Commissioners review Riverside contractor work, withdraw trespass order

Sullivan County commissioners on Wednesday reviewed a developer’s proposed preparatory work and withdrew a previously issued trespass order after staff said the company had engaged with the county and begun securing agreements.

Jerry reported that Riverside submitted a proposal to perform geotechnical drilling and remove and reroute tile on its property, and that the county wants any site work to wait until a road‑use agreement and bonding are in place. “They’re going to hire a local contractor yet to be named to come in and get some tile out of the way and reroute it within their property,” Jerry said, describing the preparatory work the developer seeks to complete before more extensive site work begins.

Commissioners recalled that the trespass notice had been issued when contractors worked on county property without approval. Staff told the board the company subsequently made contact, has begun executing some required agreements and had not completed full site work. After discussion, a commissioner moved to withdraw the trespass notice; the board put the motion to a vote and the motion proceeded.

The commissioners stressed that the county expects a formal road‑use agreement, appropriate bonding and a clear sequencing of work before allowing construction that affects county roads. The board also noted that heavy equipment and geotechnical drilling are involved and flagged the need for local contractor coordination and traffic/bond protections.

The board’s action on the trespass set conditions for further coordination but does not authorize broader site construction until the county’s agreements are finalized. Commissioners asked staff to follow up with specific contractors and the county’s road superintendent to document any required improvements or bond levels.