City of Darien City Council met Oct. 29.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Present: Mayor Joseph Marchese, Alderpersons Tom Belczak, Tom Chlystek, Eric Gustafson, Joe Kenny, Ted Schauer, Mary Sullivan Lester Vaughan, Treasurer Michael Coren, Clerk Joanne Ragona, City Administrator Bryon Vana, and Director of Municipal Services Dan Gombac, Police Chief Greg Thomas
City Council Survey Review
Mayor Marchese advised that the staff conducted a survey of the elected officials and the results were included in the packet. The Council individually reviewed their survey and provided an overview on their goals for Darien.
Community Events
Mayor Marchese advised that the economic incentive agreement between the City and Carriage Greens allows the City to utilize the course grounds for community events. The Mayor and Staff asked for input and direction from the Council regarding interest and ideas for community events. Suggestions for events were discussed. The Council discussed the need for an additional part time staff person, or similar assistance, to take on the responsibility to coordinate the events. The Administrative /Finance Committee will review this issue in more detail.
Resident Communications
The staff reviewed the City’s primary source of communications tools including Direct Connect, Facebook, cable channel, website, twitter, and Neighbors of Darien magazine. The Council discussed Neighbors Magazine agreeing that it is nice but do not consider it a prime communications tool. The consensus of the Council was to develop a communications plan to guide future resident communications.
Economic Development Incentive Funding and Economic Development Committee (EDC) Projects
Treasurer Coren asked that the Council discuss the funding options for future economic incentives including how to replenish the amount the city already committed of the $500,000 and what happens if those funds become fully depleted. The consensus was to replenish the $500,000 during the budget preparation as part of the 3 year budget forecast. Additionally, Mayor Marchese updated the Council on the projects the EDC is working on as well as reviewed the Committee’s responsibilities.
Environmental Activities
Staff reviewed current environmental accomplishments and advised that the City previously approved a resolution supporting the GRC2 plan which is an outline for an environmental sustainability plan The consensus of the City Council was to have our Environmental Committee use the GRC2 as a framework to develop a local sustainability plan.
Beautification Projects
The staff reviewed a number of beautification projects including roadway landscape plantings, theme lighting, banners and welcome to Darien signs. Staff asked the Council to determine if the there is interest in continuing to plan and budget for beautification projects. The Council reviewed several projects but did not add any projects to the current capital projects list.
The meeting adjourned at 9:36pm.
https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/babf9422-5f72-4719-ac13-4f77b54535fb/191029.aspx
Alerts Sign-up