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Annual re-organizational meeting begins a new year of service for officials

Annual re-organizational meeting begins a new year of service for officials

Immediately following the swearing in of elected town officials by County Clerk Brad Kendall, left, the officlals stood for a photo on Thursday, Jan. 8. Left to right are Kendall, Highway Superintendent Megan Chamberlin, Town Clerk Dawn Marie Klingner, Court Judge the Hon. Chris Klingner, Deputy Town Supervisor Nicole Ahearn, Councilmember Walter Dietrich, Town Supervisor Rosanna Hamm and Councilmember Vicki Doyle.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — After taking a solemn oath of office promising to serve the town and its residents lawfully and to the best of their abilities, the Town Board settled in to complete the ritual of the annual reorganizational meeting, colloquially known as a reorg, on Thursday, Jan. 8, voting on numerous resolutions to establish the town’s governance for the next year.

Administering the swearing in of officials, including the Town Board as well as Highway Superintendent Megan Chamberlin, Town Clerk Dawn Marie Klingner and Court Judge The Hon. Chris Klingner was County Clerk Brad Kendall.

“We need to listen,” said Town Supervisor Rosanna Hamm, as she began her first term in that position, although she had served as a member of the Town Board in the previous term.

Defining her goals for the coming year, Hamm said that she intends to bring the town together, citing the success of the town-wide Harvest Festival that was held in October as a concept to be built upon.

The construction phase for the new Town Garage is expected to begin with a groundbreaking in May, Hamm said, and the sidewalk project along Route 44 is expected to be completed in spring.

Another goal, Hamm said, will be to tie up loose ends referring to numerous initiatives that are underway. And, of course, there will be the unanticipated things, she added.

Newly elected councilperson Walter Dietrich said that he completely agreed with Hamm’s stated goals.

Councilperson Vicki Doyle echoed that sentiment, saying, “I will help in any way I can to move projects forward,” and praised the work of former budget officer Charlie Miller, noting that his efforts contributed to several successful grant applications.

Doyle said that she will continue working with local groups including the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee, the Conservation Advisory Council and the Enhancement Committee.

Dietrich added his thanks to past members of the Town Board and he congratulated the newly seated board members elected by the town’s voters.

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