Montgomery Seeks New Clerk, Plan Commissioner

For the second time in a year, Village President Marilyn Michelini is looking for a new village clerk, and a new member of the Plan Commission.

Michelini announced at Monday’s Village Board meeting that Carla Cooper, who served as clerk since April, had stepped down. Cooper cited increased time demands at her full-time job as the reason for her resignation. Cooper was chosen to fill the remainder of Barbara Argo’s term when Argo last February.

"I've enjoyed serving the village of Montgomery," Cooper said.

So the search is on for a new clerk, whose job includes attending all village meetings, taking notes and transcribing them into minutes. Additionally, after nine years on the Plan Commission, Jason Bragg has decided not to ask for re-appointment, so Michelini is on the hunt for someone to replace him as well.

Bragg's term is up this month, and his last meeting is Thursday.

Bragg said he is hoping to spend more time with his family—his son's Scout meetings are on Thursdays, and conflict with Plan Commission meetings. But also, he said, he wants to be more involved with local politics, and shaping the direction of Montgomery.

Bragg said he is proud to have been on the commission for several projects, including the new Village Hall, the Odgen Hills development (including the new Montgomery branch of the Oswego Public Library), and the continuing development of the Orchard Road corridor.

Michelini has just finished a search for another new plan commissioner—on Monday, the Village Board approved Theresa Sperling as a replacement for Clarence Bark, who last month after 32 years. Michelini said she has already spoken with the applicants for that position, and informed them that another has opened up.

She’s also done the same with last year’s nine unselected applicants for the clerk’s position, she said, asking if they’re still interested. Michelini is accepting applications from those who did not previously apply, too, but only through Jan. 20.

Michelini then hopes to have candidates selected and ready for Village Board approval by the end of this month. She hopes to have a new clerk and plan commissioner in place for the first meetings in February.

The Village Clerk is an elected position, so Michelini’s choice (if approved by the Village Board) will serve out the remainder of Argo’s term, which ends in April 2013. The position pays $6,000 a year. A new plan commissioner would serve a full term, through January 2015.

Those interested in applying should send a resume and cover letter by Jan. 20 to Michelini at 200 N. River St., Montgomery, IL  60538, or email it to michelini@ci.montgomery.il.us.