Former East Longmeadow police chief must wait for breach of contract settlement payment

Sept. 15, 2016 | Chris Goudreau
cgoudreau@thereminder.com

Former East Longmeadow Police Chief Douglas Mellis
Reminder Publications file photo

EAST LONGMEADOW – At its Sept. 13 meeting, the Town Council tabled an appropriation to pay former Chief Douglas Mellis more than a year’s salary as part of a legal settlement due to a breach of contract made by the now inoperative Board of Selectmen.

Town Council President Kevin Manley told Reminder Publications after the meeting by law the agreement requires a 21-day review process.

“[Mellis] signed it and returned it to town hall, but then at the end of that 21-day review process, there’s a seven-day right of recession to where he could change his mind,” Manley explained.

During the meeting, Manley argued that the council could appropriate the more than $136,000 for Mellis with a contingency that it not be appropriated if the agreement potentially fell through.

Town Counsel James Donahue advised against appropriating funds for the agreement until the waiting period is complete.

“My only thing is; let’s just put it behind us,” Manley stated in response to Donahue. “He’s got 28 days. In all likelihood he’s not going to [change his mind].”

Town Council Vice President Paul Federici agreed with Donahue’s assessment, noting, “I’m just going by what the town attorney says. That’s what he’s here for.”

Town Councilor Joseph Ford asked what the potential downside would be of appropriating the funds with the contingency clause in effect.

Donahue responded by stating, “The only situation would be if there was a period where the prior chief recanted. Now you have the money appropriated.”

Manley corrected Donahue, noting that the appropriation would contingent on Mellis accepting the agreement.

Interim Town Manager Denise Menard said Mellis dropped off a signed copy of the agreement at her office that is dated Sept. 1.

Ford said the 21-day waiting period would end on Oct. 5.

In other business, the council agreed to have at least five people serve on a Town Manager Screening Committee and would interview candidates for the committee at its next meeting on Sept. 27.

Manley said the town manager position is currently being advertised for and a town profile has been created for candidates.

He added the position is being advertised until the end of the month.

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