Mokena Board Hires Project Engineer to Fill Department Vacancy

Mokena Village Board Special Meeting Meeting | December 19, 2025

Article Summary: The Mokena Village Board convened a special meeting on December 19 to approve the hiring of William Berland as the new Project Engineer. This appointment is part of a broader restructuring of the Public Works Department intended to optimize staffing and recruit qualified candidates.

Mokena Village Board Key Points:

• New Hire: William Berland was appointed as Project Engineer effective December 23, 2025.

• Department Restructuring: Public Works Director Dan Peloquin noted the position was part of a strategy to fill two vacant engineer roles with candidates from broader applicant pools.

• Role Responsibilities: Berland will handle traditional municipal engineering tasks, including plan review, inspections, and coordination of public works construction.

• Unanimous Approval: The board voted 6-0 in favor of the appointment.

Mokena, IL — The Mokena Village Board of Trustees met for a brief special meeting on the afternoon of Friday, December 19, 2025, to finalize a personnel appointment within the Public Works Department.

Public Works Director Dan Peloquin presented the recommendation to hire William Berland for the position of Project Engineer. Peloquin explained to the board that the village has been seeking to fill two vacant engineer positions. Earlier in the month, the board appointed a Senior Capital Engineer.

According to Peloquin, the village restructured the engineering positions to “reach a broader pool of applicants and to be able to evaluate candidates in one of three experience categories.”

The Project Engineer role will focus on traditional municipal engineering duties. Berland will be responsible for supporting the department through plan reviews, inspections, and the coordination of public works construction and maintenance projects.

Peloquin stated that three candidates were selected for interviews for the position. Following a thorough evaluation, Berland was identified as the best candidate based on his educational and professional background. Peloquin recommended the appointment to the Village Board.

Trustee Debbie Engler made the motion to appoint Berland to the position at an annual salary of Grade 14, Step 14A, with an effective start date of December 23, 2025.

The motion was seconded by Trustee Melissa Fedora. The board voted unanimously, 6-0, to approve the appointment.