Apr 27, 2023 Legislative Session

[INAUDIBLE] GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYONE.

[ ROLL CALL]

[00:00:03]

THIS IS MEETING NUMBER EIGHT OF THE ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE.

APRIL 27TH, 2023.

MR. CLERK, WOULD YOU PLEASE TAKE THE ROLL? THANK YOU. TODAY'S INVOCATION WILL BE LED BY MAJORITY LEADER GILMORE.

AND IF YOU WOULD, PLEASE REMAIN STANDING IF YOU ARE ABLE, BECAUSE THE PLEDGE WILL BE LED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON [INAUDIBLE] . AMEN. MR. JACKSON.

PLEASE BE SEATED. IF YOU ARE ABLE ON WITH OUR AGENDA TABLED ITEMS. THERE ARE NONE ITEMS FOR RECONSIDERATION FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING.

THERE ARE NONE MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING, MAJORITY LEADER GILMORE.

[ MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING - Meeting No. 7]

THERE'S BEEN A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES FROM MEETING NUMBER SEVEN, MADE BY ACTING MAJORITY LEADER GILMORE HAS BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON [INAUDIBLE].

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.

ANY OPPOSED? CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. THE MINUTES ARE APPROVED.

PUBLIC HEARINGS. THERE ARE NONE.

MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS ON PAGE ONE AND CONTINUED ON TO PAGE THREE.

MR. GILMORE.

MOVE TO CONSIDER. SECOND, IT'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO CONSIDER MADE BY LEGISLATOR GILMORE.

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

ALL IN FAVOR.

[INAUDIBLE] ANY OPPOSED.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY THE MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS ARE BEFORE THE BODY.

[ MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS:]

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

THE MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS ARE AMENDED.

[INAUDIBLE].

MOVE TO APPROVE AS AMENDED.

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO APPROVE AS AMENDED MADE BY ACTING MAJORITY LEADER GILMORE.

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

ALL IN FAVOR.

ALL IN FAVOR [INAUDIBLE]. ANY OPPOSED.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

THE MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS ARE APPROVED AS AMENDED.

LOCAL LAWS LOCAL LAW INTRO 1-1 THROUGH AND INCLUDING LOCAL LAW INTRO 3-1 AS INDICATED LOCAL LAW INTRO 1-2.

[ LOCAL LAWS:]

ACTING MAJORITY LEADER GILMORE, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

MOVE TO TAKE LOCAL LAW INTRO 1-2 FROM THE TABLE.

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO MOVE THE LOCAL LAW FROM THE TABLE MADE BY THE ACTING MAJORITY LEADER.

IT'S BEEN SECONDED BY THE ACTING MINORITY LEADER TODARO ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.

ANY OPPOSED? CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

THE LOCAL LAW IS NOW BEFORE THE BODY MAJORITY LEADER.

MOVE TO APPROVE LOCAL LAW INTRO 1-2.

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO APPROVE THE LOCAL LAW MADE BY ACTING MAJORITY LEADER GILMORE.

IT'S BEEN SECONDED BY ACTING MINORITY LEADER TODARO ON THE QUESTION.

LEGISLATOR GREENE YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

VOLUNTEERISM IS DOWN ACROSS AMERICA EVERYWHERE, AND THAT INCLUDES OUR VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANIES.

THE RESULT RIGHT NOW IS THAT WE HAVE LESS FIREFIGHTERS DOING THE SAME NUMBER OF CALLS.

IT'S MORE EXHAUSTING ON THEM.

AND WE'RE CAUSING WE'RE SEEING BURNOUT, WHICH FURTHER EXACERBATES THE PROBLEM.

ULTIMATELY, COMMUNITY SAFETY IS AT STAKE.

