POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Gregg Pulver has canceled the body’s committee meetings and full board meeting for April to adhere to one of the COVID-19 executive orders issued by County Executive Molinaro.
Executive Order 2 of 2020, executed by Molinaro, says in part: “all social, community, and public events or gatherings, including Dutchess County-sponsored events, where it is anticipated that attendance will exceed twenty (20) people or more, shall be restricted, canceled or postponed.”
Pulver has sent an email to the lawmakers announcing the suspension of meetings. According to Pulver “At this time, the County Executive has the legal authority to enact measures for the necessity of the public health benefit. Should a public health benefit issue arise in which the County Legislature needed to appropriate funding or otherwise approve Executive action, at that time, I will convene an emergency meeting pursuant to Rule 2.3 of the 2020 Permanent Rules of the Legislature.
While there is an optical benefit to the public for the continuity of government, I believe it is in the best interest of the health of legislators, legislative staff, department staff and members of the public wishing to speak at our meeting to avoid contact with others as much as possible. Unless a time of necessary Legislative action is required, I believe it unethical to request legislators especially those who are high-risk to attend a meeting.”
