KINGSTON – Ulster County
Executive Michael Hein vetoed two resolutions on technical grounds on
Wednesday. One measure called for the use of county funds to supplant
state hazard mitigation aid and the other would have required a fee for
the use of the county-owned electric vehicle charging stations. Both were
passed by the county legislature on December 15.
Hein said enacting the resolution to charge at electric generating stations for cars is contrary to two formal legal opinions that no-fee charging stations are permissible as they provide economic benefits, promote tourism and businesses, and aid in the protection of the environment. Since the no-fee charging stations promote purposes whole providing only an incidental benefit at a minimal cost, each charge costs about 62-cents, which is allowable, he said.
In a proposed compromise solution, Hein partnered with the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce that will see the business group contribute $1,000 annually to offset the projected incidental cost of electricity per year.
Hein also vetoed a resolution that would have seen the Town of Denning pay 25 percent of the repairs from severe damage caused by Hurricane Irene. The state had agreed to make up that portion not covered with federal dollars, but with conditions that included prerequisites that women and minority-owned businesses perform the work. Hein said that made it impossible for the town to comply with them because many of the storm-caused damage had already been repaired.
He said he is continuing to work with the state on behalf of Denning to have the requirement waived due to the emergency nature of the repairs.