I THANK EVERYBODY FOR JOINING ME WITH THIS NEW LAW THAT I'VE SPONSORED AND ENCOURAGE THESE POLICIES, WHICH HOPEFULLY WILL SEE AN INCREASE IN BOTH RETENTION AND RECRUITMENT.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

LEGISLATOR GREENE LEGISLATOR MALCZEWSKI YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

I STAND HERE BEFORE YOU. I PROPOSED THIS LAW AS A TOOL TO HELP THE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANIES IN MY RURAL DISTRICTS.

AS EVERYBODY KNOWS, DISTRICT NUMBER TEN IS VERY RURAL AND THEY ARE STRUGGLING WITH RETENTION AND RECRUITMENT.

I LOOK AT THIS AS JUST ONE POSSIBLE TOOL TO HELP THEM IN THEIR MISSION, SO I THANK EVERYBODY FOR THEIR CONSIDERATION.

THANK YOU. LEGISLATOR ON THE QUESTION.

MINORITY LEADER THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

I'M HONORED TO PUT FORTH THIS RESOLUTION AND SPONSOR IT.

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME COMING.

OUR VOLUNTEER, YOU KNOW, VOLUNTEER, RESPOND FOR VOLUNTEER RESPONDERS.

IT IS IT'S IT'S UNBELIEVABLE THAT THE COST OF LIVING HAS COMPOUNDED OVER THE YEARS, AND YET NOTHING'S BEEN DONE UNTIL NOW.

SO I THINK THIS BODY TO SUPPORT THIS AND APPROVE IT AS IT'S GOING TO HELP AND I DO LOOK FORWARD TO THE FUTURE FOR

[00:05:06]

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. WELL SAID ON THE QUESTION.

LEGISLATOR VINAL, I'D LIKE TO ECHO THE PRIOR LEGISLATORS AND ALSO POINT OUT THAT I'D LIKE TO THANK NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY AND SENATE FOR CHANGING THE TAX LAW LAST YEAR IN DECEMBER, ALLOWING IT SO COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES CAN ENACT THIS LAW.

AND I'M PROUD TO BE A PART OF THE [INAUDIBLE] ALLOWING THIS LAW.

AND AMHERST, I THINK WAS ONE OF THE FIRST TO HAVE IT FOR OUR TOWN TAXES TO APPROVE IT AS A 10% DECREASE THERE.

AND OUR SCHOOL DISTRICTS ARE IN THE PROCESS OF DOING IT AND HAVING DONE IT.

SO I'M PROUD TO STAND WITH ALL THIS AND THANKFUL FOR THE STATE OF THIS CHANGE AND HOPE MORE CHANGES LIKE THIS CONTINUE.

THANK YOU. MR. CLERK, I'D LIKE TO BE HEARD ON THE QUESTION.

I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT AS CHAIR OF THE BODY, I AM EXCITED TO SEE A LOCAL LAW IN A PIECE OF LEGISLATION MOVING FORWARD THAT WE CAN BE UNITED ON IN A BIPARTISAN WAY.

THERE WAS A TIME WHEN I CAME INTO THE LEGISLATURE WHERE IT SEEMED LIKE THERE WERE TOO MANY CONVERSATIONS THAT PUT [INAUDIBLE] THE RURAL DISTRICTS AGAINST THE URBAN DISTRICTS, AGAINST THE SUBURBAN DISTRICTS.

AND OVER MY TIME HERE, BECAUSE OF THE CAST OF CHARACTERS THAT HAVE BEEN ELECTED TO THIS HONORABLE BODY, WE ARE MOVING AWAY FROM THOSE CONVERSATIONS AND WE AS A WHOLE BODY ARE STARTING TO MAKE POLICY DECISIONS THAT WILL JUST BETTER THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR RESIDENTS IN ERIE COUNTY IN GENERAL.

AND THAT REALLY EXCITES ME BECAUSE I THINK WE ARE ALL BETTER WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER.

SO THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE MEMBERS WHO ARE STANDING TOGETHER AND VOTING ON THIS.

