Former clerk Rosa Arambula appointed as acting 1st Ward alderwoman

Former City Clerk Rosa Arambula was appointed as the 1st Ward alderwoman at the March 23 City Council meeting, fulfilling the remainder of acting mayor Shirley Drewenski’s term through April 2027. 

Arambula submitted her resignation letter as City Clerk in October 2025, effective January 1, 2026. Before the appointment, Ald. Colby Chapman (2nd) voiced concerns about the public not knowing why she left her post and whether she should be able to serve. 

“The clerk’s resignation was not accompanied by a public explanation to the residents or to the council, and that sequence raises concerns about transparency in public trust,” Chapman said.

Drewenski upheld Arambula’s appointment. “I know and the residents of the 1st Ward know who [Arambula’s] representing, her decisions, and her choice.” 

Arambula was Drewenski’s translator to help her better communicate with her Spanish-speaking constituents when she first announced her plans to run for office in September 2010. Drewenski contacted city event volunteers about the appointment and said they were “thrilled” with Arambula returning as an alderwoman.

After Arambula was sworn in, she said she “dealt with family matters” and was “willing to share her reasons privately.”

As clerk, Arambula was praised for her community events, namely Cindo de Mayo and Veteran’s Day. But she was frequently criticized for obfuscating public records for political means.

Financial matters 

The council passed a resolution to replace the signatories to the city’s bank accounts, which drew contention from meeting attendees and alderpeople. The resolution states that Drewenski and City Treasurer Aisha Pickett are authorized signers and payment requires two signatures. If Pickett or Drewenski are unavailable, acting City Clerk Janet Rogers will be an alternate. Rogers was appointed to fill the vacancy when applications opened in February to replace Arambula. 

Since Rogers was appointed, she’s faced criticism from council members and the public. Chapman cited Rogers’ marriage to Ald. Tyrone Rogers (6th) and a 2004 felony conviction. She was pardoned in 2013. Rogers is also the board president of Harvey School District 152, which is an unpaid position. 

The council voted to pay the city’s bills. Chapman attempted to amend the motion only to pay for “essential” services which included public safety, water and sewer, demotion, and payroll, and garbage collection and any other “legally required obligations.” She suggested deferring consulting, software subscriptions, and recommending a further review by the council and an itemization. The motion failed. 

Ald. Tracy Key (4th) raised concerns about holding finance meetings right before council meetings on the same day, deterring residents’ opportunity to ask questions before a bills list is approved. 

“We got residents that get up to speak and have questions and concerns. We can’t get all the information out within a week,” Key said. “So why is this still going to be done on the very same day when all the questions are not answered?”

Plans for solar farm feasibility 

A representative from Solar Evolve presented plans for a feasibility study to assess whether a community solar farm could be built on a city-owned contaminated vacant lot. He said if the land can accommodate the project, residents could subscribe to the energy that is generated from the land and receive 20 to 50 percent discounts on their utility bill. Residents can learn more at the April 13 meeting.

The initiative is part of Illinois Solar for All, a state program that offers income-eligible residents affordable solar installations or community solar subscriptions to save money on electricity bills.