A WORK SESSION WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:00 P.M. BY MAYOR WEAVER FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVIEWING ITEMS ON THE APRIL 19, 2010 AGENDA WITH THE CITY COUNCIL. THE SESSION ADJOURNED AT 7:34 P.M.

                                   

Minutes of the Regular Meeting

 

of the City Council of the

 

CITY OF DARIEN

 

APRIL 19, 2010

 

 

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. 

 

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                                John F. Poteraske, Jr.

                                                John Galan                              Ted V. Schauer

Joseph A. Marchese               

                                   

Absent:                        Carolyn A. Gattuso

                                    Sylvia McIvor

 

Also in Attendance:    Kathleen Moesle Weaver, Mayor

Joanne Coleman, City Clerk

Michael J. Coren, City Treasurer

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 QUORUMThere being five aldermen present, Mayor Weaver declared a quorum.

 

5.                  APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 5, 2010

 

It was moved by Alderman Galan and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve the minutes of the April 5, 2010 meeting, as presented.

 

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

 

                                      Nays:            None

 

Absent:            Gattuso, McIvor

 

Results:  Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 2

MOTION DULY CARRIED

 

6.         RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS

 

Alderman Avci…

 

…received an e-mail from Daniel Contreras who resides at the corner of Timber Lane and Cass Avenue, just behind the Jewel parking lot.  Mr. Contreras complained of continuous litter in his front and side lawns.  Alderman Avci stated that although Jewel has been much more vigilant in keeping their parking lot clean, perhaps Assistant Administrator Coren could remind them of the importance.  In his e-mail, Mr. Contreras also expressed concern with speeding on Cass Avenue. Alderman Avci has forwarded the e-mail to Chief Pavelchik.

 

…received a telephone call from Tom Wieland of 7221 Western regarding the grass cutting which took place on Saturday at the median on 75th Street and along Plainfield Road.  Mr. Wieland expressed concern that the city workers were being paid overtime, and would like to see this type of work performed during the week at straight time.  Director Gombac advised that due to inclement weather during the previous week, and the projected rain the following week, the decision was made to have the work performed on Saturday at overtime pay.  The crews were also performing water main break and snow plowing restorations.  Summer help have not been employed to date. 

 

At the request of Alderman Poteraske and Alderman Galan, Director Gombac will calculate the amount of Saturday’s overtime pay, and provide that information with the Administrator’s Report. 

 

Mayor Weaver commented that Director Gombac’s decision was based upon the City Council’s desire to maintain a higher standard on 75th Street and Plainfield Road.   

 

Alderman Avci suggested that a pool of part time employees be maintained on call for circumstances such as these. 

 

Alderman Avci received an e-mail from Laurie Forillo regarding her concerns about the safety of her dog since she saw a coyote near the Arabian Nights Farm, and heard that one was seen at the Darien Community Park.

 

Assistant Administrator Coren advised that coyotes, raccoons, possums and various other animals are considered part of the natural wildlife.  Telephone numbers of animal control companies are available at City Hall for residents with concerns about animals on their private property. Although the city does not provide animal control, residents should contact City Hall regarding dangerous animals on public property. 

 

 Mayor Weaver thanked J. Vincent’s Salon & Day Spa for hosting Coffee with the Mayor this past weekend.  At Coffee with the Mayor, Mr. Uddin expressed his concerns regarding his inability to utilize Pilot II coupons for transportation to and from the airport.  Mayor Weaver explained that the purpose of the Pilot II program is to assist senior citizens in need by reducing their transportation costs for trips to doctor’s appointments and stores.  The City Council Members confirmed their agreement that the Pilot II Program was instituted to assist needy senior citizens and not to provide transportation to and from the airport. 

 

Alderman Galan suggested that something be printed on the coupon which states   transportation to and from the airport is not valid. 

 

Assistant Administrator Coren will look into Alderman Galan’s suggestion. 

 

7.         MAYOR’S REPORT

 

A.          Mayor Weaver read into the record a Proclamation declaring April 19, 2010 as “Eisenhower Junior High Wrestling Team Day” in the City of Darien in honor of their hard work and achievements over the past year.

 

There was a resounding round of applause from the Council Members and the audience, and congratulatory hand shakes from the City Council.  Mayor Weaver awarded City of Darien pins to each team member.  The team had their photograph taken with Mayor Weaver for the City’s Wall of Fame.

 

Head Coach Phil Esposito accepted the Proclamation, and thanked the City Council for acknowledging the team’s accomplishments.  Coach Esposito expressed pride in the team, the coaching staff, and the parents. 

