City of Darien City Council met May 15
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
Jonathan, Tracy & Laura Johnson 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 Ralph Stompanato
Gerry Leganski Mary Coyle Sullivan
Absent: Eric K. Gustafson
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 six aldermen present, Mayor Marchese declared a quorum.
5. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL There were none.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 1, 2023
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of May 1, 2023.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Kenny, Leganski, Schauer, Stompanato, Sullivan
Nays: None
Absent: Gustafson
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
7. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS
Alderman Leganski received communication from Debbie Nelson regarding weeds in her yard from Condominium Association property. Director Gombac stated weeds, grasses, or native plantings over eight inches tall are in violation of property maintenance code and should be reported to the City. Administrator Vana noted a violation notice is sent prior to issuance of ticket. Director Gombac reviewed seven-day notice process.
Alderwoman Sullivan…
…received inquiries regarding reopening of Meyer Woods on Oldfield Road; it is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend. She noted Darien Park District did an excellent job done with new pavilion, playground wall and maintenance of equipment. ...noted quotes were received to repair sidewalk on North Frontage Road and will be reviewed by Municipal Services Committee.
Alderman Kenny received communication regarding fence along North Frontage Road.
8. MAYORS REPORT
A. MAYORAL PROCLAMATION “MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH” (MAY 2023)
Mayor Marchese read the proclamation into record declaring the month of May as Motorcycle Awareness Month.
B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO ADVICE AND CONSENT THE APPOINTMENT OF JONATHAN JOHNSON TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the motion as presented.
Mayor Marchese stated appointment fulfills vacancy left by Alderman Stompanato.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Kenny, Leganski, Schauer, Stompanato, Sullivan
Nays: None
Absent: Gustafson
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
Clerk Ragona administered the Oath of Office to Jonathan Johnson.
C. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE APPOINTMENT OF SHARI GILLESPIE TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Leganski to approve the motion as presented.
Mayor Marchese stated appointment fulfills vacancy left by Nick Pitzer, who has submitted his resignation.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Kenny, Leganski, Schauer, Stompanato, Sullivan
Nays: None
Absent: Gustafson
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
Mayor Marchese…
… noted Darien is served by High School Districts 86 and 99. He acknowledged receipt of communication received from Lauren Miholic, Communications Specialist, Community High School District 99. Mayor Marchese congratulated Ted Dulles, Alan Kwak, Taran Sooranahalli, and South High School teacher Brandy Palmerin, for being named State winner for Illinois in the 2022-2023 Samsung “Solve for Tomorrow” contest.
As part of winning, Downers Grove South High School will receive a $12,000 prize package including products and classroom resources, plus the opportunity to work with a Samsung employee mentor.
…announced Darien Dash will take place on Sunday, May 21, which starts at Darien Swim and Recreation Club. He stated a send-off for Paige Hollendonner, Miss Northern Suburbs, is planned; he encouraged attendance to cheer her on as she competes in “Miss America” contest.
9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
Clerk Ragona announced City offices will be closed on Monday, May 29, in observance of Memorial Day.
10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
There was no report.
11. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS
A. POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief Thomas stated in 1962 President Kennedy and Congress deemed the week that May 15 falls within to be National Police Week to honor police officers who risk their lives every day in the line of duty. He noted in 2022 there were 323 officers shot, 60 officers killed by gunfire, and 246 officers that died in the line of duty (eight from Illinois and two of which were personal friends from Aurora Police Department). There were 22 use of force situations in Darien; he commended Darien police officers for ensuring the safety of residents.
Chief Thomas stated the Police Department is involved in supporting Special Olympics; donations will be accepted for fundraiser “Cop on Top” on Friday, May 19, at Dunkin Donuts on Cass Avenue.
B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES
Director Gombac stated work began for traffic signal at 67th & Clarendon Hills Road. For questions regarding signal and sidewalk, call 630-353-8105.
12. TREASURER’S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER 22-23-26
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve payment of Warrant Number 22-23-26 in the amount of $576,558.30 from the enumerated funds for a total to be approved of $576,558.30.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Kenny, Leganski, Schauer, Stompanato, Sullivan
Nays: None
Absent: Gustafson
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
B. WARRANT NUMBER 23-24-02
It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderman Stompanato to approve payment of Warrant Number 23-24-02 in the amount of $183,723.30 from the enumerated funds, and $354,487.59 from payroll funds for the period ending 05/04/23 for a total to be approved of $538,210.89.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Kenny, Leganski, Schauer, Stompanato, Sullivan
Nays: None
Absent: Gustafson
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
13. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative/Finance Committee – Chairwoman Sullivan announced the Administrative/Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for June 5, 2023 at 6:00 P.M.
Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the Municipal Services Committee meeting is scheduled for May 22, 2023 at 6:00 P.M.
Police Committee – Chairman Kenny stated the minutes of the January 16, 2023 meeting were approved and submitted to the Clerk’s Office. He announced the Police Committee meeting is scheduled for June 19, 2023 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
Mayor Marchese stated New Business Item A was moved to the Consent Agenda 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. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE:
• THE ANNUAL FOURTH OF JULY PARADE ON TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2023, BEGINNING AT 9:30 A.M., SPONSORED BY THE DARIEN LIONS CLUB AND
• AUTHORIZING THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO ASSIST IN TRAFFIC CONTROL AND AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF STREETS FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY PARADE: FROM THE JEWEL PARKING LOT, NORTH ON CASS AVENUE TO 71ST STREET; EAST ON 71ST STREET TO CLARENDON HILLS ROAD; SOUTH ON CLARENDON HILLS ROAD TO HINSDALE SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL
B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION GRANTING A WAIVER OF THE $50.00 A DAY FEE FOR THE CLASS “J” TEMPORARY LIQUOR LICENSE FOR THE DARIEN LIONS CLUB
C. RESOLUTION NO. R-47-23 A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT A PROPOSAL FROM SUBURBAN LABORATORIES, INC. FOR THE 2023/24 BACTERIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL/RADIOLOGICAL/LT2 WATER SAMPLING PROGRAM IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $9,640.00
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Kenny, Leganski, Schauer, Stompanato, Sullivan,
Nays: None
Absent: Gustafson
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
17. NEW BUSINESS
There was no New Business.
18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Alderwoman Sullivan announced Save the Date for summer concert series and event at Carriage Greens Country Club are featured in Direct Connect. Thursday concert dates are June 29 (Beyond the Blonde), July 27 (The Mix) and August 31 (Reckless); an Oktoberfest, in conjunction with Darien Lions Club, will be held on Saturday, September 23.
Mayor Marchese received communication from Kathy Street, Darien Garden Club, announcing Garden Bazaar and Plant Sale to be held on Saturday, June 3, at St. John Lutheran Church from 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. A Pollinator Week celebration will be held on Sunday, June 25, at Indian Prairie Public Library from 1:00 – 3:00 P.M. Mayor Marchese stated he was proud of the Darien Garden Club for beautifying our City.
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 7:53 P.M.
https://darien.il.us/getattachment/330687bb-c7a9-41df-ac34-c03290f4a25f/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-May-15,-2023.aspx
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