DPW administrator fired after report

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - A Providence Department of Public Works administrator who was the focus of a Target 12 investigation has been terminated by the city.

David Pontarelli, of Cranston, was fired on May 17 after a termination hearing, a spokesman for Providence Mayor Angel Taveras said Wednesday. Pontarelli was the fiscal advisor for the DPW and a nine-year employee of the city government.

"It’s embarrassing for our city workers who work very, very hard … and I won’t stand for it," Taveras said. "I will not allow people to embarrass the city of Providence and continue working for the city."

Taveras said the city is prepared to defend their actions even if Pontarelli decides to fight the termination in court.

"People should know better," Taveras said. "This is not even one of those things that are close to the line, this is actually well beyond the line."

The Target 12 investigation revealed Pontarelli was spending time checking in on his second job as marketing manager at a popular Providence nightclub, dining with friends and running errands during regular DPW hours.

The investigation found Pontarelli would come into work late after an event at the nightclub and leave early. On those days, undercover video shows him going into the club on DPW hours, then running errands at several banks and often heading back home early.

Target 12 also discovered that Pontarelli - a high-ranking member of the DPW - used two traffic lights and several streets signs for decorations inside the nightclub.

The equipment was returned to the DPW less than 24 hours after WPRI 12 tried to question Pontarelli.

• Related: Ted Nesi on Pontarelli's history with Providence

Pontarelli's lawyer, Michael Lepizzera, did not respond to a request for comment but had said earlier that a "complete picture of Mr. Pontarelli's employment with the city demonstrates that he was and still is a very valuable asset for the city."

He said Pontarelli has "spent countless hours working for the city during off-hours," and "fiscally managed the DPW budget in the black all five years."

The city also took action against former DPW Director Paul Thomas, who was terminated in the wake of the investigation. City officials said they fired Thomas over questions of leadership and accountability.

In the meantime, Taveras said the city is moving forward with reshaping the beleaguered DPW. Chief Engineer William Bombard is acting as interim director.

A spokesman for the mayor said Pontarelli fell several months shy of being vested in the city pension plan. Pontarelli will be given a check for his contributions plus interest, for a total of approximately $43,000.

Pontarelli will also receive money for unused vacation, holiday and longevity payments. City officials said they had not yet calculated that amount.

"The bottom line is this: [if] you work for the city of Providence you have the responsibility to maintain the highest standard of performance and ethics," Taveras said. "And if you do not do that you are not going to work for the city of Providence."

Tim White ( twhite@wpri.com ) is the Target 12 investigative reporter for WPRI 12 and Fox Providence. Follow him on Twitter: @white_tim