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CITY NEWS

Solicitor License Required

Please be aware that the City of Darien requires all business solicitors to become licensed with us. The City of Darien conducts a background check on all solicitors, which helps to keep our city safe.Our code states that the license or registration of any peddler or solicitor shall be displayed on the outer garment of the peddler or solicitor at all times while the person is engaged in soliciting or peddling within the city. (See example below) The actual license will have the City of Darien seal embossed on it.

To keep solicitors from knocking at your door, place a No Soliciting sticker on your door. These stickers are available free of charge at Darien City Hall.

If a solicitor comes to your door and does not have a license, please call 9-1-1 so an Officer can be dispatched and stop the unlicensed solicitation.

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, and along North Frontage Road between Cass Avenue and the City's eastern limits (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.

IDOT is requiring that residents respond by June 2, 2016.

To view this letter please click here.

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 remains the same at $10 per bill for residents, and $12 for unincorporated residents. 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.

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, June 6

7:30 p.m.

Monday, June 20
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

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.

75th Street Construction

Street construction on 75th Street between Plainfield Road and Route 83 will begin soon and is expected to be completed by the end of August. There will be daily lane closures, and all access to abutting businesses will be maintained. Please expect delays.

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

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

STREET	LIMIT
69th	Clarendon Hills to Limit
73rd	Summit to Hudson
Adams	Plainfield to 75th
Alabama	67th to Chestnut
Chestnut	Alabama to Richmond
Danbury Dr.	Hamilton to Green Valley
Evergreen Ln.	N. Frontage to Bailey
Hamilton Ln.	Danbury to Carlton
Kearney Rd	S. 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

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.

Pamphlets Available at City Hall

Did you know that many informational pamphlets are available at Darien City Hall? We have bus schedules, Darien street maps, ComEd info, Nicor info, Township brochures, Park District catalogs, etc.. Please come and browse the selection. If there is anything you don't see please ask at our front desk.

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 "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

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.

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.

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.

Children's Safety Expo

A children's safety expo will be held on Saturday, June 4 from 9am to noon at Lakeview Jr. High School, 701 Plainfield Rd. in Downers grove. Admission is free, and there will be many displays. For more information please visit here.

Darien Historical Society Ice Cream Social

"In the Good Old Summertime" may not be atop the music charts anymore but the spirit of outdoor seasonal fun remains a strong mid-western strain. Join the Darien Historical Society at Old Lace Schoolhouse & Museum, corner of 75th and Cass, on Wednesday, June 15.

Storytelling, courtesy of the Indian Prairie Library, starts at 5:30 p.m. Tasty Culver Ice Cream will satisfy your sweet tooth along with lemonade and cookies. Profits will flow to support the museum's needs and activities. Entertainment will be live with Agne's enchanting melodies of familiar songs ranging from Disney to romantic favorites. This is special; mark the date!

Questions? Contact Debbie at 630-325-5326

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

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

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.

For more information, visit www.darienswim.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.