[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6396155,"mediaKeyId","2097518-88b79738cbed3dbd354b1a68fd169095","parentId",2097518,"title","Westmont honors longtime village clerk Ginny Simmski on retirement after 27+ years","audioSeconds",301,"startMs",2574000,"endMs",2875000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2097518-88b79738cbed3dbd354b1a68fd169095&start=2574&end=2875","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2097518-88b79738cbed3dbd354b1a68fd169095/thumbnail_2574000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6396155/Westmont/DuPage-County/Illinois/Westmont-honors-longtime-village-clerk-Ginny-Simmski-on-retirement-after-27-years","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6396155-0dfaf2448500d62401e1c1af9ecf61a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1776056958&Signature=Xerp-WsJer8CT6zzihQqOicI3-rQ16axk96~T3CekWBq3nGpNNRxV3Bm9wowZkocJrfwvICPcKSTQPy1ANeBbI4O8b2-xycT8JfgDrjAXGkg2Q3WQ6dlbM2ONcxHbn8WeyKqE5sEg293TOpJpr9VMZCSvPn4sov4R0m7qhX55eKC5NONcgyChPEOOPxHSZFM0hZZ~atWfc~L-aQuEZzsvKUFX~xQiy0xj21RkX0anGf9PqsjrxfDtgUTRFcK39kKfv9ddMCCfFz1thIj2TAj5AMjq9R~YOKlLzwz4zX3IhzdNao7JAAGHedjoa1BQ2lEfVS7dZjz5XKSTHeCIZzI9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Village of Westmont, IL","date","2025-01-10T01:20:10Z","article","The Westmont Village Board presented a retirement proclamation and public tributes to Village Clerk Ginny (Virginia) Simmski at its Jan. 9 meeting, honoring more than 27 years of municipal service.

Mayor Ronald J. Gunther read a proclamation summarizing Simmski’s service and invited her to the dais. Board members, former trustees and community leaders spoke in praise of her decades of work for the village. Joanne Regona, city clerk of Darien, and former chamber and trustee leaders also addressed the meeting and highlighted Simmski’s statewide clerk involvement and professional certifications.

Simmski received national and state recognition during her tenure; speakers noted she was named Illinois Clerk of the Year in 2016 and had earned municipal clerk certifications and attended numerous clerk‑training programs. Her family and friends — including her husband, who recited two poems, and her daughter — spoke at the meeting. Simmski told the board, “I love this place. I loved being the clerk. I’m happy here.”

Mayor Gunther said Simmski’s niece, Amanda Simmski, is the only candidate on the upcoming ballot for village clerk and will be appointed to fill the vacancy at a future meeting, ensuring continuity in the clerk’s office.

Why it matters
The clerk’s office manages official records, meeting minutes, oaths and many administrative tasks that support municipal government operations. The proclamation and tributes marked a long staff tenure and an organized transition in municipal records and clerk duties.

What’s next
Clerk Simmski’s last official duties will be recorded in the minutes; the board said it will appoint Amanda Simmski to fill the office prior to the upcoming election.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-01-09 Village of Westmont Regular Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Westmont board presented a proclamation and tributes to Village Clerk Ginny Simmski at the Jan. 9 meeting, recognizing more than 27 years of service and state clerk awards.","taxTitle","Westmont, DuPage County, Illinois","taxId",52068,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6396160,"Westmont swears in Matthew Scales as trustee; assigns committee responsibilities",141,311000,452000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2097518-88b79738cbed3dbd354b1a68fd169095&start=311&end=452","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2097518-88b79738cbed3dbd354b1a68fd169095/thumbnail_311000.jpg","/articles/6396160/Westmont/DuPage-County/Illinois/Westmont-swears-in-Matthew-Scales-as-trustee-assigns-committee-responsibilities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6396160-a5acb2b4df1e20e58801033239211bd6/orig.mp4?Expires=1776056958&Signature=bOkh-ip7khYxT1yIAdJWWpHDGgg0v-2~kZE66tm2ZoFP8bta454TguFfA78Twvk6l1J~zZNrO~XF04BIlAzw3UniZWo6y2QJOZEgWoBBw8n5MkOM-L9pW94EVfDC75EyrpCk6V71uR6VIUqOz1LKaCZnPdXFxl1grxRSDiW8vro56kpR5vK2Q1mrEsty~HQZtSVhp4~jt56xvHS9HG2sEf0mjMDd48rWHfhFRXL-fsoqAc0BDAqoSGlD7ELXsVy5NDVMHHoJTd48DsPg5qGXwcKeX~MdJ454dLKGsPTSF3nTTThdhT-5zr~PWQ4USip1xUvq1GvnN2yPLsto8FxOTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Matthew Scales took the oath of office at the Westmont Village Board meeting on Jan. 9, filling the vacancy created when a previous trustee left. Mayor Ronald J. Gunther presided over the ceremony and Clerk Ginny Simmski administered the oath.

