The following text is from an email sent to the law firm conducting the investigation into RGC. Some portions of the email have been editied, redacted or omitted for public consumption and to protect certain identities. This email was sent Saturday, January 05, 2013 11:34 AM, confirmation that it was received came the same day:
Dear Ms. xxxxxxxxx:
I hope all has been well, and a Happy New Year to you.
When we sat down at RGC a while back we briefly discussed some strange charges that appeared on RM's invoices in 2009. As I mentioned at the time, the city manager had withheld numerous documents from me (in violation of NYS FOIL law) and I was therefore unfamiliar with those charges.
Since then, I've received RM Staffing invoices from 2009. By reviewing Rye Golf Club commission meeting minutes, and by speaking with many members at the club, I have come to believe the charges from May-July 2009 (appx $118K total) were for the building of a massive deck at the rear of the castle, more info on that here.
I have recently located the company that installed the supporting structural steel work for the deck as well as decorative iron fencing. I want to stress that I believe this is an honest and reputable company who has done nothing wrong. Quite to the contrary, the deck looks great.
The company's name is xxxxx, out of xxxxx, NY. The phone number is xxx-xxx-xxx. I spoke with a person named xxxxx, they confirmed that their company built the structure for the deck and installed the iron railings. This person was very familiar with all aspects of the deck job. When I asked who their contact was at RGC in building the deck they replied, "X". I believe that would be Mr. "X", whom you are familiar with. The deck is massive appx 3500-4000sf and had to have been a large undertaking.
Through further conversations with members at the golf club I have learned that, Mr. "Y", actually dug the footings for the deck's supporting steel lolly columns... If this is something that is relevant to your investigation, I would suggest speaking with Mr. "X" as well as Mr. "Y", who are all still employed at the club.
I am under the impression that this project was not put out to bid as it was billed through RM Staffing, a "professional service" provider (exempt from the bidding process) according to City Mngr. Scott Pickup–which I believe to be a false representation.
I am forwarding you this information so that should your firm choose to investigate this apparent–or possible–violation of the Rye City Charter, the city's Financial/Purchasing Policy and/or Municipal Law, you can contact the company directly and learn exactly how they were 'awarded' this and possibly other jobs at RGC.
Many members are highly alarmed that the deck appears to have also been built with no building department permits, inspections, or certificates of occupancy being issued by the City of Rye–raising numerous safety and liability concerns. I have a copy of the official building department record and the assessor's card for RGC/Whitby Castle. Neither reflects any permits, approvals or improvements to the castle in 2009, or in relation to this deck being built, ever. I have also xxXXXXXXXxxxx as well to see if xxxXXXXXXXXXXxxx.
Please let me know if you require any more info from me. If you were already aware of this information, my apologies for singing at the choir.
Please confirm that you have received this email. Thank you. -Leon
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