Dupage Policy Journal

City of Darien City Council met Oct. 7

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 Clerk Ragona.

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Clerk Ragona 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: 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, Clerk Ragona declared a quorum.

ELECTION OF MAYOR PRO-TEM

Due to the absence of Mayor Marchese, Clerk Ragona asked Council for nominations for Mayor Pro-Tem.

It was motioned by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Belczak to appoint Alderman Kenny as Mayor Pro-Tem. There being no other nominations, she closed the election and called for the question.

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

Stompanato, Sullivan

Nays: None

Absent: None

Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0

MOTION DULY CARRIED

5. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL

Tricia Sbertoli spoke regarding lack of City sidewalk at the southwest corner of 87th Street & Lemont Road, which is a school bus pickup/drop off location; sidewalk was proposed and then eliminated.

Ray Jablonski, President Darien Park District Board of Commissioners, advised Council to direct replies regarding Darien Park District to Executive Director, Stephanie Gurgone.

Alderwoman Sullivan commented on collaboration with Darien Park District.

Luanne Spiros, Vice President Darien Park District Board of Commissioners, stated Darien Park District is fiscally responsible with a balanced budget and no tax dollars are levied for Sportsplex.

6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – September 16, 2024

It was moved by Alderman Stompanato and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of September 16, 2024.

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 regarding damage by USPS trucks, especially in cul-de-sacs.

She noted willingness of Municipal Services to assist with restoration repairs and provide advice to curtail further damage as she continues to reach out to postal management for resolution.

…thanked Municipal Services for removing barricades and road repair items lingering from IDOT Lemont Street bridge project.

…hopes clarity follows soon regarding bridgework on Cass Avenue. Director Gombac has not received information from IDOT.

8. MAYORS REPORT

A. POLICE PENSION ACTUARIAL REPORT – FOSTER & FOSTER

Mayor Pro-Tem Kenny introduced Jason Franken, Foster & Foster Inc. actuary and consultant for Darien’s Police Pension Fund. Mr. Franken reviewed highlights from the Police Pension Fund Actuarial Valuation as of May 1, 2024. He addressed questions regarding funded ratio & comparison to other towns, assumption changes, COLA benefits, DOI Annual Statement submittal and estimated contribution/amortization table.

B. ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT — FOR THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 2024

Kellen O’Malley, Senior Manager with Sikich LLP, summarized audit results and highlighted key items of interest when looking over Annual Financial Report, Auditor’s Communication document, Management Letter, and Consolidated Year End Financial Report. He noted review and discussion of reports at Administrative/Finance Meeting on September 9, 2024. He thanked City Accountant Saenz, Administrator Vana, and personnel for always being well-prepared in assisting with audit in a timely manner. Mr. O’Malley addressed Council question regarding future accounting pronouncements.

Alderwoman Sullivan provided kudos to staff for all their hard work and making the audit a success. 

Alderman Schauer commented on transfer of surplus funds to Capital Improvement Fund; Administrator Vana responded.

9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT

There was no report.

10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Administrator Vana reminded Council that the Goal Setting Workshop will be held on November 20, 2024 at 6:30 P.M. He requested detailed agenda items be sent to him by October 31.

11. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS

A. POLICE DEPARTMENT – NO REPORT

B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES – NO REPORT

Alderman Leganski commented on the stormwater sewer project recently completed in his Ward, which included 12 participating homeowners. He thanked those involved for a job well done; the project will help with flooding, ice on streets, and water main breaks.

Director Gombac stated project utilized in-house equipment and employees. He shared benefits of Vactor truck and encouraged elected officials to stop by during a project to see equipment and labor in action.

Director Gombac invited Council to ride along in trucks while snow plowing.

12. TREASURER’S REPORT

A. WARRANT NUMBER 24-25-11

It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve payment of Warrant Number 24-25-11 in the amount of $406,716.11 from the enumerated funds, and $683,512.93 from payroll funds for the periods ending 09/19/24 and 10/03/24 for a total to be approved of $1,090,229.04.

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 Administrative/Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for November 4, 2024 at 6:00 P.M.

Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the Municipal Services Committee meeting is scheduled for October 28, 2024 at 6:00 P.M.

Police Committee – Chairman Kenny announced the Police Committee meeting is scheduled for October 21, 2024 in the Police Department Training Room.

14. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS – AGENDA RELATED

Ron Price, 7700 block of Lester Lane, commented on New Business Item 17B. He stated property has deteriorated over the years and razing is long overdue. He thanked Director Gombac and Code Enforcement Team for their quick actions.

Phil Litchfield commented on making a 911 call to report a break-in at the property located at 1225 Plainfield Road; he reiterated comments made by Mr. Price.

Mayor Pro-Tem Kenny thanked both residents for attending and sharing their comments.

15. OLD BUSINESS

There was no Old Business.

16. CONSENT AGENDA

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

A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO GRANT A WAIVER OF THE RAFFLE LICENSE BOND REQUIREMENT FOR THE DARIEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO GRANT A WAIVER OF THE RAFFLE LICENSE BOND REQUIREMENT FOR THE WEST SUBURBAN HUMANE SOCIETY

C. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION GRANTING A WAIVER OF THE $50.00 A DAY FEE FOR THE TEMPORARY LIQUOR LICENSE FOR THE DARIEN SWIM AND RECREATION CLUB

D. RESOLUTION NO. R-81-24 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND THE CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR THE RECIPROCAL REPORTING OF CRIMINAL OFFENSES COMMITTED BY STUDENTS BETWEEN THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF HINSDALE TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 86 AND THE CITY OF DARIEN

E. ORDINANCE NO. R-82-24 A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE EXPENDITURE OF EQUITABLE SHARING FUNDS UP TO $14,000 TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATIONAL SOLUTIONS (I/O SOLUTIONS) TO CONDUCT TESTING TO ESTABLISH AN ELIGIBILITY LIST FROM WHICH TO HIRE POLICE OFFICERS TO FILL ANTICIPATED OPENINGS

F. ORDINANCE NO. O-21-24 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY OF DARIEN

G. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION APPROVING A TRANSFER FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO THE CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND OF $2,000,000

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

A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY’S STRATEGIC PLAN 2025-2029

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

RESOLUTION NO. R-83-24 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY’S STRATEGIC PLAN 2025-2029

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 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH K.L.F. ENTERPRISES INC., FOR THE RAZING OF THE EXISTING BUILDING AND PARKING LOT LOCATED AT 1225 PLAINFIELD ROAD, PINS 09-28-410-001 AND 09-28-410-043, AS PER THE SCHEDULE OF PRICING, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $33,000.00

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

Alderman Schauer thanked Director Gombac for his work in moving forward.

Director Gombac provided history of property located at 1225 Plainfield Road leading to demolition, associated costs, and fees to owner. He addressed Council questions regarding restoration after demolition.

RESOLUTION NO. R-84-24 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH K.L.F. ENTERPRISES INC., FOR THE RAZING OF THE EXISTING BUILDING AND PARKING LOT LOCATED AT 1225 PLAINFIELD ROAD, PINS 09-28-410-001 AND 09-28-410-043, AS PER THE SCHEDULE OF PRICING, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $33,000.00

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

Alderwoman Sullivan commented on the fruition of four year Strategic Plan, which will start in 2025. She was proud of the time and resources put into the plan; appreciative of Darien Park District Commissioners attending, reading the plan, and making commentary.

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 8:33 P.M.

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