A WORK SESSION WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:05 P.M. BY MAYOR WEAVER FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVIEWING ITEMS ON THE APRIL 7, 2008 AGENDA WITH THE CITY COUNCIL. THE SESSION ADJOURNED AT 7:30 P.M.

Minutes of the Regular Meeting

of the City Council of the

CITY OF DARIEN

APRIL 7, 2008

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

Absent: None

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 David Skala, Deputy Police Chief

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

5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 17, 2008

It was moved by Alderman Gattuso and seconded by Alderman Galan to approve the minutes of the March 17, 2008 meeting, 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

Mayor Weaver announced that the Executive Session that was on this evening’s agenda has been cancelled, and will be on the next City Council agenda.

6. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS

Clerk Coleman has a communication from a resident of the Woodlands inquiring about the time frame of the pothole repair at the entrance into the Woodlands.

Mayor Weaver noted that the eastbound lanes were patched first and the westbound lanes have been patched as well.

7. MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Weaver advised that the city has recently received a letter from the Robbins Community Power Company requesting a proposal to provide them with wood chips. This is a good opportunity for the city to go green with wood chips.

Alderman Avci advised that he and Dan Gombac have been discussing what could be done with brush picked up by the city.

Dan Gombac advised that the brush could be a potential revenue source. A representative from a consortium will be evaluating the wood chips to determine their quality and the dollar value per ton.

8. CITY CLERK’S REPORT

Clerk Coleman…

…advised that the April 1, 2008 meeting of the Fire and Police Commission has been rescheduled to Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

…invited everyone to have coffee with Mayor Weaver on Saturday, April 19, 2008 from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. at City Hall in the Council Chambers. …reminded everyone that their Statements of Economic Interest are due to be filed with the DuPage County Clerk by May 1, 2008. The Ethics Statement is due to be filed with the City Clerk’s Office by May 1, 2008.

…announced that The Gift of Carl Foundation, Inc. is having their 2nd Annual Musical Instrument Recycling Program on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at the Darien Sportsplex at 451 Plainfield Road from 9:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. Donations will receive a tax deduction.

9. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

There was no report this evening.

Alderman Poteraske inquired when ComEd will be attending a council meeting.

Administrator Vana responded that ComEd submitted their annual report last week, and anticipates their attendance at a Council Meeting in May.

Alderman Poteraske stated that the report ComEd put out covering January, February, and March needs to be redone. Their current descriptions are one word statements which need to be clarified.

10. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORT

There was no department head report this evening.

11. TREASURER'S REPORT

A. WARRANT NUMBER 07-08-22

It was moved by Alderman Marchese and seconded by Alderman Gattuso to approve payment of Warrant Number 07-08-22 in the amount of $39,676.38 from the General Fund; $29,145.82 from the Water Fund; $7,525.01 from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund; $5,982.05 from the Water Depreciation Fund; $1,017.96 from the Darien Area Dispatch Center; $150.00 from the D.A.R.E. Fund; $113,082.88 from the General Fund Payroll for the period ending 03/27/08; $22,219.49 from the Water Fund Payroll for the period ending 03/27/08; $26,485.46 from the D.A.D.C. Fund Payroll for the period ending 03/27/08; for a total to be approved of $245,285.05.

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. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Public Works Water/Streets Committee — Alderman Marchese advised that the next meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 21, 2008 at 6:30 P.M. in the upstairs conference room pending agenda items.

Administrative/Finance Committee — Alderman Poteraske submitted the minutes of the March 10, 2008 Administrative/Finance Committee Meeting and advised that the next meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 6:30 P.M. in the Police Training Room.

Planning/Development Committee — Alderman McIvor advised that the next meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 6:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers pending agenda items.

13. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS — AGENDA RELATED

Kevin Monaghan of 7509 Norman Drive expressed concern with the year-end fund balance in the proposed budget.

Mayor Weaver and the City Council addressed Mr. Monaghan’s concerns and expressed confidence in the conservative, proposed budget.

Alderman Poteraske advised items which were put in the budget this year are items which need to be addressed.

Alderman Marchese pointed out that this year’s budget does not propose any expansion items. The budget proposes basic services for the city. The additional projects slated for this year, such as the ditch projects, have demonstrated a need. Although Alderman Marchese understands Mr. Monaghan’s concerns, he believes the City Council was extremely diligent in reviewing the budget and setting the priorities.

Mayor Weaver agreed that this is a bare bones budget when it comes to staff salaries and equipment.

Administrator Vana stated that a municipal budget contains a variety of funds. As an example, the Capital Projects Fund has a $600,000 balance. Since this fund comes from operations, it could be used if the need arises. It is important to note that three years ago the city went to a three-year budget forecast. Looking at the budget over the three year period provides a truer picture. Administrator Vana is proud of the service the city is able to continue to provide to the residents without raising taxes.

In response to Mr. Monaghan’s inquiry, Administrator Vana advised that the city will end the year with $600,000 in the Capital Projects Fund. Those funds will be spent over a three-year period. The funds in that account will not necessarily be spent this year.

