Palos Park Swears In New Council

For some it was the start of another term, and for others it was a welcome to public office.

Mayor John Mahoney and commissioners Dan Polk and Nicole Milovich-Walters Monday night, while Village Clerk Marie Arrigoni and commissioners Kent Oliven and G. Darryl Reed took office for the first time.

The first act of the new Village Council was to vote on the mayor's recommendations for commissioner posts. Each commissioner oversees a particular department of the village.

Polk will once again serve as police and public safety commissioner and Milovich-Walters was reappointed to her post as public works and recreation commissioner.

Oliven will serve as accounts and finances commissioner, while Reed will act as building commissioner. The vote on the appointments was unanimous. 

Last week departing finance commissioner Mary O'Connor to the Council. Monday it was time Jim Pavlatos' last meeting.

The outgoing building commissioner did not run for reelection.

Pavlatos thanked village staff and his fellow commissioners while reflecting on the past four years.

"I think the village is so much better today, than it was four years ago," Pavlatos said. "It is a difficult time to run anything."

Pavlatos was also hopeful about the future of the Council.

"[Reed and Oliven] are going to fit in without missing a beat," Pavlatos said.

This was also the last meeting for Carol Bryson, who did not seek reelection to her post as village clerk. Bryson vowed to stay involved in village activities.

Financial stability will likely be the the council over the next few years. The village's will also likely be a major project.