Chambana Sun

City of Darien City Council met Nov. 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

GOAL SETTING SESSION 

Present: Mayor Joseph Marchese, Alderpersons Tom Belczak, Tom Chlystek (arrived 6:36pm), Eric Gustafson, Joe Kenny, Ted Schauer, Mary Sullivan Lester Vaughan, Treasurer Michael Coren, Clerk Joanne Ragona, City Administrator Bryon Vana, and Director of Municipal Services Dan Gombac, Police Chief Greg Thomas, Senior Planner Jordan Yanke

1. Charges for retail thefts 

Alderman Gustafson requested the council discuss retail theft calls responded to by the Darien police department with the goal to minimize the number of retail theft calls handled by the department. The discussion focused on the creation of an ordinance to fine retailers if there is a certain amount of calls for police service. Alderman Gustafson reviewed information he received from other governmental agencies regarding this issue. Chief Thomas has also reviewed departmental and statistical information regarding the department.

The consensus of the council is there is not a retail theft problem that warrants an ordinance but asked the Chief to continue monitoring local retail thefts.

2. Chamber of Commerce/Economic Development 

Mayor Marchese and Administrator Vana presented a plan on incorporating the Darien Chamber of Commerce with the City of Darien and adding a part time position with the responsibilities of business recruitment and retention. Members of the current chamber attended to show their support for the idea but asked to maintain an executive board similar to what exists now. The consensus of the council is supportive of the plan and would like to review more details. Mayor Marchese recommended the council proceed with the part time position since that is independent from the chamber concept. The consensus was to proceed with the part time position for council approval as soon as possible. Administrator Vana asked the council to email him with any additional questions about the proposal.

3. Zoning Code review – permitted uses 

The staff reviewed the businesses allowed to operate within the various zoning districts. The council discussed any possible limits to be placed on permitted uses. The council discussed limits on vaping type of businesses but four of the council members, Vaughan, Kenny, Gustafson and Chlystek, preferred not to limit the number. Staff advised they are currently reviewing the list of permitted uses for general update to uses and business definitions and will bring back recommended changes when ready. Administrator Vana asked the council to email Jordan with any uses they would like staff to review.

4. Long term vision statement 

Mayor Marchese advised earlier this summer Alderman Chlystek stopped by a Michigan gas station and grabbed the South Haven newspaper about their town/city council putting together a long-term vision of their City (10, 20 to 30 years) and he is asking the city to do the same. Mayor Marchese explained he has a working document that serves as his vision for the community as he reviews that periodically. Mayor Marchese advised he will send a copy to the council and asked they provide any feedback on the document. Administrator Vana asked if there is any direction for staff on this topic and received no direction to proceed.

5. Survey review (council, residents 2 surveys on communications and general) 

This discussion began with Alderman Schauer’s concern about having a public works fleet of electric vehicles since they are often needed for immediate service. Mayor Marchese then asked if the council had any additional comments to the feedback they already provided or comments of the resident surveys. Staff responded to questions and comments from the council.

The meeting adjourned at 10:24pm.

https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/664f7ce7-e609-4abe-835a-dcaee2567d56/Goal-Setting-Session-November-14,-2022.aspx