Legislature meeting closed to public

KINGSTON, N.Y. » Ulster County lawmakers will meet Tuesday to conduct the people’s business, but the public will not be permitted to witness the action in person.

Legislature Chairman David Donaldson said that in light of the rapidly changing developments surrounding the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, he has decided to close the Legislature’s monthly session to the public.

Donaldson, D-Kingston, originally said a limited number of people would be able to attend, though there would be no public comment period during the meeting. But he said as Gov. Andrew Cuomo and County Executive Pat Ryan revise recommendations for public gatherings and interactions, he believed it prudent to fully restrict public access to the meeting.

“It’s still going to be televised, we’re not changing that, so anybody can watch, and they’re able to still email,” Donaldson said of Tuesday’s meeting.

Monthly meetings of the Ulster County Legislature are streamed live online at bit.ly/2IPxHRA.

Donaldson said he also anticipates canceling the Legislature’s committee meetings in April unless action by a committee is time-sensitive.

Donaldson said committees will continue to take up resolutions that impact the county’s finances and matters that have a direct impact on the county’s continued operations.

Less pressing matters, such as the creation of a housing consortium or meetings of the newly created criminal justice task force, will likely be delayed, he said.

“Things that we’re working on that can be postponed, we’re going to postpone them,” he said.

Donaldson said the Legislature also will work with the County Executive Pat Ryan to ensure a seamless response to the ongoing virus.

“We’re standing with the executive,” Donaldson said. “We like to have one voice speaking for the county, and I think he’s been extremely responsible and responsive in responding to this issue.”

For local coverage related to the coronavirus, go to bit.ly/DFCOVID19. For live updates, visit bit.ly/DFcovid19live.