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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.
2015 Town Hall Meeting  
Mayor Kathleen Weaver, Darien City Council and the Darien Committee for Intergovernmental Coordination invite all Darien Residents to the 2015 Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, September 24, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Indian Prairie Library, 401 Plainfield Road.  
 
This event is FREE and open to the general public.

Residents will have the opportunity to Meet and Greet the following local Taxing Bodies: Cass School District 63, Center Cass District 66, Darien Chamber of Commerce, Darien Park District, Darien Public Schools District 61, Darien Woodridge Fire District, Downers Grove Township, Hinsdale South High School District 86, Indian Prairie Library and Tri-State Fire District.  
 
Register and submit questions for any taxing body online or contact Darien City Hall at 630-353-8101.
Tornado Siren Information 
Residents should understand that outdoor warning sirens are not designed to provide effective warning inside homes or buildings. It is recommended that each residence have a N.O.A.A. weather radio to monitor severe weather conditions, and that all family members are informed of what to do in a severe weather emergency.  For users of smart phones, there are many free apps that will issue severe weather alerts. 
 
In the event of a severe weather emergency, the sirens will sound for 3 to 5 minutes, which indicates:
  • A confirmed sighting of a tornado, tracking towards the community, has been reported by a trained weather spotter within Darien or the surrounding communities, or
  • The National Weather Service has issued a warning for the Community indicating that it is the path of an oncoming tornado, or
  • A confirmed sighting by a trained weather spotter of severe winds causing structural damage within the city or surrounding communities.
There will not be an all clear sounded.  Any subsequent siren means that more severe weather has been spotted in the area. 
 
The difference between a tornado watch, and a tornado warning:   
  • A tornado watch means that hazardous weather is possible in the area
  • A tornado warning is issued when hazardous weather is occurring, imminent, or likely.  A warning means weather poses a threat to life or property.  People in the path of the storm need to take protective action.
For more information on tornadoes and emergency weather safety procedures visit  http://dupageco.org/protectdupage/
 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
 
Tuesday , September 8
7:30 p.m.

Monday, September 21
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 Police Report 

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
What to do if Stopped by the Police 
In view of the recent events surrounding police-citizen interactions and police misconduct, the question was posed at the last city council meeting about what to do when stopped by the police. Many of these questions are underscored by lengthy discussions about the rights of the motorist in such encounters. A couple of common sense scenarios that you may follow are:

Scenario #1: Being stopped by an unmarked car and you are unsure if it is really a police officer: In such cases the car will either flash their lights or may activate police emergency equipment in the form of oscillating lights that the motorist is unfamiliar with:
  1. Slow your speed and activate your hazard lights.
  2. If you remain unsure of the identity and choose not to stop, proceed slowly to the nearest police station.
  3. If you don't know where the police station is, then go to a highly populated public space. Such as a Wal-Mart, shopping mall or other such location.
  4. In either event if you have access to hands free use of your cellular phone, then call 911 and advise the 911 call taker that you are being stopped and where you are. The operator may be able to immediately confirm the officer's identity for you.
  5. If you have opted to stop and remain unsure of the officer's identity, keep your doors locked and roll down the window sufficiently to allow you to give the officer your driver's license and insurance.
Scenario #2: You are being stopped by an officer that you recognize to be an officer, but during the course of the stop you perceive some of his directions to be inappropriate.
The key to remember is that you as the motorists are operating under one set of perceptions and the officer may be armed with a completely different set of information that does not match your perception. For example, your perception is that you are simply returning from an outing and have not broken any laws. The officer may have received information about a suspect vehicle from a criminal offense and the suspect's vehicle matches yours.
  1. Once you recognize that the officer is attempting to stop you, reduce your speed, turn on your hazard lights and safely slow your vehicle to a stop.
  2. A Darien officer will greet you with a prepared script where he greets you, identifies him/herself, announces his department, explains why you were stopped and asks for your driver's license.
  3. Be courteous and polite, whether you receive the greeting or not.
  4. Avoid shifting or fidgeting until after the officer approaches you and explains to you what he wants, until that time; keep your hands on the steering wheel.
  5. If for whatever reason, the officer asks you to step out of the vehicle, do so. If his actions are inappropriate or reach the level of misconduct nearly all departments will have a complaint process as a remedy for poor officer conduct. On the street, in the midst of the encounter is not the time to argue or debate the issue.
  6. The issuance of a warning or a citation or just a verbal admonition is entirely discretionary in most cases, if you have a warrant, driving suspended or under the influence, there is little left to the officer's discretion.
The two scenarios above are not intended to be all inclusive. They are also not intended to absolve the officer of his/her responsibility to be professional at all times. The scenarios and related suggestions are intended to ensure that your encounter with any police officer is as safe as possible.
2015 50/50 Parkway Tree Planting Program 
The City of Darien is now taking orders for the 2015 Parkway Tree Planting Program. The program is a 50/50 cost share program between the City and the resident. The cost includes the purchase, planting, mulching and one (1) year guarantee of the trees.
 
