Apr 13, 2023 Legislative Session

[00:00:02]

GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYONE.

I CALL THIS MEETING OF THE ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE TO ORDER.

THIS IS MEETING NUMBER SEVEN OF THE ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE, APRIL 13TH, 2023.

[ ROLL CALL]

THE INVOCATION.

PLEASE STAND IF YOU ARE ABLE.

THE INVOCATION TODAY WILL BE LED BY LEGISLATOR TODARO.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

HEAVENLY FATHER, AS WE MEET TODAY TO DISCUSS DEBATE AND LEGISLATE, WE ARE MINDFUL OF THE CONSTITUENTS WHO PUT US HERE AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR DECISIONS.

CONSEQUENCES, BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE ARE HIGHLIGHTED NEXT SATURDAY, APRIL 22ND.

AS WE CELEBRATE EARTH DAY, A DAY TO MARK THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT AND THE NEED TO PROTECT OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.

LET US ALL CONTINUE TO BE MINDFUL OF CONSERVATION EFFORTS TO PROTECT NATURAL RESOURCES FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.

IN YOUR NAME, WE PRAY.

AMEN. TODAY'S PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE WILL BE LED BY MINORITY LEADER MILLS.

. THANK YOU. ON WITH TODAY'S AGENDA TABLED ITEMS. THERE ARE NONE.

[ ITEMS FOR RECONSIDERATION FROM PREVIOUS MEETING]

I'LL ACKNOWLEDGE MINORITY LEADER MILLS.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

AT THIS TIME I WOULD MOVE TO RECONSIDER COMMUNICATION 4E-23 AS AMENDED FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING.

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION MADE BY LEGISLATOR MILLS.

IT'S BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR TODARO ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED? CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

THE ITEM IS NOW BACK BEFORE THE HONORABLE BODY.

MAJORITY LEADER.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

I MOVED TO AMEND THE AMENDMENT TO COMMUNICATION 4E-23 AS AMENDED WITH WHAT'S BEEN DISTRIBUTED.

THIS IS A NEW CONSOLIDATED BOND RESOLUTION AND CHART OF COMPONENTS.

SECOND, THANK YOU. THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.

IT'S BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR GILMOUR ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? OKAY, SO THE MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

THE ITEM IS AMENDED.

A MOTION APPROVED. MR. MEYERS? THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

MOVE TO APPROVE COMMUNICATION 4E-23 AS AMENDED.

SECOND. OKAY. THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO APPROVE THE ITEM AS AMENDED MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.

IT'S BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR GILMORE.

ROLL CALL VOTE, MR. CLERK. ON THE QUESTION.

YES. LEGISLATOR GREENE.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

FIRST AND FOREMOST, I WANT TO THANK THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE AND HIS STAFF FOR COMING AND WORKING WITH OUR SIDE OF THE AISLE, AS WELL AS THE LEADERSHIP OF THIS HONORABLE BODY. CHAIRMAN BASKIN MAJORITY LEADER MEYERS, AND OF COURSE, OUR LEADER, JOHN MILLS, FOR ALL COMING TOGETHER IN GOOD FAITH TO WORK OUT A DEAL THAT IN THE END IS GOING TO SAVE TAXPAYERS BIERI COUNTY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS.

PROVIDE GREATER TRANSPARENCY FOR HOW WE'RE GOING TO MAKE FINANCIAL DECISIONS IN THE FUTURE AND OF COURSE, PROVIDE A BETTER ROADMAP FOR HOW WE ALL DO BUSINESS IN THE FUTURE AS A COHESIVE GROUP.

I WANT TO THANK EVERYBODY, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO TO VOTE ON THIS.

THANK YOU. LEGISLATOR GREENE.

LEGISLATOR MALCZEWSKI, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

THIS CAUCUS RECOGNIZES.

WELL, I'M SORRY.

THIS CAUCUS RECOGNIZED SOME POTENTIAL ISSUES WITH THE BOND RESOLUTION AS IT WAS PRESENTED.

