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Dupage Policy Journal

Thursday, August 21, 2025

City of Darien City Council Met June 21

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City of Darien City Council Met June 21.

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 – REMOVED FROM AGENDA 

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

Mayor Marchese 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 

Eric K. Gustafson            Mary Coyle Sullivan  

Joseph A. Kenny 

Absent: Thomas M. Chlystek  

Lester Vaughan 

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 

5. DECLARATION OF A QUORUM — There being five aldermen present, Mayor Marchese declared a quorum.

6. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL

Lou Mallers thanked Director Gombac and Municipal Services for taking care of downed trees from the storm in his subdivision.

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

It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of June 7, 2021.

Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan Abstain: None

Nays: None

Absent: Chlystek, Vaughan

Results: Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 2

MOTION DULY CARRIED

8. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS

Alderwoman Sullivan received many communications regarding the storm; feedback received offered many praises for Municipal Services and their quick response. Alderwoman Sullivan stated she is proud to be a Darien representative and having such great people to work with.

9. MAYORS REPORT

Mayor Marchese provided the following tornado update:

• Significant damage occurred in a number of areas in Darien with emphasis on Pinehurst and Sawmill Creek subdivisions.

• Public Works crew were out in full force clearing and cleaning the streets.

• Spoke with residents who were out clearing their property and assisting neighbors with cleanup.

Director Gombac provided an update on storm damage as follows:

• Massive affects from the tornado/storm left 10 properties with structural damage; excessive tree damage occurred in Bailey Park, Pinehurst, Sawmill Creek and Woodmere subdivisions.

• Don Morris Architects P.C. visited sites and made preliminary assessments, which will be referred to structural engineers to determine condemnation or repairs.

• Contacted DuPage County Homeland Security for assistance for additional equipment and crews. Goal is to have Emergency Operation Center in effect for 48 hours.

• Homer Tree Service was contacted and had two full crews out by 6 A.M.

• Reviewed process for removing & securing trees.

• By 9 A.M., several municipalities responded to request for assistance.

• Stated branch pick up will be delayed.

Mayor Marchese:

• Thanked local and state leaders who called to offer assistance. He spoke with Governor Pritzker, Director Illinois Emergency Office Agency Alicia Tate, Senator John Curran, Representative Bill Foster, Senator Tammy Duckworth and DuPage County Board Member Julie Renehan. Federal and State relief was discussed.

• Heard from local churches: Lord of Life Lutheran Church and Four Corners Church volunteered their services to tornado victims. Also, members of Lord of Life will be assisting Darien Lions Club with food packing/distribution.

• Complimented Public Works and commended our resilient community for helping each other. Mr. Kelkar, Pinehurst Subdivision, called and stated Public Works guys are the best!

A. Consideration Of A Motion To Approve An Ordinance Amending Title 2 Of The Darien City Code, “Boards And Commissions,” By Amending Chapter 4, Section, 2-4-2 “Economic Development Committee-Terms”

It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve the motion as presented.

Mayor Marchese explained motion was to expand Economic Development Committee to include a representative from the Darien Chamber of Commerce.

Alderwoman Sullivan commented that the addition of a Chamber member would enhance partnership. She thanked members for their continued commitment and past member Tina Beilke for her leadership and setting a great stage for the City’s future.

Ordinance No. O-11-21 An Ordinance Amending Title 2 Of The Darien City Code, “Boards And Commissions,” By Amending Chapter

4, SECTION, 2-4-2 “ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE-TERMS”

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

Nays: None

Absent: Chlystek, Vaughan

Results: Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 2

MOTION DULY CARRIED

B. Consideration Of A Motion To Approve The Appointment Of Brian Liedtke And Thomas Papais To The Economic Development Committee

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

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

Nays: None

Absent: Chlystek, Vaughan

Results: Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 2

MOTION DULY CARRIED

C. Consideration Of A Motion To Approve The Reappointment Of Bryan Gay (Chairperson), Robert Hahn, Angelo Imbrogno, Louis Mallers, Nick Pitzker And Matthew Weberling To The Economic Development Committee

It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve the motion as presented.

