City of Darien City Council met July 20.
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
Mayor Marchese initiated Council discussion regarding the wearing of protective face masks during City meetings. He stated two aldermen expressed concern for wearing masks at all times during City meetings in addition to plexiglass dividers and other safety measures. Council discussion ensued; consensus determined that masks will be worn for all City meetings through the end of September. The subject matter will be revisited in October. All attendees and speakers will also be required to wear masks during City meetings.
James Burke, Chairman of the Board – Darien Chamber of Commerce,.
.announced Darien Dash will be held on August 23, 2020. He noted timing company will be able to maintain social distancing amongst an estimated 250 runners.
.stated business owners were pleased with car show “Cruisin’ on Cass” turnout held at Darien Plaza on Monday evenings; event is driving foot traffic and tourism.
.inquired about ability to host a raffle during “Cruisin’ on Cass” Car Show. Mayor Marchese will meet with Chamber representatives.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – June 15, 2020
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of June 15, 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
Alderwoman Sullivan received.
.communication from several Tara Hill subdivision residents regarding excessive noise concerns. She stated progress has been made; she thanked Police Department and City staff for their responsiveness.
.inquiry regarding short-term rentals/leases; City Planner Hennerfeind and Director Gombac clarified City requirements.
.received communication from Pinehurst subdivision resident regarding need for fence along Bailey Road to discourage residents from walking their pets on Carriage Greens Golf course. She encouraged residents to use alternate walking paths for their own safety. Alderwoman Sullivan will be meeting with Carriage Greens Country Club to determine best way to communicate course path is for golf use only.
Alderman Kenny received communication from Bonnie Kucera, Norman Courts, regarding phone solicitation for Police Department donations. Chief Thomas stated Police Department does not endorse this type of solicitation.
Alderman Gustafson received communication regarding fumes coming from Home Depot generator. Director Gombac will contract Home Depot Store Manager.
Alderman Chylstek received communication from.
.Mickey Magnifico, Brookdale Apartments, regarding an insurance concern; issue was referred to DuPage County.
.Jerry Leganski, 8000 block of Farmingdale Drive regarding a power outage; Administrator Vana communicated with ComEd.
8. MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Marchese expressed his condolences regarding the passing of Jim Addington, Westmont Trustee & former Mayor, and Lion.
A. DENEEN M. RUFFOLO – DARIEN LIONS CLUB HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR
Mayor Marchese read into the record a proclamation declaring July 24, 2020 as Deneen Ruffolo Day in the City of Darien.
Greg Ruffolo, expressed how proud he was of his wife; he thanked her for making a difference in the lives of thousands by providing gifts to countless children during the Lions Club Food Basket Drive.
John Pearson, Darien Lions Club President, presented Deneen with a replica brick that will be placed in the Lions Foundation brick patio at Darien Community Park.
Deneen thanked the Darien Lions Club for the award and City of Darien for the proclamation. Deneen commented she was raised to give back to the community and did not give a second thought to volunteering to take over the gift portion of the food baskets. She thanked the volunteers and the many others that are deserving of the award. Deneen stated “We live in a great City, a very giving City, hope and pray it continues that way.”
Mayor Marchese noted Deneen was receiving a small token for the recognition she deserves; he thanked her for making so many children happy at Christmas. Alderman Kenny commented he became a better realtor with Deneen residing in the office next to his.
B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF CLAUDIA BOROWSKI AND RYAN GRACE TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE
It was moved by Alderman Vaughan and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the motion as presented.
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 APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENT OF DEB HARDTKE, ALLAN JACKIMEK, AND ARLETA PEKNIK TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to approve the motion as presented.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
Clerk Ragona administered the Oath of Office to Deb Hardtke, Allan Jackimek, and Arleta Peknik.
D. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENT OF JOHN J. ARMELLINO TO THE BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSIONERS
It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to approve the motion as presented.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
E. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENT OF JEFF MAY TO THE POLICE PENSION BOARD
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the motion as presented.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
F. METRO STRATEGIES – QUARTERLY REPORT
Jennie Vana, Vice President of Communications, and Kaitlin Cernak, Communications Manager, with Metro Strategies distributed handouts. They provided quarterly report, which included update of online survey results, the revamping of Direct Connect eNews, implementation of Nextdoor account, and the metrics/measurements across the City’s communication channels. Ms. Vana and Ms. Cernak addressed Council questions.
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
Chief Thomas.
.reiterated that solicitation to “support police” is not endorsed by Darien Police Department.
.shared credit card scam with cards issued by Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES); he advised residents to report fraud to Police Department and IDES..reviewed monthly reporting issues; noted better reporting to follow.
.addressed Council questions.
B. MUNICIPALSERVICES–NOREPORT
Director Gombac addressed Council inquiry regarding commercial property.
12. TREASURER’S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER 20-21-05
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve payment of Warrant Number 20-21-05 in the amount of $132,195.24 from the enumerated funds, and $524,007.02 from payroll funds for the periods ending 06/18/20 and 07/02/20 for a total to be approved of $656,202.26.
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 20-21-06
It was moved by Alderman Vaughan and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve payment of Warrant Number 20-21-06 in the amount of $1,145,193.20 from the enumerated funds, and $261,355.39 from payroll funds for the period ending 07/16/20 for a total to be approved of $1,406,548.59.
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 – Chairwoman Sullivan announced the next meeting of the Administrative/Finance Committee is scheduled for August 3, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. in the City Hall Conference Room.
Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak stated the minutes of the June 15, 2020 meeting were approved and submitted to the Clerk’s Office. He announced the next meeting of the Municipal Services Committee is scheduled for August 24, 2020 at 7:00 P.M.
