Minutes - June 2, 2003

A WORK SESSION WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:00 P.M. BY MAYOR CARMEN D. SOLDATO FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVIEWING ITEMS ON THE JUNE 2, 2003 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
JUNE 2, 2003

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 Carmen D. Soldato.

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Soldato led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. ROLL CALL — The Roll Call of Aldermen by City Clerk Coleman was as follows:

Present: Richard Biehl John F. Poteraske, Jr.
Morgan Cotten James Tikalsky
David Hagen Kathleen Moesle-Weaver
Joseph Marchese

Also in Attendance: Carmen D. Soldato, Mayor
Joanne F. Coleman, City Clerk
Judith N. Kolman, Attorney
Kevin P. Monaghan, City Treasurer
Bryon D. Vana, City Administrator
Robert Pavelchik, Chief of Police
Gregory Dreyer, Community Development Director
Robert Mengarelli, Asst. Director of Public Works
Robert Rodgers, Asst. Director of Public Works

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

5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — May 13, 2003

It was moved by Alderman Tikalsky and seconded by Alderman Hagen to approve the Minutes of the Special Meeting of May 13, 2003, as presented.

Roll Call: Ayes: Biehl, Cotten, Hagen, Marchese, Poteraske, Tikalsky, Weaver

Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED

APPROVAL OF MINUTES — May 19, 2003

It was moved by Alderman Biehl and seconded by Alderman Tikalsky to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 19, 2003, as presented.

Roll Call: Ayes: Biehl, Cotten, Hagen, Marchese, Poteraske, Tikalsky, Weaver

Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED

6. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS

Alderman Biehl received email

Alderman Weaver stated that she also received emails from Mr. Anderson and forwarded the concerns to Chief Pavelchik. She said that the residents on Cherokee were surveyed in August 2001 about the speed humps and that more than half of the residents were happy with the speed humps. She noted that the information about skateboarding at Hollywood Video was forwarded to Chief Pavelchik. Alderman Weaver commented that she communicated with residents on 69th Street in regard to speeding traffic on the street; she suggested that Alderman Biehl and she discuss the problem for a solution since the street lies within both Ward Two and Ward Seven. Alderman Weaver noted that a resident from Hinsbrook Drive was concerned about parking on the north side of the street due to the park; Chief Pavelchik would poll the residents in the area.

Alderman Hagen was contacted by Larry Flynn from Linden Avenue, who was concerned about a tree blocking drainage at 7702 Linden.

Alderman Poteraske was contacted by

Alderman Marchese received numerous emails and telephone calls in regard to Brookeridge Creek erosion, which has worsened over the past few years. He commented that the $200,000 grant from the State was frozen by Governor Blagojevich, that the City did receive some grant money, and that money was budgeted for the project. He requested that the Council consider addressing the problem. Alderman Marchese conversed with Joe Ardovitch, who would like to be appointed to the Business District Development and Redevelopment Commission.

Mayor Soldato replied to Alderman Marchese in regard to the funding for the Brookeridge Creek erosion project; he tried to contact Senator Radogno about the grant money to learn if it was placed back into the State budget; he recommended that Administrator Vana follow up.

Alderman Cotten received correspondence from Michael Stratis, Intrepid Properties, the proposed developer for Lot 53 in Farmingdale Ridge. He noted that six families from Harper Road expressed their concerns to Mr. Stratis about the proposed project.

Mayor Soldato noted that many times correspondence was received from residents but not discussed at public meetings due to the request of residents.

7. MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Soldato thanked the Darien Lions Club for “Certificate of Appreciation”, which was presented to the City on May 22, 2003.

A. Canine Presentation by Darien Chamber of Commerce President Steven Hynek and Director Thomas Sailer

Mayor Soldato spoke about the value of a Canine Unit within the Police Department and noted that the City budgeted $7,000 for the purchase and training of a dog. He stated that the Chamber of Commerce offered to assist the community and raised money to purchase a second dog. Mayor Soldato introduced Steve Hynek, President of the Darien Chamber of Commerce. President Hynek commented that it was through the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce business members that the donation was made possible; he noted that Tom Sailer spearheaded the project. President Hynek introduced Thomas Sailer, Chairman of the Fundraising Committee. Chairman Sailer said that the fundraising effort was done by word of mouth and people came forward with donations totaling $8,000; he announced the names, businesses and donation amounts.

8. CITY CLERK'S REPORT

Clerk Coleman…

… announced that the Darien Police Pension Board scheduled a meeting for Thursday, June 12th, at 7:00 P.M. in the Police Department, 1710 Plainfield Road.

… announced that the Business District Development and Redevelopment Commission scheduled a meeting for Wednesday, June 4th, at 3:30 P.M. at City Hall in the Council Chambers.

9. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Administrator Vana updated Council regarding the Shell gas station located at 75th Street and Cass Avenue; he noted that it was demolished a while ago and that cleanup work needed to be done. He said that a meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, June 3rd, with a representative to walk and note issues concerning the site

10. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORT

Asst. Director of Public Works Robert Rodgers…

… reported that the leak survey was completed; he noted that there are over 70 miles of watermain, there are 1200 fire hydrants, and there are over 800 main line valves. The survey detected four leaks that included three fire hydrants and one water service, a reduction from previous years.

… commented that restoration was complete from watermain breaks and snowplow damage.

… noted that the Community Confidence Report was scheduled to be mailed the week of June 2nd.

… stated that the watermain extension at 87th Street & Leonard Drive, south of I-55, was complete. Water samples were sent to the laboratory and passed; IEPA permits would be submitted after the laboratory paperwork was received.

… observed that morale amongst employees was at an all time high.
Mayor Soldato complimented the Water Department for their efforts with limited resources.

11. TREASURER'S REPORT

A. WARRANT NUMBER 03-04-03

It was moved by Alderman Tikalsky and seconded by Alderman Marchese to approve payment of Warrant Number 03-04-03 in the amount of $76,035.85 from the General Fund; $5,562.06 from the Water Fund; $3,844.74 from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund; $19,630.53 from the Darien Area Dispatch Fund; $300.00 from the D.A.R.E. Fund; $182,729.86 from the General Fund Payroll for the period ending 05/29/03; $21,135.64 from the Water Fund Payroll for the period ending 05/29/03; $18,377.19 from the D.A.D.C. Fund Payroll for the period ending 05/29/03; for a total to be approved of $327,615.87.

Roll Call: Ayes: Biehl, Cotten, Hagen, Marchese, Poteraske, Tikalsky, Weaver

Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED

12. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Administrative/Finance Committee — Chairman Weaver submitted, for the record, Minutes from the April 14, 2003 meeting; she noted that the next scheduled Committee meeting would be on June 9th at 6:30 P.M.

Planning/Development Committee — No report.

Public Works Water/Streets Committee — Chairman Biehl updated Council regarding Thistlewood Court; he stated that the attorney was reviewing the issue to determine if the request should go to the Planning and Zoning Commission or to Committee and Council.

13. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS — AGENDA RELATED

There were no Questions and Comments to come before the City Council.

14. OLD BUSINESS

There was no Old Business to come before the City Council.

15. CONSENT AGENDA

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

A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE SEPTEMBER 5, 6, AND 7 AS DATES FOR THE DARIEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO HOLD THE DARIENFEST 2003 CELEBRATION

B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CLOSURE OF CLARENDON HILLS ROAD FROM PLAINFIELD ROAD TO 71ST STREET FROM NOON ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, UNTIL 5:00 P.M. ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2003 (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, AND NO PARKING ON THE EAST SIDE OF BENTLEY AVENUE FROM 71ST STREET TO 72ND STREET

C. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PROVISION OF POLICE PROTECTION FOR THE DARIENFEST 2003 CELEBRATION

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

E. ORDINANCE NO. O-25-03 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DARIEN, DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, ASCERTAINING THE PREVAILING RATE OF WAGES FOR LABORERS, WORKMEN, AND MECHANICS EMPLOYED ON PUBLIC WORKS OF SAID CITY

Roll Call: Ayes: Biehl, Cotten, Hagen, Marchese, Poteraske, Tikalsky, Weaver

Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED

16. NEW BUSINESS

A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO REAPPOINTMENT TO FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSION – FRANK NOVERINI

It was moved by Alderman Poteraske and seconded by Alderman Weaver to approve the reappointment of Frank Noverini to the Fire and Police Commission, as presented.

Roll Call: Ayes: Biehl, Cotten, Hagen, Marchese, Poteraske, Tikalsky, Weaver

Nays: None
Absent: None
Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0
MOTION DULY CARRIED

17. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS — GENERAL

Alderman Biehl commented that there was an article within the Doings newspaper in regard to the Dale Basin; the information was obtained from an interview with a representative of DuPage County. He felt that the County had made mistakes and needed to correct the problem. Mayor Soldato stated that the City spent $1 million to purchase homes to ease flooding in the Marion Hills area; he stated that the City needed to understand the future commitments of the County for completion of the project. Alderman Weaver said that it could be a safety issue. Alderman Biehl stated that it could be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Alderman Poteraske noted that Public Works was scheduled to drop pellets into the area in order to prevent breeding and that Public Works was going to pump the excess water from the area.
Gregory Stobbe, 8428 Creekside Lane, spoke about and displayed pictures of the erosion damage along Wards Creek, which included land and structures.

18. ADJOURNMENT

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

VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED

The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:29 P.M.
Mayor
________________________________
City Clerk
JFC/jr

All supporting documentation and report originals of these minutes are on file in the Office of the City Clerk under File Number 06-02-03.

Minutes of 06-02-03 CCM