Adams Selectmen Pick Meczywor for Town Clerk Post
 Haley Mezcywor was selected to fill the town clerk's post but she'll have to run for the office next year if she wants to keep it. |
The unanimous vote was contingent upon Meczywor's acceptance and salary negotiations with Town Administrator Jonathan Butler.
"I'm very honored that the board feels that I can do the position of town clerk," said Meczywor afterward. "I'm looking forward to the challenge. I haven't done that position but I'm looking forward to doing it and I just hope I can live up to everyone's expectations."
Meczywor, who's been the administrative assistant for a number of years, also filled in briefly as town administrator when former administrator William Ketcham was forced to resign two years ago. She also serves on the Events Planning Committee.
The five board members complimented the other three finalists on their credentials but as they spoke in turn it was obvious that Meczywor was the clear choice.
"Haley has always been there ... she's got the qualifications, she's got the drive, she's got the will to help the town," said Chairman Michael Oullette. "I guess that Haley is the one at least for this interim job."
The town clerk's position opened with the retirement of Paul Hutchison this past Friday after nearly three decades in the post. Assessor Donna McDonald was appointed two weeks ago as a temporary town clerk until an interim clerk could be found to serve out the last nine months of Hutchinson's term.
There were eight applicants for the position, from which four were selected to be interviewed last week. Along with Meczywor, the board spoke with Kathleen Poirot, the administrative assistant of Williamstown Town Manager Peter Fohlin; former Selectman Joseph Solomon; and economist Dennis Pastore, who retired from the U.S. Department of Commerce and works as a substitute.
 The Adams Selectmen had a light agenda on Wednesday. |
Both Ouellette and Selectman Jason Hnatonko commented on Poirot's qualifications, saying she would be a "tremendous asset." "You have great credentials," said Ouellete. "I would love to see you working here at Town Hall ... but Haley has always been there."
Town meeting set the salary for the elected town clerk in May; Butler was authorized to negotiate a salary for the final nine months of the term, not to exceed the amount approved and based on the fact Meczywor will be appointed not elected. The office will be on the town election ballot.
In other business:
► Approved a license for the four above-ground and one underground tank for Lane Construction at 173 Holland Ave. The license is to replace the original which cannot be found in paper form. The license followed the land, which was purchased by Lane in 1981. Lane has been paying the fees on the license and received an amended one for the installation of a tank in 2008 but wished to have a properly filed permit on paper to ensure compliance.
► Set the warrant for the Sept. 14 primary election.
► Appointed Corinne Case as a permanent member of the Zoning Board to replace Joseph Allard, who has stepped down. Case has been an alternate since 2003. The board also appointed Melissa Schaffrick, former administrative assistant to the building inspector, Peter West and Brian Tenczar, a Cheshire native who moved to Adams three years ago. It accepted special municipal employee disclosure of financial interest in the case of Schaffrick, who is now legal assistant to town counsel.
► Was told the Finance Committee last week approved a transfer from the reserve account of $3,000 to help the Agricultural Fair update electrical equipment at Bowe Field. Fair officials had requested the money at town meeting but was left out because town meeting members voted all articles recommended by the committee. The committee had remained neutral on that article.