Police Committee – Chairman Kenny stated the minutes of the June 15, 2020 meeting were approved and submitted to the Clerk’s Office. He 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.
14. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS – AGENDA RELATED
Alderman Chylstek voiced concern regarding Darien Dash. Council discussion ensued.
It was noted that the Darien Dash could be cancelled if COVID conditions worsened.
15. OLD BUSINESS
There was no Old Business.
16. CONSENT AGENDA
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to approve by Omnibus Vote the following items on the Consent Agenda:
A. ORDINANCE NO. O-12-20 AN ORDINANCE REPLACING TITLE 8 (POLICE REGULATIONS) CHAPTER 20 (DRUG PARAPHERNALIA) OF THE CITY OF DARIEN CITY CODE
B. ORDINANCE NO. O-13-20 AN ORDINANCE REPLACING TITLE 8, POLICE REGULATIONS, CHAPTER 7 CANNABIS REGULATIONS OF THE CITY OF 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
17. NEW BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DARIEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 20TH ANNUAL DARIEN DASH, A 10K RUN/A 5K RUN/1MILE WALK, ON AUGUST 23, 2020 BEGINNING AT 8:00 A.M. AND AUTHORIZE THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO FINALIZE THE DETAILS OF THIS EVENT WITH THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the motion as presented.
Alderman Kenny voiced his concern with ability to stage participants.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Gustafson, Schauer, Sullivan
Nays: Chlystek, Kenny, Vaughan
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 4, Nays 3, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE USE OF THE RIGHT HALF OF THE FOLLOWING STREETS FOR THE DARIEN DASH: THE 5K AND 10K COURSE:
START ON IRONWOOD AVENUE AT THE DARIEN SWIM AND RECREATION CLUB AND HEAD NORTH TO 69TH STREET. TURN EAST ON TO 69TH STREET TO RICHMOND AVENUE; TURN SOUTH ON RICHMOND AVENUE TO 70TH STREET; TURN EAST ON 70TH STREET TO BENTLEY AVENUE; TURN NORTH ON BENTLEY AVENUE TO 69TH STREET; TURN EAST ON 69TH STREET TO CLARENDON HILLS ROAD; TURN SOUTH ON CLARENDON HILLS ROAD TO 70TH STREET; TURN WEST ON 70TH STREET TO BENTLEY AVENUE; TURN SOUTH ON BENTLEY AVENUE TO MAPLE LANE; TURN EAST ON MAPLE LANE TO CLARENDON HILLS ROAD; TURN SOUTH ON CLARENDON HILLS ROAD TO 71ST STREET; TURN WEST 71ST STREET TO BENTLEY AVENUE; TURN NORTH ON BENTLEY AVENUE TO MAPLE LANE; TURN WEST ONTO MAPLE LANE TO RICHMOND AVENUE; TURN SOUTH ON RICHMOND AVENUE TO 71ST STREET; TURN WEST ON 71ST STREET TO BEECHNUT LANE; TURN NORTH ON BEECHNUT LANE TO IRONWOOD AVENUE; TURN EAST ON IRONWOOD AVENUE TO START/FINISH LINE
1-MILE COURSE:
START ON IRONWOOD AVENUE AT THE DARIEN SWIM AND RECREATION CLUB AND HEAD NORTH TO 69TH STREET. TURN EAST ON TO 69TH STREET TO SIERRA DRIVE; TURN SOUTH ON SIERRA DRIVE TO 71ST STREET; TURN WEST ON 71ST STREET TO BEECHNUT LANE; TURN NORTH ON BEECHNUT LANE TO IRONWOOD AVENUE; TURN WEST ON IRONWOOD AVENUE TO START/FINISH LINE
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the motion as presented.
C. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A VARIATION FROM SECTION 5A-5-9-8(B) (PZC 2020-06 8131 LEMONT ROAD)
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to approve the motion as presented.
Alderman Belczak noted Municipal Services unanimously recommended the zoning variation.
ORDINANCENO.O-14-20 AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A VARIATION FROM SECTION 5A-5-9-8(B) (PZC 2020-06 8131 LEMONT ROAD)
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. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DARIEN AND DUPAGE COUNTY FOR PARTICIPATION IN DUPAGE COUNTY LOCAL GOVERNMENT COVID-19 REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Chlystek to approve the motion as presented.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
E. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO DIRECT STAFF TO PROCEED WITH A LANDSCAPE ENHANCEMENT PROJECT AND EASEMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE NORTHWEST CORNER AT 7532 CASS AVENUE, PIN# 09-28-402-025
It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to approve the motion as presented.
Alderman Belczak inquired regarding signage and beautification details. Director Gombac displayed landscape rendering. Council discussion ensued. Administrator Vana noted once information is formalized, the project will be brought back to Council for formal vote.
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 Chlystek.
.inquired about Facebook posting that highlighted an elected County official; Administrator Vana explained posting was made in error.
.voiced safety concern with the corner of Frontage Road & Cass Avenue; he expressed need for DuPage County traffic study. Council discussion ensued.
Sylvia McIvor shared her communication with Chief Thomas regarding family member being recipient of SCAM involving IDES card fraud; she explained and encouraged residents to sign up for informed delivery through United States Postal Service (USPS), which is available on the USPS website.
Mayor Marchese commented he joined Danny Tischler and the Cancer Smashers in installing 4 duck houses in different Darien Park District ponds. He thanked Rob Sarocco, Darien Park District Board of Park Commissioners President, for working with the Cancer Smashers in building and erecting the duck houses.
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 9:35 P.M.
https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/649ed041-d6f7-4085-9024-ff998cc1b708/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-July-20,-2020.aspx
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