CALL — The Roll Call of Aldermen by Clerk Ragona was as follows:
Present: Tina Beilke Joseph A. Marchese
Thomas J. Belczak Sylvia McIvor Thomas M. Chlystek Ted V. Schauer Joseph A. Kenny
Absent: None
Also in Attendance: Kathleen Moesle Weaver, Mayor
JoAnne E. Ragona, City Clerk Michael J. Coren, City Treasurer Bryon D. Vana, City Administrator John B. Murphey, City Attorney Paul Nosek, Assistant City Administrator Gregory Thomas, Police Chief Daniel Gombac, Director of Municipal Services
4. DECLARATION OF A QUORUM — There being seven aldermen present, Mayor
Weaver declared a quorum.
5. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Michigan Menzi, 402 71st Street, inquired about the Darien Dash route. Mr. Menzi asked if the route could be changed to start on 72nd Street. Mayor Weaver noted that this was a ‘certified route’ and the Chamber of Commerce utilized experts.
The following residents expressed opinions about the pending refuse contract:
• Timothy Waz - 7230 Exner
• Nelva Rot - 1707 Boulder
• Bill Huron - 2720 Woodmere
• Jerry Falasz - 1641 73rd Street
• Jim Bulla - 3109 Drover Lane
Alderman Chlystek asked for clarification on free leaf pickup. Administrator Vana advised the City budget includes branch pickup; leaf pickup is incorporated in the price of refuse/yard waste stickers.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – January 16, 2016 City Council Meeting
It was moved by Alderman Beilke and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of January 16, 2017.
Roll Call: Ayes: Beilke, Belczak, Chlystek, Kenny, Marchese,
Schauer
Abstain: McIvor
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0 MOTION DULY CARRIED
7. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS
Alderman McIvor..received numerous communications regarding the refuse contract..stated there is a referendum on the April ballot regarding a $12.9M bond issue affecting residents of District 66 Center Cass. She referred residents to DuPage County website..shared her recent experience as the victim of a phone scam.
Mayor Weaver..asked Chief Thomas about the purpose behind the “Can you hear me?” phone scam. He shared scammers are trying to get a “yes” recorded response that can be used at a later date for criminal activity..received a letter from Sister Cindy Drozd expressing appreciation for the exceptional care received from first responders on the scene of her recent automobile accident.
Alderman Chylstek thanked the Police Department on behalf of Farmingdale Condo Association for the noticeable parking improvements.
8. MAYOR’S REPORT
There was no report.
9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
Clerk Ragona..advised the City offices will be closed on Monday, February 20, 2017 in observance of Presidents’ Day..announced the next City Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2017.
10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
There was no report.
11. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS
A. POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief Thomas stated the Police Department is now using Twitter for release of notifications. Residents can follow on Twitter @darienpolice. He explained the workings of the new system and the internal policy implemented.
Administrator Vana commented the City works closely with the Police Department by communicating via Direct Connect and Twitter.
Chief Thomas responded to questions from Council.
B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES
Alderman McIvor inquired about tree trimming; Director Gombac said the area west of Cass is being trimmed. The subdivisions are noted in Direct Connect.
Alderman Kenny inquired about the status of new businesses at Darien Pointe Plaza; Director Gombac commented that negotiations are ongoing.
Alderman McIvor asked for an update on the Street Lighting Program. Director Gombac advised the program is 95% complete with special retro-fit kits on order for the balance. He shared that the City was awarded a grant for approximately $230,000.
12. TREASURER’S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER 16-17-19
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Beilke to approve payment of Warrant Number 16-17-19 in the amount of $1,078,841.16 from the enumerated funds, and $265,882.62 from payroll funds for the periods ending 01/19/17 for a total to be approved of $1,344,723.78.
Roll Call: Ayes: Beilke, Belczak, Chlystek, Kenny, Marchese,
McIvor, Schauer
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0 MOTION DULY CARRIED
B. TREASURER’S REPORT – DECEMBER 2016
Treasurer Coren reviewed year-to-date sources of revenue, expenditures, and fund balances through the month of December 2016:
General Fund: Revenue $10,945,522; Expenditures $7,560,303 Current Balance $3,362,912 Water Fund: Revenue $5,190,835; Expenditures $4,302,887; Current Balance $487,949 Motor Fuel Tax Fund: Revenue $372,767; Expenditures $234,987; Current Balance $406,294 Water Depreciation Fund: Revenue $259; Expenditures $623,572; Current Balance ($223,312) Capital Improvement Fund: Revenue $255,753; Expenditures $3,250,058; Current Balance $5,966,534 Capital Projects Debt Service Fund: No activity
13. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative/Finance Committee – Chairman Schauer announced the Administrative/Finance Committee-of-the-Whole Budget Meeting is scheduled for February 22, 2017 at 6:30 P.M in the Council Chambers. The next meeting of the Administrative/Finance Committee is scheduled for March 6, 2017 at 6:00 P.M. in the City Hall Conference Room.
Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Marchese announced the next meeting of the Municipal Services Committee is scheduled for February 27, 2017 at 6:30 P.M.
Police Committee – Chairman McIvor advised the next meeting of the Police Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 6:00 P.M. in the Police Department Training Room.
Police Pension Board – Liaison Coren provided an update on the quarterly investments. For the calendar ending December 31, 2016, the funds earned a return of 6.74% and 5.16%.
QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS – AGENDA RELATED
Jerry Falasz, 1641 73rd Street, commented he preferred paying as you go for stickers versus being billed in advance for leasing a refuse cart.
14. OLD BUSINESS
There was no Old Business.
15. CONSENT AGENDA
There was no Consent Agenda.
16. NEW BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DARIEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 17TH ANNUAL DARIEN DASH, A 10K RUN/A 5K RUN/1 MILE WALK, ON MAY 21, 2017 BEGINNING AT 8:00 A.M. AND AUTHORIZE THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO FINALIZE THE DETAILS OF THIS EVENT WITH THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderman Beilke to approve the motion as presented.
MOTION TO AMEND
Alderman McIvor motioned and Alderman Marchese seconded to amend the motion to include: Subject to reimbursement for Police Department overtime.
There was a call for the question on the amendment.
Roll Call: Ayes: Beilke, Belczak, Chlystek, Kenny, Marchese,
McIvor, Schauer
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0 MOTION DULY CARRIED AS AMENDED
There was a call for the question on the original motion. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION AMENDING TO APPROVE THE DARIEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 17TH ANNUAL DARIEN DASH, A 10K RUN/A 5K RUN/1 MILE WALK, ON MAY 21, 2017 BEGINNING AT 8:00 A.M. AND AUTHORIZE THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO FINALIZE THE DETAILS OF THIS EVENT WITH THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE as amended
Roll Call: Ayes: Beilke, Belczak, Chlystek, Kenny, Marchese,
McIvor, Schauer
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0 MOTION DULY CARRIED
B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE USE OF THE RIGHT HALF OF THE FOLLOWING STREETS FOR THE DARIEN DASH WHICH BEGINS AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF DARIEN COMMUNITY PARK AND PROCEED AS FOLLOWS: 10K RUN (WILL RUN THE COURSE TWICE) 5K RUN (WILL RUN THE COURSE ONCE) – 71ST STREET TO BENTLEY AVENUE; NORTH ON BENTLEY AVENUE, WEST ONTO MAPLE LANE TO RICHMOND AVENUE; SOUTH ON RICHMOND AVENUE TO 71ST STREET; WEST ON 71ST STREET TO BEECHNUT LANE; NORTH ON BEECHNUT LANE TO IRONWOOD AVENUE; EAST ON IRONWOOD AVENUE TO 69TH
STREET; EAST ON 69TH STREET TO RICHMOND AVENUE; SOUTH ON RICHMOND AVENUE TO 70TH STREET; EAST ON 70TH STREET TO BENTLEY AVENUE; NORTH ON BENTLEY AVENUE TO 69TH STREET; EAST ON 69TH STREET TO CLARENDON HILLS ROAD; SOUTH ON CLARENDON HILLS ROAD TO 70TH STREET; WEST ON 70TH STREET TO BENTLEY AVENUE; SOUTH ON BENTLEY AVENUE TO MAPLE LANE; EAST ON MAPLE LANE TO CLARENDON HILLS ROAD; SOUTH ON CLARENDON HILLS ROAD TO 71ST STREET TO FINISH AT NORTHWEST CORNER OF DARIEN COMMUNITY PARK 1 MILE WALK- WILL BEGIN AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF DARIEN COMMUNITY PARK AND WILL PROCEED ALONG 71ST STREET TO BENTLEY AVENUE, NORTH ON BENTLEY AVENUE; EAST ONTO 69TH STREET; SOUTH ONTO CLARENDON HILLS ROAD TO FINISH AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF DARIEN COMMUNITY PARK
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the motion as presented.
Roll Call: Ayes: Beilke, Belczak, Chlystek, Kenny, Marchese,
McIvor, Schauer
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0 MOTION DULY CARRIED
C. CONSDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DARIEN AND ADVANCED DISPOSAL TO PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL REFUSE HAULING FOR FIVE (5) YEARS COMMENCING ON APRIL 1, 2017 AND SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT THROUGH MARCH 31, 2022
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the motion as presented.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Marchese, Schauer
Nays: Beilke, Chlystek, Kenny, McIvor
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 3, Nays 4, Absent 0 MOTION FAILED
Administrator Vana and Bob Pfister, Advanced Disposal, addressed questions from Council. Administrator Vana received direction from Council; he will work with Mr. Pfister to revise the contract for Council review.
18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Alderman Beilke..announced the Citizen of the Year cake and coffee will be held on February 21, 2017 following the City Council Meeting. The dinner/dance honoring Steven Hiatt will be at Alpine Banquets on March 4, 2017; ticket cost is $30.00 per person and can be purchased at City Hall..commented the DarienFest 30th Anniversary Community Kick-off Celebration Event had a nice turn out. DarienFest will be held on September 8-10, 2017. Volunteers can sign up to serve on committees at the Chamber of Commerce website. If non-profit organizations volunteer, there is no fee for a booth.
Jerry Falasz, 1641 73rd Street, shared additional concerns about the refuse program. Mr. Falasz inquired about the utility tax; Administrator Vana advised utility taxes are applied to the General Fund and used for services.
Michigan Menzi, 402 71st Street, commented on refuse carts.
Jim Bulla, 3109 Drover Lane, favored the $7 monthly senior rate.
19. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, it was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Beilke to adjourn the City Council meeting.
VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED
The City Council meeting adjourned at 9:25 P.M.
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