City of Darien City Council met Oct. 3.
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 7:30P.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
Thomas M. Chlystek Mary Coyle Sullivan
Eric K. Gustafson Lester Vaughan
Joseph A. Kenny
Absent: None
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 seven aldermen present, Mayor Marchese declared a quorum.
5. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL There were none.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – September 19, 2022
It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of September 19, 2022.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
7. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS
Alderman Gustafson recapped communication obtained from cities in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, which have ordinances charging for excessive police calls related to retail theft.
Alderman Chlystek…
…received communication from Jerry Leganski, 8000 block of Farmingdale Drive, regarding police patrols in his area.
…shared data received from neighbor who is a North Riverside police officer and Chief Thomas regarding hours spent on processing paperwork for retail theft misdemeanors.
Alderwoman Sullivan commented that…
...she and Chief Thomas received emails from Kelly Glison regarding measures taken by Village of Orland Park in dealing with the SAFE-T Act. She thanked Chief Thomas for his follow-up with resident.
…Council received email from Vic Patton asking Council to not approve vaping retail establishment; he voiced concern with public health safety and dangers of vaping. She commented that Mr. Patton attended the Public Hearing and Planning & Zoning Committee Meeting.
Alderman Kenny…
…received communication from Linnette Whitehead regarding bullying at Eisenhower Junior High School; Police Department was notified.
…clarified Vic Patton was not in attendance at Municipal Services Meeting. …commented about Police Department patrolling our neighborhoods and his ride-along experience.
8. MAYORS REPORT
A. ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT – FOR THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 2022
Treasurer Coren introduced Kellen O’Malley, Senior Manager with Sikich LLP and Audit Manager for the City of Darien. Mr. O’Malley reviewed audit results and provided highlights from the Annual Financial Report, Auditor’s Communication document, Management Letter, Single Audit Report and Consolidated Year End Financial Report. He congratulated the City, Accountant Saenz and Treasurer Coren for their hard work on issuance of unmodified opinion of City’s financial statements, which is the highest level of assurance issued as auditors. Mr. O’Malley addressed Council questions regarding compensated absences, compensating control and future accounting pronouncements.
Treasurer Coren complemented Sikich LLP on being anticipatory and responsive; he thanked the Audit Team for their work and service.
Alderwoman Sullivan echoed Treasurer Coren’s comments and thanked Accountant Saenz, Treasurer Coren, and City staff for their collaboration. She noted Administrative Finance Committee meeting with auditors was informative and appreciated.
B. POLICE PENSION ACTUARIAL REPORT
Treasurer Coren introduced Jason Franken, Foster & Foster Inc., engaged by Police Pension Fund. Mr. Franken reviewed highlights from the Police Pension Fund Actuarial Valuation as of May 1, 2021 and explained significant changes resulting from fund consolidation from local to state board.
Treasurer Coren commented he just received confirmation that the transfer of assets for the State Pension Fund was completed September 1, 2022.
Mr. Franken addressed Council questions regarding actuarial calculations, assumption changes, rolling amortization, and funding.
9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
There was no report.
10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
There was no report
11. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS
A. POLICE DEPARTMENT – NO REPORT
B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES – NO REPORT
Mayor Marchese stated he, Chief Thomas, and Alderman Kenny will be attending a breakfast seminar on October 4 to obtain more information about the SAFE-T Act.
Mayor Marchese commented he spoke with Brad Cole, Executive Director of the Illinois Municipal League, who indicated there are working groups at the state level that will be making recommendations on changes to the law after implementation on January 1, 2023.
Mayor Marchese indicated his goal is to obtain necessary information to ensure policing efforts in Darien keep our citizens safe.
12. TREASURER’S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER 22-23-11
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve payment of Warrant Number 22-23-11 in the amount of $824,233.50 from the enumerated funds and $294,069.59 from payroll funds for the period ending 09/22/22 for a total to be approved of $1,118,303.09.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
13. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative/Finance Committee – Chairman Sullivan announced the Administrative/Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for November 7, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. She stated the October 6 Economic Development Committee meeting was cancelled; the next meeting is scheduled for November 3, 2022.
Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the Municipal Services Committee meeting is scheduled for October 24, 2022 at 6:00 P.M.
Police Committee – Chairman Kenny. He announced the Police Committee meeting is scheduled for October 17, 2022 at 6:30 P.M. in the Police Department Training Room.
14. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS – AGENDA RELATED
There were none.
15. OLD BUSINESS
There was no Old Business.
16. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Marchese stated Consent Agenda Item A was moved to New Business as Item C.
