SAUGERTIES — After initially denying former Police Chief Joseph Sinagra’s request under the New York State Freedom of Information Act for his resignation and/or retirement records, Saugerties Town officials on Monday released what she said was Mr. Sinagra’s full notice of resignation. The contents of the email, which was 4 sentences long, were made public. It was sent to her and the chief’s administrative assistant from her personal account.
In an Aug. 9 email with the subject line “Notice of Retirement,” Sinagra wrote to Town Clerk Lisa Stanley and administrative staff: My last day of employment will be Sunday, September 24, 2023. I will exercise all rights set forth in Sections 7, 8, and 9 of the Mayor’s CBA for the Town. Mary, I will contact you regarding payment. ”
“Mary” refers to Mary Mirabella, Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police.Director-General’s Decree Articles 7, 8, and 9 Collective agreement with the town The contract is separate from the contract that governs the rank-and-file police force, which is unionized under the Police Benevolent Association, and covers compensatory leave, health care and retirement benefits. The collective agreement is valid from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024.
Sinagra retired while under suspension pending an investigation by the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office into allegations of sexual assault and harassment against police officers and the department’s response to those incidents. The state Police Chiefs Association says the town board’s motion that Sinagra is eligible for retirement will be treated as a “resignation” on the agenda for the Aug. 17 meeting, reinforcing the vigilance it has been calling for. This caused confusion among local residents. The City Commission has clarified whether Sinagra has retired or resigned.
The Town Commission this month also considered a motion to deny “any” request or appeal made under the Open Records Act for records relating to resignations and retirements in the town and village of Saugerties. The state Commission on Open Government said the motion would violate state law governing public records. Following the Times Union report earlier this month, the town board filed a motion pending further consultation with attorneys.
The Times Union was among several news organizations to request records of the former chief’s resignation letter. Stanley denied the request on September 12, citing unspecified “privacy reasons.”
Before appealing the denial, the Times Union sought an advisory opinion from the state Commission on Open Government, which oversees and advises local governments, the public, and news organizations on state record access laws.The committee’s final opinion regarding resignation has arrived. 1994 and 2002.
Christine O’Neill, the commission’s assistant executive director, sent a letter to Saugerties city officials requesting additional information to inform the advisory opinion. In response, Saugerties Town Attorney John J. Greco said the town “does not have a comprehensive policy in place to deny FOIL requests for copies of letters of resignation or resignations,” but added that the town does not have a comprehensive policy in place to deny FOIL requests for copies of letters of resignation or resignations. He said that providing a specific reason would be “illegal.” Disclosure is exempted as an “unreasonable invasion of personal privacy.”
He did not say why the town flatly denied the Times Union’s initial records request, but wrote that the town supports it.
Citing case law, O’Neill warned that the town “would have a very difficult time meeting its burden of proof to withhold the entire letter” on appeal.
After further back and forth, Greco acknowledged on Friday that if the town met his records request, he would likely release a letter stating the reasons for his resignation (with the words “IF ANY” written in capital letters). added).
The resignation letter was announced on Monday. It did not include the reason for the director’s resignation or personal information.
