Monticello hires David P. Berner as manager

By TOM RUE

MONTICELLO - After a sometimes raucous village board meeting trustees reached accord on at least an major decision October 2, filling the position of village manager which has been vacant since May.

David P. Berner, 46, of Medford, Long Island was hired effective October 23, after a late-night executive session. He will make $47,000 per year, plus benefits.

The board voted 4-0 at 12:01 a.m. on October 3. Trustee Gloria Cahalan was absent. Berner has not yet been sworn in.

As a condition of employment, Berner promised to relocate to Monticello. A written contract will be signed before he takes office, he said.

Berner said he previously held the post of clerk of the Village of Patchogue, population 11,220; and deputy commissioner of the Town of Brookhaven, population 415,000.

With a bachelor of science in education degree in parks and recreation, Berner once taught school at Irondequoit High School near Rochester -- where he graduated from. Berner said his wife Susan will be seeking a position locally a music teacher.

Their two children, Jeremy, 17, and Jillian, 10, will attend Monticello schools.

Berner said his first priority as manager will be to work to create unity and revitalize Monticello. Stating he had received no particular warnings or cautions about village political connections in a village which is known for its often Byzantine intrigue, Berner said he wanted to "start fresh."

Other business

The board finalized and approved a contract with former treasurer Robin Seward to serve as an independent consultant, engaging in public in protracted legal wrangling with Seward's lawyer, Henri Shawn, over the terms of her contract.

Police officer Douglas Solomon, 29, was sworn in as a sergeant, and Kimberly Walker, 27, was sworn in as a new officer. Walker is the lone woman and only Black officer in a department facing accusations and several lawsuits alleging racism.

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