HR0306 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0306 LRB100 12388 MST 25164 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize Barbara J. Williams on 28 years of dedicated service to the Village of Vernon Hills; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Williams served as Village Trustee from 1981 to 1989; in 1989, she was elected Village President, serving until 1993; in 2001, she once more was elected as Village Trustee; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Williams was instrumental in bringing Metra train service to Vernon Hills; and

WHEREAS, During her tenure, Barbara Williams witnessed the construction of the village hall; the Vernon Hills High School; the Aspen Drive Library; the Vernon Hills Post Office; expansion and remodeling of the police department and public works buildings; development of the Gregg's Landing and AMLI at Museum Gardens; expansion of Hawthorn Mall; Aspen Pointe; the Shoppes at Gregg's Landing; the extension of Fairway Drive; the construction of affordable senior housing at Victory Center; the Village's contributions to Vernon Hills Park District to expand Century Park, renovate the Kids Kastle playground, and acquire the Lakeview Fitness Center; and implementation of the Village's strategic plans; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Williams supported economic development activities that resulted in the Vernon Hills Town Center and the Mellody Farm TIF Districts, and the use of multiple economic incentive agreements to strengthen the retail base; and

WHEREAS, As a trustee, Barbara Williams worked with her fellow board members to maintain a strong Village budget and to fund a reserve that resulted in the Village achieving an AAA bond rating from Moody's and Standard and Poor's, and never had to levy a property tax; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Williams recognized the importance of having a highly trained workforce at all levels and was supportive of professional development and ensuring that employees had the knowledge and equipment to do their jobs when assisting residents and customers; and

WHEREAS, During her years of service, Barbara Williams also developed a keen eye for signage and logos that ensured new signs were placed in keeping with the character of the Village; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Williams plans to move to North Carolina to be close to her daughter, Cindy, her son-in-law, Dan, and her beloved grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize Barbara J. Williams on 28 years of dedicated service to the Village of Vernon Hills, and we wish her the best in all her future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Barbara Williams as a symbol of our respect and esteem.