TOOK ACTION, NEVER PUT ANY PROJECTS IN JEOPARDY, AND DID THE DUE DILIGENCE TO DIG DEEPER INTO THE PROJECTS BY TAKING THE BUSINESS APPROACH TO THIS.

I CAN STAND HERE AND SAY THAT I'M VERY PROUD OF THE WAY THAT EVERYBODY HAS COME TOGETHER TO CUT BORROWING, PAY OFF DEBT, SAVE INTEREST.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AT ITS BEST OVER HERE.

END RESULT, WE'RE IN A BETTER PLACE TODAY THAN WE WERE A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO.

AND I'D LIKE TO THANK EVERYBODY FOR WORKING TOGETHER ON THIS.

THANK YOU. ON THE QUESTION.

MR. CLERK? ON THE MOTION TO APPROVE AS AMENDED.

OKAY. THE MOTION CARRIES.

THE COMMUNICATION IS APPROVED AS AMENDED.

CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA AND AGENDA MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING.

[ MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING - Meeting No. 6]

[00:05:02]

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. MOVE TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM MEETING NUMBER SIX.

SECOND. THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES FROM MEETING NUMBER SIX MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER AND SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED? CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

THE MINUTES ARE APPROVED PUBLIC HEARINGS.

[ MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS:]

MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

CHAIR MOVE TO CONSIDER.

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO CONSIDER MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER HAS BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED? CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. THE MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS ARE NOW BEFORE THE BODY.

MAJORITY LEADER? THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

I MOVE TO AMEND TO INCLUDE ADULT SPONSORSHIP.

IT'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO AMEND TO MAKE IT ALL MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.

IT'S BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED? THE MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS ARE NOW AMENDED.

MAJORITY LEADER. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR, MOVE TO APPROVE AS AMENDED.

SECOND. IT'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO APPROVE THE MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS AS AMENDED MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.

IT'S BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

THE MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS ARE APPROVED AS AMENDED.

[ LOCAL LAWS:]

UNDER MY AUTHORITY AS CHAIR COMMITTEE REPORTS REPORT NUMBER THREE FROM THE FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.

COMMITTEE CHAIR MEYERS.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR, MOVE TO SEPARATE ITEM NUMBER TWO AND ITEM NUMBER THREE AND PROVE THE BALANCE OF THE REPORT.

IT'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO MAKE A SEPARATION AND APPROVE THE BALANCE OF THE REPORT MADE BY COMMITTEE CHAIR MEYERS, SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED? THE BALANCE OF THE REPORT IS APPROVED.

MAJORITY LEADER? THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

I MOVED TO AMEND ITEM NUMBER TWO WITH WHAT'S BEEN PASSED OUT.

THIS IS THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE, GROVER CLEVELAND GOLF COURSE CONCESSION AGREEMENT.

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO MOVE TO MOVE THE ITEM.

ITEM NUMBER TWO.

ITEM NUMBER TWO.

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM NUMBER TWO.

THE SECOND. I'M SORRY TO AMEND ITEM NUMBER TWO.

THE SECOND IS MADE BY LEGISLATOR GREENE ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED? ITEM NUMBER TWO IS AMENDED.

MAJORITY LEADER. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

MOVE TO APPROVE ITEM NUMBER TWO AS AMENDED.

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM NUMBER TWO, AS AMENDED, MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER AND SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED? THE ITEM IS APPROVED AS AMENDED.

OKAY. WE'RE NOW RETURNING TO ITEM NUMBER THREE ON THE COMMITTEE REPORT.

[ COMMITTEE REPORTS:]

THAT ITEM IS GOING TO GO BACK TO COMMITTEE UNDER MY AUTHORITY AS CHAIR.

THANK YOU, MR. CLERK. WE'RE ON TO REPORT NUMBER FOUR FROM THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE.

LEGISLATOR GILMORE? THANK YOU, CHAIR.

I MOVE TO SEPARATE ITEM NUMBER FOUR AND APPROVE THE BALANCE OF THE REPORT.

THIS IS FROM THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE.

IT'S A CONTRACT WITH I3 VERTICAL HEALTHCARE.

