Adams Fire District Anticipates Need For Special Election
ADAMS, Mass. — An abrupt resignation from the Prudential Committee has the board considering whether to hold a special election.
John Pansecchi's resignation was announced at Monday's meeting, leaving the committee with only two members, Chairman Richard Kleiner and Vice Chair Michael Lahey.
It could also coincide with a special Fire District meeting to authorize funds to fix a rusting Engine 2.
The committee is considering holding a district meeting on the same day as the special election, possibly in February.
Pansecchi, the past fire chief, told iBerkshires that he had not planned to join the committee following his retirement but stepped into the role when no one else ran for the seat. He was elected in May to complete the final two years of an unexpired term.
"I have found I am not enjoying [the position]. This coupled with a text conversation [Kleiner] and I had, along with the time change of the meeting has led me to the following decision," he said. "I have decided to resign as a member of the Prudential Committee effective immediately."
In a follow-up with iBerkshires, Pansecchi said the text message accused him of being hostile toward new Fire Chief David Lennon after Pansecchi disagreed with him over solar panel inspections.
The former chief said Kleiner texted he would "shut you down" if it happened again. "Which means now every question I ask, I've got to worry about him thinking I'm coming across hostile if I don't say it the right way, or my tone isn't right," he said.
iBerkshires.com was not present at that meeting when the discussion occurred, apparently back in June.
Pansecchi had pointed to increased inspections required by the state as one factor supporting a full-time chief.
Lennon told iBerkshires he is looking into whether the Fire Department is required conduct reviews of solar-panel plans and post-installation inspections when those responsibilities are already handled by the building commissioner.
He has spoken with state code-compliance officials but has not yet determined how the district should proceed. But he is coordinating with the building commissioner to determine whether the two departments are reviewing the same requirements and whether a separate Fire Department inspection is necessary.
Lennon's investigation included in his report to the district, which Pansecchi commented on during the meeting because when he was chief, he did these types of inspections.
At the Sept. 1 Prudential Committee meeting, members agreed to move the meeting time from 5 p.m. to 4:30 because the earlier time worked better for a majority of the committee. Pansecchi said the change conflicts with his schedule and also expressed concern that the earlier time is less convenient for members of the public.
