Adams Appoints Temporary Town Administrator
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It's just the latest move in a confusing saga that began two weeks ago over the resignation of William F. Ketcham after four years as town administrator.
On Wednesday night, the Selectmen appointed Haley Meczywor, the town's administrative assistant, as temporary administrator for 35 days. Meczywor has been in the position for a number of years, serving under Ketcham.
In one of two press statements released Thursday, the board said it would work with Meczywor "to ensure there is no interruption of services by the Town." (The statements were issued by Chairman Joseph Solomon; iBerkshires did not receive copies until requesting them Friday morning.)
Ketcham resigned Sept. 11 after the Selectmen held several executive sessions with and without him. He did not submit a written letter of resignation and both he and the board have declined to comment on whether he had been asked to resign or the circumstances of his departure.
The Selectmen have also refused to release executive session minutes or information regarding any financial settlement with Ketcham. In the second press statement, the board said it would release the "separation agreement" if ordered by the secretary of state.
Selectman Donald Sommer was appointed as interim administrator — then left for a three-week vacation in Europe. When residents and local media questioned his appointment, Solomon said he would step in temporarily.
While board members have shouldered some of the administrator's duties in past, the bylaws prohibit them serving in the position.
During the next 35 days, the Selectmen will take applications for an interim town administrator, then begin the search for a permanent administrator, a process that will likely take months.
The town will be searching for an interim administrator willing to work for free. (Meczywor's salary will not change during her tenure as temporary administrator). Despite that, Solomon said on Friday that he is "hopeful at this point" that an interim leader will be found.
The chairman said the town's labor counsel will attend next week's meeting to further elaborate on the search process.
The board tried to replace Ketcham last year when he said he would leave at the end of his three-year contract. But there was no search conducted and the Selectmen asked Ketcham, of whom they'd been highly critical, to stay another three years.
Below are both press statements from the Selectmen:
Press Release from
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2008
For further information contact:
Joseph C. Solomon, Chair
Town of
Board of Selectmen
(413) 743-8300
Adams – The Board of Selectmen has appointed Haley A. Meczywor, Administrative Assistant, as the Temporary Town Administrator for the Town of
The Interim Town Administrator shall serve without receiving a salary and shall not be reimbursed for any non-office expenses incurred while serving in office. Upon receipt and review of all submitted applications, the Board of Selectmen shall then appoint an Interim Town Administrator.
The Board of Selectmen shall also, at its next regular meeting, discuss the process for recruiting a permanent Town Administrator.
The Board of Selectmen shall work with the Temporary Town Administrator during the 35-day period to ensure there is no interruption of services by the Town.
Press Release from
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2008
For further information contact:
Joseph C. Solomon, Chair
Town of
Board of Selectmen
(413) 743-8300
Adams – The Board of Selectmen has received requests to release the Separation Agreement between the Town of
