Minutes
A WORK SESSION WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:05 P.M. BY MAYOR
WEAVER FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVIEWING ITEMS ON THE OCTOBER 15,
2007 AGENDA WITH THE CITY COUNCIL. THE WORK SESSION
ADJOURNED AT 7:30 P.M.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
of the City Council of the
CITY OF DARIEN
OCTOBER 15, 2007
1. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Darien was called to order at 7:35 P.M. by Mayor Weaver.
The meeting was conducted with the assistance of Samantha
Crotty, Winner of the “15 Minutes of Fame” Auction Item and
members of the Darien’s Junior Girl Scout Troop #11. The
participants were introduced by Rosanna Furman and assigned
to their specific council member as follows:
Samantha Crotty - Kathleen Moesle Weaver, Mayor Brittany
West - Joanne F. Coleman, City Clerk Julia Nigohosian -
William R. Durkin Tessa Webster - John Galan Michelle Davis
- Carolyn A. Gattuso Cassidy Quinn - Joseph A. Marchese
Nikki Webster - John F. Poteraske, Jr. Megan Habel - Bryon
D. Vana, City Administrator
Rosanna Furman was thanked for coordinating this event.
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: Halil Avci Carolyn A. Gattuso William Durkin
Joseph A. Marchese John Galan John F. Poteraske, Jr.
Absent: Sylvia McIvor Also in Attendance: Kathleen Moesle
Weaver, Mayor Joanne F. Coleman, City Clerk Michael J.
Coren, City Treasurer Judith N. Kolman, City Attorney Bryon
D. Vana, City Administrator 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 – October 1, 2007
It was moved by Alderman Gattuso and seconded by Alderman
Galan to approve the minutes of the October 1, 2007 meeting,
as presented.
Roll Call: Ayes: Avci, Durkin, Galan, Gattuso, Marchese,
Poteraske
Nays: None
Absent: McIvor
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1 MOTION DULY CARRIED
6. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS
Alderman Gattuso…
…informed the Council and audience that Gerry Leganski
has started a Neighborhood Watch program for the area from
Glen Lane to Sawyer Road, south of 79th Street. Anyone
interested in participating should contact Gerry at 4jules2@comcast.net.
…the residents of the Farmingdale Neighborhood Watch
Program (south of 79th Street) are requesting street
crossing striping and crosswalk signs on Sawyer Road and
Farmingdale Drive for the path that leads to the park on
Glen Lane. Those making the request feel there is a safety
issue for the children who use the path to the park since
the streets are not clearly marked for motorists.
Mayor Weaver directed that this request be referred to
the Public Works Water/Streets Committee for review.
Alderman Poteraske advised that concerns from residents
have been received regarding the removal of the stop sign at
Bayberry and 73rd Street. Mayor Weaver directed that these
concerns be referred to the November 12, 2007
Administrative/Finance Committee meeting to discuss in more
detail.
Alderman Durkin has received several requests from
residents of Marco Estates for a “No Outlet” sign on Marco
Court.
Mayor Weaver directed that this request be referred to
the Public Works Water/Streets Committee meeting for review.
Alderman Galan has received several compliments from
residents regarding the installation of the stop sign on
Bentley and Maple. Alderman Galan thanked all those who were
involved.
7. MAYOR’S REPORT
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO REAPPOINT CITIZEN OF THE
YEAR COMMITTEE: KATHY ABBATE, JOAN GRAHAM, DEBBY HENIFF,
KATHY LYONS, AND FRAN MAZZOLINI.
It was moved by Alderman Gattuso and seconded by Alderman
Durkin to reappoint Citizen of the Year Committee: Kathy
Abbate, Joan Graham, Debby Heniff, Kathy Lyons, and Fran
Mazzolini.
Roll Call: Ayes: Avci, Durkin, Galan, Gattuso, Marchese,
Poteraske
Nays: None
Absent: McIvor
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1 MOTION DULY CARRIED
Mayor Weaver announced that Alderman Gattuso will be the
City Council Liaison to the Citizen of the Year Committee.
