Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: May 1, 2025

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

City of Darien Website

Weekly eNews - May 1, 2025

Mayor's Message

“When children give you their love, they give it so freely without expecting anything in return.”

- Unknown

On April 25, Cathy and I, along with our daughter-in-law Lynda, attended our Darien Arbor Day Celebration at Ridgewood Park. As I noted in my last Mayor’s Message, besides being asked to speak regarding the origins of Arbor Day, we witnessed the dedication of a beautiful tree planted in honor of our late son Jon. While we experienced several very emotional moments during the program, our hearts were touched by the fact that this beautiful tree would always be known as Jon’s tree, and in the future, as it grows and matures, people will view it, look down at the plaque at its base, and know that there was a young man named Jon Aaron Marchese, who was so loved that a tree was planted to remind us all of how he gave love and was loved by so many.

One of the additional beauties of the day was the response of the children to our Arbor Day Program; the children present from each of our local schools gathered in the lawn surrounding the newly planted trees, and listened attentively to each of the speakers, including yours truly. As Neil Postman states, “Children are the living message we send to a world we will not see,” and the message these children carried forth, was the importance of trees as a part of our eco-system. On Arbor Day we are not only planting trees, but also planting seeds of the learning regarding the need to take care of Mother Nature’s gifts to all of us.

Finally. I was moved personally, by the actions of several children; knowing that my son had died, who took time to come up to me and asked me if they could give me a hug, or if they could have a picture taken with me. Several of them told me that when they visited Ridgewood Park in the future, they would visit Jon’s tree and tell him “hello.” I was deeply moved by their actions, especially that a of one young student who came up to me, asked if he could give me a hug and then looked at me and told me that he was sorry that we had lost our son. His action brought tears to my eyes and reminded me of the beauty that exists in the innocence of children. This little boy did not really know me, but felt the need to express a bit of human kindness. As Fyodor Dostoevsky reminds us, “The soul is healed by being with children,” and the kindness expressed by this child touched my heart and definitely healed my soul.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

New Tornado Siren Activation System

Goes Live Today, May 1

🚨 Important Safety Update! 🚨

The City is launching a new automated tornado siren activation system (effective today, May 1) to enhance community safety.

This new technology means sirens can be activated faster when a warning is issued. You might even hear the sirens before receiving an NWS alert on your phone. When you hear them, take shelter immediately!

Crucial Reminder: There is NO "All Clear" siren. If sirens sound multiple times, it means a NEW warning has been issued. Remain sheltered until the danger has clearly passed.

It is important to remember that tornado sirens are designed to alert people outdoors. They are not meant to be heard indoors. If you can hear them indoors, that is great, but if you rely only on sirens for severe weather alerts, especially at night when you are asleep, you could miss critical warnings.

Shop and Dine Locally for Mother's Day

Have you started making your Mother's Day plans yet? There are lots of great options right here in Darien and you can find them on the City's website here.

Supporting local businesses by shopping and dining in your community is sure to impress all the moms in your life!

Morton Arboretum + Chicago Region

Tree Initiative

Representatives of the Morton Arboretum delivered trees to Darien this week as part of the Chicago Region's Tree Initiative, which provided free trees for Darien residents to plant on their property. Learn more about the program and the Morton Arboretum at www.mortonarb.org.

Public Service Recognition Week

May 4 - 10

Each year during the first full week of May, we recognize and honor the individuals who serve America as federal, state, county and local government employees. Join us in celebrating our civilian and military public servants this year. Thank you to each of the dedicated public servants who dedicate their time and efforts to our community and our country! Learn more about Public Service Recognition Week at psrw.org.

National Police Week: May 11 - 17

National Police Week occurs each May, paying special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week.

National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring America’s law enforcement community. Learn more. Thank you to the members of the Darien Police Department for keeping our community safe.

Save a Life - Donate Blood

The Indian Prairie Public Library and the Darien Woman's Club are sponsoring a blood drive on Tuesday, May 13 at the library. Donors will receive a coupon for a FREE pint of Culver's frozen custard AND be entered to win a vacation prize (see flyer for more details).

Schedule an appointment by calling Vitalant at 877.258.4825 or at vitalant.org and use group code: ORD0398G. Walk-ins are welcome!

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reminds us that we are not alone. One in Five U.S. adults experience mental illness each year and One in Twenty U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year.

