The “work infraction” was confirmed by a city officials who declined to release the employee’s name and would not give any details of the discipline on the basis of being personnel matters.
SPRINGFIELD – The city confirmed Friday that a Department of Public Works employee has been disciplined for delivering a load of loam to a home in Ludlow while using a city dump truck and while on his work shift.
The “work infraction” was confirmed Friday by city Human Resources Director William E. Mahoney, who declined to release the employee’s name and would not give any details of the discipline on the basis of being personnel matters.
The loam was not owned by the city, but rather was purchased privately by the employee, Mahoney said. The employee was on a maintenance assignment, and was gone for about one hour to 90 minutes during the Ludlow delivery, he said.
Mahoney said just one employee was involved, and was apparently delivering the loam to a friend’s house.
“The city does not condone this action and has responded accordingly,” Mahoney said.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said the incident is “unacceptable,” and the employee will face “the full brunt of disciplinary action.”
The incident occurred Monday, and the city was alerted by a resident the next day, Mahoney said. The Department of Public Works investigated and determined it was true, he said.
City Councilor John A. Lysak said he was angered to learn of the incident, particularly with ongoing city budget cuts that have included layoffs and plans to close three branch libraries.
“The fact this person was brazen enough during his working shift infuriates me,” Lysak said. “The city is struggling. There have been budget cuts for years with the Department of Public Works.”
“These guys tell us there is not enough manpower, and they’re working real hard,” Lysak said. “But you have this guy, using our time, our equipment for personal use? I don’t think so.”
Mahoney said the employee in the Ludlow delivery incident has a good work record.