City of West Chicago, Illinois

Where History and Progress Meet

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Elected Officials

Form of Government

Mayor-City Council Form of Government

The City operates under the Mayor-City Council form of government, with seven wards, each represented in the City Council by two elected representatives known as Aldermen. The Mayor is also elected. Together, the Mayor and City Council function as the policy-making body of the City, exercising all policy-making and legislative powers.

Office of the Mayor

Mayor Daniel Bovey

Personal History

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Current Term

Mayor Bovey has served as Mayor since being elected in 2025. His current term is 2025 through 2029.

Mayor Duties

The Mayor is the Chief Executive Officer of the City. The Mayor shall have all the powers and perform all the duties, which are prescribed by law, the code and ordinances of the city, or by established custom, and shall take care that all laws and ordinances are faithfully executed. The Mayor presides over the City Council, voting only in the event of a tie. Additionally, it shall be the Mayor's duty:

  • To attend and preside at all regular meetings, committees of the whole and special meetings of the Council.
  • To appoint and remove, with the advice and consent of the Council, the City Administrator, the Chief of Police and the corporation counsel.
  • To appoint all standing and special committees of the Council.
  • To make all appointments, with the advice and consent of Council, to the various Boards and Commissions of the City as required by law, this Code or otherwise.
  • To serve as the City's official spokesperson and represent the City before governmental agencies, private and public organizations, citizen's groups, and the media.
  • To sign all commissions, licenses, warrants, and permits as authorized by law.
  • To recommend to the Council for adoption municipal goals and objectives as well as such measures as he may deem necessary or expedient to accomplish them.
  • To issue all official proclamations.
  • To serve as the local Liquor Control Commissioner for the City, as provided by statute, and as such shall be charged with the administration of the provisions of the Illinois Dram Shop Act and all provisions of this Code relating to alcoholic liquor.

Coffee with the Mayor

Residents are invited for Coffee with the Mayor regularly on the last Saturday of January, April*, July, and October from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the West Chicago City Hall located at 475 Main Street.

Coffee with the Mayor provides residents with an opportunity to informally discuss items of interest for the community.

View upcoming events on the City's event calendar.

*The April "Coffee with the Mayor" is often rescheduled for West Chicago's Blooming Fest event held on the third Saturday of May, please make sure to view the City's calendar.  

City Council

City Council Duties

The City Council's authority encompasses the adoption of ordinances and resolutions, approval of the City's annual budget, and enactment of tax levies. The fourteen members of the non-partisan City Council serve overlapping four-year terms.

City Council Meetings

West Chicago's City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 475 Main Street, unless otherwise indicated.

View upcoming or past City Council meeting agendas and minutes on the City's website.

Elections & Voting

All elections and voting are managed by DuPage County. The City is not responsible for any portion of the election and voting process. Questions and comments should be directed to the DuPage County Election Division, 630-407-5600.

Elected Official Conduct Policy

It is the Policy of the City of West Chicago that all Elected Officials of the City conform their conduct to all State and Federal laws, statutes as well as the ordinances and resolutions of the City of West Chicago and the general decorum required of the Elected Position held.  Upon entering upon the Office to which they are elected, each Elected Official of the City is required to take an Oath of Office affirming the faithful discharge of the duties and responsibilities as an Elected Official of the City of West Chicago.

View the Elected Official Conduct Policy

City Council Wards

The City is broken up into seven wards for the purposes of electing Aldermen to the City Council. Wards are based on population and are evaluated every ten years based on new Census data. The wards were last updated based on 2020 Census data.

Two Aldermen are elected from each of the seven wards constituting the City Council. One Alderman is elected at the general municipal election simultaneously with the Mayor and serves a four-year term, continuing until a successor is elected and qualified. The second Alderman is elected at the subsequent regular general municipal election, also serving a four-year term until a successor is elected and qualified.

 

The public can view an interactive map of the City Council wards on the City's website.

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.

Finance Committee

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, Sandy Dimas, Alton Hallett, Matthew Myers, Jayme Sheahan, Rebecca Stout, and Chris Swiatek

Development Committee

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 Julieta Alcantar-Garcia, Melissa Birch Ferguson, Heather Brown, Denise Carreto-Munoz, Matthew Myers, Rebecca Stout, and Chris Swiatek

Infrastructure Committee

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 Carlos Avina Soto, Dan Beebe, Sandra Dimas, Alton Hallett, Joseph Morano, Jayme Sheahan, and John C. Smith

Public Affairs Committee

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 Julieta Alcantar-Garcia, Carlos Avina Soto, Heather Brown, Denise Carreto-Munoz, Melissa Birch Ferguson, Joseph Morano, and John C. Smith.

Ward 1

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Dan Beebe

Julieta Alcántar-Garcia

About Alderman Julieta Alcántar-Garcia

Ward 2

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Jayme Sheahan

About Alderman Sheahan

"I know the great potential of West Chicago after growing up in this town. I look forward to continuing the great tradition and creating a new one."

Jayme Sheahan is a third-generation West Chicago resident and serves on the Development and Finance Committees. she has worked for a Fortune 500 company for over 25years she understands the importance of serving others and providing great customer service.

