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2007 Minutes

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Minutes

A WORK SESSION WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:00 P.M. BY MAYOR WEAVER FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVIEWING ITEMS ON THE JUNE 18, 2007 AGENDA WITH THE CITY COUNCIL. THE SESSION ADJOURNED AT 7:36 P.M.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

It was moved by Alderman Poteraske and seconded by Alderman Gattuso at 7:00 P.M. to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing personnel as prescribed by Section 2(C)(1) of Public Act 88-261.

Roll Call: Ayes: Durkin, Galan, Gattuso, Marchese, McIvor, Poteraske

Nays: None

Absent: None

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

It was moved by Alderman Marchese and seconded by Alderman Galan at 7:36 P.M. to adjourn into Open Session.

Roll Call: Ayes: Durkin, Galan, Gattuso, Marchese, McIvor, Poteraske

Nays: None

Absent: None

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

Minutes of the Regular Meeting

of the City Council of the

CITY OF DARIEN

JUNE 18, 2007

1. CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Darien was called to order at 7:36 P.M. by Mayor Weaver.

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

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

3. ROLL CALL — The Roll Call of Aldermen by Clerk Coleman was as follows:

Present: William R. Durkin Joseph A. Marchese John Galan Sylvia McIvor Carolyn A. Gattuso John F. Poteraske, Jr.

Also in Attendance: Kathleen Moesle Weaver, Mayor Joanne F. Coleman, City Clerk John B. Murphey, City Attorney Bryon D. Vana, City Administrator Robert Pavelchik, Chief of Police Daniel Gombac, Director of Community Development/Public Works

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

5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – June 4, 2007

It was moved by Alderman Gattuso and seconded by Alderman Poteraske to approve the Minutes of the June 4, 2007 meeting, as presented.

Roll Call: Ayes: Durkin, Galan, Gattuso, Marchese, McIvor, Poteraske

Nays: None

Absent: None

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

6. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS

Alderman Durkin…

…advised he has been notified that there may be multiple petitions being circulated in regards to Euclid Foundation’s proposed Special Use and Variances requests. The group, which reside in the 7800 Cass area wanted to make sure the City Council understand that their objection has nothing to do with the religious organization, but with the many variances and density of the use. Their representative, Joe Buell, has submitted a sample of the petitions that are being circulated in opposition to the proposed Special Use and Variances. The residents will attend the July 23rd meeting of the Planning/Development Committee to state their concerns.

Administrator Vana confirmed that although there is a Planning/Development Committee meeting scheduled to take place on June 25, 2007, the Euclid Foundation petition will be reviewed at the July 23 meeting.

Mayor Weaver…

…submitted for the record an e-mail from Patricia Jason of 1500 Royal Oak Road applauding the addition of the new Buona Beef but expressing concern with the traffic problems this new restaurant has created.

Chief Pavelchik suggested that patrons of Buona Beef utilize the center’s east driveway to ease the traffic congestion. Once the newness of the establishment has worn off, the traffic congestion may ease.

7. MAYOR’S REPORT

A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE REAPPOINTMENT OF DEPARTMENT HEADS: BRYON VANA, CITY ADMINISTRATOR: ROBERT PAVELCHIK, POLICE CHIEF; AND DANIEL GOMBAC, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/PUBLIC WORKS.

It was moved by Alderman Marchese and seconded by Alderman Galan to approve the motion as presented.

Roll Call: Ayes: Durkin, Galan, Gattuso, Marchese, McIvor, Poteraske

Nays: None

Absent: None

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

City Clerk Coleman administered the Oath of Office to Bryon Vana, Daniel Gombac and Robert Pavelchik. They received a round of applause from the audience and congratulations from the Council.

B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO ADVISE AND CONSENT TO MAYOR WEAVER’S APPOINTMENT OF HALIL AVCI AS ALDERMAN OF WARD SEVEN.

It was moved by Alderman Marchese and seconded by Alderman McIvor to approve the motion as presented.

Roll Call: Ayes: Durkin, Galan, Gattuso, Marchese, McIvor, Poteraske

Nays: None

Absent: None

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

City Clerk Coleman administered the Oath of Office to Halil Avci. He received a round of applause from the audience and the congratulations of the Council. Alderman Avci took he seat on the dais.

8. CITY CLERK’S REPORT

Clerk Coleman…

… announced that the June 20, 2007 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting has been cancelled due to lack of agenda items.

…announced that the Communications Commission Meeting of June 21, 2007 has been cancelled.

…invited all to attend the Darien Historical Society Ice Cream Social which is being held on June 20, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at Darien Community Park.

