Jack Petkus, Andover's public works director, will retire tomorrow, Friday, after 11 years in Andover.
Petkus' departure may bring major changes for his department, as Town Manager Buzz Stapczynski plans to hire an interim DPW director and study the possibility of consolidating the public works and plant and facilities departments.
The retirement date for Joe Piantedosi, Plant and Facilities Department director, was officially June 30, but he will continue as acting director through the end of January.
"With the two key retirements (Piantedosi and Petkus), this presents an opportunity to look at what may exist in terms of bringing things together. Maybe there's no opportunity, maybe there is," said Stapczynski. "It's not meant to slight either one of the departments, but to draw upon the strengths of each of them."
Stapczynski said Petkus, 65, has talked with him about retiring for about nine months. Petkus originally planned to retire in December, but bumped the date up to Aug. 13 within the last month.
"It's not a surprise, we had been talking about it," said Stapczynski.
Petkus says he moved his retirement date because of some health issues.
"I feel bad I have to leave now, but my physician says it's time. I look forward to the next part of my life, wherever that takes me," said Petkus.
Petkus leaves as a criminal investigation continues into possible employee misconduct at the town's water treatment plant, one of the DPW's seven divisions.
He insisted his retirement has "nothing to do" with the ongoing investigation.
"If I'm needed for testimony or anything, I'm still available," he said. "I have told people that If they need any help, I'm available."
Petkus said he'll miss the "top-notch" people he's worked with in Andover.
"It's been absolutely wonderful," Petkus said of his 11 years in Andover. "It's a great community to work in. Over my career, I think (Town Manager) Buzz (Stapczynski) is probably the best boss I've had. He's the kind of guy that will allow you to do what you're trained to do, allow you to work as you see fit in your area of expertise. There's virtually none of the micromanaging that I've seen in other communities."
A job posting for an interim DPW director will be advertised within the next couple of weeks, stipulating the position will be for no more than one year and pay around $100,000. Stapczynski said he hopes to hire within six to eight weeks.
In late fall or early winter, a consultant will be hired to study consolidating DPW and plant and facilities, he said. A study of the fire departments organization was studied before Chief Mike Mansfield was hired in December 2006, said Stapczynski.
"When we have this kind of turnover, it really lays out a nice game plan," he said.
Piantedosi has agreed to stay through January, working with the School Building Committee as project manager in the process to replace Bancroft Elementary School.
Petkus was hired in October 1999, replacing longtime DPW Director Bob McQuade. He previously worked as DPW director in Nashua, N.H. and in public works for several towns in Connecticut.
From expanding sewer service to 2,200 homes and making over Main Street to upgrading the water treatment plant and capping the Ledge Road landfill, Petkus has made an impact on Andover, said Stapczynski.
"I'm sad to see him retire, but I can understand his desire not have the day-to-day responsibilities and headaches that go along with a multimillion dollar department," said Stapczynski. "He really is leaving a legacy of public works projects that are second to none. His guidance and leadership will be missed."
