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Key Village Officer, Staff, and Legal Counsel Appointments

2025last touched · 34 source resolutions
↑Village/Rules/Policies/Adopted/key_appointments_and_legal_counsel
Resolutions appointing or reappointing the village clerk, deputy clerk, treasurer, controller, building inspector, CEO/ZEO, other key administrative officers, the village attorney, special legal counsel, and special prosecutors.
Synthesis written as-of 2026-05-16. A time-bounded clause in this rule expires on 2026-12-31
In force, by year of last update
2025
Village Attorney — VanDeWater & VanDeWater LLP (Kyle Barnett)
The law firm of VanDeWater & VanDeWater LLP, Kyle Barnett (Partner), is appointed as attorney to the Village of Red Hook, effective January 1, 2025. The Mayor is authorized to sign the Engagement Agreement – 2025 dated November 25, 2024, and the 2026 engagement agreement has also been authorized.[29][34]
Special Counsel — Rodenhausen Chale & Polidoro
The Mayor is authorized to sign the 2025 engagement letter with Rodenhausen Chale & Polidoro as special counsel to the Planning Board and for general land use related legal advice.[30]
Treasurer Appointment — Marybeth DeFilippis
Marybeth DeFilippis is appointed as Treasurer for a 2-year term ending April 5, 2027.[32]
Associate Village Justice — Thomas Mansfield
Thomas Mansfield is appointed as Associate Village Justice for a 1-year term ending April 6, 2026.[32]
Special Prosecutor — Christopher Montalto
Christopher Montalto, Esq. is appointed as Special Prosecutor for a 1-year term ending April 6, 2026.[5][10][27][32]
Temporary Building/Planning/Zoning Clerk — Katie Khakhar
The Mayor is authorized to create a part-time Temporary Clerk position and engage Katie Khakhar as Building/Planning/Zoning Clerk at $26.00 per hour, working an average of 10–15 hours per week, until Lara Hart returns from medical leave. Costs are charged to General Fund Account 8010.1 Zoning – Per Srv.[33]
Full-Time DPW Laborer — Jerome Smith III
Jerome Smith III is hired as a full-time DPW Laborer at approximately $20.00 per hour plus benefits (approximately $56,000 annually), effective immediately, to support daily Water & Sewer operations. Costs are split between the Water and Sewer Funds.[31]
2024
Labor & Employment Counsel — Youngwirth Law
The Mayor is authorized to engage Youngwirth Law to provide labor and employment legal services at rates consistent with the prior agreement with Mackey, Butts & Whalen. The engagement was renewed for 2024 with the amended letter of engagement removing reference to the Town of Red Hook.[22][24]
Full-Time Treasurer Hiring Authorization
The Mayor is authorized to hire a Full Time Treasurer at $30.00 per hour with a 15% employee contribution toward health insurance, starting work no earlier than January 6, 2025.[26]
Bond Counsel — Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP
The Mayor is authorized to sign the engagement letter with Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP to serve as the Village's Bond Counsel.[28]
2023
Part-Time Zoning Enforcement Officer Position
A part-time Zoning Enforcement Officer position is established at 15 hours per week to address the increased number of permits and complaints.[17]
Fire Inspector Appointment — Clark Kimble
Clark Kimble is appointed as Fire Inspector for the Village of Red Hook.[20]
Building Inspector, Code & Zoning Enforcement Officer — Gary Beck
Gary Beck is appointed as Building Inspector, Code & Zoning Enforcement Officer for the Village of Red Hook.[20]
Deputy Building Inspector & Code Enforcement Officer — William Johosky
William Johosky is appointed as Deputy Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer for the Village of Red Hook.[20]
Deputy Zoning Enforcement Officer — Thomas Keith
Thomas Keith is appointed as Deputy Zoning Enforcement Officer for the Village of Red Hook.[20]
Deputy Village Clerk Appointment — Diana Devens
Diana Devens is appointed to the position of Deputy Village Clerk at a starting salary of $17.00 per hour. Pursuant to Section 3-300(2)(a) of the New York Village Law, she need not reside in the Village of Red Hook but may reside anywhere in the County of Dutchess, State of New York.[21]
Court Clerk — Rebecca Kent
Rebecca Kent is appointed to the position of Court Clerk with a salary of $21.96 per hour (a 2% increase from $21.53), effective November 3, 2023.[23]
