Middleburgh could soon be getting a mayor.
And trustees.
At about the same time then-Mayor Trish Bergan stepped down at the end of April, Trustees Tim Knight and Bob Tinker learned that because they’d never signed their oaths of office—they were elected during COVID—they were in fact not trustees de jure—“under the law”—but trustees de facto—with limited authority.
Resolving their status requires special action by the State Legislature, and at a special meeting Tuesday, Mr. Knight—who’s been acting as deputy mayor—said the legislation—“Resolution #3—2023: Approving Home Rule Request—Oath of Office; Village of Middleburgh” is ready.
Assemblyman Chris Tague and State Senator Peter Oberacker have both filed their own versions of the bill, “extending the time within which certain elected officers may file their oaths of office,” Mr. Knight said, and it’s expected to be passed in both houses next week.
The Village Board unanimously approved Resolution #3.
Trustees also named Cole Keyser was named to replace Nick Dunscombe as Public Works superintendent.
Mr. Dunscombe submitted his resignation in May; Mr. Keyser had been deputy DPW head.
There was no update on plans to install security doors at the Village Hall—something trustees agreed to do after a longstanding dispute with resident Dave Jeremenko over handicapped access boiled over and ended with a call to the Sheriff’s Office, also in May.
No public comment was permitted at Tuesday’s meeting.
Among those in the audience expecting to be able to address the Village Board were Mr. Jeremenko, Tony Anderson, and Cody Anderson.
Mr. Knight said they’ll take public comment at the June meeting, rescheduled for Tuesday, June 13, 7pm at the Middleburgh Library.
In their annual joint meeting, the village and Town of Middleburgh will meet 6pm next Thursday, June 8, at the Community Center on Cotton Hill Road.