Referred to:  The Economic Development, Tourism, Housing, Planning and Transit Committee (Chairman Cahill and Legislators Archer, Corcoran, Delaune, Litts, Maio, and Uchitelle), and The Public Health and Social Services Committee (Chairman Lopez and Legislators Bruno, Criswell, Petit, and Uchitelle)

Chairman David B. Donaldson offers the following:

WHEREAS, the final report of the Ulster & Delaware Railroad Corridor “U & D Rail + Trail” Trail Feasibility Study issued in July 2006 concludes that the Corridor “has the potential to become a unique “Rail + Trail” system providing transportation, economic development, tourism, and recreation benefits for Ulster County and communities along the route”; and

WHEREAS, the development of this and other trails in Ulster County offer important and highly desirable health programs promoting healthy trails and healthy people opportunities; and

WHEREAS, the Ulster County Legislature is devoted to improving conditions for physical activity in our communities and for the general public’s health and well-being; and

WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Health and Ulster County Health Department offer programs aimed at reducing the incidence of childhood obesity, enhancing physical fitness and reducing the risk of chronic diseases; and

WHEREAS, the Rail + Trail Feasibility Study recommends that the County formally establish an ongoing Trails Advisory Committee (TAC); and

WHEREAS, the Ulster County Non-Motorized Transportation Plan (NMTP) incorporates the vision of a shared use Rail with Trail Corridor extending east to west across the entire County; and

WHEREAS, the NMTP recommends several actions requiring leadership and coordination at the Ulster County Legislature level which will be facilitated by a Trails Advisory Committee; and

WHEREAS, the Rail + Trail Feasibility Study recommends several Phase 1 Trail Projects across the length of the Corridor; and

WHEREAS, in July 2008, the Health Services Committee sponsored Resolution No. 224, which established the Trails Advisory Committee – Ulster County Legislature; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section C-16 of the Ulster County Charter, all Advisory committees, commissions and boards shall serve at the pleasure of the Ulster County Legislature; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, the Ulster County Trails Advisory Committee is hereby reestablished and shall consist of not more than fourteen (14) Voting Members to be appointed by the Members of the Ulster County Legislature and is hereby created and re-established for the purposes of i) advising the Ulster County Legislature on trail-related issues, and ii) advising the Legislature on the adoption, repeal or amendments to Laws and Regulations as they relate to Ulster County Trails; the members of the Ulster County Trails Advisory Committee appointed by the Members of the Ulster County Legislature for a term expiring December 31, 2021 shall be:

1) Ulster County Legislature (3 members): Legislators James Delaune, Craig Lopez, and TBD

2) Trails Community (2 members): Kathy Nolan and Kevin Smith

3) Historical Community (2 member):  Steve Rice and David Toman

4) Hiking & Biking Communities (2 members): Hank Alicandri and Cara Gentry

5) Other Non-Motorized Transportation Communities (2 members): Tenny Gravatt and Mary McNamara

6) Local Government Officials (3 members): Mike Baden (Supervisor, Town of Rochester), David Dukler (Town Board Member, Town of Gardiner) and Peter DiSclafani (Town Board Member, Town of Shandaken)

7) New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)*

    (1 member):  Paul Lenz

8) New York State Department of Transportation (DOT)*

    (1 member): David Corrigan

(*denotes non-voting members);

and, be it further

RESOLVED, representatives from the Ulster County government are invited to attend all meetings of the Trails Advisory Committee, and may be asked from time to time to participate and advise the Trails Advisory Committee at the request of said Committee; and, be it further

RESOLVED, the Ulster County Trails Advisory Committee will update and report to the Ulster County Legislature’s Public Health and Social Services Committee and Economic Development, Tourism, Housing, Planning and Transit Committee as to its findings, conclusions and recommendations on an annual basis by March 1st of the proceeding year,

and move its adoption.

ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES:                        NOES:    

Passed Committee: Public Health and Social Services on _____________.

Passed Committee: Economic Development, Tourism, Housing, Planning and Transit on _____________.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

NONE