Minutes
A WORK SESSION WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:00 P.M. BY MAYOR
WEAVER FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVIEWING ITEMS ON THE MARCH 19,
2007 AGENDA WITH THE CITY COUNCIL. THE SESSION ADJOURNED AT
7:10 P.M.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
of the City Council of the
CITY OF DARIEN
MARCH 19, 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 William R. Durkin
John F. Poteraske, Jr. Joseph A. Marchese Kathleen Moesle
Weaver
Absent: Carolyn A. Gattuso
Also in Attendance: Kathleen Moesle Weaver, Mayor Joanne
F. Coleman, City Clerk Kevin P. Monaghan, City Treasurer
John B. Murphey, City Attorney Bryon D. Vana, City
Administrator Robert Pavelchik, 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 – March 5, 2007
It was moved by Alderman Poteraske and seconded by
Alderman Durkin to approve the Minutes of the Regular
Meeting of March 5, 2007, as presented. Roll Call: Ayes:
Biehl, Durkin, Marchese, McIvor, Poteraske, Weaver
Nays: None
Absent: Gattuso
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1 MOTION DULY CARRIED
6. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS
Alderman Biehl received an email from Dennis Bolsega, 106
68th Street, which he read; the email referenced a
solicitation phone call from an organization who said they
represented the Darien Police.
Mayor Weaver spoke with a resident in regard to sidewalk
on the eastside of Cass Avenue that had bushes, which
impeded use of the walkway. She directed Director Gombac to
handle the matter.
Alderman Biehl mentioned that Council received an email
from JoAnn Hofstetter in regard to School District 61
funding issues.
7. MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Weaver noted that the March 14th edition of the
Suburban Life Newspaper ran an article about her ‘State of
the City’ speech at the Darien Chamber Luncheon. She said
that the article was misleading and erroneous; she directed
residents to watch Channel 6 to see a repeat of her actual
speech. Mayor Weaver noted that the March 15th edition of
the Doings Newspaper did a better review of her ‘State of
the City’ speech.
Mayor Weaver announced that Darien’s Environmental
Committee was holding a meeting on Tuesday, March 20th, at
7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers regarding placement of a
possible nuclear recycling facility at Argonne National
Laboratories. She indicated that Morris, IL and Argonne were
being considered as a location for the proposed facility;
she said it could mean transportation and storage of nuclear
waste at Argonne. She noted that the issue would be
addressed at the meeting and invited all residents to attend
and if they had questions to contact City Hall.
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION IN
SUPPORT OF REFORMING ILLINOIS SCHOOL FUNDING AND DEMANDING
THAT THE STATE OF ILLINOIS FULFILL ITS OBLIGATION TO BEAR
THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR FUNDING EDUCATION
Mayor Weaver read the Resolution and requested that
residents contact the Governor and other State of Illinois
elected representatives demanding that the State of Illinois
fulfill its constitutionally mandated obligation to assume
primary responsibility for funding schools.
It was moved by Alderman McIvor and seconded by Alderman
Biehl to approve
RESOLUTION NO. R-13-07 A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF
REFORMING ILLINOIS SCHOOL FUNDING AND DEMANDING THAT THE
STATE OF ILLINOIS FULFILL ITS OBLIGATION TO BEAR THE PRIMARY
RESPONSIBILITY FOR FUNDING EDUCATION as presented.
Roll Call: Ayes: Biehl, Durkin, Marchese, McIvor,
Poteraske, Weaver
Nays: None
Absent: Gattuso
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1 MOTION DULY CARRIED
Mayor Weaver distributed and read portions of a Press
Release in regard to the Town Center Redevelopment at
Plainfield/Cass.
B. MAYORAL PROCLAMATION “EISENHOWER JUNIOR HIGH WRESTLING
TEAM” (MARCH 20, 2007)
Mayor Weaver read the Proclamation and declared March 20,
2007 as ‘2007 Eisenhower Junior High Wrestling Team Day’ in
honor of their hard work and achievement over the past year.
The Eisenhower Wrestling Team accepted the Proclamation;
they were congratulated by all and received a round of
applause. Coach Esposito spoke about the team, their
dedication / determination, and their overall
accomplishments as individuals and as a team. He noted that
Mike Monaghan was a State Champion who led the team with 34
wins and 22 pins. He thanked and acknowledged the wrestlers,
Coaches Cottington & Monaghan, and volunteer Coach Ryan
McHeal; he thanked the parents, staff, administration, and
residents for their support. The team had 37 champions over
tournament time with 28 runner ups, 25 third place finishes,
and 20 fourth place finishes. Mike Monaghan addressed
Council and thanked them for honoring the team; he indicated
that for the first time the EJH team brought home the Third
Place Team Title from the ISA State Finals Tournament, there
were three State Champs, there was a third place finisher,
and six other State qualifiers.
