Minutes - December 6, 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 DECEMBER 6, 2004 AGENDA WITH THE CITY COUNCIL. THE SESSION ADJOURNED AT 7:10 P.M.

Minutes of the Regular Meeting

of the City Council of the

CITY OF DARIEN

DECEMBER 6, 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 City Clerk Coleman was as follows:

Present: Richard Biehl James Tikalsky Morgan Cotten Kathleen Moesle-Weaver Joseph Marchese

Absent: David Hagen, John F. Poteraske, Jr.

Also in Attendance: Carmen D. Soldato, Mayor Joanne F. Coleman, City Clerk 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 five Aldermen present, Mayor Soldato declared a quorum.

5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — November 15, 2004

It was moved by Alderman Cotten and seconded by Alderman Marchese to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 15, 2004, as presented.

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

Nays: None

Absent: Hagen, Poteraske

Results: Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 2 MOTION DULY CARRIED

6. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS

Alderman Biehl received an email, which he submitted for the record, from Beth and Danny Tischler in regard to property located near Crest & Plainfield roads. He updated them in regard to Crest Road and the Dale Basin project.

Alderman Tikalsky stated that he received several telephone calls from residents in regard to the sound wall.

7. MAYOR’S REPORT

A. RECOGNITION OF VOLUNTEERS

Cub Scout Pack 36 from Mark DeLay School Mayor Soldato commented that the Pack had been invited to attend the meeting but they had a prior commitment. He thanked them on behalf of the Council and City for assisting Darien senior citizens with yard work/leaf raking, which was done through “Make-A-Difference Day”.

Darien Rotarians Mayor Soldato stated that the Darien Rotary Club volunteered regularly; the Rotarians were being recognized for their assistance with Darien senior citizens by participating in “Chore Days” sponsored by DuPage Senior Citizen Council. Mayor Soldato presented Rotarian Ken Bala, Chris Gerrib, Chuck Gray, Lou Volodka, and Jim Palatine with a City of Darien pin. Rotarian President Jim Palatine thanked Council for the recognition; he said that the Club was a group of business men and women who either work or live in Darien. He noted that if anyone was interested in joining the Club, they should contact the Club through their website: www.darienrotaryclub.org.

Mayor Soldato stated that the City was to receive $1.4 million Federal Grant and the City’s contribution would be $1.4 million for construction of a sound barrier wall along I-55. He thanked Congresswoman Judy Biggert for her assistance in obtaining federal funding; he noted that the project would cost approximately $5 million. He said that residents were concerned if the $2.8 million would only be used for the specific area and that the City intended to work closely with the State of Illinois, professionals and residents regarding implementation of the money for the buffer/sound barrier.

8. CITY CLERK'S REPORT

Clerk Coleman…

… invited everyone for Coffee with Mayor Soldato on Saturday, December 18th, from 9:00 until 10:00 A.M. at Carmelite Carefree Village located at 8419 Bailey Road.

… announced that the following meetings had been cancelled: * Planning and Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for December 15th, * Cable Commission meeting scheduled for December 16th, * Environmental Committee meeting scheduled for December 21st, * Public Works Water/Streets Committee meetings scheduled for December 22nd, and * Planning/Development Committee meeting scheduled for December 27th.

9. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Administrator Vana…

… reminded everyone that the 2004 Holiday Home Decorating Contest was under way. He said that contestants had to be nominated; people could make their nominations either in person at City Hall, by calling City Hall at 852-5000, or through the City’s website. Nominations would be accepted through December 10th; judging was scheduled to take place from December 13th to December 17th; winners would be announced at the December 20th Council meeting.

… informed residents that they could place brush from the last heavy snowstorm in the parkway; he noted that Public Works was scheduled to perform an emergency pickup for brush.

… commented about recent vandalism in the Hinsbrook subdivision. He advised residents that both Willowbrook and Darien Police were watching the areas; he indicated that residents should call ‘911’ to report suspicious incidences.

Alderman Weaver inquired who should be contacted regarding a rear yard tree near utility lines; Administrator Vana requested the information be sent to him and that he would follow-up with ComEd.

10. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORT

Community Development Director Gregory Dreyer…

… stated that Chief Pavelchik asked him to remind residents that parking was not allowed on City streets when snow fall was one inch (1”) or more. The parking ban also assisted Public Works with snowplowing.

… reported on new developments: * Posejpal property on Lemont Road proposed a 65 townhome subdivision. * 67th & Bentley property proposed a thirteen lot subdivision, 9 lots in Darien and 4 lots in Willowbrook. * Park District property on Cass Avenue proposed a six lot single-family subdivision. * Sokol property near Waterfall Glen proposed two 5-story condominium buildings consisting of 104 units.

... noted the following: * Grace Baptist Church on Frontage Road requested a sign variation. * AMVETS was proposing to locate a trailer west of Wal-Mart. * Steak N Shake proposed a facility east of Home Depot.

