Development News for Highlands, New York

Ambulance Corps Seeks Funds for Used Ambulance and New Paging System

The Ambulance Corps is requesting approval to purchase a used ambulance for $49,000. This vehicle, a 2014 Chevy G4500 diesel AEV Tomahawk X series, has 60,000 miles and will serve as a third, rotating ambulance. This purchase is intended to extend the lifespan of their fleet, potentially to 10-12 years instead of 5-6, and will be housed indoors. The funds for this purchase are largely covered by insurance payout of approximately $103,000 for a previous ambulance that was totaled due to an electrical fire. The remaining insurance funds, after covering the cost of the used ambulance, will be used to restock medical supplies and electronics destroyed in the fire. The Ambulance Corps captain also requested approval for a new paging system costing $2,300 to replace their antiquated, unreliable current system. The new system will be a direct-page system with improved range and reliability, tying into speakers in their meeting room and bay. The board approved the purchase of the paging system, contingent on proper procurement documentation. A motion was made to approve the purchase of the used ambulance, contingent on meeting all procurement guidelines.

Town Approves Payments for Utilities, Legal Services, and Water Testing; Receives Recreation Funding

The town approved a payment of $231,935 from the consolidated account to the check run. This included $180,433 for MVP Health Care (clarified as the water bill, not health insurance), $8,483 for legal services, $4,135 for ONR electricity and Diesel sanitation, and $3,900 for BRRI Environmental Services for water testing. The discussion surrounding the $180,433 payment revealed a potential typo, with clarification that it was for the water bill and not health insurance. The town supervisor also mentioned receiving $2,000 for the summer recreation program from the West Point Spouses Club.

Town Faces Fines for Failing to Conduct Required Stormwater Outfall Inspections

The town received a letter from DEEC regarding violations of the MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permit, specifically the lack of storm water outfall inspections, which are required every five years. This is a violation of the permit, and inspections must commence immediately. Violations can result in fines of up to $37,500 per violation per day. The highway department has a plan to address this by sending two employees to an MS4 clinic for training, after which they will conduct the required inspections and submit the paperwork to DEEC before July 1st. Previously, engineering firms handled these inspections, but the town is now looking to utilize internal staff and a program called Diamond Maps for GPS accuracy, although concerns were raised about the required centimeter accuracy versus the 10-foot accuracy achievable with the current system without specialized surveying equipment.

Community Events and Initiatives Highlighted, Joint Board Meeting Scheduled

Several community events and initiatives were highlighted. The Fort Montgomery Battle Site is open Wednesdays through Sundays until late October, offering various historical reenactments and lectures. The 'Highlands Together We Decide' initiative is concluding its voting period for community projects, with a final event planned for late June to announce winners and outline future plans. A photo contest is also underway as part of this initiative. The Donald Donison Sensory Garden, located behind the senior center, is open for those seeking a quiet space. The Juneteenth celebration includes a parade on June 20th, a wellness workshop on June 19th, an All White Affair gala on June 20th, and a prayer breakfast on June 21st. Other upcoming events include the James I. O'Neal school's 18th Century Games and Toys on May 23rd, Rolling the Dice gaming experience on June 6th, and lectures on Loyalist history and wood joinery. A joint meeting between the village and town boards is scheduled for June 22nd to discuss shared services including recreation, planning, zoning, sanitation, building department, and ambulance services.