 

B.           Mayor Weaver read into the record a Proclamation declaring April 20, 2010 as “Eisenhower Junior High Special Olympians Day” in the City of Darien in honor of the hard work and achievements of Christopher Haines.

 

Michael Fitzgerald, Principal of Eisenhower Junior High School accepted the Proclamation on behalf of Christopher Haines who could not attend the meeting.  Mr. Fitzgerald expressed gratitude to the City Council for this evening’s recognition. 

 

There was a resounding round of applause from the Council Members and the audience. 

 

C.          On behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2838, Commander Ed Oldis presented the Darien Police Department an Outstanding Service Award for the successful resolution of the Kramer homicides.  The VFW Post 2838 is proud of the continued great service the members of the Police Department render to the community. 

 

There was a resounding round of applause from the Council Members and the audience. 

 

Chief Pavelchik credited Detective Sergeant Reed and his staff for resolution of the case.  Chief Pavelchik expressed gratitude to the VFW for the award and for their service to the United States. 

 

There was a resounding round of applause from the Council Members and the audience. 

 

Detective Sergeant Reed expressed sympathy to the Kramer family.  Detective Sergeant Reed advised that resolution of the case was due to the combined efforts of the entire Police Department and FIAT.   Detective Sergeant Reed thanked the VFW for recognizing the efforts of the Darien Police Department.

 

There was a resounding round of applause from the Council Members and the audience. 

 

Commander Oldis invited all to attend the Memorial Day event which will take place on May 31, 2010 at the Darien Community Park at 11:00 A.M. 

 

Nick Darien stated that the VFW has been honored to provide the 2010 City of Darien vehicle stickers.  The Art Department of Hinsdale South High School is responsible for the vehicle sticker design.  Mr. Darien advised that stickers are available at City Hall, the Police Department, Harris Bank, and West Suburban Bank for a $3 donation.

 

Clerk Coleman suggested the vehicle stickers be made available at other locations in town such as Jewel and  Brookhaven Market. 

 

Mr. Darien approved of the suggestion.

 

8.         CITY CLERK’S REPORT

 

            There was no report.

 

9.         CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

 

There was no report.

 

10.       DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS

 

            In response to Alderman Poteraske, Director Gombac advised that DuPage County has not responded to the city’s proposals regarding the expansion of 75th Street. 

           

Alderman Poteraske requested Director Gombac follow-up or invite them to attend a meeting.

 

            Director Gombac will invite the county to attend a City Council Meeting. 

 

            Director Gombac reminded all that the first brush pick up will take place the week of May 24.  Director Gombac advised that residents are welcome to dispose of their brush in the brush dumpster located at the Public Works Facility at 1041 S. Frontage Road.  

 

11.       TREASURER'S REPORT

 

A.        WARRANT NUMBER 09-10-22

 

It was moved by Alderman Galan and seconded by Alderman Poteraske to approve payment of Warrant Number 09-10-22 in the amount of $45,984.05 from the General Fund; $162,449.40 from the Water Fund; $1,505.42 from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund; $164.42 from the Darien Area Dispatch Fund; $3,812.00 from the Capital Improvement  Fund; $220,354.83 from the General Fund Payroll for the period ending 04/08/10; $19,257.70 from the Water Fund Payroll for the period ending 04/08/10; $24,494.79 from the D.A.D.C. Fund Payroll for the period ending 04/08/10 for a total to be approved of $478,022.61.

 

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

 

   Nays:            None

 

Absent:            Gattuso, McIvor

 

Results:  Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 2

MOTION DULY CARRIED

 

B.        TREASURER’S MONTHLY REPORT – MARCH, 2010

 

Treasurer Coren reviewed all year-to-date sources of revenue and expenditures and fund balances through the month of March, 2010: General Fund Revenue $10,620,289; General Fund Expenditures $10,491,188; Current General Fund Balance $3,008,166; Water Fund Revenue $2,866,128 Water Fund Expenditures $3,355,314; Current Water Fund Balance ($38,232); Motor Fuel Tax Fund Revenue $559,916; Motor Fuel Tax Fund Expenditures $520,966; Current Motor Fuel Tax Fund Balance ($72,898); Water Depreciation Fund Revenue $167,876; Water Depreciation Fund Expenditures $68,470; Current Water Depreciation Fund Balance $735,580; Capital Improvement Fund Revenue $307,718; Capital Improvement Fund Expenditures $2,240,218; Current Capital Improvement Fund Balance $758,498; Capital Projects Debt Service Fund Revenue $109,489; Capital Projects Debt Service Fund Expenditures $504,000; and a current fund balance of $45,774.

