It was moved by Alderman Marchese and seconded by Alderman Gattuso at 7:00 P.M. to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the Purchase or Lease of Real Estate as prescribed by Section 2(c)(5) of Public Act 88-261 with possible action to be taken.

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

Nays: None

Absent: Durkin

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

It was moved by Alderman Marchese and seconded by Alderman Biehl at 7:20 P.M. to adjourn Executive Session and move into Open Session.

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

Nays: None

Absent: Durkin

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

A Workshop Session was called to order by Mayor Weaver at 7:20 PM for the purpose of reviewing items on the January 15, 2007 Agenda with the City Council. The Workshop Session ended at 7:30 P.M.

Minutes of the Regular Meeting

of the City Council of the

CITY OF DARIEN

JANUARY 15, 2007

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: Richard A. Biehl Sylvia McIvor Carolyn A. Gattuso John F. Poteraske, Jr. Joseph A. Marchese Kathleen Moesle Weaver

Absent: William R. Durkin

Also in Attendance: Kathleen Moesle Weaver, Mayor Joanne F. Coleman, City Clerk John B. Murphey, City Attorney Bryon D. Vana, City Administrator David Skala, Deputy Chief of Police Daniel Gombac, Director of Community Development/Public Works

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

5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – December 18, 2006

It was moved by Alderman Poteraske and seconded by Alderman Gattuso to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 18, 2006, as presented.

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

Abstain: Biehl

Nays: None

Absent: Durkin

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

6. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS

Alderman Biehl: * Advised he spoke with a resident who resides at 318 Holly concerning damage to his mailbox from speeding vehicles. The resident requested the Council consider putting portable rubber speed bumps before and after the curve on their street.

* Noted a conversation with a resident of the 700 block of 71st Street who expressed gladness that the City was not going to stripe 71st as recommended in the traffic study. The citizen suggested signage similar to that in Westmont that indicates the speed limit in addition to saying “It’s Our Neighborhood – Please Slow Down”.

Alderman McIvor . * Noted she previously conversed with Representative Bennington regarding safety of crossing pedestrians and bikeway traffic at the busy intersection of Plainfield and Lemont Roads. She advised she received a written communication from DuPage County basically turning down her and Dan Gombac’s request for count down timers so pedestrians could see how long they have to cross the street, crosswalk striping and or better timing of the traffic lights.

It was also noted DuPage County turned down the City’s request for traffic signalization at Plainfield and Bailey Roads and 71st Street and Cass Avenue.

Mayor Weaver received email, which she submitted for the record, from:

* Selma Holme, 1100 Foxtail Court expressing her appreciation for the sidewalk reparation within the City. Ms. Holme stated that as a 77-year-old person in an effort to protect herself against a fall she would need to walk with her head down but now is able to walk with her head up and enjoy the sites within the community. She felt the repairs is a wise use of tax dollars.

* Submitted an anonymous letter from a resident complaining the City of Darien did nothing as far as decorating for the Holidays. The person attached an article regarding other communities, i.e. Wheaton, decorating efforts. Mayor Weaver took the opportunity to thank the person for the correspondence and their suggestions. She went on to explain that the City had recently purchased property at 75th and Cass Avenue as part of the City’s Business Redevelopment Plan to create a downtown for Darien so we could in the future expand on our decorating efforts.

7. MAYOR’S REPORT

2007 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR NOMINATION

Mayor Weaver read into the record the Citizen of the Year Committee’s letter delineating the outstanding qualifications of Mr. Jim Sulkowski that lead them to request his name be placed in nomination for this honor.

It was then moved by Alderman Biehl and seconded by Alderman McIvor to name Jim Sulkowski as Darien’s 2007 Citizen of the Year.

