ROCKLAND — Rockland City Council presented outgoing Public Works Director David St. Laurent with a Certificate of Commendation, Monday, Aug. 5, in Council Chambers.

During 12 years of service to Rockland, St. Laurent oversaw the paving of 18 roads, the transition to single-stream recycling, and the capping of the landfill.

Soon, he will start a new chapter as an employee with the Town of Camden, leaving a current city government to regret his departure, yet appreciate the guidance he has given.

“Dave, your institutional knowledge, and the longevity of your service is what allows us as councilors – and councilors before us, and councilors in the future – to do a better job,” said Councilor Ben Dorr. “To have somebody who’s willing to tackle large projects and see them through over numerous years is what allows an ever-rotating cast of characters up here on this dais to work to try to make our community a better place. We would be very blessed to have somebody anywhere near your quality going forward.”

According to Councilor Ed Glaser, St. Laurent has guided council through some of the most difficult decisions they’ve had to make, “going back to when it was still the dump, and taking us to where we are going to be in the future.”

Councilors referred to St. Laurent as a smart, thoughtful person who makes educated decisions. He doesn’t take any of his actions, or the effect they have on others, lightly. And, he appears to guide with humility, kindness, and integrity.

“You have a real ability to put forward a vision and take the necessary steps to do that,” said Councilor Valli Geiger.... “I hope Camden fully appreciates what a great asset that they are getting. And I think they do because they headhunted you pretty intensely.

He also does his job with an astute mind, yet is guided by his heart, according to Councilor Amelia Magjik.

“He’s one of the highest quality people I’ve had the luxury of getting to know.” 

In response, St. Laurent thanked the citizens of Rockland. 

“I had fun the whole time,” he said. “I really did. As painful as some of it was, as controversial as some of the decisions that you guys [council] had to make that I had to carry out – it was still fun. I still enjoyed it.”

St. Laurent said he believed that Rockland is in a better place then it was 12 years ago. 

“I think we are in a better place. You have a really great transfer station right now. Next year it will be completely capped. You’ll have a butterfly garden on it. I don’t think I ever thought I would have saw a butterfly garden on that thing that I saw 12 years, four months, and two weeks ago.”

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com