City of Darien City Council met Jan. 6.
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
Steven and Emma, Scout Troop 216, 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 Ted V. Schauer
Eric K. Gustafson Mary Coyle Sullivan
Absent: Lester Vaughan
Also in Attendance: Joseph Marchese, Mayor
JoAnne E. Ragona, City Clerk
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
Luanne Spiros asked Council to reconsider and opt-out of the Cannabis Ordinance or put to a referendum.
Gerry Leganski, Farmingdale Drive, shared history behind establishment of Neighborhood Watch group. He polled group on their knowledge of cannabis survey and found they were uninformed. He voiced his discontent in seeing billboards promoting cannabis dispensaries. He was pleased Sterigenics closed; there are many attorney billboards on the subject.
Julie Leganski responded to email received from Alderman Chlystek. She provided health facts resulting from recreational use of marijuana and commented there are many medical organizations in opposition.
Dr. Kelly Glisan provided concerns regarding sale of cannabis from a health care perspective. He also felt property values would be affected.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – December 16, 2019
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of December 16, 2019.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan
Nays: None
Absent: Vaughan
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
7. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS
Alderman Chylstek received communication from Paulette Hydzik, Julie Leganski, Jerry Leganski, Patricia Matz, Mrs. M. Kleifgen and Janine Kirin regarding their opposition to Cannabis Ordinance.
8. MAYOR’S REPORT
A. CENSUS2020UPDATE
Mayor Marchese provided an update on Census 2020, which included:
• establishment, role and benefits of the Complete Count Committee (CCC),
• importance of recruiting individuals with connections to faith-based groups, schools, service groups, Chamber of Commerce
• topics aimed at encouraging, engaging and educating our population about the upcoming census
• promotion of service announcements in Direct Connect
• contacting Joe Hennerfeind, staff liaison, if interested in serving on (CCC)
B. MAYORAL PROCLAMATION “CENSUS 2020”
Mayor Marchese read into record the proclamation declaring full support of the 2020 Census and the formation of a Complete Count Committee led by the Economic Development Committee, to ensure all residents in our community are counted.
C. ELECTRIC AGGREGATION
Mayor Marchese read memorandum sent to Council regarding Electric Aggregation/Renewable Energy. He announced David Hoover, Northern Illinois Electric Collaborative (NIMEC) Executive Director, will attend the January 20, 2020 City Council Meeting to provide an overview of the program and proposal that would provide Darien residents with 100% renewable energy. Mayor Marchese stated joining the Renewable Energy Program would fit our overall vision for Darien, as a sustainable energy community.
Mayor Marchese commented regarding Darien’s 2006 Comprehensive Plan that was updated in 2006 that included the concept of unifying all four quadrants of the intersection of 75th Street and Cass Avenue. He provided an update on the changes made to the Southeast quadrant since 2006, the expansion of the 75th Street and Cass Avenue intersections from four to six lanes, and the vision for possible redevelopment of the Northwest quadrant. Mayor Marchese commented that preliminary discussions are underway. Mayor Marchese and Administrator Vana responded to Council questions.
9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
Clerk Ragona announced a Meet and Greet with Mayor Marchese will be held on Monday, January 20, 2020 at 6:00 P.M in the City Hall Upstairs Conference Room.
10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
There was no report.
11. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS
A. POLICE DEPARTMENT – NO REPORT
B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES–NO REPORT
Director Gombac responded to Council questions regarding flooded service drains and the cleaning of litter in wetland areas.
12. TREASURER’S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER – 19-20-18
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve payment of Warrant Number 19-20-18 in the amount of $358,385.43 from the enumerated funds, and $286,655.96 from payroll funds for the period ending 01/02/20 for a total to be approved of $645,041.39.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan
Nays: None
Absent: Vaughan
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
13. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative/Finance Committee – Chairwoman Sullivan announced the next Administrative/Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for February 3, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. in the City Hall Conference Room. She commented the next Economic Development Committee Meeting will be held on January 8, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers. Liaison Sullivan stated Citizen of the Year (COY) applications were due on January 6, 2020 by 5:00 P.M. She commented the COY Committee will review applications and prepare a recommendation for the next meeting.
Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the next meeting of the Municipal Services Committee is scheduled for January 27, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers.
Police Committee – Chairman Kenny announced the next meeting of the Police Committee is scheduled for January 20, 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
Mayor Marchese noted that Consent Agenda Item E was moved to New Business as Item
A. It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve by Omnibus Vote the following items on the Consent Agenda:
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION GRANTING A WAIVER OF THE $50.00 A DAY FEE FOR THE CLASS “J” TEMPORARY LIQUOR LICENSE FOR OUR LADY OF PEACE
B. RESOLUTION NO. R-01-20 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL FROM UNDERGROUND PIPE & VALVE CO., FOR THE CLOW EDDY F2500 FIRE HYDRANT REPAIR PARTS AT THE PROPOSED UNIT PRICES AS REQUIRED FOR A PERIOD OF MAY 1, 2020 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2021
C. RESOLUTION NO. R-02-20 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL FROM UNDERGROUND PIPE & VALVE CO., FOR THE CLOW EDDY FIRE HYDRANT REPAIR PARTS AT THE PROPOSED UNIT PRICES AS REQUIRED FOR A PERIOD OF MAY 1, 2020 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2021
D. RESOLUTION NO. R-03-20 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL FROM UNDERGROUND PIPE & VALVE CO., FOR THE CLOW MEDALLION FIRE HYDRANT REPAIR PARTS AT THE PROPOSED UNIT PRICES AS REQUIRED FOR A PERIOD OF MAY 1, 2020 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2021
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan
Nays: None
Absent: Vaughan
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
17. NEW BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE GRANTING SPECIAL USES AND VARIATIONS (7532 CASS AVENUE/COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT)
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the motion as presented.
Alderman Kenny explained, due to the nature of the property, he requested that the item be moved to New Business.
Alderman Chlystek inquired regarding the timeframe; Mayor Marchese responded construction would begin the end of January 2020.
ORDINANCE NO.O-01-20 AN ORDINANCE GRANTING SPECIAL USES AND VARIATIONS (7532 CASS
AVENUE/COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT)
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan,
Nays: None
Absent: Vaughan
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONSTRUCTION GRANT AGREEMENT (NORTHWEST CORNER OF PLAINFIELD AND CASS) NOT TO EXCEED $150,000
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to approve the motion as presented.
Mayor Marchese explained the importance of the location and esthetics of the proposed building. Administrator Vana commented regarding upgrades and maximum expenditure. Aldermen Schauer and Belczak expressed their agreement for the ordinance. Alderman Chystek inquired regarding the 2020-21 Economic Development Fund; Mayor Marchese responded.
ORDINANCE NO. O-02-20
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONSTRUCTION GRANT AGREEMENT (NORTHWEST CORNER OF PLAINFIELD AND CASS) NOT TO EXCEED $150,000
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan
Nays: None
Absent: Vaughan
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Alderman Chlystek.
.inquired about Architectural Standards utilized by other communities..expressed appreciation for NO semi-truck parking signs.
Administrator Vana stated Mr. Manos has been a pleasure to work with and complemented Mr. Manos on his professionalism.
19. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, it was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to adjourn the City Council meeting.
VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED
The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:26 P.M.
https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/bb18909a-806f-47ee-8fcc-f02386c9e99e/200106.aspx
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