By Steve Metsch
After 18 months, Tito Rodriguez can remove “interim” from his job title.
Rodriguez, 60, was sworn in as Lyons Public Works Director at the July 18 meeting of the village board.
He had held the job of interim director since January 2022. That’s when former public works director Ryan Grace left Lyons to start a new job as village administrator of Willow Springs.
“It sounds good, man. I’m feeling great about it,” Rodriguez said of his new title.
He’s been in the public works department since 2017. Prior to that, he worked in the Lyons building department.
Under Grace, he served seven months as deputy director of the public works department.
“We’re getting there. The mayor instills in us that we can always do better. That’s what I try to do. We’re just getting over the tornado that came through,” Rodriguez said.
That tornado, which hit neighboring McCook pretty hard on July 12, “was a little punch” to Lyons, he said.
“You always think it could have been worse. It could have come through the center of town,” Rodriguez said on July 18. “It was enough that it kept us busy the past week, but we’ve got it under control.”
Lyons sent public works employees and equipment to assist with cleanups in McCook and Countryside
“I really depend on my crew, and I appreciate all the help I’ve gotten from the mayor, the village manager and all the other directors. We are a team. Anytime I would need information or help, they’re there for me,” he said.
Rodriguez grew up in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. He and his family have lived in Lyons the past nine years.
He and his wife Winifred — who serves on the Lyons School District 103 board of education — have a daughter named Nicole and a son named Ian.
During the village board meeting, Village Manager Tom Sheahan spoke highly of Rodriguez’ job performance as interim director of public works.
“In the last five to six weeks, our mettle has been tested. … He’s done an outstanding job. All you have to do is drive around the village,” he said.
“We’ve had several terrible storms and a lot of public events. Everything is clean, neat, straightened out,” Sheahan said. “Public works has worked tremendously hard under Tito’s leadership.”
Mayor Christopher Getty also praised Rodriguez’ job performance, saying he has “demonstrated his ability to lead the department and oversee its operations.”
The village board unanimously voted its approval.
Village Trustee Teresa Echeverria said “Tito, thank you for (doing) a wonderful, wonderful job.”
An avid golfer, Rodriguez smiled when asked if his new job title and duties will wreak havoc on his game.
“It has already,” he said with a laugh. “I was a 6 (handicap) before and now I’m an 8.”
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