Batavia picks new alderman to fill vacant seat

Batavia resident Jennifer Baerren was chosen Tuesday to fill a vacancy on the city council when First Ward Alderman Scott Salvati resigns later this month.

Baerren, who has lived in Batavia since 2004 and has been active in several organizations, said it will be an adjustment to sit on the council.

"I just have to stay on top of what's going on," she said. "There's a point where you have to be confident in the people representing you."

Baerren's volunteer work includes Batavia's Access Toy Drive, the park district's Haunted Quarry for Halloween and the Mothers' Club Foundation, which she said, "Got me started in the community."

Salvati announced last week that he is resigning because he has sold his home and is moving out of Batavia.

When the opening was announced, three residents stepped forward, Mayor Jeff Schielke said.

Baerren, along with Chris Solfa and Jason Stoops, were interviewed by aldermen during the committee of the whole meeting. The council then went into executive session to make its decision.

Baerren said her job at Heidrick & Struggles in Chicago, where she manages the corporate expense tool and travel policy, has given her the chance to work as part of a team and that experience will help guide her on city council.

She makes a lot of decisions in her job, she said, and will make decisions on the council based on how they affect the entire community.

She also believes she is a good listener.

"If someone is complaining, I try to find one take-away," she said.

Baerren said she favors the sale of recreational cannabis.

"It's an additional source of revenue for the city," she said. "But there's work to be done to make it right for Batavia."

Baerren will serve until April 2021. Although aldermen serve four-year terms, the First Ward seat will be up for a two-year term in April 2021 because Salvati would have served through 2023.