Committees, Boards, & Commissions
Standing Committees
As part of their roles as Aldermen, members of the City Council sit on two committees each. The City's Standing Committees consist of the Development Committee, Finance Committee, Infrastructure Committee, and the Public Affairs Committee.
These committees are where a lot of the hard work and decision making is done. These committees allow members to specialize in specific aspects of governance and creates a more efficient workflow for the Council. Members of the public are welcome to speak at meetings of the City Council’s Committees for the purpose of addressing the Committees with concerns or comments regarding issues of City Business. All public comments should be made in accordance with the City's adopted public participation rules.
All Committees meet once a month. The public meeting schedule and public meetings agendas and minutes are provided on the City's website.
Below are descriptions of each of the City's Standing Committees, along with a list of the current Aldermen assigned to the respective Committees.
The Development Committee plays a pivotal role in shaping the city’s landscape by overseeing various responsibilities, including zoning decisions and economic development initiatives. In terms of zoning, their duties encompass the approval of changes and enforcement of zoning regulations, which dictate land use, building types, and density in different areas of the city. By carefully considering these aspects, they can balance the need for growth and preservation of the city's character. Additionally, the committee focuses on economic development strategies, fostering a vibrant local economy through initiatives such as business incentives and strategic planning to attract new investments. Together, these functions contribute to the overall character and long-term growth of the city.
Members: Aldermen Lori Chassee, Christine Dettmann, Jayme Sheahan, Rebecca Stout, and Chris Swiatek
The Finance Committee holds a crucial oversight role in monitoring and providing approval for various city functions. This includes the city's finances, where they review and approve budgetary plans, track revenue and expenditures, and offer guidance on fiscal policy. They also oversee personnel matters, providing approval for new positions, compensation packages, and benefits for city employees. It also oversees franchise agreements. The committee reviews and approves negotiations with service providers, ensuring that residents receive quality and affordable services. Additionally, they play a pivotal role in granting approval for the annual budget, aligning resources with priorities and upholding responsible fiscal governance. In these capacities, the finance committee plays a vital role in ensuring the efficiency and prosperity of the city.
Members: Aldermen Dan Beebe, Christine Dettmann, Sandy Dimas, Joseph Morano, Jayme Sheahan, Rebecca Stout, and Chris Swiatek
The Infrastructure Committee responsibilities include supervising and providing approval for various aspects of city infrastructure. This encompasses streets, where the committee reviews and approves maintenance and development projects to ensure safe and efficient road networks. They oversee water distribution and wastewater management, ensuring the provision of clean and reliable utilities. Additionally, they are tasked with the management of properties and facilities owned by the city, overseeing their maintenance and efficient use. The committee also plays a key role in approving capital improvement projects, vital for enhancing the city's infrastructure and fostering continued growth and development. In these capacities, the infrastructure committee safeguards the city's essential services and infrastructure, contributing to its overall well-being and progress.
Members: Aldermen Dan Beebe, Heather Brown, Sandra Dimas, Alton Hallett, Joseph Morano, Jeanne Short, and John C. Smith
The Public Affairs Committee serves as a critical overseer of various public-facing functions. Their responsibilities involve monitoring and providing approval for key aspects of city life. They oversee The City Museum, ensuring its maintenance, accessibility, and cultural relevance for the community. The committee is also responsible for public events, approving and facilitating gatherings that promote community engagement and well-being. In the realm of code enforcement, they review and approve policies and regulations to maintain the city's integrity and safety. Additionally, they play a pivotal role in overseeing law enforcement, ensuring that the police department operates in accordance with the law and maintains public safety. In these capacities, the Public Affairs Committee contributes to the vibrancy, culture, and safety of the City, fostering a thriving community.
Members: Committee Members: Aldermen Heather Brown, Alton Hallett, Melissa Birch Ferguson, John C. Smith, and Jeanne Short
Boards & Commissions
The City of West Chicago has eight separate Boards and Commissions, and appointments are typically reserved for residents. All Board and Commission members serve as volunteers of the City and serve at the convenience of the Mayor, who appoints members to Boards and Commissions with the concurrence of the City Council, where such appointment requires it.
