Maria Cadieux

The meeting commenced with roll call and the approval of the minutes from the Organizational Meeting of January 5, 2026, and the Regular Session of January 14, 2026. The Off-Track Betting Director presented on their role. Committee reports were provided, noting that most committees had not met since the last session, although the Plattsburgh International Airport Committee did meet and recommended several resolutions concerning the authorization of a Transaction Agreement Grant Application and the selection of an Airport Consultant/Engineer. Liaison reports covered topics such as December Occupancy Tax numbers showing positive year-over-year growth despite an overall slight decline, and a meeting with the Chancellor of the SUNY System regarding Plattsburgh State and Clinton Community College. The County Attorney reported progress on the Sand Road Water District. The County Administrator reminded members about the upcoming State of the County, City, and Town address. The session concluded with the approval of Resolutions #17 through #28, and an overview of a Leachate Tutorial Team meeting attended by two legislators.

The meeting commenced with a public comment where a constituent discussed her political affiliations and reiterated her strong support for the dog tether law, asserting that animal cruelty legislation should not be partisan. Following committee reports, which indicated no meetings since the last session for most committees, updates were provided on liaison activities, including the Lake Champlain/Lake George Regional Planning Board's annual meeting and strategic plan review. Staff reports covered the status of the Sand Road Water Project, noting progress with basement inspections and anticipating project initiation in the spring, and a tour of the ongoing Courtroom Project. The County Administrator also provided details regarding the proposed Landfill Leachate Pretreatment System for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) contaminants, which Casella Waste Systems is pursuing via a federal grant administered by the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC). Casella requested three resolutions: approval of a negative declaration for the SEQRA environmental assessment, authorization to apply for the federal grant, and approval to issue a Request for Proposals (RFPs) for treatment equipment, particularly concerning foam fractionation and residuals management. The meeting concluded with the Legislature entering and exiting an Executive Session to discuss potential litigation, followed by the approval of Resolutions #10 through #16.

The meeting commenced with a roll call and the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting held on November 24th. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to a public hearing regarding proposed Local Law Number One of 2025, which amends the Clinton County Room Occupancy Tax Law, potentially increasing the tax rate to 5% starting in 2026 and addressing the collection responsibilities previously handled by Airbnb. Committee reports detailed various actions, including the cancellation of some meetings, authorizing grant applications for social services, approving reappoints to the Planning Board, discussions on the 2026 budget, authorizing contracts for various county operations (e.g., IT services, graphic services, public health services), and awarding bids for supplies like inmate clothing and janitorial services. The Public Safety Committee report covered applications for several grants and contracts related to the Sheriff's Department, the Child Advocacy Center, and emergency services.

The meeting included an address by Senator Stack and the Mayor of Blackburg, who thanked the body for their service, particularly noting the positive working relationship among members. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to honoring the Clinton County Sheriff's Department with Resolution Number 1035 for their exceptional professionalism, courage, and life-saving efforts, including CPR and AED deployment. The legislature also formally recognized and honored Legislator Patty Waldron and Legislator Bobby Hall for their 12 years of dedicated service, highlighting their work in economic development and airport committee leadership, respectively.

The Clinton County Legislature held a regular session where they discussed various committee reports, including Buildings and Grounds, Children and Family Services, Economic Development and County Operations, Finance, Health, Human Services, Personnel, Plattsburgh International Airport, Public Safety, and Transportation. Key discussion points included a public hearing on Local Law #1 of 2025 regarding the Clinton County Room Occupancy Tax Law, updates on departmental activities, and resolutions related to contracts, grants, and appointments. The legislature also entered into an executive session to discuss a contractual issue.