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CITY NEWS
Public Hearing on proposed budget 
There will be a public hearing on the proposed FY2016-2017 Budget on Monday, April 4 at 7:00 p.m. in the Darien City Hall Council Chambers, 1702 Plainfield Road. You may view the proposed budget here.

If you have an questions or comments please contact City Administrator Bryon Vana at 630-353-8114, or bvana@darienil.gov 
City Hall Entrance Closed Friday, April 8 
The front entrance of City Hall will be CLOSED due to interior construction on Friday, April 8. Limited services will be available at the lower level employee entrance at the front of the building facing Plainfield Rd. We appreciate your patience, and ask that you visit City Hall before or after Friday April 8, if possible.

As an alternative, refuse stickers can be purchased at many area stores, including Jewel and CVS. Water payments can be mailed, dropped off to DuPage County Public Works, or payments by check in sealed envelopes may dropped off at the Police Department during normal business hours.

Phone service will be available at 630-852-5000. 
Darien Water Quality 
In light of the recent issues that the City of Flint, Michigan has struggled with regarding lead levels in their municipal water system, the City of Darien would like to reassure its water utility customers that the City is in complete compliance with both the U.S. EPA and the Illinois EPA lead/copper sampling rule. In 2014, the City of Darien conducted 30 lead/copper samples required by the EPA. All 30 samples came back with no detection of lead. These results have allowed for the City to receive a very good rating from the EPA. The next EPA required lead/copper sampling will take place between June and September of 2017.
The safety of drinking water is a high priority for the City of Darien. If you have any questions, please contact Public Works at (630) 353-8105.

For more information on lead and to get water tested privately, residents can visit drinkingwaterlabs.com, or call 800-783-5227. The city recommends you avoid the free testing kits sold at hardware stores, as these are often provided by companies trying to sell expensive water treatment systems.
New Refuse Sticker Rate Hike   
The City of Darien is entering into its fifth year with Advanced Disposal as its refuse hauler.  Each year on April 1st the rates go up according to the contract.  The new rate for refuse stickers is $3.63 each. Residents also have the option to rent a tote and not have to use the stickers.  Monthly tote prices are  $22.24 for a 64 gal tote, and $27.23 for a 96 gal tote.  Please call Advanced Disposal directly to rent a tote at 708-409-9700.

Although the rates have changed, the pickup procedure remains the same.  Any stickers you currently have are still valid, and may still be used after April 1st. 
Yardwaste Pickup resumes April 1    
Yard wastes must be disposed of in either 2-ply kraft paper yard bags (no plastic bags may be used), or 33 gallon trash container. If using a trash container it MUST have a yard waste identification label attached to the front. These labels are available at Darien City Hall.

All yardwaste requires an Advanced Disposal refuse/yardwaste sticker to be attached or it will not be collected. 
 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, April 4
7:30 p.m.

Monday, April 18
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
Wood Chip Delivery Available    
Wood chip delivery is available from the City of Darien. There is a delivery fee of $35.00 for a half load, which is approximately 3 cubic yards of chips, and $55.00 for a full load, which is approximately 8 cubic yards of chips. Wood chips may be picked up at the Public Works facility at no charge. The wood chips are double ground and are delivered on Fridays.

Please call Municipal Services at 630-353-8105 for more information or to schedule a delivery.
2016 Branch Pickup Schedule 
2016 BRANCH PICK-UP SCHEDULE
 
April       25th through 29th
June       20th through 24th
August   22nd through 26th
October 24th through 28th
 
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 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 by 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.
Gator Bags for Newly Planted Parkway Trees   
Residents interested in obtaining a gator bag for their parkway trees that had been planted last fall, should contact Municipal Services at 630-353-8105.  Gator bags will be available beginning April 1, 2016.  
2016 Concrete Replacement Program
In conjunction with the street replacement program, the City of Darien will again offer unit pricing to residents interested in replacing their sidewalks, driveways and aprons.  Mondi Construction Inc was awarded the bid for 2016. Pricing for driveways and sealers has increased significantly compared to prior years. The prices are as follows:
 
