Village Manager Dave Cook At Final Meeting: Hinsdale 'Has Become My Home'

After attending approximately 1,200 public meetings in Hinsdale, village manager Dave Cook took his seat in the Memorial Hall boardroom one final time Tuesday night. 

Cook is leaving his Hinsdale post on July 26, more than 23 years after he was first hired to work for the village in 1990. There is a special meeting of the board of trustees scheduled for next Tuesday, but Cook will not be in attendance. 

"I will take with me many great memories, and most importantly, many great friendships," an emotional Cook said during his village manager's report near the end of Tuesday's meeting. "Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this village for the past 23 years." 

Though he doesn't live in town, the village manager said Hinsdale "has become [his] home."

Cook was hired by the Village of Hinsdale in 1990 as the director of finance and human resources. He was promoted to assistant village manager in 2000, then interim village manager in 2005. 

In February 2006, the "interim" label was removed from his title and he has served as village manager ever since.

Cook announced in May that he and the board of trustees could not agree on a new contract and that he had taken a job as the executive director of the Intergovernmental Personnel and Benefits Cooperative (IPBC).

Cook thanked his Hinsdale team Tuesday.

"To my department heads and staff, I will always be grateful to your loyalty, your dedication and your service to the village," he said.

Village President Tom Cauley commended Cook for his "years of hard work and dedication" during his president's report.

"As village manager, Dave has accomplished much and has addressed many issues, big and small, that have affected the residents of Hinsdale," Cauley said.

The village president singled out Cook's knack for bringing in grant money to fund many infrastructure projects, such as the new Oak Street Bridge.

Trustee Laura LaPlaca said she has known Cook since she began her time on the plan commission in 1997.

"You are a friend and a professional colleague and I will miss you, and I have your cell phone [number]," she said to light laughs.