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County environment office wins grants, establishes sensor network; legislature confirms appointments and contracts

Ulster County Legislature (committee meeting) · February 5, 2026

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Summary

The Department of Environment reported partnerships to expand air‑quality monitoring and sought Climate Smart Communities recertification; the committee confirmed an administrative hearing officer and Fish & Wildlife Board appointment and approved a $150,000 Hudson River Foundation grant and a $75,000 contract with Hudson Valley Regional Council.

The Ulster County Department of Environment reported several program updates and the legislature approved routine but notable items: a $150,000 grant from the Hudson River Foundation to fund an Ulster County watersheds coordinator and a $75,000 contract with the Hudson Valley Regional Council to provide municipal technical support for clean‑energy projects.

Department report: Director Andy Bickin said the department is partnering with Bard College to roll out an Ulster County air‑quality monitoring network, adding 17 sensors (to join six existing units) to public sites such as libraries to track particulate matter under 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) and deliver push notifications via the JustAir network. Bickin also said the county is preparing to reapply for Climate Smart Communities recertification (300+ points required for silver level) and has a near‑final contract with the Hudson Valley Regional Council to support local governments on energy projects.

Appointments and contracts: The committee moved resolution 41 early and confirmed Eric Zadens as the independent administrative hearing officer (financial impact $12,000). The legislature also confirmed Thomas Rafaldi to the reconstituted Fish and Wildlife Board (sportsman representative). Resolutions accepting the Hudson River Foundation grant ($150,000 total, with a 3‑year cost breakdown) and contracting with the Hudson Valley Regional Council for $75,000 passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The air‑monitoring network aims to expand public access to station data and support health‑related alerts, while the grants and technical contract aim to accelerate watershed coordination and municipal clean‑energy projects across Ulster County.

Ending: Committee members praised the coordination and noted that staff will circulate the department’s impact report and follow up on the 0‑waste plan consultant work referenced later in the meeting.