NAMI is encouraging individuals to share their story to help create a safe space and ignite change for tomorrow. Each story has the potential to empower and give strength and hope to others. Consider sharing your story and spreading hope today at nami.org.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, contact NAMI's Helpline: Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), chat online, text “HelpLine” to 62640, or email the helpline at helpline@nami.org

New Water Rates

Annually, the city reviews the water rate. The last increase occurred in 2016. Darien has over $20,000,000 of capital assets in the water system which needs to be maintained and periodically replaced. The system is made up of water distribution, water storage and buildings/equipment. The city also has vehicles and equipment needed to maintain the system, especially during emergency water main breaks. Effective next billing cycle, (May 2025), the water rates for Darien residents will increase to $10.50/1000 gallons of water with a total fixed cost of $15.00 bimonthly. Based on a water consumption of 5,000 gallons per month (10,000 for billing period), the actual increase is $12.50 per bill. Based on a water consumption of 10,000 gallons per month (20,000 for billing period), the actual increase is $20.00 per bill. As you are aware, residents receive an invoice 6 months per year. The water rate for unincorporated residents will increase to $12.60/1000 gallons of water with a total fixed cost of $18.00 per bill. The city continually reinvests in the water system including the most recent improvement of installing the automated reading system. The charts below show current, and future cost. for those using 10,000 and 20,000 gallons of water per bill.

If you have any questions, please contact Bryon Vana, City Administrator at bvana@darienil.gov or 630-353-8114.

Employment Opportunities

The City of Darien is currently accepting applications for the following positions:

Full-time Police Records Clerk

The Police Records Clerk position performs a variety of diverse administrative functions with a high level of accuracy and proficiency to assure the proper production and maintenance of police records. Learn more.

Summer Public Works Positions

Applicants must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. Work involves manual labor and is primarily outdoors. Learn more.

Backflow Testing

As a reminder, residents who have an irrigation system are required to have their backflow devices tested annually. The City’s database management partner, Aqua Backflow sends out an independent survey every three years for an inventory of devices that may require a backflow prevention device as required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Please contact Aqua Backflow directly at info@AquaBackflow.com or 847-742-2296 with any questions.

Metronet Update

Metronet is bringing its 100% fiber-optic network to Darien. This will provide residents and businesses with internet speeds of up to five gigabits per second for homes and up to ten gigabits per second for businesses.

Construction will be underway in the coming weeks, with the first customers expected to gain service before the end of summer. Residents and businesses interested in signing up for construction updates and pre-sale opportunities can visit metronet.com/il/darien.

Metronet has provided a tentative construction schedule for its fiber-optic cable installation throughout the city. Check out the map and schedule here. They may access rear easements on your property or be in front of your homes and businesses as they begin work. Crews are identifiable by ID tags and branded vehicles.

You will receive a notification from Metronet via letter and postcard approximately 30 days before construction begins in your neighborhood. You will also see large construction signs in your neighborhood’s entrance and smaller signs near your mailbox. You will likely notice pink flags and temporary paint marking existing utilities. Learn more.

If you have questions or would like additional information, contact the following Metronet staff:

Shana Brocket – Community Relations Manager – (812) 305-1000
John McGraw – Construction Manager - (870) 395-1130

Pick up Your Plant Sale Orders on May 3

Did you order plants through the Darien Historical Society & Darien Woman’s Club at the beginning of April? It's almost time to pick up your order! Plant Sale Pickup is on Saturday May 03, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Old Lace School & Museum at 7422 Cass Avenue.

Keep Pets Safe from Coyotes

This is the time of the year when pet owners like to enjoy time outside. Below are some tips to keep your pet safe from coyotes. Please share this with all the pet owners you know in an effort to spread the word.

Here are some tips to keep you and your pets safe from coyotes:

Always supervise your dog and keep it on a leash — even in a fenced backyard.
Always keep cats indoors.
Coyotes can be creatures of habit, so if you see one at the same time and place while walking your pet, change your route or timing.
If you have a small dog and encounter a coyote, pick up your pet.
For more information, please check out the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's website.

Hydration When Running

Are you remembering to stay hydrated while training for the Darien Dash later this month? Consider the following tips from the Mayo Clinic when working out and always contact your doctor if you have any concerns.

Before the race - Drink 2 cups (16 ounces) of water 2 to 3 hours before you run. Then drink 1 cup (8 ounces) of water 10 to 20 minutes before a run.

During your run - Drink 1 cup (8 ounces) of fluid every 20 minutes. Sports drinks are a good choice when running longer than 60 minutes as they provide minerals and salts the body loses through sweat. In addition, sports drinks contain carbohydrates, which can help boost endurance.

Following the race - It’s important to start rehydrating. Start with 12 ounces of fluid. In the hours following a marathon, runners should continue to sip on fluids to rehydrate. If you have a chance to weigh yourself, a good rule of thumb is to drink 24 ounces of liquid for each pound lost during the race. Sipping fluids over time maximizes fluid retention and is preferable to drinking large amounts in one sitting.

Learn more here.

ATTENTION DARIEN BUSINESSES

DBA Luncheon: Harnessing AI for Local Business Success

Wednesday, May 14

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Alpine Banquets, 8230 S Cass Ave., Darien

City Council Meeting - May 5

City Council will meet on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road. The agenda will be posted here.

Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Meeting - May 7

The Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Commission will meet on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road. The agenda will be posted here.

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