Above / Civic Plaza with the Dandelion Fountain along the Riverwalk is a popular gathering place that leads to the Webster Street Covered Bridge just steps from the Naperville Municipal Center. Also known as “City Hall,” the Naperville Municipal Center is located at 400 S. Eagle Street. A City Council Workshop regarding the City’s Strategic Plan begins at 6PM Mon., June 7.
Our city needs quality nonpartisan representation (In Naperville, city council members, school board members and park district commissioners are elected as nonpartisans.) on all local governing bodies; independent individuals eager to serve, listen, think critically and respond to “we the people.” Our city also needs residents who watch.
Since September 2001, PN’s mission has been to highlight local events in advance as well as to promote local enterprises, trying to urge folks to participate and pay attention to local lifestyles. Our aim has not been to provide detailed accounts that follow the agendas of public meetings. We’ve always encouraged folks to watch, become enlightened and pay attention where it matters most, right here in Naperville.
When asked to “cover” events, we explain that “we preview rather than review.”
Such are promises, trying to stick to facts
We admit, however, to being local government junkies, regularly following the meetings conducted in public by locally-elected officials. That way we aim to avoid hearsay. Watching meetings allows knowing when thoughts are omitted or taken out of context that sometimes appear as bias in other media.
Nonetheless, we’re mindful that what you hear sometimes depends where you sit.
And as Simon and Garfunkel sang in The Boxer… “Such are promises, all lies and jest. Still, a man hears what he wants to hear. And disregards the rest.”
All that said and sung, viewing local governing bodies at work is enlightening, sometimes accompanied with drama, comedy and tragedy as well as best bets.
Recent public meetings with awards/proclamations, public comments and public approvals are saved for your review by your local governing bodies…
While it’s not always easy to find the archives of past meetings the first time you look for city council, school boards or park district board, it gets easier with familiarity to their websites and more frequent access. Here’s hoping readers will take a little time to watch and attend in person, especially now that public meetings have opened again.
Naperville City Council
The City of Naperville is served by the nine-member Naperville City Council, including Mayor Steve Chirico, Ian Holzhauer*, Paul Leong*, Jennifer Bruzan Taylor*, Benny White, Patty Gustin, Paul Hinterlong, Pat Kelly and Theresa Sullivan. (*First 4-year term)
The next Naperville City Council workshop begins at 6PM, Mon., June 7. 2021. Click here for agenda that includes steps for the Naperville Strategic Plan.
The next Naperville City Council meeting begins at 7PM, Tues., June 15. 2021.
City of Naperville Boards & Commissions
The City of Naperville is home to 23 boards and commissions.
Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners
Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting (Click here), Newly-elected Commissioners Rhonda Ansier, Mary Gibson, Leslie Ruffing and Alison Thompson joined Rich Janor, Marie Todd and Josh McBroom on the 7-member Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners. On May 27, Marie Todd was elected to serve as President Pro Tempore.
- First meeting of the month (held on the second Thursday) is generally held at 7PM.
- Second meeting of the month (held on the fourth Thursday) is generally held at 6:30PM
- Park Board regular meeting schedule (Next up: 7PM Thurs., June 10)
- Board agendas and minutes
School District 203
The 7-member School District 203 Board of Education is served by Kristen Fitzgerald (President), Kristine Gericke, Donna Wandke, Charles Cush, Joe Kozminski, Tony Casey* and Amanda McMillen*. (*First four-year term)
Click here for 203 Board Meetings with links to archives.
A District 203 Workshop is slated for 7PM Mon., June 7, 2021. The meeting will be held at Naperville Central High School, 440 West Aurora Ave. Time for public comment is provided. June 7, 2021 Board Meeting video now attached.
Also this month, a board meeting will begin at 7PM on Mon., June 21, 2021.
District 203 Board of Education holds business meetings at 7PM on the third Monday of the month. Special meetings are scheduled as required. Time for public comment is provided.
School District 204
The 7-member School District 204 Board of Education is served by Laurie Donahue (President), Mark Rising, Susan Demming, Allison Fosdick, Natasha Grover*, Supna Jain* and Justin Karubas. (*First four-year term)
Future 204 School Board Meetings with links to archives are found here.
Regular Board Meeting: 7PM Mon., June 14, 2021. Time for public comment is provided.
Do you know elected officials serving local governing bodies?
Get to know your elected officials—all local residents. Perhaps they’re also friends, neighbors, maybe even family, who ran to serve this community.
When residents take time to watch local governing bodies while officials conduct business either “live” or saved in an archive, it’s more likely that “hearsay” can be prevented.
Thanks for taking time to get the straight scoop of local actions by regularly watching officials elected to serve you. We appreciate that our city’s governing bodies have made their meetings transparent and accessible around the clock.
Elected officials will benefit from hearing from you. No matter which side of the dais you’re sitting, being informed takes time.
—Stephanie Penick, PN
