City of Darien City Council met Sept. 21.
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
Joseph A. Kenny Lester Vaughan (Phone)
Absent: Eric K. Gustafson
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 six aldermen present, Mayor Marchese declared a quorum.
5. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
There were none.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – September 8, 2020 City Council Meeting
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of September 8, 2020.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan,
Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Gustafson
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
7. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS
Alderwoman Sullivan.
.stated she has been in continuous communication with Pinehurst residents regarding installation of fence on Carriage Greens Golf Course; she reminded residents the golf course is private property.
.received communication from Drew Kelly regarding City’s Economic Development Incentive Agreement with Carriage Greens County Club. She noted that the agreement is posted on City’s website. She directed Mr. Kelly to contact Administrator Vana for additional information.
.received inquiry from resident in the Carriage Green subdivision regarding refuse containers; advised resident that refuse can be placed at curb 24 hours in advance of pickup date. Alderwoman Sullivan reminded residents to secure recyclables.
.read Public Safety Announcement: “Surge in Suicide Deaths Review First 6 Months of 2020” from Richard A. Jorgensen, MD, DuPage County Coroner. She echoed the importance of reaching out to those most vulnerable.
Treasurer Coren clarified agreement with Carriage Greens Country Club; he stated agreement was not set up in the form of a grant, but a loan to be repaid in ten years through taxes collected or from personal assets.
Alderman Vaughan received communication from.
.resident at 7300 block of Brookbank Road regarding Bed & Breakfast operating at 7313 Clarendon Hills Road; Darien Police Department was notified and City was contacted.
.Mike & Kathleen Madden, 700 block of Maple Lane, regarding inappropriate political sign.
.resident regarding incident with Darien Police Department that involved her son. Resident thanked police officers for deescalating the situation and treating her son with dignity and respect.
Alderman Chylstek received communication from.
.Steven Delusio, unincorporated Darien, regarding zoning concern with DuPage County for soccer field and need for a traffic study.
.Steve Leopoldo regarding concern with some businesses not wearing masks.
.Connie Kelly & Tamara Frederickson supported chickens on property.
.Drew Kelly regarding capital expenditures of Carriage Greens agreement; Administrator Vana responded.
.Chiba Japanese Restaurant thanking City for rebating Food and Beverage taxes.
Mayor Marchese read the correspondence between Alderwoman Sullivan and Drew Kelly regarding Carriage Greens Country Club hosting community events. He stated due to COVID-19 monies had been taken out of budget, but will be reviewed next year.
Alderwoman Sullivan noted willingness to host Ward events at Carriage Green Country Club, but is airing on the side of caution due to COVID-19.
Mayor Marchese noted Carriage Greens Country Club has been hosting Darien Woman’s Club meetings at no cost to the club.
Alderman Kenny received communication from..Stephanie Kochan in favor of chickens.
.John Norbert opposing chickens and bees.
Mayor Marchese stated he received 10-15 questions in response to new series “Ask the Mayor.” He noted the goal of this initiative is to increase transparency and provide residents with the facts about important issues in our City. Resident questions and insights will be shared every few weeks through Direct Connect eNews and social media outlets.
8. MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Marchese provided the following update:
• Due to COVID-19, we have all made adjustments in the way we conduct our lives. Social distancing and wearing face masks are the norm and will probably be with us for the remainder of 2020 and into 2021.
• Changes have impacted our businesses. Masks are mandatory when entering businesses, which includes dining out. While local businesses are working to do their part, an incident of non-compliance by Carriage Greens Country Club was reported on social media. City staff had a discussion with management; an apology and commitment to compliance was received. Actions are being taken by management to assure the safety and health of patrons.
• As of September 18, Illinois Department of Public Health has reclassified DuPage County to “blue” status as related to COVID-19 risk metrics. While this is positive, Mayor Marchese asked all to maintain diligence in complying with Center for Disease Control guidelines and to be conscious of our impact on the health and safety of others.
• Received “Ask the Mayor” question regarding plan for celebrating Halloween in the City of Darien. He noted the Illinois Department of Public Health would soon be publishing guidelines with respect to how municipalities handle the holiday in their communities. Once the information is received, an update will be published in Direct Connect eNews and social media outlets.
• Attended Ribbon Cutting event for Edgewood Clinical Services located at 7900 Cass Avenue. With COVID fatigue and suicides up in the country, Mayor Marchese encouraged all to help those in our community with mental health issues.
9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
Clerk Ragona announced:
• City of Darien election materials for the April 6, 2021 Consolidated Election may be picked up at Darien City Hall beginning September 22, 2020.
