Trustees Dismiss Charges Against Scott Weaver

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. – Tarrytown trustees approved a resolution that dismissed charges against Department of Public Works Foreman Scott Weaver on Thursday night but left unanswered questions about Weaver's job.

Trustees made their decision based on the recommendation of the hearing officer who conducted an investigation into Weaver's involvement in the Sept. 6, 2010, manhole accident behind Consolidated Engine Company that killed village employee Anthony Ruggiero and firefighter John Kelly.

The board did not specify whether Weaver would be taken off paid suspension or not. Weaver has been on paid suspension since February. Village Administrator Michael Blau could not be reached after the meeting for comment at the time of publication.

A small group of 20 to 30 people came to Village Hall on Thursday night to hear the outcome of the hearing and the board's decision. The meeting was not televised and the room's microphones were not used, which caused some attendees to complain after the meeting.

Many of the attendees were angry at the board's decision to dismiss the charges against Weaver.

“I'm appalled and outraged that they would even consider giving him his job back,” Kelly Chebetar said. “Is he going to get extensive training so this doesn't happen again? I guess two people losing their lives didn't mean anything.”

Others agreed with the board's decision.

“I don't think they had any other choice but to go with what the hearing officer said,” former trustee Clarice Pollack said. “I'm definitely happy that they went along with the hearing officer. I don't see how they could have said otherwise.”

Tarrytown resident Diane Tuohy said she was outraged by the decision.

“I can't believe it, personally,” she said. “I thought the elected officials would have some kind of concious.”

Tuohy didn't say whether she would have rather seen Weaver fired, but noted that he was there that day. In Weaver's defense, she noted, he had people above him that he answered to: Village Engineer Mike McGarvey and Blau.

“So if Scott's not responsible, who is?” Tuohy asked. “That's the question for the village, and they're not willing to look at that.”

Pollack said what she really wanted to hear was what was next for Weaver.

“What I want to hear is what is the next step,” she said. “Is Scott going to be offered his job back? I mean, that wasn't said tonight. So we have to wait and find out what that's about. And we take it from there.”

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