Dan Hust | Democrat IN ONE OF his last actions as Monticello mayor, Jim Barnicle (in front, at left) hands a plaque to Alan "Moose" Reynolds in recognition of Reynolds' 38 years of service to the village. Having just retired as highway and sanitation superintedent, Reynolds recalled working for Monticello when he was just 25. Village trustees (from the left) Scott Schoonmaker, Gordon Jenkins, Victor Marinello and Brian VanDermark applaud Reynolds during Monday's village board elections.

Farewells - and controversies -
in Monticello

By Dan Hust
MONTICELLO — March 28, 2008 — Monday’s Monticello Village Board meeting was a night of goodbyes.
Village Manager Ray Nargizian announced his resignation, effective the end of this month.
Alan “Moose” Reynolds was honored with a plaque for 38 years of service as a village employee, having retired earlier this month as Highway and Sanitation Superintendent.
And Mayor Jim Barnicle and Trustee Brian VanDermark participated in their last board meeting, as it became clear by the next day that neither would be returned to office.
Of course, that didn’t stop the controversy.
Yet another 3-2 vote occurred, this time over paying Barnicle $500 for the week that he will fill in for Nargizian.
Trustee Gordon Jenkins, who voted against the payment along with Scott Schoonmaker, will assume the mayoral seat on April 7 and name Nargizian’s replacement, ex-Deputy Village Manager John Barbarite.
“It was decided in executive session,” related Barnicle of the pay, adding that it was the exact same deal given him prior to Nargizian’s hiring.
“I do it for one-third the total salary,” he explained, referencing the village law that permits such.
That move resulted in lawsuits last year that cost the village $10,000, though Barnicle and his supporters ultimately prevailed.
This time, it simply resulted in the standard split vote – and some harsh words.
“I think that was a total insult,” said Jenkins, who initially thought Barnicle was joking. “… He came in taking, and he left taking.”
Resident Tom Rue, whose wife Carmen won a seat on the board, told a fellow audience member that Barnicle was a “moneygrubber,” and he said Barnicle reacted with a profanity.
When asked about it this week, Barnicle declined to comment.
The board did unanimously concur on allowing Sureway Taxi and Yellow Cab to raise their per-trip rates by 50 cents.
However, Sureway owner Gary Putter will have to wait for the next board to be seated before he gets an answer on whether or not his company will be given another five medallions.
In other business, the public is invited to have its say on the village’s application for $400,000 in Community Development Block Grants to aid the downtown Monticello business district.
Those hearings are scheduled for April 7 and April 14, both at 7 p.m. at the village hall.