Court Consultant — Kathy Fell
Kathy Fell was transitioned from employment to an hourly consultant, as needed, effective November 3, 2023.[23]
Temporary Court Clerk — Seymone Rosenberg
Seymone Rosenberg is hired as a Temporary Clerk in the Court office at $15.00 per hour.[23]
2022
Village Clerk Appointment — Jennifer Cavanaugh
Jennifer Cavanaugh is appointed to the position of Village Clerk for the applicable term as provided by law. Pursuant to Section 3-300(2)(a) of the New York Village Law, she need not reside in the Village of Red Hook but may reside anywhere in the County of Dutchess, State of New York.[11]
Village Clerk Full-Time Status — Jennifer Cavanaugh
Village Clerk Jennifer Cavanaugh was moved from part-time to full-time employment effective February 8, 2022.[13]
Deputy Clerk Position — Hours and Rate
A Deputy Clerk position is authorized at 15 hours per week at $17.00 per hour, effective June 1, 2022, with responsibilities including office coverage, garbage tag sales, resident inquiries, and Village communications.[14]
Part-Time Bookkeeper Position
A part-time bookkeeper position is established in place of the full-time Treasurer position previously approved.[15]
2016
Secretary to Planning/Zoning — Arie Drewes
Arie Drewes was moved to a full-time exempt position as Secretary to Planning/Zoning, continuing regular duties and cross-training to back up Lara Hart, with specialization in software reviews and the Municity program and modules.[6]
2010
Part-Time Secretary Position
A part-time Secretary position for the Village of Red Hook was created as required by the Dutchess County Department of Personnel. Lara Hart retains the title of Deputy Clerk.[3]
2008
Treasurer Monthly Assistance by Henry Webster's Office
Henry Webster's Office is approved to assist the Treasurer at the end of each month.[2]
History · superseded or expired
2024
Labor & Employment Counsel — Youngwirth Law (2024 Engagement)
The Mayor was authorized to sign the 2024 engagement letter with Youngwirth Law for labor and employment legal services, expiring December 31, 2024. Expired.[24]
Village Attorney — Mackey Butts & Whalen LLP, Richard J. Olson (2024)
Mackey Butts & Whalen LLP, Richard J. Olson of counsel, was appointed as Village Attorney through December 31, 2024. Superseded by the appointment of VanDeWater & VanDeWater LLP effective January 1, 2025.[25]
Special Prosecutor — Christopher Montalto (Term Ending April 7, 2025)
Christopher Montalto, Esq. was appointed as Special Prosecutor for a term ending April 7, 2025. Expired; superseded by the 2025 appointment through April 6, 2026.[27]
2023
Associate Village Justice — Thomas Mansfield (2023 Term)
Thomas Mansfield was reappointed as Associate Village Justice through April 30, 2023. Expired; superseded by the 2025 appointment through April 6, 2026.[16]
Z3 Consultants Building Code & Zoning Enforcement Agreement
A consultant agreement with Z3 Consultants, Inc. was authorized for building code and zoning enforcement services from June 1, 2023 through May 31, 2024 at $125.00 per hour. Expired May 31, 2024.[19]
Labor & Employment Counsel — Youngwirth Law (Fiscal Year 2023)
The Mayor was authorized to engage Youngwirth Law for labor and employment legal services for fiscal year 2023 (through December 31, 2023) at rates consistent with the prior Mackey, Butts & Whalen agreement. Superseded by the 2024 engagement letter.[22]
Labor & Employment Counsel — Mackey Butts & Whalen (Engagement Letter 2023)
The Mayor was authorized to execute the engagement letter with Mackey Butts & Whalen LLP in April 2023. Superseded by the engagement of Youngwirth Law effective July 1, 2023.[18]
2022
Labor & Employment Counsel — Mackey, Butts & Wise
The letter of engagement with Mackey, Butts & Wise was renewed at $190.00/hour for attorneys and $110.00/hour for paralegals for labor and employment legal services. Superseded by the engagement of Youngwirth Law effective July 1, 2023.[12]
2021
Special Prosecutor Fee Cap — Christopher Montalto (2021)
Christopher Montalto was appointed as special prosecutor for Village Code violations for a cost not to exceed $1,000.00, subject to authorization from the District Attorney of Dutchess County. Superseded by subsequent reappointments without that fee cap.[10]
2018
Acting Building Inspectors — Gary Beck and James Greaves