Treasurer Coren complimented the professional staff of the city. The proposed budget is very basic and conservative. The City Council has been very conservative in projections of revenues and expenditures. The city’s sales tax would have to decrease by 25% for city to use up the cushion in the year-end fund. Treasurer Coren complimented the City Council on the budget that has been produced, and is very comfortable with the city’s long-term plan.

Alderman Galan advised that the council members and staff have discussed the budget on numerous occasions. As often occurs, project expenditures will probably come in under budget. Alderman Galan stated that he is very comfortable and confident with the proposed budget.

Alderman McIvor stated that a budget is a plan for projects and spending. It is a forecast for the next twelve, twenty-four, and thirty-six months. It is not a commitment to spend. It’s just a plan. There is always the ability not to do a project that is in the budget.

Mayor Weaver added that most projects are bid, and if a bid comes in too high, the project would not be done. The budget is a planning tool. The City Council is very conservative in their estimate of expenditures and revenues. Revenues always come in higher than projected. Mayor Weaver is very comfortable with what is being given back to the community despite the conservative budget.

14. OLD BUSINESS

There was no old business to come before the City Council.

15. CONSENT AGENDA

Mayor Weaver announced that Items A., B., and C., under New Business have been added to the consent agenda as Items J., K., and L.

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

A. RESOLUTION NO. R-27-08 CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO ACCEPT A PROPOSAL FOR THE 2008 STREET SWEEPING SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF DARIEN AND HOVING CLEAN SWEEP IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $24,960.00

B. RESOLUTION NO. R-28-08 CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DARIEN AND THE COUNTY OF DUPAGE FOR MOWING ALONG COUNTY ROAD AND RIGHT OF WAYS

C. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO CONSIDER TO FABRICATE AND INSTALL MAILBOXES FOR RESIDENTS WHILE ONLY CHARGING FOR MAILBOX, POST AND ACCESSORIES

D. RESOLUTION NO. R-29-08 CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXTEND A CONTRACT AGREEMENT FOR THE 2008 FERTILIZATION PROGRAM BETWEEN THE CITY OF DARIEN AND SPRING GREEN LAWN CARE

E. RESOLUTION NO. R-30-08 CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION FOR MAINTENANCE OF STREETS AND HIGHWAYS BY MUNICIPALITY UNDER THE ILLINOIS HIGHWAY CODE (2008 STREET MAINTENANCE) ($621,700.00)

F. ORDINANCE NO. O-13-08 CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A VARIATION TO THE DARIEN ZONING ORDINANCE (PZC 2008-02: 8726 CARRIAGE GREEN DRIVE

G. ORDINANCE NO. O-14-08 CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A VARIATION TO THE DARIEN ZONING ORDINANCE (PZC 2008-03: 7222 CAPITOL DRIVE

H. ORDINANCE NO. O-15-08 CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A VARIATION TO THE DARIEN ZONING ORDINANCE (PZC 2008-05: 1601 LAKEVIEW DRIVE)

I. ORDINANCE NO. O-16-08 CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A SPECIAL USE AND A VARIATION TO THE DARIEN ZONING ORDINANCE (PZC 2007-21: 7214 CASS AVENUE, ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH)

J. RESOLUTION NO. R-31-08 CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO CONTRACT WITH THE ILLINOIS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY FOR THE 2008 CHEMICAL/RADIOLOGICAL/LT2 WATER SAMPLING PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,761.80

K. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION FOR THE CITY COUNCIL TO DIRECT THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION TO CONSIDER A TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE REGULATING OFF-STREET PARKING, INCLUDING RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY STANDARDS AND THE PARKING/STORAGE OF RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

L. ORDINANCE NO. 0-17-08 CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE 2008-2009 BUDGET

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

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

16. NEW BUSINESS

There was no new business to come before the City Council.

17. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS — GENERAL

Alderman McIvor asked if the old street signs will be removed, now that the new streets signs are being installed.

Mr. Gombac responded that the old signs will be coming down.

Alderman Durkin requested an update on the street sign installation project, and inquired if the website information on this project will be updated.

Mr. Gombac advised that there are 174 signs to be installed. The anticipated target date for completion is July 31. Website information on this program will be updated shortly.

Alderman Poteraske announced that the Darien Park District is now handling the processing of applications for Senior Citizen RTA passes which allow free passage on trains. Please be sure to telephone the Park District to insure that you bring all the proper paperwork with you when applying for the card.

Mayor Weaver advised that she attended the grand opening of the Rickets facility at Argonne yesterday. There was quite an elaborate ceremony with representatives of the state and from Washington, D.C. in attendance. Rickets Lab is going to be operated by the University of Chicago at Argonne. Rickets Lab will conduct biochemical research at this location. Mayor Weaver expressed gratitude to Argonne for inviting her to this great event.

18. ADJOURNMENT

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

VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED

The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:10 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 04-7-08. Minutes of 04-07-08 CCM April 7, 2008