City of Darien City Council met Oct. 21.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
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 Marchese.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Marchese 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: Thomas J. Belczak Joseph A. Kenny
Thomas M. Chlystek Mary Coyle Sullivan
Eric K. Gustafson Lester Vaughan
Absent: Ted V. Schauer
Also in Attendance: Joseph Marchese, Mayor
JoAnne E. Ragona, City Clerk
Michael J. Coren, City Treasurer
Bryon D. Vana, City Administrator
Gregory Thomas, Police Chief
Daniel Gombac, Director of Municipal Services
4. DECLARATION OF A QUORUM — There being six aldermen present, Mayor
Marchese declared a quorum.
5. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
There were none.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 7, 2019
It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of October 7, 2019.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Sullivan,
Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Schauer
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
7. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS
Alderman Chlystek.
...received communication from Ken Petrowski, President Condominium Association, 7500 block of Sussex Creek Court, regarding tree in need of replacement. Director Gombac will inspect.
...received communication from Maureen Magnifico, 7400 block of Brookdale, regarding Condominium Association concerns; he thanked Director Gombac for responding.
...thanked Julie Smith, Scott & Betty Allister, and Gerry Leganski for their contributions in making Ward 4 Octoberfest Block Party a success.
Alderman Kenny received communication from Margaret Wohler, High Road, regarding white tags along High Road. He will forward resident contact information.
8. MAYOR’S REPORT
A. RECOGNITION OF STUDENTS: FAASD SCHOLARS
• CHELSEA BIALA – HINSDALE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
• JAYDEN ARQUINES – HINSDALE SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL
Mayor Marchese recognized Jayden Arquines on his Scholarship Award; he reviewed Jayden’s biography, accomplishments and aspirations. Mayor Marchese presented Jayden with a City pin.
Jayden thanked Mr. Ferrara, Filipino American Association of South DuPage, for the nomination and award, City of Darien for the invitation, and his parents for their support.
Mayor Marchese congratulated Chelsea Biala on her Scholarship Award and outstanding resume; she was unable to attend the meeting.
B. HEART OF DARIEN AWARD–ARLETA PEKNIK
Mayor Marchese awarded the “Heart of Darien Award” to Arleta Peknik. He stated he chose Arleta because of the volunteer work she does through Our Lady of Peace Bereavement Program, where she has provided comfort over the last 14 years to more than 80 families; Our Lady of Peace Church greeter, lector, and Eucharist minister; member of NODA (No One Dies Alone) Program through LaGrange and Hinsdale Hospitals, where she provides compassionate care for terminally ill patients; and member of the City of Darien Environmental Committee.
He thanked Ms. Peknik for comforting the ill, for always having a smile on her face, and for encouraging all those she comes in contact with in our community.
Ms. Peknik thanked the City for this honor, which she felt was a bonus. She stated all her good deeds play forward and will come back to her; she was humbled and gratified.
C. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE HOLIDAY HOME DECORATING COMMITTEE: ELIZABETH HAYES, JIM KISER, AND GERRY LEGANSKI
It was moved by Alderman Vaughan and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the motion as presented.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Schauer
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
D. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF ARLETA PEKNIK TO THE HOLIDAY HOME DECORATING COMMITTEE
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the motion as presented.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Schauer
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
Clerk Ragona administered the Oath of Office to Elizabeth Hayes, Jim Kiser, Gerry Leganski, and Arleta Peknik.
Jim Kiser stated deadline dates to vote for homes and best block will be published in Neighbors of Darien and Direct Connect.
E. COMED ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM – AMY BOBEL, OUTREACH COORDINATOR AND PHIL HALIBURTON
Mayor Marchese explained Amy Bobel and Phil Haliburton could not be in attendance. He introduced Tara Brown, NiCor Outreach Program and Nick Crowder, Senior Program Manager ComEd.
Ms. Brown provided an overview of the NiCor energy efficiency program, which works in conjunction with ComEd. She reviewed the contents of the conservation kit that is available and to have an energy advisor assess your home energy efficiency needs. Ms. Brown distributed handouts, which explained the program, and post cards to request kits and/or schedule a home assessment. She commented that a weatherization kit will be introduced in November.
Mr. Crowder encouraged residents to go to comed.com/assessment to schedule a free energy assessment, to start saving energy and money. He shared the website includes a variety of energy saving programs and rebates available.
9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
There was no report
10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
There was no report.
11. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS
A. POLICE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT – SEPTEMBER 2019
The September 2019 Police Department Monthly Report is available on the City website.
