Countryside Engineer John Fitzgeral has worked on many projects over 22 years with the city, but it took just a moment to name his most memorable.
“The Brainard Avenue bike path. When we presented that to the public that lived along the corridor, (they) wanted to hang me and the mayor,” he said.
The path runs down the east side of Brainard, from Plainfield Road to Joliet Road. Property had to be acquired from residents to make it work.
“We had to convince them this was a good thing for the city. That it was the right thing to do. … All of those people who were yelling at us? After the project (they) said they were happy. That’s why that project stands out,” Fitzgerald said after the Dec. 11 city council meeting.
The meeting was his last one as city engineer.
Fitzgerald, 60, of Naperville, is retiring from Novotny Engineering at year’s end. Novotny is the city’s engineering company.
Another project he likes is the streetscape – with its distinctive paving blocks – that was installed along part of La Grange Road, north from Joliet Road. IDOT recently announced it will help the city extend that north from 57th Street to Plainfield Road.
“That’s a fun one,” he said.
“I’m proud of all the projects that I’ve been affiliated with. I’ve been lucky. Never had anyone severely hurt on a project. To be in the business (for) 38 years and no one died on a project, that’s something to be proud of,” he said.
Fitzgerald also is the engineer for the village of North Riverside, Township of Lyons and several park districts.
He looks forward to having more free time, especially on weekends. Music is a hobby. He plays the mandolin, fiddle and banjo. He formerly played in an Irish band.
During the city council meeting, several elected officials took time to praise and thank Fitzgerald for his hard work over the years.
“I remember one of my first city council meetings. When they were done discussing (a project) I thought, ‘This guy is good. Really good.’ It’s been a great pleasure to work with John all these years,” Mayor Sean McDermott said.
“The vast majority of infrastructure in this city, he has touched in one way or another,” the mayor added. “He’s a man of high ethics and takes his work very seriously.”
The city’s longest serving alderman, John Von Drasek (2nd), in his fifth term, said he’s worked “many, many years” with Fitzgerald.
“Keeping our residents happy You always had your heart in it. And, as the mayor said, the highest standards. It’s been a pleasure to work with you. And, I agree, we’ve got to keep him around. He knows where everything is,” Von Drasek said.
“And where everything is buried,” McDermott quipped to laughter from the council and audience.
Fitzgerald’s replacement, Angel Hernandez, 31, attended the meeting. He has worked with municipalities before.
“I’ve been witn Novotny for two years, overall 10 years experience. I started my career in Florida,” Hernandez said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with Countryside. Looking forward to it.”