Fontaine Out as Parks and Rec Director

Narragansett Parks and Recreation Director Barry Fontaine has been fired, pending a hearing before the town’s Personnel Appeal Board, according to Narragansett Town Manager Grady Miller.

In an interview following the council’s , Miller confirmed that he fired Fontaine last week, as first reported by The South County Independent.

Miller declined further comment, citing the upcoming hearing for Fontaine before the Personnel Appeal Board. He said he made the decision to fire Fontaine because of ongoing issues “based on job performance.”

According to Miller, Fontaine would have celebrated his seventh year working for the town in July. Sharon L. Kitchin, the town’s Human Resources Manager, said Fontaine’s weekly rate was $1,318.46 when he was fired, for a yearly salary of $68,559.92.

Miller said a recruitment would be held following Fontaine’s appeal, assuming his decision wasn’t overruled. According to Miller, the recruitment would most likely be regional, aimed at New England publications.

Following Fontaine’s hearing, Miller also said he would appoint an interim director. Currently, he is handling the management of the department. Contrary to a question received by Patch from a resident, he does not receive a pay increase for the extra duties.

Although Fontaine can be fired by Miller, he and other department heads serve at the pleasure of the town council. Department head candidates are nominated by Miller and confirmed by the full council.

According to the Independent’s article, the town reaped $1.6 million from beach operations in 2010. However, residents bristled at a plan this year supported by Fontaine, Miller and the town council .

According to a description of the Personnel Appeal Board on the town’s website, the board has 45 days from the receipt of an appeal to render a written decision.

The board’s membership consists of chairman John W. Kennedy, Joseph A. Notarantonio, Thomas J. Reilly, Janice C. Sevegny and Town Councilor David J. Crook. The last hearing was held in April by the board, and Fontaine’s hearing had not been scheduled as of Monday night.