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CITY NEWS
Happy Mother's Day!
 
Official Facebook, Twitter & Nixle Links 
There are several Facebook pages that come up when doing a search for our City page.  Please use this link to "Like" us for city contact information and current city news on the City of Darien Official Facebook Page

 

 

The City of Darien Now "Tweets"!  Please follow us on twitter at  Cityofdarien. 

 

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.
Coyotes

On May 3, 2015, the Darien Police responded to the Tara Hill subdivision for a reported possible coyote attack on a family dog. The resident reported letting their dog outside at 9:59pm. A short time later the resident heard dog screams and could not locate their dog. It is possible that this was a coyote attack.

 

Coyotes are indigenous to the area and will often be seen in residential neighborhoods. Coyotes will seek out small animals including family pets outside. We caution residents on chaining small pets outside or leaving pets unattended. Coyotes are easily startled by loud noises. For additional information, visit the DuPage County Forest Preserve web site.  http://www.dupageforest.com/Education/Education_Centers/Willowbrook/Living_With_Wildlife_in_DuPage_County/Coyotes.aspx

 

 

City of Darien Hiring Seasonal Workers 

The City of Darien is accepting applications for summer employment for its Public Works Department.  

 

Applicants must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver's license. The starting salary is $10.00 per hour and applications can be obtained on line at: http://www.darien.il.us , under Employment Opportunities.  

 

Applications can be sent to the City of Darien at 1702 Plainfield Rd., Darien, IL. 60561 or emailed to pnosek@darienil.gov  

 

If you have any further questions, please contact Paul Nosek, Assistant City Administrator at 630-353-8104.

 

City of Darien Job Opening - Administrative Secretary II

The City of Darien is seeking a customer service focused individual for an opening as an Administrative Secretary II. Superior communication and people skills are required, as well as proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications and the ability to multi-task. The successful candidate will be the primary customer service contact for callers and visitors to City Hall and will process invoices and serve as a clerk to the Accounting Department, maintain financial records. The salary range is $42,167 - $56,926 with starting salary dependent on qualifications. Applications should be sent to the attention of Paul Nosek at Darien City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road, Darien, 60561 by May 15, 2015.

 

City of Darien Job Opening - General Utility III

The City of Darien Municipal Services Department is accepting applications for the position of General Utility III. The successful candidate will be a motivated and customer service minded individual with an understanding of construction techniques and experience using the tools of this trade.

 

The Municipal Services Department is divided into street and water divisions. The successful applicant will provide service to the community in the streets division through snow plowing, completing restorations, maintaining roadways and ditches and mowing grass. The position will also support in water system repairs, including but not limited to repairing water mains, meters, hydrants and valves. A CDL license is required within 6 months of the starting date and the employee will be on 24 hour call. Experience in construction related fields such as plumbing or carpentry experience would all be desirable qualities in a candidate. The salary range for this position is between $39,263 - $59,283 with an excellent benefits package. Applications will be accepted at Darien City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road, until filled. The City of Darien is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

City Items for Auction 
The City of Darien has bicycles and other items up for auction.  To view and bid on these items visit http://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/darien,il/browse/home
New Vendor Chosen as City of Darien Electrical Supplier 

In 2012 Darien voters authorized the City to negotiate electric supply rates on the behalf of its residents. We are pleased to announce that Constellation has been selected as our new supplier. This includes a 26 month program with a fixed price of 6.90 per kwh for the first year, and 6.44 per kwh the second year. This rate is lower than the city's current program of 7.753 per kwh, which expires July 2015.

 

Residents will begin receiving notices in the mail on May 1 from Constellation, allowing them to opt-out of the program if they so choose. This is a legitimate mailing, and unless residents choose to opt out no further action is necessary.  You will be automatically enrolled with Constellation. 

 

Please contact Paul Nosek at 630-353-8104 for additional information.

City Administrator
(630) 353-8114
(630) 852-5000
(630) 971-3999
(630) 852-5000
Mayor
City Clerk
Treasurer
Ward 1
Ward 2
Ward 3
Ward 4

Ward 5
Ward 6
Sylvia McIvor
Ward 7
City Council Meetings

Monday, May 18
7:30 p.m.
 
Monday , June 8
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

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 Incident Report
You may view the Darien Police Department weekly incident report 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 Direct Connect by emailing  mwintermute@darienil.gov
Aldermanic Vacancy Ward 4   

The Aldermanic position in Ward 4 will be vacant effective May 4, 2015. Due to the vacancy the City is seeking  residents who are interested in serving the Community as Alderman of Ward 4.  

 

A map of Ward 4 can be found on our website.

 

To serve as Alderman, you must have been a resident of Ward 4 for one year, and be a registered voter.

