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CITY NEWS

City of Darien Continues Electric aggregation with Verde Energy

The City of Darien elected to continue its electric aggregation program, accepting the lowest bid from Verde Energy over four other suppliers. The rate, 7.753c per kilowatt hour, is higher than the low 4.54c Darien received in a previous bid, but is still projected to be lower than other options. Highlights include:

The City of Darien bid rate of 7.753c is projected to be lower than the ComEd rate plus the purchased electricity adjustment on customer bills, which is not included on our bills
Residents can opt in and out of the program at any time at no cost
If the City of Darien did not have its own program, residents that were moved to the ComEd rate and did not move to a new supplier within two billing cycles would be stuck with the ComEd rate for an entire year

Letters for the "opt-out" option were mailed to residents this week. If you have questions about the program, call Scott Coren at (630) 353-8104.

Darien Police Investigating Two Ruse Residential Burglaries.

On May 19 at approximately 12:00p.m., a resident in the 600 block of Honey Locust reported while outside, a male approached her in the garage and stated he was with the city and there was a needed to see the back yard for a drain pipe issue. The resident went with the male to the back yard, leaving the garage door open. The resident later found jewelry stolen. The male was described as mid 30's in age, tall, thin build, short gray hair. Male talked into a phone during the entire time. Subject left in a black SUV.

On May 21 at approximately 2:45p.m., a resident in the 1600 block of Holly reported a male knocked on the door and stated he worked for the water company and there was a water contamination issue. There was further story about a child becoming sick due to the water. The male was allowed into residence and took resident to the kitchen and then basement. A second subject entered the unlocked front door and stole jewelry and money. The male was described as 20-30 years in age, wearing sunglasses, gloves, a walkie-talkie, and orange construction vest.

The Darien Police caution residents to not allow anyone into their residence that they do not know. There are a number of ruse burglaries taking place in the surrounding towns as well. If anyone comes to your home, do not allow them in. Keep your door locked and tell the person you are calling the police to verify their identity. A legitimate person will remain for the police. Utility workers and City employees typically drive company vehicles with company names, and workers will carry company identification. Unmarked or plain vehicles, or no vehicles seen should be a concern. Please keep an eye on your neighbors. If you see a suspicious person or vehicle at another residence, please call 9-1-1

City of Darien Hiring Seasonal Workers

Looking for a summer job? The City of Darien is currently hiring seasonal workers for the Municipal Services Department. The positions assist with jobs such as grass cutting, branch pickup and chipping, and light construction work.

If you are interested please fill out an application here and fax it to (630) 852-4709 or drop it off at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road, Darien

Bryon Vana, City Administrator	(630) 353-8114
City Hall	(630) 852-5000
Police Department	(630) 971-3999
Public Works	(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, June 16

7:30 p.m.

Monday, July 7

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.

Meet & Greet Mayor Weaver!

The third Monday of every month at Darien City Hall from 6 - 7pm

Find out the latest city updates - Share your thoughts and suggestions - Get involved - Meet other residents!

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.

Water Conservation Tips

Tips from the DuPage Water Commission on Conserving Water

Tips Around the Home

A few simple wise water use tips can make a difference in how much water you use.

Use a broom instead of a hose to clear debris from driveways, sidewalks, and patios.
Wash a car with a bucket and sponge. Use a shut-off nozzle on your hose so water doesn't run while you are washing the car. A free-flowing hose uses up to 300 gallons of water each hour.
Check for leaks. Look at pipes, hoses, faucets and couplings. Leaks waste a lot of water. Even a small leak in a garden hose may waste as much as 700 gallons per day.
Save 3 gallons of water per minute by turning off the water when brushing your teeth, shaving, etc. National averages indicate that indoors, about 70 percent of our water is used in the bathroom.
Check your toilet for leaks. Put a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank. If the coloring appears in the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a wasteful leak that should be repaired at once. Even a small leak can waste thousands of gallons a month.
Use your automatic washing machine for full loads only. It uses up to 60 gallons per load.
Consider changing to water saving plumbing. Low flush toilets and low flow showerheads seem to be the biggest water savers.

Tips for Gardens and Lawns

A few simple water use tips can make a difference in how much water you use outdoors as well.

Deep soak your lawn. Water about one inch once a week (twice if it's very hot for several days). Water infrequently, but thoroughly, so moisture soaks down to the roots. This creates deeper, healthier root systems that are more water-efficient and drought-tolerant.
Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Avoid watering on windy days. Position sprinklers so water doesn't land on paved areas and run off into storm drains.
Help soil hold water. Add organic materials such as compost or peat moss. Keep your lawn and garden weed-free. Weeds can rob plants of water and nutrients. Lay mulch three inches deep around trees and plants to retain moisture, slow evaporation, and discourage weed growth.
Consider installing drip irrigation systems around trees and shrubs. These systems allow water to flow slowly to the roots, encouraging strong, deep root systems. Drip systems also reduce evaporation.
If you don't have an automatic sprinkling system, use a kitchen timer or buy a sprinkler timer. You can waste a lot of water in a short time if you forget to turn off the sprinklers.

