City of Darien City Council Regular met Aug. 3.
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
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
There were none.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – July 20, 2020 City Council Meeting
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of July 20, 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 Chlystek received communication from Kathy Conley, 8300 block of Highpoint Circle, regarding concerns with Darien Dash.
Alderwoman Sullivan received communication from Andrew Kelly thanking Council for their act of patriotism and respect for veterans and senior citizens in wearing masks. She read into record a note from Mr. Kelly regarding the “wearing of masks.”
8. MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Marchese provided the following update:
• Chief Thomas applied for a $10,000 matching grant entitled “Powering Safe Communities” sponsored by ComEd, which will supplement homeowner cost for outdoor cameras. Once guidelines/rules are developed Council will review the proposed expenditure.
• Announced Darien Chamber of Commerce has cancelled Darien Dash scheduled for August 23, 2020.
• Reviewed information from conference call with DuPage County Department of Public Health regarding COVID-19:
o Positivity rate in DuPage County is currently below 5%.
o No “hotspots” in Darien or DuPage County.
o Contact tracing is taking place after a positive diagnosis.
o Average age of those testing positive dropped from age 46 to age 38, with the highest percentage of those testing positive between the 30-39 age group.
o Reviewed Region 8 (DuPage County, Kane County and a portion of Cook County) hospitalizations.
o Karen Ayala, DuPage County Department of Public Health Executive Director, noted due to an increase in positive tests among younger people passing the virus on to older vulnerable individuals, an upswing in hospitalizations is anticipated in the next 4-6 weeks.
o Schools will be developing different models for instruction.
o We are at a critical point; our enemy is the virus and we must increase our vigilance in fighting the virus.
o Vaccine trials are currently underway at Northwestern, Rush and University of Chicago labs and hospitals.
o Imperative to social distance, wear masks and wash hands.
• On July 29, 2020 Illinois State Senator John Curran confirmed that Sterigenics officially requested withdrawal of all IEPA permits and pending permit applications. The IEPA formally confirmed withdrawal. He noted this action formalizes the closure of the Willowbrook location. Mayor Marchese stated he is proud of the efforts of our city and all the individuals who worked so diligently on this issue; the actions taken demonstrate how municipalities working together can better serve the needs of their residents.
9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
There was no report.
10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
There was no report.
11. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS
A. POLICE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Kenny inquired about the recent incident at 71st & Cass Avenue. Chief Thomas responded incident was DuPage County jurisdiction and that Darien Police Department provided perimeter support.
B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES
Treasurer Coren inquired about status of DuPage County road construction on Plainfield Road & Route 83. Director Gombac stated road was resurfaced and completed; he noted traffic signals are still being worked on.
12. TREASURER’S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER – 20-21-07
It was moved by Alderman Vaughan and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve payment of Warrant Number 20-21-07 in the amount of $93,047.94 from the enumerated funds, and $248,631.17 from payroll funds for the period ending 07/30/20 for a total to be approved of $341,679.11.
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
Administrative/Finance Committee – Alderwoman Sullivan announced the next meeting of the Administrative/Finance Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. in the City Hall Conference Room. She noted the next meeting of the Economic Development Committee is scheduled for August 12, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. in Council Chambers.
Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the next meeting of the Municipal Services Committee has been rescheduled to August 17, 2020 at 6:30 P.M.
Police Committee – Chairman Kenny announced the next meeting of the Police Committee is scheduled for August 17, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. in the Police Department Training Room.
Police Pension Board – Liaison Coren announced the next quarterly meeting of the Police Pension Board is scheduled for August 6, 2020 at 7:00 P.M in the Police Department Training Room or via Zoom. He noted those interested in connecting should contact City Hall for details.
14. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS – AGENDA RELATED
There were none.
15. OLD BUSINESS
There was no Old Business.
