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A Message from Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger |
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Happy first day of Spring! While technically beginning on the day of the vernal equinox, the spring peepers have been peeping for weeks and I hope you have a chance to get out and enjoy the glory of the new season.
In this edition of the newsletter, you can read about the County’s progress in meeting its Green Fleet goals, an opportunity for you to fact-check the State’s broadband connectivity map for your home or neighborhood, new job openings with the County, an invitation to join me on a stroll on the Walkway Over the Hudson in recognition of Women’s History Month, and more.
All my best,
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Recent News & Events
County Executive Releases Green Fleet Annual Report
County Executive Metzger released the 2023 Green Fleet Annual Report, which provides detailed data on the County's 481-vehicle fleet and progress in implementing the Sustainable Green Fleet Policy. At the close of 2023, 16.6% of the fleet was composed of green vehicles--well within reach of the County's 20% by 2025 target! Under the County's Sustainable Green Fleet Policy, all cars and light-duty trucks in the County fleet are to have zero emissions by 2035, and medium- and heavy-duty vehicles are to have zero emissions by 2040, where feasible.
Help Close the Gaps in Broadband Service in Ulster County: YOU Can Help Verify that State Broadband Mapping is Accurate!
New York State has received more than $664 million in federal funding to expand high-speed broadband infrastructure to homes and businesses. The ConnectALL program will provide grants to extend broadband infrastructure to unserved and underserved locations statewide with the goal of providing internet to all New Yorkers — but first, we need to make sure the State's broadband connectivity map is accurate! Locations that have been officially designated as unserved or underserved will be eligible for these grants.
If your home or business is currently unserved or underserved, verify that this is shown on the State map by April 11 to ensure eligibility for funding. View the maps and weigh in with your feedback.
The Ulster County Citizens Commission for Digital Inclusion can provide residents direct one-on-one support in filing a challenge. Residents seeking support can email digitalcommissionchair@co.ulster.ny.us or reach the Commission by phone at (845) 340-8771 or (201) 873-5853.
Join our Ulster County Climate Corps - Applications Open March 21
Calling all changemakers! Are you passionate about tackling the climate crisis and advancing climate solutions? If you're a student in high school (16+), college, or graduate school, or if you’re a community member eager to make a difference, consider applying to be part of the Ulster County Climate Corps, a paid ten-week summer internship that begins in June. The application window opens on March 21, and we will review applications on a rolling basis through May, or until the program is filled, whichever comes first. Gain experience in government and help Ulster County achieve our ambitious climate and sustainability goals.
Burn Ban in Effect Until May 14
The Ulster County Department of Emergency Services would like to remind everyone that the burning of brush is prohibited between March 16 and May 14. Open burning is the single greatest cause of spring wildfires in New York State, and the annual burn ban, initiated statewide in 2009, has been very effective in preventing and mitigating this risk and protecting people, property, and forest ecosystems. Let's keep it up!
Job Openings in Ulster County
Consider a career in public service and earn a living by making a difference! Visit the civil service portal and apply today to join our team. Here are just some of the rewarding positions we're hiring for:
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Commissioner of Health ($183,511.00/year)
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Electrification Project Manager ($89,425/year)
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Director of the Youth Bureau ($79,926.00/year)
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Deputy Director of Emergency Communications/Emergency Management - Interoperability ($79,607/year)
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Public Transit Grants and Procurement Specialist ($64,996/year)
The Ulster County Government strictly adheres to the principles of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act and Americans with Disability Act.
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Road Safety Initiatives Update
Last week the County Executive addressed the monthly meeting of the Ulster County Police Chiefs Association to propose a task force on enforcement against speeding and distracted and aggressive driving, particularly in high-risk areas with significant pedestrian and cyclist activity. Coordinated enforcement is part of a larger strategy announced by the County Executive in her State of the County Address to improve road safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, alike.
