Public comments ask legislature to review corporate‑compliance reporting and non‑incineration waste options

Lise Kennedy, a member of the Senior Legislative Action Committee and a Sullivan County resident, used the meeting’s public comment period to press the legislature about two items: the county’s corporate‑compliance reporting and a notice on the agenda regarding an RFP for a waste‑to‑energy project.

Kennedy said the agenda listed a “request for expression of interest for waste to energy planned for Sullivan County” as under review and asked whether the county had requested proposals for non‑burning alternatives. She said previous briefings to the legislature had described health risks associated with burning waste. “I’d like to ask, please, where is the request for proposal for the non‑burning trash options that are out there?” Kennedy asked. She said the public and legislators should be fully informed about alternative technologies before the county solicits burning‑based proposals.

Kennedy also raised the corporate‑compliance function, saying the committee itself had not reported to the legislature as its bylaws require. “I do not recall a single instance of that happening in the last four years that I’ve attended these meetings,” she said, urging clearer reporting and independent investigations of complaints.

A county official responding during the meeting said there is active work within the county’s Office of Management and Budget to consider moving the corporate‑compliance function and to change how the work is structured. The official said that work is underway and that the county is reviewing current arrangements.

The legislature did not take immediate action on either public comment; staff follow‑up and further committee consideration were indicated.

Kennedy requested that any RFP process include an evaluation of non‑incineration alternatives and asked for assurance that corporate‑compliance investigations would be independent and reported to the legislature.