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

Nays: None

Absent: Durkin

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

Mayor Weaver thanked Committee members, Kathy Lyons, Debbie Heniff, Kathy Abate, Fran Mazzolini, Joan Graham and Ed Sawica for their efforts. She noted the following important dates honoring Jim Sulkowski:

February 20, 2007 Cake and Coffee Reception during the Council Meeting

March 10, 2007 Citizen of the Year Dinner Dance at Alpine Banquets

8. CITY CLERK’S REPORT

Clerk Coleman…

* announced that the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for January 17, 2007 had been cancelled.

* invited everyone to join Mayor Weaver for coffee on Saturday, January 20th, from 9:00 until 10:00 A.M. at the Darien City Hall located at 1702 Plainfield Road

* announced the filing period for Candidates for the April 17, 2007 Consolidated Election is from 8:30 A.M. January 29, 2007 to 5:00 P.M., February 5, 2007. She advised candidates for the same office in line at 8:30 A.M. on January 29, 2007 that their petitions would be considered as simultaneous filed and a lottery would be held for ballot placement.

* Requested citizens support the Darien Womans Club through the purchase of 2007 Darien Vehicle Stickers. She noted the club’s extraordinary efforts to make Darien a Nice Place to Live and how long they have waited to become the winner of the lottery to sell the vehicle stickers.

* Invited everyone to purchase tickets and attend the Darien Historical Society’s annual “Sunday Dinner,” on January 28, 2007 at 1:00P.M. at Alpine Banquets. The cost of the ticket for this wonderful event is only $25.00 and can be obtained by calling 964-6792. The proceeds from this event go towards the preservation of the Old Lace School.

9. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Administrator Vana advised a representative from Com Ed would be attending the February 5, 2007 City Council meeting. He requested the alderman submit any questions they may have to either him or Assistant to the Administrator Coren

He advised the Council that the City was participating in a joint municipal bid for electrical service rates for the City’s water pumping facilities; this does not affect the residential rates but effects the rates water department pays to Com Ed. Administrator Vana was anticipating a good bid offering due to the number of municipalities that banded together. He said he would advise them on Friday of the results.

In response to Alderman Poteraske’s question, Administrator Vana advised the bid specs for the City Hall repair work had just been finalized today and would be reviewed again at the Tuesday staff meeting before being sent out. He noted the specifications were not inclusive of all the work that needs to be completed; Administrator Vana anticipated having the bids before the Administrative Finance Committee in a couple of weeks.

10. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORT

Community Development/Public Works Director Daniel Gombac…

… referring to the colder weather that has set upon us, he reminded residents who leave for warmer climates for an extended amount of time, to turn off their water supply and leave their heat set at 55 degrees. He noted this action could prevent water pipes from freezing and/or breaking during their absence. Mr. Gombac invited those who could not find the shut off valve to call the Public Works Department for assistance.

….advised the steel for the water tower is available but the contractors, CBI are delayed on a job in Michigan. Jay Iseman, CBI Project Manager assured staff this delay would not prevent CBI from their target completion date. The steel is expected to be delivered the week of February 19th; construction on the pump house foundation has begun today.

… said that on January 1st a new law called the ‘Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act’ took effect; basically, the act mandated that a device should be placed every 15’ in rooms utilized for sleeping. He suggested numerous safety tips for residents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

….noted Public Works is in the process of completing the installation of 240 reflective red and green florescent markers at all intersections with stop signs as well as designated cross walks.

…..advised tree trimming would be begin in the next month. The city anticipates trimming 1700 parkway trees within the area of Plainfield Road on the south, 69th Street on the north, Clarendon Hills Road on the east and Cass Avenue on the west. He reminded residents in this specific area that they were eligible to participate in a pilot program that would allow them to have the City’s contractor trim trees on their private property at a predetermined price. This pilot program is limited to 100 residents; so far the city has heard from 45. The bid opening is set to take place on January 26th. Results will be forward to the Public Works Committee and the City Council.

…..noted the Buona Beef Restaurant is under construction at 75th and Cass on the site of the former Royal Shield Restaurant; they are anticipating a May 1, 2007 opening date.

