Fitzgerald agrees to become new town manager

SAUGUS – The Saugus Board of Selectmen agreed Friday to a three-year contract with Sean Fitzgerald, of Peabody, to be the next town manager.Fitzgerald accepted the job, despite being offered the town administrator position in Nahant the previous evening. He will succeed Scott Crabtree, who was terminated by the selectmen last October.Fitzgerald?s decision opened the door for Jeffrey A. Chelgren – who was the runner-up in Nahant – to take over as town administrator, replacing Andrew Bisignani, who resigned last year.?Signing this contract is one of the biggest honors of my life,” Fitzgerald said. “I?m super proud. I?ll do a great job in a community that is near and dear to me. I?ve grown up on the North Shore. I?ve played on the fields of Saugus as a youth – all wonderful memories.”Fitzgerald said Saugus is an interesting community and an extra special place.?As elected officials, we have an obligation to citizens of the community to make a huge difference in their lives through a number of processes,” Fitzgerald said. “I appreciate the board of selectmen?s diligence, and that will serve us both well.”Perry Barrasso, Vice Chairman of the Nahant Board of Selectmen, said if Fitzgerald accepted the Saugus job, the board would proceed with offering the position to Chelgren, a Lynn resident, who resigned last year as Marblehead?s town administrator.?Once we receive confirmation that Sean is out of the game, we?ll proceed with Jeff,” Barrasso said, who had Chelgren as his first choice. “I know Jeff is willing to take the job, if offered, and is excited to be in the game.”Selectman Stephen Castinetti said he was happy to make a motion to enter into a town manager?s contract for a period of three years.?Congratulations,” Castinetti said. “Welcome aboard.”Fitzgerald said he will give his required 30-day notice in Plaistow, N.H., where he currently serves as town manager.?I?m going to speak with the Plaistow Board of Selectmen to go over those details,” he said. “There?s no official start date.”According to attorney Neil Rossman, Fitzgerald?s salary will be $125,000 per year plus a $6,000 educational incentive stipend.Selectman Maureen Dever said she is proud to have cast her vote for Fitzgerald – a man of integrity, character and professionalism, she said.?Saugus will be well served,” Dever said. “Mr. Fitzgerald will put Saugus first.”Chair Ellen Faiella said he will be sworn in Monday.?This made our day,” she said. “Today?s a new beginning of fresh energy. He?s clearly very excited to come to Saugus, which is fabulous.”Selectman Paul Allan said he?s thrilled to be a part of the process.?He?s going to bring us up to the 21st century, which we hadn?t had for decades,” Allan said.Castinetti said he wasn?t surprised Fitzgerald chose Saugus.?His heart was here in Saugus from when he first interviewed with us,” Castinetti said. “Saugus is now into professional management. It?s been a long time coming.”