Driveways                    $10.00 per square foot
Sidewalks                     $4.15 per square foot
Apron w/fiber mesh       $4.50 per square foot
Curb & gutter                $14.65 per lineal foot
Sealer                          $5.00 per square foot
 
Resident wishing to replace their driveways should call Mondi Concrete directly at (630) 562-2245, or via e-mail at  mondiconst@gmail.com and inform them you are a Darien resident.  Mondi Construction 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 1.
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 2500 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!  
April is Safe Digging Month 
As we move into spring, don't forget that April is Safe Digging Month and to call before you dig! Call JULIE at 811 for information on what's below the ground. More information can be found here
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.
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
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.  There is also a direct link on this app to Commonwealth Edison website, which is a great source of information during power outages.

This FREE app is called Darien Connect, and is available in the Apple Store and the Google Play Store.
 
COUNTY/STATE/FEDERAL NEWS
License Plate Renewal & Emissions Notices No Longer Mailed by State! 
The Illinois Secretary of State's office is no longer sending out Annual License Plate Renewal Notifications, or Emission Testing Notices. This means drivers are on their own to remember when their license plates renew and when their emission test is due!. Most people do not typically think about renewing their license plates / driver's licenses / emission test until they get their notification, so the result is that people are now getting ticketed for missing their renewal deadlines.

As a solution, you can sign up to receive an "electronic notification," which will also allow you the option to renew your license plates online. To learn more about how to have a renewal notification sent to you by e-mail visit http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/ or visit here to see when your emission test is due (VIN number required)
I-55 Expansion "Managed Lane" Project  - Noise Forums 
  The "Managed Lane" project would cover the Stevenson between the Veterans Tollway (I-355) and the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94), a 25-mile stretch that handles 170,000 vehicles daily and is prone to long delays, especially during peak travel times. Under a 2011 state law, IDOT can pursue projects using public-private partnerships, as long as the General Assembly approves a resolution supporting the project.

The Illinois Tollway Authority manages a vast network of toll roads in greater Chicago, but the concept of "managed lanes" -- in which motorists have a choice of free or paid lanes -- is new to Illinois. Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn described it as "an expressway within an expressway."

There will be Noise Forums in April and all Residents are invited to attend.  Forum #2 will be held at Burr Ridge Middle School at 15W451 95th Street in Burr Ridge, on April 6 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.  Forum #3 will be at Thomas Jefferson Jr. High, 7200 Janes Avenue in Woodridge, on April 7 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.

For more information please visit the IDOT Managed Lane Website.
DuPage County encourages residents to sign up for Smart911
As the new year draws near, DuPage County officials are asking residents to "resolve to be safe" and sign up for Smart911. Smart911 is a free, confidential service that allows users to create a profile that is activated in participating dispatch centers when a person dials 911. The electronic safety profile provides essential household information about family members, your home, pets and vehicles. This information will display automatically on the 911 call taker's screen when users make an emergency call. It's private and secure, and users control what information is in their profile.

DuPage County Emergency Telephone Service Board (ETSB) Chairman Gary Grasso said, "More than 70% of 911 calls come from mobile phones. That cell phone's exact location can't always be determined by GPS from a cell tower. Smart911's enhanced service displays the listed address of the mobile phone in the profile and can track the call via GPS, even if the call is disconnected. This is just one of many reasons it makes sense for consumers to take a moment this holiday season to set up a Smart 911 profile and ensure their family's safety."

Smart 911 is a valuable tool when searching for missing children, assisting unresponsive callers who are unable to speak due to a medical condition, or in a house fire when first responders need to locate and account for family members, pets and essential documents.

Learn more on the DuPage ETSB webpage at www.dupageco.org/smart911 and register at www.smart911.com.
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 and more information.  There is a small  convenience fee for this service.