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

Nays: None

Absent: Chlystek, Vaughan

Results: Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 2

MOTION DULY CARRIED

Clerk Ragona administered the Oath of Office to Brian Liedtke, Thomas Papais, Louis Mallers and Nick Pitzker. Bryan Gay, Robert Hahn, Angelo Imbrogno, and Matthew Weberling were not in attendance.

Mayor Marchese thanked Tina Beilke for her leadership; he congratulated Ms. Beilke on her efforts and wished her well.

10. CITY CLERK’S REPORT

Clerk Ragona announced…

… City offices will be closed on Monday, July 5, in observance of Independence Day.

…Tuesday, July 6, Darien City Council Meeting has been cancelled.

…next City Council Meeting will be held on Monday, July 19, 2021.

11. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

There was no report.

12. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS

A. POLICE DEPARTMENT – NO REPORT

B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES – NO REPORT

13. TREASURER’S REPORT

A. WARRANT NUMBER 21-22-04

It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded Alderman Belczak to approve payment of Warrant Number 21-22-04 in the amount of $679,571.88 from the enumerated funds, and $277,405.84 from payroll funds for the period ending 06/17/21 for a total to be approved of $956,977.72.

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

Nays: None

Absent: Chlystek, Vaughan

Results: Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 2

MOTION DULY CARRIED

14. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Administrative/Finance Committee – Chairwoman Sullivan announced the July, 6, 2021 meeting of the Administrative/Finance Committee has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for August 2, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. She stated the Economic Development Committee meeting is scheduled for July 8, 2021 at 7:00 P.M.

Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak stated the minutes of the May 2021 meeting were approved and submitted to the Clerk’s Office. He announced the next 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 July 19, 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

During the Work Session, New Business Items A, B, F, G, H, I, J, K and M were moved to Consent Agenda as Items C – K respectively.

It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve by Omnibus Vote the following items on the Consent Agenda:

A. 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

B. Resolution No. R-43-21 A Resolution Authorizing The Purchase Of Two (2) Konica Minolta Bizhub Copiers From Impact In An Amount Not To Exceed $15,510.00

C. Resolution No. R-44-21 A Resolution Authorizing The Purchase Of One (1) New Water Main Service Trailer From Arizona Trailer Specialists Inc. Dba C & I Equipment Co. In An Amount Not To Exceed $32,140.00

D. Resolution No. R-45-21 A Resolution Authorizing The Purchase Of One (1) Waterdog Sprayer From Air One Equipment In An Amount Not To Exceed $7,759.00

E. Resolution No. R-48-21 A Resolution Authorizing The Purchase Of One (1) New Skyjack Electric Powered Scissor Lift Model Sj3220 From Lift Works Inc. In An Amount Not To Exceed $15,475.00

F. Resolution No. R-49-21 A Resolution Authorizing The Purchase Of 125 Banners From Bannerville USA In An Amount Not To Exceed $13,760.00

G. Resolution No. R-50-21 A Resolution Authorizing A Reimbursement For A Native Area Planting-Holly Park, To The Darien Park District In An Amount Not To Exceed $7,445.00

H. Resolution No. R-51-21 A Resolution Accepting A Quote From National Wash Authority LLC, For The Pressure Washing Services For The City’s Potable Water Tanks At A Cost Not To Exceed $19,900.00

I. Resolution No. R-52-21 A Resolution Accepting A Storm Sewer Easement From The Following Property: 7929 Glen Lane 09-34-208-004

J. Resolution No. R-53-21 A Resolution Authorizing The Purchase Of One New Trailer Mounted High Pressure Sewer Cleaner From Hot Jet USA Model Xf21240uho In An Amount Not To Exceed $33,245.00

K. Resolution No. R-54-21 A Resolution Authorizing The Purchase Of One (1) New Hp Designjet XL 3600dr Postscript Multifunction Printer From Mastergraphics Incorporated In An Amount Not To Exceed $14,318.00

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

Nays: None

Absent: Chlystek, Vaughan

Results: Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 2

MOTION DULY CARRIED

18. NEW BUSINESS

A. Consideration Of A Motion To Approve A Resolution Accepting The Unit Price Proposal From Hispano Lawn Maintenance & Landscaping Co. Dba Hl Landscape For The Purchase And Installation Of The 50/50 Parkway Tree Program And The Parkway Tree Replacement Program In An Amount Not To Exceed $31,145.00

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

MOTION TO AMEND

Alderman Belczak and Alderman Schauer seconded to accept amendment to increase the proposal price by $40,000 for the planting of 100 additional replacement trees destroyed by the storm for a revised amount not to exceed of $71,145.00.

