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
Suspicious Person / Vehicle 
On 11/04/2015 at 4:05pm, the Darien Police Department responded to a suspicious vehicle report in the area of Lakeview Road and Bailey Road. Upon arrival the officers spoke to two 8th grade girls and one 5th grade boy. The children relayed that a white male, approximately 40 years of age, wearing a black turtleneck, approached them in a white work van, similar to a Ford Econoline, with 2 side tinted windows (similar to the one shown below). The male subject asked the children if they wanted to go to the park with him. The children ignored him and continued walking to their destination. The van continued to follow them through a parking lot and exited the lot without further contact.

If anyone sees a suspicious vehicle or persons - they should call 911 immediately and give a good description of the vehicle or person(s)  including the license plate number. 
 
If anyone has any information please contact the Darien Police Department at 630-971-3999.  
 
City Meeting Info / Minutes on Website 
As a reminder to residents, the City's website includes City Council, and various other city committee, meeting agendas, background materials, staff memos/reports, city expenses, monthly financial and meeting minutes. This allows residents to closely follow all of the business conducted by the City.

If you wish to review the Council and committee meeting information simply use the following link: http://www.darien.il.us/Reference-Desk/Agendas-Minutes.aspx
Spread the Word About Direct Connect! 
Providing important city information to Darien residents has been a priority of the Elected Officials and city staff for many years. Our most important resource to distribute information is Darien's weekly E-newsletter, Direct Connect. This provides residents with important community information that is emailed on Fridays. Direct Connect is also sent out periodically when there is important information to provide to residents.

There are approximately 2400 subscribers to Direct Connect. The City's goal is to have 5000 subscribers by the end of 2016. We ask that you please spread the word about Direct Connect and encourage your friends, neighbors, and local groups to sign up. Signing up is simple, just provide any Elected Official or staff member with your email address and we will have you registered. If you prefer to register yourself, you may use the following link: http://www.darien.il.us/Reference-Desk/DirectConnect.aspx.

Please help the City reach our goal!  
 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, November 16
7:30 p.m.

Monday, December 7
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 Police Chief   

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
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.
Interim Police Chief Appointed 
Mayor Weaver will appoint Gregory S. Thomas to the position of Police Chief and he will serve until a permanent replacement is appointed.

Mr. Thomas retires from the Aurora Police Department on November 13, 2015 and will begin with Darien on November 16, 2015. Chief Thomas comes to Darien with 37 years of law enforcement experience with the City of Aurora, including 7 years as their Chief. Upon hearing of Chief Thomas's retirement from the City of Aurora, we contacted him and asked if he would serve in this temporary capacity. He agreed and we look forward to having him join us.
ComEd Smart Meter Information 
ComEd will be installing new SMART Meters in Darien and surrounding communities.  You can obtain information on the meters at comed.com

There are are  videos, facts, benefits, installation schedules, updates and much more on smart meters. Select the Technology tab and then select Smart Meters & Smart Grid.

A ComEd Representative will be at the City Council meeting on November 16 at 7:30 p.m. to provide information on the SMART meters. 
ComEd Warning of Scam 
ComEd Security is reminding customers to be aware of scammers and frauds targeting both residential customers and small businesses across its service territory, according to ComEd.

Phone scams include stories that the customer's billing cycle has changed and payment is needed immediately, the account is past due and immediate payment is required to avoid disconnection of service or that the customer's previous payments were not accepted or processed.

In those cases, the scammers instruct customers to buy a prepaid credit card and direct them to call back with the personal identification number. They also use a tactic called "spoofing" to manipulate the Caller ID displayed phone number so that it appears as a ComEd number.

ComEd wants to remind customers that representatives from the company always carry proper identification and never ask customers for cash or personal financial information. Also, ComEd will never call a customer to request cash or ask you to buy a prepaid credit card to pay a bill.

Anyone who believes he or she has been a target of a phone scam is urged to contact the Illinois Attorney General's office toll free at 1-800-386-5438
Cloudy Tap Water? 
Commonly in the winter, you will notice that your drinking water appears cloudy. Milky water, also commonly described as cloudy, hazy, soapy, or foamy, is almost always caused by air in the water. To see if the white color in the water is due to air, fill a clear glass with water and set it on the counter. Observe the glass of water for two or three minutes. If the white color is due to air, the water will begin to clear at the bottom of the glass first and then gradually will clear all the way to the top. This is a natural phenomenon and is completely normal; the water is safe to use.

