Darien Alderman Blocked From Council Meeting

DARIEN, IL – Darien Alderman Eric Gustafson wanted to take part remotely in Monday's City Council meeting. But his colleagues wouldn't let him.

The main topic at the meeting was a proposed four-story apartment complex in Gustafson's Ward 6, which is on the west side.

Many of Gustafson's constituents oppose the apartments at the Chestnut Court shopping center. And they took the council to task for not permitting Gustafson to participate.

At the beginning of the meeting, Gustafson was connected by phone and was asked to make his case for being allowed to take part.

He said he was working in Canada and that he may not need to stay there much longer because "we were able to hire a couple of people."

"I might miss one more meeting. I'll only have missed four meetings, and I'll be back for the rest of the year," he said. "This meeting I wouldn't have really cared about except for Chestnut Court."

He has missed meetings before while in Canada.

Darien's attorney, John Murphey, who was also connected by phone, said aldermen are only allowed to be remotely connected in limited circumstances.

He said the exceptions were for family illness, employment purposes and being away for city business.

As for employment purposes, Murphey said the situation must be beyond the control of the elected official.

Gustafson said he had spoken earlier that day with someone from the attorney general's office and that he was told his participation was dependent on the council's decision.

He said he was advised there were no other requirements, particularly since the pandemic.

"The attorney told me all those criteria are no longer applicable," he said.

Murphey responded, "That's just wrong."

In any case, Gustafson said he meets the requirements under the employment exception.

Gustafson further argued that he didn't think the Chestnut Court vote would be this soon. He thought it would be considered when a tax incentive would be put on the table later.

Aldermen replied that officials said at a committee meeting last week that the apartment complex would be on Monday's agenda.

Mayor Joseph Marchese asked whether any alderman would put forward a motion to allow Gustafson to take part. No one did.

Gustafson said he was disappointed in the decision. He said he was "going to get all over this" with the attorney general.

But he thanked the council for its consideration.

Marchese replied, "Take care. Come home soon."

Gustafson did not weigh in on the apartment plan. And he did not respond to Patch's emailed request for comment on Monday night.

However, his wife, Debbie Gustafson, spoke during the public comment period at the meeting. She said she opposed the apartment proposal, citing the objections of nearby residents.

"I don't think apartments are the answer," she said. "Condos are a better option than apartments."

Other residents said they were disappointed that Gustafson was blocked.

"Shame on you for not allowing him to participate," Rabig said. "I can only guess that he is opposed to this development, and you know that."

Many in the audience applauded.

Alderwoman Mary Sullivan said she had to travel from a funeral in northern Wisconsin to attend the meeting.

"Sometimes we have to jump over fences," she said. "(Gustafson) has already missed meetings."

She added, "It was already decided he would not participate because he was not eligible."

The council voted 6-0 for the zoning to overhaul Chestnut Court, which includes the apartment plan.