EXECUTIVE SESSION

It was moved by Alderman Marchese and seconded by Alderman Schauer to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Litigation, Section 2(C)(11), Collective Bargaining 2(C)(2), and Sale of Lease of Real Estate, Section 2(C)(6) of the Open Meetings Act at 7:00 P.M.

 

            Roll Call:          Ayes:    Avci, Galan, Gattuso, Marchese, Poteraske, Schauer

 

                                    Nays:   None

 

                                 Absent:    McIvor

 

                                                Results:  Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1

                                                MOTION DULY CARRIED

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURNMENT

 

It was moved by Alderman Galan and seconded by Alderman Gattuso to adjourn into open session.

 

REVERSE ROLL CALL - MOTION DULY CARRIED

 

The Executive Session meeting adjourned at 7:35 P.M.

 

DUE TO THE LENGTHY EXECUTIVE SESSION, THE WORK SESSION DID NOT TAKE PLACE. 

                                   

Minutes of the Regular Meeting

 

of the City Council of the

 

CITY OF DARIEN

 

MARCH 15, 2010

 

 

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:                        Halil Avci                                 Sylvia McIvor

John Galan                               John F. Poteraske, Jr.

Carolyn A. Gattuso                   Ted V. Schauer

                                    Joseph A. Marchese

 

Absent:                         None

 

Also in Attendance:       Kathleen Moesle Weaver, Mayor

Joanne Coleman, City Clerk

Michael J. Coren, City Treasurer

John B. Murphey, City Attorney

Bryon D. Vana, City Administrator

Scott Coren, Assistant City Administrator

Daniel Gombac, Director of Community Development/Municipal Services

Robert Pavelchik, Police Chief

 

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

 

5.      APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 1, 2010

 

It was moved by Alderman Gattuso and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the minutes of the March 1, 2010 meeting, as presented.

 

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

 

                                       Nays:            None

 

Absent:             None

 

Results:  Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0

MOTION DULY CARRIED

 

6.         RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS

 

Alderman Galan…

 

…received a communication from Robert Hartz of 630 70th regarding the unsatisfactory driveway restoration work performed by the county following work they performed in the area.  Director Gombac was able to coordinate a satisfactory resolution between the county and the resident. 

 

…received a call from Eileen Kostock of 309 Peony with two complaints.  The first was regarding trash at the corner of 69th & High Road. Ms. Kostock suspects children waiting at the school bus stop are littering.  Assistant Administrator Coren will follow-up with the school district.  The second complaint was in regards to residents not cleaning up after their dogs.   Assistant Administrator Coren will obtain the details of this complaint from Ms. Kostock. 

 

Alderman Avci…

 

…received an e-mail from Patrick G. Hartel of 6801 Scotch Pine Trail requesting the brush pick up dates be changed from June, July, August, and September to April, June, August, and October.

 

Mayor Weaver directed Mr. Hartel’s request be forwarded to the Municipal Services Committee for review.

 

Alderman Avci provided a report on a meeting which took place Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at City Hall between himself, Scott Coren, and PACE representatives.  Alderman Avci felt the meeting was very productive and upbeat.  PACE representatives were open to exploring the possibility of a park and ride bus stop in Darien on Route 755. 

 

Assistant Administrator Coren advised that, although the meeting was very upbeat, many of the city’s and PACE’s suggestions do not reach fruition due to PACE’s budget cuts.  Staff will continue to keep in touch and follow-up with PACE in the hopes of providing additional and better service to Darien residents.

 

7.         MAYOR’S REPORT

 

A.           Mayor Weaver read into the record a Proclamation declaring March 15 through 22, 2010 as “Darien District #61 Educational Foundation Week” in the City of Darien and encouraged all Darien citizens to join in observance.

 

District 61 Educational Foundation Chairperson Barbara Finnegan accepted the Proclamation, and thanked Mayor Weaver and the City Council for supporting educational excellence.   

 

B.           Mayor Weaver reminded residents of the importance of completing the Census Questionnaires.  It is critical that all residents participate in order for the city to receive the proper amount of federal funds. 

 

Assistant Administrator Coren advised that the Federal Government made a mistake on the Census forms.  Although the form shows Oakbrook, Illinois, the Census Bureau has assured the city that the location is extracted from the bar code on the forms, and the information provided will be applied to Darien.  The city is expecting written confirmation from the Census Bureau.  

 

Administrator Vana advised that city staff will follow-up with the Census Bureau, and extended gratitude to the residents who brought this error to the city’s attention.

