First reported 3/19/2010 4:44 p.m.
Greg Kramer, the longtime and well-respected leader of River Forest’s public works department, will retire at the end of April.
According to a written statement from Village Administrator Steve Gutierrez, Kramer is taking advantage of an early-retirement incentive within the state’s municipal retirement program. Kramer’s last day with the village will be April 30.
“Greg has always rolled up his sleeves and helped us hit the gaps even when the work didn’t involve the usual public works fair,” Gutierrez said in a prepared statement. “On a professional and personal level, he will be greatly missed.”
Kramer, 53, began working for the village in 1984 as an engineer. Only a few months later, in 1985, he was named director of the public works department.
Michael Gibbs, a village trustee, said Friday that Kramer’s response to the 2008 flooding is a recent example of the leadership he’s always brought to the job. By trade, Gibbs is an elevator inspector and has worked with Kramer in both the private and public sector.
“I think he’s fantastic,” Gibbs said. “I know he runs a tight ship over there and does a good job for the village of River Forest.”
Kramer’s decision to retire is the second time this month municipal leaders have learned of a department head’s imminent departure. Police Chief Frank Limon will quit his post at the end of March to take the top job in New Haven, Conn.
Gutierrez said he expects to begin immediately working with municipal trustees on finding a replacement for Kramer.
“He’s ready to sail his sailboat,” Gutierrez said of Kramer’s decision.