Mount Prospect public works director to retire

Mount Prospect Public Works Director Glen Andler will retire April 15, 2011, completing a career in the village that started in 1972.

Village Manager Michael E. Janonis said Andler has been Public Works Director since June 1, 1995 and first joined the department on Sept. 11, 1972. He served four years as a maintenance employee, one year as foreman, and 18 years as Deputy Director of Public Works before he became the village's third public works director in 1995.

Deputy Public Works Director Sean Dorsey will become the new public works director upon Andler's departure.

In 1991, Andler was nominated by the Chicago Chapter of the American Public Works Association as one of the country's top 10 public works directors. He has been a member of the American Public Works Association since 1979 and has served as a Chicago chapter or branch officer for nine years. He was elected president of the Chicago Metropolitan Chapter and its 1,400-members in 1993. Membership in this national organization has provided him meaningful opportunities for learning and sharing improved practices in the broad fields of public works, engineering and administration.

Andler has worked for many years with the Mount Prospect Lions Club and Mount Prospect Special Events Commission to organize the annual 4th of July parade and carnival. He has also worked with the Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Merchants Association, local businesses, park districts and the Special Events Commission to develop and create several civic events designed to bring Mount Prospect residents together. These include the Art Fest/Blues Fest, the Mid-Summer Downtown Block Party, Fall Fest/Oktoberfest and the Winter Parade. Andler was also instrumental in planning the Lee DeWyze/American Idol events.

“One of the most difficult decisions I have ever made in my life was to determine when to retire,” Andler said. “The Village of Mount Prospect and Public Works have been the biggest part of my life ... and I have loved every minute of it. The hardest part of retiring is leaving all the amazing village staff, village board, community groups and residents. It has been an honor and privilege to work with all of you! Mount Prospect is not only the ‘Best Place to Raise a Kid,' but Mount Prospect Public Works is also the ‘Best Place to Work!'”

Mayor Irvana Wilks said she has watched Andler orchestrate the public works crews for both routine duties and disasters.

“The snow fighters are sent out in raging snowstorms as the rest of us stay inside,” Wilks said. “Or when the Des Plaines River threatened its banks, those same crews built a sandbag floodwall.”

“When American Idol, Lee DeWyze, any festival, or July Fourth parade came to town, it was Mr. Andler's department through his leadership which put up the party banners, tables, and viewing venues and managed the parade floats. Then when the party was over, they took it down – often working all night,” Wilks said.

“Mount Prospect residents and businesses depend on having a well-run Public Works Department to enhance our quality of life. We know our home values remain healthy because of an aggressive street-repair program, dependable garbage pickup, parkway tree program, and sewer and water systems that work. Speaking on behalf of a grateful community, I wish Glen Andler and his wonderful wife, Sandy, the best in their well-deserved retirement.”

Village Manager Michael E. Janonis said Andler's impact on Mount Prospect has encompassed “so many more positive elements over the past three decades than any other village staff that has served the community.

“Glen's efforts cannot always be readily identified since in addition to bricks and mortar throughout the downtown there are many underground infrastructure improvements that directly benefit the residents' quality of life that have felt Glen's touch.

“In disaster mode Glen has always, always risen to the occasion and without fail saved the residents and businesses from severe catastrophic losses, no matter the location in the Village be it north, south, east or west.”

Janonis added Mount Prospect is fortunate to have Sean Dorsey ready to step into the director's position.

“Dorsey, who has worked for the village for over 19 years, will assume the Director of Public Works position upon Glen's final work day,” Janonis said. “Sean's knowledge and experience will benefit the department through a seamless transition.”