City of Darien City Council met May 18.
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 (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
Julie Leganski shared information, statistics and long-term consequences regarding marijuana. She encouraged Council to vote “No” to changing Darien City Code to make non-retail cannabis-related businesses permitted uses in Darien. Gerry Leganski, Farmingdale Drive, voiced his opposition to zoning that would allow cannabis growers to occupy property at Cass & South Frontage Road.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 4, 2020 City Council Meeting
It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of May 4, 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 Connie & Rich Cleary, 7600 block of Baker Court regarding rear-yard drainage issues. Information was forwarded to Director Gombac for investigation.
Alderman Kenny received communication from Stan Niemiec, 7100 block of Hudson, regarding City code pertaining to raising chickens/livestock.
Alderwoman Sullivan received communication from the Garro Family, Gleneagles Drive, regarding their communication with different utility companies. She thanked City staff for their responsiveness and assistance in navigating the process for installation of a pool in their yard.
Alderman Chylstek received communication from eight residents regarding their concern about Council approving zoning text amendment changes for the establishment of non- retail cannabis-related businesses in Darien as follows:
“No” votes: Gerry & Julie Leganski and Mary Ann Stang.
“Yes” votes: Mary Moore, Winy Sy, Dave Dunwoody, George Franco and Gary Scarbosa.
Mayor Marchese received communication from resident regarding backyard fire pits. Resident felt the City Code was too lenient based on health resources. Mayor Marchese directed the issue be sent to Environmental Committee for review and recommendation.
8. MAYOR’S REPORT
A. PROCLAMATION: DECLARING FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020 AS THE
“CLASS OF 2020 DAY IN THE CITY OF DARIEN”
Mayor Marchese recognized graduates who were not able to enjoy the ritual of a graduation ceremony by declaring May 22, 2020 as the “Class of 2020 Day in the City of Darien.” He asked residents to take the opportunity to congratulate members of the graduating Class of 2020.
9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
Clerk Ragona advised that City offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2020 in observance of Memorial Day.
10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
There was no report.
11. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS
A. POLICE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Kenny inquired about the role Darien Police played in apprehending offenders of carjackings and armed robbery in Addison. Chief Thomas explained Darien Police Department involvement with the apprehension.
B. MUNICIPALSERVICES–NOREPORT
Alderman Chylstek complimented Municipal Services on their efforts in dealing with flooding resulting from the excessive rain over the past weekend. He referenced a program Elmhurst implemented that residents assist with storm water issues. Director Gombac reviewed the proactive approach and “Adopt a Storm Drain” Program that Municipal Services has in place. He noted Darien fared well; water backed up temporarily and receded. Administrator Vana noted the importance of keeping inlets clean.
12. TREASURER’S RPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER – 19-20-27
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to approve payment of Warrant Number 19-20-27 in the amount of $767,957.00 from the enumerated funds for a total to be approved of $767,957.00.
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 – 20-21-02
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve payment of Warrant Number 20-21-02 in the amount of $113,410.74 from the enumerated funds, and $285,778.00 from payroll funds for the period ending 05/07/20 for a total to be approved of $399,188.74.
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
Mayor Marchese…
…inquired about the Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting; Director Gombac stated the meeting is scheduled for June.
…commented he is working with Administrator Vana on modification plan to accommodate the reopening of City Hall.
…stated is investigating ability to resume Council Meetings in Council Chamber with
social distancing.
14. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS – AGENDA RELATED
There were none.
15. OLD BUSINESS
There was no Old Business.
16. CONSENT AGENDA
There was no Consent Agenda.
17. NEW BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION GRANTING WAIVER OF THE RAFFLE
LICENSE BOND REQUIREMENT FOR THE DARIEN LIONS CLUB
It was moved by Alderman Vaughan and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the motion as presented.
Alderman Kenny questioned raffle license requests; Mayor Marchese stated this request was for the Lions Queen of Hearts Raffle.
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 APPROVE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 5A, CHAPTER 9A, OF THE DARIEN CITY CODE, “CANNABIS BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS”, TO MAKE CERTAIN NONRETAIL CANNABIS-RELATED BUSINESSES PERMITTED USES IN THE I-1 GENERAL INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Chlystek to approve the motion as presented.
Alderwoman Sullivan asked for clarification regarding the non-retail aspect of cannabis only being allowed at the two locations indicated. Director Gombac noted it was a permitted use in certain districts and confirmed that Sterling Bay and Public Works properties are the two applicable sites under the I-1 General Industrial District.
Alderman Chlystek stated his reasons for supporting the ordinance. Alderman Schauer inquired regarding licensing. Alderwoman Sullivan commented.
ORDINANCE NO. O-09-20 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 5A,
CHAPTER 9A, OF THE DAREIN CITY
CODE, “CANNABIS BUSINESS
ESTABLISHMENTS”, TO MAKE
CERTAIN NON-RETAIL CANNABIS RELATED BUSINESSES PERMITTED
USES IN THE I-1 GENERAL
INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Vaughan
Nays: Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 4, Nays 3, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
C. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS SUBJECT TO MAINTENANCE (STERLING BAY – 1035 S. FRONTAGE ROAD)
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to approve the motion as presented.
Alderman Kenny commented regarding budget concerns. Alderwoman Sullivan inquired about bond monies. Director Gombac explained and provided clarification regarding the two security bonds. Council discussion ensued.
RESOLUTION NO. R-34-20 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS SUBJECT TO MAINTENANCE (STERLING BAY – 1035 S. FRONTAGE ROAD)
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
Mayor Marchese asked Lisa Klemm, Administrative Assistant, to display outline of presentation/discussion points regarding reopening businesses in Darien. He introduced attending members of the Economic Development Committee: Tina Beilke
(Chairperson), Bryan Gay, Robert Hahn, Lou Mallers and Matt Weberling via Zoom.
Mayor Marchese led discussion on the following three topics:
• Current State of Darien Businesses
o Essential, Non-Essential, Restaurants and Bars
o Initiatives That Have Been Undertaken
• DuPage Mayors and Managers (DMMC) Intervention Efforts
o Twice Weekly Mayor’s Conferences (Health Department)
o Letter to Governor
• Where do we go in the Future?
o Follow the Lead of DMMC?
o Continue to Operate Under the Restore Illinois Plan as part of the Northeast Quadrant?
o Follow our own course of Action?
o What Other Concerns?
A lengthy discussion ensued; feedback was provided. Mayor Marchese addressed questions.
Mayor Marchese thanked all for their participation. He stated he agrees there is strength in numbers; he will be working with DuPage Mayors and Managers to reach consensus of actions. He encouraged Council and Economic Development Committee to send him their ideas regarding future direction.
19. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, it was moved by Alderman Vaughan and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to adjourn the City Council meeting.
VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED
The City Council meeting adjourned at 9:24 P.M.
https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/d650687f-6033-405f-9dd2-c9a46b50e864/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-May-18,-2020.aspx
Alerts Sign-up