Stonington launches investigation into building officials' conduct
Stonington — First Selectman Rob Simmons said Tuesday that the town has launched an administrative investigation into allegations that the town’s two building officials have mistreated property owners seeking permits.
Simmons said town Labor Attorney Meredith Diette is heading the probe, which he said he expects to be completed in about a week. When it is finished, he said he expects he will be able to announce if he is recommending the town take any disciplinary action against Building Official Lawrence Stannard and his assistant, Robert Chevalier.
The investigation comes after veteran Stonington police Detective Greg Howard complained about “unprofessional conduct” and “bullying” by the two men.
Howard, who addressed the Board of Selectmen last week about the matter, has said he is speaking out on behalf of a large group of homeowners, contractors and business owners who have told him they, too, have been subjected to the “rude, condescending and unprofessional treatment” by the two men.
Howard also has charged they are misinterpreting building codes and exceeding their authority by requiring work that is not legally required.
About 20 contractors and property owners accompanied Howard to last week’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting. Other contractors and business owners who have spoken with The Day also complained about the actions of the building officials but said they did not want to speak publicly because they have ongoing projects that require permits and fear retaliation. Some say the actions of the two men are discouraging people from investing in town, especially in Pawcatuck.
Stannard declined to comment on the allegations last week.
Simmons pointed out Tuesday that both Stannard and Chevalier are part of the Stonington Public Administrators’ Association and would be entitled to due process under their union contract if any disciplinary action is taken against them.
“We want to be fair about this and we will be fair about this,” said Simmons, who stressed the process will take place in a timely, orderly fashion.
Simmons has said he has spoken to the two building officials on a number of occasions about how to properly interact with the public and even sent Chevalier for training on the topic.
He pointed out Tuesday that the issue with Howard since has been resolved with work and inspections being done and a building permit issue.
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