City of Darien City Council met Oct. 17.
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
Joseph A. Kenny Mary Coyle Sullivan
Eric K. Gustafson Lester Vaughan
Absent:
Thomas M. Chlystek
Also in Attendance:
Joseph Marchese, Mayor
JoAnne E. Ragona, City Clerk
Michael J. Coren, City Treasurer
Bryon Vana, City Administrator
Jason Norton, Deputy 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
There were none.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 3, 2022
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of October 3, 2022.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Chlystek
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
7. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS
Alderman Gustafson received communication from homeowners on Wakefield Drive regarding tree trimming and parkway tree replacement. Both requests were handled by Public Works.
Mayor Marchese …
…received voicemail from resident thanking Public Works staff on responding same day to tree trimming request.
…passed along comments from incorporated Darien resident about clean street versus that of his unincorporated neighbors; he thanked Director Gombac for a job well done.
Alderwoman Sullivan thanked Public Works for their responsiveness in handling requests to have graffiti removed along Lemont Road.
8. MAYORS REPORT
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR COMMITTEE: LINDA BOROWIAK, BONNIE KUCERA, GERRY KUCERA AND CAROL MALLERS
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the reappointment of members to the Citizen of the Year Committee: Linda Borowiak, Bonnie Kucera, Gerry Kucera and Carol Mallers.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Chlystek
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
Bonnie Kucera confirmed the online application process to nominate a Citizen of the Year (COY) will be available on City website from November 1 – January 3, 2023.
Mayor Marchese clarified the role of the COY Committee is to choose a recipient from the applications submitted. He stressed the importance of including detailed information regarding accomplishments of nominee.
B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF KERRY SPITZNAGLE TO THE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR COMMITTEE
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to approve the appointment of Kerry Spitznagle to the Citizen of the Year Committee.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Chlystek
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
Clerk Ragona administered the Oath of Office to Linda Borowiak, Bonnie Kucera, Gerry Kucera, Carol Mallers and Kerry Spitznagle.
C. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO REAPPOINT ALLAN JACKIMEK, HEATHER CONROY, RYAN GRACE, DEB HARDTKE AND ARLETA PEKNIK TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to approve the reappointment of Allan Jackimek, Heather Conroy, Ryan Grace, Deb Hardtke and Arleta Peknik to the Environmental Committee.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Chlystek
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
D. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO REAPPOINT FRANK NOVERINI TO THE BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSIONERS
It was moved by Alderman Gustafson and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the reappointment of Frank Noverini to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Chlystek
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
Clerk Ragona administered the Oath of Office to Frank Noverini.
Mayor Marchese…
…thanked the Lions for the humanitarian effort made on Candy Day and all those who made contributions.
…stated he and Cathy attended the 38th Anniversary Celebration of the Filipino American Association of South DuPage. He was honored to provide the keynote address on Diversity, Acceptance, Respect and Learning from one another.
…was invited to participate in the Kingwood Academy monthly seminar series on October 14; the topic for the evening was Leadership through Community Service.
…stated Darien resident Germaine Moore informed him that her sister-in-law Donna Kolacki participated in a fun run for DePaul University that raised money for the Finish Line Fund. Ms. Kolacki submitted a photo of Darien’s Clock Tower, which was featured in the DePaul University scrapbook.
9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
There was no report.
10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
There was no report.
Alderman Gustafson commented that the LRS monthly tracking report indicated 30% of residents are participating in the Senior Program. With the high number of concentrated seniors, he congratulated City for not raising taxes since 2011. Mayor Marchese commented this is testament to the quality of staff, budgeting, and City operations.
11. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS
A. POLICE DEPARTMENT – NO REPORT
B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES – NO REPORT
Alderman Gustafson shared statistics on the number of police officers that have been shot and/or killed in the United States, and the horrible record being set as a Nation. He commented on a news report that stated “one of the most important tools in an officer’s belt is respect.” He told Deputy Chief Norton that his team has the respect of Council. Mayor Marchese commented that Darien residents respect Darien Police and feel safe.
Residents were reminded to call “911” when in need of police services. Council discussion ensued regarding ability to remain anonymous when calling “911.”
12. TREASURER’S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER 22-23-12
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve payment of Warrant Number 22-23-12 in the amount of $693,658.42 from the enumerated funds and $279,127.72 from payroll funds for the period ending 10/06/22 for a total to be approved of $972,786.14.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Chlystek
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
Treasurer Coren explained Warrant approval process, agenda detailing packet of information, and Monthly Financial Report.
Administrator Vana stated Annual Treasurer’s Report contains all expenses for the year that is published in the newspaper and available on City website under “Transparency” tab. Treasurer Coren added the report also includes salaries. Questions can be directed to Administrator Vana or Treasurer Coren.
13. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative/Finance Committee – Chairman Sullivan announced the Administrative /Finance Committee meeting scheduled for November 7 has been cancelled. The next meeting of the Administrative/Finance Committee is scheduled for December 5, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. She stated the Economic Development Committee meeting is scheduled for November 3, 2022 at 7:00 P.M.
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 announced the Police Committee meeting is scheduled for November 21, 2022 at 6:30 P.M. in the Police Department Training Room.
Police Pension Board – Liaison Coren announced the Police Pension Board quarterly meeting is scheduled for November 3, 2022 at 6:00 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
There was no Consent Agenda.
17. NEW BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TAX LEVY DETERMINATION FOR GENERAL AND SPECIAL PURPOSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023.
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to approve the motion as presented.
Mayor Marchese spoke of City tax levy; City has not raised taxes since 2011 and will not be raising taxes this year.
Administrator Vana stated water bonds abatement will take place in March 2023.
Administrator Vana addressed inquiry from Clerk Ragona; he explained process to Council for setting a tax levy and clarified motion is to approve the tax levy determination.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Chlystek
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Alderwoman Sullivan announced…
…Rotary Club of Darien is sponsoring a “Recycling Extravaganza” on Saturday, October 22 from 9:00 A.M. – Noon at 1702 Plainfield Road. Information is available on the City website. She encouraged residents to make donations.
…Cass School District 63 is hosting three community forums regarding upcoming referendum on the November 8 ballot. Forums will take place at 6:30 P.M on October 20 via Zoom, October 25 at Cass Junior High School and October 26 at Indian Prairie Public Library with the goal of being transparent in providing accurate information.
Alderman Gustafson encouraged residents to educate themselves on critical political positions, Workers’ Rights Amendment, Referendums and to vote on November 8.
Mayor Marchese announced Darien Lions Club Halloween Party will be held at the Darien Sportsplex on October 31 at 6:30 P.M.
19. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, it was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Kenny to adjourn the City Council meeting.
VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED
The City Council meeting adjourned at 7:59 P.M.
https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/21b276f2-d497-4261-840f-8ae63b68bf90/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-October-17,-2022.aspx
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