For more information please visit the DuPage Water Commission's Web site at www.dpwc.org. 
Free Fall Leaf Pickup 
The City of Darien is again providing fall leaf pick-up FREE OF CHARGE to residents. The program runs thru Nov. 28 of this year, and takes place weekly on your normal garbage day.

Leaves should be placed in brown kraft yard waste bags or in plastic garbage cans. If garbage cans are used they must have a permanent "YARD WASTE ONLY" label attached to the front of the can so the driver can identify it as leaf pickup. These labels are available free of charge at city hall. Other yardwaste will still require a refuse sticker.

Residents are not permitted to rake leaves into the street. Raking leaves into the street can cause serious local flooding for you and your neighbors.

For more information please call 630-852-5000.
2015/2016 Tree Trimming Program  
This year's tree trimming program consists of trimming approximately 1,750 parkway trees, including Ash trees with dead limbs, approximately 68 tree removals and stump grinding. Below are the subdivisions to be trimmed beginning December 1:
  • Darien Club
  • Downers Fairview
  • Brookhaven Manor
  • Alison Court
This year's program also includes contract pricing for the Private Property Tree Trimming Program to all the residents.  The program would allow residents to have their private property trees trimmed or removed and stump grinding at the residents expense. The trimming will include removal of perished, diseased, interfering, and weak branches, as well as removal of under branches as requested. Private Property tree trimming is $70.00 per tree in the front yard and $135.00 per tree in the back yard. The contract also includes pricing for private property tree removal, and stump grinding.  Residents should contact Homer Tree Care directly at 815-838-0320  

For additional information regarding the Tree Trimming Program please call 630-353-8105.
Holiday Light Recycling 
The City of Darien has again partnered with Elgin Recycling to offer our residents free recycling of holiday lights!  Last year Darien residents recycled 1922 pounds of Holiday Lights. Not only did this keep them from ending up in the landfill, the city made a profit of $153.76.
 
All light colors and strand lengths will be accepted. Items include mini-lights (Italian lights), C7 lights, C9 lights, rope lights, LED lights, and extension cords - no CFLs.  (We ask that only the lights go into the bin, please do not throw boxes and bags into the bin.)

Now through February 8 you may bring your lights to the Darien Police Department at 1710 Plainfield Road. The box is outside the lobby doors.

For more information please call 630-353-8115 or visit www.elginrecycling.com   
Citizen of the Year Search 
It's that time of year again when we begin our search for a very special man or woman who has given of themselves to make Darien a "Nice Place to Live"!  The Citizen of the Year Committee is accepting nominations for the 2016 Citizen of the Year.  If you know of a person who goes "above and beyond the call of duty" ... is always there when someone needs a hand ... and who has contributed to make Darien a special place, please write a letter to the committee or fill out one of our official nomination forms that can be found at any time during the year at City Hall or at the Indian Prairie Library.  Nominations may be also be submitted on our  website.
 
A nominee must be a resident of Darien and cannot currently be an elected official. The deadline for nominations is January 5th.
Coyote Information  
Coyotes are a permanent fixture in DuPage County's rural, suburban and urban areas. Seeing a coyote cross a field, backyard, road or golf course does not necessarily constitute a problem or dangerous situation, either for humans or domestic animals. Coyotes will be more active and more visible in late-winter/early spring during their breeding seasons. Most coyotes are harmless; their goal is to eat more natural foods such as mice and rabbits. However, coyotes are opportunistic. If coyotes see easy food - such as open garbage- and aren't afraid, they may take advantage. That puts them in direct line for a confrontation with pets. Coyotes are not interested in eating pets, these are territorial disputes. There have been recent reports of small family dogs that were killed by coyotes in neighboring towns. Studies have shown that attempts at eliminating all coyotes are not practical, economical or workable. When coyotes are removed others quickly move in.
 
For more information on Coyotes you can visit the DuPage County Forest Preserve District at www.dupageforest.org or the City of Darien at www.Darien.il.us.
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
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  

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. 
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 Lions Club "Pies for Eyes" Fundraiser
The Darien Lions Club Foundation has partnered with Pies by Fasano ("As Good As Mother's and Better Than Others") to hold their Pies for Eyes Fundraiser.

