Recycling taskforce sets up shop at government center

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — The Sullivan County Recycling Taskforce held its first meeting on Thursday, August 10 with Public Works chairperson Kathy LaBuda and recycling coordinator Bill Cutler.

The group’s mission statement, formulated during the meeting, states an intention “To provide safe, sustainable, and cost-effective waste management solutions that encourage waste reduction, reuse and recycling through education, and lessen our dependence on landfills or incineration for our solid waste disposal needs…”

Each of the nine volunteers on the taskforce was nominated by a legislator. They are Cathy Ferris, Evelyn Haas, Janet Newburg, Joanne Salamone, Joyce Teed, Kevin McDaniel, Lauren Dougherty, Nancy Hobbs, Shirley Felder-Morton and Tom Radley.

The group, which represents a diverse cross-section of perspectives and opinions, will continue to meet on a monthly basis and aims to bring recommendations to town and county officials as early as the fall.

Highland tackles towing

ELDRED, NY — At its regular meeting on August 8, the Town of Highland Board heard a lengthy letter of complaint submitted by D and R Auto Repair, Barryville, related to how calls for towing are assigned. The letter accused supervisor Steve Barnes of exhibiting a bias at a previous meeting when the issue was first discussed. Barnes read a response he had drafted in which he stated that he has never had any past, present or future interest in any one towing firm.

The board must choose between a system where all calls are assigned to one tower on a daily basis, versus one where calls are assigned based on a rotation list.

Following an extended discussion, the board decided to facilitate a meeting of all interested parties, including the towing businesses, the New York State police, the town constables and supervisor Barnes. The group will be asked to present a workable solution to the town board for consideration.

PPL forms advisory committee to include “many perspectives”

HAWLEY, PA — PPL has formed a Wallenpaupack Public Advisory Committee, including residents, business owners, community organizations and local government officials. The group will meet regularly to discuss issues about the lake and downstream on the Paupack Creek and the Lackawaxen River. It is expected to hold its first meeting in the next few weeks.

“This group will bring many interests and perspectives around the same table,” said Paul Canevati, PPL’ s regional community relations director for the lake area. “We’re anxious to hear the suggestions and recommendations, and to discuss them with the group in the context of continuing to meet the operating requirements of our Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license.”

For more information visit www.pplweb.com.

Clinton calls for changes in disaster assistance

WASHINGTON, DC — At a hearing of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee regarding renewal of the Robert T. Stafford Act, New York State Senator Hillary Clinton testified that many small businesses may need more than low-interest loans in the wake of disasters.

“Under the present system, when small businesses face losses due to a disaster, we offer them low-interest loans,” said Senator Clinton. “But many people who own small businesses simply cannot afford to take on any more loans, especially after they have just lost their homes and all of their possessions.”

The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act authorizes the President to issue major disaster and emergency declarations, which in turn enable several federal agencies to provide assistance to states overwhelmed by disasters. Currently, small businesses have to rely on Small Business Administration loans, not Stafford Act grants.

“We must consider whether … the Stafford Act should be amended to authorize the President to provide grants to already struggling small business owners for short- 3and long-term recovery,” Senator Clinton said.

Board seeks answers on assessment conundrum

HIGHLAND, NY — The Town of Highland Board has requested a public meeting with the New York State Office of Real Property to seek answers as to why the assessment rate in the township is so high. The meeting has not yet been scheduled.

The Town of Highland has one of the highest assessment rates in Sullivan County, when compared to similar “river towns” without central sewage or water. The board has explored this matter before, but wants a better explanation of the complexities related to the issue. In reference to the perplexing matter, supervisor Barnes remarked, “There’s no question—there are questions.”

For more information call 845/557-6085.