Palatine officials bid farewell to councilman, welcome successor

Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz had kind words Monday night for departing Councilman Jim Clegg, who resigned from the board because he is moving out of the village.

"If you leave the seat better than it was when you took it over, you've done a good job," Schwantz told Clegg at the village council meeting. "I can honestly say on behalf of all the councilmen, residents and staff that you've done that in spades."

Clegg joined the council in 2010, when Schwantz appointed him to replace Dan Varroney, who also moved out of town. Clegg was elected to the seat in 2011.

Schwantz said that in Clegg's time on the council the new Fire Station 81 was opened on Quentin Road, the new police headquarters was opened and the plans for remodeling the village hall were approved.

Clegg thanked the village staff, the council and Schwantz, saying Palatine has been the best place to serve.

"The only thing I can say is that it has been a pleasure for almost the past five years, working with you (Schwantz), the council members here, it feels like a great brotherhood," Clegg said.

Minutes after Clegg resigned, the council approved his replacement, Matt Trembley.

Scwantz said he has known Trembly, a local State Farm insurance agent, for many years and said he would do well finishing the rest of Clegg's term, which is up next year.

"I have all the confidence in the world that Matt will come in and add his talents to this position for the short time that he will be here," Schwantz said.

To avoid giving anyone an advantage in the April election, Schwantz said, he nominated a person who did not want to run for the seat.

Trembley said that he felt his first meeting went smoothly, and he noted how impressed he was with the village staff's preparation.

The village staff was certainly prepared for Trembley's arrival - moments after he recited his oath of office, there was a nameplate with the new councilman's name and title on it.