ELDRED, NY — A full audience was in attendance at the May 10 Highland Town Board meeting. They heard about summer plans for a full-day six-week day camp for Highland youth, a permitting process to make sure that short-term rentals are inspected and safe for vacationers, and that input is being solicited from donors as to their preference on where to place some of the donated items that are being moved out of Eagle Park this month.

But they didn’t hear why the town board had suspended the activities of the constabulary, when there would be a resolution, and when more information would be available. Objections were made.

Beyond that, the board moved through its agenda and committee reports.

Constable commitee report

Councilmember Kaitlin Haas and councilmember Chris Tambini, who is filling in for deputy supervisor Jim Gutekunst while he is on medical leave, had no report to share. Supervisor Jeff Haas described the situation as a personnel issue and said it would not be discussed in public. When further developments or resolutions were available, he said, the public would be informed. Kaitlin Haas then reported that the committee was meeting with a consultant to help rewrite the standard operating procedures and come to a resolution for dealing with complaints received. In an interview following the meeting, Kaitlin Haas said the consultant was recommended by Sullivan County enforcement officials and was a volunteer.

Camp for all

Camp Koininia executive director Dr. Kathleen Ruin was on hand to witness the passing of a resolution for the town to partner with the camp in providing a six-week full-day day camp for Town of Highland children aged five to 12. According to the resolution, the town will subsidize the project with $26,000. Kaitlin Haas said that $20,000 had been secured in grant funding. In a question by Tony LaRuffa about providing emergency services, Tambini said that the camp would be coordinating with EMS from the Highland Ambulance. It is estimated that tuition will be $90 per week, with scholarships possibly available. Extended care will also be provided, if needed, for a total tuition of $150.

“This is going to come as a relief to some Highland parents,” Jeff Haas said.

Short term rental fee

Additionally, the board passed a resolution to set the permit application fee annually for short-term rentals at $500. To help with the workload of the fire and safety inspections, Jeff Hass announced that Jim Hansen will be back in the building department on a part-time basis.

Moving the park

The board also resolved to enter into a lease agreement with Peck’s Markets for placement of some of the plantings from Eagle Park in the two planters in front of the store. Following a disagreement and subsequent legal action between current owners Frank and Phyllis Monteleone and the town, the elements of the 20-foot-by-40-foot park across from the town hall, first conceived in 2002 as a Sullivan Renaissance project, will be moved. Renaissance committee members Doreen Hansen and Carol Sundholm are working with volunteers throughout the month to reposition the plantings. Their plan includes moving the memorial paving stones to the entrance of Heroes Park, and positioning the benches on the Proctor Road side of the town hall. The mature pair of maple trees will stay where they are. Frank Monteleone said that he would be rebuilding the space and improving safety provisions so that it can continue to be used as a public park space.

At the workshop meeting on May 3, the board indicated that with so much going on it would table its proposed ATV law.