Planning committee approves six resolutions including Callicoon grant, groundwater study and sister-county partnership with Ukraine

The Sullivan County Planning Committee on voice votes approved six resolutions covering grants, appointments, a countywide groundwater study request for proposals and an international sister-community partnership.

Resolutions approved included (1) authorizing the Sullivan County Office for the Aging to hold a public hearing and related senior resource fair in October at the county airport, (2) acceptance of a $125,000 state municipal facilities grant for design and construction work at Callicoon Riverside Park, (3) appointment of a member to the Sullivan County Land Bank Corporation to fill a vacancy, (4) directing development and issuance of an RFP for a countywide groundwater study, (5) awarding funding through the 2025 Removal of Unsafe Structures program to the towns of Rockland and Highland, and (6) establishing a sister community partnership between Sullivan County and the Turnipile Region in Ukraine.

Key vote outcomes and procedural details

1) Office for the Aging public hearing Motion: moved by Cat Scott; seconded by Louie Alvarez. Vote: committee recorded “Aye. 4 zip.” Outcome: approved. The resolution authorizes the Office for the Aging to hold an October public hearing at the airport from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.; the hearing will be paired with a senior resource fair and likely a presentation (time and date described in committee materials).

2) State municipal facilities grant — Callicoon Riverside Park ($125,000) Motion: moved by Cat Scott; seconded by Louie Alvarez. Vote: “Aye. 4 zip.” Outcome: approved. The $125,000 state municipal facilities grant (identified in committee materials as secured with assistance from former Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther) is to be used for design and construction of an access drive, parking area and hiking trails at Callicoon Riverside Park.

3) Appointment to Sullivan County Land Bank Corporation Motion: moved by Louie Alvarez; seconded by Cat Scott. Vote: committee recorded “3 zip with Matt abstaining.” Outcome: approved with one abstention (Matt McPhillips). Committee staff said two letters of interest were received for the vacancy created by Susan Hart—s departure and the Land Bank recommended the candidate; final confirmation requires legislative confirmation.

4) Countywide groundwater study RFP (direct development and issuance) Motion: moved by Pat; seconded by Louie Alvarez. Vote: “Aye. 4 zip.” Outcome: approved. Committee discussion noted the county has $250,000 available in the planning fund balance to begin the work and that final project cost is uncertain until estimates are returned. Members characterized the study as important to help towns understand groundwater resources before development decisions are made.

5) 2025 Removal of Unsafe Structures (RUST) funding awards Motion: moved by Cat Scott; seconded by Louie Alvarez. Vote: “Aye. 4 zip.” Outcome: approved. Two applications were approved: one for the Town of Rockland (for houses described as collapsed and unsafe) and one for the Town of Highland (for an area near Eldred and possible redevelopment adjacent to town facilities). Committee staff said both towns confirmed in writing that they followed their town procurement policies.

6) Sister community partnership — Turnipile Region, Ukraine Motion: moved by Legislator Terry Blaser Bernardo; seconded by Terry Katz. Vote: “Aye. 4 zip.” Outcome: approved. In sponsoring remarks, Legislator Terry Blaser Bernardo said: “The resilience of the citizens of Ukraine in defending their homeland deserves not only our recognition, but our support.” The resolution was prepared with assistance from Ulster County and nonprofit partners; committee members said the resolution may require amendments after consultation with Ukrainian counterparts before full-board consideration.

The committee concluded its public session and moved into an executive session on collective negotiations. No executive-session details were discussed in the public record.