The following email provides timely information on news and services
from the City of Darien.
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Weekly eNews - January 11, 2024 |
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Mayor's Message
“A lot of people like snow; I find it an unnecessary freezing of water.”
- Carl Reiner
Some people enjoyed this week’s snow, while others dreaded all the shoveling and mess it created and the problems it presented for those getting to work or school. As Chicagoans, we are a pretty tough group, and when we experience a snowstorm like this one, we face the challenge, and we make the best of it. While we made it through the last couple of days, in our hearts and minds, we know that this is just the beginning, with more storms like this to follow. Our November and December have been fairly mild winter months, but we all knew in our hearts that sooner or later, the snow and cold and blustery winds would signal that our Chicago Winter is definitely here not to visit but here to stay.
Age definitely presented a different perspective; when I was a child, I prayed for snow days, as I couldn’t wait to throw on my snowsuit and go out and frolic in the snow. We had twenty to thirty youngsters in the neighborhood, and we were all out there building snow forts, having major snowball fights, and just enjoying the beauty of a new fallen snow. Funny how age and responsibility changed how I view a snowstorm or any amount of snow. When it became my job to shovel it away and to commute to school and work, I began to dread the kind of weather we had this week. The child who loved a good winter snow was nowhere to be found.
Regardless as to how you view a snow storm, I hope you had an easy go of it this week, most of this snow was of the wet and heavy variety, and driving and shoveling were definitely issues with which we had to contend. Maybe Mother Nature will be kinder to us for the rest of winter with milder weather and less snow. Nonetheless, homeowners will still be out there shoveling their driveways, drivers will have to contend with slippery and snow-packed streets, and children will still be out there in their snow suits frolicking in the snow, making “snow bunnies,” and just being kids enjoying the beauty of winter.
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Refuse Collection Update
Due to the forecasted amount of snow for Friday (tomorrow), LRS plans to begin refuse collection early to get ahead of this predicted front as much as possible. This will help to complete routes and act in the best interest of driver and pedestrian safety. Please have garbage and recycling containers placed out at the curb no later than 5 a.m.
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When Will My Street Get Plowed?
Great question! The City of Darien follows a priority-based system for plowing streets. High-traffic arterial streets are plowed first and, if necessary, replowed until they are safe and passable. At that time, lower traffic collector streets are plowed. When both arterial and collector streets are safe and passable, the plows begin work on residential streets and cul-de-sacs. It takes approximately four hours to plow all of the city’s streets once. Consequently, during heavy, ongoing snow, it could take several hours to get to an individual residential street. Once all streets are open and passable, the City begins addressing other snow concerns, including cutting down large piles of snow at intersections, which might create sight distance problems. Finally, after all the street work is complete, the City’s crews begin work clearing sidewalks along Plainfield Road, Cass Avenue and 75th Street.
Please keep in mind that Plainfield Road, Cass Avenue, and 75th Street are DuPage County roads and are not plowed by the City of Darien.
In order to plow streets efficiently, there is no parking on City streets during a winter event where snow or ice exceeds one inch.
During plowing operations, the City’s priority is getting snow off the streets to allow movement of traffic. Unfortunately, during the plowing process, snow will be pushed onto curbs and driveways. As a result, snow banks become higher and driveways can become filled with snow, an unavoidable process. Please do not push snow out onto the roadway or approach a snow plow to prevent snow from being pushed into the driveway. Both of these actions are dangerous. If possible, residents are encouraged to shovel several times throughout a heavy snow period to prevent snow-filled driveways. Your patience and cooperation are appreciated.
If at any time you have an emergency that requires you to leave your home and you cannot do so because of snow, please dial 9-1-1.
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Go Easy on the Salt
According to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, road salt can help with icy roads, but it can also harm our waterways. Road salts travel from sidewalks and roads and eventually enter our waterways where wildlife can be harmed. Using too much salt can also corrode vehicles, hurt animal paws, damage concrete and kill plants.
Follow these tips when salting:
- Shovel first. Salt should only be used after the snow is removed and only in areas needed for safety.
- Size matters. More salt does not mean more melting. A 12-ounce coffee mug of salt should be enough for a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares (250 square feet).
- Spread. Distribute salt evenly, not in clumps. Clumped salt is wasted salt!
- Sweep. If salt is leftover on the ground after the ice melts, then too much salt was used. Sweep up leftover salt to keep it out of local rivers and streams.
- Switch. Untreated salt stops working if the temperature is below 15 degrees. When temperatures drop that low, switch to sand for traction or choose a different deicer formulated for colder temperatures.
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Don't Leave Car Running Unattended
It can be hard to get going in the morning when the winter temperature drops, but leaving your car running unattended to warm up is an invitation to car thieves. Protect yourself from auto theft:
- Never leave keys in the vehicle or ignition.
- Never leave your vehicle running, even in your driveway.
- Always keep windows up and doors locked even while driving.
- Remove valuables from your vehicle and place them in the trunk out of view.
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Don't Forget About Your Pets
Even with a natural fur coat, winter can be deadly for your pets unless proper care is given. Keep them warm and dry, and indoors whenever possible. Provide plenty of food and water. Dehydration is especially dangerous in winter.
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day - January 15
This Monday, January 15, we will honor the life and service of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage people to volunteer and give back. Let's join together this January and find new ways to give back to our community! If you aren't sure where to start, you can find many volunteer opportunities here.
City Hall will be open on Monday and there are no changes to service.
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Millenium Park Chrismas Tree
Alderwoman Sullivan recently visited the Christmas Tree in Millenium Park. This stunning Colorado Blue Spruce tree was donated by Darien residents Efren and Zenaida De La Cruz. Thank you for spreading the Christmas spirit with this beautiful symbol of the season!
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The Darien Lions Food Basket Program Thanks You!
This year, the Darien Lions Food Baskets program served 230 families in the Darien area. That translates to 1125 people. We provided toys for all children under the age of 12, totaling approximately 1036 toys. 750 man hours were spent wrapping these gifts by approximately 20 volunteers led by Deneen Ruffolo and Karen Piccoli.
The Lions Club provided five bags of food and cold products to each family– or 9020 items from nearly 10 tons of food. This included a turkey, dairy products, canned and boxed food – enough for a week of meals.
The Darien Lions Food Baskets program runs over a three-day period in which 82 lions and their family and friends participated. This program is run by ten dedicated Lions whose planning efforts start early in the year.
Naturally, none of this happens without the generous donations from our community, local
businesses, and our Lions members. The Darien Lions would like to thank all who participated with helping hands and/or donations. This event is the flagship of the Darien Lions Club. It truly exemplifies our Lions motto: “We Serve.”
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City Council Meeting - January 15
The City Council will meet on Monday, January 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Darien City Hall. View the agenda here.
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Planning and Zoning Committee
Meeting Cancelled - January 17
Due to a lack of agenda items, the Planning and Zoning Committee Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 17 has been cancelled.
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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. |
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Click on the links below for more information on these upcoming community events! |
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January 24, 6:00 p.m.: Darien Garden Club Sprouts Meeting: "Who's Who of Owls" (sponsored by Rotary Club of Darien): link
Register by February 10: Darien Woman’s Club 2024 Creative Youth Art Fair: link
DYC Baseball Early Registration: link
DYC Soccer Early Registration: link
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Darien Police Weekly Press Release
The Darien Police Department issues a press release each week.
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Darien Events and Happenings |
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Check out the City Calendar for information on upcoming meetings and events
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Check out the Community Calendar for the news on events from Darien community organizations!
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(630) 353-8114
City Hall (630) 852-5000
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Visit the City of Darien's website for information on City services.
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