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Dupage Policy Journal

Saturday, May 4, 2024

City of Darien City Council Met July 19

Meeting 11

City of Darien City Council Met July 19.

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. SWEARING IN OF “MAYOR FOR THE DAY” NIKOS GOMOPOULOS Clerk Ragona swore in Nikos Gomopoulos as “Mayor for the Day.” 

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

Mayor Gomopoulos led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

4. ROLL CALL — The Roll Call of Aldermen by Clerk Ragona was as follows: 

Present: Thomas J. Belczak     Ted V. Schauer 

Thomas M. Chlystek      Mary Coyle Sullivan  

Joseph A. Kenny            Lester Vaughan 

Absent: Eric K. Gustafson 

Also in Attendance: Joseph Marchese, Mayor 

Nikos Gomopoulos, Mayor for the Day 

JoAnne E. Ragona, City Clerk 

Michael J. Coren, City Treasurer 

Bryon Vana, City Administrator 

Gregory Thomas, Police Chief 

Daniel Gombac, Director of Municipal Services

5. DECLARATION OF A QUORUM – There being six aldermen present, Mayor Gomopoulos declared a quorum.

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

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – June 21, 2021 City Council Meeting

It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of June 21, 2021.

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

Abstain: Chlystek, Vaughan

Nays: None

Absent: Gustafson

Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1

MOTION DULY CARRIED

8. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS

Alderman Kenny received communication from…

…Marie Ciaglia, Clare Court, regarding concern with Phase Two of Oak Trace Development.

…Bonnie Kucera, Norman Court, thanking DuPage County on behalf of Norman Court Community regarding the paving of 75th Street.

Alderman Chlystek…

…read email from resident, 7000 block of Sawyer, regarding Buona Beef and Rainbow Cones that thank City staff for store remodel and successful grand opening.

…received communication from residents regarding concerns with gun training shop near Lace School.

…received communication and pictures from residents, 8000 block of Sawyer, regarding flooding. He noted that representatives from Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. were in attendance to discuss the subject.

Alderwoman Sullivan…

…read email from Lou & Carol Mallers, Pinehurst residents, thanking Public Works and all the volunteers for their incredible work clearing and cleaning up after the tornado. They noted that “in good times and in bad times Darien is a nice place to live.”

…received communication from Laurie Wyent expressing appreciation to Public Works for tremendous clean-up efforts in the Pinehurst area.

…noted several residents from the Carriage Greens Subdivision, representing the blocks of Laurel Lane, Gleneyre Road, and Carriage Greens Drive, are in attendance to hear Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. speak about storm water and flooding.

…stated she has been in communication with Chief Thomas regarding traffic and speeding in Carriage Way West subdivision.

Mayor Marchese noted Public Works crews from Addison, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Lombard, Lisle, Westmont and Illinois Tollway Authority & others provided workers and equipment to assist with tornado storm clean-up. Darien Public Works crews also assisted residents in Bruce Lake area. He provided kudos to everyone who assisted in the Pinehurst and Sawmill Creek areas.

Alderman Vaughan received communication from Steve Kotwica, 400 block of 71st Street, regarding flooding issues during rainstorms.

9. MAYORS REPORT

A. CHRISTOPHER B. BURKE ENGINEERING, LTD. – STORM WATER MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION

Mayor Marchese stated Dr. Christopher Burke, CEO of Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. (CBBEL) and Daniel Lynch, Head Municipal Engineer for CBBEL, were invited to the meeting after the significant storms of June 26. He commented that CBBEL specializes in the study, design and construction of complex storm water projects and are specialists in the field. Mayor Marchese recognized Dr. Burke’s accomplishments over his 38-year career. He noted Dr. Burke would discuss storm water ordinances, general storm water management practices, and Darien’s specific storm water efforts.

Director Gombac thanked Dr. Burke and Engineer Lynch for attending. He explained Mr. Lynch’s role as a municipal engineer stating that he is responsible for reviewing plans of subdivisions for detention calculations, best management practices and general drainage.

Dr. Burke discussed street, house, and nuisance flooding, basement seepage, sanitary sewer backup simulation, overhead sewer schematic, misunderstood facts about flooding, tips on flood prevention for homeowners, alleviating flooding, overland flow routes, conveyance improvements, and flood storage. Dr. Burke addressed Council questions. Mayor Marchese, Administrator Vana and Director Gombac commented.

Residents voiced their concerns regarding standing water, smoke tests, storm sewer systems surcharging, street flooding, water pooling in rear yard, need to hire consultants due to recurring water issues, and overland water issues in Carriage Way West subdivision. Director Gombac and Dr. Burke responded to questions; several residents provided contact information for follow-up.

Mayor Marchese thanked Dr. Burke, Engineer Lynch and residents for attending and providing Council with information.

10. CITY CLERK’S REPORT

There was no report

11. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

A. GARBAGE SERVICE RENEWAL DISCUSSION

Administrator Vana explained that contract with Waste Management (WM) (formerly Advanced Disposal and Veolia) ends April 1, 2022. Staff met with WM to discuss a potential contract extension. He noted during the last contract extension, Council agreed on the current cart and sticker hybrid service.

Administrator Vana reviewed scope of services discussed with WM, which focused on a full cart program allowing for unlimited weekly removal of refuse, recycling, and yard waste with added services; he asked Council for their direction. Vaughn Kuerschner and Gerry Kreuzman from WM were in attendance for Council discussion and to address questions.

Council discussion ensued. Mr. Kuerschner addressed Council questions and reviewed At Your Door Special Collection option, recycling processing, and the benefits of cart usage.

