Thank You for signing up to receive the Darien Direct Connect.  You are receiving valuable and timely city news and events.  If you know of anyone who would benefit from receiving this email as well, please have them sign up at darien.il.us, or call Mary at city hall (630-353-8115) to have their email address added to our list.
 
"Like" us for city contact information and current city news on the City of Darien Official Facebook Page 
CITY NEWS
City Hall Closed

Darien City Hall & Municipal Services Department will be closed on Monday, September 2 for Labor Day.  For any police response please dial 9-1-1. 

 

The City Council Meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, September 3 at 7:30 p.m. 

Refuse & Recycling Delay

Refuse and recycling pickup will be delayed by one day the week of September 1.  Fridays pickup will be on Saturday.  Please have everything at your curb no later than 6:30 a.m., as that is when refuse pickup begins.  To contact our refuse hauler, Veolia, please call 708-409-9700.

50/50 Parkway Tree Planting Program
The City of Darien is now taking orders for the 2013 Parkway Tree Planting Program. The program is a 50/50 cost share program between the City and the resident. The cost includes the purchase, planting, mulching and one (1) year guarantee of the trees. The planting is tentatively scheduled to begin October 7.
 

Please contact the Municipal Services Department for the 50/50 Parkway Tree Planting Program at 630-353-8105 or e-mail aprueter@darienil.gov for additional information or to place your order. The deadline to order trees is September 27.

Please note, 4-inch caliper trees may be purchased at an additional cost, please call for details.

.

The following trees are available for the Parkways:

 

 

DIAMETER

SPECIES

PLANTED PRICE PER TREE

CITY COST

RESIDENT COST

2.5"

American Linden

$225.00

$112.50

$112.50

2.5"

Norway Maple

$225.00

$112.50

$112.50

2.5"

Honeylocust Skyline

$175.00

$87.50

$87.50

2.5"

Red Maple

$185.00

$92.50

$92.50

2.5"

Chanticleer Pear

$235.00

$117.50

$117.50

2.5"

Freeman Maple

$245.00

$122.50

$122.50

2.5"

Sugar Maple

$225.00

$112.50

$112.50

Private Property Tree Planting Program
The City of Darien is offering residents to take advantage of pricing for planting trees on their private property. The City has selected the The Fields on Caton Farm, Inc. to be the vendor for the 2013 Tree Planting Program and has included contract pricing of various private property tress. The cost includes the purchase, planting, mulching and one (1) year guarantee of the trees. The planting is tentatively scheduled to begin October 7.

 

Please contact Brian or Jason at The Fields on Caton Farm, Inc. for private property tree planting at 815-744-7841 or e-mail bneumann@fieldsnursery.com for additional information or to place your order. Private Property Tree participants will be required to pay the vendor directly.

 

The deadline to order private property trees is September 27.

 

The Following Trees are available for private property planting:

  
  

DIAMETER

SPECIES

RESIDENT COST-PLANTED PRICE

2.5"

American Linden

$225.00

2.5"

Norway Maple

$215.00

2.5"

Honeylocust Skyline

$190.00

2.5"

Red Maple

$225.00

2.5"

Chanticleer Pear

$245.00

2.5"

Aristocrat  Pear

$245.00

2.5"

Swamp White Oak

$225.00

2.5"

Freeman Maple

$225.00

2.5"

Sugar Maple

$225.00

2.5"

Purple Maple

$250.00

2.5"

Northern Red Oak

$290.00

2.5"

Little Leaf Linden

$175.00

City Administrator
(630) 353-8114
(630) 852-5000
(630) 971-3999
(630) 852-5000
Mayor
Kathy Weaver
City Clerk
JoAnne Ragona
Treasurer
Michael J. Coren
Ward 1
Ted Schauer
Ward 2
Tina Beilke
Ward 3
Joseph A Kenny
Ward 4
Joerg Seifert
Ward 5
Joseph A. Marchese
Ward 6
Sylvia McIvor
Ward 7
Thomas J. Belczak
City Council Meetings
  
Tuesday, September 3
7:30 p.m.
 
