Mayor’s Message May 9, 2025

Dear Residents,

This past Thursday I had the privilege of joining two new Village Board members, our new Village clerk and one sitting Trustee in taking the oath of office.

Retired Honorable Judge Ketki Steffen, a South Barrington resident, administered the oath of office to me, as well as Trustee Joseph Abbate, newly elected Trustees Shahzad Kazi and Daniel Zierk and newly elected Village Clerk Marilyn Stagno.

It is an honor to serve our community. We have some exciting things happening in our community and I look forward to working with the Board, our great staff, and our residents during the next four years. 

Pictured retired Honorable Judge K. Steffen and Mayor P. McCombie.

Pictured: retired Honorable Judge K. Steffen and Trustee J. Abbate.

Pictured: retired Honorable Judge Ketki Steffen and Trustee Shahzad Kazi.

Pictured retired Honorable Judge K. Steffen and Trustee D. Zierk

Pictured: retired Honorable Judge Ketki Steffen and Clerk Dr. M. Stagno.

Vacant positions filled

The Village Board has approved the appointment of two vacant positions on the Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals and one vacant position on the Architectural Control Commission.  

The newly appointed Plan Commissioners are residents Tom Shuff and John Kazmier. Commissioner Shuff was sworn in at the meeting and Commissioner Kazmier will be sworn in at a later date. I am looking forward to working with them and the entire Plan Commission.

Pictured: Mayor P. McCombie and Commissioner T. Shuff.

In addition, I am pleased to announce that after a lengthy search we have filled the vacancy on the Architectural Control Commission. Resident Michael Niedzinski was appointed to the vacant spot on the Architectural Control Commission. He will also be sworn in at a later date. Welcome to the Architectural Control Commission Michael Niedzinski!

Police Safety Initiative

The South Barrington Police Department along with numerous police agencies in northern Illinois conducted a traffic safety initiative along the Route 59 corridor.

From Lake County to Will County, participating agencies used traffic enforcement to increase the safety of motorists using the thoroughfare. Participating Departments concentrated on speed, distracted driving, and occupant restraint violations, as well as other safety violations. Each jurisdiction implemented their own enforcement action based upon the needs of their communities.

The South Barrington Police Department is reminding all motorists to obey speed limits, follow the rules of the road and avoid distracted driving. Stay safe this summer!

Mother’s Day at The Arb

I want to wish all of the mothers a very Happy Mother’s Day!

There are many ways to celebrate moms in South Barrington. The Arboretum’s Tulip Pop-Up opens this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 12 pm there will be a special tulip pop-up with Little Ducky Flower Farm.

Saturday they will be located at the Seasonal Tent by Star Cinema Grill and on Sunday they will be located by Tangled Roots Brewery. 

Enjoy handcrafted spring flower arrangements ($30–$45), grown locally and bursting with seasonal beauty. Whether you are honoring a mother, becoming one, remembering one, or simply treating yourself, this is the perfect moment to pause and enjoy the blooms.

The Arboretum also has numerous dining options to treat mothers this weekend. See below in my message for options or visit The Arb website to see all the Village has to offer. Please note there are only a few days left for the Arboretum Spring Sale. The coupons are valid only until May 12th. Offers are only redeemable with the physical coupon that was delivered to local households. Digital versions cannot be accepted. Be sure to visit individual stores for additional exclusions and details

Didn’t receive a coupon in the mail? Stop by The Arb and enjoy seasonal events, shopping, and more – there’s something for everyone this spring! 

As always, I am here to listen to your thoughts and concerns. Feel free to email me at pmccombie@southbarrington.org, or use the anonymous comment boxes located in the lobbies of Village Hall and the Police Department. I review these messages privately and value your input.

Enjoy your weekend,

Paula McCombie
Mayor