Mokena Appoints Maintenance Worker, Commission Members

MOKENA, IL — The Mokena Village Board appointed a new maintenance worker, and appointed two new members to village's planning commission at Monday's board meeting.

The board approved the appointment of Luke Deuser to a maintenance worker I position in the public works department. The position became vacant due to the 2020 retirement of James Angone, who was a long-time employee, board documents state.

Deuser was selected from a pool of 83 applicants, according to board documents. He has experience with maintenance and snow plowing with three other local governments.

The board also appointed Jillian Hersted and Terry Smith to the planning commission and as alternates to the zoning board of appeals.

Plan commissioner Martin Bourke resigned from the plan commission last month, Mayor Frank Fleischer said.

Hersted, who just finished a term as Village Trustee last month, has also served on the village's economic development commission and as village clerk. Along with her family, Hersted owns and operates three Creamery restaurants in the area, board documents state.

Hersted has a Bachelor's degree in marketing and an MBA from DePaul University.

A second vacancy on the commission is due to new village trustee Rob Dauphinais' resignation from the commission.

Smith works for RLI Insurance and has a Bachelor's degree from DeVry University, according to board documents.

"I believe that Mr. Smith will be a fine addition to the planning commission and the zoning board of appeals," Fleischer said.