WESTBOROUGH – The Employee Excellence Award Committee has presented the June 2023 award to Joe Lobas in the Highway Division of the Public Works Department.
According to a press release from the committee, Lobas joined the town 18 months ago and brought a “wealth of experience” in municipal infrastructure maintenance.
“Throughout his short time with the DPW, Lobas has demonstrated his technical expertise and shared his extensive experience with colleagues,” the press release said.
Lobas recently led an effort to install Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalk ramps at a high-traffic pedestrian crossing site in town. Due to the technical nature of the work, the installation of concrete sidewalk ramps had previously been completed by a hired contractor, the release said.
“[Lobas’] can-do approach, combined with his extensive masonry experience, created an opportunity for the DPW to complete the work without requiring external contractor support,” the committee wrote. “While [Lobas] muddied his boots and took part in the physically demanding work, more importantly, he mentored others on the proper techniques for successful execution of the task. Ultimately, due in large part to his efforts, the DPW improved its ability to perform an important task.”
Lobas also led a team to victory in the annual DPW “Golden Shovel” competition in which competitors display their technical competence in public works activities. Lobas’ team outperformed four other teams within the department.
Lobas’ professionalism, expertise, and willingness to lead are an example for all, according to the announcement by the committee.