For Release:
Apr 19, 2011
GURNEE, IL– Village Administrator Jim Hayner has announced his intention to retire at the end of the 2011 calendar year. Hayner, a life-long resident of Gurnee, has been a Village employee since 1977. He became Village Administrator in 1988, succeeding the Village’s first administrator, Robert Trigg. Prior to becoming Administrator, Hayner held a number of positions within the Village including Administrative Assistant, Assistant Administrator and Director of Building and Zoning.
Reflecting on his career, Hayner stated, “It has been an honor and privilege to work for my hometown over the past 34 years. I had a great mentor in Bob Trigg, who taught me valuable lessons in municipal government, economics, and life; I’ve worked with a lot of outstanding people, both elected and appointed, that reflect why Gurnee’s such a great community.” Hayner continued to say, “I look forward to working with Mayor Kovarik and the Board during this transition period. I have a great staff and the Village will be in good shape for years to come.”
During his tenure as Administrator, Hayner oversaw tremendous growth in the Village. In 1988 the equalized assessed valuation was approximately $164 million, by 2010 this figure was $1.34 billion. The Village’s population also grew from 11,300 in 1988, to over 31,000 residents today. Commercial developments such as Gurnee Mills Mall, the Grand/Hunt Development, Tri-State Business Park, auto dealerships and KeyLime Cove Resort, approved and constructed during his tenure, are cornerstones of Gurnee’s economic vitality. Residential development under Hayner’s leadership, including the area west of I-94, along with new subdivisions on the north side of the Village, rank among the best in Lake County. In addition, Hayner oversaw the evolution of Village operations in order to meet the increasing demands of the community. This includes the construction of new Village facilities and infrastructure. Gurnee’s Village Hall, Fire Station #2, Public Works Facility, and Police Station were financed, designed and constructed under Hayner’s leadership. As a result of Hayner’s management capabilities, Gurnee residents can be proud of the strong economic position of the Village, which levies no property tax and has very little long term debt.
In addition to his service with the Village, Hayner played a large role in numerous other intergovernmental agencies. Hayner was involved in the creation of the Central Lake County Joint Action Water Agency (CLCJAWA) and has served as chairman of the Executive Committee of CLCJAWA. He also served as an executive committee member of the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) for 17 years, the Lake County Manager’s Representative on the Lake County Municipal League’s Board of Directors for 15 years and chairman of the Lake County Managers Group.
Hayner has also been extensively involved in the greater Gurnee community with such organizations as the Gurnee Breakfast Exchange Club, Warren Township High School Foundation Board, Warren Township High School Hall of Fame Committee and in various coaching capacities. He was selected as the Gurnee Days Honoree in 2004 for both his professional and personal contributions to Village.
- END -
Contact:
Contact: Pat Muetz, Assistant to the Administrator
Phone: (847) 599-7513
Fax: (847) 623-0490