George Betts took part in his last meeting as town of Elbridge councilor Wednesday Dec. 29. He will be sworn in as town justice at the Jan. 5 organizational meeting, when a new councilor will also be appointed. “The next time you him – you don’t want to see him,” said Supervisor Ken Bush, inspiring laughter from the room. As one of two town justices – he joins Gale Mitchell at the position – Betts will judge Monday court in town hall. Betts served as town of Elbridge councilor deputy supervisor for seven years.
“We’re gonna miss you, George,” said Councilor Rita Dygert. “It’s been a pleasure working with you, and we appreciate your service to the board.” “It’s been a pleasure being one of your constituents,” said David Kochman, of Jordan. Betts will fill the vacancy left by outgoing town justice Patricia DeRue, who held the position from Sept. 2, 1998 to Dec. 31, 2010. The board passed a resolution expressing its appreciate to DeRue for her many years of diligent community service. Town hall renovations to come
The board approved the hire of architect David Curle at $14,7000 to remodel the west wing of town hall, which contains offices for town employees. The meeting room will not be touched. “That’s been an ongoing process for I can’t tell you how long,” Bush said. The wing will be redesigned to be more space and energy efficient. “The town clerk’s on one side of the building, and the assistant town clerk’s on the other side of the building, so we’re going to get them all in one area,” Bush said.