St. Charles’ first city administrator being remembered for strong leadership, love of city

St. Charles’ first city administrator is being remembered for his love of the city.

Larry Maholland was appointed St. Charles city administrator in 1997. He held the position for eight years before retiring from the city in 2005.

Prior to being appointed city administrator, he was the city’s director of finance and administration from 1982 to 1997.

“Larry’s love of St. Charles and his commitment to bettering his community was evident in all he did,” St. Charles Mayor Lora Vitek said at Tuesday’s St. Charles City Council meeting.

She noted that he was instrumental in the initial planning of the First Street redevelopment project in downtown St. Charles.

“He was an active, dedicated volunteer who participated in several community and service organizations,” Vitek said. “He was an essential member of the River Corridor Foundation Board and a past Rotarian and recognized Paul Harris Fellow. Larry is remembered for his leadership, vision, strategic thinking and as an encouraging mentor.”

In April, the River Corridor Foundation presented a Golden Turtle award to Maholland, who played a key role in the formation of the River Corridor Foundation as a director on the foundation’s board.

Vitek has directed that city flags be flown at half-staff until his funeral.

Second Ward Alderman Rita Payleitner talked about Maholland as she presented the invocation at the beginning of the meeting.

“A great servant, dreamer and supporter of St. Charles passed away this morning,” Payleitner said. “Larry Maholland’s legacy lives in many corners of our city, not the least of which is the First Street redevelopment project, which he cast the original vision. May we all strive to follow in his footsteps in service and love for our city.”

In a 2005 interview about his pending retirement, Maholland said he was most proud of instilling a feeling of teamwork in city employees, improving the city’s customer service and beginning formal strategic planning at all levels.

State Sen. and former St. Charles mayor Don DeWitte, R-St. Charles, said he was extremely saddened to hear about Maholland’s death.

“He was a consummate professional who brought stability and a heightened level of constituent services to the city’s administrative processes,” DeWitte said in a statement. “Larry oversaw the administrative transition when I was elected mayor in 2005 and he ensured a smooth and almost seamless transition. During the transition, Larry was always helpful, professional and courteous. His commitment to the people of St. Charles was evident in everything he did. That dedication was the foundation of his community service, and is the centerpiece of his legacy to the city of St. Charles.”