Adams Parks Commission Chairman Resigns

By Brian RhodesiBerkshires Staff
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ADAMS, Mass. — Parks Commission Chairman Paul Anthony Nowicki resigned before Monday's meeting.

The board now has two openings it is looking to fill. The board voted to make members Jacob Schutz and James Fassell interim co-chairs until vacancies are filled and a new member can be appointed chairman.

"We'd like to thank Paul for his time working with us. I've enjoyed it and we wish him well," Schutz said.

Those interested in filling one of the vacant seats on the board can contact Administrative Assistant Michelle DeRose. Rose said there had not yet been any interest from residents about wanting to fill a vacancy on the board.

Schutz said he hopes the positions can be filled as soon as possible.

"I'm not sure if the Selectmen are going to be advertising at their next meeting, but I know that they've done that in the past," he said.

Despite the shortage of members, the board seemed confident that they could get done any work that is needed of them until vacancies are filled.



"It's gonna be exciting moving forward," Schutz said. "Hopefully, we get some people to join us but we'll take care of business with the three of us until that happens."

Also discussed by the board was the creation of a new shed for Valley Street Field to replace the current one which is in disrepair. Parks Foreman Steve Skrocki said McCann Technical School is willing to help build the structure once he gets a better estimate on their cost.

"They want to build it for us, but I can't put the cart before the horse, so I have to get some prices for material," he said.

Skrocki said the size and scope of the new shed will depend on material costs.

The board also read a letter from Indica LLC about holding a community outreach meeting for its marijuana dispensary. The proposed dispensary, which would be located at 127 Columbia St., is in close proximity to Renfrew Park.

"Not sure it will have much of an impact on the park, but it's nice that they're opening it up to the folks to listen and give their input," Schutz said.


Tags: board vacancies,   parks commission,   resignation,   

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Adams Parts Ways With Police Chief

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
ADAMS, Mass. — The town has parted ways with its police chief. 
 
K. Scott Kelley "is no longer employed by the Town of Adams," according to interim Town Administrator Holli Jayko. 
 
The Board of Selectmen voted on Sept. 8 to put the police chief on a paid leave of absence but town officials have declined to answer repeated questions about the nature of the absence other than to clarify it was not a "suspension."
 
His departure follows an executive session held by the Selectmen last Wednesday to discuss a personnel matter other than professional competence, including health or discipline, or dismissal. 
 
A request for further information on whether Kelley's leaving was through resignation or termination was not provided, or whether his contract had been paid out. 
 
"The Town does not comment on personnel matters and will have no further comment on this matter at this time," responded Selectmen Chair John Duval via email on Friday. 
 
Kelley, who moved here to take the post of chief in 2021, has reportedly sold his home. 
 
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