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Thursday, August 21, 2025

City of Darien City Council met Oct. 18

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City of Darien City Council met Oct. 18.

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        Joseph A. Kenny

Thomas M. Chlystek     Ted V. Schauer

Eric K. Gustafson          Mary Coyle Sullivan

Absent: 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

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

5. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL

Joe Myczek commented that he corresponded with Administrator Vana and Mayor Marchese regarding 2022 proposal for garbage and recycling. Mr. Myczek agreed with a “cart only” program to cut labor and time; he shared 3-tier cart pricing suggestion.

6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 4, 2021 City Council Meeting

It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of October 4, 2021.

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

Nays: None

Absent: Vaughan

Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1

MOTION DULY CARRIED

7. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS

Alderwoman Sullivan received communication from Paula Wallrich expressing concern with proposed refuse services program. Ms. Wallrich felt there were better ways to advocate for better care of the environment; she encouraged a plan for less waste.

Alderman Kenny received communication from Nancy Nuzbach inquiring if proposed refuse services program allows for suspension of services while out-of-town. Administrator Vana stated proposal would account for vacation and winter-away holds.

8. MAYORS REPORT

A. MAYORAL PROCLAMATION “GARDEN CLUB DAY” (NOVEMBER 1, 2021)

Mayor Marchese read the proclamation into record declaring November 1, 2021 as Garden Club Day. Numerous members of the Garden Club accepted the proclamation; the Club President thanked the City for supporting their endeavors over the years.

Mayor Marchese thanked members for all they do; he stated it has been a privilege to have a group conscious of the monarch butterfly, milkweed, and daylilies that beautify our community.

B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR COMMITTEE: LINDA BOROWIAK, JAMES D. GOETZINGER, BONNIE KUCERA, GERRY KUCERA AND CAROL MALLERS

It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to approve the reappointment of members to the Citizen of the Year Committee: Linda Borowiak, James D. Goetzinger, Bonnie Kucera, Gerry Kucera, and Carol Mallers.

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

Nays: None

Absent: Vaughan

Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1

MOTION DULY CARRIED

Clerk Ragona administered the Oath of Office to Linda Borowiak, James D. Goetzinger, Bonnie Kucera, Gerry Kucera, and Carol Mallers.

Mayor Marchese will be meeting with the committee for the Citizen of the Year Dinner Dance. He announced Alderwoman Sullivan will resume the role of Council liaison working with the Citizen of the Year Committee.

Mayor Marchese encourage all to send in nominations.

9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT

A. 2022 VEHICLE STICKER LOTTERY

Clerk Ragona read the list of non-profit organizations that were offered the opportunity to participate; she stated no responses were received. Clerk Ragona noted Alderwoman Sullivan provided other suggested organizations. Clerk Ragona postponed the lottery to the November 1, 2021 City Council Meeting; letters will be sent to the organizations.

10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Administrator Vana explained the first step of the annual process for the local tax levy is on the agenda. He noted the extension over last year’s extension has not changed. A formal Ordinance will be on the November agenda for approval by Council.

11. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS

A. POLICE DEPARTMENT – NO REPORT

B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES – NO REPORT

12. TREASURER’S REPORT

A. WARRANT NUMBER 21-22-12

It was moved by Alderwoman Belczak and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to approve payment of Warrant Number 21-22-12 in the amount of $890,581.87 from the enumerated funds, and $277,700.69 from payroll funds for the period ending 10/07/21 for a total to be approved of $1,168,282.56.

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

Nays: None

Absent: Vaughan

Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1

MOTION DULY CARRIED

B. MONTHLY REPORT – SEPTEMBER 2021

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

General Fund: Revenue $8,882,068; Expenditures $6,341,615; Current Balance $6,901,914

Water Fund: Revenue $2,535,425; Expenditures $2,430,466; Current Balance $3,707,921

Motor Fuel Tax Fund: Revenue $615,277; Expenditures $1,306,271; Current Balance $675,330

Water Depreciation Fund: Revenue $855; Expenditures $159,616; Current Balance $2,936,608

Capital Improvement Fund: Revenue $1,688,433; Expenditures $1,128,622; Current Balance $8,774,197

13. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Administrative/Finance Committee – Chairwoman Sullivan announced the next Administrative/Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for November 1, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. She stated the Economic Development Committee will be conducting an Economic Development Workshop on Saturday, October 23 from 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.; planning session will be led by Bryan Gay.

Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the Municipal Services Committee meeting is scheduled for October 25, 2021 at 7:00 P.M.

Police Committee – Chairman Kenny stated the minutes of the May 17, 2021 meeting were approved and submitted to the Clerk’s Office. He announced the Police Committee meeting is scheduled for November 15, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. in the Police Department Training Room.

14. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS – AGENDA RELATED

Joe Myczek commented regarding fall leaf collection; he noticed lawn service putting leaves at curb and in street. Director Gombac stated residents should call “911” to file a report in order for citations to be issued.

Mayor Marchese commented that lawn services in his area mulch leaves. Alderman Kenny suggested obtaining license plate of offender. Council discussion ensued regarding licensing of contractors.

15. OLD BUSINESS

There was no Old Business.

16. CONSENT AGENDA

Mayor Marchese stated New Business Item A was moved to Consent Agenda as Item C.

A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO GRANT A WAIVER OF THE RAFFLE LICENSE BOND REQUIREMENT FOR THE DARIEN WOMAN’S CLUB

B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TAX LEVY DETERMINATION FOR GENERAL AND SPECIAL PURPOSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021-2022

City Council Meeting October 18, 2021

C. RESOLUTION NO. R-66-21 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE METROPOLITAN ALLIANCE OF POLICE (UNION) DARIEN CHAPTER #48 UNIT "B" - SWORN EMPLOYEES AND THE CITY OF DARIEN (CITY) (JANUARY 8, 2022 THROUGH JANUARY 7, 2023)

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

Nays: None

Absent: Vaughan

Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1

MOTION DULY CARRIED

17. NEW BUSINESS

There was no New Business.

18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL

Alderwoman Sullivan…

…thanked Director Gombac and Municipal Services Staff for follow-up with Illinois Department of Transportation regarding fencing on North Frontage Road. …announced Hinsdale South High School will present “RENT School Edition” from November 11 – 14; show times 7:00 P.M. Thursday – Saturday and 2:00 P.M. on Sunday.

Mayor Marchese stated that Willowbrook Mayor Frank Trilla conducted a fundraiser to benefit the “National Kidney Foundation” and raised nearly $60,000, with $28,000 stemming from auction items. Mayor Marchese was overwhelmed by the generosity of donors; he thanked Mayor Trilla for running a successful fundraiser.

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 8:03 P.M.

https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/96c9da5e-c25c-48aa-bae4-48d1364e6442/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-October-18,-2021.aspx

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