Gary Beck and James Greaves were appointed as Acting Building Inspectors. Superseded by the 2023 formal appointment of Gary Beck as Building Inspector, Code & Zoning Enforcement Officer.[7]
Controller Appointment — Michelle Zagorski
Michelle Zagorski was re-appointed as Controller in 2018. No subsequent reappointment resolution found in this family; superseded by the part-time bookkeeper position established in 2022.[8]
Village Attorney — McCabe and Mack LLP
McCabe and Mack LLP was re-appointed as Village Attorney in 2018. Superseded by the appointment of Mackey Butts & Whalen LLP, Richard J. Olson, of counsel, effective July 15, 2024.[8]
CEO/ZEO Appointment — Donald Cocker
Donald Cocker was appointed as Code Enforcement Officer/Zoning Enforcement Officer with office hours on Wednesday afternoons. Superseded by the 2023 appointment of Gary Beck as Building Inspector, Code & Zoning Enforcement Officer.[9]
2012
MOU with Gary Beck for Building Inspector Services
A Memorandum of Understanding with certified building inspector Gary Beck was approved to work in the zoning office to address the backlog. Superseded by formal appointment resolutions in 2018 and 2023.[4]
2008
Village Attorney Appointment — Kelly Floor-Myers
Kelly Floor-Myers was appointed as Village Attorney to fill Jeff Martin's term ending April 1, 2009. Expired; superseded by subsequent attorney appointments.[1]
Source resolutions
  1. [1]2008-07-07Village Attorney Appointment
  2. [2]2008-10-06Henry Webster's Office Treasurer Assistance
  3. [3]2010-08-19Create part-time Secretary position
  4. [4]2012-05-17MOU with Gary Beck for Building Inspector Services
  5. [5]2015-06-08Special Prosecutor Appointment
  6. [6]2016-11-17Authorization of Employee Position Change
  7. [7]2018-04-09Appoint Building Inspectors
  8. [8]2018-04-09Re-appoint Controller, Attorney, and Engineer
  9. [9]2018-06-11Appoint Donald Cocker as CEO/ZEO
  10. [10]2021-08-31RESOLUTION #17-2021
  11. [11]2022-01-10RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF JENNIFER CAVANAUGH TO POSITION OF VILLAGE CLERK
  12. [12]2022-01-10Legal Counsel Services Agreement Renewal
  13. [13]2022-02-02Change Village Clerk to Full-Time Status
  14. [14]2022-03-10Deputy Clerk Position Authorization
  15. [15]2022-12-01Part-time bookkeeper position establishment
  16. [16]2023-01-09Reappoint Associate Village Justice Thomas Mansfield
  17. [17]2023-02-13Establish part-time Zoning Enforcement Officer position
  18. [18]2023-04-10Engagement letter with Mackey Butts & Whalen LLP
  19. [19]2023-05-25Resolution to Authorize a Consultant Agreement Between Z3 Consultants, Inc., and the Village of Red Hook
  20. [20]2023-06-12RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF FIRE INSPECTOR, ZONING & CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, BUILDING INSPECTORS & DEPUTIES
  21. [21]2023-06-12RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF DIANA DEVENS TO THE POSITION OF DEPUTY CLERK
  22. [22]2023-06-22RESOLUTION TO ENGAGE YOUNGWIRTH LAW AS LABOR & EMPLOYMENT COUNSEL
  23. [23]2023-11-02RESOLUTION MAKING VARIOUS PERSONNEL CHANGES TO THE COURT OFFICE
  24. [24]2024-02-22Youngwirth Law engagement letter for labor and employment services
  25. [25]2024-07-15RESOLUTION TO APPOINT MACKEY BUTTS & WHALEN, LLP, RICHARD OLSON AS VILLAGE ATTORNEY
  26. [26]2024-11-04Resolution Authorize Change to Full Time Treasurer
  27. [27]2024-11-21RESOLUTION TO CONFIRM SPECIAL PROSECUTOR APPOINTMENT
  28. [28]2024-11-21Authorize Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP engagement letter signature
  29. [29]2024-12-09Resolution to Appoint VanDeWater & VanDeWater, Kyle Barnett as Village Attorney
  30. [30]2025-03-10Authorize engagement of Rodenhausen Chale & Polidoro as special counsel
  31. [31]2025-03-27RESOLUTION AUTHORIZE ADDITION OF ONE FULLTIME DPW LABORER TO SUPPORT DAILY WATER & SEWER OPERATIONS
  32. [32]2025-04-03RESOLUTION TO DECLARE VILLAGE APPOINTMENTS
  33. [33]2025-05-12RESOLUTION TO HIRE TEMPORARY BUILDING/PLANNING/ZONING CLERK WHILE LARA HART IS OUT ON MEDICAL LEAVE
  34. [34]2025-10-27VanDeWater & VanDeWater 2026 engagement agreement

Synthesized from the chronological history of these resolutions. Each clause shows the year it was last established or amended. The text is a reading aid — for legal force, consult the source resolutions and the Village Code.