Trustee Matt Slade presented his official resignation to the Board for the November 14, 2022 board meeting. Trustee Slade, who also serves in the National Guard, has had changes in his work schedule and career path which has made attendance at Village meetings difficult moving forward. He brought incredible value to the board with his forward thinking, vision, government research skills, calm & rational demeaner and desire to serve his community, as well as his country.
With the possibility of Trustee Slade stepping down and in efforts to avoid having a vacant seat, in particular during budget time, several interested community members were consulted to determine who would take the position for the five months remaining in the current term (per Illinois Municipal Code 65 ILCS 5/3.1-10-50). The appointee MUST run in the April 4, 2023 election to retain their seat for the next 4 year term.
Craig Cox was approved for appointment to complete the unexpired term of Trustee Matt Slade at last night’s Village Board meeting and will be sworn in at the December 12, 2022 Village Board meeting. Craig recently completed his Master in Public Health Degree and obtained a Certificate of Achievement in Health Management and Policy. He currently works at Four Rivers Sanitation Authority (formerly Rock River Water Reclamation District) where he works directly with Wastewater and Sewage Treatment and is IEPA Class 1 Wastewater Certified which will bring valuable knowledge to the Board as the Water & Sewer Chair. Craig and his wife are Durand High School graduates and are raising their three sons here in Durand. He enjoys coaching, being involved in his sons’ activities and spending time with family and friends.
*Committee Chair positions for the remainder of Fiscal year 2022/2023 will be as follows:
Finance: LeAnn Clark, EA/Accounting, Durand/Lena
Economic Development/Community Action: John Guth, Executive Director for Kenrock Community Center, Rockford
Buildings & Parks: Fran Waller, Retired, Lifelong Durand Resident and Volunteer. Home overlooks the park.
Streets & Alleys: Ben Fritz, Building Inspector for the City of Freeport
Water & Sewer: Craig Cox, Wastewater & Sewer Operation, Rockford
Police: AJ Becker, Telecommunications, Durand
*All Trustees serve on a Committee as the Whole, each having input in all committee matters but each serving as Chair to a Department
Petitions packets for the April 4, 2023 election are still available from Mary Sphatt, Village Clerk at Matteson’s Service Center during their business hours. Filing dates are between December 12-19, 2022. Ballot position is determined by order of filing with the Village Clerk. Currently there are 7 petitions taken out for 4 open seats.