City of Darien City Council met March 2.
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 Administrator Vana was as follows:
Present: Thomas J. Belczak Ted V. Schauer
Thomas M. Chlystek Mary Coyle Sullivan
Eric K. Gustafson Lester Vaughan
Joseph A. Kenny
Absent: None
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 seven aldermen present, Mayor Marchese declared a quorum.
5. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Ron Price, 7700 block of Lester Lane, commented regarding proposed digital sign; he expressed safety concerns with busy intersection and asked Council to consider a different location.
Bryan Gay, 1200 block of Willow Lane, commented regarding digital advertising billboard at the intersection of Cass Avenue & Plainfield Road. As a member of the
Planning & Zoning Committee, he noted his reasons for voting against the proposal.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – February 18, 2020
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of February 18 2020.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
7. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS
Alderman Vaughan received communication from Bryan Gay sharing his thoughts about the proposed sign.
8. MAYOR’S REPORT
A. HEART OF DARIEN AWARD – KATHLEEN MINARDI
Mayor Marchese awarded the “Heart of Darien Award” to Kathleen Minardi (Kathy); he chose Kathy because of her unselfish commitment to the public good. He stated while her contributions have been many, she is truly known as the “Arbor Day Lady,” who along with others began raising awareness for the beauty of nature and our need to return a gift to mother earth by adding beautiful trees to our landscape. As the program progressed, she joined forces with the Gift of Carl Foundation. In addition, her work has included volunteering at Hinsdale Hospital, with Boy Scout Troops, Our Lady of Peace & Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and various community groups.
Mayor Marchese stated Kathleen Minardi has given of herself and has touched our hearts, so we return the gesture by giving her a bit of our hearts with the “Heart of Darien Award.”
Mike Minardi, Kathy’s husband, explained her illness and shared her sentiments and heartfelt gratitude. Mike read Kathy’s comments, she thanked family, friends and neighbors for being her unsung heroes for all they do for her day-in and day-out. Darien has always been and will always be “A Nice Place to Live.” She thanked Mayor Marchese for his support.
Heidi Ramirez announced Arbor Day will be held on April 24 at Darien Community Park beginning at 9:30 A.M.
B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO REAPPOINT JOHN MURPHEY OF ODELSON STERK, MURPHEY, FRAZIER & MCGRATH
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to approve the motion as presented.
C. CENSUS2020UPDATE
Mayor Marchese stated public service announcements and census information continue to be featured weekly in Direct Connect. He stated a letter was sent to all community leaders of social, civic, educational and service groups to assist by using census material in their publications and outdoor message boards. A terminal will be available at City Hall for resident use. Mayor Marchese noted he would like to secure a banner at the corner of Cass Avenue & Plainfield Road reminding residents to “commit to be counted.”
Mayor Marchese provided updates on the following:
• Redevelopment of School District 61 property located at northwest corner of Cass Avenue & 75th Street that was included in Darien’s 2006 Comprehensive Plan. Mayor Marchese explained reasons for not pursuing the redevelopment.
• Darien Fest 2020 proposed sites.
• Coronavirus information is available on Direct Connect eNews and at www.chicago.gov/coronavirus
9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
Clerk Ragona announced a Meet and Greet with Mayor Marchese will be held on Monday, March 16, 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. MUNICIPALSERVICES–NOREPORT
Director Gombac presented information regarding the three options for marquee signage and landscape water feature at the northwest corner of Cass Avenue & Plainfield Road. Council discussion ensued. Director Gombac and representative from Chicago Billboard addressed Council questions.
12. TREASURER’S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER – 19-20-22
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve payment of Warrant Number 19-20-22 in the amount of $122,783.86 from the enumerated funds, and $277,032.18 from payroll funds for the period ending 02/27/20 for a total to be approved of $399,816.04.
13. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative/Finance Committee – Chairwoman Sullivan advised the Administrative/Finance Committee-of-the-Whole 2020-2021 Budget Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at 6:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers.
Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak stated the minutes of the January 2020 meeting were approved and submitted to the Clerk’s Office. He announced the next meeting of the Municipal Services Committee is scheduled for March 24, 2020 at 7:00 P.M.
Police Committee – Chairman Kenny announced the next meeting of the Police Committee is scheduled for March 16, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. in the Police Department Training Room.
14. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS – AGENDA RELATED
Ron Price commented regarding the terms and conditions of the lease with Chicago Billboards. Director Gombac responded.
Matthew Stafford, 1600 block of 71st Street, expressed his opinion regarding the proposed signage.
15. OLD BUSINESS
There was no Old Business.
16. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Marchese stated Consent Agenda Item A has been moved to New Business 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. RESOLUTION NO. R-20-20 A RESOLUTION FOR THE 2020 CITY OF DARIEN ZONING MAP FOR PUBLICATION
B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF AMMUNITION FROM:
• KIESLER SUPPLY IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,320.57
• RAY O’HERRON IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,080.00
C. RESOLUTION NO. R-21-20 A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE ILLINOIS OFFICE OF THE COMPTROLLER (IOC) AND THE CITY OF DARIEN (LOCAL UNIT) FOR ACCESS TO THE COMPTROLLER’S LOCAL DEBT RECOVERY PROGRAM
D. ORDINANCE NO. O-03-20 AN ORDINANCE ABATING PROPERTY TAX HERETOFORE LEVIED BY ORDINANCE NO. O-28-12 IN THE AMOUNT OF $299,175
E. ORDINANCE NO. O-04-20 AN ORDINANCE ABATING PROPERTY TAX HERETOFORE LEVIED BY ORDINANCE NO. O-11-18 IN THE AMOUNT OF $383,700
F. RESOLUTION NO. R-22-20 A RESOLUTION REJECTING THE BID FOR THE FOUNDATION REPAIRS CONSISTING OF WATERPROOFING, AND RESTORATION OF THE OLD LACE SCHOOL
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
17. NEW BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO REVIEW THREE (3) OPTIONS AND TO DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE FOR MARQUEE SIGNAGE, AND A LANDSCAPE WATER FEATURE
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the motion as follows:
CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE FOR OPTION 3 FOR MARQUEE SIGNAGE, AND A LANDSCAPE WATER FEATURE
Director Gombac reviewed the three options. Alderman Belczak commented regarding discussion held during the Municipal Services Meeting; he stated Municipal Services Committee members were in favor of one sign versus two, which is why they favored option 3. Council discussion ensued. Director Gombac and Chicago Billboards representative addressed Council questions.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Gustafson, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: Chlystek, Kenny
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 5, Nays 2, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Alderwoman Sullivan thanked Kathy Minardi, “Heart of Darien Award” recipient, for her countless years of service to the community.
Mayor Marchese reminded all about the Citizen of the Year dinner/dance honoring Aleta Peknik at Alpine Banquets on March 7.
Alderman Belczak announced Darien Lions Club Pancake Breakfast will be held on March 8 at Eisenhower Junior High School from 7:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
19. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, it was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Kenny to adjourn the City Council meeting.
VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED
The City Council meeting adjourned at 9:19 P.M
https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/a50660eb-d241-45ee-9821-0c478890b9a2/200302.aspx
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