Minutes
A WORK SESSION WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:00 P.M. BY MAYOR
WEAVER FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVIEWING ITEMS ON THE DECEMBER
15, 2008 AGENDA WITH THE CITY COUNCIL. THE SESSION ADJOURNED
AT 7:12 P.M.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
of the City Council of the
CITY OF DARIEN
DECEMBER 15, 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: John Galan Sylvia McIvor Carolyn A. Gattuso John
F. Poteraske, Jr. John A. Marchese
Absent: Halil Avci William R. Durkin
Also in Attendance: Kathleen Moesle Weaver, Mayor Joanne
F. Coleman, City Clerk Michael J. Coren, City Treasurer John
B. Murphey, City Attorney Bryon D. Vana, City Administrator
Daniel Gombac, Director of Community Development/Municipal
Services Robert Pavelchik, Police Chief Scott Coren,
Assistant to the City Administrator
4. DECLARATION OF A QUORUM — There being five aldermen
present, Mayor Weaver declared a quorum.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – December 1, 2008 Committee of
the Whole & City Council Meetings
It was moved by Alderman Marchese and seconded by
Alderman Gattuso to approve the minutes of the Committee of
the Whole Meeting and the City Council Meeting of December
1, 2008, as presented.
Roll Call: Ayes: Galan, Gattuso, Marchese, McIvor,
Poteraske
Nays: None
Absent: Avci, Durkin
Results: Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 2 MOTION DULY CARRIED
6. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Weaver received a letter from Kenneth A. Abraham of
1717 Lakeview Drive in the Saw Mill Creek Subdivision
requesting Consent Agenda Items B and E, regarding the stop
sign at Wildwood and Lakeview Drive, be removed from the
agenda and sent back to Administrative/Finance for review
and discussion. Mr. Abraham did not receive notice from his
homeowner’s association of the December 8
Administrative/Finance Committee Meeting until December 10.
Mayor Weaver recommended Mr. Abraham’s request be granted.
Since there were no objections from the Aldermen, Mayor
Weaver renumbered the Consent Agenda Items as follows: Item
A will remain the same, Item C will become Item B, Item D
will become C, Item F will become D, Item G will become E,
and Item H will become F.
7. MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Weaver turned the floor over to Chief Robert
Pavelchik.
Chief Pavelchik advised the Alliance Against Intoxicated
Motorists (AAIM) annually recognize police officers for
their excellence in the fight against drunk driving. This
year, Officers Rich Stutte, Steve Liss, and Tony Hruby were
recognized for their exemplary work. Officers Stutte and
Hruby were unable to attend this evening’s meeting. Chief
Pavelchik presented the Certificate of Appreciation from the
AAIM to Officer Liss in recognition of his commendable DUI
enforcement.
Chief Pavelchik announced that, this past Saturday,
Deputy Chief Skala graduated from Lewis University, earning
his Masters Degree in Public Safety Administration. Chief
Pavelchik and the City Council Members congratulated Deputy
Chief Skala.
A. Chief Pavelchik announced that he was very pleased to
be able to celebrate the retirement of Sergeant Christopher
Falco. Chief Pavelchik stated that Sergeant Falco is the
finest police officer he has ever had the opportunity to
work with. Chief Pavelchik advised that Sergeant Falco began
his career in 1978 in Forest Park, and joined the Village of
Bolingbrook for one year prior to joining the Darien Police
Force in 1981. Christopher Falco was promoted to sergeant in
2004, and has served in law enforcement for 30 years….27 ˝
in Darien. Chief Pavelchik awarded Sergeant Falco a plaque
honoring his fantastic law enforcement career.
Jim McNally, retired FBI Systems Special Agent, who was
Sergeant Falco’s partner in Forest Park, read and presented
to Sergeant Falco a Certificate signed by Robert Mueller,
Director of the FBI, recognizing Christopher Falco’s many
years of distinguished service in law enforcement, his
selfless effort to protect and serve the American public,
and his cooperation among law enforcement agencies at all
levels of government.
