A WORK SESSION WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:01 P.M. BY MAYOR WEAVER FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVIEWING ITEMS ON THE JUNE 21, 2010 AGENDA WITH THE CITY COUNCIL. THE SESSION ADJOURNED AT 7:25 P.M.

                                   

Minutes of the Regular Meeting

 

of the City Council of the

 

CITY OF DARIEN

 

JUNE 21, 2010

 

 

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                                 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

Bryon D. Vana, City Administrator

Daniel Gombac, Director of Community Development/Municipal Services

David Skala, Deputy Chief

 

4.      DECLARATION OF A QUORUMThere being seven aldermen present, Mayor Weaver declared a quorum.

 

5.      APPROVAL OF MINUTES – June 7, 2010

 

It was moved by Alderman Schauer and seconded by Alderman Gattuso to approve the minutes of the June 7, 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 Avci received many compliments from residents regarding the excellent work performed by Director Gombac and the staff of Municipal Services following the storm which occurred this past Friday.   Alderman Avci extended his gratitude to Director Gombac and his staff.

  

Mayor Weaver advised that staff e-mailed a telephone message from Ingrid Gross on Timber Lane commending Public Works for their fine efforts in addressing the problems associated with the tree damage resulting from Friday’s storm.  Mayor Weaver thanked Director Gombac for his initiative and foresight in lining up two tree contractors to handle the aftermath of Friday’s storm. 

 

Alderman Poteraske spoke of the need to make follow-up calls to ComEd when there is an outage.  It was discovered this past weekend, that in many cases, ComEd thought power was restored to areas where it was not. 

 

Alderman Marchese noted several instances of resident complaints regarding the insensitive and poor customer service received from ComEd. 

 

A lengthy discussion ensued. 

 

Alderman Marchese suggested that the city’s main outgoing telephone message direct residents to call 911 for after hours water issues.  Alderman Marchese also recommended that ComEd’s telephone number be provided on the message. 

 

Mayor Weaver agreed with the suggestions. 

 

Clerk Coleman suggested that residents add ComEd’s number in their cell phones.

 

Alderman Galan received a telephone call from Bobby Patel, the owner of Darien Pantry at 737 Plainfield, inquiring on the status of his liquor license request. 

 

Administrator Vana advised that he wanted the City Council to be made aware of the decision prior to notifying the petitioner. 

 

Alderman Galan…

 

…received a call from Shirley Gron of 7217 Poplar Lane regarding ditch problems.  Director Gombac and Alderman Galan met with Ms. Gron and provided information on the city’s plans and time lines for the area.

 

…received a call from Walter Pittroff of 6806 Western regarding issues which have surfaced following completion of the ditch project.  Adjustments will be made to address the problems identified. 

 

…submitted an e-mail for the record from Dennis Bolsega of 106 – 68th Street regarding property maintenance issues on his block.  Staff has contacted some of the violators.  Alderman Galan advised that Mr. Bolsega was happy with the response received by staff.

 

7.         MAYOR’S REPORT

 

There was no report.

 

8.         CITY CLERK’S REPORT

 

City Clerk Coleman…

 

…announced that city offices will be closed on Monday, July 5, 2010 in observance of the Independence Day Holiday.

 

…advised that the July 6, 2010 City Council Meeting has been cancelled, and the next meeting will be held on Monday, July 19, 2010.

 

…invited all to attend Coffee with the Mayor on Saturday, July 17, 2010 at Panera Bread from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M.

 

9.         CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

 

Administrator Vana advised that a coyote killed a small, family dog on the 7200 block of Sunrise around 12:30 a.m. this past week.  There was a four-foot fence around the yard where the dog was attacked.  Administrator Vana reminded residents that there is wildlife throughout DuPage County, and to exercise care.  Staff met with an expert on this issue, since there were concerns there may be a coyote den located at the vacant home behind the residence where the dog was attacked.  Although Darien does not have a program for coyote or animal control, residents are urged to contact City Hall in the event of a coyote sighting to assist in identifying locations of their dens.

