SOUTH HADLEY – Andrew Orr, an engineer with the South Hadley Electric Light Department, again was placed on paid administrative leave Tuesday.
Anne Awad, chairwoman of the board of commissioners that governs the municipal utility, said the action was taken as the result of a complaint against Orr, who previously was suspended with pay from late October to the beginning of January.
Awad declined to describe the latest complaint, other than to say it is a “personnel issue.” She said that it is being investigated by the board and could lead to further action.
Orr earlier was accused in an ongoing federal whistleblower lawsuit of having threatened fellow employees and, at least on one occasion, assaulting a co-worker.
Orr could not be reached for comment Thursday evening.
Longtime SHELD general manager Wayne Doerpholz also was placed on paid administrative leave last fall and the board of commissioners voted not to renew his contract when it expires at the end of May.
Awad, who had been acting manager, said the board during a recent executive session chose two SHELD employees as co-interim managers. They are Paul Byrne, the business manager and Edward Morrin, the supervising foreman of operations.
Awad said they began their new duties this week and will be introduced to the public at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the commission May 26. The commissioners are about to start a search for a new general manager.
The lawsuit against SHELD, which also names Doerpholz and Orr, was brought by electrician Robert Blasko Jr.. It alleges that Doerpholz failed to properly supervise Orr who was the subject of repeated complaints relating to violent and threatening behavior.
It also alleges that Doerpholz retaliated against Blasko when he sought to bring attention to Orr’s alleged actions.
Eric Goldscheider can be reached at eric.goldscheider@gmail.com.