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve by Omnibus Vote the following items on the Consent Agenda:
A. RESOLUTION NO. R-69-22 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A BILL OF SALE FOR THE TRANSFER OF CERTAIN WATER MAIN AND APPURTENANCES TO THE COUNTY OF DUPAGE
B. RESOLUTION NO. R-70-22 A RESOLUTION WAIVING THE COMPETITIVE QUOTE PROCESS AND ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL FROM BAXTER & WOODMAN NATURAL RESOURCES FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF THREE (3) EDUCATIONAL INFORMATIONAL SIGNS FOR THE NATIVE PRAIRIE PLANTINGS ADJACENT TO THE 74TH STREET AND ELM NATIVE PLANTING PROJECT AT A COST NOT TO EXCEED $11,700
C. RESOLUTION NO. R-71-22 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL FROM ILLINOIS LANDSCAPE SUPPLY, LLC., FOR THE PURCHASE AND DELIVERY OF UNILOCK PISA RETAINING WALL BLOCK AND COPING FOR THE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX 1710 PLAINFIELD RD RETAINING WALL PROJECT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $7,540.80
D. RESOLUTION NO. R-72-22 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL FROM TERRAIN LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS FOR THE PREPARATION AND INSTALLATION OF A RETAINING WALL AT THE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX 1710 PLAINFIELD ROAD IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $10,395
E. RESOLUTION NO. R-73-22 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL FROM ILLINOIS LANDSCAPE SUPPLY, LLC., FOR THE PURCHASE AND DELIVERY OF UNILOCK PISA RETAINING WALL BLOCK AND COPING FOR THE AILSWORTH AND STEWART OVER LAND FLOW DRAINAGE PROJECT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $11,186.60
F. RESOLUTION NO. R74-22 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL FROM JC LANDSCAPING AND TREE SERVICES FOR THE PREPARATION AND INSTALLATION OF A RETAINING WALL FOR THE AILSWORTH AND STEWART OVER LAND FLOW DRAINAGE PROJECT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $24,300
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
17. NEW BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE AUTHORIZING CITY STAFF TO CONSTRUCT AN AGGREGATE SHOULDER WITHIN CERTAIN AREAS ON THE 8300/8400 BLOCK OF KEARNEY ROAD IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,300, CONTINGENT ON 100% REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE PROPERTY OWNER
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the motion as presented.
Alderman Gustafson explained his reasons for suggesting a 50/50 split with property owner.
Mayor Marchese stated there was no parking issue on Kearney Road prior to the building of the farm. He credited the owner of Honey Bee Gardens for understanding the issue and offering to cover the cost.
Alderwoman Sullivan expressed agreement with the motion; she stated that the farm is located in unincorporated DuPage County and is not a City of Darien business. She felt City went above and beyond to resolve the issue and has contributed in kind and not just dollars to the project.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: Gustafson
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 1, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 9-3-2 (PROHIBITED PARKING) OF CHAPTER 3 (PARKING RESTRICTIONS) TITLE 9 (TRAFFIC REGULATIONS), OF THE DARIEN CITY CODE
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to approve the motion as presented.
ORDINANCE NO. O-20-22 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 9-3-2 (PROHIBITED PARKING) OF CHAPTER 3 (PARKING RESTRICTIONS) TITLE 9 (TRAFFIC REGULATIONS), OF THE DARIEN CITY CODE
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
C. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE FOR A DRIVE-THROUGH ESTABLISHMENT (PZC2022-05: TABRIZ KHANLODHI, 1005 75TH STREET)
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to approve the motion as presented.
Alderwoman Sullivan received communication and verbally heard from other residents regarding concern with another vape/smoke shop; she asked for audience/resident clarification of Special Use versus permitted use.
City Planner Yanke explained the Special Use is for the drive-through operation and that the tobacco retail and food store is a permitted use for the site.
Council discussion ensued regarding the ability to limit future businesses of this type in Darien.
Mark Daniel, Daniel Law Office, representing Mr. Khanlodhi, addressed Council questions regarding windows/signage and retail theft.
ORDINANCE NO. O-19-22 AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE FOR A DRIVE-THROUGH ESTABLISHMENT (PZC2022-05: TABRIZ KHANLODHI, 1005 75TH STREET)
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Vaughan
Nays: Sullivan
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 1, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
Mayor Marchese welcomed Mr. Khanlodhi and wished him much success.
18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Alderman Gustafson reminded residents that Election Day is November 8, 2022. He commented that Center Cass School District 66 has a referendum on the ballot, which will result in a tax increase.
Alderwoman Sullivan stated School Districts 61, 63, & 66 all have referendums on the ballot; she encouraged residents to educate themselves on all ballot items.
Alderman Belczak announced the Darien Lions Club (DLC) will be collecting for Candy Day on October 14 and 15.
Mayor Marchese added 60% of DLC collections go to the Lions of Illinois Foundation for charitable activities and 40% of DLC collections stay in Darien. Last year DLC gave back $35,000 to Darien organizations.
Alderwoman Sullivan inquired about online donations; Mayor Marchese responded
19. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, it was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to adjourn the City Council meeting.
VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED
The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:58 P.M.
https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/c0359f71-ceb5-4276-af4b-bf4b1354685b/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-October-3,-2022.aspx
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