 

In response to Alderman Poteraske, Assistant Administrator Coren explained how Darien works with the Census Bureau to make sure every household within the corporate limits is included.  If there is a concern that the numbers are not accurate, the city can order a Special Census at the city’s expense. 

 

C.           Mayor Weaver recognized, and extended gratitude to Police Chief Pavelchik, Detective Sergeant Reed, and Detectives Bozek, Foster, Glomb, and Stock for their exemplary performance during the investigation of the tragedy which occurred in Darien on March 2. 

 

D.          Darien Chamber of Commerce representative, Jack Mancione, provided the monthly update on membership, and upcoming events.  Mr. Mancione thanked Mayor Weaver and the City Council for their support.

 

Mayor Weaver extended appreciation to the Chamber of Commerce for attending the City Council Meetings and providing monthly reports.

 

8.         CITY CLERK’S REPORT

 

City Clerk Coleman…

 

…reminded the Council Members that the Statements of Economic Interest are due to be filed with the County Clerk’s Office by May 1, 2010 in order to avoid the $15 daily fine.  The Ethics Statements will be going out tomorrow, and are to be filed with the City Clerk’s Office by May 1, 2010.

 

…announced that the Wednesday, March 17, 2010 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting has been cancelled due to lack of agenda items.

 

…invited all to attend Coffee with the Mayor on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at Carmelite Carefree Village from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M.

 

…advised that Darien City Offices will be closed on Friday, April 2, 2010 in observance of the Good Friday holiday.

 

9.         CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

 

Administrator Vana advised that the proposed, tentative water rate increase is scheduled for a formal vote on April 5, 2010.  A Direct Connect was sent out this past Friday providing an overview of the water fund and the rate increases the city has received from the City of Chicago and DuPage Water Commission over the last several years.  In addition to Direct Connect, information will also be provided on Cable, the city’s website, The Neighbors of Darien newsletter, and to members of the press.  Residents are encouraged to visit the website to view the City Council’s budget meeting discussions on the water fund.  

 

In response to Alderman Poteraske, Treasurer Coren advised that, as was anticipated in the fall, delivery of the taxes from the State is behind schedule.

 

10.       DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS

 

Chief Pavelchik read a statement into the record expressing sympathy to the surviving family members of the tragedy which occurred in Darien two weeks ago, and expressed pride in the performance of every sworn and civilian member of the Darien Police Department, and all the law enforcement partners who provided assistance. 

 

In response to Alderman Avci, Chief Pavelchik provided an explanation of the Felony Investigative Assistance Team (FIAT), and the role they play.  

 

Alderman Galan expressed gratitude and pride in the Darien Police Department, and appreciation of the cooperative efforts provided by the Police Departments in Indiana and Florida. 

 

Alderman Schauer commended Chief Pavelchik on his ability to keep the residents calm during the event. 

 

In response to Administrator Vana, Chief Pavelchik provided an update on the TCF Bank robberies which took place in Darien and Bolingbrook. 

 

11.       TREASURER'S REPORT

 

A.        WARRANT NUMBER 09-10-20

 

It was moved by Alderman Galan and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve payment of Warrant Number 09-10-20 in the amount of $188,121.39 from the General Fund; $129,972.10 from the Water Fund; $12,056.33 from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund; $563.01 from the Darien Area Dispatch Fund; $279.76 from the Special Service Area Tax Fund; $217,709.98 from the General Fund Payroll for the period ending 03/11/10; $21,471.49 from the Water Fund Payroll for the period ending 03/11/10; $24,734.90 from the D.A.D.C. Fund Payroll for the period ending 03/11/10 for a total to be approved of $594,908.96.

 

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

 

   Nays:            None

 

Absent:             None

 

Results:  Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0

MOTION DULY CARRIED

 

B.        TREASURER’S MONTHLY REPORT – FEBRUARY, 2010

 

Treasurer Coren advised that the amount of collateral to secure the city’s cash balances has been added to the bottom of the Cash Reserves Statement.   In response to Alderman Avci, Treasurer Coren provided information on the city’s collateral. 

