With expressions of mutual respect and gratitude, the Town of Highland honored its retiring highway superintendent, Norman Sutherland, at its monthly meeting on December 13. Town supervisor Andrew Boyar roasted Sutherland at the meeting’s end with a series of gag gifts and a humorous account of Sutherland’s history and successful service to the town.

“Even though we’re of different parties, our loyalties have united when it comes to what’s best for the town,” said Boyar. “You could not possibly have done a better job working for the town and we really appreciate it.”

Sutherland gave credit to his crew and added, “This town board has probably been the best town board I’ve ever worked with.”

“I agree with Norm that we had a very good year and the cooperation was extraordinary,” said Boyar. “It made it a very pleasant year to work for local government.”

In other matters, Comprehensive Plan Task Force committee chair Carol Roig reported that many comments and suggestions were received and have been incorporated into the plan. A public hearing will be scheduled to continue the process.

The board also discussed plans for reviewing its zoning to support the comprehensive plan. “The pressing issue is the heavy industrial uses,” said Boyar, who asked the task force to continue its work by addressing this facet in phase one. Phase two will tackle the remaining zoning issues. Residents interested in participating are encouraged to contact Boyar at 845/557-8901.

The board passed a series of resolutions including authorization to conduct an energy audit of town buildings and to explore energy savings with New York State Electric and Gas. A letter of support was approved to urge funding of the Sullivan Alliance for Sustainable Development (SASD) to act as an energy consultant to Sullivan County.

“Dick Riseling is a fountain of valuable information, ideas and techniques that we could avail ourselves of,” said Boyar. “What a shame that when the county is looking for ways to save money and they find someone who knows how to do it through energy savings, that SASD is the program they want to cut.”

A comment letter from the town regarding the New York State draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement was also approved. The board scheduled its organizational and agenda meeting for January 3, 2012 at 7 p.m.