Christopher Falco offered his gratitude to Chief
Pavelchik and Deputy Chief Skala. Sergeant Falco stated that
it has been an honor to serve the people of Darien for the
past 27 years. Sergeant Falco expressed pride in and
appreciation of the members of Darien’s Police Department.
Sergeant Falco thanked the City Council and City
Administrator for recognizing his twenty-seven years of
service to Darien. Sergeant Falco extended gratitude to his
wife, Sarah, for always being there for him.
B. Fire and Police Commissioners Carol Gierut, Frank
Noverini, and Mark Piccoli came forward for the promotion of
Michael Campo to Police Sergeant. Mark Piccoli administered
the Oath of Office to Michael Campo.
Mayor Weaver congratulated Michael Campo and Christopher
Falco, and wished them both the best of luck.
Chief Pavelchik extended an invitation for cake and
coffee at the Police Department Training Room following the
City Council Meeting.
C. Mayor Weaver introduced Jeannette Campo, and invited
her to make the Darien Holiday Home Decorating Contest
presentations.
Jeannette Campo thanked Mayor Weaver and the City Council
for the wonderful time she had as Chairperson of the Darien
Holiday Home Decorating Contest. Ms. Campo also extended
gratitude to her committee members. Ms. Campo reviewed the
selection process, and announced the winners of the contest
as follows:
Honorable Mentions: The Serritella Family 1914 McAdam
Road Mark Stange & Jeff Wallace 8493 Sandalwood 5th Place
The Polakkattin Family 7406 Adams Street 4th Place Jason
Zelenik 1521 Norman Drive 3rd Place Ben Santore 7349 Adams
Street 2nd Place Ray Listermann 7944 Glen Lane 1st Place
Lori & Mark Reczek 1118 70th Street
As each winner was announced, Mayor Weaver presented
their respective awards.
Ms. Campo presented Mayor Weaver with a photographic
display of the Holiday Home Decorating Contest winners.
Mayor Weaver thanked Ms. Campo for the lovely display,
and for all her hard work on this contest. Mayor Weaver
announced that the display will be on exhibit in the lobby
of City Hall.
At Mayor Weaver’s request, Scott Coren, advised that the
Holiday Trolley will be touring the winning homes on
December 16, 17, and 18. There are only a few seats
available. Anyone interested in taking the tour should call
630-852-5000 to make a reservation.
8. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
City Clerk Coleman…
…announced that the December 17, 2008 Planning and Zoning
Commission Meeting has been cancelled due to a lack of
agenda items.
…invited all to attend Coffee with Mayor Weaver on
Saturday, December 20, 2008 from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. at
Carmelite Carefree Village.
…advised that Darien City Offices will be closed for the
Christmas and New Year’s Holidays on Thursday, December 24,
Friday, December 25, and Thursday, January 1.
…announced that the January 5, 2009 City Council Meeting
has been cancelled. The next City Council Meeting is
scheduled to take place on Monday, January 19, 2009 at 7:30
P.M.
…wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
9. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
There was no report this evening.
10. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS
Director of Community Development/Municipal Services,
Daniel Gombac, advised the annual tree trimming contract
will be on the January 19, 2009 City Council Agenda for
approval. The city was able to obtain excellent prices for
residential participation. Residents will be given the
opportunity to trim or take down trees on their private
property at a reduced cost. The cost for front yard tree
trimming is $55 and $100 for rear yard. Tree removal and
stumping will also be available for interested residents.
Anyone interested in participating in the program should
call 630-353-8106.
Director Gombac advised that the city has recently been
in touch with a company called “Green Light Go,” who
manufacture and promote LED street lights. Last Friday, the
city installed a new LED street light at 79th and
Farmingdale Drive. The LED street lights will be introduced
during the budget review.
Alderman Gattuso commented that the new LED street light
is in her neighborhood, and provides a nice, even, bright
light.
Alderman McIvor advised that the LED lights not only save
energy but have proven to be an operational savings due to
their extended life.
Director Gombac added that this year’s tree trimming
contract covers Cass Avenue west to Fairview, and 75th
Street north to Darien city limits including Darien Club.
Alderman Marchese and Director Gombac advised that this
year’s residential tree trimming program is open to all
residents of Darien.
