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CITY NEWS
City of Darien 2016 Citizen Survey 
The City is in the process of surveying residents about city services and future priorities. Please take the time to complete this brief survey as your feedback is critical in continuing to move the City forward.

Please take the survey by clicking here.
Refuse Container Storage   
Please remember that garbage, recycling, and yard waste containers are not permitted to be stored in front yards, or side yards abutting streets. This includes driveways. Please help keep your neighborhood looking good by storing containers in allowable areas.

Containers may be placed on the parkway 24 hours before the scheduled garbage service and containers used to store these items shall be removed from the parkway 24 hours after said scavenger service.
New Warehouse Office Building     
Residents may have noticed the clearing of land on Lemont Road north of 75th Street.  This is for the 7879 Lemont Road Development, which will house a new 185,000 SF warehouse / office building built by Panattoni Development.
School Has Started - Please Slow Down 
The Darien Police Department reminds motorists to exercise caution when driving near schools, bus stops, and anywhere children may be walking near the road. Motorists are reminded of the following:
 
*On any two-lane roadway and within school parking lots, all traffic must stop when the school bus has its "STOP" arm extended. On a four-lane roadway, only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus are required to stop. The penalty for passing a stopped school bus is a $150.00 fine and a 90-day suspension of driving privileges.
 
*The speed limit in areas posted as "School Zones" is 20 mph on school days from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, when children are present in the area.
 
*Always BUCKLE-UP everyone on every trip, every time. Seat belts are the best defense against driver mistakes - they save lives every day!
 
*When driving near schools, be alert for adult school crossing guards and student patrols that may be assisting children crossing the street. Motorists are required to obey the instructions of adult school crossing guards, so use caution and be prepared to stop.
 
*Cell Phones are PROHIBITED in school zones for everyone! - State statute prohibits the use of cell phones for all drivers, regardless of age, while operating a motor vehicle in a school zone.
 
The Darien Police Department strictly enforces all laws regarding school speed zones, school crossings, and school bus stop requirements.  Darien Police Officers will issue full citations for all violations near schools or school zones. Warnings will not be an option 
2016 50/50 Parkway Tree Planting Program   
The City of Darien is now taking orders for the 2016 Parkway Tree Planting Program. The program is a 50/50 cost share program between the City and the resident. The cost includes the purchase, planting, mulching and one (1) year guarantee of the trees. Please note: Program is pending City Council approval.
 
Please contact Lisa at the City of Darien for the 50/50 Parkway Tree Planting Program at 630-353-8105 or e-mail lklemm@darienil.gov for additional information or to place your order.
The deadline to order trees is September 23.
 
The following trees are available for the parkways:
DIAMETER
SPECIES
PLANTED PRICE PER TREE
CITY COST
RESIDENT COST
2.5"
American Linden
$320.00
$160.00
$160.00
2.5"
Norway Maple
$300.00
$150.00
$150.00
2.5"
Honeylocust Skyline
$310.00
$155.00
$155.00
2.5"
Red Maple
$310.00
$155.00
$155.00
2.5"
Chanticleer Pear
$310.00
$155.00
$155.00
2.5"
Freeman Maple
$310.00
$155.00
$155.00
2.5"
Sugar Maple
$315.00
$157.50
$157.50
 *4inch diameter available - please call 630-353-8105 for pricing
2016 Private Property Tree Planting Program   
The City of Darien is offering residents to take advantage of pricing for planting trees on their private property. The City has selected Acres Group to be the vendor for the 2016 Tree Planting Program and has included contract pricing of various private property tress. The cost includes the purchase, planting, mulching and one (1) year guarantee of the trees.
 
Please contact Jeff at Acres Group for private property tree planting at 630-975-1426.
 
The deadline to order private property trees is September 23.
 
