Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: February 1, 2024

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

City of Darien Website

View City Council agendas and minutes. | Read past issues of Direct Connect.

Community Calendar

Weekly eNews - February 1, 2024

Mayor's Message

“A great accomplishment should not be the end of the road, just the starting

point for the next big leap forward.” - Harvey Mackay

Two years ago, on February 3, 2022, I sat here at my desk and composed what would be the first of over 104 Mayor’s Messages printed in our Darien Direct Connect. Over the course of that two-year period, I worked to convey information that, for the most part is unrelated to the City’s governmental operations, but rather provide messages that were of a more personal nature. My goal was to compose messages that while they were my recounting of events from my own life, others could relate to their lives.

Now, two years and 104 messages later, I feel a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of pride that I have been able to compose weekly messages that so many people have enjoyed. Your response has been overwhelmingly positive, and many of you have expressed how these messages gave you pause to consider occurrences as well as people from you own lives. Truth be told there have been several who have told me they skip my messages, and only read the information they consider “important.” Personally, that is there choice, so I will continue to compose material that has a message; that we who work for the benefit of our residents, face and deal with many of the life issues that each of our residents face on a day-to-day basis. So, just as the quote states, the two-year anniversary of my Mayor’s Messages, is “just the starting point for the next big leap forward.”

Thank you for your responses over the last two years, negative or positive, its rewarding to know that people are aware of these messages, and in some cases, they feel as if my messages have touched their lives.

Black History Month

Black History Month honors and celebrates the countless contributions of African Americans to the United States. This year, the theme "Art as a Platform for Social Justice" recognizes African American artists and their role as agents of change in our country and in our communities.

Take time this month to celebrate the Black artists who have inspired joy and progress by checking out the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and the extensive resources and exhibits they offer.

City Council Meeting - February 5

The City Council will meet on Monday, February 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Darien City Hall.

View the agenda here.

Economic Development Committee Meeting - February 8

The Economic Development Committee meeting scheduled for February 1 has been rescheduled for February 8. Check the community calendar for information on future meetings.

Planning and Zoning Commission Public Hearing Notice - February 7

The Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Darien will hold a public hearing on February 7, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road, Darien.

The purpose of the public hearing will be to hear testimony from interested persons and make a recommendation on CASE NO. PZC2024-01. This case involves a petition for the construction of a quick service drive-through eating establishment at the property located within the B-2 Community Shopping Center Business District. Find the full notice here.

2024 Citizen of the Year - Valerie L. Kazich

Congratulations to Valerie Kazich, Darien's 2024 Citizen of the Year! Val Kazich's tireless commitment and positive influence make her an exemplary choice for this prestigious recognition. Indeed, Valerie is and will continue to be one of the many shining stars in Darien making Darien “a Nice Place to Live.” Read the full nomination here. We hope you can join us with your family, friends, and colleagues in celebrating Val's accomplishments at our annual recognition.

Our dinner/dance honoring Valerie Kazich will take place on:

Friday, March 8th, 2024

Alpine Banquets

8230 S. Cass Avenue; Darien

Cocktails – 6 p.m. / Dinner – 7 p.m.

In addition to our Citizen of the Year Recognition, this year the city will also be recognizing its 2024 Service and Volunteer Club and Organization honorees for their countless hours of service and dedication:

Chris Snow, Darien’s Woman’s Club
Doug Barnes, Darien Lions Club
Gina Pignato and Tracey Schroeder, Darien Garden Club

Stan Uba, Darien Youth Club (DYC)
Heather Conroy, Darien Rotary Club
Kelly Tischler Jean, Darien Chamber of Commerce

The $52.00 per person cost includes a full 7-course dinner, 3-hours of open bar, music and dancing. For reservations, please contact Diane directly at Darien City Hall at 630-353-8102. Please specify the full names of those attending and if there are specific individuals you wish to be seated with at the event. The dinner will be family-style with the main portion comprised of roasted pork tenderloin, roasted sirloin of beef and pasta with marinara sauce. Checks should be made out to the City of Darien and mailed to: City of Darien, Attention: Citizen of the Year Committee, 1702 Plainfield Road; Darien, Illinois, 60561 or deliver it to the location. Cash is also accepted. City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm. There is a secure drop box inside the vestibule of City Hall Offices for off hour convenience. RSVP and payment should be received no later than Wednesday, February 26th, 2024.

