ATHOL – Public Works Director Dick Kilhart and Assistant Director Paul Raskevitz shared the honor of receiving the Margaret Grazis Employee of the Year award prior to the start of Monday’s Annual Town Meeting.

Speaking for his colleagues, Selectboard Chair Stephen Raymond praised Kilhart and Raskevitz for each having “their own style, which works together as a team to motivate their department and staff to excellence.”

Raymond further lauded the two for having “established a forward-thinking standard for the Public Works Department that has produced quality work from the dedicated staff and each of its divisions – water, wastewater, highway, administration and facilities management.

“Throughout town, there is continued growing evidence of the continued positive gains in the DPW, which stems from the leadership of the department setting consistent goals for achievement, promoting the ability of staff to cross-train and to advance in their careers, and better manage the extensive flow of work through the department.”

Raymond noted the town, due to the efforts of Kilhart, Raskevitz and their staff, has received awards from the Mass Department of Environmental Protection for outstanding water quality, been designated as a Tree City USA, and partnered with the Rotary Club to upgrade the pickleball courts at Silver Lake Park.

The DPW has also, according to Raymond, assisted with building demolition, overseen improvements in local bridges and infrastructure, and undertaken projects “too many to mention.”

“Dick and Paul form a unique team and have helped grow the entire DPW into a department that is reliable and proactive in both its routine maintenance and town improvement and beautification projects,” he said.

Raymond closed by saying the award should be seen as a recognition of the work done by all department employees.

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@aol.com.