 

Mayor Weaver noted that the cash reserves and collateral are listed on the back page.

 

12.       STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

Municipal Services Committee — Alderman Marchese advised that the next Municipal Services Committee Meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 26, 2010 at 6:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers. 

 

Police Committee — On behalf of Alderman McIvor, Alderman Poteraske submitted, for the record, the Minutes of the Police Committee Meeting of March 1, 2010, and advised that the next Police Committee meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers.  The regular meetings of the Police Committee will take place on the first Thursday of the month for an unspecified period of time.

 

Clerk Coleman advised that the press will be notified of the change.

 

Administrative/Finance Committee — Alderman Poteraske submitted, for the record, the Minutes of the Administrative Finance Committee Meeting of April 12, 2010, and advised that the next Administrative and Finance Committee Meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, May 10, 2010 at 6:30 P.M.

 

 

           

13.       QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS — AGENDA RELATED

 

Mayor Weaver advised that Item A under New Business has been removed from the agenda, and will be on the next City Council Meeting agenda.

 

Matt Goodwin of 1118 Tamarack expressed concern with the proposed temporary reduction of sworn staff of the Police Department, and requested the City Council reconsider.

 

Mayor Weaver explained that the city has been functioning for a long period of time with 37 officers, and that the city is not eliminating any positions.  Mayor Weaver emphasized that the reduction is temporary.  Mayor Weaver explained that the Police Committee is in the process of conducting a very thorough review of the Police Department. The Police Committee’s recommendation to reduce the force was made with the knowledge that there are currently 37 officers on the street. 

 

As a member of the Police Committee, Alderman Galan further explained that it was demonstrated that the Police Department was functioning with 37 officers on the street.  The number of officers on the street is not being changed.  The reduction is temporary since there is the understanding that the number may have to be increased or decreased in the future. 

 

Mr. Goodwin added that although he understands the temporary nature of the reduction, training of a new officer can take six months.  Mr. Goodwin expressed a desire to see the DARE Program continue.

 

Alderman Galan responded that the City Council has adopted an ordinance that would allow the hiring of trained police officers, which would cut training time in half. 

 

Mr. Goodwin added that trained officers may not be the best candidates. 

 

Alderman Poteraske stated that, in the interim, if a significant problem should occur, the Police Committee will reconsider the reduction. 

 

Alderman Galan invited Mr. Goodwin to attend the Police Committee meetings.   

 

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 Galan and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve by Omnibus Vote the following items on the Consent Agenda:

 

A.     ORDINANCE NO. O-11-10               CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 3-3-7-1 OF THE DARIEN CITY CODE TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF CLASS A LIQUOR LICENSES FROM 7-8

 

B.     RESOLUTION NO. R-30-10              CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH BEST QUALITY CLEANING TO PROVIDE JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF DARIEN

 

C.     RESOLUTION NO. R-31-10              CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION DECLARING A DEFAULT AND DEMANDING PAYMENT UNDER A CERTAIN LETTER OF CREDIT (JAMES PETER COURT SUBDIVISION/INTEGRA BANK IRREVOCABLE LETTER OF CREDIT NO. 378)

 

D.          CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO AUTHORIZE A TEMPORARY REDUCTION IN THE AUTHORIZED SWORN STAFF OF THE DARIEN POLICE DEPARTMENT  

 

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

 

   Nays:            None

 

Absent:            Gattuso, McIvor

 

Results:  Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 2

MOTION DULY CARRIED

 

16.       NEW BUSINESS

 

            There was no new business.

 

17.       QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS — GENERAL

 

In response to Alderman Galan, Assistant Administrator Coren advised that Republic Services, Allied Waste, ARC, and BFI have merged and are now the same company.  Residents may see minor changes. 

 

Matt Goodwin advised that VFW #2838 is currently working on a membership drive.  Mr. Goodwin noted that the VFW is very active in service to the community and veterans in need. 

 

Nick Darien of 8462 Sandalwood Court extended gratitude to Director Gombac and the City Council for the street resurfacing programs which have occurred over the last few years. 

 

Chief Pavelchik wished a Happy 22nd Birthday to his son, Christopher, who is coming home soon from Afghanistan.

 

18.       ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the City Council, it was moved by Alderman Galan and seconded by Alderman Schauer 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  04-19-10.

Minutes of 04-19-10 CCM