Two issues commanded the most attention at this session: (1) Resolution 75 (authorizing the set aside of $100,000 to fund a potential lawsuit by the County against the State to challenge recent legislation that moves most local elections from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years); and (2) public opposition to plans to develop homeless shelters in Poughkeepsie.
1.At the start of the session, two members of the public expressed opposition to the Resolution. Following much dispute among the legislators, Resolution 75 passed with voting strictly along party lines; all Republicans present voted in favor, and all Democrats voted against.
According to both the members of the public and Democratic legislators who opposed the lawsuit, holding the elections in even-numbered years would benefit the public in two ways: by increasing voter turnout, and by saving the county money in the cost of holding elections. They also contended that it made no sense to expend funds for what was likely be an unsuccessful legal challenge when there are so many other needs in the county, such as restoring bus routes recently cut in Beacon and Hyde Park, a shortage of EMS services and mental health programs, and addressing veterans’ issues and homelessness.
Republicans, on the other hand, expressed support for “home rule.” They maintained that the legislation conflicted with the county charter. They claimed that people are leaving the state because they don’t like how things are run in Albany, and that the Legislature must defend the charter to encourage people to stay, and to “preserve local election independence.” According to one legislator, “Wrapping our local elections into the political media circus of the general election will not empower our voters to participate.” Instead, they argued, local issues will be trivialized because they will be buried in long ballots, and, therefore, the integrity of our elections will be undermined.
Prior to voting, legislators also had the opportunity to question the County Attorney regarding the origin of the contemplated lawsuit and how it would be litigated. County Attorney Caroline Blackburn declined to answer who first raised the idea of a lawsuit with her on attorney-client privilege grounds. When asked if she was already devoting resources of her office to this matter that might be spent on other matters, she answered that the legislation was a “set aside” in the event outside special counsel were required, and that, currently, she intended to maintain it “in house.” She explained that, currently, she and another attorney in her office were handling it. She was also asked to identify her client and, if the Legislature was a client, weren’t the legislators be entitled to see her records; she clarified that, if the resolution were adopted, her ‘clients” for this case would include the Legislature, and, therefore, she would be able to confer with the Legislature in a “privileged capacity.”
The resolution passed, with 14 voting in favor and 7 against.
- Six members of the public complained about plans for two homeless shelters in the City of Poughkeepsie, one at the old jail and the other at 26 Oakley. In their view, Poughkeepsie was being used as a dumping ground for services that the rest of the county does not want in their communities. They argued that the shelters should be scattered around the county, that there was a failure of adequate study as to actual need for and a strategy for operating the shelters, and inadequate commitment of members of the appointed stakeholders committee who failed to show up at meetings. One speaker presented a petition signed by 800 individuals against 26 Oakley or the old jail being turned into a shelter.
Other than # 75, several resolutions were passed unanimously, either on consent or non-consent. These involved authorizing expenditures for an emergency standby generator and generator switches in Poughkeepsie; bridge, culvert and highway improvements; payment of unencumbered vouchers from the Department of Behavioral and Community Health funds; setting a public hearing in connection with assessments in the Dutchess County Water District in Hyde Park; grants to fund conservation easements in Pine Plains; reappointments and appointments to the Dutchess County Fire and Safety Advisory Board; authorizing the County Executive to sign agreements with the Federal Aviation Administration and the NY State Department of Transportation to fund improvements at the Hudson Valley Regional Airport; approving applications to correct tax bills for the Towns of Fishkill, Pawling and Rhinebeck; confirming appointment to the Dutchess County Board of Ethics; and authorizing the execution of a corrected deed by the County.
Prior to the voting on the resolutions, several legislators spoke on a variety of subjects. Legislator D’Aquanni offered a proclamation making April 2024 “Donate Life Month in Dutchess County,” and calling upon health care professionals, volunteers, community groups and organizations to join forces to boost the number of organs, tissue, blood and stem cell donors. A commendation was offered honoring the President of the Culinary Institute of America for his contributions to the county.
Legislator McHoul reminded of the County Board of Health’s annual Health Fair on April 13. Legislator Lawler reported on the DCC Education Foundation Gala held on April 6.
Legislator Kaul referenced the annual report of the Environmental Management Council, including, in particular their Young Engineers Empowerment Program, and their interest in understanding how they can contribute to helping the county reduce waste and increase composting. She also noted that April 20th is Earth Day and there will be a celebration at the Environmental Cooperative at Vassar Barns through the County Department of Solid Waste Management Climate Smart Task Force, from 10:00-2:00. Legislator Polasek pointed out that the Household Hazardous Recycling Events would take place on June 1, September 21, and October 26. Registration for the June 1 event opens on May 1st.
Legislator Kaul also reported that she had attended a meeting of the stakeholders committee for the homeless shelter; she noted the concern in community and the many questions that there are about the project, and urged that these concerns be addressed by the Legislature and taken into consideration when making decisions.
After votes on the resolutions, other county business was discussed. Legislator Houston circulated a letter from Dutchess Community College asking the State to increase its base funding for the college, and she urged fellow members to sign it. Legislator Lawler sought a way to give legislators the opportunity to sponsor proposed resolutions earlier in the process before the resolutions reach a vote. Legislator Drago reported that a new park was being built in the Town of Stanford and they were looking for volunteers next weekend and the following week. Legislator Kaul extended wishes to those in the Muslim community who celebrate the end of Ramadan.
At the conclusion of the meeting, two members of the public spoke on non-agenda items. One discussed the shortage of EMS volunteers and urged additional training for volunteers, such as the use of ebikes. Another, a member of the Dutchess County chapter of Mothers Out Front, a movement dedicated to protecting children from the climate crisis and to promote a healthy, sustainable environment, urged the elimination of incinerators and adoption of a zero-waste management approach. She urged the Legislature to hire a consultant to help make the transition.