Minutes - April 19, 2004

A WORK SESSION WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:05 P.M. BY MAYOR CARMEN D. SOLDATO FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVIEWING ITEMS ON THE APRIL 19, 2004 AGENDA WITH THE CITY COUNCIL. THE SESSION ADJOURNED AT 7:15 P.M.

Minutes of the Regular Meeting

of the City Council of the

CITY OF DARIEN

APRIL 19, 2004

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 Carmen D. Soldato.

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Soldato led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. ROLL CALL — The Roll Call of Aldermen by JoAnne Ragona was as follows:

Present: Richard Biehl Joseph Marchese Morgan Cotten John F. Poteraske, Jr. David Hagen James Tikalsky Kathleen Moesle-Weaver

Also in Attendance: Carmen D. Soldato, Mayor JoAnne E. Ragona, Clerk’s Office Kevin P. Monaghan, City Treasurer John B. Murphey, City Attorney Bryon D. Vana, City Administrator Robert Pavelchik, Chief of Police Gregory Dreyer, Community Development Director Robert Mengarelli, Asst. Director of Public Works Robert Rodgers, Asst. Director of Public Works

4. DECLARATION OF A QUORUM — There being seven Aldermen present, Mayor Soldato declared a quorum.

5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — April 5, 2004

It was moved by Alderman Tikalsky and seconded by Alderman Poteraske to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 5, 2004, as presented.

Roll Call: Ayes: Biehl, Cotten, Marchese, Poteraske, Tikalsky

Nays: None

Abstain: Hagen, Weaver

Absent: None

Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0 MOTION DULY CARRIED

6. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS

Alderman Cotten stated that he had previously received email from Kathy Paskvan, 2333 Green Valley, in regard to debris and speeding along Manning Road. Ms. Paskvan sent another email to Alderman Cotten that thanked the Police Department for their increased patrol, which rectified the situation.

Alderman Weaver received email from John Sipp, a Hinsbrook Drive resident, who was concerned with parking. Alderman Weaver stated that at the May 10th Administrative/Finance Committee meeting, the traffic consultant would be in attendance to discuss traffic issues.

Alderman Marchese received numerous communications from residents in the Brookeridge Creek Subdivision regarding the poor maintenance of Kearney Road; he said that some street patching had been done but additional repair was needed.

7. MAYOR’S REPORT

A. MAYORAL PROCLAMATION “CARMELITE CAREFREE VILLAGE DAY” (April 25, 2004)

Mayor Soldato read the Proclamation that honored the Carmelite Fathers and Brothers for 25 years of dedicated service and care provided to older Americans within Darien. He proclaimed April 25th as “Carmelite Carefree Village Day” and he urged citizens of Darien to celebrate this event. Father Roger Bonneau, Administrator at Carmelite Carefree Village, accepted the proclamation. Father Roger thanked everyone for their concern and interest in Carefree Village; he thanked all those who have volunteered. He gave a special ‘thank you’ to the Darien Rotary Club who have continued to meet monthly at the Village for the past 25 years, have continued to socialize with the residents, and have generously made donations to the Village and its residents. Father Roger invited everyone to celebrate their 25 years of existence in the City of Darien by participating in festivities at Carmelite Carefree Village’s Open House on Sunday, April 25th, from 1:00-4:00 P.M.

B. MAYORAL PROCLAMATION “NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK” (April 18-24, 2004)

Mayor Soldato read the Proclamation and noted that “a volunteer is someone that performs charitable or helpful tasks”; he encouraged citizens to celebrate and recognize the dedicated volunteers and volunteer programs that contribute immeasurably to communities.

C. MAYORAL PROCLAMATION “ARBOR DAY” (April 30, 2004)

Mayor Soldato read the Proclamation and declared April 30th as Arbor Day; he urged citizens to celebrate by planting trees that would gladden the heart and promote the well being of this and future generations, and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands. Administrator Vana accepted the Proclamation on behalf of the Environmental Committee.

Mayor Soldato stated that he was honored to bring forth two Darien residents: Specialist Robert Allen and Sergeant Brad Drake. Both gentlemen served in Afghanistan for ten months with the Army’s 327th Military Police Battalion and were currently on reserve status. Mayor Soldato presented Brad Drake and Mrs. Allen on behalf of Robert Allen, who was ill, with commemorative City of Darien pins; they received a standing ovation. Mr. Drake thanked everyone for the recognition and stated that both he and Bob were proud to be residents of the City of Darien.

Mayor Soldato briefly spoke about the lawsuit brought forth by the Suburban Life and Doings newspapers against the Darien Park District; they sued because they had previously requested information through the Freedom of Information Act and were denied records. He paraphrased Suburban Life’s Editor Joe DeRosier, who said that public business should be known to the public and not kept as a secret. The Mayor thanked the newspapers, on behalf of the residents, for pursuing the truth.

8. CITY CLERK'S REPORT

JoAnne Ragona…

… noted that the Environmental Committee meeting scheduled for April 20th had been cancelled.

