Mokena Village Board Appoints New Capital Engineer and Police Staff

Mokena Village Board Meeting | December 8, 2025

Article Summary: The Mokena Village Board approved the appointments of three new employees during its December 8 meeting, filling vacancies in the Public Works and Police Departments. The hires include a new Senior Capital Engineer to oversee village infrastructure projects.

Mokena Village Board Key Points:

• Engineering Leadership: Michael Stone was appointed as Senior Capital Engineer at an annual salary of Grade 18, Step 22A, replacing Jim Bosma.

• Police Department Hires: Stacy Henson was hired as a Crossing Guard and Valeria Aguilar as a Part-Time Community Service Officer (CSO).

• Department Restructuring: The engineering appointment follows a restructuring of the Community Development Department to better distribute core responsibilities.

• Retirement Noted: The appointment of Henson fills a vacancy created by the retirement of Crossing Guard Kay Oehmen after 40 years of service.

Mokena, IL — The Mokena Village Board of Trustees moved to fill three key personnel vacancies during its regular meeting on Monday, December 8, 2025, approving appointments for the Public Works and Police Departments.

Public Works Director Dan Peloquin presented the appointment of Michael Stone to the position of Senior Capital Engineer. This hiring comes after the departure of Village Engineer Jim Bosma earlier in the year. According to Peloquin, the village utilized the vacancy to restructure the Community Development Department, creating broader pools of applicants.

“The Senior Capital Engineer is the most senior and experienced of the three job title categories,” Peloquin told the board.

Stone will handle capital improvement projects, oversee staff and consultant work, and assist with design through final construction. He was appointed to the position at an annual salary of Grade 18, Step 22A, effective December 9, 2025.

In public safety matters, Police Chief Brian Benton recommended two appointments following a review of applications and interviews conducted by department command staff.

Stacy Henson was appointed as a Crossing Guard to replace Kay Oehmen, who retired after four decades of service to the village. Chief Benton noted that Henson is a Mokena resident. Additionally, Valeria Aguilar was appointed as a Part-Time Community Service Officer (CSO). Benton stated that the 2026 budget allows for the addition of a third, part-time CSO to assist officers in the afternoon and early evenings.

The board voted 5-0 to approve all three appointments. Trustee Nick Clancy was absent.