Swansea moves forward with hires, swears in probationary officer and approves two public-works job descriptions

The Swansea Board advanced a slate of personnel actions and authorized two new public-works job descriptions at its July meeting.

Mayor and Chief Bloom introduced and swore in probationary police officer Brandon Lawrence, who joins the Swansea Police Department after time with Fairmont City and service in the Illinois Army National Guard. The board publicly welcomed Lawrence.

In committee action the board placed on file a resignation from sewer clerk Bobby England. The personnel committee moved to forward hiring recommendations to the board: Amy Oldenorf (referred to in the packet as Amy Dorf/Oldenorf) for sewer billing clerk with a starting wage of $21 per hour and the standard 90‑day review that can include a $0.50/hour increase; and Elijah Hawkins for a paid‑on‑call firefighter position (non‑exempt, $15 per call or training). Both hiring motions were forwarded to the board and later approved by roll call.

The board also approved two new job descriptions in public works: a parks foreman (to oversee parks maintenance and summer help, pay range $58,000–$68,000) and a public‑works skilled labor foreman (a higher‑skilled position for concrete, minor electrical and plumbing work, same pay range). Trustees discussed budget impacts and explained the plan is to reallocate existing headcount rather than immediately add a net FTE; motions to post both positions were approved so recruitment can begin.

The board also approved a travel request for Dan Thomas to attend the Illinois Municipal League conference Sept. 18–20 with an estimated total cost not to exceed $1,500, using a waived registration ticket provided by the village insurer for one attendee.

Roll-call votes, employment terms, starting wages, and job classifications were recorded in the meeting minutes. The administration said standard onboarding and 90‑day reviews will apply where noted.