Referred to: The Law Enforcement and Public Safety Committee (Chairwoman Hansut and Legislators Clinton, Hewitt, Levine, Maloney, McCollough and Walls)

Legislator Jason J. Kovacs and Legislators Litts, Corcoran, Walls, Kitchen, Maloney, and Roberts offer the following:

WHEREAS, the Ulster County Office Building serves as the central hub for public access to County government, housing legislative sessions, public meetings, and numerous departments that provide essential services to residents; and

WHEREAS, recent incidents, including social media posts and credible concerns regarding individuals bringing weapons into the building, have raised serious questions about the adequacy of current security protocols; and

WHEREAS, the safety and security of County employees, elected officials, and the general public must be a top priority, especially during times when the building is open and accessible to the public; and

WHEREAS, open government and public accessibility must be balanced with the clear and present need for a secure environment within all County facilities, particularly the County Office Building; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Ulster County Legislature hereby demands the immediate implementation of enhanced security measures at the Ulster County Office Building, to be in place during all hours that the building is open to the public; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that such enhanced measures shall include, at a minimum:

1.     

The installation and operation of magnetometers (metal detectors) at all public entry points;

2.     

Airport-style security screening procedures, including bag checks and controlled access;

3.     

A permanent and visible presence of trained security personnel or law enforcement officers during all public hours;

4.     

The evaluation and upgrading of surveillance and emergency response systems; and

5.     

Clear public communication regarding prohibited items, screening procedures, and behavioral expectations; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Legislature calls upon the Ulster County Executive, the Ulster County Sheriff and the Ulster County Department of Public Works to immediately take all necessary steps to execute the prompt funding, acquisition and deployment of these enhanced security measures; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Clerk of the Legislature shall forward copies of this resolution to the Ulster County Executive, the Ulster County Sheriff, and the Ulster County Commissioner of Public Works, for immediate action,

and moves its adoption.

ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES:                    NOES:    

Passed Committee: Law Enforcement and Public Safety on ____________.

FINANCIAL IMPACT: 

NONE