…stated that the Administrative/Finance Committee Meeting of July 9, 2007 has been cancelled.

…reported that the Council Meeting scheduled for July 2 has been cancelled.

9. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Administrator Vana…

…advised that one of the biggest challenges is to keep residents informed of events, programs, and news worthy items. To try to address this issue, the City has adopted a Direct Connect e-mail subscription program. Residents are encouraged to sign up for the program on line through the City’s website, by e-mailing rfurman@darien.il.us, or by simply phoning City Hall. Staff is reviewing the criteria of the information that will be e-mailed to the residents. The city will be surveying residents to determine the information they are seeking.

…thanked the Mayor and Council Members for his reappointment.

10. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORT

Community Development/Public Works Director Gombac…

…thanked the Mayor and City Council for his reappointment.

…provided an update on the concrete removal and replacement program and advised that 85 residents are participating.

…announced that the road resurfacing program began today. Residents in the affected area were notified with hand-delivered flyers and informational signs. The signs will be relocated to affected areas throughout the project. Explained and reviewed the five stages of the project which include grinding, base stabilization identification, leveling binder, geotextile fabric placement, and final bituminous application.

…provided an update on the 67th street storm sewer ditch project. The project will improve storm water conveyance, as well as the aesthetics of the area.

…provided an update on Project H which is currently underway within the northern ROW of 67th Street and Western. The project which includes removal of deteriorated pipe, installation of a 24-inch pipe with inlets, and a re-profiled ditch should be completed by July 3rd.

…provided an update on the water tower project. It is anticipated that painting of the water tower will begin toward the end of the month. The pump house building is in the process of being completed and the Public Works Department is working on the installation of the storm sewer infrastructure.

…provided information on the fully funded federal grant program referred to as Safe Routes to School. This program encourages a collaboration between the local municipality, schools, parents, children, Police Department and the Park District to identify areas in the community which are in need of improvement to make it easier for children to walk or bicycle to school. The preliminary plan, which consisted of approximately fifteen project sites, was submitted to and approved by the Illinois Department of Transportation. The next step of the process is to apply for funding approval.

…noted two restaurants have recently opened. Froots is located between Home Depot and Circuit City, and Buona Beef is located just north of 75th Street and East of Cass.

…reminded the Council Members and residents that the next brush pickup is schedule for June 25 through 29, 2007.

Mayor Weaver inquired if one of the areas being identified as part of the Safe Routes to School program is the diagonal parking along the east side of the park and improvements to the sidewalk leading towards the ball fields at Park & Shelley near Eisenhower Junior High.

Director Gombac responded that this is one of the areas identified.

Alderman Poteraske advised that behind Lace School there is a path way across from Adams near 73rd Street. The street needs to be more visible with better striping.

At the request of Administrator Vana, Dan Gombac reviewed signage announcing various improvement projects which are in process.

Alderman Poteraske requested that notification signs be posted in areas where water is being shut off prior to the work being performed.

Alderman Durkin commended staff on using signage to notify residents of city projects. He felt this is a great communication tool.

Alderman Avci suggested that, as part of the Safe Routes to School program, the traffic situation leading into Lace School be reviewed.

Administrator Vana reminded the Council that DuPage County conducted a public hearing two or three years ago regarding 75th Street. Some of their plans were opposed by the city. Staff will check with the county to determine what they have identified as part of their plans.

Alderman McIvor inquired when the new street signs will be installed. Director Gombac responded that signs will begin to be erected in the next couple of weeks beginning with 67th Street and Clarendon Hills Road. The entire project will take approximately 1-1/2 years to complete.

11. TREASURER'S REPORT

A. WARRANT NUMBER 07-08-04

It was moved by Alderman Gattuso and seconded by Alderman Poteraske to approve payment of Warrant Number 07-08-04 in the amount of $116,219.65 from the General Fund; $108,558.90 from the Water Fund; $17,784.84 from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund; $578,233.46 from the Water Depreciation Fund; $617.23 from the Darien Area Dispatch Center; $18.10 from the Joint Use Facility Fund; $114,073.66 from the General Fund Payroll for the period ending 06/07/07; $24,672.85 from the Water Fund Payroll for the period ending 06/07/07; $28,761.59 from the D.A.D.C. Fund Payroll for the period ending 06/07/07; for a total to be approved of $988,940.28.

