City of Darien City Council Met Nov. 2.
Here is the agenda 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
4. DECLARATION OF A QUORUM — There being seven aldermen present, Mayor Marchese declared a quorum.
City Council Meeting November 2, 2020
5. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL There were none.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 19, 2020 City Council Meeting
It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of October 19, 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 Kenny received communication from…
…Stan Niemiec regarding the building under construction at the corner of Plainfield Road & Cass Avenue.
…Janice Fischer regarding accident at 73rd Street & Cass Avenue and the need to change the north exit of the Jewel parking lot.
…Gretchen Athena regarding 75th Street construction traffic going through Farmingdale subdivision; concern was sent to the Police Department.
…Jennifer Santucci regarding neighbor in unincorporated DuPage County feeding animals.
In response to Mr. Niemiec’s communication, Director Gombac provided an update on the new construction project at the corner of Plainfield Road & Cass Avenue. He reviewed the orientation of the building, which provides optimal traffic flow for Dunkin Donuts and beautification of the property through landscaping, water feature, awnings and lighting. He noted a patio will be added on the west side of the building.
Alderman Chylstek …
…received communication from Gerry Leganski, 8000 block of Farmingdale Drive, Maria Chavez and Mr. Kleifgen regarding disappointment with inability to barricade street off for a Halloween trick or treat/bike parade.
Mayor Marchese…
…explained the liability issue involved in using barricades to block the street off; he suggested residents use tables to block the driveways so children can use the sidewalk for the parade.
…received communication from Lou Mallers, President Pinehurst Homeowners Association, regarding a large party on Lakeview Drive near Pinehurst subdivision that was loud and rowdy; police officers were on site and monitored the situation.
8. MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Marchese provided the following update:
• Expressed condolences on the passing of JoAnn DiNello, 2005 Citizen of the Year. He noted JoAnn worked tirelessly collecting and sending care packages to our military men and women in Afghanistan.
• Reviewed background information regarding the DuPage Grant Relief Program.
o On October 27, 2020 DuPage County added $2.5M to the program.
o Mayor Marchese proactively emailed qualifying businesses application qualifications and process.
o Learned in a Zoom Conference Meeting with 30 DuPage Mayors from DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference and DuPage County Chairman Dan Cronin that the portal was open for one hour and closed due to receipt of 289 applications totaling $4M.
o Chairman Cronin indicated the need to go back to DuPage County Board with a request for additional funding.
o As restaurants are limited to outdoor dining, noted City decision to rebate $108,000 was a proper expenditure.
o City of Darien will continue communication with local businesses, especially restaurants and bars, and will work to find ways to assist where possible.
• Shared latest COVID-19 information.
o Positivity 7-day rolling average has been between 9.2 and 10.6.
o Six weeks ago, there were 88 cases per 100,000; currently we are at 256 per 100,000.
o DuPage County Health Department reported an increase in hospitalizations, ICU enrollments, and patients placed on ventilators.
o Restrictions will continue until positivity rate drops to 6.5% or lower over a three-day consecutive period.
o Important to follow the advice of scientists who continue to urge the use of masks and social distancing in public or while entertaining at home.
9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
Clerk Ragona reminded residents that have not mailed in ballots or participated in early voting to visit their polling place tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3. Polls are open from 6:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M.
10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
There was no report.
11. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS
A. POLICE DEPARTMENT – NO REPORT
B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES – NO REPORT
12. TREASURER’S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER 20-21-13
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve payment of Warrant Number 20-21-13 in the amount of $371,532.71 from the enumerated funds, and $258,448.29 from payroll funds for the period ending 10/22/20 for a total to be approved of $629,981.00.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
13. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative/Finance Committee – Alderwoman Sullivan announced the next meeting of the Administrative/Finance Committee is scheduled for December 7, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. in the City Hall Conference Room.
Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the next Zoom meeting of the Municipal Services Committee is scheduled for November 23, 2020 at 7:00 P.M.
Police Committee – Chairman Kenny announced the next Zoom meeting of the Police Committee is scheduled for November 16, 2020 at 6:00 P.M.
Police Pension Board – Liaison Coren announced the next quarterly Zoom meeting of the Police Pension Board is scheduled for Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 7:00 P.M.
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 TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE METROPOLITAN ALLIANCE OF POLICE (UNION) DARIEN CHAPTER #48 UNIT “B” – SWORN EMPLOYEES AND THE CITY OF DARIEN (CITY) (JANUARY 9, 2021 THROUGH JANUARY 7, 2022)
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to approve the motion as presented.
RESOLUTION NO. R-50-20 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE METROPOLITAN ALLIANCE OF POLICE (UNION) DARIEN CHAPTER #48 UNIT “B” – SWORN EMPLOYEES AND THE CITY OF DARIEN (CITY) (JANUARY 9, 2021 THROUGH JANUARY 7, 2022)
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 Vaughan to approve the motion as presented.
Mayor Marchese explained the reasoning behind the addition of language 3(f), which will allow residents already raising chickens that have a fence around their entire rear yard as of October 5, 2020 to seek a variance for fencing.
ORDINANCE NO. O-21-20 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE VII, CHAPTER 5 OF THE DARIEN CITY CODE, “ANIMALS” BY ADDING A NEW SUBSECTION 3 TO SECTION 7-5-1
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
Alderman Chylstek thanked …
…Administrator Vana for working with Attorney Murphey to verify variance information.
…School Board for adding four new lampposts on Mark Delay School property.
Alderman Belczak commented that the Darien Lions Club Halloween “Trunk or Treat” at the Darien Swim & Recreation Club parking lot was a success; more than 160 vehicles participated and 700 children obtained candy and toys.
Alderwoman Sullivan commented regarding the 2020 Presidential Election; she hopes the community and nation will embrace our democratic process and accept the outcome of the election with civility, compassion and peaceful resolve to the decisions voters of our county have made.
19. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, it was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to adjourn the City Council meeting.
VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED
The City Council meeting adjourned at 7:58 P.M.
https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/ccb02969-e4f6-4822-a9ed-7e4906b2afb3/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-November-2,-2020.aspx
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