Scales introduced himself to the board and audience, noting his five years of prior service on the village Planning & Zoning Commission and saying he looked forward to the new role. “I’m honored to be here and looking forward to filling this role and working with all of you folks and all the great work you’ve done,” Scales said.

Following the swearing‑in, the mayor announced committee assignments: Trustee Berry will chair the Police Safety Committee and Trustee Scales will chair the Community Development Committee through May, filling interim vacancies in committee leadership. Clerk Simmski then took a roll call to establish the new board composition.

Why it matters
The appointment fills a board vacancy and places a trustee with recent P&Z experience into Community Development committee leadership ahead of upcoming planning matters. The board made the assignments during the meeting; no separate vote was recorded for these committee assignments.

What’s next
Scales will be sworn in at future commission meetings as required and will assume committee responsibilities immediately; staff will list the new chair assignments on committee schedules and agendas.","Matthew Scales was sworn in Jan. 9 to fill a village board vacancy and was named chair of the Community Development Committee through May; Trustee Berry was named Police Safety Committee chair.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6396165,"Westmont board approves multiple permits, finance ordinances and development changes",3334,969000,4303000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2097518-88b79738cbed3dbd354b1a68fd169095&start=969&end=4303","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2097518-88b79738cbed3dbd354b1a68fd169095/thumbnail_969000.jpg","/articles/6396165/Westmont/DuPage-County/Illinois/Westmont-board-approves-multiple-permits-finance-ordinances-and-development-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6396165-16e2a1173a2e4b733a6b771a360234be/orig.mp4?Expires=1776056958&Signature=Yumh2PVbErnurpr2TBAJGJenWdT1X1yvSuQbOkZ3gFq9Ue5mqLuZG1l~VuAtjsVU3wLxmV4RmNK~7B2C~VkRUGgdvex4ewvMUx0fd1siditHiocBmP3U0Y2yqzIlJwO3LdLl1mr8S6RV02k-QO68gB02E5OaqaMc-668R3-fCitweuPF3hNkt-Y8yrS9DGeVK2pmpKf49cjXSuIxf4jIfS3W8pXz0M147avL2dgQv8BaLwluU1oeaIzg~iBXHb--geaAPGWMSKFn7MxN7o7v0~tJbC4ZJSR6bpHJzgHvLoZ6HV1B3fnaawfJI8ivIIXZpAQfvwWxLOJuJrUuChM7hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Westmont Village Board on Jan. 9 approved a package of ordinances and permits that included two finance ordinances and purchase orders, special-use permits for two downtown businesses, an amended planned development for Westmont Yard, and authorization for construction‑phase engineering on a water‑main extension.

The items were adopted by roll call vote after staff presentations and brief trustee discussion. The consent agenda included Finance Ordinance No. 18 for $2,000,000,158.97 and Finance Ordinance No. 1 for $1,228,047.24, for a combined amount of $3,228,206.21, plus purchase orders and simultaneous payments that brought the total listed on the consent agenda to $3,788,760.05. Purchase orders cited in the packet included DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau ($46,538.20), Community Unit School District 201 (a TIF payment, $267,702.64) and Curry Motors ($127,413) for a Ford F‑600 chassis.

The board also approved two zoning actions recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission: a special‑use permit and development permit for PostNet to operate at 36 N. Cass Ave., and a special‑use permit for Amalgam Martial Arts Academy to occupy 27 E. Chicago Ave. Director Hennerfein told the board both items received unanimous positive recommendations from Planning & Zoning.