 

Interested residents should submit a letter of interest to Mayor Kathleen Weaver at kweaver@darienil.gov or to Darien City Hall at 1702 Plainfield Road.

The City of Darien Accepting Applications for Auxiliary Officers 

The Darien Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Auxiliary Police Officer.  

 

The Auxiliary Officer position is an unpaid, volunteer position. There are certain details that are paid. There is no benefit package and Auxiliary Officers are considered "at will" employees.

To be an Auxiliary Police Officer, you must be over 21 years old, be in good physical condition, must have good character, and cannot have any felony convictions.  

 

The duties of an Auxiliary Officer include, but are not limited to, assisting with traffic control, handling vehicle lockouts, animal complaints, parking enforcement, fingerprinting, and other tasks as assigned.  Some weekends, nights, and special events are required (including the Fourth of July Parade and Darienfest).  

 

A background check, driver's license history, and other exams as required by the Department.

For more information please contact Officer Nick Skweres at 630-353-8337 or nskweres@darienil.gov  

 

Applications will be accepted until May 15. However, hiring will be limited as manpower requirements are needed, with a minimum of 3 Auxiliary Officers being hired in 2015.

Applications can be picked up at the Darien Police Department or downloaded from the City of Darien website at www.darien.il.us.

 

The Darien Police Department is an equal opportunity employer.

Building Permit Fees Waived

The Darien City Council approved to continue for the third year in a row to waive certain building permit fees. The goal is to encourage home improvements and provide a financial incentive to those residents that are planning home projects. The proposal waives the building permit fee for residents and business/property owners. Permits must still be obtained, and fees paid to outside vendors necessary to ensure the safety of the project are still applicable. Below is an example of permits that will have permit fees waived now thru April, 2016.  For more information please call the Building Department at 630-353-8115.

 

Air Conditioner Replacement            

Deck

Demolition

Driveways/Sidewalks

Fence

Landscape

Lawn Sprinkler

Patio

Roof

Shed

Parking Lots

2015 Street Maintenence Program 
 

The Mayor and City Council recently approved the 2015 Street Resurfacing Program. The City of Darien is anticipating that construction will be starting early May. Our goal is to improve the streets with little inconvenience to the residents.  Residents living on these streets will receive flyers with information and timelines before the paving occurs. Progress information will also be available through the City's website, www.darien.il.us, Direct Connect, Facebook, the cable channel or by contacting the Municipal Services Department at 630-353-8105.

 

STREET

SUBDIVISION

LIMIT

LAST REHAB

68th Street

Marion Hills North

Clarendon hills -Crest

2000

87th

Carriage Hill

Washington-Lemont

2001

Adams St

Marco Smart

Urban-Chapman

1996

Andrus

Carriage Hill

Oldfield - 451 Andrus

1999

Black Swan Ct

Carriage Green 5

Royal Swan-limit

2001

Cameron Ct

Woodmere

Whitlock-limit

2001

Capital Drive

Marion Hills South

Elm-Janet

2002

Curran Ct

Woodmere

Woodmere Dr-limit

2001

Darien Woods Ct

Darien Woods

S Frontage-Limit

2002

Gail Avenue

Brookhaven#1

79th-Linden

2005

Hedgewood Dr

Woodmere

Woodmere-Whitlock

2001

Iris Road

Marion Hills North

High-Crest

1999

Ironwood Ave

Hinsbrook

69th-Beechnut

2006

Morgan Ct

Woodmere

Windsor-limit

2001

Oldfield Rd

Carriage Hill

N Frontage-Washington

2001

Oxford Ct

Woodmere

Oxford Dr-limit

2001

Oxford Dr

Woodmere

Windsor-Oxford Ct

2001

Portsmouth Dr

Farmindale Terrace S.  

N Frontage - 8100 Wittington 

2003

Royal Swan Ln

Carriage Green 4

Lakeridge-limit

1997

Sean Circle

North of 67th

67th to 67th

2003

Whitlock Dr

Woodmere

Hedgewood-Windsor

2001

Windmere Ct

North of 67th

Ridge to limit

2000

Windsor Ct

Woodmere

Windsor-limit

2001

Windsor Dr

Woodmere

Whitlock-Woodmere

2001

 

2015 Concrete Replacement Program 
In conjunction with the street replacement program, the City of Darien will again offer reduced pricing to residents interested in replacing their sidewalks, driveways and aprons.  Suburban Concrete was awarded the bid for 2015.  The prices are as follows:

 

Driveways                     $6.95 per square foot

Sidewalks                      $4.33 per square foot

Apron w/fiber mesh       $4.47 per square foot

Curb & gutter                $13.95 per lineal foot

Sealer                           $1.25 per square foot

 

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.

 

The deadline to participate in this year's program is July 3.

