By CHRIS CONROY

BETHEL - It all began with a moment of silence.

Friends and family of Bethel Court Justice Al Fimognari were present at the September 28 Bethel Town Board meeting and participated in a moment of silence to remember the justice, who passed away on September 20.

Proceeding with normal business, the board recognized Rick Bishop, representing the Sullivan-Wawarsing REAP program. On the table were two proposals for REAP-assisted feasibility study projects that needed the backing of the town in order to proceed. Also recognized was Jonathan Drapkin, Executive Director of the Gerry Foundation. Drapkin said he had provided technical assistance to both projects as former Sullivan County Manager and in his position on the REAP board, but also made it clear that "there is no relationship at this time" between either project and GF Entertainment.

First up was a proposal to conduct a feasibility study for a dairy processing plant and tourist attraction. The plant would be built and maintained by Yasgur Farm Dairy. Providing a location for local dairy farmers to have their products processed without long drives, it is expected that such an industry would greatly improve the local dairy economy.

"I have to truck my milk to Connecticut [to get the best prices]," said board member and dairy farmer Harold Russell.

"We hope to get a Class 1 rating," said Bishop. Class 1 provides the highest revenue per pound of milk. "This is about ensuring economic stability not just for Sullivan County but also for surrounding counties."

In conjunction with the milk processing plant, though not necessarily on the same site, would be an education tourist park. The park would focus on the processing of dairy products much like Hershey Park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, focuses on the production of chocolate. According to Allan Scott, Town of Bethel Supervisor, this would provide a year-round tourist draw for the area.

"The [funding] for this project has already been approved," Bishop said, "pending application through the local municipality."

The second announced study proposal would focus on the construction of another year-round educational and tourism-based addition to the Town of Bethel. The Eagle Institute, an organization dedicated to the study, preservation and history of eagles, is looking to construct a permanent study building in Bethel. The building would serve as a location for educational classes as well as a centrally located point from which visitors could depart en masse for eagle watching trips. Taking a truly high tech approach, plans are also in the works for outdoor cameras to be set up near eagle nests so observers could watch from the comfort of the building. This remote viewing, as well as organized group trips that would only use one vehicle, would also not disturb the eagles as much, according to Drapkin.

"The Eagle Institute, Yasgur Farms proposal and the [GF Entertainment proposed] performing arts center are all very sensitive to what Bethel is," said Drapkin. "[These] are the kinds of projects that can help with economic development."

The projected final cost of the dairy processing plant and tourism destination is $17 million. The proposal covers a $28,000 feasibility study. The Eagle Institute proposal was for a $25,000 feasibility study.

Also at the meeting, Green Party 98th Assembly Candidate Bill Brenner volunteered to answer any questions about the Green Party Political Rally that took place in mid-August. Scott denied Brenner's request to use time at the next town board meeting to address the issue, explaining that town board meetings were not the place for presentation of political affairs. Brenner said that he would be present at the next meeting to collect questions from those who have them.

In an executive session, the board began the search for a new Town of Bethel Justice to fill the vacancy left by Fimognari.