PROPER MOTION TO SEPARATE AN ITEM AND TO APPROVE THE BALANCE OF THE REPORT MADE BY COMMITTEE CHAIR GILMOUR.

IT'S BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? THE BALANCE OF THE REPORT IS APPROVED.

COMMITTEE CHAIR GILMORE? MOVE TO AMEND ITEM FOUR WITH WHAT'S BEEN PASSED OUT.

IT'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO APPROVE TO AMEND ITEM NUMBER FOUR WITH WHAT'S BEEN PASSED OUT.

DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND BY THE MAJORITY LEADER ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? OKAY. THE ITEM IS AMENDED.

COMMITTEE CHAIR GILMOUR BLUE TO APPROVE ITEM FOUR AS AMENDED.

IT'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO APPROVE THE ITEM AS AMENDED MADE BY THE COMMITTEE CHAIR.

GILMOUR. SECONDED BY THE MAJORITY LEADER ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED? THE ITEM IS APPROVED AS AMENDED.

[ LEGISLATOR RESOLUTIONS:]

THE LEGISLATOR RESOLUTION RESOLUTIONS.

LEGISLATOR GILMOUR.

I'M SORRY. THE MAJORITY LEADER.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. MOVE TO CONSIDER.

SECOND. SECOND. THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO CONSIDER THIS ITEM TO SUPPORT A MEMORANDUM AND A PLAN FOR COMMINGLING EVENTS ON CHIPPEWA STREET MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER ON THE QUESTION.

THERE'S AN AMENDMENT TO THIS ITEM.

THIS IS JUST THE CONSIDERATION.

THIS IS JUST THE CONSIDERATION.

OKAY. ALL IN FAVOR OF THE CONSIDERATION.

ALL RIGHT. ANY OPPOSED OF THE CONSIDERATION? ONE. I WOULD LIKE.

OKAY, SO THE ITEM IS UP TO BE CONSIDERED.

MAJORITY LEADER. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

MOVE TO AMEND WITH WHAT'S BEEN PASSED NOW.

THERE'S BEEN A MOTION TO AMEND THE ITEM WITH WHAT'S BEEN PASSED OUT.

MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER HAS BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION ON THE AMENDMENT.

ALL IN FAVOR OF THE AMENDMENT? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? OKAY. LIKE TO BE HEARD ON THE QUESTION.

[00:10:01]

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO MOVE THE ITEM TO COMMITTEE.

DO WE HAVE A SECOND? AND I GUESS FOR A SECOND, JUST BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT THERE'S PEOPLE WHO ARE AFFECTED BY THIS, WHO WANT A CHANCE TO SPEAK ON IT? PEOPLE THAT ARE PUTTING ME THAT ARE IN MUSIC BUSINESS AND HAVE BANDS, THEY WANT TO SPEAK ON IT.

WE'RE AFFECTING LOCAL BUSINESSES.

WE'RE NOT DOING NOTHING.

WE'RE NOT JUST SAYING THAT WE'RE STAYING IN OUR WHEREAS CLAUSES THAT WE AS A BODY ARE ASKING THE CITY TO NOT APPROVE ANY APPLICATIONS.

IT'S AN UN-AMERICAN KIND OF A THING.

IT'S AGAINST GOVERNMENT.

THERE'S A RIGHT OF ASSEMBLY.

WE'RE CRIMINALIZED. WE'VE ALREADY BEEN CRIMINALIZING POVERTY SO MUCH THROUGH DIFFERENT THINGS, YOU KNOW, DIFFERENT ATTEMPTS TO DO THAT.

BUT THIS IS CRIMINALIZING YOUTH AND BEING A YOUNG PERSON.

LEGISLATOR VINAL, WOULD YOU MIND SAVING YOUR COMMENTS FOR THE ON THE QUESTION OF THE VOTE? BECAUSE THE YOUR THIS MOTION IS NOT DEBATABLE.

SO YOU MADE UP.

YEAH. OKAY. SO YOU MADE A MOTION TO SEND THE ITEM TO COMMITTEE.

IS THERE A SECOND? THERE IS NO SECOND. SO THE MOTION FAILS.

