City of Darien City Council met April 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
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 (Zoom) Ted V. Schauer (Zoom)
Thomas M. Chlystek (Zoom) Mary Coyle Sullivan (Zoom)
Eric K. Gustafson Lester Vaughan (Zoom)
Joseph A. Kenny (Zoom)
Absent: None
Also in Attendance: Joseph Marchese, Mayor
JoAnne E. Ragona, City Clerk
Michael J. Coren, City Treasurer (Zoom)
Bryon D. Vana, City Administrator
Gregory Thomas, Police Chief (Zoom)
Daniel Gombac, Director of Municipal Services (Zoom)
4. DECLARATION OF A QUORUM — There being seven aldermen present, Mayor Marchese declared a quorum
5. PUBLIC HEARING – 2020-2021 BUDGET
Mayor Marchese opened the Public Hearing. Clerk Ragona read the “Notice of Public Hearing” that was published in the DuPage County Chronicle newspaper on March 25, 2020. Mayor Marchese advised that the purpose of the public hearing is to open the floor to questions and/or comments from the City Council and audience regarding the proposed annual budget for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2020 and ending April 30, 2021. There were no questions or comments from either the City Council or from the audience. Mayor Marchese closed the Public Hearing.
6. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
William Barry, Nantucket Drive, shared his opinion regarding the Nantucket Basin conversion to a natural area. He reviewed results from petition that he circulated to residents surrounding the basin. Administrator Vana reviewed budget procedures and addressed Mr. Barry’s questions.
Alderman Gustafson inquired about Mr. Barry’s specific concerns. Council discussion ensued.
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. ADMINISTRATIVE/FINANCE COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE – FEBRUARY 19, 2020
B. ADMINISTRATIVE/FINANCE COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE – FEBRUARY 25, 2020
C. ADMINISTRATIVE/FINANCE COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE – MARCH 3, 2020
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the minutes of the Administrative/Finance Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting of February 19, 2020, February 25, 2020 and March 3, 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
D. CITY COUNCIL MEETING – MARCH 16, 2020
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of March 16, 2020.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Sullivan, Vaughan
Abstain: Schauer
Nays: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
8. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS
Alderman Schauer received communication from Randall & June Arnold, William Barry, John & Ashley Devae, Murusanamy & Viji Venkataraman, Mary Ann & Tony Jordan,
Dan Negele, Joe & Trish Miller, John Sitasz, Mr. Elmahassini, Stacy & Mike Slotwinski, and Bob & Marcia Ryba regarding their opposition to Nantucket Basin conversion.
Alderman Kenny received communication from Casey Cavello regarding a car wash on the property located at 973 75th Street.
Alderman Gustafson received many mails regarding potential annexation of property at 973 75th Street.
Administrator Vana noted Council received copies of emails received pertaining to property at 973 75th Street.
Alderman Chylstek received communication from John Yurchak, Farmingdale Drive, regarding the need for sidewalks on the west side of Farmingdale Drive.
9. MAYOR’S REPORT
A. CENSUS 2020 UPDATE
Mayor Marchese provided the following Census 2020 update:
• Video on Facebook regarding the importance of being counted
• Paper census forms will be sent out on April 6 to households that did not complete census online
• As of April 1 Darien return rate was 53.7% ; needs to be to be increased to at least 80% or more.
B. COVID-19 UPDATE
Mayor Marchese provided the following Covid-19 update:
• Continues to participate in many phone & video conferences with various agencies
• Shares critical information on Direct Connect regarding CARES Act and Small Business Administration Grants & Loans
• Allowed (2) non-essential businesses, Frugal Muse and Old Fashioned Sweets to take orders and payment online for curb side delivery
• Darien Lions Club is assisting senior citizens with grocery shopping
• Forest Preserve monitoring
• Deployment of 5G technology
• Advanced Disposal sticker contract
• View podcast
• Signing up for Direct Connect is crucial during restrictions in place
• Contact Help DuPage or local hospitals to donate or make masks
• Reiterated “Stay Home Save Lives”
9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
Clerk Ragona announced City offices will be closed on April 10, 2020 in observance of Good Friday.
10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Administrator Vana provided an update on the proposed budget; revisions will be made and provided to Council. Mayor Marchese commented and Council discussion ensued.
11. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS
A. POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief Thomas reviewed special measures being taken by the Police Department to address 911 calls and the Coronavirus. He addressed Council question regarding crime statistics.
B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES
Director Gombac provided the following comments:
• to improve brush pickup operations, branches cannot be stacked higher than 2 feet
• small businesses should contact their lending institutions
• Public Works has procedures in place to address social distancing.
12. TREASURER’S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER – 19-20-24
It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve payment of Warrant Number 19-20-24 in the amount of $452,713.32 from the enumerated funds, and $253,207.13 from payroll funds for the period ending 03/26/20 for a total to be approved of $705,920.45.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
13. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
There were no reports.
14. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS – AGENDA RELATED
Attorney Mark Daniel, Daniel Law Office in Oakbrook Terrace, introduced himself and provided his background. He is representing petitioner Casey Cavello regarding the 973 75th Street property. He reviewed the events that have taken place and he asked Council to consider working together to resolve annexation agreement issues.
15. OLD BUSINESS
There was no Old Business.
16. CONSENT AGENDA
There was no Consent Agenda.
17. NEW BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE FOR AN EATING ESTABLISHMENT (PZC 2020-02, 7516 SOUTH CASS AVENUE, STE 25B BROOKHAVEN PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER, CARLA’S RED HOT RESTAURANT)
It was moved by Alderman Gustafson and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the motion as presented.
ORDINANCE NO. O-05-20 AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE FOR AN EATING ESTABLISHMENT
(PZC 2020-02, 7516 SOUTH CASS AVENUE, STE 25B BROOKHAVEN PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER, CARLA’S RED HOT RESTAURANT
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO DIRECT STAFF TO INITIATE PROCEDURES FOR THE ANNEXATION OF 973 75TH STREET AND ADJACENT UTILITY EASEMENT (PINS 09-29-301-009, 09-29-301-020)
It was moved by Alderman Gustafson and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the motion as presented.
Alderman Gustafson received many emails favoring the annexation; he explained why the property is valuable to the City of Darien. Resident Grace Kwak explained her concerns and expressed reasons why she and neighbors are in support of the annexation.
Council discussion ensued.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Grace Kwak noted residents were aware that the vote was regarding annexation and not the proposed car wash.
Attorney Daniel asked Council to review correspondence to understand there are cons to forceable annexation. He explained the process, provided his phone number (312-927- 0177) and stated annexation on a voluntary basis would be the best-case scenario.
Alderman Gustafson reminded residents to lock their vehicles and not leave valuables inside.
Mayor Marchese asked residents to adhere to “Stay Home Save a Life” campaign.
Alderwoman Sullivan…
…commented Public Works is working hard to maintain City services.
…encouraged residents to maintain social distancing and use technology to communicate.
Alderman Belczak reminded residents to take advantage of drive-up food services that are available at local Darien Restaurants and food stores in order to minimize risk.
19. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, it was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to adjourn the City Council meeting.
VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED
The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:45 P.M.
https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/25c00efa-7bf8-41f8-b5e4-ad1b569a399f/200406.aspx
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