Riverhead board adopts termination under Civil Service Law §75 after resident urges leniency

The Riverhead Town Board on June 23 adopted a resolution approving a hearing officer's findings under Civil Service Law section 75 and terminating the employment of an unnamed parks department employee identified in the record as employee GFZ 000299.

During a special meeting called for the single item, resident Marilyn Banks Winter urged the board to reconsider the penalty imposed by Resolution 2026-632. "The decision you make today will not only affect one man's future, but will also send a message about how Riverhead values loyalty, dedication, and years of public service," Banks Winter said, noting the employee had served the town "for approximately 16 years" in progressive administrative and supervisory roles and had helped coordinate park restorations and community events, including work tied to the Bell Town Heritage Area.

Town Clerk Mr. Wooten presented Resolution 632, "adopting hearing officer's findings and recommendations," and a motion to adopt was made and seconded (mover and seconder not specified on the record). The clerk called the roll. Wasilewski voted yes; Merryfield voted yes; Kern recorded an abstention; Rothwell voted yes, saying he trusted the hearing officer's work and wanted the parks department to continue operating during the busy season; and Supervisor Halpin voted yes, stating support for the hearing officer's recommendation based on professional misconduct findings. The clerk announced that "the resolution is adopted."

Banks Winter told the board she had reviewed the hearing officer's findings and the board's resolution and stated, "It does not state the incompetency or misconduct," while emphasizing the employee's role as a liaison to community organizations, coordination of volunteer-driven park restoration projects, and assistance with public programs and events. She asked the board to weigh the employee's long record of service and contributions when considering the penalty.

The record includes the resolution number (2026-632) and the employee identifier (GFZ 000299). The motion and second were recorded, but the names of the mover and seconder were not provided on the transcript. No further public comments were recorded, and the board adjourned following approval of the resolution.

Next steps: The clerk announced that the resolution was adopted and that this concluded the special meeting; the transcript records no further procedural action or appeals on the record during the meeting.