Monday , September 16 
7:30 p.m.
Agendas for City and Committee Meetings

The following links will direct you to the City Meeting and Committee agendas and packet information on our website.  Stay informed on City issues and upcoming projects! 
 

All Agendas

City Council Meeting Agenda
View Darien Meetings on YouTube!

You may now view city meetings on YouTube by clickng here.

 

Our user name is DarienCableChannel.  You may still access meetings from the links on our website.

Resident Satisfaction Survey

Can you take a few moments to take our Resident Survey?  Your feedback is important in helping us to continue to make Darien a "Nice Place to Live".  Just click on this link

 

View Darien Police Department Weekly Press Release

You may view the Darien Police Department weekly press release by clicking here

View Chief Brown's Monthly Press Release

You may view the Police Chief's monthly press release by clicking here

Submit an article for Direct Connect

You may submit an article for inclusion in Direct Connect by emailing mwintermute@darienil.gov

 

School has Started - Please Slow Down

The Darien Police Department reminds motorists to exercise caution when driving near schools, bus stops, and anywhere children may be walking near the road. Motorists are reminded of the following:

 

*On any two-lane roadway and within school parking lots, all traffic must stop when the school bus has its "STOP" arm extended. On a four-lane roadway, only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus are required to stop. The penalty for passing a stopped school bus is a $150.00 fine and a 90-day suspension of driving privileges.

 

*The speed limit in areas posted as "School Zones" is 20 mph on school days from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, when children are present in the area.

 

*Always BUCKLE-UP everyone on every trip, every time. Seat belts are the best defense against driver mistakes - they save lives every day!

 

*When driving near schools, be alert for adult school crossing guards and student patrols that may be assisting children crossing the street. Motorists are required to obey the instructions of adult school crossing guards, so use caution and be prepared to stop.

 

*Cell Phones are PROHIBITED in school zones for everyone! - State statute prohibits the use of cell phones for all drivers, regardless of age, while operating a motor vehicle in a school zone.

 

 

The Darien Police Department strictly enforces all laws regarding school speed zones, school crossings, and school bus stop requirements.  Darien Police Officers will issue full citations for all violations near schools or school zones. Warnings will not be an option

Video Gaming Machines Feedback

The State of Illinois passed a law that allows certain businesses that serve alcohol to have video gaming machines, such as video poker.  The businesses must be licensed by the State and comply with a variety of requirements to make sure minors are not able to use them. 

 

The City of Darien has the ability to prohibit these machines, but has allowed businesses to apply for the licenses and has been reviewing the impact on communities that currently have the machines.  A survey of other municipalities conducted by the police department has shown that to date the machines have not resulted in an increase in crime or calls to the police. 

 

The City of Darien is looking for any feedback from residents on whether video gaming should be allowed in Darien.  If you would like to share your thoughts and opinions, please contact Scott Coren, Assistant City Administrator, at (630) 353-8104 or your alderman, a list of which is in the right column of this e-mail.

The 2013 Town Hall Meeting
The 2013 Darien Town Hall Meeting  -  Keynote Speaker:  Mayor Kathleen Weaver

 

Co-Sponsored by the Darien Committee For Intergovernmental Coordination Committee and Carriage Greens Country Club.

 

The Town Hall Meeting will be held on September 26, 2013 from 7pm to 9pm at Carriage Greens Country Club located at 8700 Carriage Green Drive in Darien. This event is FREE and open to the general public.  Residents will have the opportunity to Meet and Greet the following local Taxing Bodies: Cass School District 63, Center Cass District 66, Darien Chamber of Commerce, Darien Park District, Darien Public Schools District 61, Darien Woodridge Fire District, Hinsdale South High School District 86, Indian Prairie Library and Tri-State Fire District.

 

Mayor Kathleen Weaver is inviting residents to register online and submit questions prior to the event.  To register online click here.

