Middletown CEO Resigns Again - Arkville Well To Be Re-Bid

By Mary A. Crisafulli

MIDDLETOWN - Following an executive session, the board accepted Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) Hiram Davis' resignation. Although he requested his resignation for January, the board agreed to make it effective on December 31. Supervisor Glen Faulkner read the resignation letter, which was submitted via email.

Davis expressed disappointment with the lack of appreciation for all he does. He noted a denied employee request to review the budget before it became tentative and available to the public. He said the employees should be privy to that information, later explaining that his work efforts should have been more recognized in salary increases. Some employees, such as union workers, are offered raises, he said, "while others are over looked."

Davis listed tasks outside of the normal CEO duties that he took on, including being a member of several committees - STR, village well, commercial solar law, and town comprehensive plan, among others. He noted his work in reducing the Community Rating to increase homeowners' flood insurance discount rates through the National Flood Insurance Program. Davis further stated that a reason for leaving was the inadequate compensation for days spent away from home.

Davis had previously resigned in May, noting he had found a calling to work with the church. However, the following month, the council advertised to fill a newly created deputy CEO position. In July, Davis withdrew his resignation, noting the town's efforts to hear workload concerns. Zach Haverly was hired as a deputy code enforcement officer in August.

"I feel like we have worked hard to keep him here, and it is time to move on," said Faulkner after noting the hiring of the deputy. Faulkner later stated that he understood some of Davis' concerns and would have tried to work with him on future budgets if the issues had been raised differently.

"The letter kinda annoys me," said Councilmember Nelson Delameter. "The board's job is a whole lot more than one person's feelings," he said, "We represent 2,000 people that live in Middletown. We are tasked with providing them service without raising their taxes astronomically." He added that it was offensive to say the board does not care.

"We have a number of dedicated people on the board," said Councilmember Robin Williams, noting the amount of effort they all put into the position.

The board has since posted a position seeking a new full-time CEO, with a salary based on experience and qualifications. Applications are due Dec. 1. Haverly has agreed to assist the town in the interim, reported Faulkner.

Councilmember Colleen Martin noted that the mileage compensation system should be reviewed after reading that Davis reported 12,084 miles for last month, amounting to $898.

Arkville Well

After review, the town determined that additional time was allotted for the secondary well build grant expenditure for the Arkville Water District, which could lower bids. The council will rebid the project, requesting two bids using C900 or ductal iron to ensure the project stays under budget.

The well is planned for construction at the Arkville Pavilion; however, Cedar Wood has reported that they are awaiting clarification of the easement. They have been unsuccessful in contacting neighboring property owners, who would be required to sign an easement to ensure water quality is protected. The property is located in a floodway.

Davis said the town should be careful in stating that there is no use for the land. He explained that building in a floodway would be difficult and expensive, but not impossible. However, Davis said the issue should not hold up the project and should be addressed immediately.

Other Business

The council adopted the 2026 budget of $4,573,287, with a 2.6% tax levy increase.

The settlement agreement for the court case, Brandon Johnson v. The Town of Middletown Highway Department was accepted.

The council will contract with the same plow company as used in the 2024-2025 season for the New Kingston and Halcottsville Sewer districts. The contract is for three years, starting at $2,500 for New Kingston and $1,500 for Halcottsville and increasing by $1,000 each year per district.

The highway department will purchase a new broom at $92,220 to replace the one totaled last year. Roughly $23,700 was received from insurance to cover costs. The remaining funds will come from FEMA reimbursements.

Unpaid water bills will be levied with the County tax bill.

The Mark Project was contracted for $2,500 to write a grant proposal for security updates at the Halcottsville Water plant, up to $50,000 through Homeland Security. After speaking with a Homeland Security representative, Faulkner is confident the project qualifies, including fencing and cameras.

The council agreed to request speed limit adjustments on two County roadways. County Route 3 was asked to be reviewed through a traffic engineering study, and County Route 6 was requested to have the 30-mile-per-hour speed zone extended past the New Kingston hamlet boundary, both east and west. The request will be reviewed by the Delaware County Department of Public Works before it is sent to the State Department of Transportation.

A review of Historical Society and Town Historian activities through 2025 is expected to be presented at the December workshop.

The provision limiting NYCLASS investments was removed as the firm's interest rates exceed those at other banks.

Williams asked Margaretville Hospital representatives whether current staff positions are secure with the hospital's new partnership to manage physical therapy services starting Jan. 1. While acknowledging that the transition can be scary, the representative explained that the hope is to keep the department the same, with some additional support. They noted that there is little control over the employment process.

The council agreed to review new charges from the Margaretville School District for $6,900 for the summer enrichment program.

The next regular monthly board meeting is scheduled Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m. A workshop is scheduled Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m.