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CITY NEWS
I-55 Sound Wall Survey        
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has recently sent out a letter dated May 4, 2016, along with a form asking a selected 385 residents to vote for or against a noise wall fronting I-55, between Cass Avenue & Lemont Road (see photos below). 

IDOT has determined that the 385 residences selected will benefit from a sound wall because a sound wall will result in a reduction in noise level of at least five decibels at their property. If you receive a ballot from IDOT please indicate YES for supporting the sound wall. The construction of a sound wall related to this project will be funded by IDOT and not Darien residents. 

To view this letter please click here.
 
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. 
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 June 1, 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 interior side yard setback from 10 feet to 5 feet in order to construct a deck.
 
The property is located at 8731 Kentwood Court, Darien, Illinois 60561.
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 16 thru May 27.   For more information call Municipal Services at 630-353-8105
 
STREETLIMIT
69thClarendon Hills to Limit
73rdSummit to Hudson
AdamsPlainfield to 75th
Alabama67th to Chestnut
ChestnutAlabama to Richmond
Danbury Dr.Hamilton to Green Valley
Evergreen Ln.N. Frontage to Bailey
Hamilton Ln.Danbury to Carlton
Kearney RdS. Frontage to Limit
Lake Ridge Dr.Kimberly to Oldfield
Lyman Ave.Marborough to Green Valley
Pine Tree Ln.Sawyer to Limit
Sawyer Chippewa to Honey
Sequoia Ln.Adams to Williams
Von Drash Dr.Bailey to Limit
 
 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 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

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.
Watering Restrictions    
Beginning May 15th through September 15th of each year the City of Darien restricts the watering of trees, gardens, lawns, shrubs, or other outdoor plants.

Residents may not water between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Watering is not permitted on consecutive days, odd number addresses may water on odd numbered days and even numbered address may water on even numbered days. These restrictions do not prohibit the watering of newly planted seed or sod less than 3 months old. New / replacement sprinkler systems shall be equipped with a WaterSence labeled irrigation controller and shall be in compliance with section 2.5(g) of the Illinois plumbing license law.
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
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.
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
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 15, 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   
Paper Shredding Event    
A free paper shredding event will be hosted by Baird & Warner on Saturday, May 14 from 12:00 to 4:00p.m. at 724 Ogden Ave., in Downers Grove
 
Bring all your old documents and have them shredded securely. No limit. No need to remove staples or paper clips! Boxes will be returned to you.
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 Sunday, 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
Salute to Summer BBQ - Where Veterans Eat Free  
Saturday, May 21, Armed Forces Day, at Castaldo Park, 3024 71st Street, Woodridge, from 1-4pm. Partnered with Illinois Amvets. Enjoy the afternoon with a BBQ to honor our Veterans. $5.00/plate.  Veterans eat free! Come for the BBQ, stay for the games, Apple Pie Contest, and prizes!  For more information please visit here.
District #61 Board of Education Meeting   
Darien Public Schools, District #61 Board of Education Meeting will be on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 - 7:00P.M at Lace School, 7414 S. Cass Avenue Darien, IL 60561

There will be a Closed Session during Regular meeting to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body.
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.
Junk in the Trunk Garage Sale  
A Junk in the Trunk Garage sale (without the garage and out of the trunks of cars) will be held on Saturday, June 25, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Eisenhower Jr. High Parking Lot - 1410 75th Street Rain Date is Saturday, July 18, 2015  
 
Space fees and concessions benefit Eisenhower Jr. High Choirs.   
 
For more information for Sellers or Shoppers, please email choirboosters61@gmail.com
Lions Club 45th Anniversary  
On May 25th 2016 the Darien Lions Club will mark 45 years of service and involvement to the Darien area community.
 
Starting with a group of 12 founders, the club has grown and thrived to its present size of over 150 members. In a typical year, the Lions Club spends over $150,000 on events and many worthy causes and organizations in Darien and nearby communities. In 2015 some of the causes include donations to Illinois Lions Foundation,Canine Companions for Independence, Our Lady of Peace food pantry, Our lady of Mt. Carmel food pantry, Coal City Tornado Relief, Seaspar of Downers Grove, Sertoma and Light House for the Blind.
 
Annual events that hi-light the club activities every year include the 4th of July parade, operating a food tent at Darien Fest, Candy Day Fundraiser 
the Halloween Party at Sportsplex, Holiday Food Baskets to over 258 disadvantaged families, community blood drive and the annual Pancake Breakfast. These activities and donations touch the lives of so many families and provide enjoyment and comfort to thousands of residents.The Darien Lions would also like to thank the Darien Community for its continued support, without them none of these activities would happen.

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