The following trees are available for private property planting:
DIAMETER
SPECIES
RESIDENT COST-PLANTED PRICE
2.5"
American Linden
$330.00
2.5"
Norway Maple
$350.00
2.5"
Honeylocust Skyline
$340.00
2.5"
Red Maple
$340.00
2.5"
Chanticleer Pear
$340.00
2.5"
Aristocrat  Pear
$360.00
2.5"
Swamp White Oak
$365.00
2.5"
Freeman Maple
$360.00
2.5"
Sugar Maple
$373.00
2.5"
Kentucky Coffeetree
$370.00
2.5"
Purple Maple
$370.00
2.5"
Northern Red Oak
$380.00
2.5"
Little Leaf Linden
$360.00
2.5"
Smoothleaf Elm
$360.00
 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 

Tuesday, September 6
 7:30 p.m.

Monday, September 19
7:30 p.m.

Official Social Media Links

FACEBOOK: 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

TWITTER: The City of Darien Now "Tweets"!  Please follow us on twitter  at  Cityofdarien. 
 
NIXLE: 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.

SMART PHONE APP: 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.

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 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:

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
Television Recycling thru Advanced Disposal  
With free electronic recycling becoming harder to find, the City of Darien refuse hauler, Advanced Disposal, will be accepting televisions for recycling. 

You must place 5 refuse stickers on each, and call Advanced to let them know you will be placing the TV at the curb on your normal refuse collection day.  If you would like the TV collected outside of your normal refuse day, you can schedule
a special pickup for an additional $25.00 trip charge.

All televisions will be properly disposed of by Advanced Disposal.  Advanced can be reached at 708-409-9700. 
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!  
COUNTY/STATE/FEDERAL NEWS
 First Human Case of West Nile Virus in DuPage County   
DUPAGE COUNTY-The DuPage County Health Department announced on Friday the first reported human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in DuPage County in 2016. The case is a female Darien resident in her 80s.
 
The Health Department reminds residents that they should continue to protect themselves against mosquito bites to prevent contracting WNV.
Residents should check the Personal Protection Index (PPI) widget on the Health Department's website at www.dupagehealth.org/PPI to get the most up-to-date information on WNV activity. Last week, the Health Department increased the Personal Protection Index (PPI) level for West Nile Virus to 2.  
 
WNV is transmitted to people by infected mosquitoes.  The best way to prevent WNV is to avoid mosquito bites.  The DuPage County Health Department advises residents to adhere to the 4 Ds of Defense against mosquitos:
* Defend yourself by using insect repellent when you go outdoors.
* During the hours from dusk to dawn avoid being outside when the mosquitoes that transmit WNV are most active.
* If outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants from dusk to dawn.
* Drain standing water from items outside your home such as flowerpots, buckets and kiddie pools.
 
Approximately one in five people who are infected with WNV will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.  Less than 1 percent will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues). 
 
WNV activity generally decreases in the fall when cooler temperatures arrive and especially after the first frost of the season. 
For more information, follow on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, or visit www.dupagehealth.org.
Lisle Electronic Recycling    
In order to assist DuPage County residents with collecting unwanted electronics and to ensure environmentally-responsible recycling of these devices, DuPage County and the Village of Lisle have partnered with eWorks Electronics Recycling Services, Inc.  to develop an electronics recycling drop-off program to collect electronics on a regular basis.

The Village of Lisle offers a site for electronic recycling the third Saturday of every month, from 8am to 12pm at 925 Burlington Avenue.  Televisions will be collected for a fee that ranges from $25 to $35..  For a complete list of accepted items visit  here. 
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.
COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS
Sunny Patch Project - Self Guided Community Garden Tours - Late Summer Series
Good Worx has been working, the past 15 months, to raise awareness about hunger and food insecurity in our community with their Sunny Patch Garden Project. 
 
If you're looking for a fun, low-key, family outing, consider dropping by the main Sunny Patch garden space, located on the grounds of Safety Village of Darien - 7400 Cass Ave. any Saturday between now and the end of September to see what's growing!  Access to the Sunny Patch is free but donations are always welcome! 
 
