ROCKLAND — Greg Blackwell, Public Works Director, has resigned effective today, according to a news release from Rockland City Hall.

“ The discharge was mutually agreeable and we decided not to impose a notice period,” said City Manager James Chaousis II, in the release. “Senior staff and City Council were notified last night.”

Rockland also merged the city’s public works department with its transfer station today, per an ordinance change agreed to last year by the Council. 

“Considering we will be advertising a new position and discussing the Department of Public Services, I thought it was important to make some clarifications,” said Chaousis, in the release. “Public Works is still an industry standard phrase and the transfer station is still a significant component of our public services.  For the purposes of clarity, when people refer to Public Works or the Transfer Station we will consider those divisions of the Department of Public Services.  Over time we will merge duties and responsibilities and there will be less need for clarification.

“David Larrabee will taking on some additional roles in leadership of the department during the transition.  He will have total support of all department heads and myself throughout this period.  I know he is up to the challenge.

“Terry Pinto, WWTF Director, will help in keeping major projects on track while I work on major planning initiatives at the Transfer Station. This will be a true team effort in maintaining consistent service delivery from the Department of Public Services in the interim.  Samantha Mank, Human Resources, is working on advertising the Director of Public Services position, which should be available soon.

“The City of Rockland is extremely grateful and proud of the service that Greg Blackwell contributed over many years.  He poured his heart and soul into the job.  I personally wish him and his family the best.”