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A Message from Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger |
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Dear Friends,
With the passing of former Ulster County Clerk Nina Postupack in October, I have proposed to the County Legislature that the County Office Building be renamed in her honor. For many decades and for countless residents, Nina was the face of this building, and renaming it as the "Nina Postupack Office Building" is a fitting tribute to her 45 years of dedicated service to our county. The Legislature is expected to vote to schedule a public hearing on the renaming resolution at its November session.
I am excited to share that on November 13, the Ulster County Transportation Council will present two scenarios of possible improvements to UCAT bus service that have been developed as part of a Route Optimization Assessment, and I encourage you to attend a public session in person or remotely and share your thoughts. More information on this and other news and events, below!
All my best,
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Recent News & Events
Great Turn Out at the Open House on Ulster County's Community Climate Action Plan
The Ulster County Department of the Environment held a well-attended open house at SUNY New Paltz on October 24 to present the results of community input to date on the County's Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP)--a strategic plan that identifies actions the County government can take to support reductions in climate-damaging emissions from sources in our communities.
At the open house, County Executive Metzger emphasized the importance of this "bottom-up" rather than "top-down" approach to identifying County climate priorities, with as much public participation as possible, and project consultant Jayme Breschard from Barton & Loguidice gave an overview of progress in the plan's development. A big thank you to Michelle Gluck and team at the Department of Environment, Chief Diversity Officer Esi Lewis, and the Project Technical Advisory Committee for their work on this participatory project. The plan is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.
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Ulster County Executive Recognizes Graduates from Drug Court
County Executive Metzger attended the graduation of 13 men and women from the Ulster Regional Drug Treatment Court Program--an alternative to incarceration that leverages the courts to connect people with long-term treatment and supportive programming. Judge Lawrence Ball, who presides over the Drug Treatment Court, invited an alumnus of the program, Kingston resident George Dennis, to give the keynote speech, and Dennis shared his story of recovery after battling substance use disorder and a consuming sense of despair and hopelessness following numerous felony convictions. He was given a chance through Drug Court that he never thought he would get and worked through the treatment program to start life anew. Graduates had their own stories to tell and shared their gratitude for the support they received from the drug court team, including treatment providers.
County Executive Metzger gave the graduates Certificates of Achievement as they step into their next chapter with renewed strength and purpose.
Stay Visible and Safe: Ulster County Distributes Free Reflective Vests
With daylight hours growing shorter, Ulster County’s "Be Safe, Be Seen" initiative offers free yellow reflective vests to help pedestrians, runners, and cyclists stay visible. Vests are available at several locations while supplies last:
- Ulster County DMV Office (244 Fair Street, Kingston)
- New Paltz Police Department (59 N Putt Corners Road, New Paltz)
- Trudy Resnick Farber Center For Human Development (50 Center Street, Ellenville)
- Saugerties Town Hall (4 High Street, Saugerties)
- Plattekill Town Hall (1915 Route 44-55, Modena)
The County Executive and the Ulster County Traffic Safety Board encourage residents to take advantage of these vests and remind drivers to stay alert in low-light conditions. For questions or for more information, email UlsterTSB@co.ulster.ny.us.
County Holds Forum on Domestic Violence and Cybervictimization at SUNY New Paltz
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and every year the Ulster County Interagency Council on Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking hosts an informational forum to raise awareness and understanding about domestic and intimate partner violence and support survivors. This year's forum, held on Wednesday, October 23 at SUNY New Paltz, focused on the timely topic of cyber-victimization. Technology can be a double-edged sword, and smartphones and computers are a readily available tool for abuse. The Ulster County District Attorney’s Office was recently awarded a $500,000 federal grant to support new resources for combating cyberbullying and aiding victims in rural areas of the County.
Ulster County Earns ‘AA’ Bond Rating, Reflecting Strong Financial Health
S&P Global Ratings has assigned an “AA” bond rating to the Ulster County government, citing strong fiscal management and a growing economy. The County’s continued strength in the eyes of bond rating agencies is a direct benefit to taxpayers in the form of lower borrowing costs for capital projects, such as bridge and culvert replacements. The County also received the lowest possible fiscal stress score of 'zero' in the NYS Comptroller's annual fiscal health report, reflecting the County's healthy fiscal position.
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A Firsthand Look at Firefighter and EMS Training
Last week, County and local elected officials participated in an immersive emergency response training session at the Ulster County Fire Training Center, organized by the Ulster County Department of Emergency Services. The session included a classroom presentation on the County's fire services and fire dynamics, followed by participation in a simulation of a burning structure. Participants, fully clad in firefighter protective gear, climbed into a container with fire and smoke in a controlled environment with professional firefighters to see fire dynamics firsthand. It was a unique opportunity for elected officials to gain an understanding of and appreciation for, the conditions and decision points that firefighters confront and the level of training necessary. We are fortunate to have such a robust fire service training program in Ulster County!
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SUNY Ulster’s President’s Challenge Scholarship Lunch Supports First-Generation College-Bound Students
At this year’s President’s Challenge Scholarship Lunch, SUNY Ulster and the Ulster Community College Foundation honored new scholarship recipients, including Violet from the Rondout Valley Central School District, who is personally sponsored by County Executive Jen Metzger. The President’s Challenge Scholarship identifies first-generation college students in eighth grade, providing them with mentorship and college readiness support through high school and helping young people across Ulster County achieve their educational dreams. Upon graduation, these students can attend SUNY Ulster tuition-free for two years.