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 District 61 Educational Foundation names 2016 "Great Starts" Honoree       
Congratulations to former District 61 student Ms. Lauren Kaeseberg! The Darien District 61 Educational Foundation recognizes Ms. Kaeseberg for her important work on behalf of the Illinois Innocence Project (IIP), a non-profit legal organization that represents individuals in Illinois prisons who maintain they are innocent of the crimes for which they are convicted.

Ms. Kaeseberg is the Legal Director of the Chicago office. In 2015 two of her clients were exonerated and released having served 29 years and 21 years in prison each. On January 29, 2016 another of her clients walked free after spending 18 years in prison. Ms. Kaeseberg is passionate about her work and feels lucky to have a job that she loves.

Ms. Kaeseberg enjoyed her education and opportunities in District 61, especially as a member of the choir and student council where she gained the confidence to be herself and learned how to effectively use her voice - literally and figuratively!

To learn more please visit www.darien61foundation.org where you can leave a congratulatory message for Ms. Kaeseberg and watch her video messages to the current students of District 61.
Rotary Club Host "Taste of Route 66"        
On April 5 starting at 6pm, the Rotary Club of Darien will be holding its annual Taste of Route 66 Fundraiser at Carriage Greens Country Club. 

Our signature project, Backpack Food for Kids program, feeds over 150 Darien children during the school year.  The club has other local, national and international projects, such as, such as Shelter Box, Darien DYC scholarship program and NAMI DuPage. Area restaurants will be providing a sampling of their menus. There will be a cash bar and the event will feature silent and live auctions. Tickets are $40.  

For information about the event and to purchase tickets or participate in our online silent auction please visit tasteofroute66.org
Indian Prairie Library News & Events      
Teen Job Fair
The Indian Prairie Public Library will host its 2nd annual Teen Job Fair on Saturday, April 9, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. The fair, for teens seeking employment, internships, and/or volunteer opportunities, is co-hosted by the Darien Chamber of Commerce and Willowbrook/Burr Ridge Chamber of Commerce and Industry. More than 20 local businesses and organizations will be on hand to fill 85+ positions! Register at www.calendar.ippl.info.

How-To Expo
The library will host its first-ever How-To Expo on Saturday, April 16, from noon to 3 p.m. The free, family-friendly celebration of the creative and do-it-yourself mindset will take over the entire library with 30 workshops to choose from. Topics will range from coffee brew methods to craft beer styles and composting to crochet basics. All workshops will be taught by community members and local business owners. For more information, including a full schedule of workshops, visit www.howtoexpo.ippl.info.
 
Seed Library
Looking forward to planting a garden this spring? If you're ready to start your seeds inside, get the seeds you need from the Indian Prairie Seed Library! The Seed Library is a collection of open pollinated and heirloom seeds that IPPL members can check out to plant and grow at home. There is no charge, and no obligation to return the seeds. IPPL members can check out two seed packets per visit, and each packet contains enough seeds to grow 3 to 5 plants. Seeds are available to all ages and gardening skill levels. The Indian Prairie Seed Library is sponsored by Pick. at Garden Patch Farms.
 
Buy a Brick
Spring is in the air! If you are looking to honor a special person or occasion, memorialize a loved one, or recognize an organization or business, the IPPL Foundation invites you to purchase a personalized, engraved brick for the library's Reading Garden path. Orders placed by April 15 will be installed by early summer. With a gift of $75, a 4" x 8" brick can be personalized with three lines. A gift of $150 allows for the personalization of an 8" x 8" brick with up to six lines. If the brick is being ordered as a gift, the library can send the gift recipient a notification. Duplicate bricks can be ordered as a keepsake for half-price. For more information, visit www.brick.ippl.info or call (630) 887-8760 ext. 245.
Re-Gifting, A Gift of Carl Benefit Concert 
Hinsdale South High School Theatre Department presents "REGIFTING" a benefit concert for The Gift of Carl Foundation.  The concert will be held on Thursday, April 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hinsdale South High Auditorium.  All tickets are $5.00.
Darien Gardening Club presents "Spring Gardening Inspiration"   
On Saturday, April 16, Darien Garden Club will present its second annual "Spring Gardening Inspiration." From 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Eisenhower Junior High School, 1410 75th Street. The event offers workshops and speaker choices that will inspire your best garden ever. It includes a continental breakfast, box lunch, goodie bags, vendors and raffles. Advance $40 registration is required. For detailed workshop and speaker information and reservation form, see www.dariengardenclub.com or contact dariengardenclub@gmail.com or phone 630-253-2125. 