 

In response to Alderman Galan, Administrator Vana advised that if a den is found on vacant property, the city would contract with an expert for the removal. 

 

Alderman McIvor recommended residents contact Willowbrook Wildlife Haven to gain information on living with wildlife.  Alderman McIvor advised that coyotes are very territorial.

 

Administrator Vana reported that Mayor Weaver, several aldermen, and staff met with DuPage County last week at a Special Administrative Finance Committee Meeting regarding the expansion of 75th Street.  DuPage County representatives answered the city’s questions, provided an updated plan and reviewed each item.  The final engineering could take sixteen to twenty-four months to complete.  Construction is not yet funded, and a time table is not available.  Residents are invited to come to City Hall to review the draft plan.   If the county is unable to begin the road improvement within a reasonable period of time, the city will request the road be repaired with overlay as part of their road maintenance program. 

 

At the request of Administrator Vana, Director Gombac reviewed the highlights of DuPage County’s 75th Street Expansion Plan. 

 

Mayor Weaver advised that it is important to note that the width of 75th Street, where there will be six lanes, will be increasing by only eight feet.  The distance for pedestrians to cross will be not increased.  Pedestrian cross walks will be further away from the intersections to provide more safety. 

 

Alderman Marchese added that the city will be able to take advantage of DuPage County’s cost reductions for lighting and improvements to the median. 

 

Director Gombac advised that LED street lighting, and a pedestrian bridge between Cass and Adams could be considered at the city’s expense.  These items will be brought to Committee of the Whole for further discussion and review. 

 

Alderman Galan expressed concern with gaining access to Heritage Center once the median is extended. 

 

Director Gombac explained how Heritage Center will be accessed.  

 

A lengthy discussion ensued.

 

In response to Alderman Avci, Director Gombac advised that the city-owned street lights along 75th Street will not be affected by the expansion. 

 

Administrator Vana advised that approval of the county’s plans will be placed on the next City Council Meeting Agenda for a vote.  This approval is necessary in order for the county to be able to finalize the engineering and work towards public meetings. 

 

Mayor Weaver added that approval does not preclude the city from further input into the plan.  When the engineering is completed, the community will be invited to attend public meetings. 

 

Alderman Poteraske noted that the city will be advised, in writing, of any significant changes to the plan.

 

Administrator Vana added that more details will be available as the county moves into final engineering. 

 

10.       DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS

 

            At the request of Mayor Weaver, Director Gombac discussed the significant damage which occurred as a result of Friday’s storm.  The damage done, and action taken, were reviewed.  Emergency brush pick-up will be conducted this week through June 25.  Director Gombac requested residents look at their parkway trees to identify any cracked or hanging branches.  A bucket truck is scheduled to remove cracked branches and potential hazards on Wednesday. 

 

            Alderman Galan reported that a tree fell on the house at 1107 Belair, and did considerable damage. 

 

            Administrator Vana advised that generators were provided to residents with life safety issues.

           

            Alderman Galan suggested the city’s outgoing message contain information for emergency situations. 

 

Administrator Vana advised that staff is in the process of researching a new cell phone texting option as another means of communicating with residents.  There are currently 750 people signed up for the city’s Direct Connect Program.  Administrator Vana advised that, given the severity of the storm and the excessive number of outages, it was very difficult to obtain information from ComEd. 

 

            Alderman McIvor advised that the school districts have computerized telephone systems which allow for automated voice messaging to the student’s homes.  Alderman McIvor is unaware of the costs, but suggests this avenue be investigated.

 

            Alderman Marchese noted that some telephone systems allow for remote access to the main outgoing telephone message.

 

            Alderman McIvor feels a computerized telephone service could be used for more than just emergency situations.

 

            In response to Alderman Poteraske, Deputy Chief Skala reviewed the role of the Police Department following a major storm. 

