Two new trustees have officially joined the Franklin Park village board.
Newcomers Gilbert Hagerstrom and Irene Avitia were sworn in Monday, as was incumbent Trustee Bill Ruhl.
The three were elected April 2 in an uncontested race. Candidate Gerald Dillon, Jr., was removed from the ballot by the village’s electoral board in January after his nominating papers were challenged.
Also Monday, Roberta Johnson was appointed village clerk in a unanimous vote and Johnson was sworn in. Avitia had been the village clerk prior to being elected trustee and Johnson will fill the remaining two years of Avitia’s term.
In addition, the board unanimously approved resolutions recognizing outgoing trustees Cheryl McLean and James Caporusso as part of its consent agenda vote.
“We are really honored to be able to say goodbye to two very good friends,” Mayor Barrett Pedersen said.
McLean sat on the village board for 20 years, and in her parting remarks noted progress the village made during her time as an elected official in its efforts to improve health, safety and environmentalism in Franklin Park.
Caporusso, who was a trustee for four years, thanked village staff members for their dedication and said that sitting on the board allowed him to learn and grow.
“Nothing has been more rewarding than serving as your trustee,” he said.
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