Dupage Policy Journal

City of Darien City Council met Oct. 16.

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

Eric K. Gustafson Ralph Stompanato

Joseph A. Kenny Mary Coyle Sullivan

Gerry Leganski

Absent: None

Also in Attendance: Joseph Marchese, Mayor

JoAnne E. Ragona, City Clerk

Michael J. Coren, City Treasurer

Bryon Vana, City Administrator

Jason Norton, Deputy 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

Carol Mallers…

…recognized Director Gombac for wearing a pink tie in honor of survivors and those lost to breast cancer.

…commented on how beautiful the Clock Tower display looks.

6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 2, 2023

It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderman Stompanato to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of October 2, 2023.

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0

MOTION DULY CARRIED

7. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS

Alderman Gustafson received numerous comments from residents regarding the proposed developments: duplexes on 87th Street and Gerber Collision at the vacant CVS site.

Alderwoman Sullivan received and forwarded several emails to staff from Andrew Kelly expressing concern with the proposed development of Gerber Collision at the CVS site. She encouraged Mr. Kelly to attend upcoming Planning & Zoning Commission and Municipal Services Committee meetings.

Alderman Kenny received communication from resident regarding street light outage; staff advised of backlog due to parts shortage.

Director Gombac…

…stated Gerber Collision representative will tentatively be presenting at Municipal Services Committee meeting on October 23, provided conditions met.

…provided an update on street light outages, problematic circuit boards, manufacturer’s warranty, and supply chain issues. A proactive approach to secure alternate brand with shelf availability is underway. He encouraged residents to report outages.

Alderwoman Sullivan inquired about next opportunity for a meeting with Gerber Collision if October 23 became an issue; Director Gombac responded that Gerber Collision would move to November meeting unless developer requested a special meeting.

8. MAYORS REPORT

A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR COMMITTEE: LINDA BOROWIAK, BONNIE KUCERA, CAROL MALLERS

It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the reappointment of members to the Citizen of the Year Committee: Linda Borowiak, Bonnie Kucera and Carol Mallers.

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0

MOTION DULY CARRIED

B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF TRACY THOMSON JOHNSON AND LANA JOHNSON TO THE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR COMMITTEE

It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the appointment of Tracy Thomson Johnson and Lana Johnson to the Citizen of the Year Committee.

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0

MOTION DULY CARRIED

Clerk Ragona administered the Oath of Office to Linda Borowiak, Bonnie Kucera, Carol Mallers, Tracy Thomson Johnson and Lana Johnson.

Bonnie Kucera thanked Council for entrusting Committee with the selection of Citizen of the Year for 2024. She reviewed criteria, nomination & selection processes and deadline dates.

At the Mayor’s suggestion, she stated the event will be renamed “Darien Honoree Celebration” as honorees from Darien Lions Club, Darien Woman’s Club, Rotary Club of Darien and Darien Chamber of Commerce will also be recognized. Ms. Kucera announced celebration will be held at Alpine Banquets on Friday, March 8, at 6:00 P.M. The cost is $52.00/person and includes open bar, family-style dinner, music and dancing.

C. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENT OF LESLIE SWEENEY, TRACY THOMSON JOHNSON, AND STEVE WERNECKE TO THE HOLIDAY HOME DECORATING COMMITTEE

It was moved by Alderman Stompanato and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the reappointment of Leslie Sweeney, Tracy Thomson Johnson and Steve Wernecke to the Holiday Home Decorating Committee.

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0

MOTION DULY CARRIED

Clerk Ragona administered the Oath of Office to Tracy Thomson Johnson.

9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT

A. 2024 VEHICLE STICKER

Clerk Ragona stated Rotary Club of Darien requested the honor of designing the 2024 Vehicle Sticker in celebration of their 50th Anniversary. She announced Rotary Club will be the honoree for the 2024 Vehicle Sticker.

10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

There was no report.

11. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS

A. POLICE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT – SEPTEMBER 2023

Deputy Chief Norton provide highlights from the September 2023 Monthly Report, which included Crime Types; Community Events; Fraud/Scams; Person & Property Crime Summary; Other Crime Summary; Calls for Service; Traffic Crash Summary; Traffic Enforcement Summary; and Citizen Concern Summary.

Alderman Gustafson commented Police Department did a great job at the Darien Woodridge Fire Department Open House on October 7; Officer Dave and canine were well received.

B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES – NO REPORT

Director Gombac addressed Council questions regarding…

…construction/concrete repairs at Plainfield Road & Cass Avenue.

…new stoplight at 67th Street & Clarendon Hills Road; he commented there were no issues.

Alderwomen Sullivan stated flashing signs pertaining to the arrival/working of new stoplight at 67th Street & Clarendon Hills Road were a good idea.

12. TREASURER’S REPORT

A. WARRANT NUMBER 23-24-12

It was moved by Alderman Leganski and seconded by Alderman Kenny to approve payment of Warrant Number 23-24-12 in the amount of $565,004.48 from the enumerated funds, and $318,073.29 from payroll funds for the period ending 10/05/23 for a total to be approved of $883,077.77.

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0

MOTION DULY CARRIED

B. MONTHLY REPORT – SEPTEMBER 2023

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

General Fund: Revenue $9,431,427; Expenditures $7,639,943; Current Balance $5,167,002

Water Fund: Revenue $2,629,618; Expenditures $2,873,746 Current Balance $3,350,131

Motor Fuel Tax Fund: Revenue $429,215; Expenditures $423,743; Current Balance $1,479,583

Water Depreciation Fund: Revenue $8,957; Expenditures $5,934; Current Balance $616,261

Capital Improvement Fund: Revenue $432,501; Expenditures $2,884,780; Current Balance $17,316,058

13. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Administrative/Finance Committee – Chairwoman Sullivan announced the Administrative/Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for November 6, 2023 at 6:00 P.M.

Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the Municipal Services Committee meeting is scheduled for October 23, 2023 at 6:00 P.M.

Police Committee – Chairman Kenny stated the minutes of the August 21, 2023 meeting were approved and submitted to the Clerk’s Office. He announced the Police Committee meeting is scheduled for November 20, 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

There was no Consent Agenda

17. NEW BUSINESS

A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TAX LEVY DETERMINATION FOR GENERAL AND SPECIAL PURPOSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024

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

Administrator Vana explained annual extension and property tax levy. He stated to maintain property tax levy at last year’s extension, City will budget $83,000 from General Fund revenues. Alderwoman Sullivan commented that Administrative/Finance Committee supported recommendation to keep levy the same.

Council discussion ensued regarding proposed legislation pertaining to elimination of Tier II benefits. Jason Franken, Foster & Foster Inc., will prepare report in anticipation of proposed legislation. Report will include other municipalities.

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0

MOTION DULY CARRIED

18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL

Mayor Marchese commented on events he attended last weekend…

…Garden Club Pollinator Protector Celebration at Indian Prairie Public Library; Darien Garden Club received award for their excellent work.

…Alice Fitch Gallagher Pedestrian Bridge Dedication. Alice Gallagher passed away suddenly earlier this year; she was Village President of Western Springs and Director of Illinois Tollway Authority.

…Troop 55 Chili Cookoff.

…Darien Lions Club Candy Day; he thanked Lions for their collection efforts.

19. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the City Council, it was moved by Alderman Stompanato and seconded by Alderman Kenny to adjourn the City Council meeting.

VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED

The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:11 P.M.

https://darien.il.us/getattachment/021c2a9f-aa57-479d-a28a-979a1bbe2162/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-October-12,-2023.aspx