Administrator Vana asked Council to provide service level requirements needed for inclusion in next contract. Mayor Marchese instructed Council to review WM proposal and to email Administrator Vana with questions. He commented about the importance of quality service. Administrator Vana will provide Council with information regarding waste hauler services from surrounding communities.

Doug Hodak, 7600 block of Wilton, commented on his preference for a sticker option.

Treasurer Coren requested that the City utilize the bidding process due to contract being in excess of $5,000.

12. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS

A. POLICE DEPARTMENT

Chief Thomas provided an update on House Bill 3653 now known as the SAFE-T Act. The Illinois General Assembly approved the modified trailer bill on May 31, 2021. Governor Pritzker signed the Bill on June 25 and became HB3653 became law on July 1, 2021.

He highlighted legislative changes made to: Use of Force, Duty to Render Aid, Duty to Intervene, Resisting or Obstructing a Peace Officer, No Knock Search Warrants, Misconduct, Sworn Affidavit, Local Records Act (Police Misconduct Records), Monthly Reports (Deaths in Custody, Mental Health Incidents, Use of Force, FBI Use of Force Data), Military Surplus Equipment and Body Cameras.

Additional future changes that become effective January 1, 2022 include: Class B & C Misdemeanors, Arrestees must receive three phone calls, and Restoration of Suspended Drivers if suspension was for non-payment of a fine.

Chief Thomas stated monthly reports have been problematic. He provided an update on crime and traffic statistics within the City of Darien; he stated crime is on the decline.

B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES – NO REPORT

13. TREASURER’S REPORT

A. WARRANT NUMBER 21-22-05

It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded Alderman Kenny to approve payment of Warrant Number 21-22-05 in the amount of $166,087.36 from the enumerated funds, and $274,438.91 from payroll funds for the period ending 07/01/21 for a total to be approved of $440,526.27.

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

Nays: None

Absent: Gustafson

Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1

MOTION DULY CARRIED

B. WARRANT NUMBER 21-22-06

It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded Alderman Vaughan to approve payment of Warrant Number 21-22-06 in the amount of $590,433.82 from the enumerated funds, and $286,245.03 from payroll funds for the period ending 07/15/21 for a total to be approved of $876,678.85.

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

Nays: None

Absent: Gustafson

Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1

MOTION DULY CARRIED

14. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Administrative/Finance Committee – Chairwoman Sullivan announced the next meeting of the Administrative/Finance Committee is scheduled for August 2, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. She stated the Economic Development Committee meeting is scheduled for August 5, 2021 at 7:00 P.M.

Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the next meeting of the Municipal Services Committee meeting is scheduled for July 26, 2021 at 7:00 P.M.

Police Committee – Chairman Kenny announced the next meeting of the Police Committee is scheduled for August 16, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. in the Police Department Training Room.

15. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS – AGENDA RELATED

There were none.

16. OLD BUSINESS

There was no Old Business.

17. CONSENT AGENDA

It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to approve by Omnibus Vote the following items on the Consent Agenda:

A. Consideration Of A Motion To Approve The Darien Chamber Of Commerce Annual Darien Dash, A 10k Run/A 5k Run/1 Mile Walk, On September 12, 2021 Beginning At 8:00 A.M. And Authorize The Chief Of Police To Finalize The Details Of This Event With The Chamber Of Commerce

B. Consideration Of A Motion To Approve The Use Of The Right Half Of The Following Streets For The Darien Dash: The 5k And 10k Course:

Start On Ironwood Avenue At The Darien Swim And Recreation Club And Head North To 69th Street. Turn East On To 69th Street To Richmond Avenue; Turn South On Richmond Avenue To 70th Street; Turn East On 70th Street To Bentley Avenue; Turn North On Bentley Avenue To 69th Street; Turn East On 69th Street To Clarendon Hills Road; Turn South On Clarendon Hills Road To 70th Street; Turn West On 70th Street To Bentley Avenue; Turn South On Bentley Avenue To Maple Lane; Turn East On Maple Lane To Clarendon Hills Road; Turn South On Clarendon Hills Road To 71st Street; Turn West 71st Street To Bentley Avenue; Turn North On Bentley Avenue To Maple Lane; Turn West Onto Maple Lane To Richmond Avenue; Turn South On Richmond Avenue To 71st Street; Turn West On 71st Street To Beechnut Lane; Turn North On Beechnut Lane To Ironwood Avenue; Turn East On Ironwood Avenue To Start/Finish Line

1-Mile Course:

Start On Ironwood Avenue At The Darien Swim And Recreation Club And Head North To 69th Street. Turn East On To 69th Street To Sierra Drive; Turn South On Sierra Drive To 71st Street; Turn West On 71st Street To Beechnut Lane; Turn North On Beechnut Lane To Ironwood Avenue; Turn West On Ironwood Avenue To Start/Finish Line

C. Consideration Of A Motion Granting A Waiver Of The Raffle License Bond Requirement For The Darien Chamber Of Commerce

D. Consideration Of A Motion Granting A Waiver Of The $50.00 A Day Fee For The Class “J” Temporary Liquor License For Darien Lions Club

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

Nays: None

Absent: Gustafson

Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1

MOTION DULY CARRIED

18. NEW BUSINESS

There was no New Business.

19. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL

Alderwoman Sullivan thanked Mayor Gomopoulos for doing such a fine job leading the meeting; she stated, “our future is bright with young people like you.”

20. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the City Council, it was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderman Schauer to adjourn the City Council meeting.

VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED

The City Council meeting adjourned at 10:12 P.M.

https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/49781142-e8b3-4562-a76b-f683574e670a/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-July-19,-2021.aspx