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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.
Notice of Public Hearing      
1. Notice is hereby given that there will be a public hearing held before the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Darien on September 21, 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 consider a petition by Mark and Rona Spano for a variation to reduce the required setback distances in a front yard for an existing single family house and pool structures upon subdivision of a lot into three lots for single family houses for the property located at: 8225 Bailey Road, Darien, Illinois 60561

2. Notice is hereby given that there will be a public hearing held before the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Darien on September 21, 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 consider a petition by John Dietrich for a variation to reduce the required setback distance in a side yard for the purpose of constructing a concrete paved storage pad for a RV boat in the side yard for the property located at: 7218 Bayberry Lane, Darien, Illinois 60561 
2016 50/50 Parkway Tree Planting Program   
The deadline to order trees is September 23.

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 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 deadline to order trees is September 23.

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 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
Free Fall Leaf Pickup 
The City of Darien will again be providing fall leaf pick-up FREE OF CHARGE to residents. The program will run from October 3- November 26 of this year, and will take place weekly on your normal garbage day.

Leaves should be placed in brown kraft yard waste bags or in plastic garbage cans. If garbage cans are used they must have a permanent "YARD WASTE ONLY" label attached to the front of the can so the driver can identify it as leaf pickup. These labels are available free of charge at city hall.

Residents are not permitted to rake leaves into the street. Raking leaves into the street can cause serious local flooding for you and your neighbors. For more information please call 630-852-5000.
 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, September 19
 7:30 p.m.

Monday, October 3
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
ComEd Scam Alert  
ComEd has seen an increase in reports of individuals calling ComEd customers and falsely claiming their electric service will be disconnected unless payment is made. These impersonators instruct customers to buy a prepaid credit card and call back to a different phone number with the personal identification number (PIN) or other personal information. They also use a tactic called "Caller ID spoofing" to manipulate the displayed phone number so that it appears as a ComEd number.
 
Remember: ComEd representatives will never call you to ask you for cash or request that you purchase a prepaid credit card to make a payment on your bill.

If you have concerns about the status of your account, call ComEd's Customer Service line at 800-334-7661 (800-EDISON1).
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
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.
 
Rotary Food-For-Kids-Bag-Packing
Come join us as we assemble food bags for 2 months of food in a night.  Typically, we pack 800-1000 bags, and it takes approximately one hour with 20 to 30 volunteers!  Location is at Safety Village, and all volunteer organizations are welcome to help!

For more information and a schedule visit www.rotarybackpack.org 
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
Darien Community Blood Drive Hosted by the Darien Woman's Club
The Darien Community Blood Drive will take place on Tuesday, September 20, 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
Indian Prairie Library News & Events
One Author, One Community
Twelve area libraries are partnering to host Pulitzer Prize-winning author Elizabeth Strout on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 10 a.m. at Ashton Place, 341 75th St. in Willowbrook. She is the author of popular titles Olive Kitteridge and Amy and Isabelle, and her newest book, My Name Is Lucy Barton, was released in early 2016. Enjoy a moderated discussion, a Q&A with the audience, and a book signing. Register at oneauthor.eventbrite.com. 
 
Resume Workshop
Learn how to write an eye-catching and informative resume at the Indian Prairie Public Library on Thursday, Sept. 22, 7-8:30 p.m. Topics will include format, function, and descriptions, as well as an overview of library resources. Register at www.calendar.ippl.info.
 
Homebound Delivery
Did you know that the Indian Prairie Public Library can deliver materials at no charge to those who are permanently homebound due to age or disability, or temporarily disabled for at least one month due to illness or surgery? Books, including large print and audio, movies, music, and magazines can be provided. Call 630/887-8760 ext. 265 or email homebound@ippl.info to learn more.
 
Chess Club
Do you play chess? The Indian Prairie Public Library's Adult Chess Players group meets on the first three Mondays of the month at 6 p.m. and new members are always welcome! (Please note that the group will meet on the second, third, and fourth Mondays in September due to the library being closed on Labor Day.) 
Hinsdale South Fine Arts Department presents: Hairspray the Musical
Hinsdale South Fine Arts Department presents: Hairspray the Musical
 
Place:              Hinsdale South Auditorium
 
Dates:             Thursday, September 29th at 7:00pm
                        Friday, September 30th at 7:00pm
                        Saturday, October 1st at 7:00pm
                        Sunday, October 2nd at 2:00pm
 
Cost:               $10 per ticket available at the door
Darien School District #61 Regular Board of Education Meeting
Darien Public Schools, District #61 Regular Board of Education Meeting, Public Hearing - FY17 Budget Approval, and Possible Closed Session, Tuesday, September 27, 2016 - 7:00 P.M at Lace School, 7414 S. Cass Avenue Darien, IL 60561
Darien Historical Society Open House
Darien Historical  Society's October 2 OPEN HOUSE from 1-3 P.M. invites you to a tribute to WWll Veteran Ralph Andermann, which begins at 1:00 o'clock. Participating will be members of the VFW. Ralph, a local resident and direct descendant of the pioneer Andermann family, was chosen by the U.S. Army to help develop radar technology. Following his story will be a question/answer opportunity as well as viewing time at Old Lace Schoolhouse & Museum. Public most welcome.
Darien Youth Club Basketball and Vollyball Restration
Darien Youth Club Basketball and Vollyball Restration is Now Open!

Basketball is offered for K - through High School - Volleyball is offered for 3rd to 8th grade.

For full information please visit www.darienyouthclub.org
VFW Nationwide Student Essay COMPETITIONS
Patriot's Pen (Middle School) - "THE AMERICA I BELIEVE IN"

Voice of Democracy (High School) - "MY RESPONSIBILITY TO AMERICA"

Patriot's Pen Essay Competition (6th through 8th grade) Grand Prize $5,000
The Patriot's Pen is open to 6th through 8th grade students. See entry form details. Students submit a self-written essay of 300 - 400 typewritten words in English and based on this year's theme: "THE AMERICA I BELIEVE IN." Deadline is November 1st for submittal to the Darien VFW. Monetary awards are provided. The first-place national award is $5,000 plus an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

Voice of Democracy Audio-Essay Competition (high school)
Grand Prize $30,000 Scholarship
The program is open to high school students in grades 9 through 12. See entry form details. Students submit a self-written and recorded three to five minute audio essay, in English, expressing their views on this year's theme: "MY RESPONSIBILITY TO AMERICA." Deadline is November 1 to submit your recorded essay on CD or thumb drive to the Darien VFW. Monetary awards are provided. Qualifying winners receive expense-paid trips to State and National selection banquets.

Entry forms for Patriot's Pen and Voice of Democracy are available at Darien City Hall, at your school, or by email by contacting the appropriate chairperson listed below.
Entry deadline is November 1.

Patriot's Pen Chair: John at  630-910-3177, email: trvlfshman@sbcglobal.net
Voice of Democracy Chair: Nick at 630-910-8552, email: ndarien@comcast.net,
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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