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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING ROBERT BERRY ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NORTH SHORE MOSQUITO ABATEMENT DISTRICT
WHEREAS, Robert Berry has dutifully and tirelessly served the community for over a decade as Executive Director of the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District. In those years he served with great distinction and earned the respect and affection of his co-workers, many of whom also describe themselves as friends; and
WHEREAS, on March 31, 2015 Robert Berry will retire as Executive Director of the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District in order to focus his attentions on his avocation: creative writing. And, while many future retirees make elusive and oftentimes unkept promises of becoming writers in retirement, Robert Berry has the distinction of already having had two of his books published while still in the work force; and
WHEREAS, Robert Berry's visionary thinking helped modernize and make "green" the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District. On his watch the district installed solar panels achieving 100% solar powered status. He oversaw the installation of an ecological permeable paving system, a groundbreaking system that allows the movement of storm water through the surface. Working with staff, he helped introduce the use of Gambusia fish to assist in the abatement of mosquitos; Gambusia fish are also known as "mosquitofish" and their diet consists of large numbers of mosquito larvae; and
WHEREAS, originally from Massachusettes, Robert Berry has been described as a "Jack-Of -All Trades". He is a former teacher, newspaper reporter and even farmer. He is a talented baker, history buff and political theorist; and
WHEREAS, prior to joining the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District Robert Berry was the Superintendent of Operations of Municipal Utilities in Jacksonville, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, in addition to spearheading the annexation of certain areas of Glenview, Robert Berry, will long be remembered for improving the district's communications with the community leaders and elected officials and for playing a major role in improving the district's image. He will also be fondly remembered for the role he played in crafting a tuition program for the employees; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County takes great pleasure in honoring Robert Berry on his retirement herewith honors and thanks him for all that he has done bettering the lives of the citizens of Cook County, Illinois; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of the same be tendered to Robert Berry on the occasion of his retirement as Executive Director of the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District.end