Island Lake clerk is ill, so a temporary replacement is needed

An illness has left Island Lake Village Clerk Teresa Ponio unable to do her job, officials said, so the village board on Thursday could appoint a substitute to fill in until she recovers.

Mayor Charles Amrich will nominate former clerk Jen Gomez to serve as the temporary clerk on a part-time basis. The appointment requires the village board's approval.

Ponio was elected clerk in 2013, as part of Amrich's slate of candidates.

Her illness, the nature of which hasn't been publicized, is expected to keep her from her duties for at least 12 weeks, Amrich said.

"I wish her a speedy recovery," he said. "She's in our constant prayers and we're looking forward to when she comes back."

Ponio declined to comment Wednesday.

Gomez served as clerk from June 2011 to June 2012. She was appointed to the post after the elected clerk, Pam Miller, resigned.

Gomez quit before finishing a term, too.

Amrich asked Gomez to serve again. He said she was the only candidate he approached.

"She knows the (responsibilities) of the clerk's office," Amrich said. "She's very personable and I know she'll do an excellent job for us."

If the board agrees to hire Gomez, the appointment will be effective immediately, Amrich said.

She'll be paid $75 to attend each village board meeting and $150 per month to perform duties related to the meetings, according to village documents.

Additionally, Gomez will be paid $15 per hour for office work.

Thursday's meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at village hall, 3720 Greenleaf Ave.