16. CONSENT AGENDA
It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve by Omnibus Vote the following items on the Consent Agenda:
A. RESOLUTION NO. R-38-20 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF OFFICE EQUIPMENT FROM MIDWEST OFFICE INTERIORS TO REPLACE CURRENT EQUIPMENT IN USE BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT USING DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (DOJ) AWARD MONEY IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,995.71
B. RESOLUTION NO. R-39-20 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF (1) DUAL PURPOSE CANINE (K9) UNIT AND A FOUR WEEK TRAINING CLASS FROM NORTHERN MICHIGAN K9 INC. USING DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AWARD MONEY IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,500.00
C. ORDINANCE NO. O-15-20 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY OF DARIEN
D. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE EXPENDITURE OF BUDGETED FUNDS TO PURCHASE PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES FROM RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,225.00
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer,
Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
17. NEW BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 3-3-7-1(C), CLASS A LICENSE AND SECTION 3-3-7- 5(C) CLASS E LICENSE OF THE DARIEN CITY CODE
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the motion as presented.
ORDINANCE NO. O-16-20 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 3-3-7- 1(C), CLASS A LICENSE AND SECTION 3-3-7- 5(C) CLASS E LICENSE OF THE DARIEN CITY CODE
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 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A PLAT OF EASEMENT FOR A LANDSCAPE FEATURE (NORTHWEST CORNER OF CASS AVENUE AND PLAINFIELD ROAD) AT 7532 CASS AVENUE, PIN# 09-28-402-025
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the motion as presented.
RESOLUTION NO. R-40-20 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A PLAT OF EASEMENT FOR A LANDSCAPE FEATURE (NORTHWEST CORNER OF CASS AVENUE AND PLAINFIELD ROAD) AT 7532 CASS AVENUE, PIN# 09-29-402-025
Roll Call: Ayes: Chlystek, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: Belczak, Gustafson
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 5, Nays 2, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
C. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION FOR A LANDSCAPE FEATURE AGREEMENT AND A DEDICATED EASEMENT AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER AT 7532 CASS AVENUE, PIN# 09-28-402- 025
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve the motion as presented.
RESOLUTION NO. R-41-20 A RESOLUTION FOR A LANDSCAPE FEATURE AGREEMENT AND A DEDICATED EASEMENT AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER AT 7532 CASS AVENUE, PIN# 09-28-402-025
Roll Call: Ayes: Chlystek, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: Belczak, Gustafson
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 5, Nays 2, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
D. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION TO REIMBURSE 7532 CASS AVE LLC IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $22,750.00 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LANDSCAPE FEATURE LOCATED AT 7532 CASS AVE
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the motion as presented.
Alderman Belczak inquired regarding verbiage on sign; Director Gombac noted sign can state, “City of Darien.”
Alderman Gustafson thanked Director Gombac for providing drawing at no cost to City, but voiced concern regarding cost of signage.
RESOLUTION NO. R-42-20 A RESOLUTION TO REIMBURSE 7532 CASS AVE LLC IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $22,750.00 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LANDSCAPE FEATURE LOCATED AT 7532 CASS AVE
Roll Call: Ayes: Chlystek, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: Belczak, Gustafson
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 5, Nays 2, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Alderman Kenny acknowledged Mitchell Crane and his grandmother in attendance.
Alderman Belczak stated residents in his Ward have concerns with chickens on property that are causing a nuisance. His research indicated that many municipalities have an ordinance regarding fowl; he inquired if subject could be investigated to determine if an ordinance is warranted in Darien.
Alderman Vaughan inquired about residential beekeeping.
Council discussion ensued. Director Gombac will gather information pertaining to raising chickens and beekeeping that he will provide to Council.
Mr. Manos expressed his gratitude on behalf of 7532 Cass Avenue LLC regarding the corner of Cass Avenue and Plainfield Road; he thanked Council for supporting the “City of Darien” signage.
Mayor Marchese reminded residents to wear masks and to social distance. He noted restaurants visited have been in compliance.
19. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, it was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to adjourn the City Council meeting.
VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED
The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:05 P.M.
https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/cb56c9e8-f9d6-4780-993a-72b47be88f27/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-August-3,-2020.aspx
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