 

            Alderman Avci expressed concern that a tree fire which occurred behind 1110 Timber Lane might have been the result of tree branches located too close to power lines.  Aside from putting out the fire, and placing yellow tape around the tree, nothing has been done. 

 

Director Gombac advised he will pass this information on to Assistant Administrator Coren. 

 

Deputy Chief Skala advised that fifteen students are enrolled in the second Junior Police Academy which began today.  Deputy Chief Skala added that invitations will be going out for their July 2 graduation. 

 

11.       TREASURER'S REPORT

 

A.        WARRANT NUMBER 10-11-04

 

It was moved by Alderman Gattuso and seconded by Alderman Schauer to approve payment of Warrant Number 10-11-04 in the amount of $73,911.10 from the General Fund; $205,812.42 from the Water Fund; $178.92 from the Darien Area Dispatch Fund; $98,999.42 from the Capital Improvement Fund; $241,389.03 from the General Fund Payroll for the period ending 06/17/2010; $18,558.17 from the Water Fund Payroll for the period ending 06/17/2010; $32,183.09 from the D.A.D.C. Fund Payroll for the period ending 06/17/2010; for a total to be approved of $671,032.15.

 

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 – MAY, 2010

 

Treasurer Coren reviewed all year-to-date sources of revenue and expenditures and fund balances through the month of May, 2010: General Fund Revenue $701,591; General Fund Expenditures $653,525; Current General Fund Balance $3,004,833; Water Fund Revenue $1,472; Water Fund Expenditures $121,828; Current Water Fund Balance $91,626; Motor Fuel Tax Fund Revenue $51,225; Motor Fuel Tax Fund Expenditures $24,672; Current Motor Fuel Tax Fund Balance ($22,170); Water Depreciation Fund Revenue $445; Water Depreciation Fund Expenditures $0; Current Water Depreciation Fund Balance $738,060; Capital Improvement Fund Revenue $12,513; Capital Improvement Fund Expenditures $131,401; Current Capital Improvement Fund Balance $543,104; Capital Projects Debt Service Fund Revenue $25; Capital Projects Debt Service Fund Expenditures $52,000; and a current fund balance of ($8,031).

 

12.       STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

Police Committee — Alderman McIvor advised the minutes of the May 6, 2010 Police Committee Meeting were approved and have been posted on the Darien website. The next Police Committee Meeting has been rescheduled from July 1, 2010 to Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers.

 

Municipal Services Committee — Alderman Marchese submitted the minutes of the Municipal Services Committee Meeting of May 24, 2010, and advised that the next Municipal Services Committee Meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, July 26, 2010 at 6:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers.

 

Administrative/Finance Committee — Alderman Poteraske submitted the minutes of the Administrative Finance Committee Meeting of June 14, 2010, and advised that the next Administrative and Finance Committee Meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, July 12, 2010 at 6:30 P.M. in the upstairs conference room.

 

13.       QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS — AGENDA RELATED

 

Mayor Weaver announced, for the record, that all items that were under New Business have been moved to the Consent Agenda.

 

There were no further agenda related questions and/or comments.

 

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 Gattuso to approve by Omnibus Vote the following items on the Consent Agenda:

 

A.     CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE SEPTEMBER 10, 11, AND 12 AS DATES FOR THE DARIEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO HOLD THE DARIENFEST 2010 CELEBRATION

 

B.     CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CLOSURE OF ROADS TO ACCOMMODATE WINDY CITY AMUSEMENT CO./DARIENFEST, INCLUDING CLARENDON HILLS ROAD FROM PLAINFIELD ROAD TO 71ST STREET FROM 10:00 A.M. ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, UNTIL 5:00 P.M. ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2010 (WITH MAINTENANCE OF LANE FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES); TENNESSEE AVENUE AND 72ND STREET TO BENTLEY TO BE CLOSED EXCEPT FOR LOCAL TRAFFIC; NO PARKING ON THE NORTH SIDE OF 71ST STREET FROM CLARENDON HILLS ROAD TO THE WEST END OF DARIEN COMMUNITY PARK; NO PARKING ON BOTH SIDES OF CLARENDON HILLS ROAD FROM 71ST STREET TO 69TH STREET; NO PARKING ON THE EAST SIDE OF BENTLEY AVENUE FROM 71ST STREET TO 72 STREET; AND PARKING ON ONE SIDE OF ROGER ROAD

