I was sworn in last night, surrounded by friends and family that made this possible. It was a humbling experience. I could not have done this without 610 of my friends, family, and other community supporters, so thank you! As the only new member to the board this cycle, I understand I have many things to learn, but I’m proud that my work of attending every committee, board, and other public meeting since August of last year is paying off. I’m fairly caught up on where the village is at with major projects, and I believe I have a good idea of what our priorities are.
Outgoing Trustee Terry Houchens has done a lot of great work for our community over the 28 years he’s been on the board. He’s championed our parks and green spaces and ensured our residents have nice, open, enjoyable spaces to get out into the community and enjoy its natural beauty, and I will be proud to support things that further enable open nature spaces in the future.
The board selected their committees last night, though there was one minor change after the meeting I’ll outline below. The change will have to be approved at the next board meeting. See the committees below:
Economic Development & Public Relations
- Chairman: Josh Stell
- Barry Thompson
- Gabriela Martinez*
Grundy Economic Development Council Representative
- Josh Stell
Finance
- Chairwoman: Robin White
- Dennis Martin
- Ray Mason
Ordinance & Building
- Chairman: Ray Mason
- Gabriela Martinez
- Josh Stell
Parks & Recreation
- Chairman: Dennis Martin
- Barry Thompson
- Robin White
Public Safety
- Chairwoman: Gabriela Martinez
- Robin White
- Ray Mason
Public Works
- Chairman: Barry Thompson
- Josh Stell
- Dennis Martin*
Liquor Commission
- Commissioner / Chairman: Ric Offerman
- Robin White
- Ray Mason
Planning & Zoning
- Chairman: Dan Friant
- Bob Wilson
- Casey McCollum
- Dan Wittenkeller
- Bob White
- Mark Skwarczynski
- Steve Bryce
(* indicates the final position of Trustees Martinez and Martin after a pending swap is confirmed at the next village board meeting)
As always, committee and board meetings are fully open to the public, and minutes are available for past meetings. You can see dates/times for meetings here on the village website. I encourage residents to attend, and to inform the board of what’s important to you. Thank you!
