THOMPSON — At the most recent town board meeting, Thompson reopened its public hearing regarding camps, dormitories, schools and bungalow colonies.

Since the last public hearing on July 2, the town's legal counsel Michael Mednick suggested the board reopen the hearing since there have been changes made to the resolution.

The town board has been revising the definitions of camps, dormitories, schools and bungalow colonies.

Previously the town considered putting into effect a six-month moratorium after being advised by the Sullivan County's Division of Planning, Community Development and Real Property to expand their definitions.

Since then, changes were made to the resolution that avoided the town having to enact a moratorium.

“We took into consideration many of the comments received,” said Mednick.

Mednick felt the public comment section of the hearing should be extended and the board agreed.

According to Mednick, the changes that were made expand the dates of operation of camps and some grammatical errors were corrected.

Additionally, the cabin and bunkhouse sleeping quarter definitions were modified.

Mednick said several comments were made regarding building capacity.

Buildings were not limited in the number of rooms but in fact, defined the capacity and floor area for each room.

The board approved extending the comment period of the public hearing until August 26, and the board is expected to vote on the resolution at the first meeting in September.

Melody Lake

The town held a public hearing on August 8 to increase the amount that can be spent on improvements to the Melody Lake Water District.

The Melody Lake Water District was created in 2016. At that time, the maximum amount that was proposed to be spent in improvements was $375,000.

According to the resolution, the increase is due to the rise in cost for labor and materials.

After an increase to $400,000 in February, the board needed to raise the amount once again, to $506,600.

This comes after a revised map, plan and report was done on July 22 by engineering firm McGoey Hauser and Edsall.

The resolution states that the cost for residents in the district will be increased from $840.07 per year to $873.77 a year.

“It's in the best interest to the public,” said Town Supervisor Bill Rieber Jr.

The town is looking to replace the water main within the Melody Water District.