SO BACK TO THE AMENDMENT.

CORRECT, MR. CLERK? OKAY.

SO WE ARE NOW ON THE AMENDMENT.

THERE'S A PROPER MOTION TO AMEND.

THERE IS A SECOND ON THE QUESTION OF THE AMENDMENT.

YOU WISH TO SPEAK NOW, LEGISLATOR VINAL? I MEAN, THE VOTING FOR THE AMENDMENT.

I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IN VOTING TO AMEND IT AND THEN WE'LL SPEAK AFTER THE.

OKAY. SO YOU JUST WANT TO SPEAK ON THE QUESTION TO VOTE.

SO THE ALL IN FAVOR OF THE AMENDMENT SAY AYE.

AYE. ANY OPPOSED? THE ITEM IS AMENDED.

MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. MOVE TO APPROVE AS AMENDED.

MOTION TO APPROVE THE ITEM AS AMENDED MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER IS THE SECOND BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION.

LEGISLATOR VINAL? ON THIS, I'D LIKE TO SPEAK ON IT AND JUST SAY THAT THE NUMBER ONE, IT'S VERY MUCH AGAINST SMALL BUSINESS.

IT'S VERY MUCH AGAINST IMPOSING ON SMALL BUSINESSES TO CHANGE THE PLAYING FIELD.

THAT'S NUMBER ONE. NUMBER TWO, IT'S DEVASTATING TO THE ARTS.

BUFFALO IS A REALLY GREAT ART SCENE IN BUFFALO IS A REALLY GREAT MUSIC SCENE.

PEOPLE COME FROM ALL OVER TO GO TO SEE CONCERTS IN DOWNTOWN BUFFALO.

I KNOW BECAUSE I HAVE A SON WHO'S VERY ACTIVE IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY AND ALL HIS FRIENDS ARE ACTIVE IN IT.

I HAVE OTHER PEOPLE IN OUR FAMILY THAT ARE AND TO HAVE IT THIS WILL DECIMATE.

IT WILL LITERALLY DECIMATE.

IT'S NOT NOTHING. IT WILL DECIMATE.

THAT'S SOMETHING YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT, SOMETHING PEOPLE SHOULD CARE ABOUT.

BECAUSE LITERALLY HAVING ONE OF THE MAIN FACTORS DOCUMENTED OF WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE TO STAY IN A PLACE OR LEAVE A PLACE IS THAT THEY HAVE FUN THINGS TO DO AND TO TAKE AWAY THIS IS TO TAKE AWAY 18, 19, 20 YEAR OLDS ABILITY TO JUST GO TO SEE A CONCERT AND EVEN TO HAVE ALL EIGHT SHOWS.

SOME OF THESE THIS IS FOR 18 TO 19 AND 20.

THERE'S ALSO THESE VENUES SOMETIMES HAVE SHOWS WHERE PEOPLE CAN COME IN AT ALL AGES AND WHO ARE THERE.

IT'S ALL KIDS FROM CITY HONORS, FROM TAPESTRY, FROM HUTCH TECH, FROM SACRED HEART, FROM BUFFALO SEMINARY, FROM SAINT JOE'S, FROM TUNISIA, FROM SAINT FRANCIS.

KIDS COME BECAUSE NOT BECAUSE THEY'RE BAD KIDS WHO WANT TO DO DRUGS OR DRINK IN EXCESS OR DO BAD THINGS.

IT'S BECAUSE THEY WANT TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES AND SUPPORT OTHER PEOPLE.

WE'VE ALREADY TAKEN AWAY.

YOU KNOW, THERE WAS AN ATTEMPT TO TRY TO TAKE AWAY THE LIBRARY.

WE'VE ALREADY MADE IT THAT YOU CAN'T GO TO THE MALL, WE'VE ALREADY MADE IT, THAT YOU HAVE TO HAVE A PROBATION OFFICER AT THE MALL ALL THE TIME PATROLLING.

