City of Darien City Council met May 4.
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 7:36 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 (Zoom) 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)
Lisa Klemm, Administrative Assistant (Zoom)
4. DECLARATION OF A QUORUM — There being seven aldermen present, Mayor
Marchese declared a quorum.
5. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Father Bob Colaresi, Society of Mt. Carmel, expressed his concern regarding erosion issues with right-of-way property located between Bailey Road and Carmelite Spiritual Center. He noted attorney representing Society of Mt. Carmel sent a letter explaining the issue, which depicted erosion damage. Director Gombac, Administrator Vana, Ryan Anderson (Director of Facilities for Society of Mt. Carmel), and Alderwoman Sullivan commented. Mayor Marchese directed the issue be sent to Municipal Services Committee for review and recommendation.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 20, 2020 City Council Meeting
It was moved by Alderman Vaughan and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of April 20, 2020.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Abstain: None
Nays: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
7. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS
Alderman Schauer received communication from George Keeley, Attorney, on behalf of Society of Mt. Carmel, regarding drainage/erosion concerns.
Alderman Chlystek received communication from Stacey Tantillo regarding ability to “adopt” a District 86 high school senior to celebrate and support the Class of 2020 as a community; he noted a Facebook page has been set up for those interested in participating.
Alderman Vaughan received communication from Dan Hertzel, 6700 block of Alabama Avenue, regarding condition of neighboring property. Director Gombac responded.
Alderman Kenny received communications from Charlene Kuglin and John Becker regarding rear-yard drainage issues.
Mary Sullivan received communication from.
.Larry & Marian Krupicka regarding opposition to proposed electronic sign at Cass Avenue/Plainfield Road.
.Andrew Kelly regarding suggestions pertaining to signage and surrounding area at corner of Cass Avenue/Plainfield Road.
8. MAYOR’S REPORT
A. CENSUS2020UPDATE
Mayor Marchese provided the following update:
• As of May 4, 83 million households have responded to the 2020 Census (more than 1⁄2 of all households in the United States).
• Statistics
o by State: Illinois ranked 9 nationally at 59.4%.
o by County: DuPage ranked 41st at 69.2%.
o Darien ranked 35th in the State of Illinois at 77.2%, which is higher than surrounding communities.
• Thanked Joe Hennerfeind, Senior Planner, for co-leading efforts.
• Thanked residents for responding and encouraged others to respond.
• Census Bureau will not be sending representatives to households until June due to Covid-19.
B. TRANSITIONPLAN–STAYATHOMEORDER
Mayor Marchese provided the following update:
• Sent Council email regarding Transition Plan/Shelter in Place and copy of letter sent to Governor Pritzker from DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference (DMMC).
• Stated the DMMC worked collaboratively with DuPage County and the DuPage County Health Department on a data driven plan for the phased reopening of our community for residents and businesses.
• The plan balances sound public health practices with the need to resume modest levels of activity.
• Template for Darien was submitted to DMMC for use by taskforce.
• Commented on video conference with DuPage County Health Department
• Had communication with Stephanie Gurgone, Darien Park District, and Chief Gorsky, Darien-Woodridge Fire Protection District.
• Requested viewpoints on opening business while maintaining health needs of residents.
• Highlighted conference call with 200 Mayors, including Lori Lightfoot, City of Chicago.
• Will forward article regarding reopening of economy and Darien Transition Plan to Council.
• Council provided their viewpoints.
• Members of DMMC will need to agree on Transition Plan.
9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT There was no report.
10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Administrator Vana provided an update on property tax bills; clarifying information will be in Direct Connect eNews. He noted DuPage County Board authorized the County Treasurer to waive late fees on property tax payments for taxpayers who can demonstrate financial hardship due to the COVID-19 crisis; details are available on the DuPage County website.
11. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS
A. POLICE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Belczak stated he was copied on resident communication regarding a refrigerated truck behind Jewel. Chief Thomas responded the truck contained frozen foods due to store freezer system malfunction. Administrator Vana noted Sergeant Topel contacted resident.
B. MUNICIPALSERVICES–NOREPORT
12. TREASURER’S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER – 19-20-26
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to approve payment of Warrant Number 19-20-26 in the amount of $286,003.10 from the enumerated funds, and $254,796.72 from payroll funds for the period ending 04/23/20 for a total to be approved of $540,799.82.
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. WARRANT NUMBER–20-21-01
It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to approve payment of Warrant Number 20-21-01 in the amount of $35,101.60 from the enumerated funds for a total to be approved of $35,101.60.
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
Police Pension Board – Liaison Coren announced the next quarterly meeting of the Police Pension Board is scheduled for May 14, 2020 at 7:00 P.M via ZOOM; inquiries need to be submitted in advance.
14. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS – AGENDA RELATED
Grace Kwak, 2500 block of Abbey Drive, confirmed with Council that New Business Item A pertained to annexation of property located at 973 75th Street. She noted developer has not provided any communication; she encouraged Council to support vote for annexation.
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 ANNEXING CERTAIN PROPERTY IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 7- 1-13 OF THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL CODE (973 75TH STREET)
It was moved by Alderman Gustafson and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to approve the motion as presented.
Alderman Gustafson expressed importance of moving forward with annexation and developing property in accordance with Darien zoning regulations. Council discussion ensued. Administrator Vana and Director Gombac commented regarding zoning procedures and addressed Council questions.
ORDINANCE NO. O-08-20
AN ORDINANCE ANNEXING CERTAIN PROPERTY IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 7-1-13 OF THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL CODE (973 75TH STREET)
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: Chlystek
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 1, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE UNIT PRICES FOR THE WATER MAIN BREAK RESTORATION OF CONCRETE SIDEWALK, APRON AND CURB AND GUTTER FROM FORTIS, INC.
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the motion as presented.
Mayor Marchese commented due to the pandemic the annual Concrete Program was removed from the 2020/2021 Budget; Director Gombac explained restoration was due to water related issues.
RESOLUTION NO. R-33-20 A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE UNIT PRICES FOR THE WATER MAIN BREAK RESTORATION OF CONCRETE SIDEW ALK, APRON AND CURB AND GUTTER FROM FORTIS, INC.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
C. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO DIRECT STAFF TO RENEGOTIATE THE SIGN AGREEMENT FOR THE 7532 OF CASS AVENUE – NORTHWEST CORNER AND TO DIRECT STAFF TO CONDUCT A NEW PUBLIC HEARING FOR A MARQUEE SIGN AT THE 7532 SOUTH CASS AVENUE
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Gustafson to approve the motion as presented.
Mayor Marchese stated he received communication from Chicago Billboard regarding reasoning behind “No” vote; he reviewed the agreement changes necessary to reinterest Council. Discussion ensued. Director Gombac addressed Council questions.
Mayor Marchese reviewed next steps; he thanked Council for their consideration.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Vaughan
Nays: Schauer, Sullivan
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 5, Nays 2, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Alderwoman Sullivan.
.asked for clarification of next steps regarding sign. Mayor Marchese responded. Administrator Vana commented on Public Hearing notice timeline.
.announced Carriage Greens Golf Course opened and was featured on the news..thanked Perfect Swing for donating 1000 masks to the City of Darien.
.thanked Darien Lions Club, Darien Rotary Club, and Darien Woman’s Club for continued donations to local food pantries.
.thanked organizations “big and small” for stepping up during these challenging times.
19. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, it was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to adjourn the City Council meeting.
VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED
The City Council meeting adjourned at 9:05 P.M.
https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/3790f475-be63-41a5-89a2-8d77f2b12e16/200504.aspx
Alerts Sign-up