Dupage Policy Journal

City of Darien City Council met Sept. 18.

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 SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 AGENDA WITH THE CITY COUNCIL. THE WORK SESSION ADJOURNED AT 7:17 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 Secretary Gonzalez was as follows:

Present: Thomas J. Belczak Ted V. Schauer

Eric K. Gustafson Ralph Stompanato

Gerry Leganski Mary Coyle Sullivan

Absent: Joseph A. Kenny

Also in Attendance: Joseph Marchese, Mayor

Maria Gonzalez, Secretary

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 – September 5, 2023

It was moved by Alderman Leganski and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of September 5, 2023.

Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Leganski, Schauer, Stompanato, Sullivan Abstain: Gustafson

Nays: None

Absent: Kenny

Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1

MOTION DULY CARRIED 

7. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS 

Alderman Gustafson received and responded to communication from residents regarding status of light pole on Carlton Road & Manning Road. Director Gombac explained supply chain issues encountered in obtaining concrete and aluminum poles.

Mayor Marchese shared sad news of the passing of 101-year-old Darien resident, Francis (Frank) Pannaralla, a World War II veteran. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 22, at the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home in Palos Hills.

8. MAYORS REPORT 

A. MAYORAL PROCLAMATION “NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION & ACTION MONTH” (SEPTEMBER 2023) 

Mayor Marchese read the proclamation into record declaring September 2023 as National Suicide Prevention & Action Month.

Mayor Marchese noted the agencies and crisis lines available for assistance. He encouraged residents to think about their mental health and to heed the warning signs.

9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT 

There was no report.

10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT 

Administrator Vana encouraged residents to fill out Resident Survey, featured in Special Edition of Direct Connect eNews; feedback will be valuable for City Council Goal Setting Session.

11. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS 

A. POLICE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT – AUGUST 2023 

Chief Thomas…

…noted page 3 of the Monthly Report contains frequency of suicide related calls and provides mental health crisis symptoms.

…announced “Coffee with a Cop” on October 4 from 7:00 – 9:00 A.M. at McDonald’s on Plainfield Road, which connects police with community.

…stated monthly meetings at the library started on September 6 and will continue the first Wednesday of every month. The first meeting covered calling 911 and provided residential safety tips; fraud and scams are the topics of the October 4 meeting. 

…reviewed police call inquiries from City officials by constituents; he encouraged residents to opt for Twitter (X), which contains information posted by the Police Department.

…highlighted crime statistics, calls for service, traffic crashes, and school bus safety from August Monthly Report.

…responded to Council questions regarding gambling addiction tied to increased suicide rate; locking car doors & removing valuables; importance of calling 911; emergency mass communication; and speeding concerns.

B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES 

Director Gombac…

…stated sod restoration for 79th Street and Clarendon Hills Road sidewalk projects will begin on Tuesday.

…provided an update on traffic signal at 67th Street & Clarendon Hills Road and pedestrian crosswalk signals at Hinsdale South High School and Darien Community Park.

12. TREASURER’S REPORT 

A. WARRANT NUMBER 23-24-10 

It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Stompanato to approve payment of Warrant Number 23-24-10 in the amount of $1,035,143.34 from the enumerated funds, and $295,720.68 from payroll funds for the period ending 09/07/23 for a total to be approved of $1,330,864.02.

Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Gustafson, Leganski, Schauer, Stompanato, Sullivan

Nays: None

Absent: Kenny

Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1

MOTION DULY CARRIED 

B. MONTHLY REPORT – AUGUST 2023 

Treasurer Coren reviewed year-to-date sources of revenue, expenditures, and fund balances through the month of August 2023.

General Fund: Revenue $7,243,883; Expenditures $5,906,131; Current Balance $5,713,271

Water Fund: Revenue $2,615,145; Expenditures $2,122,574 Current Balance $4,086,831

Motor Fuel Tax Fund: Revenue $341,841; Expenditures $323,222; Current Balance $1,492,730

Water Depreciation Fund: Revenue $7,103; Expenditures $0; Current Balance $620,341

Capital Improvement Fund: Revenue $291,755; Expenditures $2,506,852; Current Balance $16,553,239

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.

Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the Municipal Services Committee meeting is scheduled for September 25, 2023 at 6:00 P.M.

Police Committee – No report.

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 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE DARIEN CITY CODE TO ELIMINATE PHYSICAL FITNESS CENTER AS A BUSINESS SUBJECT TO THE AMUSEMENT TAX ORDINANCE. 

It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the motion as presented.

ORDINANCE NO. O-14-23 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE DARIEN CITY CODE TO ELIMINATE PHYSICAL FITNESS CENTER AS A BUSINESS SUBJECT TO THE AMUSEMENT TAX ORDINANCE. 

Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Gustafson, Leganski, Schauer, Stompanato, Sullivan

Nays: None

Absent: Kenny

Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1

MOTION DULY CARRIED 

18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL 

Mayor Marchese announced Darien Lions Club in conjunction with City of Darien will be sponsoring first Oktoberfest at the north parking lot of Carriage Greens Country Club on Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 2:00 – 9:00 P.M. featuring fun activities for the family, music, and food/with refreshments. There is no entrance fee.

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 8:07 P.M.

https://darien.il.us/getattachment/bf7e15bc-1611-4500-9a41-903ca3d1b453/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-September-18,-2023.aspx