“Why would we want to diminish our voice and power as a legislature? Are our actions any less important than any other legislative body or branch of government to our constituents? If we think so, we should not hold the office.” – Jennifer Schwartz Berky, Ulster County Legislator (Kingston, District 7) from “Commentary: Ban on Memorializing Resolutions in Ulster County Legislature is Undemocratic.” in the Kingston Times. VIEW
On Wednesday night, the Ulster County Legislature held its regular legislative session where the proposed ban on memorializing resolutions had its first reading. Other important items were debated (and adopted) including a memorializing resolution to request the NYS Legislature expand hate crimes (to include first responders and police officers) and, a resolution to prohibit cyber-bullying.
Thanks to all of the citizens who came out to speak that evening on a number of issues. We trust that watching these processes as thoroughly as you are will help to better assist you in speaking to your legislators on these important matters.
Speeches that were made by the Chairman, minority and majority leaders are located at the bottom of this post.
Filmed by Clark Richters of the Kingston News. Brought to you by KingstonCitizens.org.
FOR YOUR REFERENCE:
Resolution #91: “Amending The Rules Of Order To Prohibit Memorializing Resolutions”
VIEW: “Commentary: Ban on Memorializing Resolutions in Ulster County Legislature is Undemocratic.” in the Kingston Times by Jennifer Schwartz Berky, District 7 Legislator
Resolution #92: “Requesting The New York State Legislature Introduce Legislation Expanding The Hate Crimes Law, New York Penal Law §485.05”
Resolution No. 89 “Adopting Proposed Local Law No. 17 of 2016 (A Local Law Prohibiting Cyber-Bullying In Ulster County)”
3:59 – 7:00
Tim Gay
Soujourner Truth
7:14 – 9:45
Amy Fradon
Memorializing Resolutions
10:05 – 21:35
Support of Awareness program
21:44 – 23:35
Stephanie Loren
Memorializing Resolutions
23:42 – 25:10
Hector Veras
Sanctuary Cities and ABCD School Support
Making information accessible to the diverse population of Ulster County.
25:15 – 27:57
Sally Dolan
Support for RUPCO (CDBG)
28:05 – 30:22
Jose Agayo
Support for Addiction Program
30:34 – 32:10
Shay Sitimi
Hate Crime Memorializing Resolution #92
“Currently hate crime laws do not apply to those based on occupation, but instead on an offender’s bias such as race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity.”
32:20 – 35:25
Elisa Tinti
Hate Crime Memorializing Resolution #92
35:30 – 37:55
Brian McKearn
Support for CDBG
37:58 – 39:55
Brian Morgan
Support for CDBG
40:07 – 42:42
Bill Anderson
Support for CDBG
42:45 – 44:24
Nino Agano
Support for RUPCO
44:40 – 47:14
Sandra Ophamare
Support for RUPCO
47:15 – 50:22
Allison White
Memorializing Resolutions
50:35 – 52:35
Johannes Sayer
Memorializing Resolutions
52:47 – 53:40
Douglas Koop (Ward 2 Alderman)
Memorializing Resolutions
53:48 – 56:04
Jolie Dunham
Hate Crime Memorializing Resolution #92
56:05 – 57:50
Sarah Yurich
Hate Crime Memorializing Resolution #92
57:51 – 59:50
Lauren Coller
Hate Crime Memorializing Resolution #92
00:00 – 00:20
Lauren Coller (Continued)
Hate Crime Memorializing Resolution #92
00:21 – 2:15
William Barr
Memorializing Resolutions
2:22 – 5:03
Sue Rosenberg
Memorializing Resolutions
5:14 – 6:55
Joel Mason
Memorializing Resolutions
7:02 – 9:08
Kathy Nolan, Catskill Mountainkeeper
Memorializing Resolutions
9:10 – 11:47
T.J. Briggs
Hate Crime Memorializing Resolution #92
11:50 – 14:30
Laney Walter
Hate Crime Memorializing Resolution #92
14:40 – 17:17
Thomas Wanning
Memorializing Resolutions
17:18 – 19:52
Hillary Harvey
Memorializing Resolutions
19:54 – 21:40
Phillip Guierri
21:51 – 24:20
Jeremy Swift
Memorializing Resolutions
Hate Crime Memorializing Resolution #92
24:22 – 26:28
Callie Jayne, Citizen Action
Hate Crime Memorializing Resolution #92
MOVING ON TO RESOLUTIONS.
27:00 – 36:20
Resolution No. 91 “Amending The Rules Of Order To Prohibit Memorializing Resolutions”
Minority Leader Hector Rodriguez asks to send Resolution No. 91 back to Committee. Chairman Ronk declares he request as an illegal motion. Rodriguez appeals and claims “home rule”. 13/10 rule of the chair stands. Resolution remains on course for a full legislative vote in April.
36:22 – 39:14
Resolutions to move from non-consent to consent.
