City of Darien City Council met Jan. 18.
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 (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.
5. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Mayor Marchese remembered Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He commented that as public servants we are fulfilling what he believes was one of Dr. King’s wishes, service for the betterment of our community. Mayor Marchese reflected on the impact the deaths of Dr. King and Senator Robert Kennedy had on his life and the need to strengthen our society. He encouraged all to listen to the passionate speech given by Dr. King on April 3, 1968, entitled “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.”
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – December 7, 2020 City Council Meeting
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of December 7, 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…
…John Laratta regarding City issues.
…Bonnie Kucera indicating Channel 6 had no sound; Administrator Vana acknowledged the issue had been fixed.
Mayor Marchese received correspondence from Pamela Taylor regarding City meetings being held on Martin Luther King Day; he read her email and his response.
Alderman Vaughan received communication from teachers in District 61 regarding distribution of COVID-19 vaccine. Mayor Marchese shared his conversation with Superintendent Langman, Darien School District 61, regarding establishment of vaccination facilities at local high schools and receipt of future doses of vaccine for allocation to local schools. Mayor Marchese noted frontline workers and those 65 and older become eligible for vaccine on January 25.
8. MAYORS REPORT
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENTS OF HILDA GONZALEZ, BRYAN GAY AND LOU MALLERS TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
It was moved by Alderman Belczak 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
Mayor Marchese thanked members for their continued service.
Marchese reported receipt of numerous inquiries regarding the distribution of the Coronavirus vaccine. He assured residents the City will continue to publish updates as information becomes available. He provided the following vaccination update:
• State of Illinois has received 726,475 doses of the vaccine, which does not include more than 250,000 doses administered to long-term care facilities through a federal program.
• DuPage County has received 33,950 doses and has fully vaccinated 9,314 individuals – primarily health care professionals.
• Last week Governor Pritzker announced the State will move forward with an aggressive Vaccine Plan, with hundreds of additional providers.
• The State anticipates completion of Phase 1A by January 25; Phase 1B eligibility includes those over age 65 and frontline workers.
• The State is partnering with large pharmacies to launch hundreds of new sites in communities across the state.
• The State is planning to continue to build out distribution capacity by using smaller independent pharmacies, urgent care clinics, doctor’s offices and various work places.
• Additional information is available on the Illinois Department of Public Health website.
• Advised all to contact their personal care providers to see if their offices will be handling disbursement.
Mayor Marchese commented regarding the Criminal Justice Reform Omnibus Bill. He encouraged Council to read summary document composed by the Illinois Municipal League, which serves as an analysis of the bill. The bill was signed into law by the Governor and takes effect on July 1, 2021. He stated the DuPage Mayors and Managers filed an injunction due to concern with the process and mandated costs.
Mayor Marchese shared the sad news of the passing of Robert Klein, owner of Award Emblem in Bolingbrook; he expressed heartfelt condolences to the Klein Family. Mr. Klein was 2011 Darien Citizen of the Year, Rotary Club of Darien member and served on Darien Woodridge Fire Protection Board, in addition to participation in a plethora of community activities.
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 commented on cannabis arrests featured in the newspaper. He stated the statute is specific: “no driver may possess cannabis within any area of motor vehicle on the highway in this state except in a sealed, odor-proof, child-resistant cannabis container.” Alderman Gustafson inquired if buying cannabis off the street had the same rules; Chief Thomas responded that buying cannabis off the street is illegal.
B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES – NO REPORT
Alderman Kenny inquired about the status of Dunkin Donuts on the corner of Cass Avenue & Plainfield Road. Director Gombac stated ComEd needs to install meters and then power will be turned on. He anticipates opening before mid-February; date to be determined.
Mayor Marchese complimented Alderwoman Sullivan for her persistence in following up with ComEd regarding power outages in her Ward; tree trimmers are scheduled for late January/early February.
12. TREASURER’S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER 20-21-16
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded Alderman Belczak to approve payment of Warrant Number 20-21-16 in the amount of $443,171.02 from the enumerated funds, and $243,216.26 from payroll funds for the period ending 12/17/20 for a total to be approved of $686,387.28.
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 20-21-17
It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded Alderman Schauer to approve payment of Warrant Number 20-21-17 in the amount of $61,107.20 from the enumerated funds, and $279,090.40 from payroll funds for the period ending 12/31/20 for a total to be approved of $340,197.60.
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. WARRANT NUMBER 20-21-18
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to approve payment of Warrant Number 20-21-18 in the amount of $759,848.85 from the enumerated funds, and $278,911.73 from payroll funds for the period ending 01/14/21 for a total to be approved of $1,038,760.58.
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. MONTHLY REPORT – NOVEMBER 2020
E. MONTHLY REPORT – DECEMBER 2020
Treasurer Coren reviewed year-to-date sources of revenue, expenditures, and fund balances through the month of December 2020.
General Fund: Revenue $11,973,992; Expenditures $8,382,271; Current Balance $4,557,256
Water Fund: Revenue $4,157,604; Expenditures $4,846,331; Current Balance $2,770,797
Motor Fuel Tax Fund: Revenue $1,011,025; Expenditures $254,696; Current Balance $1,315,300
Water Depreciation Fund: Revenue $6,114; Expenditures $15,604; Current Balance $2,429,504
Capital Improvement Fund: Revenue $246,605; Expenditures $566,951; Current Balance $6,322,180
13. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative/Finance Committee – Chairwoman Sullivan announced the next meeting of the Administrative/Finance Committee is scheduled for February 1, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. She noted the Economic Development Committee meeting is scheduled for February 4, 2021 at 7:00 P.M. Chairwoman Sullivan stated 2021-22 Budget Workshops will begin on February 17, 2021 and will continue on every Wednesday following until budget is completed.
Mayor Marchese added Tina Beilke, Economic Development Committee, will provide progress report at the February 1, 2021 City Council meeting; EDC is working on a strategic plan in collaboration with Darien Chamber of Commerce.
Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the Municipal Services Committee meeting is scheduled for January 25, 2020 at 7:00 P.M.
Police Committee – Chairman Kenny announced the next meeting of the Police Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at 6:00 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
Item A was removed from New Business during the Work Session; Item B was moved to Item A.
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL FROM MECO CONSULTING FOR COMMUNICATION SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF DARIEN
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve the motion as presented.
Mayor Marchese explained Metro Strategies will no longer be able to provide communication services. He noted MECO Consulting comes highly recommended.
Alderwoman Sullivan complimented Metro Strategies for doing a great job improving City’s social media and communication efforts.
RESOLUTION NO. R-01-21 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL FROM MECO CONSULTING FOR
COMMUNICATION SERVICES FOR THE
CITY OF DARIEN
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 Rotary Club of Darien was awarded the opportunity to develop 2021 City of Darien Vehicle Sticker. Stickers feature Backpack Food Program and are available at City Hall and Police Department for a $3.00 donation.
Alderwoman Sullivan received communication from residents in Ward Five regarding numerous Comcast/Infinity outages throughout January; upgraded lines and boxes have been installed and improved service.
Alderman Chlystek welcomed new City Planner, Jordan Yanke.
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 8:05 P.M.
https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/cee61066-30ae-4864-86bb-b614d4c3e686/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-January-18,-2021.aspx
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