City of Darien City Council met April 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 7:30 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
Thomas M. Chlystek Mary Coyle Sullivan
Joseph A. Kenny Lester Vaughan
Eric K. Gustafson
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
4. DECLARATION OF A QUORUM – There being seven aldermen present, Mayor Marchese declared a quorum.
5. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
David Leatherwood asked for assistance with an Airbnb property located near his home. He stated property has been rented to transient guests, similar to a hotel, on weekends for the last 2-3 months hosting large parties that go on all night long. The parties create parking problems and the need for police involvement. Mr. Leatherwood shared City of Naperville Ordinance with Council; it restricts rental of homes for less than 30 days. Mayor Marchese referred the issue to Municipal Services Committee and invited Mr. Leatherwood to attend/speak at the meeting. Council discussion ensued. Director Gombac cited Code and stated that violations were issued to homeowner.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 6, 2023
It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of March 6, 2023.
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 Schauer received communication from Janet Tungent, 1000 block of Bob-O Link Lane, regarding…
…deteriorating fence bordering patio homes; Director Gombac requested inspection by code enforcement officer.
…debris in detention area next to Concord Elementary School; Municipal Services will inspect detention/storm sewer area for debris and/or deficiencies.
…location of marijuana dispensary; Administrator Vana stated there is no regulation to prohibit selected location.
Alderwoman Sullivan received…
…series of communication from Laurie Jopek regarding cannabis sales/marijuana dispensary; Administrator Vana will be scheduling meeting with Ms. Jopek. Alderwoman Sullivan stated build-out of dispensary is underway and being done to code.
…communication from Mike Murphy, Pinehurst, expressing concern with fence on North Frontage Road. Alderwoman Sullivan noted fence is on list of projects by Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Mayor Marchese added IDOT has budgeted this project for 2024-2025; project extends from Our Lady of Mount Camel Church to Bailey Road; project involves lowering road and adding guardrails to stop extreme curvature of roadway.
Alderman Chylstek received communication from Mike Yucus, 7800 block of Sawyer, regarding easement being higher than yard creating water on sidewalk. Director Gombac will arrange inspection with resident.
Alderman Gustafson…
…had conversation with resident on Drover Lane regarding need for “YIELD” sign on Drover Lane and Parkview Drive; sign was installed within a week.
…received signatures for new light pole on Beller Road & Woodvale Drive. He noted completion of electrical work; still waiting for delivery of light pole.
…thanked Municipal Services for quick response in getting sign up and pole ordered.
Alderman Kenny received communication from Jack Quinnert requesting “STOP” sign on Summit Road due to excessive traffic. Director Gombac stated a seven-day traffic study was completed; preliminary results indicated traffic was not a concern. He will forward report to Mr. Quinnert and Alderman Kenny.
Mayor Marchese received thank you notes from…
…Deb Coulman for the honor to serve as Citizen of the Year (COY) – 2023. …Paige Hollendonner, Miss Northern Suburbs, for community service work. …Downers Grove South High School Government Class for being a guest speaker. …daughter of Dee Leverson in appreciation of COY invite; she shared the passing of her mother.
…communication from Jack Mancione regarding Woodmere subdivision rebuild after tornado; he acknowledged staff for their exception service.
8. MAYORS REPORT
A. JASON OSKOREP AND HINSDALE SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL (HSHS) CIVICS DEPARTMENT
Jason Oskorep, Director of Operations – Hinsdale Township High School District 86, acknowledged Dr. Kari Peronto, Assistant Principal, and Civics Department Faculty Kelley Van Hout and Alexander Bitto. He explained students, with assistance of Civics faculty, created a plan to show installation of LED crosswalk signs on Clarendon Hills Road from the west parking lot and the main entrance of Hinsdale South High School to slow traffic for crossing of staff, students and community visitors.
Senior students, Umer Hasan and NaKyra Culver, delivered presentation on behalf of Civics Class to make HSHS a safer environment. Topics included: Crosswalk Safety Improvement, the Problem, Proposal, Overall Benefits, Crosswalk Dangers and Tragedy, Survey Data, Testimonials, School & Community Events Outside of School Hours, Traffic Congestion, and Crosswalk Usage. Student, Jeremy Radicker, stated he worked on the survey.
Council discussion ensued regarding current infrastructure, pedestrian crosswalk north of Plainfield Road, policy questions regarding current HSHS crosswalks, existing proposal cost, Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) requirements and cost sharing. Director Gombac addressed Council questions. Council voiced their opinions regarding crosswalk.
As the majority of Council supported the idea of an IGA, Mayor Marchese stated Director Gombac will present cost to Municipal Services Committee (MSC). Director Gombac will be in contact with Mr. Oskorep; he invited students to attend MSC meeting to gain a better understanding of implementation and financing.
9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
Clerk Ragona announced City offices will be closed on April 7 in observance of Good Friday. She encouraged all to get out to the polls and vote on April 4.
10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
There was no report.
11. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS
A. POLICE DEPARTMENT – NO REPORT
B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES – NO REPORT
12. TREASURER’S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER 22-23-22
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve payment of Warrant Number 22-23-22 in the amount of $698,099.87 from the enumerated funds, and $289,470.26 from payroll funds for the period ending 03/09/23 for a total to be approved of $987,570.13.
