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Island Lake building inspector Frank DeSort to retire

Longtime Island Lake building inspector Frank DeSort has announced plans to retire at the end of the year.

DeSort, 64, has overseen the building-permit process in Island Lake since 1999. Plans for projects ranging from roofing repairs to the construction of subdivisions have crossed his desk.

He's particularly happy to see construction in two subdivisions, Walnut Glen and Prairie Woods, picking up again, years after the housing bubble popped.

"I think we've done pretty good in the village," said DeSort, who lives in Island Lake.

He said he's enjoyed the job, especially when people stop him in the supermarket or other public places to ask about building projects and codes.

"I'll miss the people," he said.

DeSort plans to spend more time with his wife, Barb, in retirement.

DeSort was hired during Mayor Charles Amrich's first long stint as mayor. Elected mayor again in 2013 after an eight-year absence, Amrich praised the work DeSort has done in town.

"He does have a lot of knowledge when it comes to building," Amrich said. "He's going to be missed."

The village board will be asked to approve DeSort's retirement, effective Dec. 31, when it meets Thursday. That session is set for 7:30 p.m. at village hall, 3720 Greenleaf Ave.

Amrich said he has someone in mind to replace DeSort but declined to identify the candidate.

The job might change after DeSort leaves, Amrich said. The post is a union job now, Amrich said, and he'd like to change that.

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