MARGATE – The Margate commissioners were advised last week to consider naming an acting city clerk to fill in for Margate City Clerk and Tax Collector Tom Hiltner has been on extended medical leave for the past several months because of knee pain.

Interim Business Administrator Richard Deany announced at the Feb. 16 City Commission meeting that Hiltner will be out on medical leave for an undetermined length of time.

In addressing the commissioners, Deany said they should give some thought in the next few weeks about whether to elevate Deputy City Clerk Rosemarie Freed to acting city clerk in Hiltner's absence; and likewise Deputy Tax Collector Linda Morgan to acting tax collector.

Hiltner's health issue is his right knee.

Reached by phone Saturday, Hiltner said it gave out one day while he was at work and he is no longer able to put weight on it.

Although he had his left knee replaced several years ago, it is the right knee that is giving him so much pain and discomfort.  Hiltner said his doctor has advised him that the knee needs to heal before they can do a total replacement.

Surgery is tentatively scheduled for April, but that could change, depending on how the damaged right knee heals.

"I can tell you, I would much rather be working," Hiltner said.