City of Darien City Council met Sept. 19.
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” FIONA ZHOU MCLAUGHLIN
Clerk Ragona swore in Fiona Zhou McLaughlin as “Mayor for the Day.”
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
Eric K. Gustafson Lester Vaughan
Joseph A. Kenny
Absent: None
Also in Attendance: Joseph Marchese, Mayor
Fiona Zhou McLaughlin, 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
City Council Meeting September 19, 2022
5. DECLARATION OF A QUORUM – There being seven aldermen present, Mayor Marchese declared a quorum.
6. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL There were none.
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – September 6, 2022 City Council Meeting
It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of September 6, 2022.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Kenny, Schauer, Vaughan, Sullivan
Abstain: Gustafson
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
8. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS
Alderwoman Sullivan received email from Drew Kelly inquiring about Xfinity/Comcast rollout of new multi-gig speed network across U.S. markets. City staff contacted Comcast Sr. Manager for Government & Regulatory Affairs. Alderwoman Sullivan read response received that explained upgrade of Comcast network footprint, which included DuPage County; advancements will take place in phases with no timeframe at this time.
Alderman Gustafson received communication from Hillside Lane resident regarding two large dogs that were running at large; police addressed issue with dog owner.
Alderman Chlystek received communication from…
…Ken Patrowski, 7500 block of Walnut, regarding cleanup of branches in trench; Director Gombac commented.
…Steve Leopoldo, 7500 block of Farmingdale Drive, wanting to see more police patrols on his block.
Alderman Kenny …
…stated he responded to email received from Dave Kaduk on 67th Street.
…received communication from Gloria Clancy and Lawrence Jostock, Coventry Lane residents, regarding potholes on their street.
9. MAYORS REPORT
A. DARIEN ARTS COUNCIL
Mayor Marchese introduced Nancy Urban, President Darien Arts Council (DAC), and acknowledged DAC members in audience.
Nancy Urban commented she and Kellie Kerfin, Vice President DAC, met with Mayor Marchese regarding positive accomplishments and challenges they have undergone.
Ms. Urban provided an update on successful May performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She shared rehearsal, venue, sponsorship and support challenges. Ms. Urban spoke of plans for smaller shows next year, which included Working and Goosebumps; DAC is lacking a venue and needs community support.
Mayor Marchese stated the Community Action Committee will be meeting on Saturday, September 24 and DAC will be a topic of discussion. He recognized the talent of the group and expressed willingness to find a locale in Darien.
Ms. Urban addressed Council questions. Alderwoman Sullivan suggested Ms. Urban reach out to Art, Band, and Choir Directors at local churches and schools; she offered to assist with contact information.
10. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
Clerk Ragona announced:
• City of Darien election materials for the April 4, 2023 Consolidated Election may be picked up at Darien City Hall beginning September 20, 2022.
• Available elected position ( 4 year term) include: Mayor, Clerk, Treasurer and Alderman for Ward 2, 4, and 6.
• Candidates are encouraged to seek the advice of legal counsel before filing nomination papers, which must be in apparent conformity with the Illinois Election Code. The first day to file is December 12, 2022 at 8:30 A.M. and the last day to file is December 19, 2022 at 5:00 P.M.
• Regular business hours at Darien City Hall are Monday thru Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
11. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
There was no report.
12. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS
A. POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief Thomas stated beginning January 1, 2023 the Police Department will be moving away from Uniform Crime Reports and will start reporting crime through National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). He explained how the changing methodology is going to result in an increase in the number of crimes reported.
Chief Thomas addressed inquiries received regarding the SAFE-T Act, the impact of no cash bail, and trespassing.
Chief Thomas addressed Council questions including retail theft due to self-checkout.
B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES
Alderwoman Sullivan asked Director Gombac for an update on the parking situation at Honey Bee Gardens Farm. Director Gombac commented he is preparing an ordinance for Municipal Services Committee to review that will address traffic and parking concerns for Kearney Road during Farmer’s Market held on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. He spoke with Cindy, farm owner, and adjacent property owners regarding “No Parking” signage along portions of Kearney Road and possible installation of road shoulder.
