WATCH: Judge Hears Stoughton Town Manager Case

STOUGHTON, MA — A judge has taken the matter regarding the Stoughton town manager position under advisement following a hearing in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham Monday afternoon.

Attorneys for Michael Hartman and the Town were in front of a judge for a brief hearing regarding whether Hartman remains the town manager.

Robert Hennigan, an attorney for Hartman, told Judge Michael Ricciuti that while Hartman was under a contract to be the town manager, the town charter states that a town manager cannot be removed from the position without being discharged by four selectmen and holding a hearing. Ricciuti questioned why Hartman needed to be discharged when his contact had an expiration date of June 30 and was told by the board in December that his contract would not be renewed.

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"You're saying even though he received six months early notice that he would not be renewed, discharged needs to happen?" Ricciuti asked.

"Yes, no question, absolutely," Hennigan replied. "For three selectmen to say we disregard him, that ignores his right to be the town manager.

Michael Stefanilo, an attorney for the Town, said Hartman did not need to be discharged because his contract had an end, arguing that the contract was an agreement that he would work until it expired.

"The selectmen hired him, the contract says you are hired. You don't need to vote on what they've affirmed," he said.

Hartman was apparently ousted by the selectmen on June 29 when they appointed Town Accountant William Rowe the interim town manager. Town Assessor Joe Gibbons has been the acting town manager when Rowe has been out of the office.

Last week, the board voted to ask businessman and former selectman Steve Anastos to be the interim town manager. A selectmen meeting is scheduled for Tuesday in the event that the board and Anastos come to an agreement.

Ricciuti did not say when he would have a decision, but said he would make one soon.

Below is the full hearing via Stoughton Media Access Corporation:

Image via Mass.gov