City Administrator Bryon Vana addressed the audience; he said that the Special City Council Meeting was scheduled because Carmen D. Soldato resigned as Mayor due to business demands and family responsibilities. Administrator Vana read the statement that appeared on the City cable station and stated that the purpose was for City Council to appoint one of the Council members as Acting Mayor for the remainder of Mayor Soldato’s term.

ELECTION OF MAYOR PRO-TEM

Administrator Vana asked Council for nominations for Mayor Pro-Tem.

It was motioned by Alderman Poteraske and seconded by Alderman McIvor to appoint Alderman Kathleen Weaver as Mayor Pro-Tem. There being no other nominations, he closed the election and called for the question.

Roll Call: Ayes: Biehl, Durkin, Gattuso, Marchese, McIvor, Poteraske, Weaver

Nays: None

Absent: None

Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0 MOTION DULY CARRIED

1. CALL TO ORDER

The Special Meeting of the City Council of the City of Darien was called to order at 9:02 A.M. by Mayor Pro-Tem Weaver.

2. ROLL CALL — The Roll Call of Aldermen by Supervisor Ragona was as follows:

Present: Richard A. Biehl Sylvia McIvor William R. Durkin John F. Poteraske, Jr. Carolyn A. Gattuso Kathleen Moesle-Weaver Joseph A. Marchese

Also in Attendance: JoAnne E. Ragona, Supervisor Clerk’s Office Kevin P. Monaghan, City Treasurer John B. Murphey, City Attorney Bryon D. Vana, City Administrator

3. DECLARATION OF A QUORUM — There being seven Aldermen present, Mayor Pro-Tem Weaver declared a quorum.

4. EXECUTIVE SESSION

It was moved by Alderman Gattuso and seconded by Alderman Poteraske at 9:04 A.M. to move into Executive Session for the Selection of a Person to Fill a Public Office (Mayor) as prescribed by Section 2(c)(3) of Public Act 88-261.

Alderman Biehl stated that he felt that it was unnecessary to go into Executive Session; he indicated that anything that needed to be discussed could be done openly.

Roll Call: Ayes: Durkin, Gattuso, Marchese, McIvor, Poteraske, Weaver

Nays: Biehl

Absent: None

Results: Ayes 6, Nays 1, Absent 0 MOTION DULY CARRIED

It was moved by Alderman Marchese and seconded by Alderman Gattuso at 9:33 A.M. to move into Open Session.

Roll Call: Ayes: Biehl, Durkin, Gattuso, Marchese, McIvor, Poteraske, Weaver

Nays: None

Absent: None

Results: Ayes 7, Nays 0, Absent 0 MOTION DULY CARRIED

5. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS — AGENDA RELATED

Mayor Pro-Tem Weaver thanked the audience for waiting; she noted that the Agenda did not contain a Public Comment section but Council agreed to allow anyone in the audience the opportunity to speak regarding the item “Election of Acting Mayor”.

Debby Heniff, 1509 Winterberry Lane, expressed support for Alderman Weaver for the position of Acting Mayor; she worked with Alderman Weaver on the Citizen of the Year Committee, knew that she agreed with Mayor Soldato’s goals for Darien, and that she was a nice person.

Gloria Jiskra, 1100 Bristlecone Court, spoke in favor of Alderman Weaver for the position of Acting Mayor because she was tough, possessed wonderful attributes, and would be a good addition for the City.

Steve Kowynia, 7121 Emerson Drive, asked that Alderman Poteraske be considered for the position of Acting Mayor because of what he had accomplished within Ward 3.

Don Jiskra, 1100 Bristlecone Court, supported Alderman Weaver for Acting Mayor because she was concerned about the City and Ward 7.

6. ELECTION OF ACTING MAYOR

It was moved by Alderman McIvor and seconded by Alderman Poteraske to elect Alderman Kathleen Weaver as Acting Mayor. Mayor Pro-Tem Weaver asked if there were other nominations; there were none.

Alderman Gattuso read a statement, which she submitted for the record; she had listened to many residents about the mayoral vacancy. She indicated that Council gave of themselves to benefit the City and its residents; that Carmen Soldato made his decision knowing that Council and Staff could effectively lead the City into the future; that the Council decision was not simple but they would be unified in support of the new Mayor; that Council would continue with Carmen Soldato’s “…philosophy by keeping the policies of an open and honest government while continuing to make the City of Darien truly “A Nice Place to Live”.”

Alderman Biehl commented that the way he would vote had no reflection on Alderman Weaver or Alderman Poteraske or any other Alderman. He strongly felt that the senior alderman should have priority consideration because if the U.S. President stepped down, the Vice President automatically took over; the U.S. Government did not seek someone from the Senate. He noted that the City did not have that form of government but the senior alderman had always been the next in line. He indicated that he could not support Alderman Weaver for the position of Acting Mayor but said that he would give Alderman Weaver 150% support and backing on decisions made as long as they were for the good of the City. He noted that his intentions were for the City of Darien; he served as Alderman for the past twenty-three years and supported all of Darien; he would support Alderman Weaver, if elected, as Mayor for the next eighteen months.

Alderman Marchese noted that he had been an alderman for the past 8-1/2 years; he indicated that there were struggles that could have divided the Council or caused major problems for the City. He said the unique characteristic of this Council was that the aldermen understood the importance of their role and worked together; that sometimes the needs of a Ward would conflict the needs of the City but each alderman did what was right by listening to fellow aldermen. He indicated that he had worked with Alderman Weaver for many years, even prior to being on the Council; he said that her heart was always in the right place, that she cared for the City and would continue to work hard. He commented that his vote would be for continuity, open government, and support for the citizens and business community.

Alderman Weaver reiterated that everyone was shocked on Monday with the news of Mayor Soldato’s resignation. She said that the Council had a tremendous legacy to follow; that the Council was committed to follow that philosophy of open response of government, and that she would be very proud, if elected, to continue on that path.

Alderman McIvor stated that it was a difficult decision to nominate one person because the Council was made up of many people with experience who provided guidance and wisdom. She spoke of Alderman Weaver’s attributes.

Alderman Poteraske noted that the decision to nominate Alderman Weaver for the position of Acting Mayor was easy because of her leadership skills and the qualities.

Alderman Durkin felt that citizens of Ward 1 and all of Darien were fortunate; he had taken government for granted prior to being elected alderman; he commented that Council believed in open government and that it would continue. Alderman Durkin said that he had confidence that Council would move forward to make Darien a great place to live.

Roll Call: Ayes: Durkin, Gattuso, Marchese, McIvor, Poteraske, Weaver

Nays: Biehl

Absent: None

Results: Ayes 6, Nays 1, Absent 0 MOTION DULY CARRIED

Mayor Weaver received a round of applause and congratulations from Council and the audience. Mayor Weaver commented that she was honored but was also shocked by Carmen Soldato’s decision to resign. She indicated that there had been an outpouring of love for Carmen Soldato. She said that Council would stay on the same path and they were committed to the City. She felt secure because of the support of the other six aldermen. She thanked Council, the audience, and residents for their support. Alderman Weaver noted that she would be sworn in as Acting Mayor at the November 7, 2005 City Council Meeting.

7. ADJOURNMENT

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

VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED

The City Council meeting adjourned at 9:55 A.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 10-22-05. Minutes of 10-22-05