2014 Street Rehab Schedule

The City of Darien has begun its street repaving project. Our goal is to improve the streets while inconveniencing the residents as little as possible. Residents living on these streets will receive flyers with information and timelines before the paving occurs. The Following streets are scheduled for resurfacing the weeks of June 9 & June 16. For more information call

Municipal Services at 630-353-8105

Aylesbury Ln	Cambridge to Walkfield
Bentley Ave	69th-71st
Brittany Court	Norman Dr to limit
Brompton Dr	Dartmouth to Green Valley
Brookbank	Holly to 69th
Brunswick Rd	Manning to Green Valley
Cambridge Rd	Aylesbury to 75th
Canterbury Court	Norman Dr to limit
Carlton Rd	Manning to Green Valley
Carrol Ln	Summit to Gigi
Cherokee Dr	Seminole to Darien Ln
Coventry Court	Norman Dr to limit
Dartmouth Ln	Brompton to Brunswick
Farmingdale Dr	Glen-Portsmouth
Gigi Ln	Fairview To 75th
Gilbert Court	Beller to limit
Holly Avenue	Crest to Brookbank
Knottingham Cir	Plainfield to Plainfield
Sawyer Rd	79th-Portsmouth
Wirth Ln	Gigi to 71st

2014 Concrete Replacement Program

In conjunction with the street replacement program, the City of Darien is again offering reduced pricing to residents interested in replacing their sidewalks, driveways and aprons. Suburban Concrete was awarded the 2014 bid.

Resident wishing to replace their driveways should call Suburban Concrete directly at 847-837-8805, and inform them you are a Darien resident. Suburban Concrete will invoice you for the work.

Residents wishing to replace the sidewalk, apron or depress their driveway curb should call City Hall at 630-353-8102. The City will invoice you for this work. For pricing please visit our website. The deadline to participate in this years program is July 3rd.

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 www.darien.il.us and click on the nixle icon or visit the nixle website at www.nixle.com

OTHER GOVERNMENT NEWS AND EVENTS

Darien Park District Newsletter

Darien Park District has a new newsletter with valuable information on upcoming events and other useful information in it. You can view the newsletter by clicking here.

DuPage County 75th Street Improvements

DuPage County construction on the 75^th Street improvements has begun. The construction schedule is available on the County website. The City of Darien will post updates on our website as they become available.

DuPage Couty Latex Paint Recycling

DuPage County will host a latex paint recycling program from June 9 to July 3 at Woodridge Greene Valley Wastewater Treatment Facility, 7900 S. Route 53 in Woodridge.

LATEX PAINT RECYCLING: Residents can drop off their usable unwanted latex paint during the designated summer collections listed above free of charge. Usable paint is paint that has not been frozen, is less than 10 years in age and has not been mixed with other products.

FREE RECYCLED LATEX PAINT: (available starting June 16th) The paint will be filtered and re-blended into a variety of colors, types, and finishes. Recycled paint will be distributed to residents for free during same hours at location. Paint is offered free of charge to any resident, business, non-profit etc. in 5-gallon containers.

HOURS:

Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Saturday, June 14th & June 28th 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

For more information, contact DuPage County Public Works Dept. at (630) 985-7400

COMMUNITY NEWS AND 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 at www.darienchamber.com for all the Shop Local Shop Darien Preferred Offers and Discounts!

Local Artist Needed to Paint Adirondack Chairs

Local Artist's needed to paint Adirondack Lawn Chairs which will be displayed at Chestnut Court for the summer. For more details contact Gail at Wild Orchid Salon gail@wildorchidsalon.com or call 630-910-1101.

Citizenship Assistance at Indian Prairie Library

The Indian Prairie Public Library has a new "citizenship corner" with books, DVDs, CDs, links to helpful citizenship sites, and brochures for local groups to help immigrants study for citizenship. Funds for these materials and programs were awarded by the Illinois State Library, a Division of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the federal Library Services and Technology Act.

In addition, the library will provide a Citizenship 101 program on Saturday, June 14, from 1 to 4p.m. An officer from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services will briefly review the citizenship process, the USCIS website, and discuss citizenship interviews. The program is free and will take place in the Meeting Room. Participants can register online at www.calendar.ippl.info, by phone at (630) 887-8760 x239, or in-person at the library's Ask Us Desk.

Veterans History Project at Indian Prairie Library

The personal stories of our veterans make history come to life, and the Indian Prairie Public Library in Darien is working with the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. to collect and preserve these experiences. U.S. veterans of any war - including recent conflicts - can help the library by sharing their stories as part of the Veterans History Project. The library is also interested in the stories of U.S. civilians who actively supported war efforts (such as war industry workers, USO workers, flight instructors, medical volunteers, etc.).

