Freeburg board hires streets worker, ends police probation and accepts Jan. 5 minutes

Mayor Seth Speiser called the Freeburg Village Board to order on Jan. 20, 2026, and the board accepted the minutes from its Jan. 5 meeting after a motion by Trustee James (Mike) Blaies and a second by Trustee Dana Miller; "all voting aye, the motion carried."

The board approved the hiring of Ryan Schmidt for a streets crew worker position after an executive-session personnel discussion. Trustee Ramon Matchett Jr. moved to hire Schmidt and Trustee Elizabeth (Lisa) Meehling seconded; roll call recorded six ayes and the motion carried. Mayor Speiser and trustees welcomed the new hire.

The board also voted to end the probation of Patrol Andrew Hassel on the recommendation of Chief Mike Schutzenhofer. Trustee Ramon Matchett Jr. moved to end the probation and Trustee James (Mike) Blaies seconded; roll call again recorded six ayes and the motion carried. Chief Schutzenhofer advised the board that Stan Ruhmann will retire at the end of the month; the chief asked the village to begin in-house posting for the upcoming patrol opening, to be followed by outside advertising.

Village Administrator Matt Trout reminded the board of two personnel milestones and near-term events: a retirement luncheon for Stan Ruhmann on Friday, Jan. 30 at the firehouse and a 20th employment anniversary for staff member Jean Kamper on Friday. The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m. after a motion by Trustee Tom Carpenter and a second by Trustee Dana Miller; all voted aye.