March 18 reception to mark town planner Steve Lotspeich’s retirement

March 9, 2023  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

The town invitation to the March 18 reception. Courtesy photo

Steve Lotspeich 30 years ago became Waterbury’s town planner and he presently is counting down the days to his retirement. 

To mark the occasion, honor Lotspeich and thank him for his service, the Waterbury Select Board and the Edward Farrar Utility District Commissioners invite the community to an open house reception on Saturday, March 18, from 2:30 to 5 p.m. in the Steele Community Room at the Waterbury Municipal Center. 

A program is planned for 3:30 p.m. and refreshments will be served. 

Lotspeich is the third senior municipal official to retire of late, following Carla Lawrence who retired from the town clerk and treasurer positions last fall and Bill Shepeluk who retired as municipal manager at the beginning of the year. Karen Petrovic was appointed to succeed Lawrence and was elected to the clerk and treasurer positions on Town Meeting Day this week. New Municipal Manager Tom Leitz joined the staff Oct. 31 and worked alongside Shepeluk until Jan. 1 when he took on the position.  

In his role, Lotspeich has overseen planning and zoning functions for the town that affect all aspects of the community’s growth and development. He also has been an active participant in many community projects and activities, playing music on his guitar and banjo during Winterfest or at the Children’s Room Barn Dance, planting flowers in downtown planters, decorating storefronts for the holidays, Green-ing Up and more.  

The recent Waterbury Annual Report is dedicated to Lotspeich. That tribute says in part: 

“In March 1993, Steve came to Waterbury with his wife Judith to start a new chapter in their lives. Steve has served, since coming here, as Waterbury’s Community Planner, but more so, he and his family have woven their lives into the fabric of this town, participating in a wide array of community and social events. Always willing to lead us in songs he has written for special people or occasions, Steve has consistently worked hard to ‘hit a high note’ for Waterbury. A dedicated public servant to be sure, Steve has faithfully staffed and guided volunteer Planning Commissioners and members of the [Zoning Board of Adjustment] or [Development Review Board] in their on-going endeavors to plan for and develop a vibrant and sustainable local community. While not always an easy or enviable task, given varied and sometimes polarized public sentiment, Steve has negotiated that gauntlet with grace and a general good nature. Steve will step into retirement this month after a 30-year career here. He has always been willing to step up to take on the next task at hand or to lend a helping hand to someone in need. We will miss him, but we wish for him and his family all the best for years to come and a long and fruitful retirement.”

Lotspeich’s last official day at work is Friday, March 17. 

Direct any questions about the March 18 event to Karen Petrovic at 802-244-8447 or karen@waterburyvt.com.