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Thursday, July 18, 1996, p. 3.

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Panchyshyn heads up
village government

By TOM RUE


MONTICELLO -- While noting "the attorney might not like this," deputy mayor Gary Sommers announced publicly on July 15 that public works director George Panchyshyn will take the place of departing manager David Berner. Berner resigned effective July 19, and accepted the board's thanks at last Monday's board meeting.

Questions immediately were asked about the legality of Panchyshyn's appointment.

Sommers initially introduced Panchyshyn merely as "acting manager." Taxpayer Betty Friedland asked from the audience why only $2500 is budgeted for 1996 for a permanent replacement.

Haltingly, Sommers admitted, "From now until the time that George [Panchyshyn] retires, I would have to say he'll be the manager."

Panchyshyn does not live in Monticello and the village is required to have a manager who resides within municipal limits, officials say.

"We have a manager's form of government. If that's going to be repealed, then do the right thing. Put it out for referendum and see what they voters have to say," urged former Thompson supervisor and village resident John Barbarite.

In other business, the board heard complaints from residents about trash pickup fees rising 43%. A proposal to privatize services is pending. Panchyshyn replied to questions about illegal dumping within village limits by blaming village justice Robert Kesten for not enforcing the law. Trustees replied by expressing intent to contact Kesten and urge him begin fining people for illegal dumping.

Kesten is expected to run for Thompson town justice this fall, against Democrat Martin Miller, for the seat recently vacated by Sullivan County Court judge Burton Ledina.

Village attorney Michael Davidoff noted that "musical chairs" lawyer Loran Shlevin is still waiting for payment on an $80,000 tab which she submitted to be paid from public coffers. Shlevin's associate in the case, Leon Greenberg, is claiming an additional $11,000 in the case, Davidoff said. Hearings are expected before supreme court judge Vincent Bradley in Kingston sometime in the future, he stated.

After the meeting, board members met in executive session for contract negotiations with the Police Benevolent Association, and to discuss settlement of one of several pending lawsuits against the police department.