Please register by April 11. "Early Birds" who register before March 1 will receive a Free Raffle Ticket
Darien Chamber of Commerce "Brew & Chew" Fundraiser  
On Saturday, April 23, The Darien Chamber of Commerce will host it's First Annual Indoor Alefest "Brew & Chew" at Chucks Cafe, 8025 South Cass Avenue.  The event will be from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. VIP admission limited to the first 50 people registered will be $50.00, and general admission will be $40.00.  You must be 21 or older to attend.  For more information and to register please visit the Chamber website at www.darienchamber.com.  Registration deadline is April 13th.
Darien Lions Club Flag Promotion 
The Darien Lions Club is providing an easy way to show your patriotism. For an annual fee of $35.00 the Darien Lions Club will post and retire a 3'x5' American Flag in your yard on the following holidays:
  • Memorial Day [weekend]
  • Flag Day
  • July 4th [weekend]
  • Labor Day [weekend]
  • Veterans Day
The installation performed by the Darien Lions Club would consist of inserting a capped pipe at ground level in as Julie-Approved location. On each flag holiday or flag holiday weekend the Darien Lions will post the flag in the morning and retire the flag at dusk. The Darien Lions Club will store and maintain the flags.

To participate in all flag postings we must receive your tax deductible payment of $35.00 by May 1st. The first 250 participants will be guaranteed.  Mail checks to: The Darien Lions Club Foundation, 1702 Plainfield Road, Darien IL. 60561.

For more information please contact Lion Steve at 708-267-3224,or Shiatt@kronos.com
Woodridge Rotary Recycling Extravaganza  
On Saturday, May 14, from 8:00 a.m. to noon, the Woodridge Rotary Club, its partner groups and various recycling organizations will hold its 6th Recycling Extravaganza at Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park, 8301 Janes Ave. in Woodridge. Paper shredding will take place and a variety of items will be collected for recycling as in the past.   Televisions will be accepted for a fee of $20.00 each, cash only. Specific information can be found on the  Woodridge Rotary Website.
Darien Youth Club Registration now Open  
Darien Youth Club - Celebrating 55 years - Baseball | Softball | Soccer | Basketball | Volleyball

2016 T-Ball, Baseball and Softball registration is now open. Everyone plays not tryouts. ages 5 to 18.  Visit www.DarienYouthClub.org for more information and to register
Darien Dash Information
The Darien Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 16th Annual Darien Dash Fundraiser at Darien Community Park on Sunday, May 15.
 
New this year, $2000 will be awarded to one Darien school and one Darien 501c3 charitable organization with the most race participants.
 
To qualify for this cash award, your school or organization must meet the following criteria:
  • Have a minimum of 35 participants from your school or organization for the 1 mile, 5k, 10k race.
  • A participant is considered to be any individual who registers for the race and names the school or organization they represent.
Due to popular demand, the Darien Chamber of Commerce is offering an Extra Early Bird Discount.  Now is the time to register!
 
1 mile run - $25.00 in advance / $30.00 on race day ~ Extra Early Bird by April 1 $20.00
5K run - $30.00 in advance / $35.00 on race day ~ Extra Early Bird by April 1 $25.00
10K run - $40.00 in advance / $45.00 on race day ~ Extra Early Bird by April 1 $35.00
There will also be a free Fun Run for children ages 5 and under.

