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

Happy Mothers Day

Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. ~Marion C. Garretty,

The City of Darien wishes all Mothers a very happy Mothers Day. Thank you for all you do for your families, and for the City of Darien!

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.

Plainfield Road Construction

Street construction on Plainfield Road between Manning and Cass Avenue has begun. They are currently replacing underground utilities. Please expect delays.

This is a DuPage County project. For question please call Dupage County at 630-407-6500.

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
Adams	Plainfield to 75th
Alabama	67th to Chestnut
Chapman Ct.	Bailey-Limit
Chapman Dr.	Bailey-Limit
Chestnut	Alabama 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

Bryon Vana, City Administrator	(630) 353-8114
City Hall	(630) 852-5000
Police Department	(630) 971-3999
Public Works	(630) 852-5000

Mayor	Kathleen Weaver
City Clerk	JoAnne Ragona
Treasurer	Michael J. Coren
Ward 1	Ted Schauer
Ward 2	Tina Beilke
Ward 3	Joseph A. Kenny
Ward 4	Thomas Chlystek
Ward 5	Joseph Marchese
Ward 6	Sylvia McIvor
Ward 7	Thomas Belczak

City Council Meetings

Monday, May 16

7:30 p.m.

Monday, June 6
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

City Council Meeting Agenda

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.

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

Argonne Open House

Argonne National Laboratory will open its gates to the community on Saturday, May 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a day of discovery and family fun.

The Open House will feature interactive demonstrations, exhibits and tours of world-class, cutting-edge research facilities. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the work Argonne staff and visiting researchers do to tackle some of the greatest global challenges in science, environmental sustainability, national security, supercomputing, clean energy, advanced batteries, and transportation.

Argonne's international staff is at the forefront of research in areas as diverse as building next-generation supercomputers, devising cheaper and safer nuclear energy and furthering our understanding of the evolution of the universe.

The Open House is free and open to the public. However, attendance is limited so advance registration is required. All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. for more information and to register visit here.

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 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.

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.

DuPage County Housing Authority Opening of HCV Waitlist

DuPage Housing Authority announces the opening of the General Wait List for acceptance of pre-applications for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program.

The Wait List will open at 8:30 a.m. on Monday June 20, 2016. PLEASE NOTE - YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SIGN UP ON THE WAIT LIST BEFORE THIS DATE. The Wait List will close after 1,500 pre-applications are receive.

The HCV Program provides housing assistance (in the form of a subsidy payment), on the behalf of low-income individuals, families, seniors and persons with disabilities, for housing units they have chosen in the private rental market. Program eligibility is based on household size and income.

Due to limited funding availability, completed pre-applications will be selected based on time & date of the pre-application. Pre-applications can only be completed online at www.dupagehousing.org

Once on the website, click on the 2016 Wait List Pre-Application link under Announcements near the top of the page on the right. IMPORTANT: COMPLETE ONLY ONE (1) PRE-APPLICATION PER PERSON

If you still have questions about the wait list process you can log onto our website at: www.dupagehousing.org, under the 2016 Wait List tab, or you can listen to a recorded message by calling the Wait List Info Line at (630) 690-3555 and choose Option 4.

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.

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

Darien Dash Race Coarse information

Attention Hinsbrook Subdivision Residents

15th Annual Darien Dash 5k 10k New USATF Race Course

The 5k &10k races will begin at 8:30am on Sunday, May 17, at the northwest corner of Darien Community Park and will proceed along the following route: 71st Street to Bentley Avenue; north on Bentley Avenue, west onto Maple Lane to Richmond Avenue; south on Richmond Avenue to 71st Street; west on 71st Street to Beechnut Lane; north on Beechnut Lane to Ironwood Avenue; east on Ironwood Avenue to 69th Street; east on 69th Street to Richmond Avenue; south on Richmond Avenue to 70th Street; east on 70th Street to Bentley Avenue; north on Bentley Avenue to 69th Street; East on 69th Street to Clarendon Hills Road; south on Clarendon Hills Road to 70th Street; west on 70th Street to Bentley Avenue; south on Bentley Avenue to Maple Lane; east on Maple Lane to Clarendon Hills Road; south on Clarendon Hills Road to 71st Street to finish at northwest corner of Darien Community Park.

Please note Clarendon Hills Road will be closed to traffic between 69th & Rogers from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Please see route diagram below.

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 Baby & Kids Sale

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.

Old Lace Museum Open House & Fundraiser

Visit Old Lace Schoolhouse & Museum on May 15. Open House from 1:00 - 3:00pm.

Note: Annual Tag Days supporting Old Lace Schoolhouse & Museum Saturday, May 7.

Questions? Call Cathy 630-745-7779

Burr Ridge Recycling Event

There will be a recycling event in Burr Ridge on Saturday, May 7 from 9:00am to 12:00pm at Burr Ridge Middle School, 15W451 91st Street

Document Shredding (limit 3 boxes), Electronics (no TVs), Building Materials, Musical Instruments, Crayons, Walkers, Sewing Machines, Wheelchairs, Crutches, Bikes, Eye Glasses, Keys, American Flags, Books, Prescription Drugs

Visit here for more details.

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

Christ the Servant Recycling Event

An Electronic Recycling Event and Book Collection will be held on Saturday, May 28 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.