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
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.
Press Release  

 

ARREST IN DARIEN ARMED ROBBERY

 

On July 22, 2015, at 3:33a.m., the Darien Police responded to the Darien Speedway located at 8301 Lemont Road for an armed robbery that had just occurred. Responding police units from Darien, Woodridge, DuPage County, Willowbrook K9, and Naperville police conducted a search of the area but were unable to locate the offender. The clerk was not injured in this incident.

 

Darien Investigators were aware of 2 similar armed robberies in Naperville and 1 in Warrenville within several days of the Darien incident. Through shared information between the police agencies, a suspect was developed. A task force comprising of investigators with Naperville, Darien, Warrenville, and the Illinois State Police began overnight surveillance of the suspect.

 

On July 29th at approximately 2:00a.m., investigators followed the suspect to a 7-11 in North Aurora and observed him commit an armed robbery. The suspect was apprehended outside of the business by a Naperville Police K9 and surveillance officers. The clerk at the business was not injured. The gun turned out to be a bb gun.

 

Nathaniel J Noble, age 18, residing in the 2700 block of Preston Court, Aurora was charged with 4 counts of Aggravated Armed Robbery (1-Darien, 2-Naperville, and 1-Warrenville). The 4 DuPage County cases do not presently have a bond set.

 

Noble was charged in the North Aurora case with; Aggravated Robbery (armed with firearm), Robbery, Armed Violence, Armed Robbery (no firearm) and Aggravated Assault (wearing hoodie during robbery). Noble is currently at Kane County Jail on No Bond.

 

The City of Darien and the Darien Police wish to recognize the efforts of all police personnel and their respective police agencies for committing resources to bring these crimes to a quick and safe resolution. We are committed to working with and on behalf of the residents and businesses to keep Darien a safe community.


Electric Supplier Scam   
The official City of Darien electrical supplier is CONSTELLATION under the aggregation program.

The City of Darien has received a complaint regarding a solicitor going door to door advising residents that he works for Starion, the official energy supplier for the City of Darien, and asking residents to sign a form.  This is a scam to have residents switch their energy supplier to this company.  Unless you are interested in changing electric suppliers, DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING!

We encourage residents to learn more about this or other companies before committing to sales tactics.  A Google internet search of Starion shows multiple complaints posted.  A check of the Better Business Bureau shows numerous complaints filed.  These are quick checks that anyone can run on the internet.

The City of Darien and the Darien Police Department conduct a background check on both the solicitor and the company prior to approving or denying solicitor licenses.  Approved solicitors are required to adhere to hours of solicitation and possess a valid solicitor permit.  We encourage residents to call 9-1-1 if you have contact with a solicitor from this company or anyone who does not have a solicitor permit.
Phone Solicitations 

A caller identifying himself as being from Illinois Professional Services Restoration Company has been calling residents claiming that the company is doing work on their street to provide free inspections of the roofs for hail damage. The caller attempts to ask personal questions, and tends to become very aggressive with residents.

 

The City of Darien reminds residents to avoid giving out personal information to any call you did not initiate. Businesses can be checked out with the Better Business Bureau, and anyone soliciting in the City of Darien must have a City of Darien solicitor license. If someone knocks at your door and does not possess a license, the City encourages you to call 9-1-1.

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.
 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, August 3
7:30 p.m.
 
Monday , August 17
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
Darien Police Dept. - Vacation House Watch 

The Darien Police can be notified in advance when residents will be on vacation so assistance can be given in keeping an eye on their home on a Police time-available basis. A house watch card must be completed and the Police will also give helpful tips on how to protect your home.  You can find this form on our website.

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.
 
COUNTY/STATE/FEDERAL NEWS
New Dog Park Proposed at Oldfield Oaks in Darien 
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has proposed to construct a new off-leash dog area at the Oldfield Oaks Preserve in Darien. Currently, the residents of the southeast part of the county are farther away from any District off-leash dog area than other residents in DuPage County. In order to correct this issue the District's Board of Commissioners determined that a new off-leash area should be built in this portion of the County. After analyzing several Preserves, it was determined that Oldfield Oaks would be the ideal location based upon site accessibility, ecosystem classification, site hydrology and existing agreements.

The proposed off-leash area will offer the following amenities:

  • 40 plus car asphalt parking lot
  • Trail connector to the existing Oldfield Oaks loop trail
  • 2 separate fenced areas; a large active field (+5 acres) and a small dog field (0.6 acres)
  • Double gated pedestrian gates
  • 1/3 mile trail loop within the large activity field

The District has started to prepare plans and details for this project and is expecting that construction will begin in 2016. Dependent on the establishment of the turf within the off-leash area it is anticipated that the facility could open Summer / Fall 2017.

Please see the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's website, dupageforest.org for additional information.

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. 

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.

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! 

Darien Park District Farmers Market

The Darien Park District is hosting a Farmers Market every Wednesday 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.  

Brookhaven Plaza Fest 50 Year Celebration

Brookhaven Plaza is having a 50 year celebration on Sunday, August 30, from 11am to 6pm.  There will be music presented by Jim Tikalsky, food venders including Brookhven Marketplace, The Crazy Burrito, Dunkin Donuts, Darien Chop Suey and Val's Asian Market.

Entertainment schedule:
1:00                Darien Woodridge Fire Truck
1:00 - 4:00      Pockets the Clown with face painting and balloons
1:30                ATA Martial Arts Demo Team
2:00                Agne G. will perform popular tunes
Indian Prairie Library News & Events

Learn Something New with Lynda.com

Indian Prairie Public Library cardholders can now learn software, creative, and business skills with Lynda.com! Lynda.com has thousands of online tutorials taught by industry experts, and features courses for all skill levels. IPPL cardholders now have FREE, unlimited access - including desktop, mobile, and tablet access - allowing them to view as many videos as they want on different devices without losing their place.

 

IPPL StoryShare

Have you shared your family's story with the Indian Prairie Public Library yet? StoryShare is an oral history project in which community members are invited to interview family members while a trained IPPL volunteer operates the recording equipment. The interview theme is "family," and sample questions can be provided. Participants will receive a CD of the interview while the library keeps a copy to preserve for future generations. To make an interview appointment, call Librarian Joe Popowitch at 630/887-8760 ext. 240 or email joep@ippl.info.

Senior Car Safety Clinic
The Downers Grove Township S.A.L.T Council will be hosting a FREE car care safety clinic for senior citizens on Saturday, September 19 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Westmont fire Station at 6015 South Cass Avenue.  There will be a free multiple point safety inspection. they will check fluids, belts, hose, tires, lights and more.  For more information please call 630-719-6682
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.