Visit www.dariendash.com to register. If you have any questions, please contact Patty at patty@darienchamber.com or call (630)968-0004.
Darien Lions Club Big Raffle 
The Darien Lions Club is holding their Big Raffle on June 2. Only 400 hundred tickets being sold
 
First Prize............$10,000
Second Prize.......$5,000
Third prize............$2,000
10 prizes of $200 each
 
Ticket price $100 each, Winners need not be present to win. Winners is responsible for any applicable taxes. Tickets can be purchased through Lion John at johnpearsonii@gmail.com.  For more information please call Steve at 708-287-7333

Your Donation makes all we do possible. 
Relay for Life 2016  
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life Southeast DuPage will be held on Friday, June 24 from 6pm to midnight, at McCollum Park, 6801 Main Street in Downers Grove.

Relay For Life brings communities together, embracing their collective power to free the world from the pain and suffering of cancer. With every passionate step, Relayers demonstrate courage and strength. They prove that, together, we are bigger than cancer. And together, we can raise the money needed to help the American Cancer Society bring cancer to its knees.

For more information lease visit the Relay for Life website.
Sunny Patch Project   
Sunny Patch Project - Get in and grow here this summer!
 
We've officially opened our volunteer registration for our upcoming growing season.
 
Last year we started, Darien's first-ever container community garden patch, to help raise awareness about the fact that many of our neighbors are struggling to access nutritious food choices on a regular basis. We worked to introduce many families to growing their own food, most for the first time! We distributed over 400 pounds of garden fresh vegetables to our qualifying families and shared our excess produce with local partner pantries.
 
There are countless ways to get involved with our project and no prior gardening experience is needed for much of what we do.
 
Love gardening in your own yard? Perhaps you'd consider sharing any excess veggies with us and sign-up as a Home Patch member? Simply follow our link  HOME PATCH SIGN-UP SHEET.
 
We're in need of many committed volunteers (young and old) to keep things growing at the Sunny Patch - this is a great way to earn service hours, meet new friends, reconnect with your family and just get outside and dig in the dirt! If you care to volunteer for our second season you can follow this link to our VOLUNTEER HERE page and learn more about the many opportunities that we have for you to be part of our growing team of volunteers.
 
If you care to get involved, please contact us 630-272-0915. To learn more about our Sunny Patch Project, visit: www.sunnypatchproject.org   
Darien Woman's Club Celebrates 45th Anniversary   
The Darien Woman's Club celebrated its 45th Anniversary this past December. The club was started in 1970 by a group of women who wanted to help establish a community library. Through much hard work, their efforts were realized in 1987 when the Indian Prairie Public Library was opened.
 
Today the club has many service projects to help the community. They also have fundraisers in order to donate to the many philanthropic endeavors. Over the years, the club has donated thousands of dollars to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Food Pantry, Our Lady of Peace Food Pantry, West Suburban Community Pantry, Darien Historical Society, Family Shelter Services, Sharing Connections, Indian Prairie Library Foundation, Safety Village of Darien, and other deserving organizations.
 
Darien Woman's Club meets on the 1st Wednesday of the month, at Carriage Greens Country Club, for a meeting and a program September through April, with a banquet in May. Anyone interested in learning more about the Darien Woman's Club, or becoming a member, can go to darienwomansclub.org
New Kiwanis Club of Darien  
Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization of men and women who share the challenge of community and world improvement. Today, Kiwanis has adopted a new slogan: "Serving the Children of the World, One Child and One Community at a time."

Being a Kiwanis member can be rewarding in many ways. The greatest gift you could ever give yourself as a person is the gratification in knowing you are contributing your help, time, and efforts to people in and out of your community who are in need.

Ready to help children and families in the Darien Community! Ready to change the world? Kiwanis is ready for you!   Join us - and become a part of changing children's lives! Luncheon Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 11:30 - 1:00 p.m. at Home Run Inn Pizza.

For more information contact Clare Bongiovanni at 630-968-0004 and/or Mary Carlson at randmcarlson@comcast.net or 630-308-0805. 

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