IG asks for Saugus vendor files; ex-manager blasts audit findings

SAUGUS – The office of the Inspector General has set a July 19 deadline for Saugus to provide all documents, communications and personnel files relating to procurement from certain vendors from former Town Manager Andrew Bisignani, according to a letter to Town Manager Scott Crabtree.The letter, dated June 27, requests documents from Jan. 1, 2007 to Dec. 31, 2011, including all files and accounts payable histories for the following vendors: Agganis Construction, Brother?s Auto, Caruso Construction, Cooper Brothers Paving, G/J Towing, J. Marchese and Sons, Kevin Bobrek, LA Mechanical, Removal Specialists, Scott Wethersbee Construction, Water Works Supply and Wayne?s Drains.The letter, which is signed by Neil Cohen, the deputy director of audit, oversight and investigations for the Inspector General, also requests all communication, including email, between Bisignani and all town staff “pertaining to any procurement or use of the vendors identified” and all personnel files for Bisignani including “applications, contracts, direct deposit authorizations, IRS form W2s, etc.”A series of audits conducted by Powers & Sullivan last year found $700,000 in “questionable purchases and costs” along with $1.3 million in purchases not in compliance with procurement laws, and $1.4 million in general fund-related payroll and expenses being charged to water and sewer accounts.Bisignani said Monday that any purchasing and procurement records were available when he left and noted that he was never questioned by auditors.?In fact, I never even heard from them during the audit process other than one conversation,” said Bisignani. “I was never asked for information, and their findings were made without any input from me. I haven?t heard from anyone. No one has asked me for anything.”Bisignani, who called the letter part of a “witch hunt,” said there were “no improprieties” with purchasing and he tried to follow regular purchasing procedures.?We complied with (state law), but there were many emergencies that occurred, and that was left to the determination of the superintendent of public works if there was a water or sewer issue or a street issue,” said Bisignani. “The process involved not just me; it involved departments and department heads as well.”Ellen Silberman, spokesperson for the Inspector General?s office, declined to comment, saying “we can?t talk about any ongoing investigation.”Crabtree could not be reached for comment Monday, except for a text saying Town Counsel John Vasapolli was handling the issue.Vasapolli said the town hasn?t heard from the Inspector General in “quite some time” and noted he didn?t know what precipitated the letter.?They were out here about a year ago when that information was brought to light by the former town accountant and the assistant purchasing agent,” said Vasapolli. “We?re obligated under the law to respond. They have the right to inspect all kinds of documents and records of any municipality. We will comply ? It looks like it?s pretty extensive.”Crabtree met with a representative from the Inspector General last year to discuss the audit.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].