Billerica

some conclusion needs to be reached.”

When speaking with The Sun earlier this month, all three selectmen denied ever threatening or targeting Mahoney, saying that they simply stand against the department because they feel that it has failed to create the level of commercial growth in town that they desire.

“Four or five years ago we created that group with the focus of driving retail, commercial and restaurant business into the town. During that period of time, they have failed to do that and have focused strictly on large scale housing,” Burns said. “There were no personal attacks being launched against her or any other member.”

On Monday, Rosa said that he discussed the issue with KP Law and Labor Attorney Kevin Feeley, adding that Town Manager John Curran will work with Feeley to hire the outside independent investigator. The board expects to hear a status update at their next meeting on Sept. 28.

“There’s no argument that this needs to go to a review,” Burns said. “Quite frankly I’m very surprised to have seen this letter and its statements, but so be it. We will allow the investigation to take its course at which point we can go from there.”

Selectman Kim Conway also urged Curran to have town employees, including the Board of Selectmen, retake training on proper workplace conduct, regardless of the results of the investigation. The other board members sup

ported the idea.

“I think that it would be a great idea to do training like that with the selectmen,” Conway said. “I think that you’re all thinking that ‘ threatening’ is a physical event, I would ask you all to re-familiarize yourself with our policy.”

The board has not yet made any official decision about the Economic Development Department, though Burns said that Rosa will be setting up a meeting for early October where they will review their goals and objectives.

Mahoney had been working part time for the town for the past two years, both for the Economic Development Department and the Community Preservation Committee, which she also stepped down from.

She recently accepted a position at Billerica Memorial High School.