PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Commissioner of Public Services David Turocy is retiring after a 30-year career.
Turocy joined the city in 2015 as commissioner of public services, filling a job that had been created four years earlier but never filled. He came to Pittsfield after serving 11 years as commissioner in Newton. In 2017 his role expanded to take on the role of commissioner of public utilities as well.
The commissioner said on Thursday that he will retire in October and will remain in the area.
"My wife retired two years ago, so it's a good time to go out and relax," Turocy said.
Turocy began his career in Lexington in March 1989 as highway and drains superintendent, overseeing 17 employees and a budget of a $1 million. In 1996, he took a job in Concord as the highway and grounds superintendent, and the employee number grew to 23 and a budget of $2 million. In 2004, he went to Newton to oversee the highway, engineering, fleet management, and trash collection, overseeing more than 200 employees and a budget of $80 million.
In Pittsfield, he oversaw road work, parks maintenance, vehicles, engineering, and the water and wastewater systems. There were some 90 employees working under him and $20 million worth of operating budget, plus numerous capital repairs.
The city is now looking for his replacement. The city's job posting seeks somebody with at least a bachelor's degree with a specialization in public or business administration, engineering, construction management, or related field. The candidate should have 10 years or more of experience with at least five in a supervisory role. The position pays about $100,000 per year.
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Dalton Select Board Argues Over Sidewalk Article
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — A heated discussion concerning sidewalks during Monday night's Select Board meeting resulted in the acting chair calling a recess to cool the situation.
The debate stemmed from the two articles on the town meeting warrant for May 6 at 7 p.m. at Wahconah Regional High School.
One proposes purchasing a sidewalk paver for $64,000 so sidewalks can be paved or repaired for less money, but they will use asphalt rather than concrete. The other would amend the town's bylaws to mandate the use of concrete for all future sidewalks.
The article on concrete sidewalks was added to the warrant through a citizen petition led by resident Todd Logan.
The board was determining whether to recommend the article when member John Boyle took the conversation in a new direction by addressing how the petition was brought about.
"I just have a comment about this whole procedure. I'm very disappointed in the fact that you [Logan] have been working, lobbying various groups and implementing this plan and filed this petition six weeks ago. You never had any respect for the Select Board and …" Boyle said.
Before Boyle could finish his statement, which was directed to Logan, who was in the audience, Chair Joe Diver called point of order via Zoom.
Between disagreements about site design and a formal funding process not yet established, more time is needed before a decision can be made.
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The Ordinances and Rules subcommittee on Monday unanimously supported a pay raise for election workers, free downtown parking for veterans, and safeguards to better protect wetlands.
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A parking study of North Street will be presented at Tuesday's City Council meeting. The design maintains parallel parking while expanding pedestrian zones and adding protected bike lanes. click for more
Amy Schirmer was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year for creating a weekly therapeutic art class at the George B. Crane Center to help those in recovery from substance use. click for more