Highland hears special presentations

By SANDY LONG

ELDRED, NY — Four presentations were delivered at the Highland Town Board meeting on March 9.

During the first, Sullivan County Legislator Kathy LaBuda provided updates on the Solid Waste User Fee, the Sullivan County Jail and the Adult Day Care Center in Liberty, NY. LaBuda noted she is “totally opposed” to privatizing the nursing home. “It’s a service we provide to our constituents,” she added. Of the highly controversial garbage fee, LaBuda said, “It’s not a perfect system. We’re still fine-tuning it. It’s a temporary fix that may change by next year.”

LaBuda fielded questions, promised to follow up on several suggestions and said she would attend Highland town meetings on a quarterly basis to keep residents informed on county issues.

Following LaBuda, two Eagle Scout candidates discussed their proposed projects. Jesse Corcoran presented a diagram depicting the bocce court that he would like to build near the town’s senior center for community use. Corcoran is applying for a Category A Sullivan Renaissance Grant to fund the project, which is slated to begin in late April. “Get ‘er done!” shouted one enthusiastic resident.

Next, Steven Combs talked about the Community Flag Ceremony that he is organizing for April 11 at 2:00 p.m. behind the River Market in Barryville. Combs will practice proper protocol as he burns the flags, following a solemn ceremony. “It’s a sight to behold,” said councilman Paul Zimmerman.

Flag collection boxes will be set up in the Highland Town Hall, River Market, the Highland Senior Center and other local facilities. Combs said he chose the project because of its significance. “Not everyone understands the honor and dignity of people who have laid their lives down just so that we can put up the flag,” he said.

This summer, as scouting celebrates its 100th anniversary, both young men will attend the National Boy Scout Jamboree in Virginia, where they will be part of Jamboree City, a 10-day construct of 18,000 tents, 3,600 patrol kitchens and approximately 50,000 Scouts and leaders.

The final presentation came from members of the Barryville Chamber of Commerce, who requested that the town revisit the location of the Farmers Market on River Road, which was relocated last year due to concerns over emergency access to the river. “The town board is business-friendly and we would like to be able to facilitate, but there’s nothing we can do without the consent of emergency services,” said supervisor Andrew Boyar.

Sullivan County Planning Commissioner and Barryville homeowner Luiz Aragon offered the services of his office to help bring the chamber and the Yulan Fire Department together to discuss the issue and look for solutions. “There is nothing more important than safety,” he said. “Access to the water is paramount. Having said that, we should remember that the single largest industry in this county is agriculture; it generates over $240 million a year. It is up to us to work together with the agriculture community so they can sell their products.” The town board agreed to facilitate a meeting of the interested parties to further discuss the issue.

In animal-related matters, a town-wide dog census will be conducted and letters are being sent to all residents. All dogs must be licensed and a pre-requisite is proof of a rabies vaccine. A free rabies clinic is scheduled at the town hall in Eldred on March 31 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.