The Ulster Town Board last week held its first meeting where councilmen attended remotely via popular video-conferencing service Zoom, where the meeting was streamed on Facebook Live, and where the public was invited to submit questions to the town clerk through text or e-mail.
The 38-minute meeting opened with a run through business conducted by the Town Board between Friday, March 20 and Wednesday, April 22 during periodic emergency sessions.
“During the course of the (coronavirus) pandemic, the Town of Ulster Town Board has met periodically,” said Supervisor James E. Quigley, III. “Sometimes as frequently as every other day. And we have taken actions to protect the town and conduct town business.”
Among the issues covered during the month were the extension of the temporary closure of the Russell Brott Senior Center through the end of April, the abolition of the recreation director position and the resignation of police dispatcher Jordyn Kilfoyle, who was hired by the Saugerties Police Department to serve in the same role. Justin Kelly was hired as Kilfoyle’s replacement for $15.91 per hour; Kelly has been with the Town of Ulster Police Department since October 2018.
Also discussed was a temporary hold on using a punch card or ticket at the Town of Ulster Transfer Station for residents who have a valid permit. The move effectively makes use of the transfer station free during the pandemic.
“I’ve had good feedback on the transfer station,” said Councilman Rocco Secreto. “A lot of people appreciate what we’re doing for them. With so many people being out of work a lot of thoughts were with the town and a lot of thank you’s.”
Meanwhile, many offices and departments in the town have adapted their services since mid-March to ensure social distancing and safety protocols are being observed. Some departments are staggering in-office schedules and sometimes working from home to minimize the potential for contact with others. Supervisor Quigley, who in early March touted the necessity of social distancing to combat the spread of the coronavirus, said it was important to be vigilant.
“The virus is prevalent in our community,” he said. “There are 74 cases as of this afternoon according to Ulster County’s website. There are individuals in the community who have been infected that are spouses or significant others of individuals who work with the town. We are taking all precautions necessary, including asking those employees who have relationships with those individuals to remain out of the workforce until further notice, until the seriousness of the virus in their loved ones has been identified and directions have been received from medical personnel as to how to reenter the workforce or the environment in the community.”
The next meeting of the Town Board is scheduled for Thursday, May 7.
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