2015 Private Property Emerald Ash Borer Program  

The City of Darien has recently received competitive quotes for the treatment of the Emerald Ash Borer located on private property. The recommended vendor is Tree and Turf Professionals. The treatment method consists of a licensed applicator injecting the tree with the product Treeage. For additional information regarding the treatment and general information please visit the following website: www.arborjet.com 

           

The tree would be drilled with a small hole(s) and larger trees will require multiple holes based on the diameter of the tree. The Treeage product is injected based on the tree diameter and sealed with a plug(s). The application is good for up to two years. The Ash tree must have a minimal 60% healthy canopy to be a candidate for the treatment. The Tree and Turf Professionals shall review each Ash tree prior to treatment. All payments shall be the responsibility of the homeowner. The contact person for Tree and Turf Professionals is Lyle McGinn at 630-759-7389 or email at lmcginn@treeandturf.com 

 

For more information and for pricing please visit  here.          

COUNTY/STATE/FEDERAL NEWS
Recycling Extravaganza

Saturday, May 16, from 8 a.m. to noon, the Woodridge Rotary Club and partner groups will hold the 6th Recycling Extravaganza at Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park, 8301 Janes Ave., Woodridge. In the last four years, over 160,000 pounds of electronics and many other items have been kept out of landfills or distributed for reuse by this event.

 

Items to be collected will include electronic items, household batteries, used bicycles and their parts, American flags, shoes of all kinds, eye glasses and hearing aids, buttons, cell phones, keys of any kind, books, records, CDs, clothing, sports equipment, kitchen items (dishes, utensils, pots and pans), domestic furnishings (curtains, blankets, sheets, etc), and musical instruments.

 

Sorry, no paint, no hazard waste, no propane tanks and no light bulbs will be collected this year. Electronics collection does not include smoke detectors or appliances of any kind.

 

Paper shredding (limit of 3 bank boxes or paper bags) on site will take place. Cash donations will also be accepted for the End Polio Now global effort in which the Woodridge Rotary Club participates.

 

For an informational flyer visit here.
Christ the Servant Electronic Recycling
Christ the Servant Church at 8700 Havens Drive in Woodridge (Havens & 87th) will be having an electronic reclining event on Saturday, May 23 from 9am to noon.  For more information please visit SCARCE
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 SCARCE for information on how to recycle electronics  

COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS
Darien Dash Race Course Information

Attention Hinsbrook Subdivision Residents

 

15th Annual Darien Dash 5k 10k New USATF Race Course

 

The 5k &10k races will begin at 8:30am on Sunday, May 17, at the northwest corner of Darien Community Park and will proceed along the following route: 71st Street to Bentley Avenue; north on Bentley Avenue, west onto Maple Lane to Richmond Avenue; south on Richmond Avenue to 71st Street; west on 71st Street to Beechnut Lane; north on Beechnut Lane to Ironwood Avenue; east on Ironwood Avenue to 69th Street; east on 69th Street to Richmond Avenue; south on Richmond Avenue to 70th Street; east on 70th Street to Bentley Avenue; north on Bentley Avenue to 69th Street; East on 69th Street to Clarendon Hills Road; south on Clarendon Hills Road to 70th Street; west on 70th Street to Bentley Avenue; south on Bentley Avenue to Maple Lane; east on Maple Lane to Clarendon Hills Road; south on Clarendon Hills  Road to 71st Street to finish at northwest corner of Darien Community Park.    Please note Clarendon Hills Road will be closed to traffic between 69th & Rogers from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.  Please see route diagram below. 

 

 

15th Annual Darien Dash - Register Now!

Darien Dash is celebrating its 15th year, registration is open! Run the Dash on Sunday, May 17 at Darien Community Park. The Chamber is excited to announce a new 5k and 10k race course and a FREE Fun Run for children up to 10 years old.  Once again the Chamber will award $2000 to local schools and $500 to local youth organization, school foundation or booster with the most registered participants. Register online today at www.dariendash.com 

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! 
Indian Prairie Library News & Events
 

IPPL VolunTEEN Applications Now Available!

Do you know a teen entering grades 7-12 who is looking for a fun way to earn service hours, get job experience, and make a difference in our community this summer? Applications for the Indian Prairie Public Library VolunTEEN program are now available online at volunteen.ippl.info and at the Kids & Teens Ask Us Desk at the library.

  

An Afternoon with Elizabeth Berg

New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Berg will visit the Indian Prairie Public Library to talk about her newest novel, The Dream Lover, and sign copies on Sunday, May 17, 2-3:30 p.m. Copies of the book will be sold at the library on the day of the event by Barbara's Bookstore of Burr Ridge. To register, visit calendar.ippl.info, call (630) 887-8760 x239, or stop by the Adult Ask Us Desk at the library.


