Madawaska, Maine – Madawaska Public Works Director Mark Berube has resigned, citing personal reasons.
Mr. Berube was officially appointed as a director on February 5th. Prior to that, he had served as interim director since late last year when former director Kevin Dube resigned along with two other employees.
The resignation was not on the agenda at Tuesday's board meeting. Interim Town Manager Dan Foster announced this as an addition to the agenda during the board meeting.
Foster also read out his resignation letter during the meeting. Berube said in the letter that the role took up too much of his personal life.
“I have made this difficult decision due to personal reasons that require immediate attention,” the letter concludes. “We apologize for the inconvenience, and thank you for giving us the opportunity to try it out.”
After hearing this letter, the board of directors accepted Mr. Berube's resignation.
The resignation comes amid turmoil in town government. Town Mayor Gary Pickard resigned in early February. Dan Foster was hired as interim town manager last month. Selectman Christopher Braley resigned on February 14th.
Following Dube's resignation last year, town officials met with remaining public works employees to share concerns about pay, benefits and lack of recognition from the town. The Board of Selectmen then approved him a $5 raise across the department, in addition to $3 for night and weekend shift differentials. Madawaska was able to do this because of a Maine law that allows municipalities to spend an additional 15 percent of their public works budget if they are unable to effectively maintain or repair roads.
Two other employees left before Dube resigned last year, but the town has since filled most of the department's vacancies. But some residents complained in January that the response to snow removal was slow.
As of April 3, there are three vacancies in the town's public works department. In addition to director positions, there are openings for office manager positions and for mechanics and equipment operators.
More articles from BDN
Source link