Apple, Cherry, Blueberry and Pumpkin pies are available for order with pick up on the weekend before Thanksgiving (Saturday, November 21 at Darien Police Department Training Room) at a tax deductible cost of $14.00 per pie. Please consider supporting the Darien Lions Club Foundation by purchasing one (or two, or three) of these delicious pies.   Order deadline is Friday, November 13. 
 
For more information please contact Pies for Eyes chairman - Lion Andrew at (773) 957-3900. 
Darien Park District " A Dicken's of a Holiday" Craft Show
Calling all craft enthusiasts! The Darien Park District announces their 7th annual holiday craft show and sale on Saturday, November 14, from 9am to 3pm at the Community Center, 7301 Fairview Ave.

Over 90 sellers will be displaying their crafts. All items are original and handmade by the vendor. This holiday craft show and sale will be the perfect place to find unique, one-of-a-kind, handcrafted holiday gifts and will offer something for everyone.
 
Admission is Free.  For more information please call 630-968-6400 
School District #61 Board of Education Meting
Darien School District #61 will hold their Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, November 17 at 7:00 p.m., Lace School - 7414 Cass Avenue.
Darien Historical Society Turkey Raffle Fundraiser
Practice your gobble sounds in preparation for the Darien Historical Society's "Turkey Raffle", Friday, November 20 at Arabian Knights Farms,6526 Clarendon Hills Road, doors open at 6:30 P.M. with first raffle at 7:00 P.M. Pre-purchased tickets are $10.00,  $12.00 at the door, with donation covering unlimited sodas and one raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets will sell for .50 cents. Hot dogs, pizza, beer and wine will be available. Raffle winners must be present; attendees must be 18 years of age. Call Debbie at 630-325-5326 or contact DHS board members for tickets.  
Cass District 63 Foundation Fall Lotto Raffle 
Cass District 63's Foundation organization is holding a fall raffle for the month of November
with a winner selected every day.  Tickets are $10.00 a piece and each ticket is valid for the entire month. Each day's winning number will be determined by the Illinois Pick 3 Daily Lottery, 12:40 drawing. The daily prizes range from $50.00 to $200.00and winners will be notified directly by the Foundation.  All fundraising will directly benefit students at Concord and Cass Jr. High. That's 30 chances of winning for $10.00!
 
The Cass District 63 organization has awarded over $500,000 in grants for items like Smart Boards, 4th grade science labs, Literacy Support, and an enhanced audio visual system. These and many, many more projects and school resources have been made possible through the fundraising efforts of the foundation.
   
Tickets may be purchased in person at any Cass 63 school or district office They can also be purchased over the phone using a credit card. Call Deanna at 630 673 9029 or Michelle at 847 687 3115 or send an email to cmmwhite@gmail.com if you are interested
Darien Woman's Club New Meeting Location  
Darien Woman's Club is pleased to announce that it has a new home for the monthly meetings.

On the first Wednesday of each month, the DWC Club members and guest will gather at Carriage Greens Country Club located at 8700 Carriage Green Drive in Darien.   Mark your calendar for Wednesday, December 2.  Doors open at 7pm and the meeting begins at 7:30pm.  Come out and join this fabulous group of woman at the next meeting.
 
For more information and membership form, please visit: http://www.darienwomansclub.org
St. John Lutheran Craft & Vendor Fair 
Everyone is invited to the St. John Lutheran Early Learning Center Christmas Craft & Vendor Fair on Saturday, December 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 7214 South Cass Avenue. Admission is free.
 
Each year this extensive showcase of handmade and retail items provides the perfect opportunity for patrons to find items on their holiday gift list in one convenient location. Jamberry, Arbonne, Partylite and other popular vendors will be featured along with crafters of jewelry, textiles, and seasonal items. There will also be a bake sale and raffle.
 
A unique feature of our fair is Candy Cane Lane where children can enjoy our Comfort Dog Shami and supervised Christmas-themed games, crafts, music, and read alouds while their parents shop.      
 
If you are a crafter or vendor and would like to reserve a table, call 630-324-6582 or email elc@sjlcdarien.org. The event raises funds to help support the preschool. Whether you come to sell or to buy, we hope to see you there!
Metra Safety Poster & Essay Contest   
Students in grades  K-12 can enter the 10th annual Metra Safety Poster and Essay Contest.  The theme this year is "Make Safety Your Focus"  The deadline for submitting posters and essays is January 29, 2016.  For more information on the contest and entry rules please visit www.metracontest.com

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