Ray Towne arrived in Foster City in 1984 when his private consulting firm assigned him to work with the city's Public Works Department.
When the new year arrives in a couple of weeks, Towne will finally have the opportunity to get out of town.
The Foster City City Council officially recognized Towne, who announced he was retiring at the end of the year, at its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday night.
Foster City Mayor Pam Frisella proclaimed December 17 as "Ray Towne Day," in honor of his service to the city.
He worked closely with the city between 1984-99 planning, checking and reviewing many major construction projects, including the Metro Center and Vintage Park.
Towne was hired as city engineer in 1999 and then appointed Public Works Director in 2005.
He's helped shape the vision and define the future for Foster City since his arrival 28 years ago.
"Foster City is such a unique community," Towne told the city's official website. "It has been a pleasure to serve Foster City as its Public Works Director and have a hand in shaping that character."
Towne has plans to leave the city, at least for a while. He's looking to travel cross country and to Europe.
In other council action, the Foster City Parks and Recreation Department asked to extend an agreement with Loral Landscape to provide maintenance service for 2013. The agreement calls for an expenditure of $100,944, up from $95,340 for 2012.
The Parks and Recreation Department also received a grant for $175,602 from the Smart Family Foundation for improvements at the East Third Ave. windsurf and kiteboard area.
Breneman, Inc. was awarded the bid, worth $560,200, for the widening project at Metro Center Blvd. Median and Triton Drive.
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