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Thursday, August 21, 2025

City of Darien City Council Met March 15

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City of Darien City Council Met March 15.

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 

Eric K. Gustafson       Mary Coyle Sullivan  

Joseph A. Kenny        Lester Vaughan  

Absent: Thomas M. Chlystek  

Also in Attendance: Joseph Marchese, Mayor 

JoAnne E. Ragona, City Clerk 

Michael J. Coren, City Treasurer 

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

City Council Meeting March 15, 2021 

There were none. 

6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 1, 2021 City Council Meeting 

It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve the  minutes of the City Council Meeting of March 1, 2021. 

Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan,  Vaughan 

Nays: None 

Absent: Chlystek 

Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1 

MOTION DULY CARRIED 

7. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS 

Alderman Gustafson received communication from resident regarding excessive traffic  for drop off/pickup at Elizabeth Ide School on school days. Due to COVID-19, the  number of students allowed to ride the school bus has been restricted for the rest of the  school year. Residents are encouraged to avoid the area during these peak times. 

Alderwoman Sullivan received… 

…an email and had a conversation with Paul Swanson, Architect and Developer from  Equity Trust Company regarding proposed development at 2305 Sokol Court. Mr.  Swanson shared several documents and noted he met with two homeowners associations  in preparation of Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting scheduled for April 7. 

…at least four emails regarding opposition to zoning change to Steak n’ Shake property. 

8. MAYORS REPORT 

Mayor Marchese read detailed report from Phil Halliburton, ComEd, regarding the March  10 power outage; high winds knocked down a tree causing extensive damage to ComEd  overhead infrastructure. Crews worked around the clock to rebuild and replace all  damaged equipment. Mayor Marchese displayed picture; he clarified this was not a  failure on the part of ComEd. Alderman Schauer and Alderwoman Sullivan commented. 

Mayor Marchese provided the following COVID-19 vaccine update. He noted receipt of  phone calls and emails from residents aged 65 and older regarding scheduling of  vaccination appointments.

• DuPage County Health Department received 17,400 doses this week; anticipate 16,000 doses next week; and 5,000 doses the week of March 29; all doses are  designated for first doses. 

• Local pharmacies are receiving an undetermined number of doses from the  Illinois Department of Public Health. 

• In DuPage County more than 49,000 of those currently eligible or 32.2% have  been fully vaccinated. 

• New information will be communicated to residents; a “homebound” resident  vaccinations program is in process. 

• As April approaches, we should see a greater influx of vaccine in DuPage County  and Darien. 

Mayor Marchese provided an update on the 9/11 event. He indicated progress is being  made on the educational component with committee members and school districts. 

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 that no additional information was available pertaining to the  kidnapping, which occurred on March 8 and was reported on March 11. He stated  individual was in custody and was being handled by another jurisdiction.  

B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES 

Treasurer Coren inquired about the opening date of new Dunkin’ on the corner of Cass  Avenue & Plainfield Road. Director Gombac anticipates opening will occur at the end of  the month; Padrino’s may open before Dunkin’. 

Alderman Gustafson commented on the new Westmont Public Works facility; he felt  Council would benefit from a tour. Director Gombac will arrange a site visit. 

12. TREASURER’S REPORT 

A. WARRANT NUMBER 20-21-22

It was moved by Alderman Vaughan and seconded Alderman Kenny to approve payment  of Warrant Number 20-21-22 in the amount of $449,335.58 from the enumerated funds,  and $266,476.40 from payroll funds for the period ending 03/11/21 for a total to be  approved of $715,811.98. 

Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan,  Vaughan 

Nays: None 

Absent: Chlystek 

Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1 

MOTION DULY CARRIED 

B. MONTHLY REPORT – FEBRUARY 2021 

Treasurer Coren reviewed year-to-date sources of revenue, expenditures, and fund  balances through the month of February 2021. 

General Fund: Revenue $14,238,541; Expenditures $9,952,652; Current Balance $5,251,425 

Water Fund: Revenue $6,810,983; Expenditures $5,953,210;  Current Balance $4,317,298 

Motor Fuel Tax Fund: Revenue $1,148,624; Expenditures $491,529;  Current Balance $1,216,066 

Water Depreciation Fund: Revenue $6,841; Expenditures $15,604; Current  Balance $2,430,231 

Capital Improvement Fund: Revenue $258,167; Expenditures $567,736; Current  Balance $6,332,958 

13. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS 

Administrative/Finance Committee – Chairwoman Sullivan announced the  Administrative/Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for April 5, 2021 at 6:00 P.M.  She noted the Economic Development Committee meeting is scheduled for April 8, 2021 at 7:00 P.M.  

Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the Municipal Services  Committee meeting is scheduled for March 22, 2021 at 7:00 P.M.

Police Committee – Chairman Kenny announced the next meeting of the Police  Committee is scheduled for April 19, 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 A RESOLUTION  APPROVING THE 2021 CITY OF DARIEN ZONING MAP 

It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the  motion as presented. 

RESOLUTION NO. R-18-21 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2021  CITY OF DARIEN ZONING MAP 

Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan,  Vaughan 

Nays: None 

Absent: Chlystek 

Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1 

MOTION DULY CARRIED 

18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL There were none. 

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/83e27336-3896-496a-80e6-e72eff84e6b6/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-March-15,-2021.aspx

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