Lisa Berger

This joint meeting convened to review the 2026 through 2031 capital improvement program. A presentation provided an overview of the capital planning process, definitions of key terms (capital improvement program, capital project, capital fund), and budget breakdowns by project type for 2026, noting Buildings and Facilities at $58 million and Other Improvements at $19 million. The total capital program budget requested for 2026 through 2031 is approximately $344 million. Discussion focused heavily on the capital plan's structure as a living document, especially concerning Sunni Olter projects pending their facilities master plan completion. Specific projects reviewed included UND Quarter Trail segments, Sunni equipment, infrastructure improvements, and roof replacements. A significant discussion addressed emergency preparedness funding for key access door upgrades, which is planned as a pilot program. Additionally, the Board of Elections required new voting scanning equipment to comply with regulations, and the Boyceville substation project was noted.

The Ways and Means Committee meeting commenced with the adoption of previous minutes, specifically the December 12th regular business meeting. A significant portion of the discussion revolved around Resolution 731 concerning the use of funds, where members expressed concerns regarding fiscal prudence given uncertainty about future funding from other sources and noted prior federal fund freezes. There was extensive debate on a resolution regarding the establishment of warming center facilities, focusing on whether the policy should mandate facility placement in the southern region of the county or adopt a need-based, distributed approach across multiple regions using data from the January point-in-time count. Various resolutions (6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16) were considered and voted upon. Discussions also touched upon the robust nature of existing county warming center services compared to other counties and the associated state funding allocation.

The Ways & Means Committee meeting addressed several resolutions and policy matters. Key discussions included amending Resolution 519 concerning a lease agreement, where members debated the cost structure ($2 per square foot) while acknowledging the benefit of bringing services to the southern end of the county. Resolution 556 involved the approval, with an amendment, for digital assets tracking software, which was noted for including advanced features like AI categorization, vendor partitioning, and digital rights management, despite initial concerns about in-house capabilities and contract cost. Concerns were raised regarding Resolution 648, an $11.5 million change order, focusing on why it was presented late and whether specific equipment purchases, such as radios for every firetruck, were outside the original 2019 project scope. Policy 642 revisions were discussed, specifically clarifying authority between the Director of General Services and Director of Purchasing, and questions arose regarding the clarity of emergency procurement procedures and the legality of disposing of surplus county property via eBay. The committee decided to postpone action on Policy 642 until February to allow for necessary revisions.

The meeting included the adoption of the 2026 meeting schedule and the approval of the proposed 2026 Slate of Officers, naming Mike Baden as Chair, Scott McCarthy as Vice-Chair, and Chandra Valianti as Secretary. Discussions involved upcoming education and training opportunities, and a community report noted the Village of Saugerties would be referring a plan for Arm of the Sea Theater. The Planning Department reported that funding for the Comprehensive Plan update was not received, leading to discussions about using county funding internally, potentially requiring an Advisory Committee. A significant portion of the meeting involved public comment regarding Wawarsing Estates, LLC, a 55+ development, focusing on traffic, planning standards, and a proposed local law removing age restrictions.

The Public Works & Capital Projects Committee meeting addressed several resolutions, including the establishment of capital project number 739 for the interior renovations of the Golden Hill Office Building, which was previously referred back for review regarding design, administration, and budget allocation for various phases like space planning, schematic design, and construction administration. The committee also approved a contract with LaBella Associates DPC for public works services. Further actions included approving a lease agreement for a Department of Social Services satellite office in New Paltz and approving capital project funding for the 2025 DPW roof replacement program, including design services for the Trudy Resnik Center. Finally, the committee considered amendments to an agreement with the Town of New Paltz regarding water provision and installation for the County Emergency Communication Building.