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Ulster County committee approves Hudson 7 funding, confirms EMC reappointments and delays 'river rights' law
Summary
The committee amended and adopted Resolution 108 to join the Hudson 7 intermunicipal council and provide $25,000 in foundational support; it confirmed two Environmental Management Council reappointments (Resolution 118) and voted to postpone a proposed local law creating "riverhood" rights for one month so the county attorney and staff can review legal and implementation issues.
The Ulster County Energy, Environment and Sustainability Committee took three legislative actions during its meeting.
1) Hudson 7 intermunicipal agreement (Resolution 108): Legislator Peters moved clarifying amendments to the resolution to make clear the $25,000 contribution is foundational support to the Hudson River Drinking Water Intermunicipal Council (Hudson 7) rather than a one‑time full‑time hire. Deputy Executive Laval indicated the amendments aligned the resolution to the current agreement and did not conflict with intermunicipal partners. The committee approved the amendment and then adopted the resolution as amended; the chair announced the resolution passed.
2) Environmental Management Council reappointments (Resolution 118): The committee confirmed reappointments of Sarah Underhill and Victoria (Vicky) Lucarini to the county Environmental Management Council. The motion passed after a roll‑call style vote in which at least one legislator recorded opposition and abstentions were noted.
3) Proposed local law on river rights (proposed local law no. 1 of 2026): A legislator introduced an updated local law intended to recognize rights of local waterways (Asopus Creek, Rondout Creek, Wallkill River) and to add a reporting mechanism. Multiple legislators and county staff raised legal and implementation concerns, referencing prior county attorney memos and potential overlaps with state law and the New York “Green Amendment.” Deputy Executive Laval asked for county attorney review of indemnification, enforcement and resource implications. The committee voted to postpone the public hearing and further action for one month to allow additional legal review and stakeholder outreach.
Votes and procedure: the committee processed motions to amend, adopt and postpone in public roll-call style; multiple votes included recorded objections or abstentions, and committee leadership indicated unanimous passage for Resolution 108 after the amendment.