If you or someone you know would like to share your experiences, please contact Joe Popowitch, Reference Librarian, at (630) 887-8760 ext. 240 or joep@ippl.info. Learn more about our Veterans History Project on our website at www.ippl.info.

Darien Youth Club Soccer Registration Now Open

Outdoor Soccer

* No tryouts, all kids play!

* All kids grades K-8th are welcome & eligible to participate regardless of residence

* Early bird registration ends June 30th

* Season will run from end of August - October

* All programs coached by parents and volunteers

Summer Soccer Training

Is your 3-8th grade child looking for a fun week of soccer training? Sign up today! $35 per child - early bird registration ends July 1st. Soccer training schedule for the week of July 21-25 available on the DYC website.

For more information please visit www.darienyoutheclub.org

Performer Applications for Indian Prairie Library "The Sound" Due June 7

The Indian Prairie Public Library will host The Sound, its second annual teen music festival, on Saturday, June 21, at 6:30 p.m. The event will take place in the parking lot of the library, 401 Plainfield Rd. in Darien. Local teens will compete for the best solo/duo and best band awards and cash prizes. A panel of judges will award prizes for the top act in each category, and a fan favorite will be chosen by text-in vote.

Performers of any style of music should apply by Saturday, June 7. Applications are available at www.thesound.ippl.info or at the Kids & Teens Ask Us Desk. Please note 60 percent of the group must be between the ages of 12 and 19. Applicants must submit a demo of their music to complete their application. Applicants may submit CDs, DVDs, and flash drives with audio or video recordings, or links to their YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud or other music page. Applications will not be complete until a demo has been received. Demos not received by the June 7 deadline will not be considered.

Four solo/duo acts and four groups will be selected by IPPL's Teen Advisory Board. Acts will be notified of their acceptance into the final competition beginning Saturday, June 14.

The Sound is sponsored by the Teen Advisory Board, The Gift of Carl Foundation, and the Friends of IPPL.

Children's Safety Expo

Senator Christine Radogno, Representatives Jim Durkin and Ron Sandack are hosting a Children's Safety Expo on Saturday, June 7 at Lakeview Jr. High, 701 Plainfield Road. The Expo will run from 9:00 a.m. to Noon.There will be demonstrations, activities, touch a truck, and more. For more information please visit here.

Darien Park District Concert in the Park

The Darien Park District will be hosting a "Concert in the Park" on Wednesday, June 11 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Community Park. The featured band is Heartache Tonight, an Eagles tribute band. Bring your chairs & blankets and join the fun!

Darien Park District Farmers Market!

The Darien Park District will be hosting a Farmers Market on Wednesdays from June 11th thru October 8. The Market will run from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m at the Darien Community Park 71st Street Parking Lot.

The Farmers Market will feature a wide variety of seasonally fresh vegetables and fruits, and other fine offerings from local vendors.

Darien Park District "A Nite with Dad"

the Darien Park District will host a "A Nite with Dad" on Friday, June 13 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the Community Center, 7301 Fairview Avenue. Children ages 3 to 11 and Dad will spend the evening enjoying pizza, ice cream sundaes and the amazing "Get Excited about Science" show. Cost is $20.00 per couple, and $12.00 each additional child. To make reservations and for more information please call 630-968-6400

You Can Brew it at Indian Prairie Library

Learn the basics of brewing your own beer from award-winning home brewer Scott Pointon at the Indian Prairie Public Library on Monday, June 16, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Pointon will cover the basic steps of the brewing process. The program is free and will take place in the Meeting Room on the second floor of the library, 401 Plainfield Rd. in Darien. Participants can register online at www.calendar.ippl.info, by phone at (630) 887-8760 x239, or in-person at the library.

Darien Historical Society "Ice Cream Social"

COME ONE, COME ALL!" to the ICE CREAM SOCIAL sponsored by the Darien Historical Society on Wednesday, June 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Darien Community Park. (Rain location is Darien Park District Facility, 75th & Fairview.) Savor Culver's Yummy Frozen Custard plus Free Lemonade, and Cookies. At 6:00 pm, the Darien Park District will present it's a concert featuring "Istavan & His Imaginary Band". Bring a chair or blanket. All ages welcome!

Fourth of July Parade Route Changed

The Darien Lions Club Fourth of July Parade will be held on Friday July 4 beginning at 9:30am. Due to the construction on 75^th street this year the parade will have a new parade route.

This year's parade with has a hometown touch with the parade taking a path through the residential streets of Darien. The parade will start from the Jewel parking lot at 75^th and Cass Avenue. The parade will proceed north on Cass Avenue to 71^st Street. At 71^st Street the parade will head east until Clarendon Hills Road where it will go south towards the end point at Hinsdale South High School.

Is your group or organization interested in being a participant in the parade visit the Darien Lions Club website for information.

The Darien Lions Club encourages the youth in the area to participate in the Bike Decoration contest. Decorate your bike for the holiday and be at the Jewel parking lot at 9:00 A.M. Award given to the best boy and best girl decorated bike.