Please contact Lisa at the City of Darien for the 50/50 Parkway Tree Planting Program at 630-353-8105 or e-mail lklemm@darienil.gov for additional information or to place your order.
The deadline to order trees is September 25.
 
The following trees are available for the parkways:
DIAMETER
SPECIES
PLANTED PRICE PER TREE
CITY COST
RESIDENT COST
2.5"
American Linden
$375.00
$187.50
$187.50
2.5"
Norway Maple
$375.00
$187.50
$187.50
2.5"
Honeylocust Skyline
$370.00
$185.00
$185.00
2.5"
Red Maple
$440.00
$220.00
$220.00
2.5"
Chanticleer Pear
$385.00
$192.50
$192.50
2.5"
Freeman Maple
$420.00
$210.00
$210.00
2.5"
Sugar Maple
$400.00
$200.00
$200.00
 *4inch diameter available - please call 630-353-8105 for pricing 

Private Property Tree Program
The City of Darien is offering residents to take advantage of pricing for planting trees on their private property. The City has selected Beary Landscaping to be the vendor for the 2015 Tree Planting Program and has included contract pricing of various private property tress. The cost includes the purchase, planting, mulching and one (1) year guarantee of the trees.
 
Please contact Mike at Beary Landscape for private property tree planting at 815-838-4100.
 
The deadline to order private property trees is September 25.
 
The following trees are available for private property planting:
DIAMETER
SPECIES
RESIDENT COST-PLANTED PRICE
2.5"
American Linden
$435.00
2.5"
Norway Maple
$435.00
2.5"
Honeylocust Skyline
$435.00
2.5"
Red Maple
$475.00
2.5"
Chanticleer Pear
$440.00
2.5"
Aristocrat  Pear
$440.00
2.5"
Swamp White Oak
$460.00
2.5"
Freeman Maple
$460.00
2.5"
Sugar Maple
$445.00
2.5"
Kentucky Coffeetree
$465.00
2.5"
Purple Maple
$475.00
2.5"
Northern Red Oak
$460.00
2.5"
Little Leaf Linden
$435.00
2.5"
Smoothleaf Elm
$440.00
 

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 - 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. 
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! 
Cass School District 63 Board of Education Vacancy
Due to a resignation, the Cass School District 63 Board of Education is looking for qualified candidates to fill a two-year seat. Please go to  Board of Education Seat Application or contact Dr. Kerry J. Foderaro, Superintendent of Schools at 630/985-2000 to get more detailed information. The deadline for applications is Friday, September 4.

DarienFest - Save the Date!

Save the date for DarienFest 2014 - September 11, 12 & 13 at Community Park.  For more information and a list of entertainment, visit www.darienchamber.com

Free Document Shredding at First Merchant Bank

Protect your identity and clean out your home office at the same time!  Saturday, August 29 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. 

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
Darien Women's Club Program Year Kick-off

DWC is kicking off another program year on Wednesday, September 2 with the monthly meeting at Carriage Greens Country Club.  Doors open at 7pm and the meeting begins at 7:30pm. Come out and join this fabulous group of woman for another great year!   

 

The October 7 monthly meeting will feature the Annual Cards for Cancer event.  This evening is always full of lots of laughter and is sure to be a great time!

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 

 

The Farmers Market features a wide variety of seasonally fresh vegetables and fruits, and other fine offerings from local vendors.  
Senior Fair
State Representative Ron Sandack will host a senior fair on Friday, September 11, from
10:00 a.m. to noon at Lincoln Center Auditorium, 935 Maple Avenue in Downers Grove.  Come to the free fair to receive helpful guides, literature and other resources from state, county, and local government.  General assembly staffers will be available to assist constituants with thier state government concerns.  For more information visit www.ronsandack.org or call 630-737-0504.
St. John Cemetery Walk
The Darien Historical Society and St. John Lutheran Church Trustees will jointly sponsor a tour of the St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery located at Clarendon Hills Road and 67th Street in Darien on Saturday, September 19 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (In case of inclement weather, the event will be held the following Saturday on September 26.)
 
This is the second year for the event which was well attended last fall. Twelve grave sites will be visited with first person narrators in period costume. Walk where early church members were laid to rest and learn about them, their families, and their many contributions to local history.
 
St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery was established adjacent to Lace Church, the original sanctuary, in 1859 on three acres of prairie. The cemetery still contains original, untilled land and is a registered Illinois Natural Heritage Landmark. Nine Civil War veterans are buried in the cemetery along with many founding families of the community.