Alderman Durkin inquired about what could be done about
the erroneous reporting problems with the Suburban Life
Newspapers. Mayor Weaver responded that the Park District
and School District 63 wrote or called the editor of the
Suburban Life regarding the style of reporting by the
writer; she said that the editor defended the reporter’s
style of writing. There was discussion about interpretation
and actual facts.
Alderman Durkin asked if the Environmental Committee
meeting would be taped; Administrator Vana said the meeting
would be shown live and that it would be replayed on Channel
6.
8. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
Clerk Coleman…
… noted that the Environmental Committee scheduled a
meeting for Tuesday, March 20th, at 7:30 P.M.
… commented that March 20th was the last day to register
or transfer a registration in order to vote at the April 17,
2007 Consolidated Election.
… informed Council, Members of Boards, Commissions and
Committees, and Department Heads that the Clerk’s Office
sent ‘Ethic Statement’ forms, which needed to be returned by
May 1st. She noted that the DuPage County Clerk had sent
‘Statement of Economic Interest’ forms, which needed to be
filed with the County by May 1st or a $15.00 per day penalty
would be imposed.
9. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Administrator Vana explained that City Hall’s lower level
was under construction due to a flooding incident.
10. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORT
Police Department Chief Robert Pavelchik…
… stated that the Dispatch Center serviced the Village of
Lisle and Darien. A dispatcher informed him that they had
received three suicide calls; he indicated that there was
help available to residents through DuPage County Public
Health Department. The Department’s crisis number is: 630)
627-1700.
… spoke about the nice weather because it initiated many
traffic complaints; he advised residents to watch their
speed, not to block sidewalks with vehicles, leash pets and
clean up after them, keep a watchful eye on children, report
damage to parks to the Park District but report suspicious
circumstances to the Police Department. He suggested that
residents meet and speak with their neighbors.
… reception staff suggested that the following
information be mentioned: * need a wheelchair or
walker…contact Dan & Mary Sackett at 630) 852-4330 * police
officer solicitation was being done by the Police Officers’
Union not by the officers themselves * if you received a
ticket, the ticket was at least 24-hours old, and you wanted
to post bond…you must go to the Clerk of the Circuit Court
Office in Wheaton * meeting questions for the Police
Training Room should be directed to the organization who
reserved the room not to the Police Department * garbage
pickup information requests should be directed to City Hall
at 630) 852-5000 or on the City’s web site * the Police
Department does not provide phone numbers; residents were
directed to contact Directory Assistance by dialing 411 *
power outages should be reported to 1-800-EDISON1
Alderman McIvor commented about power outages and
suggested that secondary calls should be reported or emailed
to Scott Coren. She spoke about coyotes and referred
residents to contact Willowbrook Wildlife Haven. Chief
Pavelchik said that the Police Department was limited about
what they could do but if a wild animal was standing or
stumbling around, sick or injured, that residents should
call 911. Alderman Poteraske indicated that residents could
also contact the Wildlife Haven about raccoons.
Mayor Weaver inquired about disposal of a console;
Administrator Vana responded that two stickers were needed
on the item because it was a ‘bulk item’ that did not fit in
a can. He suggested that if the item was not picked up on
garbage day that the resident contact City Hall.
Administrator Vana said that the upcoming issue of Neighbors
of Darien would address refuse questions.
11. TREASURER'S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER 06-07-20
It was moved by Alderman Biehl and seconded by Alderman
Poteraske to approve payment of Warrant Number 06-07-20 in
the amount of $59,131.69 from the General Fund; $81,605.89
from the Water Fund; $34,759.16 from the Motor Fuel Tax
Fund; $155.88 from the Water Depreciation Fund; $1,639.64
from the Darien Area Dispatch Center; $103,524.54 from the
General Fund Payroll for the period ending 03/15/07;
$23,099.26 from the Water Fund Payroll for the period ending
03/15/07; $35,554.73 from the D.A.D.C. Fund Payroll for the
period ending 03/15/07; for a total to be approved of
$339,470.79.
Roll Call: Ayes: Biehl, Durkin, Marchese, McIvor,
Poteraske, Weaver
Nays: None
Absent: Gattuso
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1 MOTION DULY CARRIED
B. TREASURER’S MONTHLY REPORT – FEBRUARY 2007
Treasurer Monaghan reviewed all sources of revenue and
expenditures for the month of February 2007 with the
following year-to-date fund balances: General Fund
$3,404,802; Water Fund $639,086; Motor Fuel Tax Fund
$258,949; and Water Depreciation Fund $3,721,046; Capital
Improvement Fund $16,979.
12. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative/Finance Committee — No Report.
Planning/Development Committee — Chairman Poteraske
announced that the Committee would meet on Monday, March
26th, at 6:30 P.M.
Public Works Water/Streets Committee — Chairman Biehl
announced that the Committee would meet on Wednesday, March
28th at 6:30 P.M.
13. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS — AGENDA RELATED
There were no Agenda Related Questions or Comments to
come before the City Council. 14. OLD BUSINESS
There was no Old Business to come before the City
Council.
15. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Weaver indicated that New Business Item A had been
removed from the Agenda; New Business Items B, C, D, E, and
F had been moved to the Consent Agenda as Items F, G, H, I,
and J respectively.
It was moved by Alderman Marchese and seconded by
Alderman Poteraske to approve by Omnibus Vote the following
items on the Consent Agenda:
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO GRANT A WAIVER OF THE
RAFFLE LICENSE BOND REQUIREMENT FOR DARIEN WOMAN’S CLUB
B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DARIEN
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 7th ANNUAL DARIEN DASH, A 5K RUN/1 MILE
WALK, ON MAY 20, 2007 BEGINNING AT 8:30 A.M.
C. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE USE OF THE
RIGHT HALF OF THE FOLLOWING STREETS FOR THE DARIEN DASH
WHICH BEGINS AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF DARIEN COMMUNITY
PARK AND PROCEED AS FOLLOWS: 5K RUN - 71st STREET TO
RICHMOND AVENUE; SOUTH ON RICHMOND AVENUE AND FOLLOWING
CHEROKEE DRIVE TO DARIEN LANE; NORTH ON DARIEN LANE AND
FOLLOWING TIMBER LANE TO SEMINOLE DRIVE; NORTH ON SEMINOLE
DRIVE TO 71st STREET; WEST ON 71st STREET TO BEECHNUT LANE
TO HINSBROOK AVENUE; EAST ON HINSBROOK AVENUE TO WILMETTE
AVENUE; NORTH ON WILMETTE AVENUE TO 69th STREET; EAST ON
69th STREET TO BENTLEY AVENUE; SOUTH ON BENTLEY AVENUE TO
71st STREET; EAST ON 71st STREET TO NORTHWEST CORNER OF
DARIEN COMMUNITY PARK WITH ACCESS FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND
LOCAL TRAFFIC AT ALL TIMES; AND 1 MILE WALK – 71st STREET TO
RICHMOND AVENUE; NORTH ON RICHMOND AVENUE TO MAPLE LANE;
EAST ON MAPLE LANE TO BENTLEY AVENUE; SOUTH ON BENTLEY
AVENUE TO 71st STREET; EAST ON 71st STREET TO NORTHWEST
CORNER OF DARIEN COMMUNITY PARK WITH ACCESS FOR EMERGENCY
VEHICLES AND LOCAL TRAFFIC AT ALL TIMES
D. ORDINANCE NO. O-03-07 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN
AMENDMENT TO SPECIAL USE FOR THE EXPANSION OF A PARKING LOT
(PZC 2007-02: 1224 PLAINFIELD ROAD)
E. ORDINANCE NO. O-04-07 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY (VEHICLE) OWNED BY THE CITY OF
DARIEN
F. ORDINANCE NO. O-06-07 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
TRANSFER OF PROPERTY CONSISTING OF 20,999 SQUARE FEET OF
8300 SOUTH KEARNEY ROAD TO THE CITY OF DARIEN ($5,000.00 AND
$10.00 RECORDING FEE)
G. ORDINANCE NO. O-07-07 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
TRANSFER OF PROPERTY CONSISTING OF 79 SQUARE FEET OF 8315
SOUTH KEARNEY ROAD TO THE CITY OF DARIEN ($100.00 AND $10.00
RECORDING FEE)
H. ORDINANCE NO. O-08-07 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
TRANSFER OF PROPERTY CONSISTING OF 109 SQUARE FEET OF 8400
SOUTH KEARNEY ROAD TO THE CITY OF DARIEN ($10.00 RECORDING
FEE)
I. ORDINANCE NO. O-09-07 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
TRANSFER OF PROPERTY CONSISTING OF 7,495 SQUARE FEET OF 8405
SOUTH KEARNEY ROAD TO THE CITY OF DARIEN ($10.00 RECORDING
FEE)
J. ORDINANCE NO. O-10-07 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
TRANSFER OF PROPERTY CONSISTING OF 725 SQUARE FEET OF 8405
SOUTH KEARNEY ROAD TO THE CITY OF DARIEN ($10.00 RECORDING
FEE)
Roll Call: Ayes: Biehl, Durkin, Marchese, McIvor,
Poteraske, Weaver
Nays: None
Absent: Gattuso
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
Alderman Marchese thanked Director Gombac in regard to
the Kearney Road project; he said that he and the residents
greatly appreciated his efforts.
Alderman McIvor thanked the Darien Lions Club for the
great Pancake Breakfast on March 18th. Alderman Biehl, on
behalf of the Lions Club, thanked all the residents who
supported the event.
18. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City
Council, it was moved by Alderman Poteraske and seconded by
Alderman Biehl to adjourn.
VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED
The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:25 P.M.
Mayor ________________________________ City Clerk jr All
supporting documentation and report originals of these
minutes are on file in the Office of the City Clerk under
File Number 03-19-07.
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