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CITY NEWS
Naperville Hazardous Waste Drop Off Facility  
The City of Naperville's household hazardous waste drop-off facility is located at 156 Fort Hill Drive next to the Public Works Service Center. The HHW facility in Naperville is open and available to all residents of Illinois. The facility is open Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., excluding holidays. No material may be dropped off at any other time.

Household hazardous waste items are materials purchased for cleaning or maintaining a home. Business waste is not accepted. The HHW facility in Naperville is open and available to all residents of Illinois. Household hazardous waste is no longer collected at Fire Station No. 4.
 
Procedures:
  • Stay in your vehicle! This is for your safety.
  • Clearly mark items in your trunk as HHW material to avoid having personal items collected by a hazmat crew member.
  • Expect that there may be a wait. This facility is one of only four household hazardous waste sites in the State of Illinois. Hazardous materials dropped off are processed for disposal as they are received at the facility. Please only bring accepted items this will help expedite the collection process.
For more information and a list of acceptable items please visit here, or call Naperville Department of Public Works at (630) 420-6095, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Plainfield Road Construction     
Street construction on Plainfield Road between Manning and Cass Avenue has begun.  Please expect delays.  This is a DuPage County project.  For question please call Dupage County at 630-407-6500.
Notice of Public Hearing    
1. Notice is hereby given that there will be a public hearing to be held before the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Darien, on May 4, 2016, commencing at 7:00 PM, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1702 Plainfield Road, Darien, IL 60561.
 
The purpose of the public hearing will be to hear testimony requesting a variation from the Darien Zoning Ordinance to reduce the required front yard setback from 35 feet to 25 feet to permit the construction of a covered front porch. 
            
The property is located at 7730 Brookhaven Avenue, Darien, Illinois 60561.

2. Notice is hereby given that there will be a public hearing to be held before the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Darien, on May 4, 2016, commencing at 7:00 PM, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1702 Plainfield Road, Darien, IL 60561.
 
The purpose of the public hearing will be to hear testimony requesting a variation from the Darien Zoning Ordinance to reduce the required rear yard setback for a patio from 20 feet to 17 feet.

The proerty is located at 2310 green Valley Road, Darien, Illinois 60561

3. Notice is hereby given that there will be a public hearing to be held before the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Darien, on May 4, 2016, commencing at 7:00 PM, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1702 Plainfield Road, Darien, IL 60561.
 
The purpose of the public hearing will be to hear testimony requesting a variation from the Darien Zoning Ordinance to reduce the required front yard setback from 35 feet to 27 feet in order to construct a covered front porch.

The proerty is located at 7217 Eleanor Place, Darien, Illinois 60561
Branch Pickup Begins Monday!  
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.
 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, May 2
7:30 p.m.

Monday, May 16
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 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                          $3.50 per square foot
(Please note reduced price on sealer)
 
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.
Police Department Community Alert - Scams 
The Darien Police are starting to receive an increase of reports from residents that are either a victim of a phone scam or an attempted scam. Since April 1, 2016 there have been several police reports; several of the scams caused significant monetary losses. We are providing our residents with a review of the reported incidents in the hopes that no one becomes a victim.
 
  • Internal Revenue Service -Warrant for Arrest - residents continue to receive calls from individuals claiming to be from the IRS, that back taxes are owed, and threatens arrest unless payment is made. The callers have middle-Eastern accents, yell and threaten the residents. In several cases, the resident's caller ID showed "IRS". A computer device can be purchased to display any phone number or name regardless of the originating call location. The IRS does not call and threaten residents with arrest on back tax cases. This is a scam, hang up phone and report the incident to the police.
  • Microsoft Monitoring Computer Issue or Virus - residents are still receiving calls from individuals identifying themselves as a Microsoft employee that are monitoring a computer issue or virus on a residents computer. The caller instructs the resident to allow remote access to their computer. Once the caller has access to your computer, they can download your computer hard drive files, passwords, bank account information, or add a virus or keystroke registry that will send the caller a detailed report of your computer activity including websites, user/password information. Microsoft does not monitor anyone's computer, this is a scam. Hang up on caller and report the incident to the police.
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!  
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
Downers Grove Township Open House 
Residents are invited to come and see the office, meet the elected officials and office staff, and ask questions and/or bring their concerns. Saturday, May 21, from 11:00am - 2:00pm at 4340 Prince St, in Downers Grove.  Hot dogs and refreshments will be served. Highway equipment used to maintain the roads in unincorporated Downers Grove Township will be available to view, and Millers Petting Zoo will be there.
 
Non-perishable food items will be collected for the FISH Pantry.
 
For more information call: 630-719-6600 or visit our website at: www.dgtownship.com
I-55 Expansion "Managed Lane" Project   
  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."

For more information please visit the IDOT Managed Lane Website.
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)
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! 
Got Seeds?    
Sunny Patch Project, Darien's first community container garden has seeds they'd like to share. From herbs to heirloom tomatoes and peppers we have something unique to add to your garden patch this season.

If you care to get involved, please contact us 630-272-0915. To learn more about our Sunny Patch Project, visit: www.sunnypatchproject.org   
School District #61 Meeting 
Darien Public School District #61 Board of Education Meeting will be on Tuesday, April 26, at 7:00 P.M at Lace School - 7414 S. Cass Avenue
 
 Closed Session during Regular meeting to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body and to discuss the setting of price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body.
Eisenhower Jr. High Presents "Lion King Jr." 
Eisenhower Jr. High School will present a performance of The Lion King, Jr. on Friday, April 22 at 7pm (doors open at 6:15pm), and Saturday, April 23 at 3pm (doors open at 2:15pm).

Avoid lines when the doors open, pre order your tickets. Tickets are valid for any of the performances. All performances will take place in the EJH Small Gym.

For tickets and more information please visit the website.
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
Old Lace Museum Fundraiser   
Watch for fund raisers for the Darien Historical Society's Old Lace Schoolhouse & Museum at local stores and 75th and Cass Avenue on Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7.

Your support keeps Darien's story alive and flourishing! Want to help collect? Call Cathy at 630-745-7779. Thanks!
Darien Swim & Recreation Club Pancake Breakfast
All you can eat!  Sunday, May 15, 2016 from 8am-1pm
 
Pancakes, sausages, coffee, milk & juice-Just $5 per person. Children younger than 5 are FREE!  Stop by after the Darien Dash! Ask for a tour of the pool and facilities.
 
Learn more-visit:  www.darienswim.com
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.
  
1 mile run - $25.00 in advance / $30.00 on race day
5K run - $30.00 in advance / $35.00 on race day
10K run - $40.00 in advance / $45.00 on race day
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.
Join the Darien Swim & Recreation Club  
Make every day this summer a pool party! Join the Darien Swim & Recreation Club- Memberships now available to all area residents.

Vacation all summer long-right here in Darien! The Darien Swim & Recreation Club is looking for
new faces to join us poolside this summer!
 
Get to know your neighbors as you swim, sun on the deck or relax with a cold one on the patio.  Bring your own food and drinks-there are gas grills and plenty of seating. Or grab a bite from the snack bar. There's free wi-fi, too.
 
There are three pools: baby pool with fountain, children's pool, and full-size pool with lap lane, water volleyball net and diving boards.
 
DSRC is a private, non-profit club located near 71st & Cass in Darien. They also offer swim lessons, and host a number of special events throughout the year for members and guests.
 
If paid by May 15, a family membership is $445, couple membership is $300, single $250.
New members- $100 initiation fee waived for Darien Direct Connect readers-Just mention Darien
Direct Connect on your application.  
 
For more information, visit www.darienswim.com
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 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.
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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