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CITY NEWS

Samuel Kelly

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Samuel Kelley, who was instrumental in founding the City of Darien. When the Incorporation Committee reached an impasse on an acceptable name for the new city, Acting Mayor Sam Kelley suggested the name "Darien" after a pleasant and attractive community in Connecticut. He was an electrical engineer that later became the first Public Works Director and was an active volunteer for many community organizations. He will be greatly missed. Arrangements had not been announced yet.

The City of Darien Now on Twitter!

The City of Darien is now on Twitter. Follow us at https://twitter.com/CityofDarien to receive valuable and timely information from the City!

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

City of Darien Photo Search

The City of Darien is looking for interesting photos of our City to include in its website redesign. Please submit photos via email to mwintermute@darienil.gov, and if we choose your photo we will give you credit on the website.

Overnight Parking Registration now available on the Internet!

You may now request Over Night Parking Permission by going to the City Of Darien website from any device connected to the internet.

The link to the automated system is listed under HOT NEWS as "Overnight Parking Registration" at the top right hand corner. Click on the link access the system.

If you call the police department - you will be referred to the city web site. If you do not have internet access - the request can be made over the phone.

Fire Hydrant Painting

The City of Darien began Fire Hydrant Painting this week, and will continue through August 30. The awarded vendor, Muscat Painting, will be sandblasting, priming and painting 480 fire hydrants in various locations throughout the city.

Backflow Survey Mailed to Residents

A questionnaire was mailed with the recent water bills in respect to back flow prevention. BSI is the company that is managing the record data base for the City of Darien. The survey is mandated by the EPA and a survey of this nature needs to be completed by all residents every two years.

A backflow prevention device is used to protect potable water supplies from contamination or pollution due to backflow. In water supply systems, water is normally maintained at a significant pressure to enable water to flow from the tap, shower etc. When pressure fails or is reduced, as may happen if a water main bursts, pipes freeze or there is unexpectedly high demand on the water system, then such reduced pressure in the pipe may allow contaminated water from the ground, from storage or from other sources to be drawn up into the system.

For additional information please contact BSI at 1-800-414-4990.

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, August 18

7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 2

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.

Timbers Edge Subdivision Construction Schedule

Construction of Timbers Edge subdivision in Woodridge (83rd Street, just west of Lemont) has begun. Construction of the underground utilities and street/curbs is expected to continue into October. Model homes are expected to start construction in early fall. Expect construction activity and possible traffic delays on 83rd Street throughout this time.

Nuisance Mosquito Alert

The City of Darien has a comprehensive mosquito abatement program run through Clarke Mosquito Control. However, as temperatures rise and with heavy rainfall, you may see an increase in the mosquito population. We ask that you assist the City of Darien and your neighbors reduce the mosquito population:

Reporting standing water areas on public property, especially backyard catchbasins, to Clarke Mosquito at 800-942-2555. The City of Darien treats storm inlets on streets, ditches, retention and detention basins, and areas that generally hold stormwater areas, but if you identify a new spot we would like to get it included on our lists.
Getting rid of old tires, buckets, bottles or any items in your yard that may hold water
Changing the water in birdbaths, watering cans, plant pots and drip trays no less frequently than once per week
Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around the house so adult mosquitoes will not hide there

Even with all these steps, there still may be mosquitoes in the area, as they have the ability to fly many miles. When you are out in your yard, we would recommend wearing long sleeves and pants to cover skin when possible or using a mosquito repellent. Running a fan in your outdoor area is also know to help, as mosquitoes cannot fly in strong wind.

OTHER GOVERNMENT NEWS AND EVENTS

Electronic Recycling Information

The State of Illinois has banned computers, monitors, printers, televisions, and other electronics from landfills. If any of these items are left curbside, they will not be picked up. There are many options to responsibly recycle your electronics throughout DuPage County. Residents are encouraged to visit the DuPage County website or www.scarcecoed.org for information on how to recycle electronics.

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.

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!

Darien Park District Farmers Market on Wednesdays

The Darien Park District is hosting a Farmers Market on Wednesdays thru October 8. The Market runs from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m at the Darien Community Park 71st Street Parking Lot.

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

Darien Park District Fall Adult Softball Leagues

Darien Park District is now forming fall adult softball leagues. Registration will begin August 4th, for all teams and it will be on a strictly first come, first serve basis.

Wednesday 12" Men's League

$415 (Res), $465 (NR)
6 week regular season, plus single elimination tournament
Scheduled to begin September 3th

Thursday 16" Men's League

$415 (Res), $465 (NR)
6 week regular season, plus single elimination tournament
Scheduled to begin September 4th

Fees and dates subject to change based on summer league make-up schedule and weather conditions. For more information and to register please call 630-968-6400.

Document Shredding

Protect your identity and clean out your home office at the same time! Saturday, August 16 from 10am to noon at First Merchants Bank, 8301 S. Cass Ave. Bring up to 3 boxes of documents for free shredding. The shredding trucks will shred your documents on the spot. Free and open to the public.

Citizenship Assistance at Indian Prairie Library

The Indian Prairie Public Library will offer free legal consultations for immigrants on

Tuesday, August 19, from 9 a.m. to noon. These half-hour legal consultations on immigrant issues, including citizenship, will be provided by World Relief DuPage. Participants must make an appointment by calling (630) 887-8760 x239.

In addition, the library now 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.

Sing Along to The Wizard of Oz at the Indian Prairie Public Library

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, the Indian Prairie Public Library will host a sing-along to the movie on Saturday, Aug. 23. There will be two show times: the first at 10:30 a.m. for families with young children, and the second at 2 p.m. for school-age kids and adults. Prizes will be given to anyone in costume, and refreshments will be served. The event is being funded by the Friends of IPPL. The sing-along is free and will take place in the Meeting Room on the second floor of the library. 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.

DarienFest 2014- Save the Date!

Save the date for DarienFest 2014 - September 5, 6 & 7 at Community Park. For more information and a list of entertainment, visit http://www.darienchamber.com/

Family Shelter Services 10K/5K Walk - Run

Family Shelter Services will host a 10K/5K Run-Walk at Downers Grove North High School on Sunday, September 28. 10K Start 8:15am Check-in begins: 6:30am. Costs (adults): 10K Double Loop Run: $35 5K Run/Walk: $30 CARA Members receive a $3 discount All events are free with a fundraising commitment Costs (children): 1-Mile Competitive Run, ages 8-12, $12 Kids' Fitness Fun Challenge, ages 8 and under, $12

Heroes wanted! With this year's theme "Be a Hero for Hope," participants are reminded that through their support and fundraising efforts, they are helping individuals affected by domestic violence move toward safer futures. With shelter, counseling, advocacy and support programs, our clients can triumph and become the true heroes. To register, please visit www.familyshelterservice.org. For more information about participation, fundraising or sponsorship, please call Karen at 630-221-8290 x7110.