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PEEKSKILL, N.Y. -- Bernis Nelson, the city's corporation counsel for the past 14 months, resigned from her position Monday evening according to the acting city manager.
Nelson submitted her resignation following Monday's Common Council meeting, according to acting City Manager Brian Havranek.
"It has been an honor to return to the City of Peekskill for the past 14 months to work on its behalf, in addition to the seven years I previously served the city in the 1980's," Nelson said in her written statement.
Nelson replaced an acting corporation counsel who had in turn replaced Corporation Counsel Paul Schwerman following his death in a motor vehicle accident in July of 2010.
Nelson had been the focus of criticism by some residents at Monday's meeting due to the fact that she had worked for a law firm that represented Fourmen Construction, which was being considered for a city bid for work to be done in the new Peekskill Landing Park. Nelson gave no reason for her resignation, Havranek said.
Nelson came to Peekskill from Newburgh where she had also served as a corporation counsel. She had previously worked for the city as a city planner and as deputy corporation counsel in the 1980s, Havranek said he was impressed with Nelson's work ethic and professionalism.
"Bernis is a hard working professional who regularly put in 12-14 hour days," Havranek said. "Her reputation is impeccable."
The city will begin looking for Nelson's replacement immediately, he said.
"We're looking for somebody who has municipal experience as well as law experience," Havranek said.
Nelson was not immediately available for comment.
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