Board and Commission meetings may be once or twice per month. The public meeting schedule and all public meetings agendas and minutes are provided on the City's website.
The City's Boards and Commissions, consist of the following:
Board & Commission Application
Members of the public that are interested in serving on a Board or Commission, may complete a Boards and Commission Application form. The completed application may be submitted to the Office of the Mayor by emailing it to info@westchicago.org, or by faxing it to (630) 293-3028. Please call (630) 293-2200 ext. 170 for any questions.
In addition to the application, volunteers must sign the Boards and Commissions Handbook, which lays out some simple rules of decorum and expectations for volunteer members.
Civil Service Commission
The Civil Service Commission is established by State Statute and exists to assess the City’s hiring practices for Police. It ensures that the City impartially recruits and selects qualified candidates for employment. It also hears employee discipline cases.
Members: Keith Letsche (Chairperson), Kevin Millon and Edmond Moore
Cultural Arts Commission
The Cultural Arts Commission functions to foster the arts in West Chicago. This is done through advising the city council on supporting cultural arts, enriching the community's quality of life through the development of diverse arts programs, fostering unity and collaboration among local arts groups, promoting arts events, and assisting local arts groups with funding, grants, planning, and legal matters relating to arts.
Read more about the Cultural Arts Commission in the City’s Municipal Code.
Members: Heidi Kuharich (Chair), Gene (Buddy) Plumlee (Vice Chair), Uwe Gsedl, Deborah Walsh, Jacob Hernandez, Maria Paulina Garcia and Bruce Treudt.
Economic Development Commission
The Economic Development Commission functions to cultivate an environment in which commercial, cultural and community enterprises will flourish. They will accomplish this by working with the City Council and City Staff to realize appropriate goals and objectives relating to sound business policies, an increased tax base and employment opportunities.
Read more about the Economic Development Commission in the City's Municipal Code.
Members: Steve Beles (Chair), Sarah Harms, Mark Moran, Omar Espinosa, Joe Ventimiglia, and Dave Sabathne
Environmental Commission
The Environmental Commission has an interest in protection and improvement of the environment, efficient management of natural resources, and enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the City. The Commission is tasked with keeping the Mayor and City Council informed about state and federal environmental laws that may necessitate their attention. Furthermore, the committee makes recommendations to enhance the city's environment through policies, programs, and goals that align with state and federal regulations as well as community feedback.
Read more about the Environmental Commission in the City's Municipal Code.
Members: Robert Blaus, Bethany Brown, Thomas F. Cherrington, Nazree Diane Williams, and Allen A. Rodriguez
Historical Preservation Commission
The commission’s role is to provide input to the Mayor and City Council on all historical sites in the City. This includes ensuring that historical sites in town are properly recognized and maintained, as well as recommendations pertaining to the historic district. The commission also works to assist historical property owners to secure funding through grants or donations.
Read more about the Historical Preservation Commission in the City's Municipal Code.
Members: Vince Malina (Chair), Keith Letsche (Vice Chairperson), Richard Vigsnes, Reverend Bill Andrews, SueEllen Edwards, and Wendy Christman
Liquor Control/Tobacco Commission
This Commission exists as an administrative body for the Liquor and Tobacco licenses in the City. It approves licenses and renewals and then sends them to City Council. It also handles suspension and revocation of licenses, holding hearings when necessary.
Members: Mayor Ruben Pineda, Alderman Rebecca Stout, and Alderman Sandy Dimas
Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals
The Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals role is to review and make recommendations on matters related to zoning. This includes hearings on amendments to the zoning ordinance and maps, reviewing plats of subdivisions, hearing appeals, and holding hearings on special use permits and other developments.
Read more about the Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals in the City's Municipal Code.
Members: Barbara Laimins (Chairperson), Steve Hale, David Kasprak, Bradley Henkin, Tony Banasiak, Hannah Billingsley, and Thomas M. Slattery
Police Pension Fund Board
The Police Pension Fund Board is established by State Statute and made up of two Mayor appointed members, two active participants in the pension fund elected by their peers, and one member elected by the beneficiaries. These members make recommendations and inform the Council on all matters related to the fund and its condition.
Members: John Zurick, Dan Herbert, Anthony Cargola, Michael Guttman, Tia Messino