Chief Thomas provided an update regarding speeding concerns reported by residents in the 800 block of 67th Street and the enforcement actions taken. Alderman Chlystek forwarded report to his constituents.
B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES – NO REPORT
Treasurer Coren inquired regarding the roadwork in Willowbrook on Route 83 and Plainfield Road. Director Gombac explained the issues encountered.
12. TREASURER’S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER 19-20-13
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to approve payment of Warrant Number 19-20-13 in the amount of $1,148,196.49 from the enumerated funds, and $266,426.66 from payroll funds for the period ending 09/26/19 for a total to be approved of $1,414,623.15.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Schauer
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
B. MONTHLY REPORT–AUGUST2019
Treasurer Coren reviewed year-to-date sources of revenue, expenditures, and fund balances through the month of September 2019.
General Fund: Revenue $8,108,309; Expenditures $5,548,267 Current Balance $4,174,291
Water Fund: Revenue $3,663,386; Expenditures $2,362,783; Current Balance $2,937,848
Motor Fuel Tax Fund: Revenue $261,880; Expenditures $186,440; Current Balance $423,782
Water Depreciation Fund: Revenue $9,013 Expenditures $53,171; Current Balance $2,517,402
Capital Improvement Fund: Revenue $259,933; Expenditures $3,502,966; Current Balance $4,994,222
13. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative/Finance Committee – Chairwoman Sullivan announced the next meeting of the Administrative/Finance Committee is scheduled for November 4, 2019 at 6:00 P.M. in the City Hall Conference Room. She commented the next Economic Development Committee Meeting will be held on November 20, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers.
Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the next meeting of the Municipal Services Committee is scheduled for October 28, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers.
Police Committee – Chairman Kenny announced the next meeting of the Police Committee is scheduled for November 18, 2019 at 6:00 P.M. in the Police Department Training Room.
14. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS – AGENDA RELATED
There were none.
15. OLD BUSINESS
There was no Old Business.
16. CONSENT AGENDA
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to approve by Omnibus Vote the following items on the Consent Agenda:
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION GRANTING A WAIVER OF THE RAFFLE BOND REQUIREMENT FOR THE HINSDALE SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC BOOSTER ASSOCIATION
B. RESOLUTION NO. R-97-19 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONTRACT EXTENSION, YEAR 2, WITH CLEAN SLATE, INC. TO PROVIDE JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF DARIEN BEGINNING NOVEMBER 1, 2019
C. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A TRANSFER FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO THE CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $800,000
D. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TAX LEVY DETERMINATION FOR GENERAL AND SPECIAL PURPOSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Schauer
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
17. NEW BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION OF THE URGING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO ENACT PUBLIC SAFETY PENSION FUND CONSOLIDATION
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve the motion as presented.
Mayor Marchese provided the background information and history regarding fund consolidation. Treasurer Coren explained the benefits of consolidation. Mayor Marchese addressed Council question.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Schauer
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Alderman Gustafson stated a vehicle was recently burglarized in Ward 6; he encouraged all residents to lock their car doors and not leave valuables in sight.
Alderman Chlystek.
...inquired if the Economic Development Committee could add need for charging stations for vehicles to their survey.
...announced Nothing Bundt Cakes fundraiser for Hinsdale South High School Music Boosters on October 21, 2019.
Mayor Marchese announced.
...Sylvia McIvor will attend Metropolitan Mayors Caucus in November regarding electric vehicles for municipalities.
.Dancing with the Chamber Starz will be held on Saturday, October 26 at Ashton Place.. Goal Setting Session will be held on October 29 in the Police Department Training Room.
Alderwoman Sullivan.
...announced Hinsdale South High School fall musical, “Fiddler on the Roof,” will be held November 1 – 3 in the school auditorium; she encouraged all to attend.
...announced Hinsdale South High School will host Art & Craft Fair on November 2 in the Cafeteria.
...commented the City Hall Lobby looks great.
...inquired regarding the next steps for sale of Cannabis in Darien. Mayor Marchese and Director Gombac responded. Council discussion ensured and questions were addressed.
Mitchell Crane thanked Council for doing so much good for the City of Darien.
19. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, it was moved by Alderman Vaughan and seconded by Alderman Kenny to adjourn the City Council meeting.
VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED
The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:30 P.M.
https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/af085bc5-8979-4a39-9d5a-f99ad4188f8e/191021.aspx
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