Madison County Board appoints three members to fill vacant seats

The Madison County Board on Jan. 29 approved resolutions appointing three people to fill vacancies on the board and swore them in during a telephonic special session.

Valerie A. Doucleff, 5805 Greenleaf Avenue, Godfrey, was appointed to fill the unexpired term in County Board District 6, vacated by Ray Wesley effective Nov. 30, 2020. Mr. Holliday said he "would like to support Ms. Doucleff as a new appointee to the County Board." The motion to reconsider the appointment was moved by Mr. Madison and seconded by Mr. Ross; that motion passed unanimously (22-0), and the subsequent approval of the appointment carried 22-0.

Michael A. Babcock, 2 Hemlock Court, Bethalto, was appointed to fill the unexpired term in District 14 after the resignation of Tom McRae effective Nov. 30, 2020. Mr. Malone asked whether Babcock would continue serving as township supervisor, and Mr. Walters said Babcock "was 1 of the 3 names given to Mr. Prenzler from the prior board member for that district." Mr. Petrillo said he would vote no because he believed the board needed to give additional consideration to the previous member's recommendations. The appointment passed by roll call, 19 ayes to 4 nays (Malone, Hankins, Minner and Petrillo).

Terry Eaker, 602 Montana Street, Bethalto, was appointed to fill the unexpired term in District 15, vacated by Chrissy Dutton-Wiley effective Dec. 18, 2020. Mr. Foster said the board would recognize Dutton-Wiley later for her service. The appointment was approved 23-0.

County Clerk Debra Ming-Mendoza swore in Doucleff, Babcock and Eaker immediately after the votes, and the updated roll call reflected the three new members as present. The agenda item directing the county state’s attorney to file a declaratory-judgment lawsuit related to appointment timing was pulled from consideration.

After the appointments and swearing-in, Mr. Walters offered extended thanks to staff, board members and the outgoing members for their cooperation during the process. The board recessed the special session until Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021.