Yorkville impresses city’s ‘Mayor for a Day’

YORKVILLE – Mayor Emily Weber gaveled the Yorkville City Council to order on Oct. 26 and the aldermen took notice.

That’s right, Yorkville Mayor Emily Weber. Well, for a day anyway.

Weber was serving as Mayor of the Day and the council meeting capped off a busy schedule.

Weber submitted the winning bid in a fundraiser for the Yorkville Education Foundation to become Mayor of the Day.

The Morris resident and her husband Brian own and operate YPAC, for Your Performing Arts Center.

YPAC is a music, theatre and dance studio with three locations in Yorkville.

Weber’s activities included a ride-along in a police squad car with Yorkville Officer Dennis Meyer and a visit to the Grace Holistic Education Center, where she read a book to the young students.

Much of Weber’s day as the city’s top official was centered on meeting with the city’s administration and staff and learning about how the city operates on a day-to-day basis.

“What impressed me is the incredible thought that goes into the decisions being made here at the city,” Weber said. “It’s a very cohesive group. People listen to each other and are always putting the community above themselves.”

Weber is invested in the Yorkville community with YPAC, which instructs people of all ages in the fine arts.

With a staff of 30, YPAC offers a variety of music, dance and theatre instruction.

YPAC North is located at 2161 Route 47, specializing in advanced music programs. YPAC Downtown is at 222 S. Bridge St. and features children’s classes. Nearby is the Fox River’s Edge Theatre at 217 S. Bridge St., where YPAC performances are showcased.

At the city council meeting, Mayor John Purcell presented Weber with a ceremonial gavel and invited her to call the meeting to order.

Weber described her day and then directed her comments to Purcell.

“Thank you for all the work you did here to provide leadership during the pandemic,” Weber said.

Purcell found a bright spot in Weber not being a Yorkville resident.

“If I decide to run again, she can’t run against me,” Purcell said.