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CITY NEWS
City of Darien Job Opportunity 
Part Time Secretary

The City of Darien is seeking a customer service oriented part-time administrative secretary.  The successful candidate will be available 20 hours per week, around the hours of 10:30 am - 2:30 pm, with occasional extended hours as needed.  Applicants must be willing to provide high quality service to residents, as well as assist in other office duties as assigned.  Superior communication and people skills are required, as well as proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and the ability to learn and adapt to proprietary accounting and other software.  The starting rate of pay is $16.71 per hour.  Applications and/or resumes should be sent to Darien City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road, Darien, 60561, e-mailed to mbelmonte@darienil.gov, or faxed to 630-852-4709.  Position will be open until filled.  The City of Darien is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

City of Darien Job Opportunity
Part Time Community Service Officer

The City of Darien Police Department is accepting applications for the position of a part-time community service officer.  A community service officer is a non-sworn employee of the police department that provides general assistance to citizens, enforces ordinances in the city such as parking and animal complaints, and assists the police officers and detectives with various tasks.  The successful candidate will be a motivated and customer service minded individual with a strong desire to help residents and assist the Darien Police Department in keeping Darien "A Nice Place To Live."  The employee will need to be available to work 18 hours per week, which could include daytime, early evening, or weekend hours.  The starting hourly rate for this position is $18.20, with the ability to move to a range of $24.57 with experience and service time.  Applications and/or resumes can be sent to Darien City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road, or can be e-mailed to mbelmonte@darienil.gov, or faxed to 630-852-4709 until the positions are filled.  The City of Darien is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Winter Parking Regulations

There is no parking allowed on city streets during a snow event when snow or ice exceeds one inch.

Snowplows and other emergency vehicles must have access and ability to pass down streets; parked vehicles in the roadways inhibit these vehicles and block visibility.  In snow emergencies snowplows are able to more efficiently clear your street without parked vehicles obstructing the process.

We thank you for your cooperation and support!

Overnight Parking Ban Suspended During Holidays

The City of Darien will suspend Overnight Parking Ban (2A-6A) for the upcoming holiday - between Saturday, December 21 until Sunday January 5.  We will start enforcing the ban again on Monday, January 6. *NOTE - THERE IS NO PARKING ON CITY STREETS DURING A WINTER WEATHER EVENT - WHERE SNOW OR ICE ARE IN EXCESS OF 1 INCH

2014 Vehicle Stickers Now Available

Vehicle stickers are not required in the City of Darien, but are available for your convenience.  The donation is $3.00 per sticker, and this year all proceeds benefit the Darien Chamber of Commerce.  Stickers are currently available at City Hall and the Police Department.  For more information please call 630-852-5000.

 

The first 100 residents to purchase the sticker from City Hall will receive at FREE Shop Local Shop Darien Preferred Card! 

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
  
  Monday, December 16 
7:30 p.m.
  
Monday, January 6
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

Submit an article for Direct Connect

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

 

Nixle Text Alert Program

The Nixle text alert system provides for the City to send out urgent and emergency alerts via text messages.  This a FREE service.  To sign up for Nixle, visit our website and click on the nixle icon or visit the nixle website here.

Prevent Water Lines from Freezing
All residents should take precautions to keep water supply lines in your homes from freezing during extreme cold. You should let the water trickle in plumbing lines or fixtures that face north or west exterior walls. This helps to prevent water from freezing within the wall.
 

Additionally, the City would like to remind residents that if you are going to be leaving town for an extended amount of time during the winter season, that you should set the hot water tank to pilot and maintain the heating system at a 60 degree range. We also encourage shutting off your water at the meter and relieving the pressure from the pipes by turning on a couple of faucets at the lowest point.

Private Property Tree Trimming Program

This year's tree trimming program includes contract pricing for the Private Property Tree Trimming Program to all residents. 

 

 The price for the private property program is $65.00 per tree in the front yard, and $140.00 per tree in the back yard.  The contract also includes unit pricing for private property tree removal and stump grinding. 

 

Residents may contact Ryan P. Countryman, Homer Tree Care Inc. for private property work pricing at 815-838-0320 or via email at Ryan@homertree.com

The deadline to contact Homer Tree Care is February 15, 2014.

