City of Darien City Council Met May 17.
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 Joseph A. Kenny
Thomas M. Chlystek Mary Coyle Sullivan
Eric K. Gustafson Lester Vaughan
Absent: Ted V. Schauer
Also in Attendance: Joseph Marchese, Mayor
JoAnne E. Ragona, City Clerk
Michael J. Coren, City Treasurer
Bryon Vana, City Administrator
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
Linda Painter, District 3 Forest Preserve Commissioner, congratulated and commended Council for their support of the monarch butterfly population, which has been diminishing due to the lack of milkweed plants. She has been instrumental in getting the Forest Preserve to grow more milkweed plants. Ms. Painter has raised caterpillars and released 45 butterflies last year. If you need assistance in raising caterpillars contact [email protected]. She encouraged all to watch YouTube video “The Amazing Life Cycle of the Monarch Butterfly.”
Ms. Painter noted the Forest Preserve will be seeking public input on the masterplan for Waterfall Glen and the expansion program for Willowbrook Wildlife in Glen Ellyn. She addressed Council questions regarding mosquito abatement, injured animals and disposal of dead animals.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 3, 2021 City Council Meeting
It was moved by Alderman Vaughan and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of May 3, 2021.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Gustafson, Kenny, Sullivan, Vaughan Abstain: Chlystek
Nays: None
Absent: Schauer
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
7. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Marchese announced that he attended a Gala for Kingswood Academy. As a guest speaker, he recounted how his Catholic education affected his life. He commented that he submitted an auction prize item for a child to be “Mayor for the Day.” It was the only live auction item and the item raised $14,000, with four parents each bidding $3,500. Each child is to be accompanied by a parent, have a tour of the Police Department, visit Public Works facility, attend a City Council meeting, be sworn in by City Clerk as “Mayor for the Day”, receive a certificate, and walk in the 4th of July Parade. Mayor Marchese introduced Laura Christenson, a teacher at Kingswood Academy, who was in the audience; she is an environmentalist and conservationist. She expressed an interest in the Monarch Butterfly Program.
Alderwoman Sullivan announced Darien Chamber of Commerce and Hinsdale South High School Foundation are sponsoring a charitable golf outing on Friday, May 21 at Carriage Greens Country Club. She noted donations and sponsorships are still available; register at www.darienchamber.com.
8. MAYORS REPORT
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING RESTORATION OF LGDF REVENUE
It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to approve the motion as presented.
Mayor Marchese read the Resolution and noted that the last fiscal year Darien received $2,393,776 in Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF) revenue. If state budget was cut by 10%, Darien would lose $239,000. LGDF comprises 14% of Darien’s budget.
RESOLUTION NO. R-35-21 A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING RESTORATION OF LGDF REVENUE
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Schauer
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF DUPAGE MONARCH PROJECT AND THE ENHANCEMENT AND EXPANSION OF AVAILABLE HABITAT FOR MONARCH BUTTERFLIES AND OTHER NATIVE POLLINATORS
It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderman Chlystek to approve the motion as presented.
Mayor Marchese read the Resolution and referenced a book he received from Claudia Borowski. He said the City has a milkweed area located outside the Police Department.
RESOLUTION NO. R-36-21 A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF DUPAGE MONARCH PROJECT AND THE ENHANCEMENT AND EXPANSION OF AVAILABLE HABITAT FOR MONARCH BUTTERFLIES AND OTHER NATIVE POLLINATORS
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Schauer
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
Due to the generosity of Ms. Painter, Mayor Marchese planted milkweed plants in his backyard. He distributed milkweed seeds courtesy of Darien Rotary Club to Council.