Administrator Vana commented that not enough information was received regarding the sign at Plainfield Road & Cass Avenue. Director Gombac stated the replacement sign will be put back in place until marquee pricing is obtained; he will provide renderings to Council.
13. TREASURER’S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER 22-23-10
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded Alderman Belczak to approve payment of Warrant Number 22-23-10 in the amount of $1,144,683.37 from the enumerated funds, and $271,370.30 from payroll funds for the period ending 9/8/22 for a total to be approved of $1,416,053.67.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
B. MONTHLY REPORT – AUGUST 2022
Treasurer Coren reviewed year-to-date sources of revenue, expenditures, and fund balances through the month of August 2022.
General Fund: Revenue $7,288,548; Expenditures $4,913,153; Current Balance $6,974,331
Water Fund: Revenue $1,144,022; Expenditures $1,932,041; Current Balance $2,658,851
Motor Fuel Tax Fund: Revenue $304,207; Expenditures $277,901; Current Balance $964,341
Water Depreciation Fund: Revenue $8,678 Expenditures $762,522; Current Balance $3,002,862
Capital Improvement Fund: Revenue $168,273; Expenditures $2,149,132; Current Balance $11,992,571
14. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative/Finance Committee – Chairwoman Sullivan announced the next meeting of the Administrative/Finance Committee is scheduled for October 3, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. She stated the Economic Development Committee meeting is scheduled for October 6, 2022 at 7:00 P.M.
Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the next meeting of the Municipal Services Committee meeting is scheduled for September 26, 2022 at 6:00 P.M.
Police Committee – Chairman Kenny announced the next meeting of the Police Committee is scheduled for October 17, 2022 at 6:30 P.M. in the Police Department Training Room.
Mayor Marchese announced the Community Action Committee will meet on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. at Indian Prairie Public Library.
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 Vaughan and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve by Omnibus Vote the following items on the Consent Agenda:
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO GRANT A WAIVER OF THE RAFFLE LICENSE BOND REQUIREMENT FOR THE DARIEN LIONS CLUB
B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO GRANT A WAIVER OF THE RAFFLE LICENSE BOND REQUIREMENT FOR THE DARIEN WOMAN’S CLUB
C. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION APPROVING A TRANSFER FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO THE CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,700,000
D. ORDINANCE NO. O-18-22 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OR DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS PROPERTY
E. RESOLUTION NO. R-68-22 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL FROM AIS FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALL OF A MULTI FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (MFA) AT THE DESKTOP LEVEL IN A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $35,005 ($23,905 FOR SOFTWARE/LABOR AND MICROSOFT LICENSING $11,100)
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
18. NEW BUSINESS
There was no New Business.
19. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Alderwoman Sullivan…
…announced Rotary Club of Darien Recycling Extravaganza on October 22 from 9 A.M. – NOON in the City Hall parking lot.
…stated Heidi Ramirez, Arbor Day Committee, brought to her attention that Kathy Minardi was recognized in Chapter Two of the book “Now is The Time for Trees.” Alderwoman Sullivan obtained the book and read an excerpt. She was pleased that Kathy’s memory and all her hard work lives on and how amazing it was to see Kathy Minardi’s name in print.
Alderman Chystek…
…commented he attended the last summer concert series; he was impressed with support received from the community.
…stated Sterigenics was found guilty of punitive damages in the civil suit.
Mayor Marchese…
…commented on his Mayor’s Message last week regarding what neighbors mean to a community after attending a block party, which led to a subsequent get-together on Stevens Street. He stated it is great to see residents working together to enjoy food, drink, and comradery. He expressed his appreciation.
Mayor for the Day Fiona thanked everyone for the honor of participating in the Council meeting.
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 8:27 P.M.
https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/5cc20694-ae6b-4dac-a65f-2414a0dac153/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-September-19,-2022.aspx
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