Civil War Grave Marker Dedication Ceremony
The St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery Trustees in conjunction with the Philip H. Sheridan Camp #2 Illinois of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) and the Darien Historical Society will conduct a dedication ceremony for a new marker placed on the grave of Private Louis Klein, a Civil War veteran who served in the 105 and 16 IL US INF. He is one of nine Civil War veterans interred in the cemetery. The ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 23 at 1:00 p.m. at the St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery located at 67th Street and Clarendon Hills Road in Darien, IL. The public is invited to attend.

The grave marker dedication ceremony is part of the St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery Trustees' ongoing effort to restore and to care for veteran burial plots. The trustees teamed with the local SUVCW to identify those Civil War veterans laid to rest in the cemetery who do not have markers or whose markers are no longer legible. Once identified, those veterans' service is documented and new markers obtained.

Darien Swarm Football & Cheer Registration 

Boys and girls, ages 5-14, are invited to join us for the 2015 season of Darien Swarm Football & Cheer! Through our program, they will learn football skills and cheer techniques while learning and practicing the skills of focus, tenacity, and dedication. Darien Swarm Football & Cheer is not just an organization but is also a family. We are very lucky to have enthusiastic football coaches with experience, dedicated parent volunteers to support our members, and award-winning football and cheerleading teams!

 

In-person registration date is May 27 at the Darien Police Station at 1710 Plainfield Road from 6-8pm.

 

Visit us at http://www.darienswarm.com to learn what we are all about!  

Questions? Contact Cathy at  swarmfootball@darienswarmfootball.com.

Cass 63 Foundation for Educational Excellence 2015 Golf Outing

 Cass 63 foundation for Educational Excellence will host their annual Golf Outing & Silent Auction on Friday, June 5 at the Village Greens of Woodridge Golf Course.

Shot gun start at 12:30 p.m., followed by fun, drinks, food, games, auctions & more! Awards and cocktails at 5:30 p.m., BBQ Buffet dinner at 7:00 p.m. For more information visit their website.
Join the Darien Swim & Recreation Club

Vacation all summer long-right here in Darien! The Darien Swim & Recreation Club is looking for new faces to join us poolside this summer! Get to know your neighbors as you swim, sun on the deck or relax on the patio. Bring your own food and drinks, we have gas grills and plenty of seating. Or grab a bite from the snack bar. There's even free wi-fi!

 

We have three pools: baby pool with fountain, children's pool, and full-size pool with lap lane, water volleyball net and diving boards.

 

DSRC is a private, non-profit club located near 71st & Cass in Darien. We also offer swim lessons, and host a number of special events throughout the year for members and guests.

 

New members- $100 initiation fee waived for Darien Direct Connect readers-Just mention Darien Direct Connect on your application!

 

For more information, visit www.DarienSwim.com

Retirement Celebration for Mrs. Wiesinger's 43 Years of Teaching at OLOP
Please join in a retirement celebration for Mrs. Carol Wiesinger to celebrate her 43 years of teaching at Our Lady of Peace, and her service to the community!   

 

 

Mrs. Wiesinger's impact on the community and the students she guided cannot be expressed in words. The life stories and testimonials from the many students and their families, teachers, high school administrators and so many others consistently describe an educator who was tough but fair, with a wry sense of humor and an unyielding determination to see her students succeed. In other words, she cared

 

Retirement Celebration on Sunday, May 31 with a mass beginning at Noon and a reception immediately following at Our Lady of Peace Church, 709 Plainfield Road.   

American Cancer Society Relay for Life Information
American Cancer Society Relay for Life:

Donate your fabric scraps for area high school students to make quilts from. Quilts will be sold and proceeds donated to help support cancer preventions programs, cancer research, and free services to cancer patients in the local are.  drop off locations in Darien are: Chucks Southern Comforts Cafe,  Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and Wild Orchid Salon at 75th & Lemont.  For more information call Donna at 630-368-6656

Informational Meetings - All are Welcome: May 12 and June 9.  All are at the Downers Grove Library at 1050 Curtiss St., Room A.  Contact lLeslie at 630-932-1151 or visit relayforlife.org/downersgrovewoodridgeil

Join other businesses donating to the Treasure Chest for a Cure, which will be raffled off to help fund cancer prevention programs.  Contact Leslie at 630-932-1151 or visit  relayforlife.org/downersgrovewoodridgeil
Join the Darien Senior Club!
Doing - Sharing - Caring!  The Darien Seniors Club was founded in 1975, to serve Darien and surrounding communities Senior Citizens.   If you are age 55 or older please join!  Darien residency is not required.  The club meets at noon on the second Tuesday of each month at the Darien Sportsplex, 451 Plainfield Road.  For more information please call 630-852-6482