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CITY NEWS
Darien 2014 Citizen of the Year is......

Congratulations to John F. Poteraske, Jr., Darien's Citizen of the Year for 2014! 

 

Please join us at the February 18 City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m for a Cake & Coffee Reception in his honor on. 

 

The Citizen of the Year banquet will be held on March 8 at Alpine Banquets.  Tickets are $30.00 each, and can be purchased at Darien City Hall after February 1. 

 

For more information and reservations, please call Diane at 630-353-8102.

Watch for Elderly Wellbeing During Extreme Weather

The City of Darien would like to ask our residents to be aware of their elderly or disabled neighbors during this extreme weather.  If you determine any problem with an elderly neighbor you may contact the City of Darien Senior Service Officers at 630-971-3999, or call 9-1-1 for an urgent matter requiring police presence.

 Carbon Monoxide FAQS

The city would like to remind residents that the State of Illinois requires single family and multiple family residences to have at least one approved and operating carbon monoxide alarm within 15 feet of each bedroom.

 

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced during incomplete combustion of fuels - for example, natural gas, LP gas, kerosene, oil, wood, and charcoal. The gas is lethal to humans if it builds up in the home.

 

Carbon monoxide alarms may be battery powered, plug-in with battery back-up, or AC hard wired with battery back-up.

Carbon monoxide alarms are widely available in hardware and home improvement stores. Prices start at approximately $20.  Batteries should be changed regularly to ensure proper operation.

 

Additional information on carbon monoxide can be found at http://www.healthyindoorair.org/

 

Placing Snow in Street against City Ordinance

The City of Darien works hard to keep the streets plowed and as safe as possible for cars in these winter conditions.  Please shovel snow into yard or parkway areas, and not into the street.  Snow can melt and form ice, which could lead to car accidents. 

 

Darien City Code states "No person shall remove any snow or ice from any private property and deposit the same upon any public street or sidewalk." 

 

If you notice anyone shoveling snow into a public street you may call 911 and the police department will respond

 

We thank you for assisting us in keeping the town safe during these cold and snowy conditions.

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!

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, February 3 
7:30 p.m.
  
Tuesday, February 18
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.

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.

Holiday Light Recycling thru February 7th

Do you have Christmas lihgts 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 Mating Season Approaching

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. There have been recent reports of small family dogs that were killed by coyotes in neighboring towns. 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 website. 

OTHER GOVERNMENT NEWS AND EVENTS
New Illinois Cell Phone Law

A new Illinois 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.

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!

New District #61 Open Computer Lab

Do you need to access your email? Are you trying to access the Internet?

District #61 is opening their computer labs to the community for computer use in the

evenings from 6 - 8 PM at the following locations:

  • Tuesdays: DeLay (Enter at the Gym Doors (north parking lot)
  • Wednesdays: Lace (Enter through front door)
  • Thursdays: Eisenhower Junior High (Enter through front door)

Sessions begin the week of January 27, 2014.

Adults looking to have computer and Internet access can attend at any of the District

Schools. While children or students are welcome they must be accompanied and

monitored by a parent or guardian.

Darien Woman's Club Charity Fund Youth Art and Poetry Fair 2014

This free event exhibits paintings, drawings, poetry and sculptures created by the youth of the Darien area. The exhibition will be at Eisenhower Junior High School, 1410 75th Street in Darien on Sunday, January 26, from 2:00 to 3:30 PM. Prizes and awards will be presented at 3:15 p.m.

For more information on Woman's Club visit www.darienwomansclub.org

Darien Youth Club Registration Now Open!
Darien Youth Club Baseball and Softball registration now open!  Visit www.DarienYouthClub.org for more information or to register!
Darien Park District Indoor Flea Market
Darien Park District will be hosting an Indoor Flea Market on Saturday, February 1, form 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Community Center, 7301 Fairview Avenue.  There will be over 50 sellers, and bargains galore!  For more information please call 630-968-6400.
Hinsdale South High Booster Club's Annual "Casino Night"
Hinsdale South Booster Club's annual casino night will be held on Saturday, February 8, at Ashton Place in Wilowbrook.  It will run from 7pm to 11:30pm, and the cost is $45.00 per person. 

Join us for an evening of food, live band, casino tables, and auction items like premier student parking, graduation seats, store & restaurant gift certificates and premier seating for Madrigal Dinner & Spring Musical.

For more information and to register please visit www.hinsdalesouthboosters.org, call Joan at 708-714-4810, or Lori at 630-768-4654.
Cass School District #63 PTC Presents  "Backyard BBQ Bash"
Cass School District #63 PTC will holding a "Backyard BBQ Bash" parent social and fundraiser on Friday, February 21 from 7:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m. at Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe in Darien.  Tickets are $60.00 per person, or $50 per person for teachers & alumni parents.  For more information call Laurie at 773-294-1502, or visit their Face Book Page.
Kingswood Academy 18th Annual Benefit Dinner & Silent Auction

Kingswood Academy's 18th Annual Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction "A Night on the Town" will be on Saturday February 22, from 6:30 p.m.to Midnight at Ashton Place in Willowbrook.  Tickets are $125 each and include open bar, dinner, dancing and an auction

 

For more information please contact lease contact Yvonne at Kingswood Academy - 630-887-1411

Darien Lions Club Blood Drive

They say you can help save 4 lives by giving a pint of blood. The Blood you give will help 6 surrounding communities and their hospitals. 

 

The Darien Lions Club is hosting a community blood drive on Tuesday, February 25 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.n. at Lace School, corner of 75th and Cass Ave.

 

You can give blood if your 17 years or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, and have a valid ID. You will receive a free blood test.  16 year olds can give blood with the permission of their parents.


For more information contact: Blood Drive Chairman Lion Richard at: 630-963-8026.

VFW Post 2838 "Rockin with the Vets" Live Benefit Concert
VFW Post 2838 will host a "Rockin' with the Vets" Live Benefit Concert Friday, March 7, at Ashyana Banquets, 1652 75th Street.The Concert will Feature Ultimate Elvis Impersonator Shawn Klush and Lance Lipinsky from Million Dollar Quartet as Jerry Lee Lewis plus Dan Lentino and the Fabulous Ambassadors. There will be a cash raffle & live auction for items including a Blackhawks Jersey signed by the entire team.  Show tickets are $35 each and doors open at 7pm.  Dinner option is $60each, with dinner at 6pm.

 

For more information call the Concert Hotline 630-796-5654 or visit www.darienvfw2838.org/donate.html

 


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