City of Darien City Council met Nov. 15.
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. SWEARING IN OF “MAYOR FOR THE DAY” MS. KIMBERLY ANN BLAIR Clerk Ragona swore in Kimberly Ann Blair as “Mayor for the Day.”
4. 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
Kimberly Ann Blair, 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 Blair declared a quorum.
6. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Gerry Leganski, 7900 block of Farmingdale Drive, commented about his correspondence with Mayor Marchese, Administrator Vana and Alderman Chlystek regarding recent electrical outages in his neighborhood. He shared feedback received from ComEd and inquired if Aldermen were aware of outages in their Wards. Alderman Schauer noted receipt of communication from Matt Rynkar, 7700 block of Stratford Place, regarding power outage on October 25 that lasted 4-5 hours. Mr. Leganski asked for assistance in determining cause of outages.
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. City Council Special Meeting – October 23, 2021
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve the minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of October 23, 2021.
Roll Call: Ayes: Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan Abstain: Belczak
Nays: None
Absent: Vaughan
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
B. City Council Meeting – November 1, 2021
It was moved by Alderman Gustafson and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of November 1, 2021.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan
Nays: None
Absent: Vaughan
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
8. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS
Alderman Kenny responded to inquiry from Michael Matt regarding an extension of the branch pick-up schedule; due to snow removal equipment needs, branch pick-up cannot be extended.
Alderman Gustafson commented regarding his conversation with Debra Marcantonio, Green Valley Road. On November 16, he will be meeting with Ms. Marcantonio, Nicor representatives and Director Gombac to discuss details of the Nicor Pipeline Brush Clearing Project.
Alderman Chylstek received…
…communication from Gerry Leganski, 7900 block of Farmingdale Drive, inquiring about electrical outages in his area. Alderman Chlystek stated he will contact ComEd regarding ways to improve electrical consistency in his Ward.
…communication from Steve Leopoldo regarding residents blowing leaves into the street; he reminded residents that doing so creates storm drain issues.
Alderman Schauer added Matt Rynkar was hoping more exploration could be done to determine cause of power outages.
Alderwoman Sullivan received communication from Andrew Kelly regarding…
…request for traffic study of North Frontage Road, which is an Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) road; she provided Mr. Kelly an update on the road issues Director Gombac brought to the attention of IDOT and DuPage County.
…Comcast successfully testing 10G cable modem network. Mr. Kelly suggested local Mayors form a cyber-infrastructure network council that focuses on network capabilities and security.
9. MAYORS REPORT
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF SHARI GILLESPIE TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION.
It was moved by Alderman Chlystek and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the appointment of Shari Gillespie to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan
Nays: None
Absent: Vaughan
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
Mayor Blair announced Darien Historical Society will conduct Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, December 5, 2021 from 4:00-4:30 P.M. followed by a drive-thru visit with Santa and goody bags for the children.
10. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
Clerk Ragona announced that City offices will be closed on Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
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 21-22-14
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded Alderman Schauer to approve payment of Warrant Number 21-22-14 in the amount of $823,009.45 from the enumerated funds, and $267,011.41 from payroll funds for the period ending 11/04/21 for a total to be approved of $1,090,020.86.
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 – OCTOBER 2021
Treasurer Coren reviewed year-to-date sources of revenue, expenditures, and fund balances through the month of October 2021.
General Fund: Revenue $10,368,583; Expenditures $7,305,807; Current Balance $5,624,237
Water Fund: Revenue $4,049,303; Expenditures $2,979,889; Current Balance $4,672,376
Motor Fuel Tax Fund: Revenue $691,668; Expenditures $1,332,425; Current Balance $725,566
Water Depreciation Fund: Revenue $996 Expenditures $159,616; Current Balance $2,936,750
Capital Improvement Fund: Revenue $1,695,706; Expenditures $1,296,545; Current Balance $10,413,546
Treasurer Coren provided a six- month budget update that highlighted revenue and expense accounts. He addressed Council question.
Administrator Vana explained that when revenues are strong it is the policy of Council to keep a few months balance with excess revenue added to the Capital Projects Fund.
Liaison Coren provided a performance update from the Police Pension Board Quarterly Meeting held on November 4. He stated the 3rd Quarter (July, August & September) funds underperformed by a loss of .7%; October was a strong month with positive performance by 3% on a combined basis. The fund forecast is to equal or exceed the 7% goal for next year. Liaison Coren reiterated the consolidation of Police Pension Fund with funds downstate by June 30, 2022. He addressed Council question regarding goal rate based on fiscal versus calendar year.
14. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative/Finance Committee – Chairwoman Sullivan announced the next meeting of the Administrative/Finance Committee is scheduled for December 6, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. She stated the Economic Development Committee meeting is scheduled for December 2, 2021 at 7:00 P.M.
Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the next meeting of the Municipal Services Committee meeting is scheduled for November 22, 2021 at 7:00 P.M.
Police Committee – Chairman Kenny announced the next meeting of the Police Committee is scheduled for December 20, 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
There was no Consent Agenda.
Alderman Vaughan arrived at 8:02 P.M.
18. NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Vaughan arrived at 8:02 P.M.
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE LEVYING TAXES FOR GENERAL AND SPECIAL CORPORATE PURPOSES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON THE FIRST DAY OF MAY, 2021, AND ENDING ON THE THIRTIETH DAY OF APRIL, 2022, FOR THE CITY OF DARIEN, ILLINOIS
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve the motion as presented.
ORDINANCE NO. O-14-21 AN ORDINANCE LEVYING TAXES FOR GENERAL AND SPECIAL CORPORATE PURPOSES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON THE FIRST DAY OF MAY, 2021, AND ENDING ON THE THIRTIETH DAY OF APRIL, 2022, FOR THE CITY OF DARIEN, ILLINOIS
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan
Abstain: Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 6, Abstain 1, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE FOR THE LEVY AND ASSSESSMENT OF TAXES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING ON THE FIRST DAY OF MAY, 2021, AND ENDING ON THE THIRTIETH DAY OF APRIL, 2022, IN AND FOR THE CITY OF DARIEN SPECIAL SERVICE AREA NUMBER ONE KNOWN AS TARA HILL
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the motion as presented.
ORDINANCE NO. O-15-21 AN ORDINANCE FOR THE LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF TAXES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING ON THE FIRST DAY OF MAY, 2021, AND ENDING ON THE THIRTIETH DAY OF APRIL, 2022, IN AND FOR THE CITY OF DARIEN SPECIAL SERVICE AREA NUMBER ONE KNOWN AS TARA HILL
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
19. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Alderman Gustafson inquired about…
…the logistics of Darien Historical Society Tree Lighting Ceremony. Mayor Marchese clarified that residents can attend the outdoor tree lighting, but due to COVID a drive thru will take place to see Santa and children will receive a goody bag. Event details will be in Direct Connect.
…trolley tours to see the holiday lights. Mayor Marchese explained it was cancelled due to COVID. Administrator Vana commented that winning homes will be featured in Direct Connect. Mayor Marchese stated winners of the Holiday Home Decorating Contest will be announced at the City Council Meeting on December 20. Alderwoman Sullivan noted in previous years addresses and pictures of the homes have been highlighted in Direct Connect; she suggested a map be included, so residents can plan their own fun-family adventure.
20. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, it was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to adjourn the City Council meeting.
Mayor Blair thanked everyone for making her day special; she had fun and learned a lot about Darien.
VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED
The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:08 P.M.
https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/7bbd0fa6-2890-493f-90d8-c3f16e8158e0/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-November-15,-2021.aspx
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