Trustees discussed delivery and package‑drop logistics for the PostNet location on Cass Avenue, with Trustee Barker noting the need to manage UPS and FedEx stops on the street. The PostNet owner said he intends to work with drivers and add signage to direct deliveries to the alley and the rear parking area.

For 233 W. 63rd St., the board approved an amended and restated planned development and related site and landscape plan to formalize expanded outdoor uses tied to the property known as Westmont Yard. Community development staff said the amended plan clarifies which outdoor areas the childcare/daycare operation may use, and adds temporary fencing and play areas required by the state for licensed outdoor play. Bill Gust, a representative for the property, described the site as a long‑running, popular operation and the board discussed its parking needs and weekday/weekend usage.

The board authorized an engineering services agreement with Baxter & Woodman, Inc. for phase 3 construction services on the Lincoln and 41st Street water‑main extension project. Director Reese said the work will cover construction administration, field inspection and documentation for the water main extension near Liberty Park.

The board also adopted a resolution supporting the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference legislative action program for the 2025 session; Mel Karski presented the resolution as Westmont’s representative on that countywide committee.

All motions listed above were adopted by roll call. Where a specific vote tally was recorded, trustees present voted “yes” and the motions passed; the board did not record any “no” votes on the items covered here.

Votes at a glance
- Consent agenda (minutes; Finance Ordinance No. 18 — $2,000,000,158.97; Finance Ordinance No. 1 — $1,228,047.24; three purchase orders including DuPage CVB $46,538.20, CUSD 201 $267,702.64 (TIF 2 payment), Curry Motors $127,413): Approved (roll call: Trustees Parker, Berry, Guzzo, Barker, Little, Nero, Scales — recorded as yes). Notes: total on consent listed as $3,788,760.05.
- Confirm appointment of John Simpson to Planning & Zoning Commission: Approved (motion Nero; second Little; roll call yes).
- Special‑use permit and B1 development permit for PostNet, 36 N. Cass Ave.: Approved (motion made and seconded; roll call yes). Staff noted Planning & Zoning recommended approval; trustees discussed delivery access and signage.
- Special‑use permit for Amalgam Martial Arts Academy, 27 E. Chicago Ave.: Approved (motion Little; second Guzzo; roll call yes). Staff noted unanimous Planning & Zoning recommendation.
- Amended and restated planned development, amended site and landscape plan for Westmont Yard, 233 W. 63rd St.: Approved (motion Scales; second Nero; roll call yes). Staff explained the amendment formalizes outdoor play areas and bus/van circulation for daycare operations.
- Engineering services agreement, Baxter & Woodman, Inc., Lincoln/41st water main extension (phase 3 construction services): Approved (motion Berry; second Barker; roll call yes). Item covers construction administration, inspection and documentation.
- Resolution supporting DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference legislative action program (2025): Approved (motion Little; second not specified; roll call yes).

What trustees asked for follow up or clarification
- The board asked staff to monitor and, if needed, coordinate parking/delivery controls for the new PostNet franchise on Cass Avenue.
- Trustees requested continued clarity about how TIF revenues are shared with Community Unit School District 201; staff explained the CUSD 201 payment is a share of increment from Central Business District TIF No. 2.

Why it matters
The packet of approvals touches village finances, downtown business activity and a high‑profile mixed‑use property (Westmont Yard) that houses events and childcare. The water‑main engineering contract moves forward an infrastructure project in the Lincoln/41st/Liberty Park area. The TIF payment listed on the consent agenda highlights ongoing interactions between local redevelopment financing and school district revenue shares.","At its Jan. 9 meeting the Westmont Village Board approved finance ordinances totaling more than $3.3 million, multiple special-use and site permits, an amended planned development for Westmont Yard, a construction engineering contract and a DuPage Mayors and Managers resolution.","actionData","errors"]

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Westmont honors longtime village clerk Ginny Simmski on retirement after 27+ years

Westmont swears in Matthew Scales as trustee; assigns committee responsibilities

Westmont board approves multiple permits, finance ordinances and development changes