OATH OF OFFICE
Clerk Coleman administered the Oath of Office to Kathy
Abbate, Debby Heniff, Kathy Lyons, and Fran Mazzolini after
which they received a round of applause and the
congratulations of the Council.
Mayor Weaver…
…announced that the Kiwanis will be holding a fund raiser
on October 20, 2007 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. benefiting
Juvenile Diabetes and Cancer Research.
8. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
City Clerk Coleman…
…conducted the 2008 vehicle sticker lottery. The
following organizations were offered the opportunity to
participate: Darien Youth Club, Darien Lions Club, Young at
Heart Seniors, Darien Seniors Club, Darien Chamber of
Commerce, Darien VFW, Darien Rotary Club, Younger Than Ever
Seniors, the Active Seniors Club, and Darien Historical
Society. The eligible Darien community organizations that
expressed an interest in participating were the Darien
Historical Society and Darien VFW. The Darien Historical
Society won the lottery.
…invited those in attendance and in the viewing audience
to attend Coffee with Mayor Weaver on Saturday, October 20,
2007 from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. at the Dodge Ball Tournament
which is being held at Perfect Swing.
…announced that the Environmental Committee meeting of
October 16, 2007 has been cancelled. The next meeting will
take place on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.
…advised that Steve Colaizzi, Field Representative of the
Local Records Unit of the Illinois State Archives, was at
City Hall today working with the Clerk’s office on
disposition of records. Clerk Coleman is requesting the
purchase of a copier/scanner be included in next year’s
budget. The scanner/copier will allow for the readable
storage of records which must be maintained.
9. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Administrator Vana…
…announced that on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 from 9:30
a.m. to 2:30 p.m. the City of Darien will be hosting an
opportunity for local area residents to visit the Secretary
of State’s Office Driver’s License Mobile Unit. Local area
residents can come to the Darien Police Department at 1710
Plainfield Road. Residents are invited to utilize this
opportunity to renew their driver’s license, obtain a
corrected license, acquire I.D. cards for adults and
children, purchase license plate stickers (past, current,
and upcoming months), and have their vision tested.
Identification is required for many of these services.
Driving and CDL testing services will not be provided.
…this evening’s visitors were invited to stay for cake
and coffee following the Council Meeting. Alderman Gattuso
provided the beautifully decorated cake to complete the “15
Minutes of Fame” celebration.
10. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORT
Dan Gombac…
…provided status updates on several construction projects
which were completed last month. These projects include the
concrete removal and replacement program, resurfacing of
approximately 5.5 miles of roadways, crack filling of 70,000
lineal feet, various road striping, and installation and
removal of specified stop and yield signs in accordance with
the traffic study for sub areas 1 and 2.
… stated the City recently completed a joint project with
the Park District and the residents adjacent to the Park
District Maintenance Facility on Plainfield Road. The City
is in the process of finishing up the Holly Avenue and Crest
roadside ditching project.
…with respect to the concrete program, offered gratitude
to staff for their efforts on this project and extended
special thanks to Dan Salvato, the project coordinator, for
a job well done. The duties and responsibilities of Dan
Salvato throughout this project were reviewed.
…reviewed the street sweeping services which began last
week. Residents were requested to help keep the curbs and
gutters free of leaves, especially around storm sewer
inlets. Within the rural sections of town, the Public Works
Department requests that leaves be kept out of the ditches,
especially those fronting culvert pipes. Any storm sewer
inlets or culverts that are clogged with leaves should be
reported to the Public Works Department.
…noted the City provides a free leaf pick up program on
regular garbage collection days which runs through November
30, 2007.
…residents were reminded not to discard leaves in the
roadways or ditches.
…updated the Council on the street name sign replacement
project. Public Works has installed street name signs at 50
intersections with a remainder of approximately 450 to be
installed over the next year. During the next several weeks,
residents will be advised via the cable channel and the
City’s website of the time line and location for
installation of the new street name signs.
