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.
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Will County Executive Committee Backs Funding Pursuit for $2.33 Million Harris Drive Property Buyouts
Will County Division of Transportation Requests $1 Million Increase to Highway Levy to Combat Inflation
Will County Hears Proposal to Establish County-Focused Land Bank for Distressed Properties
Will County Executive Committee Recommends 600 MW Pride of the Prairie Solar Project in 6-5 Split Vote
Aging Systems and Judicial Mandates Drive Significant FY2027 Budget Requests for Will County Courts and Sheriff
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for May 5, 2026
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Public Works & Transportation Committee for May 5, 2026
Will County Legislative Committee: Pushes Forward with Ban on Cryptocurrency Kiosks
Will County Health Department Warns of Potential Federal Funding Cuts and Rising Healthcare Costs for FY2027
Highland Liquors Cleared for Video Gaming Expansion Following Zoning Approval
Access Will County Dial-A-Ride Reports Massive Growth After Consolidating Paratransit Services
Legislative Committee Advances Resolution Opposing Kidney Disease Treatment Delegation Act
Commission Approves Massive Lake Michigan Water Infrastructure Project for Troy Township
Committee: Capital Improvements Committee Weighs $300 Million Options for Downtown Joliet Campus