 

For additional information please contact us at 630-353-8105.

Darien Senior Citizen Service Officers

In October of 2012 Darien Police Chief Ernest Brown sent two police officers to specialized training to better assist the Darien Senior Citizen population. Officers Lauren Renner and Marina Liska became the Darien Police Department's Elder Services Officers. Since the start of this program the Elder Services Officers have been busy meeting with Darien senior citizens and assisting them with important services. For questions regarding the City of Darien Elder Services Officers program you can contact officer Lauren Renner at lrenner@darienil.gov or officer Marina Liska at mliska@darienil.gov, or call 630-852-5000. 

Please Share the Direct Connect!

We recognize the importance of providing residents with city information. The Direct Connect has been successful in reaching out to over 1500 residents every week with important information about city services and activities. In our efforts to reach even more residents we are asking you to share our weekly Direct Connect with your neighbors they may not use computers. We recognize many senior citizens in the community do not use computers and may miss the weekly email. Please help by sharing this information with our senior citizen community.

Darien Citizen of the Year Search

It's that time of year again when we begin our search for a very special man or woman who has given of themselves to make Darien a "Nice Place to Live"!  The Citizen of the Year Committee is accepting nominations for the 2014 Citizen of the Year.  If you know of a person who goes "above and beyond the call of duty" ... is always there when someone needs a hand ... and who has contributed to make Darien a special place, please write a letter to the committee or fill out one of our official nomination forms that can be found at any time during the year at City Hall or at the Indian Prairie Library.  Nominations may be also be submitted on our website.

A nominee must be a resident of Darien and cannot currently be an elected official. The deadline for nominations is January 7th.

Holiday Lights Tour
The popular Holiday Lights Tour will be on Wedneday, December 18 this year. The tour will be on school buses, and will run through the City, passing by each of the holiday lights winners. This event is free and refreshments are provided. Because of the high demand each year, reservations are given on a first come first serve basis.  to make a reservation, please call City Hall at 630-852-5000.
Holiday Light Recycling

Don't know what to do with the old strands of Christmas lights that are tangled and broken?  Don't throw them in the garbage - recycle them!  The City of Darien has again partnered with Elgin Recycling to offer our residents free recycling of holiday lights!  Last year Darien residents recycled 1873 pounds of Holiday Lights.  Not only did this keep them from ending up in the landfill, the city made a profit of $280.95. 

 

All light colors and strand lengths will be accepted. Items include mini-lights (Italian lights), C7 lights, C9 lights, rope lights, LED lights, and extension cords.   (Please - no CFLs).  Now through February 7th you may bring your lights to the Darien Police Department lobby at 1710 Plainfield Road Monday thru Friday from 7am to 7pm, and Saturday & Sunday from 7am to 3pm.  For more information please call 630-353-8115 or visit www.elginrecycling.com

Coyote Attacks Reported in Wheaton 

The Wheaton Police Department has received recent reports of coyote attacks on small dogs.

 

  • On Dec. 10, Wheaton Police received a report that two coyotes took a dog from outside a residence.
  • On Dec. 8, Wheaton Police responded to a report that a coyote attacked a small dog in a fenced yard. The dog suffered extensive injuries, requiring it to be put down.
  • On Nov. 27, a resident was outside with two dogs, one of which was on a leash, when a coyote quickly approached and took the unleashed small dog. A Wheaton Police officer observed the coyote leaving the area with the dog. 

  

Fences do not guarantee your pet's safety. Always attend to small pets outdoors, and keep them on a leash whenever possible. 

Coyotes are often more visible this time of year as food becomes more scarce and young coyotes leave their families. If you encounter a coyote, shout, clap, run toward it or throw something in its direction. Acting aggressively adds to the coyotes' natural fear of humans.

 

NEVER feed a coyote. Take steps to ensure that you are not providing them with a source of food, such as pet food stored outside or unsecured trash.
 
If you see a coyote acting in a threatening manner, call 9-1-1. Police officers will respond.

