Dupage Policy Journal

City of Darien City Council met Jan. 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 

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 

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 There were none. 

6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – December 18, 2023 

It was moved by Alderman Leganski and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the  minutes of the City Council Meeting of December 18, 2023. 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0 

MOTION DULY CARRIED 

7. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS 

Alderwoman Sullivan received communication from Jeff Novak, Evergreen Lane  regarding… 

…streetlight outage on his block; he thanked City for completion of repairs. …inquired about snow plowing sidewalk and pathway from Cass Junior High School to Smart Oaks Park; Alderwoman Sullivan noted Darien Park District will work in partnership with school district on snow removal.

Alderman Kenny received communication from Janet Koludrovic, Gigi Lane, regarding concern with DarienFest traffic implications.

8. MAYORS REPORT

Mayor Marchese noted change in order of Items.

A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENT OF SHARI GILLESPIE AND JULIE KASPROWICZ TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the motion as presented

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 Julie Kasprowicz.

B. 2024 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR NOMINATION – VALERIE L. KAZICH

Mayor Marchese asked Alderwoman Sullivan, City Council Liaison, to present the recommendation for the 2024 Citizen of the Year (COY). Liaison Sullivan read the Citizen of the Year Committee letter recommending that the 2024 Citizen of the Year be Valerie L. Kazich.

It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Schauer to concur with the 2024 Citizen of the Year Committee’s nomination and to award the title of 2024 Citizen of the Year to Valerie L. Kazich.

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0

MOTION DULY CARRIED

Mayor Marchese stated Ms. Kazich was an excellent choice, as she is a gem and one of the nicest people he knows.

Alderwoman Sullivan commented on having the pleasure of working with Valerie Kazich through church and Darien Woman’s Club. She commented that Valerie leads with grace and kindness and is a phenomenal person.

Liaison Sullivan announced the COY event will also recognize “Members of the Year” from Darien Clubs (Garden, Lions, Rotary & Woman’s) and Darien Chamber of Commerce. The Darien Honoree Celebration will be held on Friday, March 8, at Alpine Banquets, with cocktails at 6:00 P.M. and dinner at 7:00 P.M.; cost is $52/person and includes open bar, family style dinner, and DJ. Reservations will be available at City Hall the last week of January, with more information to follow on City website and Direct Connect eNews. She encouraged everyone to come out and celebrate all our outstanding community members as the City highlights COY 2024 Valerie Kazich.

Bonnie Kucera, COY Chairwoman, invited all to attend the Congratulatory Coffee and Sweets Reception on Tuesday, February 20, in the Police Department Training Room following the City Council Meeting honoring Valerie Kazich and the seven honorees from the City’s various civic/service organizations.

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

B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES – NO REPORT

12. TREASURER’S REPORT

A. WARRANT NUMBER 23-24-17

It was moved by Alderman Stompanato and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to approve payment of Warrant Number 23-24-17 in the amount of $101,472.24 from the enumerated funds, and $289,988.44 from payroll funds for the period ending 12/28/23 for a total to be approved of $391,460.68.

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. WARRANT NUMBER 23-24-18

It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Leganski to approve payment of Warrant Number 23-24-18 in the amount of $867,501.34 from the enumerated funds, and $364,700.23 from payroll funds for the period ending 01/11/24 for a total to be approved of $1,232,201.57.

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

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 next Administrative/Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for February 5, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. She stated draft budget documents will be distributed by February 13. Committee of-the-Whole 2024-25 Budget Workshop Meetings are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, February 21, at 6:30 P.M.; Tuesday, February 27, at 6:30 P.M.; with meetings continuing each week until complete.

Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the next Municipal Services Committee meeting is scheduled for January 22, 2024 at 6:00 P.M.

