Andresen remains on East Dundee village board

East Dundee Trustee Scott Andresen, who didn't run for reelection in April but wants to stay on as a trustee, remains on the village board despite an attempt by Village President Jeff Lynam at Monday's board meeting to appoint a replacement.

Trustee Rich Treiber, who minutes earlier was sworn in to fill the seat vacated by Lynam when he was elected village president, made a motion to approve an agenda item appointing Frank Scarpelli to fill Andresen's seat. However, the motion failed when each of the other five trustees - including newly elected Sarah Brittin and Tricia Saviano - stated their intent not to second the motion because of a legal opinion issued by Village Attorney Greg Smith.

Village Administrator Jennifer Johnsen said Tuesday the legal opinion backs Andresen's right to remain as trustee until the 2023 election.

"If there is a vacancy of this type, where not enough candidates ran for an elected office, we do have the ability to hold over one of the trustees that was an outgoing trustee that was in that seat as long as the other two trustees who stepped off the board didn't want it," Johnsen said. "And those other two trustees who stepped off the board didn't want it and renounced their seats."

Lynam, who could not be reached for comment on Tuesday, said last week Andresen was "undermining the entire process" and "making a mockery of the board" by not stepping aside.

During Monday's meeting, Lynam said he'll be speaking with independent counsel about "a couple of the issues that have come up before the board," indicating he'd continue his effort to replace Andresen. Trustee Scott Kunze suggested the board would have to approve paying for independent counsel while Andresen said independent counsel was unnecessary because the village attorney already provided his opinion.

Andresen had decided to step down but said he chose to remain on the board in an effort to maintain stability with three new trustees and Lynam becoming president. Before making his decision to stay, Andresen said he consulted with the two sitting board members, the two departing members and the two incoming members to get their approval.

"The guidance that we've received is pretty clear, and the only one who isn't willing to accept it or adhere to it is the village president," Andresen said Tuesday. "He's given us nothing but his personal opinion instead of anything in regard to the law."