 

Nixle Emergency Text Alerts

The Nixle text alert system provides for the City to send out urgent and emergency alerts via text messages.  This a FREE service.  To sign up for Nixle, visit our website and click on the nixle icon or visit the nixle website here.

 

OTHER GOVERNMENT NEWS AND EVENTS
New Cell Phone Law Effective January 1, 2014

A new law bans the use of any electronic device held in the driver's hand while driving. This includes, but is not limited to, hand-held wireless telephones, hand-held personal digital assistants, portable or mobile computers and hand held GPS systems. In addition, drivers may not read or scroll through an iPod, other mobile music device or use a Kindle or other e-reader while driving. Global positioning or other navigational systems or devices that are physically or electronically integrated into the motor vehicle may be utilized while driving. Cell phones must be in "hands free" mode to be legally used by a driver operating a motor vehicle on any highway in Illinois. Police officers will begin enforcing this statue on January 1, 2014.

COMMUNITY EVENTS
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 the Chamber website for all the Shop Local Shop Darien Preferred Offers!

Darien Woman's Club Soap Collection
The Darien Woman's Club is collecting laundry soap, dish soap, bar soap, liquid hand soap, body wash, shampoo and conditioner in conjunction with the Darien Lions Club Holiday Food Basket program for local families in need during this holiday season. 
Boxes for donations have been placed at the following locations:  Mark DeLay and Lace Schools, the Indian Praire Library, the Darien Park District at Fairview and 75th Streets, the Republic Bank of Chicago at 1510 75th St., and Citizens Financial Bank at 8301 S. Cass Ave.  Donations will be taken through Wednesday, 12-18-13
Thank you for your support and community spirit.  For additional information please contact Mary at 630-963-6076.
Darien Lions Club Holiday Food Basket Program

The Darien Lions Club is planning for its 39th annual Food Basket Program this holiday season. Last year with the support of several local businesses, organizations and schools we were able to provide hams, turkeys, dairy products, produce and canned food along with gifts  to  200 families in Darien and nearby communities.   The Darien Park District also plays a major role in helping us with this project.  This year in these challenging economic times our needs may be even greater.

Over the years members of our community have generously contributed to this event.  Please consider participating by making a cash donation which will be used to purchase food supplies for this project.  The cost to sponsor a local family is $75.00 and checks can be made payable to the Darien Lions Club Foundation; a qualified 501 © (3) organization./  Our mailing address is 1702 Plainfield Road, Darien, IL 60561.

This project has grown to be one of our strongest humanitarian projects and any and all donations are greatly appreciated.  We will be delivering the food baskets and gifts on Saturday, December 21. For additional information please contact Ralph at 630-963-6076.  

Girl Scout Troop #1382 "Caroling for Canned Goods" Food Drive

Jr. Girl Scout troop 1382 at Lace school is hosting a food drive on Saturday, December 14, called Caroling for Canned Goods.  It will be held at Safety Village, 7400 Cass Avenue, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Groups of Girl Scouts will sing around the surrounding neighborhood to collect items.  Residents can also drop off non-perishable food items for a song.  All donations will be given to the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel food pantry. 

For more information please contact Anne at anne-brennan@sbcglobal.net  

A Book Drive That Changes Lives

Please join The Goddard School located in Darien, and the seventeen other chicagoland Goddard Schools in collaboration with Bernie's Book Bank to collect Twenty Five Thousand new and/or gently used children's books to help increase book ownership among at-risk infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school age children.  The Darien Goddard School's goal is to collect fifteen hundred childrens' books before National Reading Day on January 23! Additionally, the eighteen Chicagoland Goddard Schools will be donating $10,000 to Bernie's Book Bank.

Book Collection locations in the Darien area:

The Goddard School, 8350 Lemont Road,

Darien City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road

Republic Bank, 1510 75th Street

Darien Historical Society "Sunday Dinner"

Darien Historical Society's "Sunday Dinner" tickets are now available!

 

We're resurrecting patriot Ben Franklin to entertain our audience with his fascinating accomplishments, travels and amusing wit as presented at Alpine Banquets, Sunday, January 26, at 1:00 p.m. A fundraiser, tickets are $27.50 with a cash bar. For arrangements, call 630-964-6792. You may be one of many gift certificate winners!


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