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Heather Brown

About Alderman Brown

Alderman Heather Brown was appointed in 2017, elected in 2019 and 2021. She has been serving on the Infrastructure and Public Affairs Committees. She became a resident in West Chicago with her husband in 2011, and is a mother of two.

Alderman Brown has been active in several sporting events; Chicago Triathlons, charity bike rides for Tri City Health Partnerships for low income Medical and Dental services. She volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, rebuilding homes for victims of hurricane Katrina in Mississippi. Additionally, she volunteers with the American Red Cross to help disaster victims in Illinois. Staring in 2018, she became the head coordinator for helping those in her Ward with Neighborhood Watch programs and information. In 2020 Alderman Brown has been an avid administer to fostering abandon animals with families in Ward 2. 2021 she began working with DuPage County Animal Shelter.

Ward 3

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Alton “Spence” Hallett

About Alderman Hallett

Alderman Al Hallett began serving on the City Council in 2013. His strong desire to work withand for the residents of West Chicago is continually evident. Currently he is member of the Infrastructure Committee as well as the Public Affairs Committee for the City.

In addition, Alderman Hallett volunteers with the West Chicago Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). He is certified with the Medic Basic Plus rating in CPR, AED, and First Aid for Adults.

He and his wife Cindy moved to West Chicago in 1976.  They have one son, Scott, who has been diagnosed with Autism. They were part of the founding Board of Directors of Friends for Therapeutic Equine Activities (FTEA) in 1996, an organization in which they are both still active. FTEA is located in Wayne, IL and annually serves over 200 children and adults with special needs.

Flying is Alderman Hallett's favorite passion. He is Co-Chairman of Construction/Maintenance for the Vintage Aircraft Association (VAA) in Oshkosh, WI. VAA is a division of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) founded in 1953.He and his wife are members of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Warrenville, IL. Alderman Hallett is an Air Force Veteran and the recipient of the Republic of Vietnam Commendation Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Denise Carreto-Muñoz

About Alderman Denise Carreto-Muñoz

Ward 4

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Melissa Birch Ferguson

About Alderman Birch Ferguson

Alderman Melissa Birch Ferguson was appointed to the City Council in 2014, and elected in April 2015.

She grew up in West Chicago, and attended West Chicago Community High School before receiving a BA from Northern Illinois University.

She previously served on the Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals and Civil Service Commission.

She is a volunteer at heart and is actively involved with West Chicago Sister Cities and the West Chicago American Legion Auxiliary.

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Sandy Dimas

About Alderman Dimas

"I want West Chicago to be a thriving, friendly community; one in which all residents feel they can share their concerns and questions, which will be met with respect and honesty."

Alderman Sandy Dimas has been a resident of West Chicago for more than 25 years and an elected official for over 12 years. She serves as Chairperson of the Finance Committee, and on the Infrastructure Committee.

She is currently employed at Wegner Elementary School and Community Fellowship Church, and volunteers as a member of CERT. She enjoys attending community events such as Railroad Days, Frosty Fest, Bloomingfest, National Night Out and so many others. Her personal interests include gardening, golf and just walking or biking through the neighborhood.

Ward 5

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John C. Smith

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Christopher Swiatek

About Alderman Swiatek

Alderman Swiatek was appointed to the City Council in October 2018. He and his family have resided in West Chicago for 20 years. He currently serves on the Finance and Public Affairs committees. He has previously served the community through the Park District and local Cub Scouts. He looks forward to serving the residents of West Chicago through working to further the economic development of the city.

Ward 6

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Rebecca Stout

About Alderman Stout

I was first elected in 2003.  I love having a part in helping to make West Chicago into a great city in which to live and raise a family that it has become.  Outside of being an Alderman I enjoy bowling, traveling with my family, being a parent to two furry children, and a grandma as well."

Alderman Rebecca Stout is a graduate of West Chicago Community High School. She has worked as a teacher’s assistant for children with physical and/or learning challenges. She serves as Chairperson on the Development Committee, and on the Finance Committee and Liquor Control Commission, as well as being the Chairperson of the West Chicago Citizen Corps Council/West Chicago CERT.

Alderman Stout is passionate about public safety and preparedness, and promoting quality growth and development for the community.

Carlos Aviña Soto

About Alderman Carlos Aviña Soto

Ward 7

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Joseph Morano

About Alderman Morano

My wife Lucy, our triplets and I have grown up and lived in and around West Chicago most of our lives, so when we bought our ‘forever home’ here I have made it a goal to really get rooted and do as much as we can to continue to help our community.”

Alderman Joseph Morano served in the United States Air Force as a Missile Maintenance Technician before beginning his studies at Southern Illinois University. He has worked in sales management for 12 years and is currently an account executive, working with law firms, health care facilities and municipalities to improve work flows, vendor consolidation and procurement.

Alderman Morano has a history of public service beginning in the Air Force when he spent his spare time on special projects to improve life on the base. More recently, he sits on the Board of the Cornerstone Lakes subdivision serving his neighbors. He was appointed to represent Ward 7 of the City Council by Mayor Ruben Pineda in February 2021.

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Matthew Myers

About Alderman Matthew Myers