Photo enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to capture some great shots with our butterfly patches and visiting pollinators as well as our late summer vegetable displays (changing daily)!  Pop-up Pesto and Tomato tastings will be offered.  If you want to get a jump on planning your gardens for next year, we'll have free seeds to share as well as fresh herb cuttings.
 
To learn more about our community garden project, visit: www.sunnypatchproject.org.
 
Free Document Shred Day
First Merchants Bank at 8301 Cass Avenue will be hosting a document shredding event on Saturday, August 27 from 10:00am to noon.  Bring up to 3 boxes of documents per car and the shredding truck wil shred them on the spot!  This event is free and open to the public  
Darien Park District Farmers Market
The Darien Park District is hosting a Farmers Market every Wednesday thru September 9.  The Market runs from 3:00p.m. to 7:00p.m at Westwood Park, 75th Street and Fairview Ave.
 
The Farmers Market / Flea Market features a wide variety of seasonally fresh vegetables and fruits, and other fine offerings from local vendors.    
DarienFest Pet Parade
The Darien Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the 4th annual Pet Parade on September 10 at Darien Community Park.  For mpore information and to pre register online for a gift at check in visit www.darienchamber.com  
DarienFest Information
  DarienFest is a fundraiser sponsored by the Darien Chamber of Commerce and the largest community event in the City of Darien. This EPIC event is held in beautiful Darien Community Park which includes Food, Beer Tent including Darien's own Miskatonic Brewing Company, Live Entertainment, Thrilling Carnival Rides, Business Expo featuring Darien Chamber Businesses, Free Pet Parade, Darien Chamber Women in Business "Paint the Town Pink" Adirondack Chair Silent Auction and 50/50 Raffle hosted by Darien VFW Post 2838.

One-day DarienFest: Saturday, September 10 from 1:00pm-10:30pm with Food, Beer, Wine, Music & Business Expo

Windy City Amusements Carnival: All Weekend September 9 thru 11 ~ Friday 6:00pm-10:30pm, Saturday 1:00pm-10:30pm, Sunday 1:00pm-8:00pm
 
For updates visit www.darienchamber.com
NO PARKING during DarienFest
There will be no parking on 71st St from Clarendon Hills Rd to Bentley Ave from 2:00 a.m. on September 9,  until Midnight on September 12.  No parking will be allowed for residents and non-residents alike.  This is in place to maintain emergency vehicle access for the DarienFest and residents in the area.
Team 66 Education Foundation - Kelly Miller Circus
The Team 66 Education Foundation is excited to announce its sponsorship of the all-new 2016 edition of the Kelly Miller Circus being held under the Big Top on Thursday, September 15, 2016 at Elizabeth Ide Elementary School, 2000 Manning Road in Darien, IL. For more information please check the following link:
 
Senior Car Care Safety Clinic
 On Saturday, September 17, from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, the Downers Grove Township S.A.L.T. council (Seniors & Lawmen Together) will hold its Third Annual Senior Car Care Safety and CarFit Clinic. CarFit is a new program that has been added to help drivers be safer on the road by making sure that they "properly fit" their vehicle.
 
This event is FREE to older residents of Downers Grove Township. It will be held at the Westmont South Fire Station, located at 6015 South Cass Avenue on the east side of Cass and two blocks north of 63rd Street.
 
Local car care professionals and S.A.L.T. volunteers will provide vehicles with a free multiple point safety inspection; checking fluids, belts, hoses, tire condition, lights and more. Participants will also receive coupons from local auto service centers, information on other free senior services from local agencies, and complimentary morning refreshments.
 
This event is a collaboration of the Westmont Fire Department, DuPage County Sheriff's Department, Westmont Park District, AARP, CarFit, Friends for Downers Grove Township Senior Citizens, and the Downers Grove Township S.A.L.T. Council.
 
If you are an older driver please bring your car to this FREE event. Registration is not necessary. Our personnel will provide guidance and assistance. Please pass this information on to other older drivers who may be interested.

For more information contact Senior Services Coordinator Hanna Benioff at (630) 719-6682 or via e-mail at hanna.benioff@dgtownship.com
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! 

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