ROCKLAND, Maine — The city’s longtime public works director has resigned, effective immediately.
Greg Blackwell submitted his resignation Wednesday after being informed his position of public works director was being discontinued and that he would have to apply for the new, expanded position of public services director.
City Manager James Chaousis II said the decision was mutual. Blackwell was paid three months of severance, Chaousis said.
Blackwell began as public works director for Rockland in 1991 and served in that position through 1994 until he resigned to do private contracting work. He was hired a second time in December 2001 and has held the post since then.
The city manager said the new public services department will include the operations of what had been the public works department responsibilities as well as the operations of the transfer station. In addition, the public services department will be responsible for the maintenance of all municipal vehicles.
“I am looking for someone with a mix of an entrepreneur attitude and public services commitment,” Chaousis said Thursday.
Public works foreman David Larrabee will take on additional roles in the department during the transition. Wastewater Plant Superintendent Terry Pinto will oversee major department projects until a new public services director is hired.
Chaousis said the city is extremely grateful for Blackwell’s service to the city over the many years.
“He poured his heart and soul into the job,” Chaousis said.