Latest news with #PublicOfficersLaw
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Watertown council to vote on lifting residency requirement for city manager, others
Jun. 13—WATERTOWN — After it came up more than a year ago, City Council members will finally deal with passing a local law that would allow City Manager Eric Wagenaar to continue to live in Chaumont. The issue was first brought to the public's attention last month when Watertown resident Robert Avallone questioned why council members had failed to act on a local law that would not require Wagenaar to live in the city. On Monday night, council members will be asked to pass the ordinance that would not require Wagenaar, Public Works Superintendent Brian MacCue, City Engineer Tom Compo and City Assessor Kimberli Johnston to live in Watertown. During three subsequent council meetings in recent weeks, Avallone brought up the subject. "It's not a good look to leave a breach of contract," Avallone said. "I'm glad they're addressing it." He wasn't blaming Wagenaar for the situation. Mayor Sarah V.C. Pierce, City Attorney Kristen Smith and council members should have acted on it long before Monday's meeting, Avallone said. On Dec. 23, 2023, the City Council approved the contract to hire Wagenaar with the stipulation that he'd move into the city within six months. Under the contract, Wagenaar was given until June 29, 2024, to make the move, with a possible six-month extension until last December. About a year ago, council members discussed the issue during an executive session, but took no action. Councilwoman Lisa A. Ruggiero said Friday that the city attorney wrote up a resolution to address it on May 20, 2024. In an email, Pierce told council members she would review it. There it sat, the councilwoman said. So Ruggiero sent out an email to Smith asking about it on May 20, 2025 — exactly a year after the city attorney had penned the ordinance — and then forwarded the email to Pierce and council members, she said. "Eric is doing an excellent job," Avallone said. "He's an asset for the city. I'm glad he's on board." On Monday night, council members will consider adopting a local law to create an exception to the residency requirement under Section 3 of the state's Public Officers Law for the city manager and the three other appointed city officials. Pierce, who could not be reached for comment, and council members Cliff G. Olney III and Ruggiero were on council when Wagenaar was hired. Council members Robert O. Kimball and Benjamin P. Shoen have served on council during Wagenaar's tenure as city manager. Wagenaar replaced former City Manager Kenneth A. Mix, who retired at the end of Decembers 2023. Mix lived in Champion before moving to Watertown to become city manager.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Yahoo
Monroe County DA's Office launches investigation into Irondequoit Town Supervisor
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The Monroe County District Attorney's Office is launching an investigation into Irondequoit Town Supervisor Andrae Evans. According to the DA's Office, Sandra Doorley will be investigating Evans for potential criminal conduct or removal from office. This stems from allegations that he made sexual remarks to a female employee. An investigative report was released accusing Evans of violating the town's anti-harassment and sexual harassment policies. The report lists instances of strange text messages and sexual remarks allegedly made by Evans towards female employees. The report also accuses Evans of retaliating against an employee. The Irondequoit Town Board recently called the findings of an investigation into the sexual harassment allegations as 'unacceptable.' Previously, Evans apologized but said he did not plan on re-signing and sought re-election. However, during Monday's town board meeting, he claimed he was unjustly accused for political reasons. The DA's Office says it will review the current findings and conduct an outside investigation to determine if criminal charges are appropriate. You can read the full statement from the Monroe County District Attorney's Office below: Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley will be conducting an investigation into Irondequoit Town Supervisor Andrae Evans for potential criminal conduct or for removal from office pursuant to Public Officers Law §36. 'Following a referral from the Irondequoit Town Board and the Irondequoit Police Department, the Monroe County District Attorney's Office will review the current findings and conduct an outside investigation to determine if any criminal charges or penalties are appropriate.' 'There will be no further comment or update at this time.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