There is no charge for this family-friendly event, but free will donations will be graciously accepted. For more information, contact St. John Lutheran Church at 630-969-7987 or info@sjlcdarien.org. Or, visit www.sjlcdarien.org
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
Fall Clothing Sale Registration

Darien Woman's Club (DWC) Fall Clothing Resale is set for Saturday, October 17 from 9am - 2pm.  Please note the new location at Lace School on the corner of 75th and Cass.

 

Registration for sellers will be on Saturday, September 19 at the Darien Park District from 9am - 12pm and on Tuesday, September 29 at Safety Village from 5:30 - 8:30pm. Contact Debbie Uhlar 630-215-4942 or Joanna Petersen 630-689-6754 or visit resale@darienwomansclub.org 
Indian Prairie Library News & Events
TAB Applications
The Indian Prairie Public Library is accepting applications for its Teen Advisory Board. TAB is for teens in grades 7-12, and members can gain leadership skills while earning community service hours for their time. The group discusses and plans activities and volunteer opportunities, assists librarians with programs and events for children, and thinks about ways the library can better serve teens in our community. For more information or to apply, visit www.tab.ippl.info.
 
Read On
In honor of her November author visit, the Indian Prairie Public Library will be giving away FREE copies of bestselling author A. S. King's books on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 3:30-6:30 p.m. (while supplies last). The catch: once you read it, you have to pass it on to friends, family, or a complete stranger! An Evening with A. S. King will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. Read On is generously sponsored by the Friends of IPPL.
 
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
This September, the Indian Prairie Public Library will launch its 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program. This program encourages families and caregivers to read 1000 books with their children before they enter kindergarten. Children who complete 1000 books will receive a free paperback book to keep and will join the library's 1000 Books Before Kindergarten "Wall of Fame." For more information or to register for the program, visit the library's Kids & Teens Ask Us Desk starting Sept. 1. Thank you to the Darien Rotary Club for their generous sponsorship of this program.
 
Library Card Sign Up Month
You've purchased the pencils, notebooks, and other school supplies, but do your kids have their library cards yet?! September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and public libraries nationwide-including the Indian Prairie Public Library -want to make sure that every student has the most important school supply of all-a library card. This September, kids who sign up for their first IPPL card will receive a specially-designed card just for kids, a kid-sized book bag, as well as a special Snoopy sticker and bookmark. Those renewing their card will also get a Snoopy sticker and bookmark. For more information on signing up for a library card, stop by the library or visit www.ippl.info .
 
Assistive Technology and Homebound Services
Learn about the homebound services and assistive technology available at the Indian Prairie Public Library at a lobby drop-in on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 6-8 p.m. The library has equipment and software available to those with physical conditions that limit computer use. In addition, home delivery of library materials can be arranged at no charge if an IPPL cardholder is permanently homebound due to age or disability, or temporarily disabled for at least one month due to illness or surgery.
VFW Vacation Raffle
VFW post 2838 is holding a raffle for a 7 day vacation for 2 with Air to Barcelo Bavaro Palace Resort, an all inclusive resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.  Drawing will be on Veterans Day, November 11, 2015.  Winner need not be present to win - some restrictions apply.  Tickets are $10.00 for 1 ticket, $20.00 for 3 tickets, $50.00 for 7 tickets, and $100.00 for 15 tickets.  For more info / ticket purchase contact david.dea@darienvfw.org, or call Nick at 630-910-8552. 
DYC Celebrates 55 Years!
The Darien Youth Club (DYC) is a recreational sports club that has served the youth of Darien and surrounding towns since 1960. DYC programs are 100% volunteer run, there are no tryouts, every child plays and every child has fun. DYC is a club for every child and it will remain that way as long as it is in existence. Without the vision of the founders of the DYC we would not have the historical club we have today. Thank you to the thousands of volunteers and supporters over the last 55 years for all the hard work and dedication you've put in on the fields, courts and behind the scenes.
 
Volunteer With Us!
The volunteer spirit of DYC was created by design. With all the effort that goes into running this club there are a myriad of benefits to be had along the way. Our sense of community grows and stays tighter; life-long adult and childhood friendships are made; children's skills and character improve and outstanding memories are created. If you are interested in learning about various volunteering opportunities available visit us at www.DarienYouthClub.org 
 
Celebrate with Us!
Submit your DYC photos or fun memories from the last 55 years with the year taken on DYC's Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/darienyouthclub?fref=ts and tag #DYC55years. Or email them to dycmembership1@gmail.com
 
Fun Facts About the Darien Youth Club From 55 Years Ago!
- All started with a group of fathers who wanted to start a baseball team for their kids
- DYC was originally named Lace Marion Hills Youth Club until 1972
- DYC is older than Darien itself
- First game was on a donated field built by Marion Hills homeowners where the S.E. Hinsdale South parking lot is now
- First girls activity were baseball cheerleaders
- Started out with only volunteers and support from the community and continues that same tradition today 
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 

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