Development News for Darien, Illinois

City Council Approves Two Warrants Totaling Over $536,000

The City Council approved two warrant requests during the meeting. The first warrant, number 262702, was for $80,733.34. The second warrant, number 262703, was for payroll for the period ending May 14th, totaling $455,933.23. Both warrants were approved unanimously by the council members present.

Homeowners Association Expresses Frustration Over Permit Process Lacking HOA Coordination

During the public comment section, Heidi Ramirez, representing the Carriageway West Homeowners Association, expressed frustration with the city's permit process. She stated that the current system lacks coordination with homeowners associations, leading to permits being issued for structures (like fences, pools, and sheds) that violate community covenants without prior notification to the HOA. Ramirez proposed that a letter of approval from the HOA be required before a city permit is granted. City staff explained the challenges in policing covenants due to the varying activity levels of HOAs and suggested that HOAs communicate directly with their members. The discussion highlighted the difficulty in coordinating between the city's permitting process and private HOA covenants.

City Council Approves Master License Agreement with Easy Fiber for Telecommunication Infrastructure

The City Council approved a master license agreement with Easy Fiber Texas LLC for the use of city rights-of-way for the installation, operation, and maintenance of telecommunication facilities. Easy Fiber, a new fiber company, presented its plan to invest in the city by providing 100% fiber internet services directly to residents. They highlighted their business model which includes no contracts, no data caps, and a price lock guarantee. The company plans to deploy fiber in segments, with each segment taking approximately 30 days. They emphasized their commitment to communication, transparency, and local accountability throughout the construction process. The council discussed existing fiber providers (Metronet and Lumos) and potential challenges with their deployment. The agreement allows Easy Fiber to install infrastructure within the city's right-of-ways. This action is part of the city's efforts to increase competition and improve internet services for residents.

Chicken Coop Fencing Variance Approved for Donagle Drive Property

The council considered a motion regarding a variation for fencing at 2224 Donagle Drive. The property owner requested a variation from the city's ordinance which requires fencing of the entire rear perimeter to allow fencing only around the portion of the rear yard associated with a chicken coop enclosure. Alderwoman Sullivan expressed concerns about straying from established ordinances, emphasizing the time spent creating the chicken coop ordinance to balance resident desires with neighbor protections. However, she acknowledged that the proposed variance still achieves the goal of preventing neighbors from seeing chickens they may not wish to see. The council ultimately approved the variance, with all seven members voting in favor. This decision allows the property owner to fence only the area immediately around the chicken coop, rather than the entire rear yard.