To kick-off this recognition, please just us on Tuesday, February 20th for a congratulatory reception for Valerie and our 2024 club and service honorees at the Darien Police Station training room to be held at the conclusion of the City Council Meeting which starts at 7:30 p.m.

Coming Soon! Text Alerts

More information is coming soon on how you can sign up for Text Alerts from the City of Darien. Alerts will include updates from the Police Department and other important notices. Stay tuned for more info!

It's Pothole Season

The Illinois Department of Transportation is advising the public that maintenance crews are out patrolling and repairing potholes on state highways and interstates across the state, requiring drivers to slow down, use caution and move over for workers.

Recent heavy snow, rains and freezing temperatures have caused an increase in potholes throughout the state. Potholes typically are caused by water getting into or underneath the pavement. During freeze and thaw periods, the moisture causes the asphalt or concrete to shift, buckle or break. When vehicles drive over these weakened areas, they leave those dreaded potholes. To report a pothole on a state highway or interstate, call 1-800-452-IDOT(4368). More information: Illinois Department of Transportation

To report a pothole on a city street, please contact Darien Public Works at (630) 353-8105.

Cass School District 63 - Kindergarten Round-Up

If you or someone you know has a child who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2024, and lives in Cass School District 63, it is time to register for kindergarten. Please contact Amy Perez at either aperez@cassd63.org or 331-481-4000 and she will send the information needed to get started on the Fall 2024 registration process.

Kindergarten round up will be held on Wednesday, February 21 at 6:00 p.m. at Concord Elementary School.

Recycling Dos and Don'ts

Recycling is a great way to keep items out of the landfill, but how do you know if your are recycling the right items? The basic rules are that you can recycle bottles, cans, paper and cardboard. Make sure your items are empty and rinsed out. Plastic bags should not be included in your recycling bins, but you may be able to recycle them at grocery stores or other locations near you. You can find a more detailed list on the LRS website. Thank you for doing your part to keep our community clean and beautiful!

Sharing a Community with Coyotes

The coyote was present in Illinois before European settlers arrived. Their numbers increased when settlers moved to Illinois and the removal of timber began. The coyote, with its adaptable behavior, now lives throughout much of North America.

These days, coyotes are often seen in neighborhoods near natural areas. If a coyote is seen in its natural habitat, it is fine to watch it from a distance. The key to living with coyotes is remembering that they are naturally afraid of people. Never approach a coyote, let your dog approach it, or feed it. Never leave your pet unattended outside, especially at night, and keep your pet on a leash in public places.

If you encounter a coyote that is displaying aggressive or dangerous behaviors, such as growling or barring teeth, please take the following steps:

Do not run away from the coyote. Maintain eye contact.
Make yourself appear as large and threatening as possible.
Use a loud, authoritative voice and make aggressive gestures such as moving arms and legs and throwing rocks, sticks or other objects.

If you see this type of aggressive behavior in an individual coyote, you should call 911. Learn more here.

Stay Visible at Night

It is dark at night, really dark. Street lights and headlights help. but it can be very hard for drivers to spot pedestrians and cyclists after the sun has set.

If you are headed out for a stroll, a run, or a ride, be sure to make yourself visible to drivers. Here are some great ways to stay safe at night:

Wear light colored clothing
Find reflective clothing or tape to increase visibility
Be sure to have front and back lights on your bicycle
Use reflective leashes on pets

Be in the Know - Help Spread the Word

Darien’s Direct Connect E-Newsletter (DC) is the City’s primary source of information for residents and businesses. Please tell your friends and neighbors about DC, forward this email to them, and ask them to sign up. Signing up is simple and can be done here.