There was a call for the question on the amendment.

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

Nays: None

Absent: Chlystek, Vaughan

Results: Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 2

AMENDING MOTION CARRIED

There was a call for the question on the original motion.

RESOLUTION NO. R-46-21 A Resolution Accepting The Unit Price Proposal From Hispano Lawn Maintenance & Landscaping Co. Dba Hl Landscape For The Purchase And Installation Of The 50/50 Parkway Tree Program And The Parkway Tree Replacement Program In An Amount Not To Exceed $71,145.00 as amended.

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

Nays: None

Absent: Chlystek, Vaughan

Results: Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 2

MOTION DULY CARRIED

B. Consideration Of A Motion To Approve A Resolution Authorizing The Services For The Purchase And Installation Of An In Ground Irrigation System For The Planter Beds Located At 75th Street And Plainfield Rd From Dynamic Irrigation In An Amount Not To Exceed $79,280.00

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

Alderman Gustafson voiced his opinion that the cost should be split with DuPage County. Council discussion ensued.

RESOLUTION NO. R-47-21 A Resolution Authorizing The Services For The Purchase And Installation Of An In Ground Irrigation System For The Planter Beds Located At 75th Street And Plainfield Road From Dynamic Irrigation In An Amount Not To Exceed $79,280.00

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

Nays: Gustafson

Absent: Chlystek, Vaughan

Results: Ayes 4, Nays 1, Absent 2

MOTION DULY CARRIED

C. Consideration Of A Motion To Approve Authorizing A $15,000.00 Expenditure For Essential Materials And Services To Supply And Transition The Irrigation System For The Planter Beds Located At 75th St And Plainfield Rd To The City’s Water System

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

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

Nays: Gustafson

Absent: Chlystek, Vaughan

Results: Ayes 4, Nays 1, Absent 2

MOTION DULY CARRIED

D. Consideration Of A Motion To Approve The Expenditure Of Budgeted Funds, Line Item 01-40-4325 Consulting/ Professional Services For A One-Year Law Enforcement Policy Manual Update Subscription From Lexipol, LLC In The Amount Of $8,819.00

It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve the motion as presented.

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

Nays: None

Absent: Chlystek, Vaughan

Results: Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 2

MOTION DULY CARRIED

19. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL

Alderwoman Sullivan announced the Hinsdale South Booster Club continues the eco clean environmentally friendly refuse & recycling container cleaning fundraiser through the end of June. Information is available on the Hinsdale South Booster Club website.

Alderman Gustafson announced Darien Park District is sponsoring “Summer Movies in the Park” on June 24 at Ridgewood Park located at 7761 Wakefield Drive; movie to start at dusk.

Alderman Belczak announced Darien Lions Club Independence Day Parade will take place on Monday, July 5. Parade applications are due June 23.

Mayor Marchese shared suggestion he received from Nick Darien for the 911 Commemorative Weekend. Mr. Darien found an article in the Hartford Courant newspaper about six Darien Connecticut residents that died at the Trade Center on 9/11. Since we derived our City name from Darien, CT, he suggested honoring those individuals with a flag/biography at the community picnic. Mayor Marchese spoke with Jayme Stevenson, First Selectman with Darien CT Government, who was excited that we would be honoring their resident. She expressed an interest in attending our celebration and/or visiting City of Darien; First Selectman Stevenson was proud our City was named after their community.

20. ADJOURNMENT

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

VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED

The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:14 P.M.

https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/8f70ed57-a3cf-4186-9563-8537838d0638/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-June-21,-2021.aspx

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