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Board approves appointment of Brian Gruen as Westmont police chief
Summary
The village board approved an employment agreement appointing Brian Gruen as chief of police; the contract uses a standard form and the start date is listed as July 14 with a ceremonial swearing planned.
The Westmont Village Board voted to approve an employment agreement appointing Brian Gruen as the village—hief of police. Village Manager Gunther presented the agreement and described Gruen as an experienced deputy promoted to chief; the board approved the appointment by roll call.
Why it matters: Changing a police chief affects department leadership and continuity in public safety operations. The board approved a standard appointment agreement; no compensation details beyond the form language were discussed at the meeting.
Gunther told the board the employment agreement is "a rather boilerplate contract" that follows established village processes and was circulated to trustees in advance by Attorney Zemenak. Manager Gunther said he had supervised Gruen in several capacities and described him as an "excellent choice" to be police chief.
A motion to approve the agreement was made by Trustee Plowman, seconded by Trustee Barker, and carried on a roll call vote with all trustees present voting yes. The contract text presented in the meeting listed an effective date of July 24; Manager Gunther later noted the employee's start date is listed as July 14 (the start of a pay period) and that the swearing‑in will be ceremonial.
Discussion versus action: The board took formal action to approve the appointment agreement. No amendments to the contract were made during the meeting.
Next steps: Gruen will assume duties consistent with the employment agreement and the village will schedule an official swearing‑in ceremony at a future meeting.
