Former Lyons Mayor David A. Visk dies at age 68

By Steve Metsch

David Visk, who served two terms as mayor of Lyons, has passed away.

Mayor Christopher Getty, who succeeded him in the office, discussed Visk’s passing when the village board met on Oct. 4.

Visk, 68, had moved from Lyons to Florida, and died on Oct. 3, Getty said.

“From my understanding, he was with family,” Getty said.

Visk served as mayor from 1997 to 2001 and again from 2005 to 2009.

“Our condolences to the Visk family during this time,” Getty said.

“It’s always sad to hear when somebody from Lyons and somebody who served Lyons passes. I wish his family the best during this difficult time,” Getty added after the meeting.

The village will assist in any sort of memorial service the family may want to hold, Getty said.

Marie Vachata, who died in September 2021, was mayor of Lyons between Visk’s two terms.

Lyons Fire Chief Gordon Nord Jr., has fond memories of working with Visk, who appointed him as chief “26 lovely years ago.”

“It’s horrible anyone has to pass. He did a lot for the village. He always treated me very well,” Nord said.

Trustee James Veselsky recalled a failed campaign against Visk.

“I ran against him and lost. Got slaughtered. That was a long time ago,” Veselsky said.

Trustee Teresa Echeverria recalled working with Visk when he was mayor and before she was on the village board.

“He was approachable. I had an issue with my property. He said ‘talk to so-and-so, no problem, and he’ll take care of you.’ The village inspector did,” Echeverria said.

In other business, the board unanimously approved an amendment to the zoning code to allow a laundromat as a special use for a building at 8734 W. Ogden Ave.

For whatever reason, the term “laundromat” had not been included in the original zoning documents.

That came to light when the original owners of Laundry Express wanted sell to a new owner a few months ago, Getty said.

“The buyer said he wants it explicitly spelled out so if he goes to sell it, there would be no issues,” Getty said.

“This is a long-standing business in the village. The zoning code created an issue. Village counsel recommended he seek relief. The zoning board recommended granting special use for that location,” Getty said.

There was no opposition voiced at the zoning board meeting, Trustee Ivica Lazich said.

The board also approved awarding a contract to not exceed $99,400 to Davis Concrete Construction Co., based in Monee, for the 2022 sidewalk replacement and pavement patching program.

“Davis Concrete was the lowest bidder. This is our annual sidewalk replacement program. Residents split the cost with the village,” Getty said.

Work is expected to soon begin, he said.  Trustee Pat Alonzi was not able to attend the meeting.

The next board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 18.

Purple and black bunting hangs outside of Lyons Village Hall and the Lyons Police Department and the flag is flown at half-staff in memory of former mayor David Visk.