11. TREASURER'S REPORT

A. WARRANT NUMBER 06-07-16 Treasurer Monaghan’s requested approval of Warrant Number 06-07-16.

It was moved by Alderman Gattuso and seconded by Alderman Biehl to approve payment of Warrant Number 06-07-16 in the amount of $385,291.40 from the General Fund; $244,843.48 from the Water Fund; $11,163.88 from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund; $167,491.18 from the Water Depreciation Fund; $3,456.66 from the Darien Area Dispatch Center; $25,000.00 from the Capital Improvement Fund; $211,140.16 from the General Fund Payroll for the period ending 12/21/06 and 01/04/07; $42,228.23 from the Water Fund Payroll for the period ending 12/21/06 and 01/04/07; $51,771.47 from the D.A.D.C. Fund Payroll for the period ending 12/21/06 and 01/04/07; for a total to be approved of $1,142,386.46

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

Nays: None

Absent: Durkin

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

12. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Administrative/Finance Committee — Chairman Weaver submitted for the record minutes of the October 19, 2006 meeting. She announced the meeting is schedule for February 12, 2007 (Tentative Date) at 6:30 P.M.

She announced the 2007-2008 budget review would take place on the following meeting dates: February 21, 2007; February 27, 2007, March 06, 2007 and if necessary March 13, 2007. .

Planning/Development Committee — No report.

Public Works Water/Streets Committee — Chairman Biehl announced the next regularly scheduled meeting is set for January 24, 2007 at 6:30 P.M. He submitted the minutes of the rescheduled meeting of November 29, 2006 for the record.

13. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS — AGENDA RELATED

Reverend Mark Powell, 7230 Exner, asked questions regarding Item B under the consent agenda and commented on same.

14. OLD BUSINESS

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

15. CONSENT AGENDA

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 MOTION TO GRANT WAIVER OF THE RAFFLE LICENSE BOND FOR HINSDALE SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL BOOSTER CLUB.

B. RESOLUTION NO. R-01-07 A RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE STREET NAME SIGN PROJECT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DARIEN AND ALLIED MUNICIPAL SUPPLY

C. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REJECTION OF ALL BIDS AND RE-BID THE 2007 TREE TRIMMING PROGRAM

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

Nays: None

Absent: Durkin

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

16. NEW BUSINESS

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

17. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS — GENERAL

Clerk Coleman expressed the sympathy of the City to the families of Tom Pilafas, Tri-State Fire Protection District Trustee and Don Brier, former Darien Park District Commissioner.

Reverend Mark Powell, 7230 Exner Road, spoke for approximately three minutes in opposition to Darien School District #61’s upcoming referendum and other school funding matters until Mayor Weaver requested he stop speaking. She stated she was stopping him because his comments were not germane to City issues and should be brought before the school board not the Darien City Council. Mr. Powell protested and called Mayor Weaver, “Fascist”. Alderman Biehl attempted to ask “Reverend” Powell if he was an ordained or just a licensed minister; he said he was asking this question in order for him to show him proper respect. “Reverend” Powell became indignant and left the Council Chambers.

Mayor Weaver explained she requested Reverend Powell to stop speaking because the section of the Agenda entitled “Question and Comments” permits residents to speak on general City related issues and she felt his comments chastising the school board more appropriate before that governing body. She asked the Council to tell her if she was out of order in her actions, hearing no response from the Council, she then asked for any other questions or comments from the audience.

Kathy Abbate, 1513 Evergreen Court, stated she felt Mr. Powell’s comments should be made to School Board District No. 61’s Commissioners and not to the City Council.

18. ADJOURNMENT

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

VIVA VOCE VOTE

MOTION DULY CARRIED

The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:23 P.M.

Mayor ________________________________ City Clerk jfc All supporting documentation and report originals of these minutes are on file in the Office of the City Clerk under File Number 01-15-07.

Minutes of 01-15-07 CCM January 15, 2007