 

Treasurer Coren reviewed all year-to-date sources of revenue and expenditures and fund balances through the month of February, 2010: General Fund Revenue $9,754,337; General Fund Expenditures $9,715,029; Current General Fund Balance $2,918,373; Water Fund Revenue $2,391,088 Water Fund Expenditures $3,149,608; Current Water Fund Balance ($307,566); Motor Fuel Tax Fund Revenue $515,451; Motor Fuel Tax Fund Expenditures $456,846; Current Motor Fuel Tax Fund Balance ($53,243); Water Depreciation Fund Revenue $15,447; Water Depreciation Fund Expenditures $68,470; Current Water Depreciation Fund Balance $583,151; Capital Improvement Fund Revenue $287,432; Capital Improvement Fund Expenditures $2,240,218; Current Capital Improvement Fund Balance $738,212; Capital Projects Debt Service Fund Revenue $105,454; Capital Projects Debt Service Fund Expenditures $504,000; and a current fund balance of $41,739.

 

In response to Alderman Poteraske, Treasurer Coren advised that the Water Fund deficit balance is due to posting.  Administrator Vana added that February’s payment was received on March 1 or 2, 2010, and will be reflected in the March monthly report. 

 

12.       STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

Police Committee — Alderman McIvor advised that the next Police Committee meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 5, 2010 at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers.

 

Municipal Services Committee — Alderman Marchese advised that the next Municipal Services Committee Meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, March 22, 2010 at 6:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers. 

 

13.       QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS — AGENDA RELATED

 

Alderman McIvor pointed out that, despite the difficult decisions the City Council has had to make during these difficult economic times, she is pleased that Consent Agenda Item B is to abate the property tax levy under the water fund. 

 

14.                          OLD BUSINESS

 

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

 

15.       CONSENT AGENDA

 

Mayor Weaver reviewed the items on the Consent Agenda for the benefit of the viewing audience.

 

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

 

A.    CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION GRANTING WAIVER OF THE RAFFLE LICENSE BOND REQUIREMENT FOR THE DARIEN LIONS CLUB

 

B.     ORDINANCE NO. O-06-10                CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE ABATING PROPERTY TAX HERETO LEVIED BY ORDINANCE O-26-06

 

C.     RESOLUTION NO. R-12-10             CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO  APPROVE A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING  THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT EXTENSION FOR STREET LIGHT MAINTENANCE SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF DARIEN AND GAFFNEY’S PROTECTIVE MAINTENANCE INC.

 

D.          RESOLUTION NO. R-13-10            CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT EXTENSION FOR THE 2010 STREET SWEEPING SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF DARIEN AND HOVING CLEAN SWEEP LLC IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $22,688.00

 

E.        CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE IMPLEMENTING A COST SCHEDULE PLAN FOR WOOD CHIPS TO RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES

 

F.            ORDINANCE NO. O-07-10               CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 3-7-1 (DEFINITIONS) AND SECTION 3-7-2 (TAX IMPOSED) OF CHAPTER 7 (SIMPLIFIED MUNICIPAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS TAX) OF TITLE 3 (BUSINESS REGULATIONS) OF THE DARIEN CITY CODE

 

G.       CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATION TO RELEASE THE EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES THAT NO LONGER REQUIRES CONFIDENTIALITY

 

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

 

   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 Galan noted that Kevin Monaghan made him aware that local fire departments will test fire hydrants at no cost to the city.   Director Gombac advised that, while employed with another municipality, attempts to involve the Fire Department were unsuccessful due to their unwillingness.  Director Gombac will revisit this issue. 

 

Alderman McIvor congratulated the Lakeview Girls Varsity Basketball Team for their championship win last week.  Alderman McIvor advised that Lakeview Junior High is within School District 66. 

 

Mayor Weaver suggested that the team members be recognized at a City Council Meeting. 

 

Alderman Avci requested the schedule for next year’s budget meeting be provided to the City Council Members earlier.

 

Administrator Vana will attempt to provide the schedule for next year’s budget review in November.

 

Alderman Marchese reminded all that the Darien Lions Club will be having their Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, March 21, 2010 at Eisenhower Junior High School from 7:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M..   Presale tickets are $5, and $6 at the door.

 

In response to Alderman Poteraske, Bonnie Kucera advised that District 61 Foundation is in the process of collecting funds.  The Curriculum Committees, which are headed by the teachers, and overseen by the principals, meet monthly to determine the best use of the grant money.  The major fund raising event is a golf outing on June 17.  Donations may also be made through the Foundation’s website at darien61foundation.org.  

 

2010 Citizen of the Year, Deacon Brachle read and presented the City Council with a Resolution Recognizing the Generosity of the City of Darien as it Extended the Honor of Citizen of the Year 2010 to Paul Brachle.

 

18.       ADJOURNMENT

 

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

 

 

 

 

VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED

 

 

 

The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:35 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  03-15-10.

Minutes of 03-15-10 CCM