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County’s First ThinkDIFFERENTLY Arc Employee Hired for Archival Project in Clerk’s Office
The Ulster County Clerk’s Office was delighted to have Keyonta join the team working at the Hall of Records as part of The Arc Mid-Hudson’s Supported Employee program. Keyonta gained experience working on collections processing and cataloging in the Archives Division and also worked on reformatting and indexing projects with the Micrographics team. She completed excellent work, and her kind, enthusiastic demeanor brightened the office during the time she shared with the County.
Keyonta was the first employee hired as part of Ulster County’s ThinkDIFFERENTLY program, in partnership with The Arc, which provides job placement support for individuals with disabilities and offers services, assistance, and training to facilitate successful integration into the workforce. ThinkDIFFERENTLY is a County initiative exemplifying our commitment to fostering an environment that values diversity and inclusivity by empowering people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities to achieve and experience the highest quality of life.
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New Behavioral Health Wing Currently Under Construction at HealthAlliance
Last week, Legislators and the County Executive toured the new behavioral health wing currently under construction at the Mary’s Avenue campus of Health Alliance in Kingston. We are in critical need of inpatient mental behavioral health capacity, having lost all 60 beds at the campus when services were suspended during the pandemic. The new facility will restore 20 beds in a modernized 10,000 sq. ft. space that meets current state standards. HealthAlliance is now hiring for a new behavioral health wing, and we encourage interested and qualified folks to apply.
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Learn More About the Housing Action Fund and How You Can Apply!
Join the Ulster County Planning Department for a webinar tonight, March 19 at 6 PM.
In 2023, County Executive Metzger worked with the Legislature to create a $15 million Housing Action Fund to help expand the supply of housing for our residents that is both affordable and sustainable. The application process for the first round of projects is open now until May 10, with up to $3 million in grants to be awarded this year. Eligible projects include affordable rental and homeownership initiatives, preservation of affordable housing, emergency and supportive housing, housing-related infrastructure, and other projects aimed at addressing the housing crisis.
Weekly Events & Activities at the Trudy Resnick Farber Building
Join us for a boost of well-being and community connection. Check out the March schedule of events hosted at the County’s Trudy Resnick Farber Center in Ellenville!
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Ulster BOCES Hiring Event on March 21
Ulster BOCES is hosting a hiring event next week! Attendees will have the opportunity to explore and apply for jobs across multiple departments — including instructional and support positions available on the Ulster BOCES summer school teams. Openings include hourly, substitute, seasonal, and full-time positions.
📅 Thursday, March 21
🕕 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
📍 Ulster BOCES Jane Bullowa Conference Center, 175 Route 32 North, New Paltz
Job-seekers will have the chance to engage with representatives from the diverse departments within Ulster BOCES. Additionally, a representative from the Ulster County Department of Personnel will also be present to address inquiries about the Civil Service process and positions. For more information about Ulster BOCES and to check out current job opportunities, please visit www.ulsterboces.org/careers.
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Celebrate Women’s History Month with Ulster and Dutchess Counties
New York's two women County Executives, Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger and Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino, will each lead a walk of women leaders and community members from their respective sides of the river in recognition of Women’s History Month. Come join us for a stroll and an informal gathering in the middle of the bridge in celebration!
📅 Friday, March 22
🕕 4 PM
📍 Walkway Over the Hudson (Ulster County participants to start at the Highland side & Dutchess County participants to start at the Poughkeepsie side.)
All are invited to attend! For questions, please contact exec@co.ulster.ny.us or (845) 340-3800.
Crime Victims Assistance Program - Spring Break Workshops
Do you know a child who has been exposed to crime-related trauma? Ulster County’s Crime Victims Assistance Program is offering free healing workshops for kids during the week of spring break.
Feeling and Healing Workshop for Grades 3,4,5:
📅 Tuesday, March 26
🕕 10 AM - 12:30 PM
📍 Kingston, NY
Feeling and Healing Workshop for Grades 6,7,8:
📅 Wednesday, March 27
🕕 12:30 PM - 3 PM
📍 Kingston, NY
For more information and to register, please contact Deb at (845) 340-3443 or email cvap@co.ulster.ny.us.
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