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Sullivan County government in brief

By DAVID HULSE

Publicity prompts eagle spending

MONTICELLO — Legislators last week endorsed up to $10,000 in new spending to support bald eagle viewing-related tourism efforts.

Legislator Robert Lander (RC-2) said public response to a recent New York Times article on Upper Delaware River eagles has overwhelmed the not-for-profit Eagle Institute, which provides eagle-viewing tours.

They have been "swamped" with visitors since publication, creating a demand for services that can't be provided when people get here, Lander said.

If approved by the full Legislature, County manager Jonathan Drapkin would administer payments to fund new staff and equipment.

Drapkin endorsed the idea, noting there is little competition for tourism funding in the winter. He credited Eagle Institute director Lori McKean and Gene Lomoriello of the Visitors Association with getting the Times interested in the story.

Drapkin went along on one of the eagle tours and commented "I'd never seen an eagle. It was an incredible experience for a city boy."

County looks at collection agency for back taxes

MONTICELLO — Legislators have tabled a notion to contract with a private collection agency to retrieve overdue property tax payments.

A spokesman for the Amana Capital Corporation told legislators on the finance committee that Sullivan could expect to realize 35 to 60 percent of the $35 million it's now owed in delinquent taxes. The collection plan involves the company sending two letters to taxpayers and would cost $40 to $55 per property.

"You'll get some returns just on the publicity of the idea," Amana president Larry Meyers told them.

Legislators were hesitant about setting a collection agency on voters. "A collection agency has a connotation like the IRS," said Chris Cunningham (DC-1).

The proposal was tabled to the real property committee for further discussion.

Sheriff worried about Woodstock anniversary

MONTICELLO — With less than six months remaining before the 30th anniversary celebration of the Woodstock concert in Bethel, Sullivan County Sheriff Dan Hogue says, "we had better start making plans."

Hogue predicted a reduced state police presence this year and noted the earlier starting dates for ten planned events, July 26-28.

He admitted to county legislators on February 4, "We don't know what's going on. We have to find out to be prepared."

Valley radio reception still
a problem

MONTICELLO — Several months have passed and officials say nothing has been done to remedy unreliable emergency radio communications in the river valley.

"Are we doing anything?" county fire advisory board chairman Jack Halchak asked legislators last week.

Last fall, Halchak reported the chronic radio communications problem in the valley and asked legislators to press for improved cellular telephone service as an alternative. "We know the radio won't work," he added.

Former public safety committee chair Robert Lander said an investigation had been undertaken, but he had no word of its result.

Emergency medical services coordinator Don Hopkins concurred with Halchak, saying that EMS radio reception is also degraded in the river valley.

Legislators pitch education review

MONTICELLO — Saying the issue is "critical to economic development and quality of life," Sullivan legislators Chris Cunningham (DC-1) and Richard Levine (D-6) last week called for greater county involvement in the future of public education.

In a joint statement the legislators called for a multi-level, countywide summit of educational leaders sponsored by Sullivan. The Legislature is also asked to create a new education sub-committee to further continue efforts in improving local education.

Sullivan offers free training

MONTICELLO — Sullivan County is offering several thousand dollars in free training for careers as home health aides/ nurses aides or tractor-trailer drivers.

Qualified candidates would receive funding and services to cover tuition, valued at $2600 to $3000, and child care and test fees for programs at area training facilities.

An information session for the county program is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on February 23, at the government center. To get more information or sign up for the session, call the Center for Workforce Development at 914/794-3000, extension 3100.

Carcass charge for road kills

MONTICELLO — Sullivan officials are considering a landfill fee for disposal of road kill deer carcasses at the county landfill.

Disposal has been free in the past as a courtesy to state DOT crews, but New York is now considering local contracts for disposal.

Department of Public Works workers removed 335 road kills last year. "It's not the nicest job in the world," admitted public works committee chair Rodney Gaebel.

Valentines for vets

MONTICELLO — The Sullivan County Veterans' Service Agency is again sponsoring a Valentines Day program for hospitalized veterans this year.

Grade school children from all ten area school districts designed valentines for veterans at Veterans Administration hospitals in Albany and Castle Point, as well as area nursing homes.

The cards were displayed at the government center earlier this week before being sent on to recipients at regional facilities.