I THINK THE MINORITY CAUCUS SHOULD BE COMMENDED FOR LEADING THE CHARGE ON THIS LOCAL LAW.

AND I ECHO ALL OF THE COMMENTS ABOUT THE GOOD POLICY AND THE GOOD WAYS THAT THIS WILL INCREASE VOLUNTEERISM ACROSS THE ERIE COUNTY.

BUT I JUST I WANTED TO SAY ON THE RECORD THAT OUR BIPARTISAN EFFORTS TO DO SOMETHING FOR A PORTION OF ERIE COUNTY THAT THAT REALLY NEEDS IT THE MOST IS SOMETHING THAT I'M PROUD OF AND I'M PROUD TO SUPPORT THIS BILL.

THANK YOU, MR. CLERK, ON THE QUESTION.

OKAY, MR. GILMORE, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

MOVE TO APPROVE THE LOCAL LAW INTRO 1-2.

[INAUDIBLE] OH, WE WERE ON THE QUESTION.

ON THE APPROVAL. OKAY, SO, MR. CLERK, ROLL CALL.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

THE LOCAL LAW IS APPROVED.

OKAY. MOVING ON WITH OUR AGENDA.

LOCAL LAW INTRO 2-2 AS INDICATED LOCAL LAW INTRO 4-1 REGARDING THE VIDEO CONFERENCING PARTICIPATION ACT. ACTING MAJORITY LEADER GILMORE, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.ACTING MAJORITY LEADER. GILMORE HAS BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON.

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

THE LOCAL LAW IS NOW BEFORE THE BODY, MR. GILMORE.

I'M SORRY. YES. ACTING MAJORITY LEADER GILMORE.

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

OKAY. THE LOCAL LAW IS APPROVED.

[ COMMITTEE REPORTS:]

REPORT NUMBER FIVE FROM THE ENERGY ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE.

COMMITTEE CHAIR GILMOUR.

LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION.

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

OKAY. NOW RETURNING BACK TO ITEMS NUMBER ONE, A1B AND 1C, THESE ITEMS ARE GOING TO BE SENT TO COMMITTEE UNDER MY AUTHORITY AS CHAIR. CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA REPORT NUMBER FOUR FROM THE FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, ACTING MAJORITY LEADER GILMORE.

[00:10:11]

ALL IN FAVOR, AYE. ANY OPPOSED.

THE REPORT IS APPROVED.

REPORT NUMBER FIVE FROM THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.

COMMITTEE CHAIR JOHNSON.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.

THE PROPER MOTION TO MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL MADE BY THE COMMITTEE CHAIR JOHNSON HAS BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR GILMORE ON THE QUESTION.

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

REPORT NUMBER FIVE FROM THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE.

COMMITTEE CHAIR JOHNSON.

THANK YOU AGAIN MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION.

I THOUGHT I DID ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

[INAUDIBLE] WE'RE ON PUBLIC SAFETY NOW [INAUDIBLE]. WE'RE IN TROUBLE NOW.

OKAY. WE'RE ON PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT NUMBER FIVE FROM THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE.

COMMITTEE CHAIR JOHNSON.

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

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION MADE BY COMMITTEE CHAIR JOHNSON HAS BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR TODARO ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.

ANY OPPOSED? THE REPORT IS APPROVED.

REPORT NUMBER THREE FROM THE COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT COMMITTEE.

COMMITTEE CHAIR GILMORE. JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION.

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

[ LEGISLATOR RESOLUTIONS:]

ALL IN FAVOR? I'M SORRY. ON THE QUESTION.

LEGISLATOR MALCZEWSKI. FORGIVE ME.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

I PUT THIS FORWARD AS I BELIEVE WE NEED TO STOP PUNISHING THOSE WHO PLAY BY THE RULES.

WHEN I FIRST HEARD THIS, I THOUGHT IT WAS A JOKE, TO BE HONEST WITH EVERYBODY.

