Longtime Wheaton city manager attends last meeting
Longtime City Manager Don Rose attended his last city council meeting in Wheaton Monday night, signifying the beginning of the end of an era in the city.
Rose is retiring April 30, after working for the city for nearly 42 years. He has held the position of city manager for more than 35 of those years, making him the longest serving city manager in Illinois.
Each council member and several members of the city staff thanked Rose for his leadership, wisdom and integrity. His successor, Assistant City Manager Michael Dzugan, said Rose was a model city employee.
"Don has left us with that example of how it should be done - that is, always striving for excellence and accepting nothing less," Dzugan said. "I know I speak for all of us when I say I will miss you."
The city council also honored retiring Communications Manager Gary White at Monday's meeting. Both White and Rose were presented with framed artwork that showcased the city. A proclamation expressing appreciation for Rose's service was also read by Mayor Michael Gresk.
Residents are invited to attend an open house honoring Rose from 4 to 7 p.m. next Wednesday at city hall, 303 W. Wesley St.
Councilwoman Suzanne Fitch said the positive response the city regularly receives in resident surveys is a result of Rose's hard work.
"We can attribute a lot of that to Don's leadership," she said, adding that Rose as been very supportive and quick to answer any questions she has had since joining the council last year. "I just feel very lucky that I've been able to serve while he's still here."
Others noted how Rose was "a steady hand on the wheel" during the recent recession and through other rocky times.
"His quiet drive and quiet focus has made the city of Wheaton what it is today," Gresk said.
Councilman John Prendiville agreed that Rose's legacy will last for a long time.
"I think as long as the city of Wheaton exists Don Rose is going to be remembered as someone who created what is quite an ideal place in the Western suburbs," he said.