February 12, 2025
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Algonquin Township board to take second vote on supervisor appointment

By DREW ZIMMERMAN
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Township Supervisor Charles Lutzow Jr. speaks during a Algonquin Township Board meeting Feb. 13 in Crystal Lake. Lutzow suffered a stroke earlier this month. (Shaw Media)

Because of concerns about the validity of a vote to appoint Darlene Lutzow, wife of Algonquin Township Supervisor Charles Lutzow, as a temporary deputy supervisor and concerns about her qualifications, the township board will vote again during a special meeting Saturday.

The board voted, 2-1, Wednesday to appoint Darlene Lutzow to serve as deputy supervisor in order to perform ministerial duties for the township such as signing checks while Charles Lutzow is recovering from a stroke.

Trustee Dave Chapman made the motion with the provision that Darlene Lutzow receive no compensation for her work.

Trustee Rachael Lawrence voted no.

Lawrence said during the meeting that she realizes Darlene Lutzow has played an integral part in assisting her husband in his duties as clerk and township supervisor but there should be more careful consideration put into the appointment.

Trustee Dan Shea said he has known Darlene Lutzow for a number of years and knows her to be extremely competent. Chapman said the appointment would be a logical transition.

However, Lawrence indicated after speaking with township attorney James Kelly that it’s possible the vote was invalid because of a law that states that three “yes” votes are required for the passage of a motion out of a five-member board.

When contacted Thursday, however, an attorney with the Illinois Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor said that “[The Open Meetings Act] doesn’t tell you how many board members you have.”

It is up to the bylaws of the township on how votes should proceed after Trustee Melissa Victor resigned her post, leaving three voting members of the board.

Therefore, the board will perform a full interview of Darlene Lutzow during closed session at Saturday’s meeting, Lawrence said. Lutzow also will provide a résumé and documentation before the board votes on her appointment again.

The special board meeting will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Algonquin Township offices, 3702 Route 14.