Show us the bills, President Gifford

For many months, questions about the costs and payments for the Vehe Farm Barn have gone unanswered. Trustee Bob Kellermann, a professional accountant and 33-year village resident, has raised the questions.

Over the months, Mr. Kellermann has repeatedly asked to review invoices, wavers of liens and other contractor documents. Under the leadership of Deer Park President Scott Gifford, the board has spent $800,000 more than the $1.2 million paid to the original contractor. Much of that money went to rework. All of that money has been spent on just the interior of the barn!

According to Mr. Gifford, Jim Peterson, the barn's architect, project manager, and unbelievably the same person responsible for approval of payments, retains the documents Mr. Kellermann is requesting. Why aren't all construction related records, particularly waivers of lien, on file at the Deer Park village office for certification and inspection?

At the Deer Park village board meeting on May 19, Village Attorney Paul Keller of Ancel/Glink objected to Mr. Kellerman's ongoing requests. Attorney Keller imputed a negative agenda to Mr. Kellermann and the attorney capped his outburst with a mean-spirited and ad hominem attack.

Mr. Kellerman has an agenda, but there's nothing secret about it. He is the steward of the village roads program. If he can prevent possible overpayments on the barn, those monies could be made available to repair the failing drainage and neglected roads in Deer Park.

President Gifford has been a roadblock to Mr. Kellermann's access to the information. Why won't Mr. Gifford give Mr. Kellermann access to all the documents?

Richard F. Chay

Deer Park