Kathy Street introduced herself and thanked Council for passing the Resolution. She stated that the Darien Garden Club (DGC) is celebrating their 20 year anniversary. She noted the DGC has turned a weedy area at St. John Lutheran Church into a butterfly garden. She explained DGC supports national and local environmental organizations, is active in IL Monarch Project, Associate Members of DuPage Monarch Project and pledged support to Darien Rotary Operation Pollinator Program. Ms. Street noted the IL Monarch Projects Plan for the IL Route 66 Flyway Project and planting 150 million stems of milkweed in the state by 2038. She explained the history of how Claudia Borowski started maintaining milkweed patch; she places signs, takes photos, and distributes seeds to IDOT. She complimented Ms. Borowski on her efforts and noted Ms. Borowski is a member of the City’s Environmental Committee. On behalf of Ms. Borowski, she presented Mayor Marchese with a plaque. Ms. Street thanked Council for helping the monarchs.
Mayor Marchese stated the importance of this initiative is demonstrated by the involvement of local organizations. Audience and Council discussion ensued regarding milkweed and recycling efforts.
Mayor Marchese…
…advised Council that July 4 Parade invitations have been sent out by Darien Lions Club Chairman Bill Christenson. The parade applications are due by June 23.
…shared business promotional flyer “Darien Spring Fling” that is on social media to shop Darien in May and June.
9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
Clerk Ragona announced City offices will be closed on Monday, May 31, in observance of Memorial Day.
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 20-21-26
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded Alderwoman Sullivan to approve payment of Warrant Number 20-21-26 in the amount of $451,054.87 from the enumerated funds, and $288,307.05 from payroll funds for the period ending 05/06/21 for a total to be approved of $739,361.92.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Schauer
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
B. WARRANT NUMBER 21-22-02
It was moved by Alderman Vaughan and seconded Alderman Belczak to approve payment of Warrant Number 21-22-02 in the amount of $945,226.65 from the enumerated funds for a total to be approved of $945,226.65.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Schauer
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
Treasurer Coren reminded Council to respond to survey from Sikich, the City’s auditing firm.
13. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative/Finance Committee – Chairwoman Sullivan announced the Administrative/Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for June 7, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. She stated the Economic Development Committee meeting is scheduled for June 3, 2021 at 7:00 P.M.
Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the Municipal Services Committee meeting is scheduled for May 24, 2021 at 7:00 P.M.
Police Committee – Chairman Kenny stated the minutes of the July 20, 2020 meeting were approved and submitted to the Clerk’s Office. He announced the next meeting of the Police Committee is scheduled for June 21, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. in the Police Department Training Room.
14. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS – AGENDA RELATED
Aleta Peknik asked Chief Thomas if there was an increase in catalytic converters being removed from vehicles in Darien. Chief Thomas responded there has been no increase. He explained that catalytic converters contain expensive parts that thieves resell.
15. OLD BUSINESS
There was no Old Business.
16. CONSENT AGENDA
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve by Omnibus Vote the following items on the Consent Agenda:
A. RESOLUTION NO. R-37-21 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL FROM IP COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE EQUIPMENT, INSTALLATION, CONFIGURATION, AND TRAINING OF A NEW PHONE SYSTEM AT CITY HALL AND POLICE DEPARTMENT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $56,593
B. RESOLUTION NO. R-38-21 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL FROM AIS, INC. FOR THE IT EQUIPMENT AND LABOR REQUIRED FOR THE NEW PHONE SYSTEM IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $23,400
C. RESOLUTION NO. R-39-21 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH THE LOWEST COST STREET LIGHT ELECTRIC PROVIDER FOR
A BID CONDUCTED BY NIMEC ON JUNE 8,
2021
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Schauer
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
17. NEW BUSINESS
There was no New Business.
18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL Alderman Belczak clarified the 4th of July Parade will be held on Monday, July 5.
Alderwoman Sullivan congratulated Junior High and High School students on their graduations; may celebrations be safe and stay healthy.
Mayor Marchese received communication from a Darien resident who disagreed with the Sokol apartment vote. He clarified resident’s misconceptions and thanked the resident for his respectfulness.
19. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, it was moved by Alderman Vaughan and seconded by Alderman Kenny to adjourn the City Council meeting.
VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED
The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:21 P.M.
https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/9ad34d3c-914d-48c3-907a-0e24b40c803a/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-May-17,-2021.aspx
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