I FULLY BELIEVE IN THE AMERICAN DREAM, BUT I DON'T BELIEVE THAT RESPONSIBLE BILL PAYERS SHOULD HAVE TO SUBSIDIZE THAT AMERICAN DREAM.

SO THAT'S WHY I BROUGHT THIS FORWARD.

I APPRECIATE YOUR CONSIDERATION.

WELL SAID. THANK YOU. LEGISLATOR VINAL YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

I, I WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT IT JUST BECAUSE I THINK THAT THE IDEA OF THE LEGISLATION IS TO MAKE IT THAT THERE'S A PROBLEM WITH POVERTY IN THE UNITED STATES.

AND PART OF POVERTY IS THAT POOR PEOPLE ARE PAYING A LOT MORE INTEREST BY, YOU KNOW, BEING POOR IN RACE.

AND I DON'T THINK THAT IT'S NECESSARILY THAT IT'S GOING TO HELP THE YOU KNOW, THAT THIS IS GOING TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT PAID FOR NECESSARILY BY THAT THIS IS FOR FANNIE MAE AND OTHER LOANS THAT IT'S GOING TO MAKE IT SO THAT THEY CAN'T CHARGE SUCH PREDATORY RATES FOR POOR PEOPLE.

SO I THINK IT'S SOMETHING MAYBE WE SHOULD BE CAREFUL ABOUT BEFORE WE JUST SIGN ON TO THIS AS I KNOW THAT, YOU KNOW, OBVIOUSLY CERTAIN PRIVATE BANKS WOULD BE AGAINST DOING THIS, BUT IT IS A CONSUMER PROTECTION THAT THEY'RE TRYING TO INPUT TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR POOR PEOPLE AND PEOPLE OF COLOR TO GET FAIR INTEREST RATES.

SO I THINK MAYBE IT'S SOMETHING THAT WE CAN DISCUSS IN COMMITTEE OR COULD BE FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THAT.

AS FAR AS ISN'T THE ISN'T THE PURPOSE OF THE LEGISLATION TO MAKE IT SO THAT POOR PEOPLE AND PEOPLE OF COLOR CAN GET A LOWER INTEREST RATE? I DIDN'T HEAR THE QUESTION.

I WAS JUST FOR THE SPONSOR.

ISN'T IT THE PURPOSE OF IT THAT PEOPLE THAT THE THE LOAN LEVEL PRICE ADJUSTMENT MATRIX IS TO MAKE IT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE LEGISLATION TO MAKE IT SO THAT POOR PEOPLE AND PEOPLE OF COLOR CAN GET A LOWER INTEREST RATE.

I'M OKAY WITH THE PROPOSAL OF IT, BUT TO PUNISH PEOPLE THAT HAVE PAID THEIR BILLS ON TIME AND MAKE THEM PAY MORE IN INTEREST RATES I THINK IS JUST ABSURD.

YEAH, I THINK I DON'T KNOW IF THAT'S THE I THINK IT'S I DON'T I THINK THAT THE I MEAN, I'M PERSONALLY GOING TO VOTE AGAINST IT BECAUSE OF THE THING THAT I THINK THAT THE PURPOSE OF IT IS TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR POOR PEOPLE AND PEOPLE OF COLOR TO, YOU KNOW, GET LOANS AND BE PART OF THE, AS YOU SAID, ABOUT THE AMERICAN DREAM OF HAVING WEALTH AND OWNERSHIP OF THINGS. SO FOR THAT REASON, I DON'T THINK IT'S PUNISHING PEOPLE WHO ARE PAYING THEIR BILLS ON TIME.

IT'S JUST MAKING IT THAT WE HAVE HISTORICALLY HAD DISPARATE LENDING THINGS WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE HAVE LESS PRIVILEGE GOING INTO IT.

SO IT'S A DIFFERENT WAY OF LOOKING AT IT.

