MONTICELLO — At the Village of Monticello’s Re-Organizational Meeting held on April 3, Village Attorney Michael Sussman read the “Resolution Rescinding the Termination of Yermia Solomon.”

He read out loud that Solomon well-served the Village of Monticello as a Police Dispatcher.

According to Sussman, although Solomon is currently facing criminal charges in Sullivan County, the pendency of those charges was said to not disqualify Solomon from  the performance of his duties.

“Whereas following the lodging of those charges has only suspended Mr. Solomon with pay,” explained Sussman. “Whereas on April 1, 2024, while the foresighted charges were still pending, Mayor/Village Manager [George] Nikolados caused a letter to be delivered to Mr. Solomon terminating his employment with the Village of Monticello.”

“Whereas the Village Board affirms the principle that a person accused of a crime is presumed innocent. After review with council, this Village Board does not believe the accusations currently pen ding against Mr. Solomon justify either his suspension or his termination.”

He read that it is hereby resolved that:

1. Solomon’s termination and suspension are rescinded, and he shall be re-instated to his position of Dispatcher in the Village Police Department.

2. Solomon shall be compensated for any wages he lost since his termination on April 1 of this year.

Trustee Theodore Hutchins made the motion, which was seconded by Trustee Janice Davis. The resolution was unanimously approved by the Board reinstating Solomon.

 Public Comment

Present at the meeting was Axel Hellman, who is the Founder and Manager of a company called Rally OurBus.

He explained that they’re in the inter-city bus sector. He also described that they’re not a bus company but they plan the routes and sell the tickets.

He also explained that the company itself is contracted out to Charter Buses.

About a week prior to the meeting, a colleague of his reportedly contacted the Clerk to find out about potential stopping locations in the Village of Monticello.

“It doesn’t appear that there’s anything in the Code about on-street bus stops, or where inter-city buses should go,” recalled Hellman, “So she recommended that I come to this Public Comment [session] and introduce myself, and begin a discussion about service.”

He stated that it is intended to begin some time in the summer and that they’re hoping to launch it by the Fourth of July. He suggested the idea of one to two round trips a day to New York City.

“It’s actually on an intermediate stop that’s currently going from Buffalo to New York,” Hellman detailed further. “It’s going through Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Binghamton. Half the time, the buses pass through this way, Route 17, without stopping.”

He said he would leave his business card and they can go from there. He also said he is expecting a productive conversation on the matter.

He further noted that he spoke with the casino about the stop location, but the idea is to serve the general public as travelers and not casino visitors specifically.

Attorney Michael Sussman told Hellman that he could speak with the Village Manager about the matter.