  

The deadline to register and submit questions is September 19.  For more information contact Lynn at 630-353-8101 or ldubman@darienil.gov

 

Coyotes in DuPage County

Coyotes are a permanent fixture in DuPage County's rural, suburban and urban areas. Seeing a coyote cross a field, backyard, road or golf course does not necessarily constitute a problem or dangerous situation, either for humans or domestic animals. Coyotes will be more active and more visible in late-winter/early spring during their breeding seasons. Most coyotes are harmless; their goal is to eat more natural foods such as mice and rabbits. However, coyotes are opportunistic. If coyotes see easy food - such as open garbage- and aren't afraid, they may take advantage. That puts them in direct line for a confrontation with pets. Coyotes are not interested in eating pets, these are territorial disputes. Last summer the Darien Police Department  received 3 reports of small family dogs that were killed by coyotes. Studies have shown that attempts at eliminating all coyotes are not practical, economical or workable. When coyotes are removed others quickly move in.

 

For more information on Coyotes you can visit the DuPage County Forest Preserve District at www.dupageforest.com or the City of Darien at www.Darien.il.us.

 

OTHER GOVERNMENT NEWS AND EVENTS
Lemont Road Construction Schedule

Dupage County Transportation will be resurfacing Lemont Road from 83rd Street to 75th Street from late August to early September. 

 

The traffic signals at 83rd Street and Lemont Road will be modernized beginning in late August and be completed by end of Nov.

 

Exact dates will be posted when they are available.  For more information please call DuPage County Transportation at 630-407-6900

DuPage County "Fight the Bite" Protect Yourself Against West Nile Virus

The DuPage County Health Department would like to bring to your attention a groundbreaking alert system we have launched that will educate the public about the potential risk of contracting West Nile virus (WNV). 

 

This alert system, known as the Personal Protection Index (PPI) is part of our aggressive public health education campaign targeted toward WNV prevention. The PPI will alert residents of WNV risk level and advise them of the precautions they should take to protect themselves and their loved ones.

 

 The PPI will be updated every Wednesday at 3:00 p.m., by Health Department staff, during the surveillance season.  The PPI will change to match the risk level determined for that period.

When activated, residents should follow the 4 D's of prevention that coincide with the PPI risk level.

 

·        Drain:  Drain those items that collect standing water around your home, yard or business.  Scrub and refill pet water dishes and bird baths regularly.

·         Defend:  Use an insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors and reapply according to directions.

·         Dress:  Wear long pants, long sleeves and closed toe shoes when outside to cover the skin.

·         Dusk & Dawn:   Wear repellent outdoors during these prime times for mosquito activity.

 

To view the PPI click here

 

Darien Park District Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the Darien Park District will be holding its next regular meeting on Monday, September 9, 2013.  The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Darien City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road.  

High School District 86 Board Meetings

Policy Committee Meeting:  Thursday, September 5 at 7:00p.m., in the Administrative Conference Room

 

Committee of the Whole Meeting of the Board:  Monday, September 9, 7:00pm, at Hinsdale South

 

To view High School District 86 Board Meetings please click here.

  
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Local High School Student Could Win a $30,000 Scholarship & a Trip to Washington DC

Commander Matt Goodwin of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2838 in Darien announced the kick-off of this year's Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition. The contest is open to all high school students in grades 9 through 12 including home schooled students.

 

Students participate by writing and then recording a three to five minute audio essay expressing their views on this year's topic, "Why I am Optimistic About our Nation's Future." Students' recordings (CDs or cassette tapes) are first judged at the post level with winning recordings advanced for judging at district, state, and national levels.  Monetary awards are given at each level.  The top winner in each state earns a free trip to Washington DC and the first place winner in the national competition receives a $30,000 scholarship plus the awards issued at the post, district, and state levels. 

 

Student entries including the recording, typed copy of the essay, and a completed application form are due to our post by November 1. For complete information regarding this exciting competition, please contact our post Voice of Democracy chairman Earl McMahon at 630-963-3858 or check our web site at http://www.vfw.org/Community/Voice-of-Democracy/

 

This competition is sponsored by the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary throughout the country and has attracted over 7 million participants in its 65 year history. The members of Darien Memorial Post 2838 are pleased to offer this opportunity to the students in our community.  An award presentation ceremony will be scheduled later this year to honor the top winners in our post competition.

