Elburn's top officials asked to resign

What's the first thing David Anderson is going to do once he officially becomes Elburn's president?

He's already done it. Actually, he's done things, plural.

Anderson, elected last month to replace Jim Willey (who did not run again), hasn't waited for the oath of office to get started on the job.

He's got items big and little on his agenda.

First, he changed the village stationery. Yes, that normally would have to be done, to reflect the names of the new elected officials.

But Anderson directed staff to remove all names from the stationery. That way, it can be used no matter who is in office or on staff.

"We all know who the trustees are, etc.," he said, noting that the person signing a letter will include their job title.

And you'll be able to find Anderson in his office at village hall from 8 to 11 a.m. or noon Monday through Wednesday, and Friday, for at least the first six to eight months.

"I have a little bit more time to spend in the chair," said the retired grocer.

And trustees now will have no excuse to be unprepared for board meetings.

Starting with Monday's meeting, a copy of the meeting agenda and information packets for items on it will be hand-delivered to trustees' homes by a police officer the Thursday evening before (they also receive it by e-mail, if they have a computer).

Before, trustees' packets were placed in their mail slots at village hall. This way, there's no reason trustees can't study material before the meeting, and they have all day Friday and Monday to ask staff about items, Anderson said.

But his biggest change was asking for the resignations of the village administrator, police chief, public works director and community development director.

Anderson said that's normal when a new administration takes over, pointing out the positions are appointed by the president annually, anyway.

"At no point was it my intention to relieve everybody of a job," he said.

He said he has spoken to all four individuals, conducting lengthy interviews with some.

He declined to say who resigned, nor who he intends to appoint Monday night.

"I'm not being evasive - that's just the proper time to do it," he said.

And after he takes the oath of office, what's next?

He wants to get the village budget in shape - the new budget year started Friday, but the village has until July 1 to finish it.

Anderson also plans to tackle improving stormwater drainage. Elburn officials are trying to figure out how the sanitary sewer system is being overwhelmed by stormwater infiltration, leading to sewer backups in basements.

The village pumped 11 million gallons of drinking water to users in February, but its sewage plant treated 21 million gallons, Anderson said.

"Boy, we've had plenty of rain to test it all," he said.