Supervisor Livsey announced interest savings
The Town of Highlands will save $272,619 in interest on the financing of its recent sewer plant project, Supervisor Bob Livsey announced Monday.
The state’s Environmental Facilities Corporation wrote the town this week to announce the project now qualifies for a 50% ‘interest rate subsidy’ on the multi-million dollar project, which means that between now and 2051 — when the final payment on the 30 year loan is due — $272,619 in interest cost will be saved.
“This is great news,” Livsey said.
In other business from Monday evening’s board meeting:
— Deputy Supervisor Rich Sullivan said that he has met with Historian Ronnie Coffey to talk about some events pertaining to the town’s 150th anniversary this year, including an April 10 church tour. He also said he has been doing some research — in Highlands and Cornwall, the town which Highlands broke off of — and has obtained the minutes from the first Highlands Town Board meeting, under Supervisor William Avery. He is working to transcribe “the very beautiful calligraphy” those minutes were taken in, he said, and will share them with the community.
— Sullivan also said he is working with the company which treats the weeds in Garrison Pond to try to treat the lake with chemicals which do not drive away the swans. For now, he said, he has asked the company to delay treatment this year while the swans are nesting.
— Councilman Tyrone King said the board is getting close to wrapping up negotiations with the THPD PBA.
— Some $116,005 in bills were paid, including $15,750 on a Highway Department truck lease, $33,264 to New York State for Workers Compensation insurance, $4920 to Orange & Rockland, $6681 in legal fees, $12,470 to Rockland County Solid Waste, and $11,705 for software for the THPD computers.
— Councilman Joe DeWitt noted that the number of community residents who recycle and how much they recycle continues to increase — “which saves us all money” — and reminded residents that they can purchase recycling cans from the town by calling 446-3800. The large cans are $80.50 and the small cans are $53.
— DeWitt and Environmental Advisory Committee’s Olga Anderson said they are exploring the installation of an electric vehicle charging station near the Fort Montgomery Post Office.
— Councilman Jim Modlin said the Town of Highlands Ambulance Corps responded to 90% of it’s 60 February calls (54); the ones they had to get help with were due to the fact they didn’t have a driver. He again made a plea for community residents to volunteer as ambulance drivers. Modlin also told the board he’d like to “further define” roles within the THAC and the board’s role as the ‘Board of Commissioners’ for the corps.
— A court officer, Art Brunwasser, and a part-time police officer, Brian Shiver, were appointed, pending county approval. THPD Chief Frank Pierri said he continues to seek police officers to join the THPD.
— The board approved spending $1600 on equipment (commercial trimmers, etc.) to be used by individuals or groups doing community service within the town.