SO THE IDEA OF TELLING BUSINESSES THAT WE AS A GOVERNING BODY WITHOUT DEBATE, WITHOUT COMMITTEE, WITHOUT GIVING ONE PERSON A CHANCE TO SPEAK ON IT, THAT ACTUALLY IS INVOLVED IN IT, ACTUALLY WILL BE AFFECTED, I THINK IS VERY UN-AMERICAN.

I THINK IT'S WRONG. AND I THINK IT'S GOING TO HURT BUFFALO TODAY AND IT'S GOING TO HURT THE BUFFALO MUSIC TODAY AND IN THE FUTURE.

AND IT'S GOING TO HURT OUR AREA BECAUSE IT'S GOING TO TAKE AWAY YET ANOTHER THING OF THE.

FEW THINGS THAT YOUNG PEOPLE CAN DO IN BUFFALO FOR ENTERTAINMENT.

AND I THINK IT'S WRONG.

AND I'D ASK, YOU KNOW, LIKE I SAID, I HAVE PEOPLE WHO WANT TO COME IN AND SPEAK ON IT.

IF WE HAD A COMMITTEE MEETING, I KNOW THEY GOT VOTED ON ON IT.

BUT TO JUST SAY TO VOTE FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS I THINK IS OUTRAGEOUSLY UN-AMERICAN.

AND I DON'T THINK PEOPLE SHOULD DO THAT JUST TO HAVE, YOU KNOW, FOR THAT SPACE.

I HAVE. AND IF YOU YOU KNOW, I MEAN, I KNOW I MIGHT BE THE ONLY ONE THAT GOES BECAUSE OF MY AGE.

I JUST HAPPEN TO GO BECAUSE I HAVE KIDS THAT ARE 20, 22, 24 AND 26 THAT HAVE BEEN GOING THROUGH THIS.

AND THEY'RE ALL GOOD KIDS.

THEY DON'T TWO OF THEM DON'T DRINK AT ALL AND TWO, DRINK A LITTLE BIT, YOU KNOW, OR A LITTLE MORE.

BUT ANYWAY, BOTTOM LINE IS, IS I'D ASK YOU TO CONSIDER AND TO THINK ABOUT THE BUSINESSES THAT YOU'RE IMPACTING WITHOUT EVEN TALKING TO THEM.

AND TO THINK ABOUT THE ARTS THAT YOU'RE IMPACTING WITHOUT EVEN HEARING FROM THEM.

JUST TO HELP SOME DEVELOPERS WHO WANT TO HAVE BIG APARTMENTS.

I DON'T THINK IT'S RIGHT AND I DON'T THINK IT'S GOOD.

AND I DO THINK IT'S MORE THAN JUST A LOCAL.

AND TO SAY THAT IT WAS JUST A LOCAL THING, THEN WE WOULDN'T HAVE ALMOST EVERYONE IN BUFFALO PLACE.

I DON'T KNOW IF THERE'S TWO MORE THAN TWO PEOPLE THAT ARE ON THAT BUFFALO PLACE BOARD THAT LIVE IN THAT DISTRICT.

SO WE'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY LIVE IN THAT DISTRICT OR PEOPLE WHO USE THAT DISTRICT.

[00:15:04]

SO I WOULD URGE YOU AND BEG YOU TO, ON BEHALF OF THE BUSINESSES AND BEHALF OF THE ARTS COMMUNITY AND BEHALF OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE, SHOULDN'T BE A CRIME TO BE 20 OR TO BE 18 OR TO BE 19.

IT'S LIKE THOSE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE VOTING.

THOSE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE SERVING OUR COUNTRY.

THOSE ARE PEOPLE WHO CAN DRIVE.

THEY'RE FULL FLEDGED ADULTS.

AND TO HAVE THEM BE ABLE TO MAKE THEIR OWN CHOICES I THINK IS A GOOD THING.

AND TO GIVE THEM THAT OPPORTUNITY TO REACH OUT SO IT ASKS PEOPLE TO VOTE AGAINST IT IF THEY WILL, AND URGE YOU TO DO THAT.

THANK YOU. LEGISLATOR VINAL ON THE QUESTION.

