Adams Man Wants Investigation of Selectmen's Meetings
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The town meeting member and frequent critic of the board told the Selectmen at Wednesday's meeting that "the manner in which it was handled was questionable."
According to the Selectmen, Town Administrator William F. Ketcham submitted his resignation, effective immediately, last Thursday. The announcement followed a brief executive session Thursday morning, at least the third private meeting pertaining to Ketcham's future.
The board has refused to release the minutes of any of the meetings. Ketcham did not submit a letter of resignation and has declined to comment on any aspects of his departure.
Lefebvre said he wanted the whole story on what happened in an executive session that took place two weeks ago and the executive session minutes released. He said he had spoken with Ketcham, and that the former administrator told him that he did not resign.
"We get stonewalled when we ask a question," he told the three selectmen in attendance, Chairman Joseph C. Solomon, Edward MacDonald and Joseph R. Dean Jr.
(Last week, Dean voted against going into executive session and abstained afterward in voting to accept Ketcham's resignation and to appoint Selectman Donald Sommer as interim administrator. Sommer has since left on a three-week vacation to Austria.)
Lefebvre said he will be sending letters to the district attorney's office, which investigates open meeting violations, and to Attorney General Martha Coakley's office. The Adams native said he could be wrong about the way it was handled but would let the state work it out.
He gave board members a copy of his letter and said he didn't want to go behind their backs.
"The government works best when the people know what's going on, whether it's good or bad," said Lefebvre.
Community Development Update
Donna E. Cesan, director of community development, updated the board on projects including commercial rehabilitation programs.
Cesan said there was money left over in loans and grants in the budget for commercial improvements under the fiscal 2006 program. The program's goal is to rehabilitate eight structures, two signs and two awnings — two of which are under way.
From a total of $534,800 in grants, $393,00 in funds was direct toward the downtown facade improvement program and another $50,000 in grant funds for the master plan, along with $91,800 for general administration. Some $294,000 in grant funds remains to be expended, which Cesan said is primarily for the downtown facade improvement program.
Cesan said her department has been working with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission to obtain funds for intersection improvement along the Route 8 corridor.
Federal funds in the amount of $1.25 million for corridor improvement management and other communities along Route 8 had been previously secured by U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, D-Amherst. Cesan said it now appears that $650,000 will be used for improvements in Adams.
The director said there was a need for signals and also a crossing for bicycles for when the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is extended north to Lime Street. Cesan anticipated the design phase to begin in 2009 and construction in 2010.
Adams has also been working with state Rep. Daniel E. Bosely, D-North Adams, and state Sen. Benjamin Downing, D-Pittsfield, to secure funds under the 2008 energy and environmental bond bill, including $600,000 for the environmental education and outdoor performing arts center for the Greylock Glen, was signed by Gov. Deval Patrick on Aug. 14.
While Cesan said it didn't mean the funding was secured for Adams, she asked the board to write a letter of appreciation to Bosley and Downing; board members agreed.
Fall Run
The board approved a request from organizers of the annual Fall Run to put up a sign during the motorcycle ride on Sunday, Sept. 28. The event benefits Shriners Children's Hospital.
Motorcycles will leave Bowe Field for the 60-mile ride to Mohawk Park in Charlemont. There will be a "Bike Night" on Saturday, Sept. 27, and Park Street will be closed from 6 to 9 p.m. so local dealers and individuals can display their motorcycles.
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