Keep your sidewalks clean

Residents are encouraged to clear their sidewalk after any measurable snowfall this winter. Leaving snow and ice on sidewalks presents a safety hazard to children and residents who walk to school, the bus stop, or work. When sidewalks are not shoveled, pedestrians tend to walk on streets, which increases their risk of being struck by a vehicle.

When are the streets plowed?

The Public Works and Police Departments check streets and monitor a weather channel so snow removal crews can be dispatched out on the streets prior to snow or icy conditions occurring. Trucks stay out until all streets and cul-de-sacs are cleared.

When is salt used on the streets?

Salt is spread on streets when rain changes to sleet and ice or when snow accumulation is less than one inch. If there is more than one inch, snow is cleared and salt is put down. The City plows and salts all intersections, streets and cul-de-sacs.

What are the parking restrictions during
a snowstorm?

A “snow emergency” is declared when snowfall exceeds one inch during a 24-hour period. No parking is allowed on any City street when this occurs until the snowfall has ceased and plowing operations are completed. The City cautions residents not to park their cars in the street while shoveling their driveways, since this impedes snowplows trying to clear your streets. Please shovel driveways from side to side in order to avoid placing snow in the streets and ensure that garbage cans are not put in the street during a snowstorm.

Will the City be able to plow my street if there is a medical emergency?

Anyone who has a medical emergency should phone 911. The dispatcher will contact Public Works to ensure that your street is cleared to enable a quick response for any emergency.

Why doesn’t the City plow certain streets?

Plainfield Road, Cass Avenue, Lemont Road and 75th Street are County roads and are plowed by the DuPage County Highway Department. Frontage Roads are under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Other roads that are considered “private,” establish plowing service contracts via their management company.

Are any sidewalks plowed?

In order for residents, children and patrons to utilize city sidewalks to schools, shopping and exercise parks, the city of Darien maintains a policy of plowing primary route sidewalks throughout the City. The city utilizes two pieces of equipment to plow approximate 21 miles of sidewalks. The sidewalk operations commence after one inch of snow has fallen, and continue until all the snow is removed from these routes:

• Clarendon Hills Rd from 67th to 75th Street (both sides)

• 67th Street-East of Cass to Wilmette (both sides)

• Cass Ave-67th to Frontage (both sides)

• Plainfield Road-Route 83 to Manning Road (both sides)

• 75th Street Route 83 to Lemont Road (both sides)

• Manning Road-Plainfield to 75th Street (both sides)

• Fairview Manning to 75th Street (both sides)

• Bailey Rd-Plainfield to Frontage (both sides)

• Frontage Road-Bailey to Oldfield Road (north)

• Oldfield Road-Frontage Road- Meyers Woods Park

If you have any questions, please contact Ashley at  630-353-8105.

Free Christmas tree pickup

The City of Darien has partnered with Allied Waste to provide free Christmas tree pick-up again this year. On the weeks of  January 3^rd and January 10th, Allied Waste will collect Christmas trees left in the parkway on your normal garbage day.  For the trees to be picked up, they must be free of all ornamentation, including garland, lights, and tinsel. If the tree is bagged, it will need a sticker to be picked up. If you have any questions regarding this program, call  630-852-5000.

Annual holiday lights decorating contest

The City of Darien will again be sponsoring the Holiday Lights Decorating Contest. Each year, residents that put extra effort into decorating their homes for the season are nominated by their friends and neighbors for recognition and prizes. The first place home receives $200, second place $100, third place $50, and fourth and fifth place receive $25. To nominate your own home or another in your neighborhood, call Mary at 630-353-8102. Nominations must be received by December 10.

The popular Holiday Lights Tour will be running on December 21-23 at 6:30 and 8pm. The tour will be on school buses this year, and will run through the City, passing by each of the holiday lights winners. This event is free and refreshments are provided. Because of the high demand each year, reservations are given on a first come first serve basis and limited to the first thirty residents for each tour.  For more information or to make a reservation, please call City Hall at 630-852-5000.

Prevent frozen water pipes

All residents should take precautions to keep water supply lines in your homes from freezing during extreme cold.  You should let the water trickle in plumbing lines or fixtures that face north or west exterior walls.  This helps to prevent water from freezing within the wall.

Additionally, the City would like to remind residents that if you are going to be leaving town for an extended amount of time during the winter season, that you should set the hot water tank to pilot and maintain the heating system at a 60 degree range.  They also encourage shutting off your water at the meter and relieving the pressure from the pipes by turning on a couple of faucets at the lowest point.

FREE fall leaf pickup

The City of Darien will again be providing Fall Leaf Pickup free of charge to residents.  The program will run thru November 26, and will take place weekly on your normal garbage day.  Leaves should be placed in brown kraft yard waste bags or in plastic garbage cans.  If garbage cans are used they must have a permanent “YARD WASTE ONLY” label attached to the front of the can so the driver can identify it as leaf pickup.  These labels are available free of charge at City Hall.  For more information please call
630-353-8101.

In search of 2011  Citizen of the Year

The search is on…it’s that time of year again when our committee begins its search for a very special man or woman who has given of themselves to make Darien a “Nice Place to Live!” The Citizen of the Year Committee is accepting nominations for the 2011 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR.

If you know of a person who goes “above and beyond the call of duty”…is always there when someone needs a hand…and who has contributed to make Darien a special place, please write a letter to our committee or fill out one of our official nomination forms that can be found any time during the year at City Hall or at the Indian Prairie Library. Nominations may also be submitted electronically at darien.il.us.  A nominee must be a resident of Darien and cannot currently be an elected official. Please send your nomination to: Citizen of the Year Committee, 1702 Plainfield Road, Darien IL 60561. The deadline for nominations is January 3, 2011

If you have already nominated someone in the past, that nomination is still valid for consideration; however, we would appreciate it if you would update any pertinent information. The annual Citizen of the Year dinner/dance will be held on March 5, 2011 at Alpine Banquets in Darien. Tickets can be purchased at City Hall after February 1, 2011. For more information please call City Hall at 630-353-8102.