Referred to: The Laws and Rules, Governmental Services Committee (Chairman

Roberts and Legislators Belfiglio, Donaldson, Lopez, Loughran, R. Parete and

Rodriguez)

Chairman Kenneth J. Ronk, Jr. and Legislator Belfiglio offer the following:

WHEREAS, the Ulster County Legislature recognizes the importance of fair

and equal treatment of all its residents regardless of race, color, religion, ethnicity,

creed, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, familial status, gender,

gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation or disability; and

WHEREAS, the Ulster County Legislature is desirous of adopting legislation

which seeks to prohibit acts of discrimination, including discrimination in

employment, discrimination in public accommodations, discrimination in housing

accommodation, discrimination in commercial space and land transactions, and

discrimination in the issuing of credit; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution 412 of 2016, Proposed Local Law No. 16

of 2016 (A Local Law Establishing A Comprehensive Ulster County Human Rights

Law) was introduced for consideration of the Ulster County Legislature in

September, 2016; and

WHEREAS, after conducting public hearings and continuing deliberation and

discussion, the members of the Legislature have reached an impasse on the content of

Proposed Local Law No. 16 of 2016 as currently drafted; and

WHEREAS, the Ulster County Legislature recognizes the value of input from

community leaders and stakeholders; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to § C-11. Powers and duties of Legislature, and § A2-

5(11) of the Administrative Code, the Legislature is empowered “To conduct studies

and investigations in furtherance of its legislative functions and, in connection

therewith, to obtain and employ professional and technical advice, appoint citizens'

committees, commissions and boards, subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, and

require the production of books, papers and other evidence deemed necessary or

material to such studies or investigations”, now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Ulster County Human Rights Task Force is hereby

created to review and make necessary revisions to Proposed Local Law No. 16 of

2016; and, be it further 

RESOLVED, that the Ulster County Human Rights Task Force shall consist

of eight (8) members, whose members shall serve without compensation other than

for actual and necessary expenses with appropriations made therefore, unless other

provided by resolution of the County Legislature, pursuant to § C16 of the Ulster

County Charter and § A2-11 of the Administrative Code; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the membership of the Ulster County Human Rights Task

Force shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Legislature and shall include

members as follows:

• One (1) representative of the LGBTQ community;

• One (1) representative from the NAACP;

• One (1) Legislator representing the Majority;

• One (1) Legislator representing the Minority;

• Two (2) representatives of Ulster County religious organizations; and

• Two (2) members of the Ulster County Human Rights Commission;

and be it further

RESOLVED, that the first meeting of the Ulster County Human Rights Task

Force shall be swiftly convened by the Chairman of the Ulster County Legislature

and at said meeting, the members of the Task Force shall select one of its members to

be the Chairman of the Task Force; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Ulster County Human Rights Task Force shall file its

recommended version of Proposed Local Law No. 16 of 2016 with the Clerk of the

Legislature no later than November 29, 2017, at which time the Ulster County

Human Rights Task Force shall be dissolved,

and moves its adoption.

ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES: 22 NOES: 0

(Absent: Legislator Fabiano)

Passed Committee: Laws and Rules, Governmental Services on September 18, 2017 

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

NONE

STATE OF NEW YORK

 ss:

COUNTY OF ULSTER

I, the undersigned Clerk of the Legislature of the County of Ulster, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is

the original resolution adopted by the Ulster County Legislature on the 19th Day of September in the year Two Thousand

and Seventeen, and said resolution shall remain on file in the office of said clerk.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the County of Ulster this 20th Day of

September in the year Two Thousand and Seventeen.

|s| Victoria A. Fabella

Victoria A. Fabella, Clerk

Ulster County Legislature