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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