Roll Call: Ayes: Avci, Durkin, Galan, Gattuso, Marchese, McIvor, Poteraske

Nays: None

Absent: None

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

12. TREASURER’S MONTHLY REPORT – MAY 2007

Treasurer Coren reviewed all sources of revenue and expenditures for the month of May 2007 with the following year-to-date fund balances: General Fund Revenue $821,258; General Fund Expenditures $1,000,689; Current General Fund Balance $3,309,994. Water Fund Revenue $13,906; Water Fund Expenditures $188,588; Current Water Fund Balance $410,025. Motor Fuel Tax Fund Revenue $57,547; Motor Fuel Tax Fund Expenditures $7,961; Current Motor Fuel Tax Fund Balance $311,453. Water Depreciation Fund Revenue $26,429; Water Depreciation Fund Expenditures $506,222; Current Water Depreciation Fund Balance $3,001,157. Capital Improvement Fund Revenue $1,400,050; Capital Improvement Fund Expenditures $16,582; Current Capital Improvement Fund Balance $1,425,688.

Treasurer Coren advised he and staff are in the process of conducting an analysis of the city’s cash reserve funds and investments to be certain the highest return is being yielded.

Alderman Poteraske noted that a majority of the funds invested are yielding a return of 5% or higher.

Mayor Weaver noted that the city will be going to RFP for banking services.

13. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Public Works Water/Streets Committee — Chairman Marchese announced that the next meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, July 25, 2007 at 6:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers. Minutes from the May 23, 2007 meeting were submitted for the record.

Planning/Development Committee — Chairman McIvor announced that the next meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, June 25, 2007 at 6:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers.

Administrative/Finance Committee – Chairman Poteraske announced that the next scheduled meeting of July 9, 2007 has been cancelled.

14. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS — AGENDA RELATED

There were no questions and/or comments.

15. OLD BUSINESS

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

16. CONSENT AGENDA

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

A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE SEPTEMER 7, 8, AND 9 AS DATES FOR THE DARIEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO HOLD THE DARIENFEST 2007 CELEBRATION

B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CLOSURE OF ROADS TO ACCOMMODATE ASTRO AMUSEMENT CO./DARIENFEST, INCLUDING CLARENDON HILLS ROAD FROM PLAINFIELD ROAD TO 71ST STREET FROM 10:00 A.M. ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, UNTIL 5:00 P.M. ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2007 (WITH MAINTENANCE OF LANE FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES); TENNESSEE AVENUE AND 72ND STREET TO BENTLEY TO BE CLOSED EXCEPT FOR LOCAL TRAFFIC; NO PARKING ON THE NORTH SIDE OF 71ST STREET FROM CLARENDON HILLS ROAD TO THE WEST END OF DARIEN COMMUNITY PARK; NO PARKING ON BOTH SIDES OF CLARENDON HILLS ROAD FROM 71ST STREET TO 69TH STREET; NO PARKING ON THE EAST SIDE OF BENTLEY AVENUE FROM 71ST STREET TO 72ND STREET; AND PARKIG ON ONE SIDE OF ROGER ROAD.

C. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PROVISION OF POLICE PROTECTION FOR THE DARIENFEST 2007 CELEBRATION.

D. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION GRANTING A WAIVER OF THE $50.00 A DAY FEE FOR THE TEMPORARY LIQUOR LICENSE – DARIENFEST.

E. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE EXPENDITURE OF BUDGETED FUNDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF AN ULTRASONIC CLEANING SYSTEM (TOTAL PRICE QUOTED $9,722.00).

F. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ANNUAL DUES PAYMENT FOR DARIEN POLICE DEPARTMENT PARTICIPATION WITH THE DUPAGE METROPOLITAN ENFORCEMENT GROUP (DUMEG) ($20,800.00). G. ORDINANCE NO. 0-26-07 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY (VEHICLES) OWNED BY THE CITY OF DARIEN

Roll Call: Ayes: Avci, Durkin, Galan, Gattuso, Marchese, McIvor, Poteraske

Nays: None

Absent: None

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

17. NEW BUSINESS A. RESOLUTION NO. R-32-07 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTING PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS (FARANO RESUBDIVISION, 67TH STREET).

It was moved by Alderman McIvor and seconded by Alderman Gattuso that the resolution be adopted as presented.

Roll Call: Ayes: Avci, Durkin, Galan, Gattuso, Marchese, McIvor, Poteraske

Nays: None

Absent: None

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

B. RESOLUTION NO. R-33-07 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF DARIEN AND CHRISTOPHER B. BURKE ENGINEERING, LTD. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $5,000.00 (LEONARD DRIVE/RICHMOND AVENUE DRAINAGE FEASIBILITY STUDY).

It was moved by Alderman Gattuso and seconded by Alderman Poteraske that the resolution be adopted as presented.

