BREAKING: Investigation of Hurley Councilman Peter Humphries Reveals Abusive Behavior, Makes Recommendations for his Censure and Removal as Highway Department Liason
Hurley Up was recently provided a copy of a investigative report, previously unknown to the public, on the behavior of Hurley Board Member Peter Humphries at the Highway Department on August 9, 2021. The investigation, interviews of eyewitnesses and report were prepared in the fall of 2021 by the Albany law firm of Roemer Wallens Gold & Mineaux at the request of the town board. The following is exact copy from the report. The full report may be viewed here.
Background
On or about August 9, 2021, the Town of Hurley's Board and Supervisor received a complaint from Highway Department Secretary Michele Bergem1, and Heavy Motor Equipment Operators James Quigley and Andrew Doyle. The complaint alleged that Councilman Peter Humphries entered the Highway Department Office trailer and yelled obscenities towards the Secretary, Michele Bergenn, upon discovering her within the trailer. After that interaction, Mr. Humphries allegedly engaged in a verbal altercation with Highway Superintendent (elected), Michael Shultis, and even with two other members of staff, James Quigley and Andrew Doyle.
As for his tone and manner, the complaint alleged that he was yelling and angry during each interaction.
The complaint went on to explain that Mr. Humphries has also cut a hole in the fence that surrounded the perimeter of the Highway Department. In addition to cutting a hole in the fence,
Mr. Humphries erected two barriers made out of wood pallets that blocked entry to the trailer from the Highway Department, making it unusable by the Highway Department unless they went around their fence and entered from the Transfer Station. After these incidents, the complaint alleged that there is some apprehension in regard to what Mr. Humphries may do, raising questions as to his professionalism and stability.
After the complaint was received, this investigation followed. The primary witnesses were identified and interviewed, which led to other witnesses being identified. All identified individuals who were of importance to the chain of events were interviewed either in person or by phone.
Furthermore, other evidence in the form of written communications, Town Board minutes, videos, and photographs were also reviewed. Mr. Humphries was also provided an opportunity to give his side of the events that transpired.
Recommendations
The following recommendations are provided:
1. The Town Board should consider censuring Mr. Humphries for his actions.
a. As part of the censure, Mr. Humphries should be provided with material on
Town governance that explains the proper- avenues for taking actions.
2. The Town should utilize a mediator to assist Mr. Humphries and Mr. Shultis
overcome the issues they are dealing with.
3. Should the Town decide to continue utilizing the current Highway Building, hiring a neutral third party to review the problems in the Highway Department's facility and make recommendations on appropriate ways to fix them. Although PESH has gone into the building and made recommendations, a third party may be more appropriate as Mr. Humphries provided some indication that he does not trust the times that PESH has investigated. The Board choosing a neutral third party may cause less apprehension in regard to the issues currently present in the Highway facility.
4. The Town should require Mr. Humphries to make a detailed-list of the items he has "worked on" or "fixed," and ensure the tampering did not cause damage.
5. Remove Mr. Humphries from any liaison position he continues to hold until such time that he understands the proper role of a liaison is to receive reports then relay them to the Board.
6. Require Mr. Humphries return any Town property he may have, specifically keys.
7. Clarify the policies of the Town and the handbook to include elected officials where necessary.