Thank You for signing up to receive the Darien Direct Connect.  You are receiving valuable and timely city news and events.  If you know of anyone who would benefit from receiving this email as well, please have them sign up at darien.il.us, or call Mary at city hall (630-353-8115) to have their email address added to our list.
  
CITY NEWS
Ward 4 Alderman Appointed 
Mayor Weaver has appointed Thomas M. Chlystek as the Ward 4 Alderman. The appointment was made at the June 15, 2015, City Council meeting with unanimous approval from the City Council. For additional information please visit the City's web site.

Congratulations to Alderman Chlystek.
Operation "Lock it or Lose it"   

On Thursday, June 11, 2015 the Darien Police Department implemented operation "Lock It or Lose It".  

 

This crime prevention/reduction campaign is part of an on going strategy to reduce the number of incidents of burglary to motor vehicles. It is also directly linked to a recent rash of car burglaries along the north/east part of our city where all but one of the vehicles were left unlocked. In many cases there was nothing taken, but in some instances valuables were stolen.  

 

The campaign involves the Darien Police Department handing out window posters to local businesses in Darien to remind their customers to lock their car doors and hide their valuables, and a  second wave of smaller flyers distributed to remind motorists to lock their cars and hide their valuables.

Happy Fathers Day!

"One of the greatest gifts a father can give his child is his time."

 

The City of Darien wishes all Fathers a very happy Fathers Day.  Thank you for all you do for your families, and for your community!
CONGRATULATIONS BLACKHAWKS! 
Congratulations to our Chicago Blackhawks - 2015 Stanley Cup Champions! 
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.
New - Pay Your Water Bill by Phone or Online! 
 You can now pay your DuPage County water bill online!  Visit DuPage Public Works website at  https://www.dupageco.org/publicworks/ for the link.

You can also check your balance and make a phone payment at 855-748-8523. 
 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
Thomas Chlystek
Ward 5
Joseph Marchese
Ward 6
Ward 7
City Council Meetings

Monday, July 6
7:30 p.m.
 
Monday , July 20
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

Branch Pickup begins this Monday, June 22!

City of Darien 2015 Branch Pickup schedule

 

            June                 22 through 26

            August             24 through 28

            October            26 through 30

 

The City of Darien is pleased to be able to offer FREE BRANCH PICKUP for all residents within our boundaries. To help keep the streets clean and our crews on schedule, please stack the branches neatly by the curb on the Sunday before the pickup week. The chipper can accept branches up to 6" in diameter. Please do not tie the branches or put them in garbage cans. All other yard waste such as grass clippings and flowers should be disposed of through our yard waste program with Advanced Disposal.

 

All branches need to be out no later than the Sunday night prior to the designated pick up week. The chipping crew can make only one pass and may complete your street as soon as Monday morning.

 

Residents can also take their branches to the Municipal Services Facility, located at 1041 S. Frontage Road, and place at the designated location, labeled as "Branches". Branches will be accepted seven days a week from 5:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. Landscape companies hired to help with your branches may also take them to Municipal Services.

 

If you have any questions regarding branch pick up, please contact Municipal Services at 630-353-8105.
Constellation New 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 began 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.

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.  

Fourth of July Fireworks Show 

The Fourth of July firework show will take place at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4th, at the Zigfield Troy golf course (1535 75th Street).  The best views of the fireworks will be from the parking lots along 75th Street.  This year's show is co-sponsored by the City of Darien, Village of Downers Grove, and the Village of Woodridge and will be approximately 25 minutes long.  

City of Darien FREE Smart Phone App Now Available!  
The City of Darien smart phone app is now available!  The app will allow easy, mobile access to city information, services and request.  This FREE app is called Darien Connect, and is available in the Apple Store and the Google Play Store.
 
