City of Darien City Council met Oct. 19.
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 7:31 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 (Phone)
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 – October 5, 2020 City Council Meeting
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of October 5, 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 Chylstek received communication from…
…Athena Flores regarding chicken ordinance fence requirement.
…Janice Fischer regarding lowering speed limit on Cass Avenue due to recent fatalities.
Alderman Kenny received…
…same communication from Ms. Flores and Ms. Fischer.
…communication from Stan Niemiec regarding Darien/ComEd Security Camera Rebate
Program and determination of “free leaf” pickup start date of October 15. Administrator Vana noted refuse hauler determines date.
Alderwoman Sullivan received…
…same communication from Ms. Flores and Ms. Fischer.
…communication from Diane Casali, Brookeridge Creek, regarding traffic and parking concerns on Kearney Road due to end of year event at Honey Bee Gardens Family Farm, which occurred on October 3, 2020. Alderwoman Sullivan explained she had a productive meeting with owners, Cindy and Tom LaRocca, who expressed willingness to meet with residents, City of Darien Police Department and DuPage County to ensure future events do not create traffic issues.
8. MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Marchese provided the following update:
• Recognized District #99 Teachers, Karen Spahr-Thomas, a Social Studies Teacher at Downers Grove North High School and Trevor Parker, an English and Communications Teacher at Downers Grove South High School. They were honored by the University of Chicago and presented with Outstanding Educator Awards.
• Reviewed COVID – 19 information from DuPage County Health Department:
o Number of cases in DuPage County and the State are spiking.
o Hospitalizations going up.
o Illinois Department of Public Health & Governor Pritzker will issue restrictions to mitigate spike.
o Transmission is mainly due to social settings.
o Highest rates of positivity cases are amongst ages 20-39 and 40-59.
o School metrics have been sent to all elementary and high school superintendents – with recommendation to go back to remote learning.
o All need to be conscious of efforts to control the pandemic by wearing masks in public, social distancing and washing hands.
• In addition to October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, since 1989 October has also been Domestic Violence Awareness month.
o United States Department of Justice estimates 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are victims of physical violence by a partner every year.
o Every 9 seconds a woman in the United States is beaten or assaulted by a current or former significant other.
o 1 in 4 men are victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.
o Every year millions of children are exposed to domestic violence.
o Domestic violence is prevalent in every community and affects all people. o Substantial progress in reducing domestic violence has been made; more work needs to be done.
o Clarified rebate of Food & Beverage tax money to local restaurants made earlier this year. He reviewed plan for a second rebate of $108,500 to assist 14 local restaurants that have outdoor dining. Mayor Marchese and Administrator Vana addressed Council questions.
9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
A. 2021 VEHICLE STICKER LOTTERY
Clerk Ragona provided a brief history of the Darien Identification Vehicle Sticker Program, read the list of non-profit organizations that were offered the opportunity to participate and reviewed applicable provisions. Rotary Club of Darien was the only organization that expressed an interest in the 2021 Vehicle Sticker Lottery and therefore was announced lottery winner.
10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
There was no report.
11. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS
A. POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief Thomas provided an update on:
• domestic violence police reporting and investigation process, assistance from State’s Attorney’s Office and Family Shelter programs.
• Darien/ComEd Security Camera Rebate Program, which provided reimbursement for 189 cameras. He noted residents are registering their cameras and sharing information. Alderman Gustafson inquired about reimbursement checks; checks will be issued in the next few weeks.
B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES–NO REPORT 12. TREASURER’S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER 20-21-12
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve payment of Warrant Number 20-21-12 in the amount of $740,436.65 from the enumerated funds, and $261,769.88 from payroll funds for the period ending 10/08/20 for a total to be approved of $1,002,206.53.
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. MONTHLY REPORT–SEPTEMBER2020
Treasurer Coren reviewed year-to-date sources of revenue, expenditures, and fund balances through the month of September 2020.