• Available elected position (4 year term) include: Alderman for Ward 1, 3, 5 and 7.
• Candidates are encouraged to seek the advice of legal counsel before filing nomination papers, which must be in apparent conformity with the Election Code. The first day to file is December 14, 2020 at 8:30 A.M. and the last day to file is December 21, 2020 at 4:30 P.M.
• Regular business hours at Darien City Hall are Monday through Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT There was no report.
11. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS
A. POLICE DEPARTMENT – NO REPORT
Chief Thomas provided an update on the camera rebate program; 117 cameras were purchased by residents.
B. MUNICIPALSERVICES–ARCHITECTURALANDDESIGNGUIDELINES
Director Gombac followed up on request by Alderman Chylstek regarding need for code amendment regulating minimum architectural and design standards. He provided Council background information and spreadsheet indicating how similar and adjacent municipalities regulate design standards. He requested direction from Council; Council discussion ensued. Decision was to use recommended guidelines versus mandates. Staff will draft document and forward to Municipal Services Committee for review. He thanked City Planner for compiling report.
Director Gombac reviewed City’s refuse container ordinance and current enforcement process. Due to the number of violators and repeat violators, he met with Chief Thomas to implement garbage container enforcement. He reviewed new measures and stated fines will be issued. Council discussion ensued; Director Gombac addressed Council questions. Council determined notice be given before ticketing, which will begin October 5, 2020. Information regarding ticketing for garbage container violations will be published in Direct Connect eNews and social media outlets.
12. TREASURER’S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER 20-21-10
It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve payment of Warrant Number 20-21-10 in the amount of $699,387.42 from the enumerated funds, and $264,225.79 from payroll funds for the period ending 09/10/20 for a total to be approved of $963,613.21.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Gustafson
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
B. MONTHLY REPORT–AUGUST2020
Treasurer Coren explained all reports are preliminary, pending final issuance of audit report. He reviewed year-to-date sources of revenue, expenditures, and fund balances through the month of August 2020.
General Fund: Revenue $5,618,149; Expenditures $4,485,983, Current Balance $3,297,701
Water Fund: Revenue $1,215,285; Expenditures $1,865,357; Current Balance $2,809,452
Motor Fuel Tax Fund: Revenue $722,589; Expenditures $136,841; Current Balance $1,144,718
Water Depreciation Fund: Revenue $3,846; Expenditures $15,604; Current Balance $2,427,235
Capital Improvement Fund: Revenue $137,710; Expenditures $195,468; Current Balance $5,384,769
Alderman Belczak inquired about state of the budget after cuts were made due to pandemic; Treasurer Coren provided financial overview.
Administrator Vana stated $750,000 reimbursement request for COVID expenses was submitted to DuPage County. With the impact of COVID still cloudy, he stated City will be proceeding cautiously with budget changes for the next six months.
Mayor Marchese shared the concerns local businesses are experiencing in providing outdoor dining due to the change of seasons. He would like the City to provide assistance, but the budget is limited. He noted all can help businesses by wearing masks and social distancing.
Alderwoman Sullivan expressed concern for businesses and the need to support them.
Treasurer Coren commented even if a vaccine becomes available, it may take time for people to feel comfortable dining indoors.
13. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative/Finance Committee – Alderwoman Sullivan announced the next meeting of the Administrative/Finance Committee is scheduled for October 5, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. in the City Hall Conference Room. She noted the Economic Development Committee will be meeting on October 14, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. in Council Chambers.
Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the next meeting of the Municipal Services Committee is scheduled for September 28, 2020 at 7:00 P.M.; he noted chicken and bee ordinance will be on the agenda.
Police Committee – Chairman Kenny announced the next meeting of the Police Committee is scheduled for October 19, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. in the Police Department Training Room.
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
There was no New Business.
18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Alderman Chlystek thanked City staff for their hard work. He commented many companies have provided employees a mental health day due to COVID fatigue and inquired if this would be a consideration for staff. Administrator Vana responded the idea is a nice gesture but unrealistic due to union agreements.
Alderwoman Sullivan applauded e-learners, students, parents and teachers in the Darien community; she encouraged all to keep up the good work.
Mayor Marchese commended City staff and Administrator Vana for their dedication and work ethic in making Darien “A nice place to live”.
19. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, it was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderman Schauer to adjourn the City Council meeting.
VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED
The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:40 P.M.
https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/81cf730d-8c71-44ba-873b-85f67ba5770a/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-September-21,-2020.aspx
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