 

Southwest Suburban Childrens Choir Accepting New Members

The Southwest Suburban Chiclrens Choir is currently accepting new members in grades 1 - 6.  They rehearse weekly at Hinsdale South High School.  For more information please contact SWSCC at 708-285-3498 or at swchoir@gmail.com.  You may visit our website here.

DarienFest 2013 - Save the Date!

Save the date for DarienFest 2013 - September 6, 7 & 8 at Community Park.  For more information and a list of entertainment, visit http://www.darienchamber.com/

Darien Chamber "Shop Local Shop Darien"

The Darien Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce their Shop Local Shop Darien Campaign. We encourage residents to support Darien Chamber businesses that display the Shop Local Shop Darien decal posted in their window. Shop Darien Shop Local Preferred Cards are now on sale for $5 at the Darien Chamber of Commerce office in City Hall or at local Darien Chamber member businesses.  Visit www.darienchamber.com for all the Shop Local Shop Darien Preferred Offers!

DarienFest 2013 "PET PARADE"

The 1st Annual Pet Parade will be held at DarienFest on Saturday, September 7, 2013 from 12pm to 2pm.  Check in 11am - 11:30am at South entrance off Plainfield Road across from Tri-State Fire Department.  Awards to top three best dressed dogs.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit A Caring Place Humane Society. All participants must sign Waiver and Release of Liability for the Darien Chamber of Commerce and Darien Park District.   Advanced Reservations only, $10 per dog.  No Walk Ups.  ALL DOGS MUST BE LEASHED.  Download forms at the Chamber website, or them pick up at Darien City Hall. 

 

For more information please visit the Chamber website 

DarienFest VFW 50/50 Raffle

The VFW DarienFest 50/50 Raffle tickets may be purchased ahead of time via PayPal or the VFW website.  You can also google Darien VFW 2838.

Indian Boundary YMCA Breast Cancer Awareness 5K walk/run FREE Community Event

Join the Indian Boundary YMCA for our 4th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness 5K walk/run. This event is free and will honor those who have had breast cancer. This free 5k walk/run is very informal but fun. Wear your pink and celebrate with us. Location is the Indian Boundary YMCA, 711 59th St., Downers Grove (on 59th St between Fairview and Main St.) The Date and Time are Saturday, October 12th, 8-9 am.   We will join together to walk/run the neighborhoods surrounding the Indian Boundary YMCA. Meet at the Personal Training Studio. Donations will be accepted for the American Cancer Society and the Indian Boundary YMCA Annual campaign. Please sign up in the Fitness Center or by calling 630-929-2419.

 

5K Walk Benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

The Darien-Woodridge Firefighters Local 3437 Presents a 5K Walk Benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.  This event will take place at Oldfield Oaks Forest Preserve (Oldfield Rd. East of Lemont Rd.).  Check-in/Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. in Meyer Woods Park.  Food, activities and fun for all ages! 

 

Information/Registration at:  WWW.StJudeEvents.org/3437

or contact Shawn Lamb at ShawnL9@comcast.net

Follow on Facebook: DWFD WALK for St. Jude

Darien Lions Club "Candy Day"

The Darien Lions Club will be fundraising on "Candy Day", Friday, October 11 and Saturday, October 12, 2013. The Darien Lions Club remains committed to serving our community through such programs as:

 

Darien Lions July 4th Parade, Darien Lions Halloween Party, Darien Lions Food Basket Program, Darien Lions Special Needs Program, Support of the Hearing Impaired Program at Hinsdale South High School, Diabetes Awareness Programs in the Darien Community, Mobile Hearing Exams Screenings, Free Eye Exams for Local Darien Residents and Many other State and Local Programs

 

On October 11th and 12th they ask for your monetary support in their efforts to continue their service in Darien.  If you would like to volunteer, call Lion Art Kardatzke at 312-287-9534


Copyright © 2013. All Rights Reserved.