 

C.    CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PROVISION OF POLICE PROTECTION FOR THE DARIENFEST 2010 CELEBRATION 

 

D.          CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION GRANTING A WAIVER OF THE $50.00 A DAY FEE FOR THE TEMPORARY LIQUOR LICENSE – DARIENFEST 2010  

 

E.     CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO GRANT A WAIVER OF THE RAFFLE LICENSE BOND REQUIREMENT FOR OUR LADY OF PEACE HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION  

 

F.     CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO GRANT AND APPROVE THE PARTICIPATION OF CHRIST THE SERVANT CATHOLIC CHURCH AT THE DARIENFEST ON SEPTEMBER 10, 11, AND 12TH 2010 FOR BINGO AND PULL TABS (UPON WRITTEN APPROVAL FROM THE DARIEN PARK DISTRICT)

 

G.          RESOLUTION NO. R-41-10              CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL FROM GAFFNEY’S PMI FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF A STREET LIGHT AT 313 HOLLY AVENUE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $4,495.00

 

H.          RESOLUTION NO. R-42-10              CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH THE LOWEST COST ELECTRIC PROVIDER ON JUNE 22, 2010

 

I.             RESOLUTION NO. R-43-10              CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ANNUAL DUES PAYMENT OF $19,240.00 FOR THE DARIEN POLICE DEPARTMENT PARTICIPATION WITH THE DUPAGE METROPOLITAN ENFORCEMENT GROUP (DUMEG)

 

J.            RESOLUTION NO. R-44-10              CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO SPEND $41,800.00 TO PROVIDE FREE FALL LEAF PICKUP FOR RESIDENTS THROUGH ARC DISPOSAL

 

K.          ORDINANCE NO. O-16-10               CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A VARIATION TO THE DARIEN ZONING ORDINANCE (PZC 2010-07:  7938 PINE COURT)

           

L.     CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION AUTHORIZING CITY STAFF TO PROCEED WITH A DRAINAGE PROJECT FRONTING 8822 CARLISLE COURT FOR THE 2010 DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $19,000.00

 

M.    CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION AUTHORIZING CITY STAFF TO PROCEED WITH A DRAINAGE PROJECT FRONTING 1529 WINTERBERRY LANE FOR THE 2010 DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $11,190.00

 

N.     ORDINANCE NO. O-17-10               CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A PLAT OF VACATION (PZC 2010:  133 PLAINFIELD ROAD)

 

O.     RESOLUTION NO. R-45-10              CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION  AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH NORTH SUBURBAN ASPHALT MAINTENANCE FOR THE 2010 CRACK FILL PROGRAM IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $35,000.00

 

P.      RESOLUTION NO. R-46-10              CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS, LOCAL 150-PUBLIC EMPLOYEES DIVISION AND THE CITY OF DARIEN

 

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

 

New Business Items A through F were moved to the Consent Agenda as Items K through P.

 

17.       QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS — GENERAL

 

On behalf of the Darien Lions Club, Alderman Galan thanked the city for allowing them to borrow the projection screen for their annual awards dinner.

 

18.       ADJOURNMENT

 

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

 

VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED

 

The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:25 P.M.

 

 

                                                                       

Mayor

 

________________________________

City Clerk

 

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All supporting documentation and report originals of these minutes are on file in the Office of the City Clerk under File Number  06-21-10.

Minutes of  06-21-10 CCM