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. WARRANT NUMBER 22-23-23
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to approve payment of Warrant Number 22-23-23 in the amount of $354,389.07 from the enumerated funds, and $272,183.66 from payroll funds for the period ending 03/23/23 for a total to be approved of $626,572.73.
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 – Chairwoman Sullivan announced the Administrative/Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for May 1, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. Liaison Sullivan noted the Economic Development Committee meeting has been rescheduled to April 13, 2023 at 7:00 P.M.
Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the Municipal Services Committee meeting is scheduled for April 24, 2023 at 6:00 P.M.
Police Committee – Chairman Kenny announced the Police Committee meeting is scheduled for April 17, 2023 at 6:30 P.M. in the Police Department Training Room.
14. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS – AGENDA RELATED
Sylvia McIvor commented regarding increase in balcony cost; she suggested cost saving alternatives thus creating additional funds for HSHS crosswalk project.
Administrator Vana commented each are independent projects. Mayor Marchese reminded Council balcony is already included in approved budget.
15. OLD BUSINESS
There was no Old Business.
16. CONSENT AGENDA
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve by Omnibus Vote the following items on the Consent Agenda:
A. ORDINANCE NO. O-05-23 AN ORDIDNANCE APPROVING A VARIATION FROM THE DARIEN ZONING ORDINANCE
(PZC2023-01: 6805 SCOTCH PINE TRAIL)
B. ORDINANCE NO. O-06-23 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY OF DARIEN
C. RESOLUTION NO. R-33-23 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE NEW TRAILER, MODEL NO. P8CAM164STTXW TILT TRAILER, FROM A&W TRAILER LLC IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,039
D. RESOLUTION NO. R-34-23 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE AND DELIVERY OF ONE NEW SEWER GRATE SET, FROM L&G WELDING SERVICES, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,060
E. RESOLUTION NO. R-35-23 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL FROM TAPCO FOR THE PURCHASE OF A PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALK SIGNALIZATION SYSTEM FOR A MID-BLOCK CROSSWALK APPLICATION AT CLARENDON HILLS ROAD AND ROGER ROAD IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $11,779.02
F. RESOLUTION NO. R-36-23 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL FROM DORNER COMPANY FOR THE CITY’S WATER SYSTEM IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $54,935 TO RE-BUILD INTERNAL CRITICAL COMPONENTS OF PUMP CONTROL VALVES AND ALTITUDE VALVES
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 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE 2023-2024 BUDGET
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Gustafson to approve the motion as presented.
ORDINANCE NO. O-07-23 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE 2023- 2024 BUDGET
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. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION WAIVING THE COMPETITIVE BID PROCESS AND ACCEPTING A QUOTE FROM LANDMARK CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC., FOR THE CITY HALL BALCONY DECK REMODEL PROJECT AT 1702 PLAINFIELD ROAD FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE EXISTING BALCONY AND THE MATERIAL AND INSTALLATION OF THE REPLACEMENT BALCONY DECK, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $85,000.00
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to approve the motion as presented.
Council discussed balcony remodel project.
RESOLUTION NO. R-37-23 AN A RESOLUTION WAIVING THE COMPETITIVE BID PROCESS AND ACCEPTING A QUOTE FROM LANDMARK CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC., FOR THE CITY HALL BALCONY DECK REMODEL PROJECT AT 1702 PLAINFIELD ROAD FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE EXISTING BALCONY AND THE MATERIAL AND INSTALLATION OF THE REPLACEMENT BALCONY DECK, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $85,000.00
Roll Call: Ayes: Chlystek, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: Belczak, Gustafson
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 5, Nays 2, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
C. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A CONTINGENCY IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000 DUE TO UNFORESEEN STRUCTURAL DEFICIENCIES ITEMS THAT MAY BE ENCOUNTERED DURING THE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to approve the motion as presented.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Kenny, Schauer, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: Gustafson
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 1, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED
18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Mayor Marchese…
…thanked all for their well wishes and prayers; he is recuperating and doing well. …he will be joining Alderman Kenny, Alderwoman Sullivan and Administrator Vana on drive down to Springfield. He explained purpose of trip is to recommend the Governor and State Legislature to pass and accept DeLuca Bill to increase Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF) from 6.16% to 8.5%. He noted impact the LGDF decrease has had on the City and State of Illinois over the last ten years; he explained the LGDF is the primary source of revenue for many municipalities, including public safety and infrastructure. Mayor Marchese met with 25 state representatives and senators over the last three months requesting support of this legislation. He noted 275 mayors support the legislation. Mayor Marchese encouraged all residents to call or write their State Representatives in support of DeLuca’s Bill to increase LGDF.
Alderwoman Sullivan announced Darien Woman’s Club (DWC) fundraiser, “Glamour Gala” luncheon and fashion show, will be held on April 16, 2023 at 11 A.M. Tickets are still available; see Direct Connect or visit DWC website for more information.
Sylvia McIvor announced…
…Environmental Committee invited Robyn Grange, Argonne National Laboratory, to the next City Council Meeting.
…Argonne National Laboratory Open House will be held on Saturday, May 20; registration is open on Argonne’s website with a full day of activities.
19. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, it was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to adjourn the City Council meeting.
VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED
The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:59 P.M.
https://darien.il.us/getattachment/bd7c6f0e-7347-4be2-b7f2-948db0349350/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-April-3,-2023.aspx
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