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Highland Students Visit County Office for Civic Readiness Program
Students from Highland High School visited the Ulster County Office Building as part of their Civic Readiness Program to hear first-hand about the work of County government from County Executive Jen Metzger, County Clerk Taylor Bruck, Legislature Chair Peter Criswell, and Legislative Support Specialist Michael Tierney. Legislator Gina Hansut, a Highland High School graduate herself, led the tour and shared her experiences in service to the County.
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Shine a Green Light in Support of Our Veterans - November 4-11
This week, the County Office Building is illuminated in green as part of Operation Green Light, a tribute to Ulster County veterans and a symbol of hope in honor of Veterans Day. Join us by changing your exterior lights to green from Nov. 4-11 to show your support at home or at your business.
Updated Schedule of Activities at the Trudy Farber Building
Residents of Ellenville/Wawarsing and neighboring communities, join us for a boost of well-being and community connection! Check out the updated schedule of events hosted at the County’s Trudy Resnick Farber Center in Ellenville.
Public Meetings: Share Your Thoughts on UCAT Route Improvements
UCAT is partnering with the Ulster County Transportation Council (UCTC) to study how the existing UCAT system — including its routes, schedules, and services — can be improved to better serve the public. Join us in person at the Restorative Justice Center in Kingston or via Zoom on Wednesday, November 13 at 4 PM and 6 PM for a UCAT Optimization Plan project update.
During the meetings, the project team will introduce two preliminary scenarios for how transit service could change in Ulster County – and we want public feedback! Spanish translation will be available at the meeting. The scenarios (developed based on previous technical findings and public input received in June’s public survey) will be available for public review and comment through November.
Now Recruiting Future Firefighters Ages 14-18
The Ulster County Firefighter Discovery Program is designed for youth ages 14-18 interested in fire and emergency services. Under expert supervision, participants will experience hands-on training in fire, rescue, and emergency medical services. Join us! Be part of something bigger.
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Register for Orientation - Orientation is required. A parent or guardian must be present at orientation.
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Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 6:30 PM
- Ulster County Public Safety Training Center (259 Ulster Landing Road, Kingston)
Questions? Contact Everett Erichsen at eeri@co.ulster.ny.us or (845) 331-7000.
Solar Mapping Tool Training
Learn how to work with your municipality to promote sound siting of solar and other renewables, and battery storage to ensure around-the-clock reliability. The purpose of the training is to empower municipalities to take a leadership role by siting and implementing solar energy and other renewables, with storage and efficiency, wisely.
Members of County or local Planning Boards, Environmental Commissions, and Climate Smart Committees are encouraged to attend.
💻 Virtual Pre-Training Watch Party, How to Solar Now
💻 Register for Free Training Sessions - all sessions run from 7 PM to 8:30 PM
📅 Choose one of the following dates:
- Session 1: Wednesday, November 13
- Session 2: Wednesday, November 20
- Session 3: Thursday, December 5
- Session 4: Wednesday, December 11
For more information, please contact Legislator Manna Jo Greene at mannajo@gmail.com.
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Attention Homeowners: Apply Today for Funding & Build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on Your Property
Ulster County homeowners in eight participating communities can receive up to $125,000 in financial assistance for constructing or renovating affordable ADUs through the ‘Plus One’ ADU Home Program. The program aims to increase affordable housing options while providing homeowners living on modest incomes with additional income to pay the bills. The deadline for applications is November 18. Eligible communities include City of Kingston, Village of New Paltz, Village of Ellenville, Town of Woodstock, Town of Saugerties, Town of Rosendale, Town of Lloyd, and Town of Ulster.
Seeking Input on the County's Draft Agricultural & Farmland Protection Plan
Do you care about agriculture and local food in Ulster County? Ulster County is working on an Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan to offer actions and strategies that will foster a thriving, resilient, and sustainable agricultural community. We invite you to review the plan and provide your input to help us shape the future.
Visit Participate Ulster or send an email to bsam@co.ulster.ny.us with your feedback. Accepting comments until January 31, 2025.
Highlighting ThinkDIFFERENTLY events/programs that support individuals of all abilities across the County.
Upcoming Disability Resources Fair
Ulster County encourages residents to attend the upcoming Disability Resources Fair on Saturday, November 9, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Saint James United Methodist Church in Kingston. This free event, co-hosted by Saint James and the Resource Center for Accessible Living (RCAL), offers workshops on topics such as Medicaid, autism accommodations, and emergency preparedness. The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, and several County departments and programs, including Early Intervention, Office for the Aging, and Mental Health, will be present to share valuable information. ASL interpretation will be provided. Join us as we continue our ThinkDifferently initiative, fostering inclusive access to essential resources.
If you have an upcoming event or resource that supports the ThinkDIFFERENTLY program, please email else@co.ulster.ny.us.
Grant Opportunity for Community Organizations
Local organizations that uplift our community through work in health, education, children’s recreation, the arts, and more can apply for support through Stewart’s Shops. Stewart’s awards community organizations with grants to deliver the maximum positive impact by delivering a service to those in need. They also offer a Matching Gift Campaign toward specific projects. The campaign can be for one week in two shops or two weeks in one shop, where they match customers’ contributions for a particular project up to $5,000.
This information is being provided for the benefit of Ulster Residents, these programs are not operated or controlled by the County of Ulster.
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:
- Bus Driver ($23.86/hour)
- Clinical Laboratory Technologist ($60.34/hour)
- Deputy Director of Emergency Communications/Emergency Management ($37.98/hour)
- Radio/Technology Specialist - Emergency Services ($33.88/hour)
- Public Transit Grants and Procurement Specialist ($31.01/hour)
The Ulster County Government strictly adheres to the principles of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act and Americans with Disability Act.
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