Plymouth To Investigate Facility Manager's Complaint

PLYMOUTH, MA — The Plymouth Select Board has received a complaint from town Facilities Manager Wayne Walkden that includes further allegations against the Plymouth town manager and Department of Public Works director. The town released a statement on Thursday saying that the select board was advised of Walkden's written complaint ahead of its submission and has voted to conduct an investigation.

Walkden has alleged that Town Manager Melissa Arrighi and Public Works Director Jonathan Beder are to blame for some of the town's building issues. On Wednesday, Plymouth closed the North Plymouth fire station permanently after town officials said a small amount of asbestos was found in the walls.

Walkden is currently on paid-administrative leave from Arrighi pending an investigation into billing within his department.

The Plymouth board released a statement Thursday saying that town counsel has retained Paul L'Italien, of L'Italien Investigative Services in Pembroke, to conduct the investigation. The board said L’Italien has begun the investigation, which will include an interview of Walkden, other interviews and document review.

The board said it will not involve itself in L'Italien's investigation and will await the investigation before taking action on Walkden's complaint. Pending the outcome of the investigation, they said, the board members will not be making additional comments or answering questions until the final report is delivered.