2015 Street Paving 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 June 24 thru July 8.   For more information call

Municipal Services at 630-353-8105

 

68th StreetClarendon hills -Crest
87thWashington-Lemont
Adams StUrban-Chapman
AndrusOldfield - 451 Andrus
Black Swan CtRoyal Swan-limit
Capital DriveElm-Janet
Darien Woods CtS Frontage-Limit
Gail Avenue79th-Linden
Iris RoadHigh-Crest
Ironwood Ave69th-Beechnut
Oldfield RdN Frontage-Washington
Portsmouth DriveN Frontage - 8100 Wittington Ct
Royal Swan LnLakeridge-limit
Sean Circle67th to 67th
Windmere CtRidge to limit

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

New Flood Insurance Rate Map 

FEMA has presented the City of Darien with a new preliminary flood insurance rate map.  You can view these maps at www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata   

 

There will be an open house meeting to discuss the new maps on Wednesday, July 29 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the DuPage County Government Center, Jack T. Knuepfer Building Auditorium, 421 County Farm Rd., in Wheaton. 

DuPage County Health Department West Nile Virus Index

To help DuPage County residents protect themselves against West Nile virus (WNV), the DuPage County Health Department has created a Personal Protection Index (PPI) that will inform residents of the amount of WNV activity in the county, as well as prevention steps that are recommended.  

 

The PPI provides residents with a current snapshot of WNV activity, ranging from zero to four, with zero being no activity and four announcing multiple human cases of WNV in DuPage County. The PPI will be updated every Wednesday at 3pm, by Health Department staff, during the surveillance season. The PPI will change to match the risk level determined for that period. The index can be found here.  When activated, residents should follow the 4 D's of prevention that coincide with the PPI risk level.

 

Drain: Drain those items that collect standing water around your home, yard or business. Scrub and refill pet water dishes and bird baths regularly.  

 

Defend: Use an insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors and reapply according to directions.

 

Dress: Wear long pants, long sleeves and closed toe shoes when outside to cover the skin.

 

Dusk & Dawn: Wear repellent outdoors during these prime times for mosquito activity.

DuPage County Latex Paint Recycling

DuPage County will host a latex paint recycling program from June 15 to July 15 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 22) 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, July 11, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

 

For more information, contact DuPage County Public Works Dept. at (630) 985-7400 or the Dept. of Economic Development & Planning at (630) 407-6700.

 

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
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! 
Join the July 4th Parade!

The Darien Lions Club will be holding their 44th Annual Independence Day Parade on Saturday, July 4, 2015. If you are interested in participating in the 4th of July Parade please visit the Darien Lions Club website www.darienlions.org or email the 2015 Parade Chairman at darienlionsparade@gmail.com  

 

Kids, come out and decorate your bike to ride in the parade!  Saturday, July 4 at the Jewel parking lot on Cass Ave.  Top girl & Boy winners awarded cash prizes! Ages 2 - 10. 

Community Garden Sunny Patch Project

Good Worx, Inc. is looking for a few average gardeners, no experience needed, for their "Sunny Patch Project"   This summer they plan to tackle hunger in the community, from the ground up, through the establishment of a first ever community container garden.   

 

The Sunny Patch garden will be at Safety Village, located at Cass & 75th Streets.  To learn how you can grow solutions to hunger here this summer, visit their website or call 630-272-0915.  

Darien Park District Farmers Market

The Darien Park District is hosting a Farmers Market thru September 9.  The Market runs from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m at the Westwood Park - 75th Street and Fairview Ave.

 

The Farmers Market features a wide variety of seasonally fresh vegetables and fruits, and other fine offerings from local vendors.  
Eisenhower Jr. High "Junk in the Trunk" Sale

A Junk in the Trunk Garage sale (without the garage and out of the trunks of cars) will be held on Saturday, June 20, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Eisenhower Jr. High Parking Lot - 1410 75th Street Rain Date is Saturday, July 18, 2015  

 

Sales benefit Choir Boosters who are raising money to purchase updated, much needed, audio equipment for Eisenhower Jr. High Choir.   

