Facilities manager praised for efforts

Dec 10, 2013

Outgoing Facilities Manager Mike Meunier is known for handling a variety of projects, from the Senior Center, to Town Hall renovations and Fire Department upgrades.

But for School Committee members he will be remembered for one massive project, Rochester Memorial School’s construction.

“If you had a project Mike was your guy,” School Committee member Sharon Hartley said. “We had a school project and it was kind of a big one.”

Meunier retires on Dec. 18. The School Committee recognized him for his service at its Dec. 5 meeting. A book will be donated to the school library in Meunier’s name.

Hartley introduced Meunier as a friend and someone committed to the construction. It began in 2001 when the town filed a feasibility study. From 2001 to 2006 school leaders worked to get the word out and solicit information.

In 2009, voters approved the project and Meunier led the effort.

“He was in the middle of construction workers and architects and teachers and staff trying to really bring everything together smoothly, to bring about a school we were all going to love and that we do love,” Hartley said.

The fact the school was the first to use  precast concrete in Massachusetts added to the challenge.

The material lets buildings go up quickly, but state officials were skeptical about the new procedure.

“Mike helped us to be the pioneer. He had a lot of expertise and knowledge,” Hartley said. “I feel grateful as a School Committee member that he was the guy who made this a great project.”

Meunier announced his retirement in November. Before leaving he donated a trailer worth $2,700 to the Rochester Police Department, which was gratefully accepted.

Rochester has advertised for a new facilities manager. Officials are reviewing applications and want to have a new facilities manager hired by the end of January.