City of Darien City Council met Sept. 7.
Here are 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 (via telephone)
Thomas M. Chlystek
Mary Coyle Sullivan
Joseph A. Kenny
Lester Vaughan
Absent: Eric K. Gustafson
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
Jordan Yanke, City Planner
4. DECLARATION OF A QUORUM — There being six aldermen present, Mayor Marchese declared a quorum.
City Council Meeting September 7, 2021
5. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Ken Veselsky, Waterfall Glen, expressed his concerns regarding retention pond, elevated water table, sewer drain maintenance and strain caused by the addition of Darien Heights. Mayor Marchese inquired about the extent of water and expressed appreciation for Mr. Veselsky’s cleanup efforts. Director Gombac provided an update on his meeting with Waterfall Glen Homeowners Association. Director Gombac will meet with Mr. Veselsky; he addressed Council questions.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – August 16, 2021 City Council Meeting
It was moved by Alderman Vaughan and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of August 16, 2021.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Gustafson
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
7. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS
Alderman Kenny received communication from Thomas Hynes, 1500 block of Canterbury Court, regarding refuse contract and desire to continue sticker program.
Alderman Chlystek received communication from Drew Kelly regarding Q Bar noise and inquiry to review Ordinance.
8. MAYORS REPORT
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO ADVICE AND CONSENT THE APPOINTMENT OF HEATHER CONROY TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the motion as presented.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Abstain: Chlystek
Nays: None
Absent: Gustafson
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
Clerk Ragona administered the Oath of Office to Heather Conroy.
B. MAYORAL PROCLAMATION “DARIEN REMEMBERS 9/11 MONTH” (SEPTEMBER 2021)
Mayor Marchese read the proclamation into record declaring September 2021as Darien Remembers 9/11 Month.
Mayor Marchese highlighted the events planned for the weekend of remembrance commemorating the 20th Anniversary of 9/11:
• Friday, September 10 at 1:00 P.M. “Darien Honors Darien Connecticut Residents Lost in 9/11” at Darien Community Park.
• Saturday, September 11 at 9:30 A.M. “Darien First Responders Parade.”
• Saturday, September 11 at Noon “Darien Community Picnic” at Darien Community Park.
• Sunday, September 12 at 8:00 A.M. “Darien Dash” at Darien Swim and Recreation Club.
• Sunday, September 12 at 2:00 P.M. “Darien Remembers Concert” at Carriage Greens Country Club featuring Cass Junior High Band and 144th Army National Guard Band.
• Friday, September 17 Hinsdale South High School “Darien Flag and Remembrance Ceremony” at Hinsdale South vs. Hinsdale Central Football Game.
9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
There was no report.
10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Administrator Vana clarified inquiry from Work Session that on February 16, 2021 Alderman Gustafson asked Council to consider Steak ‘n Shake as a permitted cannabis location; he noted Council voted at a later meeting.
Alderman Chlystek asked Council if there was interest in reviewing the Noise Ordinance. Council discussion ensued. Administrator Vana to forward Council Noise Ordinance for review.
Alderman Kenny commented that Goal Setting Session is a valuable tool for these types of concerns. Mayor Marchese explained that due to COVID 2021 Goal Setting Session was cancelled; a Goal Setting Session is being planned for either October or November. Alderman Belczak and Alderwoman Sullivan agreed with Alderman Kenny on need for Goal Setting Session.
11. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS
A. POLICE DEPARTMENT – NO REPORT
B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES – NO REPORT
12. TREASURER’S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER 21-22-09
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve payment of Warrant Number 21-22-09 in the amount of $336,372.92 from the enumerated funds, and $272,391.34 from payroll funds for the period ending 8/26/21 for a total to be approved of $608,764.26.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Gustafson
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
B. MONTHLY REPORT – MAY 2021
C. MONTHLY REPORT – JUNE 2021
D. MONTHLY REPORT – JULY 2021
Treasurer Coren reviewed year-to-date sources of revenue, expenditures, and fund balances through the month of July 2021.
General Fund: Revenue $5,315,645; Expenditures $3,774,620; Current Balance $5,902,487
Water Fund: Revenue $1,152,200; Expenditures $821,791; Current Balance $3,933,371
Motor Fuel Tax Fund: Revenue $462,035; Expenditures $1,109,977; Current Balance $718,381
Water Depreciation Fund: Revenue $571 Expenditures $49,967; Current Balance $3,045,973
Capital Improvement Fund: Revenue $118,268; Expenditures $625,957; Current Balance $7,706,697
Treasurer Coren stated the auditors will present Annual Financial Report at the October 4, 2021 City Council Meeting.
13. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative/Finance Committee – Chairwoman Sullivan announced the next Administrative/Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for October 4, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. Chairwoman Sullivan thanked City Staff & City Accountant, Julie Saenz for assistance with the audit process. She stated the Economic Development Committee will be meeting on October 7, 2021 at 7:00 P.M.
Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the Municipal Services Committee meeting is scheduled for September 27, 2021 at 7:00 P.M.
Police Committee – Chairman Kenny announced the Police Committee meeting is scheduled for September 20, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. in the Police Department Training Room.
14. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS – AGENDA RELATED
Wally Wright, Preserves of Waterfall Glen Townhome Association President, commented regarding opposition to Darien Heights variances and I-55 noise. He commented on May 3, 2021 City Council Meeting.
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 GRANTING FINAL PUD AND FINAL PLAT OF CONSOLIDATION APPROVAL (DARIEN HEIGHTS/2305 SOKOL COURT & 2345 S FRONTAGE ROAD)
It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to approve the motion as presented.
ORDINANCE NO. O-13-21 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING GRANTING FINAL PUD AND FINAL PLAT OF CONSOLIDATION APPROVAL (DARIEN HEIGHTS/2305 SOKOL COURT & 2345 S FRONTAGE ROAD)
Alderwoman Sullivan thanked residents for staying engaged on this topic and City Staff for addressing resident concerns. She referenced Memo dated August 18 from City Planner Yanke to the Homeowners Association. Director Gombac expressed confidence that the retention requirements were stringent. He noted there will be additional detention on the Darien Heights property.
Director Gombac confirmed that Council vote was to approve Final PUD and Plat of Consolidation.
Alderman Chlystek commented that Farmingdale Apartments are at 96% capacity with rent starting at $1100/month.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Gustafson
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Alderman Chlystek reminded residents that Darien Dash will be held on Sunday, September 12.
Mayor Marchese…
…encouraged all to attend events commemorating 20th Anniversary of 9/11.
…announced September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Alderwoman Sullivan commented that the events planned to “Remember 9/11” will be an opportunity for residents to gather and share their stories.
19. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, it was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderman Belczak to adjourn the City Council meeting.
VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED
The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:15 P.M.
https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/409ee7a1-819b-40ff-9ad1-e1de193c01f5/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-September-7,-2021.aspx
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