Referred to: The Laws, Rules and Government Services Committee (Chairman Heppner and Legislators Gavaris, Levine, Roberts, and Ronk)

Chair Tracey A. Bartels offers the following:

WHEREAS, on April 19, 2022, the New York State Legislature amended Public Officers Law §103, Subdivision (c) et. seq. regarding the use of videoconferencing by public bodies; and  

WHEREAS, Public Officers Law §103-a(2)(a), as amended, sets forth as follows:

§103-a (2) A public body may, in its discretion, use videoconferencing to conduct its meetings pursuant to the requirements of this article provided that a minimum number of members are present to fulfill the public body’s quorum requirement in the same physical location or locations where the public can attend, and the following criteria are met:

(a)       The governing board of a county, city, town or village has adopted a local law, or a public body has adopted a resolution, or the senate and assembly have adopted a joint resolution, following a public hearing authorizing the use of videoconferencing; and,

WHEREAS, in accordance with Public Officers Law §103-a(2)(a), a public hearing is required prior to the enactment of a policy regarding the use of videoconferencing during public meetings; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that said public hearing will be held on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at 6:55 PM in the Legislative Chambers, Ulster County Office Building 6th Floor, 244 Fair Street, Kingston, New York and/or via videoconferencing to the extent allowable pursuant to existing New York State legislation, or order and the Rules of the Ulster County Legislature; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Clerk of the Legislature shall cause notice of said public hearing regarding the use of videoconferencing to be published according to law,

and move its adoption.

ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES:                        NOES:    

Passed Committee: Laws and Rules, Governmental Services on _______________.

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