City of Darien City Council met Sept. 5
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
A WORK SESSION WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:07 P.M. BY MAYOR MARCHESE FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVIEWING ITEMS ON THE SEPTEMBER 5, 2023 AGENDA WITH THE CITY COUNCIL. THE WORK SESSION ADJOURNED AT 7:29 P.M.
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 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
Alan, short-term rental property owner in Darien, provided his background, rental history, benefits of rental property, and hardship incurred by ordinance that prohibits rental of property for less than 30 days. He asked Council to reconsider grandfathering the small businesses that were in existence prior to the establishment of the ordinance.
Mayor Marchese explained the reasoning behind the ordinance and the impact short-term rentals were having in neighborhoods.
Alan stated he monitors his property with cameras and does not allow parties.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – August 21, 2023
It was moved by Alderman Stompanato and seconded by Alderman Leganski to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of August 21, 2023.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Kenny, Leganski, Schauer, Stompanato,
Abstain: Sullivan
Nays: None
Absent: Gustafson
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
7. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS
Alderwoman Sullivan received communication from Kelly Glisan regarding the increase of panhandling in Darien on Plainfield Road/Cass Avenue and 75th Street/Cass Avenue. Chief Thomas commented on U.S. Supreme Court decision, which allows panhandling by law. Administrator Vana received advice from City Attorney not to pursue. Alderwoman Sullivan suggested communicating information in Direct Connect.
8. MAYORS REPORT
There was no report.
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
Chief Thomas noted police data from 2019 is now available; monthly reports will resume starting with the September 18 City Council Meeting.
B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES – NO REPORT
Director Gombac commented he has diligently been working on the installation of marque sign on the corner Plainfield Road & Cass Avenue. He is waiting for final plans and anticipates construction to begin soon.
Mayor Marchese inquired about status of ComEd work with respect to traffic signal on 67th & Clarendon Hills Road and the crosswalks by Darien Community Park and Hinsdale South High School. Director Gombac provided an update on measures taken to expedite pedestrian crosswalk signals, logistical/technical issues encountered, and frustration experienced over the last year. He anticipates traffic signal activation hopefully in October; City will need to install additional stop bars.
12. TREASURER’S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER 23-24-09
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve payment of Warrant Number 23-24-09 in the amount of $321,291.68 from the enumerated funds, and $304,682.25 from payroll funds for the period ending 08/24/23 for a total to be approved of $625,973.93.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Kenny, Leganski, Schauer, Stompanato, Sullivan
Nays: None
Absent: Gustafson
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
B. MONTHLY REPORT – MAY 2023
C. MONTHLY REPORT – JUNE 2023
D. MONTHLY REPORT – JULY 2023
Treasurer Coren reviewed year-to-date sources of revenue, expenditures, and fund balances through the month of July 2023.
General Fund: Revenue $5,833,939; Expenditures $4,440,396; Current Balance $5,769,062
Water Fund: Revenue $1,164,986; Expenditures $1,500,803 Current Balance $3,258,443
Motor Fuel Tax Fund: Revenue $257,280; Expenditures $161,390; Current Balance $1,570,001
Water Depreciation Fund: Revenue $5,225; Expenditures $9,341; Current Balance $609,122
Capital Improvement Fund: Revenue $218,831; Expenditures $1,608,212; Current Balance $17,378,955
Cannabis Use Fund: Revenue $9,755; Expenditures $0; Current Balance $103,301.
13. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative/Finance Committee – Chairwoman Sullivan announced the Administrative/Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for October 2, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. She stated presentation by Actuary will take place at the October 2 City Council Meeting.
Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the Municipal Services Committee meeting is scheduled for September 25, 2023 at 6:00 P.M.
Police Committee – Chairman Kenny announced the Police Committee meeting is scheduled for September 18, 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, September 16, 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 Stompanato and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve by Omnibus Vote the following items on the Consent Agenda:
A. CONSIDERATION OF MOTION TO APPROVE THE EXPENDITURE OF BUDGETED FUNDS TO PURCHASE PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES FROM TESTING FOR PUBLIC SAFETY, LLC TO ESTABLISH A SERGEANT PROMOTIONAL ELIGIBILITY LIST IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,100
B. RESOLUTION NO. R-93-23
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF (1) DJI MATRICE 30T (WITH CARE ENTERPRISE PLUS) DRONE AND (4) BATTERY PACKS FROM AERIAL INFLUENCE, LLC USING DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (DOJ) AWARD MONEY IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,295
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
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF DUPAGE FOR A 50/50 COST SHARE OF A RIGHT OF WAY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT AT THE SOUTH EAST CORNER ALONG PLAINFIELD ROAD FROM CASS AVENUE TO LINDEN AVENUE AND CASS AVENUE TO THE SIDE YARD LIMIT OF 7614 GAIL AVENUE
It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the motion as presented.
RESOLUTION NO. R-94-23
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF DUPAGE FOR A 50/50 COST SHARE OF A RIGHT OF WAY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT AT THE SOUTH EAST CORNER ALONG PLAINFIELD ROAD FROM CASS AVENUE TO LINDEN AVENUE AND CASS AVENUE TO THE SIDE YARD LIMIT OF 7614 GAIL AVENUE
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Kenny, Leganski, Schauer, Stompanato, Sullivan
Nays: None
Absent: Gustafson
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Alderwoman Sullivan…
…commended April Padalik and City Staff on a great summer concert series. She stated Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church was grateful for the food donations.
…announced Darien Historical Society & St. John Lutheran Church will be hosting annual Cemetery Walk at St. John Lutheran Cemetery on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 1:00 P.M.; all are encourage to attend.
Mayor Marchese announced…
…Darien Historical Society is sponsoring a seminar at Indian Prairie Public Library on September 28, 2023 regarding the Crash of Flight 529 in 1961.
…Darien Lions Club in conjunction with City of Darien will be sponsoring Oktoberfest at the north parking lot of Carriage Greens Country Club on September 23, 2023 from 2:00 – 9:00 P.M. featuring fun activities for the family, music, and food/with refreshments.
19. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, it was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Stompanato to adjourn the City Council meeting.
VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED
The City Council meeting adjourned at 7:56 P.M.
https://darien.il.us/getattachment/1e0417de-f993-4f09-8f34-6cb0704af6e4/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-September-5,-2023.aspx
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