Highland tends to its business

By SUSAN WADE
Posted 5/19/20

ELDRED, NY — For the Highland Town Board, it was business as usual, as “usual” has been redefined to include social distancing and talking into a speakerphone instead of to a …

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Highland tends to its business

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ELDRED, NY — For the Highland Town Board, it was business as usual, as “usual” has been redefined to include social distancing and talking into a speakerphone instead of to a roomful of interested townsfolk.

Memorial Day festivities and the shredding day, was a collaboration headed by Jeff Bank, are canceled. The town’s clean-up day will be held on a date to be determined in the fall.

The board addressed two issues of particular local concern: The first was that of motorcycles passing through Barryville at excessive speeds, a situation as sure as the spring rains. The board acknowledged that it is a balancing act in keeping local residents happy and not restricting the local businesses that profit from such traffic. Supervisor Jeff Haas said that law enforcement officials and the county district attorney’s office were all aware of the situation and involved in attempting to maintain safety for all. 

The second concern was that of the water pipe on Route 55 between Barryville and Eldred. The water pipe has long been a source of drinking water for many, as well as a matter of dispute and concern regarding its potability. Haas explained that the pipe is on private property and the town has no jurisdiction over it and that code enforcement officer Dave Preston will reach out to the property owner about putting up a sign addressing the issue.

Councilman Jim Hanson reported that Peck’s in Eldred had provided 66 cartons of food for the food pantry at Saint Anthony Roman Catholic Church in Yulan and also the mini-food pantry in front of the Eldred Congregational Church. The funds for the food, provided at or below cost, were obtained from a grant made available from the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Counties. Residents who can benefit from these points of service are encouraged to take advantage of them. 

A $2,500 grant from Sullivan Renaissance was received. Projects on schedule for this year include maintenance of existing projects and emphasis on Yulan, including hanging baskets throughout the hamlet, sprucing up of the Yulan corners and establishing a garden at the site of the Yulan ballfield. The board, as one, thanked Karol Sundholm for spearheading the effort and her hands-on work. 

A grant application had been completed for financial relief through a FEMA/Homeland Security grant for the increased costs of constable service. The constables have been actively patrolling to assure adherence with NYPause requirements as well as making more than the usual number of wellness checks. 

Bids for construction of the highway salt shed will be due and open on Thursday, May 28. 

The potential purchaser of the old highway garage requested an additional 30 days to complete the necessary paperwork, completion of which has been impeded by the COVID-19 work schedule adjustments. Haas said that the purchaser intends to initially use the space for storage but that retail establishments might find their way into the location. 

Highland Town Board, shredding day, Memorial Day, barryville, eldred, sullivan renaissance

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