City of Darien City Council Met Feb. 16.
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 (Zoom) Ted V. Schauer (Zoom)
Thomas M. Chlystek (Zoom) Mary Coyle Sullivan
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
Jason Norton, Deputy 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
Al Kohout, Green Valley Road, complimented and thanked Public Works for doing a great job snow plowing.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – February 1, 2021 City Council Meeting
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of February 1, 2021.
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 stated he read a post on Nextdoor, neighborhood social network, from resident, Lucas Cassidy, regarding a Darien Police Officer assisting a citizen in changing a tire at 67th Street & Cass Avenue on February 13 at 9:45 A.M.; he commended Officer Pastick.
Alderman Vaughan received communication from Miguel, 7300 block of Brookbank Road, regarding nuisance concerns at 7313 Clarendon Hills Road, an Airbnb property. Director Gombac will follow-up with City Attorney; he noted City Attorney is in litigation in another municipality with a similar situation. Administrator Vana advised resident to call “911” if occupants are disturbing the peace. Alderwoman Sullivan inquired if owner was notified about the policy on short-term rentals. Administrator Vana stated could be a non-permitted use; violations need to be recorded.
Alderman Gustafson requested the addition of an item to the next City Council Meeting Agenda. He asked for a revision of City Ordinance 0-34-19, which regulates cannabis business establishments; he would like to include the former Steak ’n Shake location as a permitted use. Mayor Marchese conducted a straw poll. The item will be added to agenda. The zoning approval process was reviewed.
8. MAYORS REPORT
There was no report.
9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
There was no report.
10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
A. FYE 22 BUDGET OVERVIEW
Administrator Vana noted the 2021-22 Budget Meetings formally begin on Wednesday, February 17. He provided a three-year budget overview that focused on summaries and revenues for the following funds: General, Capital Projects, Water, Water Depreciation and Motor Fuel Tax. Treasurer Coren provided financial insight; Administrator Vana addressed Council questions.
Mayor Marchese announced Chairwoman Sullivan will be leading the Administrative/Finance Committee through the Budget Workshop sessions. Meetings are open to the public; facemasks are required.
11. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS
A. POLICE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Chylstek received communication regarding the issuance of tickets versus towing for cars parked on streets during a snow emergency. Deputy Chief Norton stated Police Department practice is to contact vehicle owners and issue citations for non compliance. He noted ordinance allows for towing of vehicles; vehicles that obstruct roadways or parked for a duration are towed.
Director Vana commented that the Portsmouth Condo area is problematic; residents are permitted to park on streets overnight.
B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES
Director Gombac stated Public Works is taking proactive approach with additional machinery arriving on February 17 to assist with knocking down piles of snow at intersections and in cul-de-sacs to improve visibility.
Council discussion ensued regarding snow related concerns. He noted a reminder will be published in Direct Connect eNews regarding no parking on City streets during a winter event that brings at least 1” snowfall accumulation.
Administrator Vana announced that effective Tuesday, trash collection will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week due to inclement weather; Monday collection was not impacted.
Mayor Marchese commented that mail service was delayed.
12. TREASURER’S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER 20-21-20
It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded Alderman Belczak to approve payment of Warrant Number 20-21-20 in the amount of $453,960.10 from the enumerated funds, and $277,112.45 from payroll funds for the period ending 02/11/21 for a total to be approved of $731,072.55.
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 – JANUARY 2021
Treasurer Coren reviewed year-to-date sources of revenue, expenditures, and fund balances through the month of January 2021.
General Fund: Revenue $13,164,789; Expenditures $9,065,560; Current Balance $5,064,765
Water Fund: Revenue $5,650,012; Expenditures $5,516,150; Current Balance $3,593,387
Motor Fuel Tax Fund: Revenue $1,084,558; Expenditures $326,392; Current Balance $1,317,137
Water Depreciation Fund: Revenue $6,534; Expenditures $15,604; Current Balance $2,429,923
Capital Improvement Fund: Revenue $252,716; Expenditures $567,356; Current Balance $6,327,887
13. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative/Finance Committee – Chairwoman Sullivan announced 2021-22 Budget Workshops will begin on February 17, 2021 and will continue on Tuesday, February 23, March 2, 9 & 16 as needed. A Public Hearing for the proposed budget will be held on April 5 prior to the City Council Meeting. She noted the Economic Development Committee meeting is scheduled for March 4, 2021 at 7:00 P.M.
Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the Municipal Services Committee meeting is scheduled for February 22, 2021 at 7:00 P.M.
Police Committee – Chairman Kenny announced the next meeting of the Police Committee is scheduled for March 15, 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
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY OF DARIEN
It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to approve the motion as presented.
ORDINANCE NO. O-02-21 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY OWNED BY 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
B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE OF BUDGETED FUNDS UP TO $10,000 TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH I/O SOLUTIONS TO CONDUCT TESTING TO ESTABLISH AN ELIGIBILITY LIST FROM WHICH TO HIRE POLICE OFFICERS TO FILL ANTICIPATED OPENINGS
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
18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Mayor Marchese reminded residents that Budget Workshops begin on February 17. He asked residents to look at their tax bills; City services are one of the lowest cost items. He encouraged all to watch or attend the budget meetings to gain a better understanding of the conservative approach the City uses in managing tax dollars.
19. ADJOURNMENT
https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/4fcf0720-60d4-4cea-a656-ab8fdf0b6ef9/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-February-16,-2021.aspx
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