Fox Valley mayors look back on 2019

The Daily Herald asked Fox Valley mayors and village presidents to look back on 2019 and identify their community's greatest accomplishment - and to share it with us in roughly 50 words. Here's what they said ...

Richard Irvin, Aurora

2019 was a pivotal year for Aurora. Our greatest tragedy brought out of us a great triumph. The most important thing Aurora accomplished was becoming "Aurora Strong" and that strength and unity have now become an integral part of our identity.

Jeff Schielke, Batavia

2019 proved to be a year in Batavia that is allowing us to plan for a stronger financial future for our city government. A new townhouse subdivision of 242 units was started on Kirk Road, Unit 5, of the Tanglewood subdivision and was largely filled in. Another 55-plus homes, and several new industrial and retail buildings started the construction process.

All of this growth will prove to be a welcome addition in the future, given the need for enlarging our property tax base to provide funding for all the demands for high quality public services that our town expects in the days ahead.

Bob Walsh, Burlington

The village has approved six locations for Community Solar Gardens under the provision of Illinois' Future Energy Jobs Act, two of which have been selected for permitting and construction by the Illinois Power Agency under their first round of approvals.

The projects fully support the initiatives of the Future Energy Jobs Act, and while doing so provide the opportunity for discounted electricity to village residents. Nexamp will begin constructing these two Community Solar Gardens in the spring.

The village has approved a location at the northwest corner of the village just off Plank Road for AT&T to build a 250-foot lattice tower to improve cellular phone and data service and create a more competitive market for area cellular phone and data users.

Mike Tyrrell, Campton Hills

Bringing on our police dog unit. Although proposed late in our fiscal year, our enthusiastic police team, in harmony with equally enthusiastic - and generous - residents and patrons raised more than $30,000 to make "Koda" a welcomed addition to our force. Not a penny of tax money was spent.

John Skillman, Carpentersville

In a TIF partnership with Otto Engineering, a new 100,000-square-foot multimillion dollar technology center was completed. This new facility will house 45 employees with an average salary of $80,000.

Additionally, we launched our rebranding campaign to elevate awareness of our community and its rich recreational, business and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Lael Miller, East Dundee

Continuing to attract and retain new and diverse businesses while maintaining our unique character and small-town feel. We have a walkable downtown right on the bike path, with a great mix of family owned and operated businesses. Improvements to the downtown have really made it a special place.

David Kaptain, Elgin

Elgin offers so many opportunities to its growing community and is truly a city with a heart. Whether businesses are looking to locate here, families are engaging with our cultural and recreational amenities, or community members are looking to volunteer, there is truly something for all.

The city works to provide a strong foundation for its residents and businesses to thrive, and this past year kept Elgin moving in the right direction.

The city's strong financial management once again earned a AAA credit rating from Fitch Ratings, the highest rating. This solidifies our place as one of the most fiscally responsible cities in the state.

Another hallmark of Elgin's financial stewardship has been our ability to maintain service levels without raising property taxes for what will be seven consecutive years. Innovation and collaboration are at the root of what we do to deliver the best value.

Steve Wiedmeyer, Pingree Grove

This year, the village added another 300 new homes to our community, constructed and opened our Municipal Center, and completed a comprehensive study of our utility systems. We have enjoyed responsible growth for the past 15 years, and are well positioned to continue that trend.

Ray Rogina, St. Charles

The city opened and dedicated a new police station at 1515 W. Main St. In addition to renewal of the site (the defunct Valley Shopping Center) and a project that completed on time and under budget, its location (central/west) serves as a new, modern beacon of public safety.

It should also be noted that the city hosted a national America in Bloom symposium in September as an exclamation mark of a successful five-year participation in the program that has brought St. Charles deserved recognition in the areas of flora, urban landscape, historical preservation and sustainability while partnering with several of our fellow government entities.

Steve Ward, South Elgin

We enjoyed record-setting attendance throughout 2019 at our community events. From our Independence Day parade and Friday Night Lights to Riverfest, An Almost Winter Day Festival and National Night Out (named Top 5 in America, by the way), our community spirit and hometown pride continues to skyrocket.

Sean Michels, Sugar Grove

Now that the full interchange is open at I-88 and Route 47, Sugar Grove will be able to focus on other local projects. The intersection of Bliss Road and Route 47 will be improved this spring. The improvements will include a dual left-turn lane from Bliss Road south on to Route 47, along with pedestrian crossing and dedicated turn lanes. This will allow traffic to move faster and with less confusion.

Eileen Phipps, Wayne

The village has long embraced our rich historic and equestrian heritage. This year, the village joined with Nogent-le-Rotrou in France as Twin Cities. Mark Dunham imported Percheron horses from Nogent-le-Rotrou in the 1870s and brought them to Oaklawn Farm in Wayne. This commitment to preserve the history of Wayne was spearheaded by the Wayne Historic Preservation Society.

Christopher Nelson, West Dundee

Initiation of commercial development along Randall Road, which the village has been attempting to accomplish for the past two decades. This progress continues to expand and broaden the village's tax base and create additional density to support restaurants, shopping and businesses.

Also, completion of the 75% grant-funded Huntley Road Improvement Project in conjunction with the Village of Carpentersville. This segment roadway has always been a priority for the village in an effort to improve accessibility to Spring Hill Mall and the finalization of the $13 million road improvements to the area will continue to bolster our economic development efforts in and around Spring Hill Mall.