39:15 – 42:05
Resolution No. 47 “Confirming Appointment Of A Member To The Ulster County Youth Board” (Adopted)
VIEW Resolution
VIEW Vote to adopt Resolution No. 47
42:06 – 45:10
Resolution No. 14 “A Local Law of the County of Ulster for the Regulation of Pet Sellers”(Adopted)
VIEW Resolution
VIEW Vote to adopt Resolution No. 47
45:16 – 59:50
Resolution No. 89 “Adopting Proposed Local Law No. 17 of 2016 (A Local Law Prohibiting Cyber-Bullying In Ulster County)” (Adopted)
VIEW Resolution
VIEW Vote to adopt Resolution No. 89
Ken
00:00 – 20:43 (continued)
Resolution No. 89 “Adopting Proposed Local Law No. 17 of 2016 (A Local Law Prohibiting Cyber-Bullying In Ulster County)” (Adopted)
VIEW Resolution
VIEW Vote to adopt Resolution No. 89
20:44 – 22:17
Resolution No. 99 “Approving The Execution Of A Contract In Excess Of $50,000.00 Entered Into By The County – Ulster County Economic Development Alliance Inc. – Department Of Planning” (Adopted)
VIEW Resolution
VIEW Vote to adopt Resolution No. 99
22:18 – 23:02
Resolution No. 117 “Confirming Appointment Of A Member To The Community Services Board” (Adopted)
VIEW Resolution
VIEW Vote to adopt Resolution No. 117
23:04 – 24:55
Resolution No. 119 “Authorizing The Chairman Of The Ulster County Legislature To Execute A State Assistance Contract With The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation For Grant Funding For The Butternut Cove Culvert Rehabilitation and Slope Stabilization Project along the Ulster & Delaware Railroad Corridor” (Adopted)
VIEW Resolution
VIEW Vote to adopt Resolution No. 119
24:57 – 26:06
Resolution No. 120 “Amending The 2017 Ulster County Budget To Appropriate Forfeiture Revenue – Ulster County Sheriff” (Adopted)
VIEW Resolution
VIEW Vote to adopt Resolution No. 120
26:08 – 29:09
Resolution No. 123 “Establishing Capital Project No. 484 – Poorhouse Memorial – Department of Public Works (Buildings & Grounds)” (Adopted)
VIEW Resolution
VIEW Vote to adopt Resolution No. 123
29:10 -32:22
Resolution No. 124 “Authorizing The Construction Of A Memorial To The Ulster County Poorhouse At The County Fairgrounds, In And For The County Of Ulster, New York, At A Maximum Estimated Cost Of $100,000.00, And Authorizing The Issuance Of $100,000.00 Bonds Of Said County To Pay The Cost Thereof” (Adopted)
VIEW Resolution
VIEW Vote to adopt Resolution No. 124
32:23 -34:40
Resolution No. 126 “Authorizing The Construction Of Improvements To The County’s Golden Hill Facility Water Tower, In And For The County Of Ulster, New York, At A Maximum Estimated Cost Of $640,640.00, And Authorizing The Issuance Of $640,640.00 Bonds Of Said County To Pay The Cost Thereof” (Adopted)
VIEW Resolution
VIEW Vote to adopt Resolution No. 126
34:31 – 35:20
Resolution No. 130 “Authorizing The Reconstruction Of The Public Works Administration Building, In And For The County Of Ulster, New York, At A Maximum Estimated Cost Of $148,000.00, And Authorizing The Issuance Of $148,000.00 Bonds Of Said County To Pay The Cost Thereof ” (Adopted)
VIEW Resolution
VIEW Vote to adopt Resolution No. 130
35:21 – 52:15
Memorializing Resolution No. 92 “Requesting The New York State Legislature Introduce Legislation Expanding The Hate Crimes Law, New York Penal Law §485.05” (Adopted)
VIEW Resolution
VIEW Vote to adopt
Debate detail:
* Legislator Ronald Lapp makes amendment to include.
* Legislator Chris Allen. Yes vote.
* Legislator Tracy Bartels. No vote.
* Legislator Jennifer Schwartz Berky. No vote.
* Legislator Dave Donaldson. No vote.
* Legislator Manna Jo Greene. No vote.
* Legislator Heppner. No vote.
* Legislator Herbert Litts. Yes vote.
* Legislator James F. Maloney. Yes vote.
* Legislator John Parete. No vote.
52:16 – 55:44
Memorializing Resolution No. 135 “Opposing A Full Repeal Of The Affordable Care Act Without A Comparable And Immediate Replacement Plan That Is Ready For Implementation” (Withdrew)
VIEW Resolution
VIEW Vote to adopt
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Chairman Ken Ronk Address
VIEW Video
VIEW Speech Text
Majority Leader Mary Beth Maio
VIEW Video (starts at 17:20)
VIEW Speech Text
Minority Leader Hector Rodriguez
VIEW Video
VIEW Speech Text