General Fund: Revenue $7,523,431; Expenditures $5,809,913, Current Balance $3,879,054
Water Fund: Revenue $2,532,370; Expenditures $2,674,510; Current Balance $3,317,385
Motor Fuel Tax Fund: Revenue $799,115; Expenditures $171,716; Current Balance $1,186,369
Water Depreciation Fund: Revenue $4,583; Expenditures $15,604; Current Balance $2,427,972
Capital Improvement Fund: Revenue $191,287; Expenditures $195,213; Current Balance $5,438,601
13. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative/Finance Committee – Alderwoman Sullivan announced the next meeting of the Administrative/Finance Committee is scheduled for November 2, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. in the City Hall Conference Room. She noted the Economic Development Committee will be meeting on November 11, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. in Council Chambers.
Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the next meeting of the Municipal Services Committee scheduled for October 26, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. has been cancelled.
Police Committee – Chairman Kenny announced the next meeting of the Police Committee is scheduled for November 16, 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
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve by Omnibus Vote the following items on the Consent Agenda:
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO GRANT A WAIVER OF THE RAFFLE LICENSE BOND REQUIREMENT FOR THE DARIEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TAX LEVY DETERMINATION FOR GENERAL AND SPECIAL PURPOSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021
C. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A TRANSFER FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO THE CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,200,000
D. RESOLUTION NO. R-49-20
A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONTRACT EXTENSION, YEAR 3, WITH CLEAN SLATE, INC. TO PROVIDE JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF DARIEN BEGINNING NOVEMBER 1, 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
17. NEW BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE APPROVING VARIATIONS FROM SECTION 5A-7-2-6(A) OF THE DARIEN ZONING ORDINANCE (PZC 2020-08 338 JANET AVENUE, PIN 09-26-103- 020)
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the motion as presented.
ORDINANCE NO. O-20-20
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING VARIATIONS FROM SECTION 5A-7-2-6(A) OF THE DARIEN ZONING ORDINANCE (PZC 2020-08 338 JANET AVENUE, PIN 09-26-103-020)
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 VII, CHAPTER 5 OF THE DARIEN CITY CODE, “ANIMALS,” BY ADDING A NEW SUBSECTION 3 TO SECTION 7-5-1
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the motion as presented.
Alderman Chylstek.
.stated he received comments/inquiries from residents regarding notification of all properties within 125’. Director Gombac responded that the 125’ radius was from the property line.
.inquired about renter/landlord situation; Director Gombac responded that the landlord must apply for variance.
Alderman Belczak inquired regarding basis for limiting variance consideration to Sections 2(d) & 2(e); he provided example of home located on Hickory.
Alderman Kenny reviewed email from Steve Leopoldo regarding alternate way to handle variances and fencing requirement due to unique situations.
Administrator Vana stated Staff prepared variance based on previous Council discussion; he noted that Council would make the final decision regarding variance(s).
Lengthy Council discussion ensued. Council suggested changes to variance considerations.
MOTION TO POSTPONE
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Schauer to postpone the motion.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Mayor Marchese announced.
.Darien Lions Club is sponsoring a drive-thru Trunk-or-Treat at the Darien Swim and Recreation Club on October 31, 2020 from 1:00 – 4:00 P.M.
.it would be parent’s decision to allow children to Trick or Treat within the community..Darien Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing will be held on October 24, 2020 at Carriage Greens Country Club. Contact the Chamber to participate; cost is $100 per person.
.Darien Historical Society Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on December 6, 2020 at 4:00 P.M. All festivities will be held outdoors; the museum will be closed. Eisenhower Junior High Choir will not participate.
.Darien Lions Club/Candy Day will not be held on street corners this year. Donations can be made on their website or Facebook page. He noted 40% of monies collected benefit Darien community.
.Food Basket Program will be held in December. Donations of $75/family can be made to Darien Lions Club Foundation.
.Darien Lions Club and Our Lady of Peace Food Drive is this weekend.
Alderwoman Sullivan announced early voting began on October 19, 2020, with two locations in Darien: Safety Village at 7400 Cass Avenue through 10/31/20 and Darien Office Complex at 8255 S. Lemont Road through 11/2/2020. Ballot mailbox is located inside each polling location.
Alderman Chlystek announced Goal Setting will be held on October 28, 2020; residents are welcome to attend. Mayor Marchese noted the session will be held in the Police Department Training Room at 6:30 P.M.
19. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, it was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to adjourn the City Council meeting.
VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED
The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:59 P.M.
https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/e631ab8b-3cf0-4f6a-970d-dd2b7655828b/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-October-19,-2020.aspx
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