Roll Call: Ayes: Avci, Durkin, Galan, Gattuso, Marchese, McIvor, Poteraske

Nays: None

Absent: None

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

C. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO ACCEPT A DRAINAGE UTILITY EASEMENT FROM THE DARIEN PARK DISTRICT, FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 802 PLAINFIELD ROAD, AND COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS THE DARIEN PARK DISTRICT MAINTENANCE FACILITY.

It was moved by Alderman Marchese and seconded by Alderman Galan that the motion be approved as presented.

Roll Call: Ayes: Avci, Durkin, Galan, Gattuso, Marchese, McIvor, Poteraske

Nays: None

Absent: None

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

D. ORDINANCE NO. 0-27-07 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 3-3-7-1(C) OF THE DARIEN CITY CODE TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF CLASS A LIQUOR LICENSES.

It was moved by Alderman Galan and seconded by Alderman McIvor that the ordinance be adopted as presented.

Roll Call: Ayes: Avci, Durkin, Galan, Gattuso, Marchese, McIvor, Poteraske

Nays: None

Absent: None

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

E. RESOLUTION NO. R-34-07 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE A FIFTH AMENDMENT TO THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DARIEN AND BRYON D. VANA.

It was moved by Alderman McIvor and seconded by Alderman Gattuso that the resolution be adopted as presented.

Roll Call: Ayes: Avci, Durkin, Galan, Gattuso, Marchese, McIvor, Poteraske

Nays: None

Absent: None

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

18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS — GENERAL

Art Donner of 7548 Cambridge Road addressed the City Council regarding the power outage he and fifty of his neighbors experienced on June 17, 2007. A generator exploded. The generator is located next to the area that was supposed to have been fixed. Mr. Donner requested an explanation as to why the residents in his neighborhood were without power

Alderman McIvor…

…agreed that the residents and Council Members should be provided with an explanation from Com Ed regarding this latest power outage.

…requested that ComEd’s representatives attend a meeting as soon as possible to respond to Mr. Donner’s and the City’s concerns.

Alderman Poteraske…

…commented that he read that ComEd had installed an additional transformer and he noted that this major improvements has already failed.

Mayor Weaver…

…inquired if ComEd is reporting to the city on a quarterly basis.

Administrator Vana…

…advised that it is planned to have ComEd’s representative attend the first meeting in August for the City Council. Staff will be meeting with them prior to that date.

Alderman McIvor…

…requested the aldermen be provided with a copy of ComEd’s explanation prior to the August meeting.

…suggested that ComEd report to the City Council more frequently during the summer months.

Alderman Marchese…

…advised that the results of a one-year study of the possible consolidation of School Districts 61 and 63 will be presented at a joint meeting of the school boards by the Consolidation Committee on Wednesday, June 27 at Eisenhower Junior High at 7 p.m. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting.

Mayor Weaver…

…suggested that the City advertise this meeting for the residents.

Alderman Poteraske…

…noted that the Consolidation Committee is a recommending committee.

…announced that the first, temporary, speed hump is being placed on 71st from Hudson to Exner as a test case.

Alderman Avci…

…thanked the Mayor and City Council for his appointment and the opportunity to service the residents of Ward 7 and Darien as a whole.

Alderman McIvor…

…brought to attention yesterday’s Chicago Tribune article regarding the selection of a nuclear fuel recycling location. Thirteen locations are being considered. This list will be reduced to six or seven in the fall. Argonne is on the list. Although Argonne may have been a good location when it was first constructed because of the remoteness, with all the development in the area that is no longer the case. Darien residents and residents of neighboring communities in opposition to the location of a nuclear fuel recycling plant at Argonne are encouraged to contact their County, State, and Federal elected officials. The names of those officials will be posted on the cable website.

Alderman Poteraske…

…spoke with Judy Biggert two or three weeks ago, but she did not take a position at that time on the matter. She is aware of Darien’s position.

Alderman Avci…

…advised that he is an employee of Argonne for 17 years, and although, he is not involved, he does have knowledge of the project. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) phase of the project encourages public comments. Alderman Avci cautioned that from his experience, it is important that comments made be informed and meaningful.

Alderman McIvor…

…commented that the project is a good one but the location is not.

Chief Pavelchik…

…thanked Mayor Weaver and the Council Members for his reappointment.

…advised that the National Safety Council is testing a new program which is designed to help young drivers make good decisions. The Council is looking for parent volunteers whose children are entering driver’s education to participate. There are three or four seats available in Darien. Interested parents should contact the Chief.

19. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the City Council, it was moved by Alderman Durkin to adjourn the meeting. Alderman McIvor seconded the motion.

VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED

The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:38 P.M.

All supporting documentation and report originals of these minutes are on file in the Office of the City Clerk under File Number 06-18-07.

 

 

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