Two long-time public servants for the Village of Holland were recognized by their peers on council at the December 12 meeting.
Mayor Lee Irons and Councilman Roger Burditt are retiring from public service at the end of this year. Combined, they have served the village for more than 80 years.
In honor of their service, council is naming the building that houses the historical society after the mayor. It will be known as the Lee R. Irons Historical Center. The decision to rename the building was based on the mayor’s vast historical knowledge of the village.
The plaque reads, in part, “This building is named in honor of Lee R. Irons for his dedicated service to the Village of Holland as councilman 1982-2019 and mayor 2019-2023.”
For Councilman Burditt, who has chaired the park board committee for numerous years, council elected to rename the gazebo at Strawberry Acres Park after him.
The plaque to be mounted reads, “Gazebo named in honor of Roger Burditt to honor his dedication to the Village of Holland by serving as a volunteer fireman, council member and on various committees.”
Council president and incoming Mayor Ryan Spangler commended the men for their service.
He noted that Councilman Burditt started as a fireman in the 1970s and has served on council for 28 years and five months.
He has been a part of many 21st century improvements that took place at the park, including the pickleball courts, a restroom, new playground equipment and the gazebo as well as the caboose at railroad park.
Elected six times and appointed three times, he is the fourth longest serving elected official.
Mayor Irons is the longest serving elected official with 42 consecutive years. “I just want to say thank you for all you have done,” said Lyn Krasula, clerk treasurer.
Councilman Spangler added, “We are forever grateful for your service.”
Police Lieutenant Jim Piotrowski told the mayor and Mr. Burditt, “It has been a pleasure working with you.”
Mayor Irons expressed appreciation for the recognition. “What a nice honor. This is beautiful.”
He recalled when he and his wife moved to Holland “a long time ago. My wife Barb, who taught government, challenged me not to complain [about local issues] but to do something about it.”
That prompted him to become a member of council, serving as council president for a number of years before becoming mayor.
~Jane Maiolo
