Zoning Officer Kirk Smith has Served Grayslake for 25 Years

During the past 25 years Kirk Smith has worked for the village of Grayslake, 51 subdivisions have been constructed—a total of 5,000 homes—and 166 special use permits were issued.

Smith also made sure about $100 million worth of infrastructure was installed per the approved plans for those subdivisions.

"We're very thankful to have Kirk here and all his dedication," said Mayor Rhett Taylor. "He is always cheerful, always helpful, always smiling."

Taylor and the Grayslake Village Board honored Smith at their meeting Tuesday night for his 25 years of service to the village. He was presented with a mantle clock as a gift.

Smith, the village's zoning officer, started working full time for the village in 1988 following a year of serving as an intern. The Southern Illinois University grad has held various jobs in the village, including in the building department, Taylor said. Smith became the village's zoning officer in 1991 and has periodically served as the director of economic development. 

He was the staff liaison to the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, and is now the liaison to the combined Plan Commission/Zoning Board. 

Karl Molek, chairman of the Grayslake Plan Commission/Zoning Board, said he appreciates "the way (Smith) deftly handled us" through various projects, like College Trails and the old fairgrounds proposal.

"Kirk, you're doing something right—and we appreciate it," said Molek.

Smith accepted his gift and took a moment to thank all of the village officials he has worked with over the years.