Robert H. Balkind

The Government Services and Administration Committee meeting addressed a local law concerning the repeal of Article X of Chapter 264 of the Dutchess County Code of Laws. This resolution was unanimously adopted by the committee following a motion by the Majority Leader and a second by a Legislator. The meeting was conducted remotely due to public health concerns related to COVID-19, and no public comments were received via email prior to the deadline.

The Environment Committee meeting addressed several resolutions concerning county matters. Key actions included the adoption of a Negative Declaration regarding the modification and consolidation of Agricultural Districts 20, 22, and 23 into Agricultural District 21. The committee also authorized the execution of Intermunicipal Agreements with the Towns of Poughkeepsie, Wappinger, East Fishkill, and LaGrange for the continued cooperative maintenance of the William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail. Furthermore, a resolution was adopted amending the 2023 Adopted County Budget as it pertains to the Housing Trust Fund and the Department of Planning and Development. Resolution 2023198, concerning the modification and consolidation of the agricultural districts, was adopted after a formal amendment detailing specific parcels to be removed from or added to District 21, following a public comment period and a public hearing held in October 2023.

The Public Works and Capital Projects Committee considered and adopted several resolutions. These included authorizing the Acting County Executive to execute extension agreements with Flightlevel Dutchess LLC at the Hudson Valley Regional Airport, authorizing a condemnation proceeding to acquire a temporary easement for the replacement of Bridge S-24 in the Town of Stanford, and authorizing an intermunicipal agreement between the County and the City of Beacon for Public Transit's Route G "Beacon Free Loop".

The committee meeting focused on several agenda items, all of which were unanimously adopted. Key discussions included Resolution No. 2020115, which requested a feasibility study for the development of a Youth Court or Youth Restorative Justice Program to divert youth offenders from the criminal justice system and provide them pathways to success. Additionally, the committee unanimously adopted resolutions regarding appointments to the Citizens Advisory Committee on Domestic Violence, confirming appointments to the Human Rights Commission, and appointments to the Mental Hygiene Board.

The Environment Committee meeting addressed several resolutions. Key discussions included Resolution 2023158 concerning the setting of a public hearing and comment period for the eight-year review and proposed consolidation of Agricultural Districts 20, 21, 22, and 23. Resolution 2023159, pertaining to the adoption of Dutchess County's Local Solid Waste Management Plan, was adopted following a roll call vote despite some opposition voiced during the Privilege of the Floor segment. Additionally, the committee adopted Resolution 2023160, which sets a public hearing regarding the acquisition of a conservation easement for the Meadowland Farm in the Town of Clinton.