Denning highway report: loader purchase approved, patching and Riley Brook work underway

Highway Superintendent Leonard Johnson updated the board on routine and capital work during the Aug. 11 meeting. Johnson reported completion of the season’s second mowing, brush cutting on Taylor, Wildcat, Round Pond and Red Hill roads, after-storm maintenance including cleaning culverts and clearing downed trees, and patching on Sugarloaf, Balace and Peekamoose roads using Type 7 blacktop.

Johnson said New York State approved Denning to proceed with the purchase of a 930A Hyundai loader; he noted the county roller is expensive and the town is evaluating other options. He also reported that the Riley Brook project being implemented by the Rondout Neversink Stream Program is progressing despite recent rain, and that the highway crew will pursue brake-certification training. Supervisor Brooks asked about paving and possible chip-seal priorities; Johnson said they will check financial information and prepare to chip-seal what the budget allows. Brooks also reported Central Hudson is available to present downed-wires training to the highway department and possibly the Claryville Fire Department.