Mount Prospect village manager takes leave of absence

Longtime Mount Prospect Village Manager Michael Janonis has taken a leave of absence.

Acting as village manager for the time being will be Assistant Village Manager David Strahl.

The change was made official at Tuesday's village board meeting, when trustees passed a resolution appointing Strahl as acting village manager.

Janonis, who was not at Tuesday's meeting, did not leave a statement.

However, during the meeting Village President Arlene Juracek read a prepared statement, saying, "Village Manager Mike Janonis is taking an eligible leave of absence in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act. The duration of this leave is currently unspecified.

"In the interim, the village board is voting tonight to designate Assistant Village Manager David Strahl to assume the duties and responsibilities of the village manager in Mr. Janonis' absence."

There was no discussion among the trustees before the vote.

Following the meeting, Juracek said that she could not comment further because she is prohibited by the Family and Medical Leave Act.

"We are prohibited from saying anything," she said.

She did say, however, regarding Strahl's ability to run the village: "The village is in very capable hands. We have a wonderful leadership team."

When asked how long Janonis has been absent, Juracek said it has been about a week.

When asked what her response would be to inquiries from Mount Prospect residents, she said it would be "no comment."

Janonis has been village manager for more than 22 years. In 2014, his salary was increased from more than $175,000 to more than $184,000, his first raise in two years.