The Worth Village Board marked the new year with sadness but appreciation for Trustee Pete Kats, who is retiring after nearly 20 years of public service.
Kats was first elected as a trustee in 2007 and has seen the village reach some milestones while dealing with some turmoil over the decades. However, Kats enjoyed every moment of serving the residents of Worth.
“It was always for the people, that’s who we work for,” said Kats, who has also served as the longtime chairman of the public safety committee.
Kats also thanked Mayor Mary Werner, trustees and other departments during the Worth Village Board meeting on Jan. 6, applauding them for their service and commitment.
“We have been through some good times and some hard times,” Kats said. “I mean I count everybody here as my friend. I’m going to miss this.”
Although it was a difficult decision, Kats decided it was time to retire and he will now be living in a warmer climate.
Werner grew emotional in saying goodbye to Kats at the beginning of the meeting.
“You have served under three mayors and I’m happy for you on your retirement, although it is sad for us,” Werner said. “Now you will become a snowbird. But I just want to say after I won the election in 2013 you were the first person to reach out to me. I thank you for that.”
This being the first meeting of the new year, the agenda was light, which gave other board members ample time to thank Kats for his long service.
“Well, Mr. Kats, you got me into this,” joked Trustee Rich Dziedzic. “Now you are moving on to your next adventure. I’m kind of envious.”
Village Clerk Bonnie Price has been in her position since 2001 and has enjoyed working with Kats over the years.
“I just want to say congratulations to Pete Kats,” Price said. “Over the years, I have knocked on a few doors with him. I will just say that you are a stand-up guy. Don’t ever change.”
Trustee Brad Urban, who is the chairman of the public works committee, said that Kats was a huge plus for the village with his knowledge from working in the construction business.
“You brought a lot to the table,” Urban said. “You are going to be hard to replace.”
Board members also thanked Kats for his candor and his passion for serving the residents of Worth. They noted he could be outspoken on certain issues but the board knew he wanted the best for the village.
Police Chief Tim Denton had high praise for Kats, who he worked closely with due to his work with the public safety committee. He added that Kats always supported the police department and always reached out to residents.
“Pete, I just want to thank you for everything,” Denton said. “You will be missed.”
Kats appreciated all the kind words and said he will always be emotionally linked to Worth.
“I have been blessed to be a part of this board,” Kats said. “It has been an honor to be here, it really is. I want to thank the residents for voting for me and the board. That’s why we do this.”
He also singled out Werner for her tenure as mayor.
“Mary, I appreciate what you do for this village,” Kats said. “You do so much. And to the board, just continue to do what you are doing. We have had our disagreements over the years but we have worked it out. I never wanted to treat anyone with disrespect. Thank you, it has been an honor.”
Mayor Werner will name a replacement who will serve until the end of Kats’ term in 2027.
Boat launch passes
Price said that the procedure for purchasing boat launch passes will be for the full year instead of beginning in March. Often individuals purchasing the passes had to renew them twice within a year.
Now the passes will be purchased on an annual basis, Price said.
Urban said that schedule has been a little lighter for public works.
“Public works is doing a little cleanup because the weather has been nicer this past week,” Urban said.