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CITY NEWS
Water Rate Increase     
As a reminder, effective with your May water bill, the new water rate has increased to $9.75 per 1000 gallons for residents and $11.70 per 1000 gallons for non-residents. The fixed fee will remain the same at $10 per bill. For more detailed information on the water rate increase please visit  here.  For questions please contact City Administrator Bryon Vana at bvana@darienil.gov  or 630-353-8114. 
 
In summary, the City's current water budget, which includes projections through FYE 2019, projected the need to increase water rates in order to operate on a self-sustaining financial basis.

The City was able to maintain the previous water rate over the last 2 years. However, the Water and Water Depreciation Funds do not currently provide for 3 months of operating reserve based on anticipated system operations and capital expenditures.
 
The City will continue its goal of maintaining a safe a financially sound water system for our customers.
Groot NOT Darien Refuse Hauler       
If you are a Darien resident and receive a bill from Groot Industries for garbage services, please do not pay. Call Downers Grove Township at 630-719-6600.

Downers Grove Township entered into a new contract with Groot for disposal services and some of the billing inadvertently contained Darien Residents.  
2016 Street Paving Schedule      
The City of Darien will soon begin its street repaving project.  Our goal is to improve the streets while inconveniencing the residents as little as possible.  Residents living on these streets will receive flyers with information and timelines before the paving occurs.

The Following streets are scheduled for resurfacing from May 2 thru May 14.   For more information call Municipal Services at 630-353-8105
 
69th St. Clarendon Hills to Limit
73rd St. Summit to Hudson
AdamsPlainfield to 75th
Alabama67th to Chestnut
Chapman Ct.Bailey-Limit
Chapman Dr.Bailey-Limit
ChestnutAlabama to Richmond
Evergreen Ln.N. Frontage-Bailey
Kearney Rd.S. Frontage-Limit
Lake Ridge Dr.Kimberly-Oldfield
Sequoia Ln.Adams to Williams
Urban Dr.Bailey-Limit
Von Drash Dr.Bailey-Limit
Notice of Public Hearing     
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 18, 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 from 40 feet to 38.5 feet in order to construct a new single-family residence, the new home will face Western Avenue, the rear yard will be on the west side of the lot.

The property is located at 702 Plainfield Road, Darien, Illinois 60561.
 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.
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.
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.
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.com or the City of Darien at www.Darien.il.us.
 
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."

The public is invited to an open hearing on this construction on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Holiday Inn Countryside, 6201 Joliet Road in Countryside.

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! 
Wanted - July 4th Parade Participants     
The Darien Lions Club is seeking organiazations and groups to participate in the 45th annual Independence Day Parade. Either by float or marching, come out and celebrate our freedom and country. Go to www.darienlions.org for complete information and parade applications.
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   
Darien Park District Activities 
Friday, April 29 is 50 cent Day at the Darien Park District Community Center, 7301 Fairview. From 6:30 to 8:30pm all activities & food will be .50 cents each. $5.00 punch cards will be sold at the door.

For more info call 630.968.6400. (No pre-registration required)
 
Friday, May 6 is Mother-Son Date Night. What better way to celebrate Mother's Day than an evening of pizza & reptiles with your son. The evening will start with a pizza buffet followed by a fascinating reptile show that will have everyone on the edge of their seats. We'll complete the evening with ice cream sundaes.

6:30-8:30pm at the Darien Park District Community Center, 7301 Fairview Ave.The event is for boys age 4-11. Pre-registration is required.

For more info call 630.968.6400.
 
Saturday, May 7 is the Baby & Kid's Wear Reduce, Re-use & Recycle Sale, from 9:00-1:00pm at the Darien Park District Community Center, 7301 Fairview Ave.

Buy new & gently used children's clothing size infant to 8, baby gear, toys, books, furniture, maternity clothes.

For more info call 630.968.6400.
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
Darien Community Blood Drive Hosted by the VFW  
The Darien Community Blood Drive will take place on Tuesday, May 3, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lace School - 7414 Cass Avenue. Walk-ins Welcome! Prepare for your donation: Eat Well - Stay Hydrated - Bring I.D. For more information please call 877-543-3768
Old Lace Museum Open House & Fundraiser   
Visit Old Lace Schoolhouse & Museum on May 1 and May 15. Open House from 1:00 - 3:00pm. 
 
Note: Annual Tag Days supporting Old Lace Schoolhouse & Museum Friday May 6 & Saturday, May 7. 
 
Questions? Call Cathy 630-745-7779  
Indian Prairie Library Free Comic Book Day  
Celebrate Free Comic Book Day at the Indian Prairie Public Library on Saturday, May 7! The library will be giving away free comics and comic-themed prizes for all ages in the lobby (while supplies last) from noon to 2:30 p.m. Plus kids can try out their superhero training camp!
Brownie Troop 51989 Little Free Library Dedication Ceremony
Brownie Troop 51989 Little Free Library Dedication Ceremony - Please join us for this great event!! The girls have worked very hard selling girl scout cookies this year and were able to purchase a Little Free Library!! They are installing this at Mark DeLay School by the south playground for the entire community to use.

Where: Mark DeLay School
When: Wednesday, May 11
Time: 3:45pm

All are invited!
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 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.
Darien Swim & Recreation Club Pancake Breakfast 
All you can eat!  Sunday, May 15, 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
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.
 
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
Recycling Event  
An Electronic Recycling Event and Book Collection will be held on Saturday, May 29 From 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. a t Christ the Servant Parking Lot 8700 Havens Drive in Woodridge.

Bring all old electronics:
Computers, printers , fax machines, rechargeable batteries, televisions, copy machines, hard drives, extension cords, almost anything with a cord. Televisions are costly to recycle. There will be a charge of  20 cents a pound for televisions, with a limit of one television per car. Donations to support the Green Team service projects will be greatly appreciated.

Not acceptable:
White Goods, air conditioners, hazardous waste, radioactive waste, batteries, bio-hazardous waste or mercury containing devices like light bulbs or thermostats.

Book Collection:
All types of paper backs and hard covered books will be collected: fiction, non-fiction, reference, school books. Limit of 2 boxes of books per car.
Summer Football Camp   
Darien Swarm Football & Cheer along with Hinsdale South Football will be hosting two summer football camps for the ages of 5-14 for both boys and girls.

These camps will take place on June 13th-16th and July 11th-14th from 6-8pm at the Hinsdale South Practice Turf Field. Cost is $30 for one camp or $50 for both camps. Each camper will receive a t-shirt.

To register, please go to http://www.mkt.com/swarmstore - if there are any questions, please contact Cathy at 312-259-1553. For additional information about Darien Swarm Football & Cheer's 2016 season and registration, visit our website at http://www.darienswarmfootball.com
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.

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