…reported on vandalism which occurred on the weekend of
October 5, involving graffiti being painted on approximately
25 various traffic signs between Cass Avenue and Fairview
Avenue to 71st Street and Plainfield Road. Residents were
urged to call 911 when they see unknown individuals
gathering at corners or whenever residents feel that a
gathering is suspicious.
…the water tower tank painting has been completed. The
process of filling and chlorinating the tank has begun. The
tank should be in service by the middle of November. Pump
controls and SCADA system hookups are in the process of
being completed, and site restoration is in process.
Mayor Weaver requested placement of the City’s name on
the water tower be considered.
Alderman Poteraske advised that there is oil on the
street at 71st and Emerson as a result of Downers Grove
Township’s resurfacing project. Alderman Poteraske inquired
what action is being taken to remedy the situation.
Dan Gombac replied that staff is working with Downers
Grove Township and Fiala Paving to address this issue.
…reminded all that the final monthly brush pickup is
scheduled to take place next Monday, October 22 through
Friday, October 26, 2007.
Alderman Galan has received several positive comments on
the water tower from residents.
Dan Gombac advised that “Good Morning America” is putting
together a segment on the water tower. Notification will be
given once the time and date of the segment has been
determined.
Clerk Coleman asked for an update on the sidewalk at 71st
Street and Clarendon Hills Road.
Dan Gombac advised ComEd caused damage to the bicycle
path and sidewalk. Restoration has been completed.
11. TREASURER'S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER 07-08-11
It was moved by Alderman Gattuso and seconded by Alderman
Poteraske to approve payment of Warrant Number 07-08-11 in
the amount of $107,909.74 from the General Fund; $115,411.68
from the Water Fund; $2,374.43 from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund;
$8,817.00 from the Impact Fee Agency Fund; $126,259.15 from
the Water Depreciation Fund; $481.47 from the Darien Area
Dispatch Center; $600.00 from the Joint Use Facility Fund;
$86,703.63 from the Capital Improvement Fund; $116,467.43
from the General Fund Payroll for the period ending
09/27/07; $24,174.18 from the Water Fund Payroll for the
period ending 09/27/07; $26,913.70 from the D.A.D.C. Fund
Payroll for the period ending 09/27/07; for a total to be
approved of $616,112.41.
Roll Call: Ayes: Avci, Durkin, Galan, Gattuso, Marchese,
Poteraske
Nays: None
Absent: McIvor
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1 MOTION DULY CARRIED
B. TREASURER’S MONTHLY REPORT – SEPTEMBER, 2007
Treasurer Coren reviewed all year-to-date sources of
revenue and expenditures and fund balances through the month
of September 2007: General Fund Revenue $5,891,271; General
Fund Expenditures $5,467,622; Current General Fund Balance
$3,913,075. Water Fund Revenue $937,439; Water Fund
Expenditures $1,212,493; Current Water Fund Balance
$309,652. Motor Fuel Tax Fund Revenue $290,116; Motor Fuel
Tax Fund Expenditures $625,067; Current Motor Fuel Tax Fund
Balance $(73,083). Water Depreciation Fund Revenue $55,632;
Water Depreciation Fund Expenditures $1,683,162; Current
Water Depreciation Fund Balance $1,853,420. Capital
Improvement Fund Revenue $2,473,548; Capital Improvement
Fund Expenditures $2,371,467; Current Capital Improvement
Fund Balance $144,302; Capital Projects Debt Service Fund
Revenue $2,676,802 with no expenditures and a fund balance
of $2,676,802.
Treasurer Coren reviewed the Cash Reserves Summary
Report. In anticipation of the lowering of interest,
approximately $2 million was put into longer term
investments prior to the rate cut.
12. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Works Water/Streets Committee — Alderman Marchese
submitted the minutes of the September 17, 2007 meeting of
the Public Works Water/Streets Committee meeting for the
record. The next meeting is scheduled to take place on
Monday, November 19, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.
Administrative/Finance Committee — Alderman Poteraske
advised that the next meeting of the Administrative Finance
Committee is scheduled to take place on November 12, 2007 at
6:30 p.m.
13. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS — AGENDA RELATED
Debby Heniff announced that the deadline to submit
nominations for Citizen of the Year is January 7, 2008. The
Citizen of the Year award dinner is scheduled to take place
on March 8, 2008 at Alpine Banquets. The City presentation
will take place on January 21, 2008. A cake and coffee
reception is scheduled to take place on February 19, 2008.
14. OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business to come before the City
Council.
15. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Weaver announced that Item A. under New Business
has been moved to the Consent Agenda as Item C.
It was moved by Alderman Poteraske and seconded by
Alderman Durkin to approve by Omnibus Vote the following
items on the Consent Agenda:
A. ORDINANCE NO. O-38-07 CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO
APPROVE AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE RECYCLING OR DISPOSAL
OF PERSONAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY OF DARIEN (COMPUTER
EQUIPMENT).
B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LEVY
DETERMINATION AND DRAFT ORDINANCE LEVYING TAXES FOR GENERAL
AND SPECIAL PURPOSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008.
C. ORDINANCE NO. O-39-07 CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO
APPROVE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AN EXISTING SPECIAL USE AND
VARIATION TO THE DARIEN ZONING ORDINANCE AND SIGN CODE (7417
CASS AVENUE, BUONA BEEF)(PZC 2007 - 15).
Roll Call: Ayes: Avci, Durkin, Galan, Gattuso, Marchese,
Poteraske
Nays: None
Absent: McIvor
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1 MOTION DULY CARRIED
16. NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business to come before the City
Council.
17. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS — GENERAL
Alderman Marchese thanked the residents for their
generous contributions to the Darien Lions Club Candy Day
Program.
Alderman Durkin advised that cleanup is needed at Concord
School.
Dan Gombac will look at the site and report back.
Alderman Durkin reminded all residents that Halloween
will be coming up soon and requested everyone be careful
when driving and be generous when handing out candy.
Alderman Marchese invited everyone to attend the Darien
Lions Club Halloween party on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 at
the Darien Sportsplex from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Events
include Bob James Magic Show, Tim Balster Spooky Game Show,
Graveyard Picture Taking, Goodie Bags, Ice Skating for
teens, and a prize for the best adult costume.
Jim Tikalsky, 8301 Woodland Drive, on behalf of the
Historical Society, expressed gratitude at being able to
sell next year’s vehicle stickers. He thanked Dan Gombac for
his efforts in working with the State of Illinois to repave
North Frontage Road between Cass and Clarendon Hills Road.
Mary Wurzer of 2971 Meadow Court complained about the
cost for dumpster rental from ARC. In addition to the flat
fee, ARC also charges extra based on weight. Ms. Wurzer
feels that even if it’s a little higher, there should be a
flat fee so that residents know the cost of the dumpster in
advance.
Administrator Vana will look into this matter in the
morning and get back to Ms. Wurzer.
Clerk Coleman thanked the all the young girls for their
participation in this evening’s meeting and commended them
on a job well done. She then distributed City of Darien pins
to the participants.
Alderman Durkin expressed concern with vehicles blocking
the street at Concord School when parents are dropping off
or picking up their children.
Administrator Vana advised that Concord School is not
located in incorporated Darien, and enforcement is performed
by the Sheriff’s office.
Christine Davis of 17W455 Sutton questioned how the City
feels about the elimination of the bus service at Concord
and what they are doing about it.
Mayor Weaver explained that bus service is solely under
the school district’s jurisdiction. The City works with the
school district to assist in traffic issues and in street
striping.
18. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City
Council, it was moved by Alderman Poteraske and seconded by
Alderman Durkin to adjourn.
Roll Call: Ayes: Avci, Durkin, Galan, Gattuso, Marchese,
Poteraske
Nays: None
Absent: McIvor
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1 MOTION DULY CARRIED
The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:40 P.M.
Mayor ________________________________ City Clerk ld All
supporting documentation and report originals of these
minutes are on file in the Office of the City Clerk under
File Number 10-15-07.
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