City of Darien City Council met Feb. 21.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
A WORK SESSION WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:00 P.M. BY MAYOR MARCHESE FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVIEWING ITEMS ON THE FEBRUARY 21, 2023 AGENDA WITH THE CITY COUNCIL. THE WORK SESSION ADJOURNED AT 7:16 P.M.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council of the
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
Mary Coyle Sullivan Eric K. Gustafson
Lester Vaughan Ted V. Schauer
Absent: Thomas M. Chlystek
Joseph A. Kenny
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 five aldermen present, Mayor Marchese declared a quorum.
5. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Gerry Leganski, 7900 block of Farmingdale Drive in Ward Four, recounted prior history of ComEd outages in his neighborhood dating back to November 2021. He wanted Council to know that perseverance by his neighbors in the form of calls and emails has paid off. He received a letter from ComEd outlining planned improvements, which he will forward to Director Gombac.
Dave Kaduk, 67th Street, thanked Council and Police Department for efforts made to control speed on 67th Street. He voiced concern regarding existing speeding issues. Director Gombac shared the initial traffic calming measures taken; he stated traffic counts and speeds will be reviewed.
Sarah Koza, 67th Street & Leonard Drive, appreciated efforts made and expressed concerns with excessive speeding on entire stretch of 67th Street. She inquired if traffic count survey could be expanded to include Tennessee Avenue and Alabama Avenue, where the other radar sign is located. Director Gombac will follow-up.
Director Gombac addressed Council/audience questions regarding: traffic signal on 67th Street and Clarendon Hills Road; speed bumps; and double yellow line.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. City Council Meeting – January 16, 2023
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of January 16, 2023.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Gustafson, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Chlystek, Kenny
Results: Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 2
MOTION DULY CARRIED
B. City Council Meeting – February 6, 2023
It was moved by Alderman Gustafson and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of February 6, 2023.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Gustafson, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Chlystek, Kenny
Results: Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 2
MOTION DULY CARRIED
7. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS
Alderman Gustafson stated that he worked with residents on Beller Road and Woodvale Drive to obtain necessary signatures for a new streetlight; information was submitted to Director Gombac.
8. MAYORS REPORT
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING DEBORAH COULMAN AS THE 2023 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR IN THE CITY OF DARIEN, ILLINOIS (CITIZEN OF THE YEAR COFFEE AND CAKE RECEPTION WILL BE HELD AFTER THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING)
Mayor Marchese read the resolution into record.
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to approve the motion as presented.
RESOLUTION NO. R-20-23 A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING DEBRORAH COULMAN AS THE 2023 CITIZEN OF THE
YEAR IN THE CITY OF DARIEN, ILLINOIS
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan, Marchese, Ragona, Coren, Murphey, Vana
Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 12, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
Mayor Marchese presented Deborah Coulman with the Citizen of the Year Resolution and plaque. There was resounding applause and a standing ovation from City Council and audience.
Deborah Coulman thanked the Mayor, Council and Committee for all the work done in naming her Citizen of the Year; she was honored by the recognition.
Liaison Sullivan congratulated Deborah and thanked the Citizen of the Year Committee. She announced all are invited to attend Congratulatory Cake and Coffee Reception immediately following the meeting in the Police Department Training Room. The Citizen of the Year dinner/dance will be held on March 3 at Alpine Banquets from 6:00 – 11:00 P.M; she provided program, reservation and payment details.
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
Chief Thomas provided an update on the discussions and interactions the Police Department has held in an effort to develop good relationships between the community and Police Department. He stated Deputy Chief Norton is spearheading the process to enhance outreach and engagement efforts. He noted Indian Prairie Public Library presented an outreach opportunity to facilitate monthly meetings with topics defined by Police Department. He shared the benefits of social media platforms versus Neighborhood Watch groups in disseminating information.
Chief Thomas announced a Neighborhood/Ward Meeting is scheduled to be held on March 16 at 6:30 P.M. in the Police Department Training Room. The meeting is community driven and will provide a public forum for residents to meet with the Police Department. He reviewed police information allowable for sharing and suggested topics for discussion. Chief Thomas hopes this first meeting spurs future meetings.
Mayor Marchese added to Chief Thomas’ comments regarding Neighborhood/Ward Meetings; he provided a strong response to public statements made on Facebook by an elected official, a candidate for office. Mayor Marchese noted Administrator Vana provided email history regarding the misleading statements. He stated that he will not tolerate an elected official/candidate the use of City resources to promote a political position. Elected officials have always been able to schedule meetings with residents from their Ward to cover topics pertinent to those residents.
