2022-165 2022-165
Resolution Authorizing Retainer Agreement With Labor Counsel For A Special
Investigation Into A Workplace Complaint
At a Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Wappinger, Dutchess County,
New York, held at Town Hall, 20 Middlebush Road, Wappingers Falls, New York, on
November 14, 2022.
The meeting was called to order by Richard Thurston, Town Supervisor, and upon roll
being called, the following was recorded:
✓Vote Record-Resolution RES-2022-165
Q Adopted Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent
❑ Adopted as Amended Richard Thurston Voter Q ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ Defeated William H.Beale Mover Q ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ Tabled Angela Bettina Seconder Q ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ Withdrawn Christopher Phillips Voter Q ❑ ❑ ❑
Al Casella Voter Q ❑ ❑ ❑
The following Resolution was introduced by Councilman Beale and seconded by
Councilwoman Bettina.
WHEREAS, an employee of the Town has filed a written complaint regarding actions that are in
violation of certain employment policies of the Town of Wappinger; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board has determined that the allegations warrant an independent and
confidential investigation to ascertain the facts of the case while preserving the privacy and due
process rights of all parties involved; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board, upon advice of the Attorney to the Town, believes that it should
retain Special Labor Counsel to conduct a full investigation, including an interview of witness
and gathering documentary evidence; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board directs that Special Labor Counsel prepare a report after its
investigation, subject to attorney-client privilege, describing the results of its investigation
together with any recommendations to the Town Board;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,that Special Labor Counsel Catania, Mahon & Rider,
PLLC, be retained as Special Counsel to investigate, render factual findings regarding and make,
if appropriate, remedial recommendations addressing complaints of violations of certain
employment policies of the Town; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,that upon the conclusion of its investigation, Special Labor
Counsel is directed to prepare a confidential, written attorney-client privileged report to the
Town Board memorializing such investigation, related factual findings and suggested remedial
actions; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,that the rates for the services for this investigation are those
established in the retainer agreement for Special Counsel Services between the Town of
Wappinger and Catania, Mahon & Rider, PLLC; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,that the Supervisor is hereby authorized and directed to sign the
retainer letter dated November 8, 2022.
The foregoing was put to a vote which resulted as follows:
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: William H. Beale, Councilman
SECONDER: Angela Bettina, Councilwoman
AYES: Thurston, Beale, Bettina, Phillips, Casella
Dated: Wappingers Falls, New York
11/14/2022
The Resolution is hereby duly declared Adopted.
JOSS P P. PAOLONI, TOWN CLERK