… commented that three stores had opened at Darien Marketplace: Sports Clips, Back to Bed, and Chicago Home Fitness. He noted that five other businesses were building-out and that negotiations were continuing with other businesses.

… stated that Walgreen’s in Brookhaven Plaza was under construction and Brookhaven Marketplace was open for business.

Alderman Marchese inquired about vacant spaces near Panera; Director Dreyer responded that Fruitful Yield and Ricobene’s were moving into Darien Towne Centre.

There was discussion about the 67th & Bentley project. It was stated that both municipalities utilized the same engineering firm, public hearings would be held, and resident input would be requested.

11. TREASURER'S REPORT

A. WARRANT NUMBER 04-05-14

It was moved by Alderman Tikalsky and seconded by Alderman Biehl to approve payment of Warrant Number 04-05-14 in the amount of $204,572.17 from the General Fund; $131,024.37 from the Water Fund; $104,692.16 from Motor Fuel Tax Fund; $944.13 Special Service Area Tax Fund; $3,651.33 from the Darien Area Dispatch Fund; $863.00 from D.A.R.E. Fund; $209,595.15 from the General Fund Payroll for the period ending 11/24/04; $21,655.69 from the Water Fund Payroll for the period ending 11/24/04; $24,129.21 from the D.A.D.C. Fund Payroll for the period ending 11/24/04; for a total to be approved of $701,127.21.

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

Nays: None

Absent: Hagen, Poteraske

Results: Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 2 MOTION DULY CARRIED

12. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Administrative/Finance Committee — Chairman Weaver submitted, for the record, Minutes from the October 11, 2004 meeting. She stated that the Committee would meet on December 13th at 6:30 P.M.

Planning/Development Committee — No report.

Public Works Water/Streets Committee — No report.

13. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS — AGENDA RELATED

There were no Agenda related questions or comments.

14. OLD BUSINESS

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

15. CONSENT AGENDA

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

A. ORDINANCE NO. O-48-04 AN ORDINANCE LEVYING TAXES FOR GENERAL AND SPECIAL CORPORATE PURPOSES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON THE FIRST DAY OF MAY, 2004, AND ENDING ON THE THIRTIETH DAY OF APRIL, 2005, FOR THE CITY OF DARIEN, ILLINOIS

B. ORDINANCE NO. O-49-04 AN ORDINANCE FOR THE LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF TAXES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING ON THE FIRST DAY OF MAY, 2004, AND ENDING ON THE THIRTIETH DAY OF APRIL, 2005, FOR THE CITY OF DARIEN SPECIAL SERVICE AREA NUMBER ONE KNOWN AS TARA HILL

C. RESOLUTION NO. R-31-04 A RESOLUTION FOR MAINTENANCE OF STREET AND HIGHWAYS BY MUNICIPALITY UNDER THE ILLINOIS HIGHWAY CODE (2005 TREE TRIMMING)

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

Nays: None

Absent: Hagen, Poteraske

Results: Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 2 MOTION DULY CARRIED

16. NEW BUSINESS

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

17. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS — GENERAL

Alderman Tikalsky * thanked Public Works for an outstanding job with snow removal during the recent snow storm. * thanked Cub Scout Pack 236 for making decorations and leading the Pledge of Allegiance for the City Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Historical Society. * announced that the Darien Historical Society would have ‘Sunday Dinner’ on January 30, 2005 at Ripples; tickets were available for $25.00 per person. * informed residents that he would not seek re-election as Ward 4 Alderman; he urged residents to consider the position and that packets were available at City Hall.

Norbert Borowski, 8114 Sawyer Road commented on the sound wall construction. He felt that the wall should be constructed from Clarendon Hills Road to Cass Avenue, instead of the area proposed from Cass Avenue to Lemont Road. Mr. Borowski stated that the decibel level was higher and the population was greater in the D-1 area, Clarendon Hills Road to Cass Avenue.

Peggy Concannon, 8829 Carlisle Court, thanked everyone for obtaining funds; she provided background of how the sound wall project began. Ms. Concannon was concerned because money had been secured and others wanted to utilize it; she wanted the money used specifically for the indicated section. She indicated that there was a safety issue: Frontage Road was lower than I-55.

Mayor Soldato thanked Ms. Concannon for her efforts with the nature of the problem from I-55, which was both a sound and safety issue. He stated that residents could make a difference and have done so. Ms. Concannon suggested development of a Special Service Area for the affected areas or to use Motor Fuel Tax funds for the project. Mayor Soldato suggested a meeting with the affected residents to discuss options and concepts.

Jeff Mueller, 8837 Gleneagles Lane, thanked Council for approving the sound wall study.

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 8:12 P.M.

Mayor ________________________________ City Clerk

JFC/jr All supporting documentation and report originals of these minutes are on file in the Office of the City Clerk under File Number 12-06-04.