At the Sept. 22 village council meeting, Village Administrator Rachell Entler read a proclamation honoring Village Clerk Vanessa Belmonte for over two decades of working for Forest Park before retiring. That Monday was Belmonte’s last time reading off village department bills, guiding meetings by calling commissioners to vote on agenda items, and marking resolutions — she ended her career by recording the 100th resolution of the year at her last council meeting.
“Throughout her tenure, Vanessa has demonstrated unparalleled commitment, professionalism and integrity in her role, providing vital support to the administration and residents of Forest Park,” Entler read from the proclamation. “Her responsibilities extended far beyond the traditional duties of a village clerk, encompassing a broad and vital range of functions, including managing official records, supporting the operations of the village council, maintaining transparency in government processes and serving as the keeper of vital village documents.”
Entler added that Belmonte also served as the village’s human resources lead as she oversaw employee onboarding and coordinated staff benefits. Belmonte also managed employee insurance and payroll.
Village clerk is an appointed position, not an elected one. Two deputy clerks will fill in for Belmonte while the village looks for her replacement.
“Vanessa, you not only have helped me as village administrator, but you helped me when I was a village commissioner as well, teaching me the ins, the outs. I am forever grateful to everything that you have walked me through, held my hand through, made me see a different perspective on 20 years in the village of Forest Park,” Entler said of her own experience during her administrator’s report at the end of the council meeting. “You’ve seen many village councils and village administrators, having to juggle quite a few personalities, I’m sure, along the way.”
Other commissioners joined in congratulating Belmonte during their reports. Commissioner Michelle Melin-Rogovin was absent from the meeting.
“Through all of the changes that you’ve seen over the years with department heads and council members, mayors, legal, all of it, it takes an individual to establish continuity for all of that,” Commissioner Ryan Nero said, addressing Belmonte. “Certainly, you have been that rock for the Village of Forest Park for over 20 years.”
“I’m a natural skeptic, but when you say something, I never, ever feel like I need to fact check it,” Commissioner Maria Maxham said to Belmonte. “You’re honest and you always say things as they are, and I have a lot of respect for that.”
“I appreciate you and all your work here, and you will be missed,” Commissioner Jessica Voogd said.
And Mayor Rory Hoskins, before adjourning the council meeting, said “I’ll close with saying congratulations to the clerk.”