… announced that the Police Pension Board scheduled a meeting for Thursday, April 22nd, at 7:30 P.M. in the Police Department. … reminded everyone that Statement of Economic Interest forms must be filed with the DuPage County Clerk on or before May 1 or a fine would be imposed, and that Ethics Statement forms must be filed with the Darien City Clerk’s office on or before May 1. 9. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

No report.

10. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORT

Asst. Director Robert Mengarelli…

… distributed fliers that invited everyone to the 4th Annual Public Works Open House scheduled for Saturday, May 22nd, from 10:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. He stated that “Coffee with Mayor Soldato” would take place on May 22nd at the Public Works site from 9:00 until 10:00 A.M.

… reminded residents that brush pickup would begin the week of April 26th; brush pickup would occur the last full working week of each month from April through October.

… stated that mowing of public rights-of-way had begun.

… noted that bids had been opened for the 2004 Street Rehab Project and that the low bidder was $200,000 less than the estimated project amount.

11. TREASURER'S REPORT

A. WARRANT NUMBER 03-04-22

It was moved by Alderman Tikalsky and seconded by Alderman Biehl to approve payment of Warrant Number 03-04-22 in the amount of $56,118.31 from the General Fund; $97,977.29 from the Water Fund; $8,249.89 from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund; $1,113.56 from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund; $300.00 from the Joint Use Facility Tax Fund; $3,229.57 from the Darien Area Dispatch Fund; $160,089.95 from the General Fund Payroll for the period ending 04/01/04; $19,498.15 from the Water Fund Payroll for the period ending 04/01/04; $21,835,45 from the D.A.D.C. Fund Payroll for the period ending 04/01/04; for a total to be approved of $368,412.17.

Alderman Weaver inquired about the Ashton Grove traffic study; Administrator Vana responded that the developer had paid the City in advance.

Roll Call: Ayes: Biehl, Cotten, Marchese, Poteraske, Tikalsky, Weaver

Nays: Hagen

Absent: None

Results: Ayes 6, Nays 1, Absent 0 MOTION DULY CARRIED

B. TREASURER’S MONTHLY REPORT – MARCH 2004

City Treasurer Monaghan reviewed all sources of revenue and expenditures for the month of March 2004 with the following year-to-date fund balances: General Fund $1,009,797; Water Fund $582,131; Motor Fuel Tax Fund $708,419; Darien Towne Centre Sales Tax Fund $116,650; and Hotel/Motel Tax Fund $79,455.

Alderman Weaver and Administrator Vana discussed the year ending figures, which would be adjusted for the all funds.

12. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Administrative/Finance Committee — Chairman Weaver submitted, for the record, Minutes from the February 9, 2004 meeting. She noted that the next Committee meeting was scheduled for May 10th and that the traffic consultant would be in attendance to discuss various traffic issues within the City.

Planning/Development Committee — Chairman Hagen noted that the Committee would meet on April 26th at 6:30 P.M.

Public Works Water/Streets Committee — Chairman Biehl noted that the Committee would meet on April 28th at 6:30 P.M.

13. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS — AGENDA RELATED

There were no Questions and Comments to come before the City Council.

14. OLD BUSINESS

There was no Old Business to come before the City Council.

15. CONSENT AGENDA

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

A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF KEEP KIDS ALIVE DRIVE 25 SIGNS

B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF SIGNS DESIGNATING THE DARIEN BIKE PATH IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $7,000.00

C. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE EXPENDITURE OF BUDGETED FUNDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF NINE (9) .223 CARBINES FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT

D. RESOLUTION NO. R-12-04 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF DARIEN AND CHRISTOPHER B. BURKE ENGINEERING, LTD. (Management and Monitoring of 10-Acres of Wetland/Natural Areas at the Tara Hill Subdivision)

Roll Call: Ayes: Biehl, Cotten, Hagen, Marchese, Poteraske, Tikalsky, Weaver

Nays: None

Absent: None

Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0 MOTION DULY CARRIED

16. NEW BUSINESS

A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN ANNEXATION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (TOWNHOMES OF VIOLET’S FARM L.L.C. ET AL)

It was moved by Alderman Cotten and seconded by Alderman Poteraske to approve an Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of an Annexation and Development Agreement (Townhomes of Violet’s Farm L.L.C. et al), as presented.

Alderman Hagen stated that he was concerned with the right-of-way through the development, particularly since it was two feet (2’) behind the curb as reflected by the density of the project.

Mayor Soldato noted that the motion needed six of the eight elected official votes in order to pass.

Roll Call: Ayes: Marchese, Poteraske, Soldato

Nays: Biehl, Cotten, Hagen, Tikalsky, Weaver

Absent: None

Results: Ayes 3, Nays 5, Absent 0 MOTION FAILED

17. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS — GENERAL

Alderman Tikalsky commented that he had previously received communication from a resident on High Point Circle in regard to the condition of Frontage Road. He said that the State repaired the potholes but that the street needed additional repair because of its speed limit and unsafe condition.

18. ADJOURNMENT

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

VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED

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

Mayor ________________________________ City Clerk

jr All supporting documentation and report originals of these minutes are on file in the Office of the City Clerk under File Number 04-19-04.

2004 Minutes

Minutes - April 19, 2004