Mayor Marchese apologized for putting a damper on such a joyful night, but he wanted to make the public aware that the statements made were not true.
Alderman Gustafson stated he wanted residents to know that neither he nor Alderman Vaughn were involved, as they are also running for office.
B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES – NO REPORT
12. TREASURER’S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER 22-23-19
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve payment of Warrant Number 22-23-20 in the amount of $618,814.53 from the enumerated funds, and $286,146.45 from payroll funds for the period ending 02/09/23 for a total to be approved of $904,960.98.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Gustafson, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Chlystek, Kenny
Results: Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 2
MOTION DULY CARRIED
B. MONTHLY REPORT – JANUARY 2023
Treasurer Coren reviewed year-to-date sources of revenue, expenditures, and fund balances through the month of January 2023.
General Fund: Revenue $15,244,811; Expenditures $10,373,104; Current Balance $7,770,642
Water Fund: Revenue $5,474,410; Expenditures $5,551,120; Current Balance $3,370,161
Motor Fuel Tax Fund: Revenue $951,248; Expenditures $435,407; Current Balance $1,453,876
Water Depreciation Fund: Revenue $41,729; Expenditures $1,937,780; Current Balance $1,860,656
Capital Improvement Fund: Revenue $1,870,814; Expenditures $3,571,467; Current Balance $13,972,777
13. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative/Finance Committee – Chairwoman Sullivan announced the Administrative/Finance Committee-of-the-Whole 2023-24 Budget Meetings are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, February 22 at 6:30 P.M. followed by Tuesday, February 28 at 6:30 P.M. and every Tuesday following as needed. Budget Meetings will be televised with all documentation available on City website. A Public Hearing for the proposed budget will be held at April 3 City Council Meeting. Liaison Sullivan noted the next Economic Development Committee meeting is scheduled for March 2, 2023 at 7:00 P.M.
Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the Municipal Services Committee meeting is scheduled for February 27, 2023 at 6:00 P.M.
Police Pension Board – Liaison Coren announced the quarterly meeting of the Police Pension Board was rescheduled to Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 6:00 P.M in the Police Department Training Room.
Mayor Marchese announced Citizen Action Committee will be meeting at the Indian Prairie Public Library on Saturday, February 24, 2023 at 10:00 A.M.
14. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS – AGENDA RELATED
There were none.
15. OLD BUSINESS
There was no Old Business.
16. CONSENT AGENDA
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve by Omnibus Vote the following items on the Consent Agenda:
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION GRANTING WAIVER OF THE RAFFLE LICENSE BOND REQUIREMENT FOR THE HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION GRANTING WAIVER OF THE RAFFLE LICENSE BOND REQUIREMENT FOR THE DARIEN ARTS COUNCIL
C. RESOLUTION NO. R-21-23 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH CLARKE MOSQUITO FOR AN ADDITIONAL THREE YEARS AT A COST OF $42,500 PER YEAR
D. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE:
• AUGUST 10TH, 11TH, 12TH AND 13TH AS THE DATE FOR THE DARIEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO HOLD THE DARIEN FEST 2023 CELEBRATION IN THE PARKING LOT OF Q BAR, 8109 CASS AVE
• PROVIDING POLICE PROTECTION FOR THE DARIEN FEST 2023 Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Gustafson, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan Nays: None
Absent: Chlystek, Kenny
Results: Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 2
MOTION DULY CARRIED
17. NEW BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE:
• MAY 26TH, 27TH, 28TH AND 29TH AS THE DATE FOR THE DARIEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO HOLD THE MEMORIAL DAY CARNIVAL “WELCOME SUMMER” 2023 CELEBRATION IN THE PARKING LOT OF Q BAR, 8109 CASS AVE
• PROVIDING POLICE PROTECTION FOR THE MEMORIAL DAY CARNIVAL “WELCOME SUMMER” 2023 CELEBRATION
It was moved by Alderman Vaughan and seconded by Alderwoman Belczak to approve the motion as presented.
Mayor Marchese stated the event is a carnival only with no outside music with the same no parking zones as DarienFest.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Gustafson, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Chlystek, Kenny
Results: Ayes 5, Nays 2, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL Director Gombac stated he has updated color zoning maps for City Council.
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 8:12 P.M.
https://darien.il.us/getattachment/f7258528-bc62-48f8-b015-51e2db4b02c2/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-February-21,-2023.aspx
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