LEGISLATOR JOHNSON THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

IF YOU READ THE RESOLUTION IN ITS ENTIRETY AND CLOSENESS IS NOT AIMING TO DESTROY ANY BUSINESSES, THIS RESOLUTION SIMPLY SAYS HEY IS ASKING THIS HONORABLE BODY, THIS THIS HONORABLE BODY SUPPORTS THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COORDINATED PLAN BETWEEN THE CITY OF BUFFALO, BUFFALO PLACE, CHIPPEWA ALLIANCE AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS, INCLUDING MEMBERS OF THE 18 AND 20 YEAR OLD DEMOGRAPHIC, TO COME TOGETHER AND HAVE A CONVERSATION ABOUT A COORDINATED PLAN TO HOW THIS HOW THIS HAPPENS.

THERE ARE CONCERNS.

I SIT ON THE BUFFALO PLACE BOARD AND THERE ARE OTHER STAKEHOLDERS THAT WE SIT ON THE BUFFALO PLACE WHERE WE HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THE YOUTH BEING DOWNTOWN BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, AS RECENTLY HAD WHAT HAPPENED IN CENTRAL LIBRARY, WE HAD THAT CLUB MARCH AND OTHER NUISANCES THAT HAPPENED DOWNTOWN, YOU KNOW, WITH YOUTH NOT BLAMING THE YOUTH, BUT WE NEED TO HAVE A PLAN, SOME OF THESE BASKIN TO COME UP WITH A SERIOUS SECURITY PLAN ON HOW HOW DO WE STOP THE UNDERAGE DRINKING? HOW DO WE GO ABOUT THAT? THIS RESOLUTION, IN NO WAY, SHAPE OR FORM IS SAYING SUGGESTING THAT BUSINESSES SHOULDN'T HAVE THEM COMING TO THE CLUB AT ANY TIME. THIS IS JUST ASKING TO COME UP WITH A COORDINATED PLAN OF HOW THAT HAPPENS.

SO, YOU KNOW, I THINK IT'S DISINGENUOUS TO SAY THAT, YOU KNOW, THIS IS GOING TO DESTROY BUSINESSES AND IT'S GOING TO HAVE A LONG TERM EFFECT ON DOWNTOWN BUFFALO.

A FEW OF THE CLUBS THAT WE PARTICIPATE IN CO-MINGLING IS A BAD BUSINESS PLAN.

BUSINESSES SHOULD NOT BE SET UP TO CAPITALIZE ON YOUTH.

IF IT'S A BAR, THEY SHOULD BE SUSTAINED THEMSELVES BY WHAT THEY ARE.

BUT, YOU KNOW, PACKING INTO A FACILITY IN ONE PLACE AND MONOPOLIZING AND MONETIZING OFF THAT, I DON'T THINK IT'S THE PROPER BUSINESS MODEL.

THERE'S A LOT OF INFECTED PEOPLE DOWN THERE WHO HAVE WHO TAKES CONSEQUENCES.

BUT WE'RE NOT WEIGHING IN AND SAYING THAT THEY SHOULD BECAUSE THE CITY COUNCIL SHOULDN'T APPROVE ANY APPLICATION.

WE'RE ASKING THEM TO COME UP WITH A COORDINATED PLAN ON HOW THAT HAPPENS.

I KNOW RIGHT NOW THE CITY COUNCIL HAS 100 OR SO OF THESE APPLICATIONS IN FRONT OF THEM.

WE'RE JUST WAITING TO SAY, HEY, COME UP WITH A COORDINATED PLAN BEFORE YOU ANY APPROVAL.

THOSE APPLICATIONS TAKE PLACE.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

LEGISLATOR. LEGISLATOR MALCZEWSKI ON THE QUESTION.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

AS I STATED EARLIER, AS A GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL AND A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER, I WOULD NEVER, EVER WANT TO HANDCUFF A SMALL BUSINESS AND TELL THEM WHAT THEY CAN AND CAN'T DO BEFORE HEARING FROM THEM.

LEGISLATOR JOHNSON I COMMEND YOU ON THE AMENDMENT OVER HERE.

