Investigation into complaint against Audubon borough administrator closes; letter placed in personnel file

Mayor Jakubowski called the Borough of Audubon caucus meeting to order May 2 and read a public notice required by Title 10 of the New Jersey Statutes Annotated.

Solicitor Sal Siciliano told the commissioners his office investigated a workers'compensation-related complaint filed Sept. 29, 2022 by Chief Tassi alleging that Borough Administrator David Taraschi's contact with the borough's claims adjuster, Maryann D'Ambrosio of AmeriHealth Casualty, had created a hostile work environment and chilled the chief's medical treatment. Siciliano said his investigation included interviews with Tassi and Taraschi and communications with the adjuster, and produced a written report dated Jan. 27, 2023 that recommended no disciplinary action against Taraschi.

Commissioner Lee said the adjuster had told her she 'felt very intimidated' during interactions and raised concerns about the timing and tone of questions directed at a medical provider. Siciliano said the timing of some contacts looked questionable but that the adjuster's account indicated she initiated contact with the administrator, not the other way around. He cautioned that Commissioners should not serve as both investigator and decision-maker when personnel matters are under review.

Borough Administrator David Taraschi defended his conduct, saying his handling of workers'compensation claims follows long-standing practice and that early engagement with insurers and medical providers is standard to manage potentially costly claims. Taraschi told the board he has an exemplary record and that nothing had previously been placed in his personnel file.

After discussion, Commissioners accepted the solicitor's finding and agreed that placing the solicitor's written letter into Taraschi's personnel file would be an appropriate record of the matter. The minutes record that the solicitor concurred this action would be sufficient; no formal disciplinary action was recorded.

The meeting moved to a closed session resolution later in the agenda (Resolution 2023-78) for personnel matters and litigation and adjourned at 6:51 p.m.

Why it matters: The discussion involved a complaint that raised questions about workplace interactions and the handling of workers'compensation processes in a small municipal government. The solicitor's written findings and the decision to place those findings in a personnel file constitute a formal administrative outcome without imposing discipline, while commissioners acknowledged concerns raised about tone and timing during the underlying communications.