Seekonk Public Works Head Likely Keeping Job

It appears Seekonk Superintendent of Public Works Bob Lamoureux's job is secure through June 2014. This status could only be changed if the board of selectmen holds a special meeting before the end of the year and the two selectmen opposed to keeping Lamoureux aboard are able to convince a third colleague to see things the way they do.

Last week, the board voted 2-2 on whether to begin contract renewal negotiations with Lamoureux, whose current contract expires at the end of June 2013. Selectman Gary Sagar voted "present." The town's legal consultant, attorney Joseph Fair, told the board Wednesday that the deadlock meant the selectmen took no action.

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Lamoureux must be notified by the end of the year whether the town plans to renew his contract. By taking no action, the selectmen have effectively not notified Lamoureux about his status, which triggers a one-year renewal of his current contract, Fair said.

There was some discussion on the board about this legal opinion, with Selectman Bob McLintock (who, along with board Chair Francis Cavaco, opposes Lamoureux's job renewal) criticizing elements of it.

Discussion of Lamoureux's contract was on the agenda for an executive session, which takes place after the public meeting behind closed doors. The selectmen decided to remove this item after the public discussion of Lamoureux's contract status.

Lamoureux's job status has been a heated topic in Seekonk in recent weeks. During last week's vote, McLintock said there were several reasons Lamoureux should not be rehired, including that he has failed with projects and cost the taxpayers extra money. Lamoureux and his supporters defended his record, and the public works chief accused Cavaco of having "a personal problem with me."

The day prior to the vote, Lamoureux filed a complaint with the police department accusing Cavaco of cursing at him at Town Hall. Cavaco told police that what Lamoureux thought was his cursing at him was actually an asthma attack, according to the police report.