In response to Alderman McIvor, Director Gombac
anticipates tree trimming will begin the middle of January.
The charges for tree trimming are based on location (front
or rear yard) and not the size of the trees.
11. TREASURER'S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER 08-09-15
It was moved by Alderman Gattuso and seconded by Alderman
McIvor to approve payment of Warrant Number 08-09-15 in the
amount of $112,705.85 from the General Fund; $138,580.01
from the Water Fund; $5,364.11 from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund;
$1,440.00 from the Special Service Area Tax Fund; $24,320.00
from the Water Depreciation Fund; $2,418.71 from the Darien
Area Dispatch Center; $1,050.00 from the D.A.R.E. Fund;
$193,928.59 from the Capital Improvement Fund; $80,448.52
from the Debt Service Fund; 200,590.47 from the General Fund
Payroll for the period ending 12/04/08; $31,444.55 from the
Water Fund Payroll for the period ending 12/04/08;
$23,337.46 from the D.A.D.C. Fund Payroll for the period
ending 12/04/08; for a total to be approved of $815,628.27.
Roll Call: Ayes: Galan, Gattuso, Marchese, McIvor,
Poteraske
Nays: None
Absent: Avci, Durkin
Results: Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 2 MOTION DULY CARRIED
B. TREASURER’S MONTHLY REPORT – NOVEMBER, 2008
Treasurer Coren reviewed all year-to-date sources of
revenue and expenditures and fund balances through the month
of November, 2008: General Fund Revenue $7,404,585; General
Fund Expenditures $7,703,467; Current General Fund Balance
$3,164,400; Water Fund Revenue $1,744,888; Water Fund
Expenditures $1,573,953; Current Water Fund Balance
$769,671; Motor Fuel Tax Fund Revenue $379,868; Motor Fuel
Tax Fund Expenditures $386,729; Current Motor Fuel Tax Fund
Balance $66,192; Water Depreciation Fund Revenue $171,246;
Water Depreciation Fund Expenditures $715,261; Current Water
Depreciation Fund Balance $686,888; Capital Improvement Fund
Revenue $2,738,450; Capital Improvement Fund Expenditures
$1,160,582; Current Capital Improvement Fund Balance
$2,676,942; Capital Projects Debt Service Fund Revenue
$21,648; Capital Projects Debt Service Fund Expenditures
$957,267; and a current fund balance of $515,623.
12. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Works Water/Streets Committee — Alderman Marchese
submitted the minutes of the Public Works Water/Streets
Committee Meeting of November 17, 2008, for the record, and
advised that the next Public Works Water/Streets Committee
Meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, January 19,
2009 at 6:30 P.M. in the upstairs conference room, pending
agenda items.
Administrative/Finance Committee — Alderman Poteraske
advised that the next Administrative/Finance Committee
Meeting, which will include the traffic stop sign issue, is
scheduled to take place on Monday, January 12, 2009 at 6:30
P.M. The meeting will, most likely, be held in the Police
Department Training Room.
Planning/Development Committee — Alderman McIvor
announced that there will be a Special Meeting of the
Planning/Development Committee, with a date to be
determined, and a regularly scheduled meeting to take place
on Monday, January 26, 2009 at 6:30 P.M. in the Council
Chambers pending agenda items.
13. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS — AGENDA RELATED
There were none.
14. OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business to come before the City
Council.
15. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Weaver noted that changes were made to the Consent
Agenda. Items B and E were removed, and the remaining items
were renumbered. Items B and E will be sent back to
Administrative/Finance Committee for review.
