Lake Forest council honors two long‑serving department heads; staff named as successors

The Lake Forest City Council on June 2 adopted resolutions of appreciation for two retiring department heads — Daniel H. Martin, superintendent of public works, and Charles E. Myers, superintendent of parks and forestry — and council members and staff introduced their internal successors.

The council read resolutions recognizing Martin’s 32 years with the city (hire date stated in the resolution as November 9, 1992) and Myers’s 14 years (hire date June 22, 2011). The resolutions highlighted capital projects and program improvements each led: Martin’s tenure was credited with facility condition assessments, water plant filter replacements and various capital projects including a new Municipal Services Building and City Hall addition; Myers’s tenure was credited with projects such as Deerpath Park design, lakefront improvements and ravine restoration work. Both resolutions were approved by motion.

Martin and Myers offered brief remarks. Martin reflected on his career and thanked family and colleagues, saying, “So thank you very much. It's been an honor.” Myers described visiting recent park projects and called it a “privilege and an honor to serve in this wonderful community.”

Public Works Director Michael Thomas introduced two staff members the department has selected to fill leadership roles: Matt Brijoni, the city’s street supervisor with 14 years of service, and Corey Wierma, the city forester with 27 years of service, who Thomas said will move up to superintendent positions and who have helped run the city’s snow program.

Council approved both resolutions by motion and voice vote; the retirements are effective June 13, 2025, per the resolution language. No personnel votes or formal confirmation actions for the successor appointments were recorded in the meeting minutes; Thomas introduced the replacements as the city’s operational plan for succession.