 

For more information for Sellers or Shoppers, please email choirboosters61@gmail.com (Inquiries will be answered within 24 hours) 

Enterprise Recovery Systems Job Fair

Enterprise Recover Systems, Inc., located at 840 S. Frontage Rd in Woodridge, is hosting a job fair next week Tuesday, June 23rd, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Wednesday, June 24th, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ERS is looking for exceptional professionals, experienced or inexperienced, for customer service, call center, and/or collections positions. On-site interviews will be held so dress professionally and bring your resume. Call ERS to schedule an interview at (866) 596-1290.

Park District 'Movie Under the Stars"
The Darien Park District will host a "Movie Under the Stars" on Friday, June 26.  The featured movie will be Night at the Museum - Secret of the Tomb.  The event will be held at Darien Community Park, 7100 Clarendon Hills Rd., at 8:45 p.m.  In the event of rain, the movie will be shown at the Park District Community Center, 7301 Fairview Avenue.
Indian Prairie Library News & Events

IPPL to host The Sound this weekend

The Indian Prairie Public Library will host The Sound, its third annual teen music fest, this Saturday, June 20, at 5:30 p.m. 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. The suggested donation for admission to the event is new school supplies to be donated locally. The Sound is sponsored by the Teen Advisory Board, The Gift of Carl Foundation, and the Friends of IPPL. Visit thesound.ippl.info for details. 

 

IPPL Readers Advisory

Not sure what to read or watch this summer? Stop by the Indian Prairie Public Library next Wednesday, June 24, 1-3 p.m. for a Readers' Advisory Drop-In. Give them 10 minutes and they'll give you three recommendations!

 

IPPL Resume Workshop

Get ready for the July 22 Job Fair hosted by Sen. Christine Radogno, Rep. Jim Durkin, Rep. Ron Sandack, and the Indian Prairie Public Library. Learn to write an eye-catching and informative resume at the library's Resume Workshop next Thurs., June 25, 7-8:30 p.m. Learn about format, function, and descriptions, as well as an overview of library resources. Register at calendar.ippl.info. And mark your calendars for the Jobs Fair on Wednesday, July 22, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.at Ashton Place, 341 75th St. in Willowbrook.

 

Darien Farmers Market Storytimes         

Look for the Indian Prairie Public Library at the Darien Farmers Market at Westwood Park this summer! Enjoy all-ages story times on Wednesdays, 6-6:45 p.m., through Aug. 5 (weather permitting).

 

IPPL Homemade Readers Summer Reading Challenge   

Read books and win prizes during Homemade Readers, the Indian Prairie Public Library's 2015 Summer Reading Challenge for kids and teens through Aug. 8. Sign up at the Kids & Teens Ask Us Desk or online at summer.ippl.info. 

 

Sign up for the IPPL eNews via text

Want to get the latest news and program information from the Indian Prairie Public Library? Sign up for the IPPL eNews! Text IPPLINFO to 22828 to get started.


Darien Youth Club Soccer Registration

The Darien Youth Club (DYC) is a non-for-profit organization that runs fun, competitive youth sports leagues for children in Kindergarten through High School. When your child joins a DYC sports league, everybody plays, everyone learns, everyone has fun!  

 

Registration is open now for Summer Soccer Camp and Fall Soccer Leagues. Be sure to register before July 1 to receive the early bird discount! The cost is only $75-$85 per season for 8-13 games plus practices (depending on age).  

 

Get all the information on our website www.darienyouthclub.org

DarienFest "Darien's Got Talent" Registration
Attention dancers, musicians, and other acts of talent.  Darien Chamber of Commerce invites you to  "DARIEN'S GOT TALENT"  on the main stage at DarienFest, Sunday September 13, from 1pm to 2pm.  Age group is 10-18, and the registration fee is $20.00.  Entry description should include your bio, photo, email, phone number and a 30 second audition video.  Register online at www.darienchamber.com.  Deadline is July 15.
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 

Copyright © 2013. All Rights Reserved.