AS WITH THIS AMENDMENT, WE'RE BASICALLY PUTTING A PLAN IN PLACE SO WE CAN ALL WORK TOGETHER AND COME TO A CONCLUSION.

SO I THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THAT.

I'M THE QUESTION LEGISLATOR.

GREENE THANK YOU.

I JUST WANT TO MENTION A COUPLE OF THINGS REAL QUICK.

FIRST OF ALL, THIS RESOLUTION, AS IT HAS BEEN AMENDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON, DOES NOT INFRINGE ON ANY SMALL BUSINESSES ABILITY TO OPERATE.

IT IS SIMPLY ASKING OR RECOMMENDING A DIALOG WITH ALL STAKEHOLDERS.

IF THIS WAS INFRINGING ON SMALL BUSINESSES, I WOULD BE ASKING FOR A MORE SUBSTANTIVE DISCUSSION, NOT NECESSARILY FOR OR AGAINST IT.

BUT THERE WOULD BE APPROPRIATE.

BUT IN THIS CASE, WE'RE SIMPLY ASKING FOR A DIALOG TO TRY TO MAKE BUFFALO'S PREMIER PARTY DISTRICT, YOU KNOW, PREMIER ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT A LITTLE BIT SAFER.

SO FOR THAT REASON, I WILL BE VOTING IN FAVOR OF THIS.

THANK YOU. ON THE QUESTION.

OKAY, MISTER CLARK, TO ROLL CALL VOTE ON THE MOTION AS AMENDED.

LEGISLATOR GREENE.

CALL]. AND LET EVERYBODY KNOW.

OKAY, SO THE ITEM IS APPROVED AS AMENDED.

CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA.

INTRO 7-2 MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.

THE SECOND, SECOND, SECOND BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR ANY OPPOSED THE MOTION CARRIES THE RESOLUTION IS APPROVED.

[00:20:05]

MAJORITY LEADER YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

YOU MY CHAIR MOVED TO CONSIDER.

SECOND, THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO CONSIDER.

THE ITEM MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER IS SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR ANY OPPOSED 11-0.

THE THE MOTION IS APPROVED AND THE ITEM IS NOW BEFORE THE BODY.

MAJORITY LEADER. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

MOVE TO AMEND TO INCLUDE ADULT SPONSORSHIP.

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO MAKE THE ITEM AT ALL SPONSORSHIP MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.

IT WAS SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR GREENE.

ALL IN FAVOR.

ALL RIGHT. ON THE QUESTION.

I'M SORRY. ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR. ANY OPPOSED? THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE ITEM IS AMENDED.

MAJORITY LEADER. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

MOVE TO APPROVE AS AMENDED.

IT'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO APPROVE THE ITEM AS AMENDED MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.

IT'S BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR ANY OPPOSED? THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE RESOLUTION IS APPROVED AS AMENDED.

CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA.

INTRO 7-4 REGARDING AN APPOINTMENT TO THE BUFFALO OLMSTED FOR OLMSTED PARKS CONSERVANCY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

MOVE FOR CONSIDERATION.

SECOND. MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER AND SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION ALL IN FAVOR ANY OPPOSED THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE RESOLUTION IS APPROVED INTRO 7-5 REGARDING REAPPROPRIATION OF PUBLIC BENEFIT FUNDING.

MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION.

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER AND SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR GILMOUR ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR ANY OPPOSED? THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE RESOLUTION IS APPROVED.

INTRO 7-6 REGARDING THE REAPPROPRIATION OF PUBLIC BENEFIT FUNDING.

MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.

IT'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION FOR CONSIDERATION.

APPROVAL MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER HAS BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR GILMORE ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.

ANY OPPOSED? THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE RESOLUTION IS APPROVED.

COMMUNICATIONS DISCHARGE FROM COMMITTEE.

THERE ARE NONE. SUSPENSION OF THE RULES.

THERE ARE NONE. COMMUNICATIONS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS.

[ COMMUNICATIONS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS:]

ON TO PAGE SIX OF OUR AGENDA COMMUNICATION 7E-6 THROUGH AND INCLUDING COMMUNICATION 7E-12 AS INDICATED COMMUNICATION 7E-13 FROM THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE REGARDING RECONSTRUCTION OF KENMORE AVENUE FROM SHERIDAN DRIVE TO GRAND ISLAND BOULEVARD.

MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. I MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.

THE SECOND IS LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR ANY OPPOSED? THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE ITEM IS APPROVED.

COMMUNICATION 7E-14 THROUGH ONE, INCLUDING COMMUNICATION 7E-19 AS INDICATED ON TO PAGE SEVEN OF YOUR AGENDAS COMMUNICATION 7E-20 THROUGH AND INCLUDING COMMUNICATIONS 7E-26 AS INDICATED COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE DEPARTMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS 7D-1 AND COMMUNICATIONS 7D-4

[ COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE DEPARTMENTS:]

[ COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PEOPLE AND OTHER AGENCIES:]

[ ANNOUNCEMENTS:]

THE NEXT SCHEDULE OF THE NEXT SCHEDULED SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE IS THURSDAY, APRIL 27TH.

ALSO ON.

THURSDAY, APRIL 20TH, THE LEGISLATURE WILL CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING ON LOCAL LAW.

INTRO 3-1 AND AND THAT IS ON THE VIDEO CONFERENCING PARTICIPATION ACT OF 2023 AND THAT WILL BE AT 6 P.M.

AND WE WILL ALSO HAVE A PUBLIC HEARING ON LOCAL LAW.

INTRO 1-1 2023.

THE LAW IS REGARDING PROVIDING A 10% PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS AND AMBULANCE WORKERS IN ERIE COUNTY, AND THAT PUBLIC HEARING WILL BEGIN AT 6:15 P.M.

BOTH WILL BE HERE IN THE LEGISLATURE CHAMBERS TODAY, I BELIEVE AT 3:30 P.M.

THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE IS HOSTING THE STATE OF THE COUNTY AT THE DOWNTOWN ERIE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE MEMBERS? HEARING NONE, PLEASE RISE IF YOU ARE ABLE FOR MEMORIAL RESOLUTIONS.

[ MEMORIAL RESOLUTIONS:]

[00:25:02]

THANK YOU. ANY OTHERS FROM THE FLOOR? I'D LIKE TO. OH, I'M SORRY.

I SEE SOME HANDS. YES.

LEGISLATOR MILLS.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. I'D LIKE TO ADJOURN THE MEMORY OF SEEING BAGHERI.

STEPHEN WAS A FIRE CHIEF FOR MANY YEARS IN WARDENS QUARTERS IN THE TOWN OF CONCORD, NEW YORK.

THANK YOU, LEGISLATOR.

WE'RE SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.

LEGISLATOR MALCZEWSKI.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

I'D LIKE TO ADJOURN THE MEMORY OF BARBARA RUDNICKI.

SHE'S A FORMER ERIE COUNTY EMPLOYEE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND ALSO A FORMER COUNCILWOMAN FROM THE TOWN OF WEST SENECA.

AND I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO ADJOURN THE MEMORY OF THOMAS LEIGH WALKER.

WE'RE SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.

LEGISLATOR ANY.

OTHERS. LEGISLATOR.

LEGISLATOR. LEGISLATOR.

BARGNESI. I'M SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. LEGISLATOR.

LEGISLATOR GILMOUR? I'M SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. LEGISLATOR.

LEGISLATOR I'M SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.

LEGISLATOR. ANY OTHERS.

MR. CLERK, I'D LIKE TO ADJOURN IN MEMORY OF KWAME BRATHWAITE, FAMED AFRICAN AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHER.

AND I'D ALSO LIKE TO ADJOURN IN MEMORY OF MR. BELLISARI, MS. STRATFORD, WHO SUDDENLY DIED LAST WEEK.

BELOVED FATHER, GRANDFATHER AND HUSBAND.

A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR THOSE THAT HAVE GONE ON TO BE WITH THE LORD.

AMEN. I'LL ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO ADJOURN.

MOTION TO ADJOURN. MADE BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON HAS BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR GILMORE.

ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED? WE STAND ADJOURNED.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.