Police Committee – Chairman Kenny announced the next Police Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 20, 2024 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

It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve by Omnibus Vote the following items on the Consent Agenda:

A. Consideration Of A Motion To Approve The Darien Chamber Of Commerce Annual Darien Dash, A 10k Run/A 5k Run/1 Mile Walk, On Sunday, May 19, 2024 Beginning At 8:00 A.M. And Authorize The Chief Of Police To Finalize The Details Of This Event With The Chamber Of Commerce

B. Consideration Of A Motion To Approve The Use Of The Right Half Of The Following Streets For The Darien Dash: The 5k And 10k Course:

Start On Ironwood Avenue At The Darien Swim And Recreation Club And Head North To 69th Street. Turn East On To 69th Street To Richmond Avenue; Turn South On Richmond Avenue To 70th Street; Turn East On 70th Street To Bentley Avenue; Turn North On Bentley Avenue To 69th Street; Turn East On 69th Street To Clarendon Hills Road; Turn South On Clarendon Hills Road To 70th Street; Turn West On 70th Street To Bentley Avenue; Turn South On Bentley Avenue To Maple Lane; Turn East On Maple Lane To Clarendon Hills Road; Turn South On Clarendon Hills Road To 71st Street; Turn West 71st Street To Bentley Avenue; Turn North On Bentley Avenue To Maple Lane; Turn West Onto Maple Lane To Richmond Avenue; Turn South On Richmond Avenue To 71st Street; Turn West On 71st Street To Beechnut Lane; Turn North On Beechnut Lane To Ironwood Avenue; Turn East On Ironwood Avenue To Start/Finish Line

1-MILE COURSE:

Start On Ironwood Avenue At The Darien Swim And Recreation Club And Head North To 69th Street. Turn East On To 69th Street To Sierra Drive; Turn South On Sierra Drive To 71st Street; Turn West On 71st Street To Beechnut Lane; Turn North On Beechnut Lane To Ironwood Avenue; Turn West On Ironwood Avenue To Start/Finish Line

C. RESOLUTION NO. R-01-24 A Resolution Accepting A Proposal From Streicher’s For The Purchase Of (2) Rifle Rated Ballistic Shields Using Department Of Justice Award Money In The Amount Of $14,388.00

D. RESOLUTION NO. R-02-24 A Resolution Accepting A Proposal Form Itouch Biometrics, LLC For The Purchase Of (1) Accurate Id Mobile Fingerprint Scanner Using Department Of Justice Award Money In The Amount Of $13,110.00

E. RESOLUTION NO. R-03-24 A Resolution Accepting A Proposal From Axon Enterprises Inc. For The Purchase Of (1) Random Video Review System (5) Year License Agreement Using Department Of Justice Award Money In The Amount Of $16,173.63 Paid Over (5) Years

F. ORDINANCE NO. O-01-24 An Ordinance Authorizing The Sale Of Personal Property Owned By The City Of Darien (File Cabinets, Mobile Printer, Color Scanner, Etc.)

G. RESOLUTION NO.R-04-24 A Resolution To Endorse The Legislative Action Program Of The DuPage Mayors And Managers Conference For The 2024 Legislative Session

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0

MOTION DULY CARRIED

17. NEW BUSINESS

There was no New Business.

18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL

Mayor Marchese…

…announced today is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a federal holiday.

…attended Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” Breakfast today at Drury Lane to celebrate the life of Dr. King; more than 1200 officials from DuPage County and Chicago attended. …read the following post from City’s website: “Today, January 15 we honor the life and service of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is the only federal holiday designated as a day of service to encourage people to volunteer and give back. Let’s join together today to find new ways to give back to our Darien Community.” Mayor Marchese was pleased with the post and noted there is a lesson to be learned.

…quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Life’s more persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” He stated we all owe a debt of gratitude to the man who changed the world we live.

Alderman Kenny suggested City offices be closed on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to encourage staff to perform service in the community.

19. ADJOURNMENT

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

VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED

The City Council meeting adjourned at 7:55 P.M.

https://darien.il.us/getattachment/8aa3cdaa-dc1f-47e5-afd4-dab1b13646c4/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-January-15,-2024.aspx