It was moved by Alderman Marchese and seconded by
Alderman McIvor to approve by Omnibus Vote the following
items on the amended Consent Agenda:
A. RESOLUTION NO. R-98-08 CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO
APPROVE A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING STAKEHOLDER INPUT AND PUBLIC
SAFETY FOCUS FOR THE DUPAGE EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SYSTEM BOARD
AND THE INTEROPERABLE RADIO NETWORK
B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE
RECOMMENDATION OF RELEASING EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES THAT
NO LONGER REQUIRE CONFIDENTIALITY
C. ORDINANCE NO. O-45-08 CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO
APPROVE AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSAL OF PERSONAL
PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY OF DARIEN
D. ORDINANCE NO. O-46-08 CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO
APPROVE AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A SPECIAL USE AND VARIATION
TO THE DARIEN ZONING ORDINANCE (PZC 2008-10: 1900 75TH
STREET, WESTWOOD PARK, DARIEN PARK DISTRICT)
E. ORDINANCE NO. O-47-08 CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO
APPROVE AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A MINOR AMENDMENT TO AN
APPROVED PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (MARKETPLACE AT DARIEN
PUD: FREE-STANDING SIGN)
F. ORDINANCE NO. O-48-08 CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO
APPROVE AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A MINOR AMENDMENT TO AN
APPROVED PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (EAGLES NEST PUD: DECKS)
Roll Call: Ayes: Galan, Gattuso, Marchese, McIvor,
Poteraske
Nays: None
Absent: Avci, Durkin
Results: Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 2 MOTION DULY CARRIED
16. NEW BUSINESS
It was moved by Alderman Galan and seconded by Alderman
Marchese to approve the following resolution as presented:
A. RESOLUTION NO. R-99-08 CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO
APPROVE A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK
TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT AGREEMENT FOR THE TREE TRIMMING AND
REMOVAL PROGRAM BETWEEN THE CITY OF DARIEN AND HOME TREE
CARE INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $68,460.00 FOR PARKWAY
TREE MAINTENANCE TRIMMING AND AUTHORIZING THE PROPOSED UNIT
PRICING FOR TREE REMOVAL AND STUMP GRINDING
Roll Call: Ayes: Galan, Gattuso, Marchese, McIvor,
Poteraske
Nays: None
Absent: Avci, Durkin
Results: Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 2 MOTION DULY CARRIED
17. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS — GENERAL
Alderman Galan apprised the City Council Members of an
interesting article in The Doings entitled “Why I Like My
Town,” written by students of Theresa West at Cass Junior
High School. Alderman Galan read some of the more
interesting comments, and suggested the City of Darien adopt
Rachel Cundiff’s definition of Darien as one of their
mottos.
Alderman Galan requested, for informational purposes, a
more detailed, tiered, organizational chart which lists each
manager and their employees.
Following discussion, Alderman McIvor suggested that,
since employees change, it might be less cumbersome to list
the number of subordinates under each manager rather than
providing each name.
Administrator Vana noted that the information Alderman
Galan is requesting is provided on a separate page within
the budget.
Alderman McIvor stated that she would have no objection
to a summary sheet.
Since there were no objections, Mayor Weaver confirmed
that an organizational chart summary sheet will be included
with the budget.
Kevin Monaghan of 7509 Norman Court was in attendance
representing two homeowner associations. Mr. Monaghan noted
that on March 5, 2005, DuPage County held a town hall
meeting in regards to widening 75th Street from Lemont Road
to Route 83. The homeowner associations are opposed to the
expansion. Mr. Monaghan asked if Mayor Weaver raised
objections to this expansion when she met with Chairman
Schillerstrom two months ago.
Mayor Weaver advised that when she met with Chairman
Schillerstrom and John Kos, Director of Transportation for
DuPage County Department of Transportation, it was to
discuss the possibility of installing the city’s blue street
signs on county roadways. Mayor Weaver reported that during
the meeting, Chairman Schillerstrom brought up the fact that
the county is issuing a large bond in order to begin traffic
projects that were put on hold. Director Kos advised that
the county is redesigning the plan for 75th Street, and will
present the new plan to Darien when it is completed.
According to Director Kos, the road will not be as wide as
originally discussed. Mayor Weaver will keep everyone posted
once the city learns of the redesigned plan.
Alderman McIvor suggested that any updated information be
put on the City’s Direct Connect.
Administrator Vana reminded all that when DuPage County’s
first public hearing took place, the city reviewed the
county’s plans, and the City Council passed a formal
resolution opposing the plan.
18. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City
Council, it was moved by Alderman McIvor and seconded by
Alderman Poteraske to adjourn.
VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED
The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:27 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 12-15-08. Minutes of 12-15-08 CCM December
15, 2008
|