BUT FANNIE MAE IS PROTECTED TO MAKE IT FOR MIDDLE CLASS PEOPLE LIKE US, TO MAKE IT SO THAT PEOPLE CAN, YOU KNOW, HAVE A HOME OWNERSHIP.

FANNIE MAE HAS SUBSIDIZED INTEREST RATES, YOU KNOW, IN DIFFERENT WAYS OVER THE YEARS.

AND THIS IS MAKING IT SO IT EXTENDS THAT SO THAT THEY CAN'T CHARGE HIGHER INTEREST RATES TO OTHERS.

SO I JUST LIKE TO KNOW, IS THAT IS THAT ISN'T THAT PART OF IT? I'M ASKING YOU ON THAT TELLING YOU.

I LOOK AT THIS AS SOMETHING I AGREE WITH YOUR FANNIE MAE AND EVERYTHING ELSE, BUT PEOPLE ARE OVER TAXED.

[00:15:06]

I'M ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE.

OKAY? I WOULD NOT BE AGAINST MY CHILD, FOR EXAMPLE, WHO HAS A LOWER CREDIT SCORE.

I WOULD NOT BE AGAINST THEM, YOU KNOW, GOING, DO I FEEL I SHOULD SUBSIDIZE THAT? NO. THERE'S DIFFERENT GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS OUT THERE THAT SHOULD DO THIS.

THE WAY I LOOK AT THIS, IT'S A PUNISHMENT FOR PEOPLE WITH HIGH CREDIT SCORES.

WHEN PEOPLE THAT DO THE RIGHT THING AND PAY THEIR BILLS ON TIME.

I THINK IT'S YOU CAN LOOK AT IT ALSO THAT IT'S A SUBSIDY OF HAVING PEOPLE WHO ARE POOR PAY SUCH HIGHER RATES LIKE SUCH REALLY, REALLY HIGH RATES FOR CAR LOANS AND FOR OTHER THINGS THAT IT'S A SUBSIDIZING THE PEOPLE WITH GOOD CREDIT SCORES.

YOU KNOW, THERE'S A YOU KNOW, THERE'S PROS AND CONS.

I MEAN, I THINK THE PEOPLE WITH GOOD CREDIT SCORES ARE STILL GOING TO HAVE BANKS COMPETING FOR THEIR BUSINESS.

BUT IT'S TO HELP THE PEOPLE WHO DON'T HAVE THE GOOD CREDIT SCORES TO BECOME PART OF THE AMERICAN DREAM AND BE ABLE TO AFFORD A CAR AND BE ABLE TO AFFORD A HOUSE AND BE ABLE TO AFFORD COLLEGE. THAT'S THE WAY I'M LOOKING AT IT.

BUT THAT'S THAT'S WHY I WOULD VOTE AGAINST THIS.

BUT I SEE YOUR POINT ON THAT.

BUT I JUST DISAGREE THAT THERE IS PROGRAMS IN PLACE TO HELP PEOPLE AND THAT THEY'RE PROPOSING.

THE WAY THAT I SEE IT DEFINITELY PUNISHES PEOPLE WITH HIGHER CREDIT SCORES.

AND I'M NOT IN FAVOR OF THAT.

ON THE QUESTION. ROLL CALL VOTE YES. YES.

NO. NO.

YES. NO.

YES. [INAUDIBLE] OKAY.

SO THE ITEM IS APPROVED.

CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA.

INTRO 8-2 FROM LEGISLATOR GREENE OPPOSING SKYWEST AIRLINES REQUEST FOR RECLASSIFICATION LEGISLATOR GILMORE YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR GREENE.

ALL IN FAVOR? I'M SORRY. AND THE QUESTION.

LEGISLATOR GREENE, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

SURE. THANK YOU. 14 YEARS AGO, MY TWINS WERE BORN.

I GOT HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL AND I WAS FEEDING THEM.

AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, EVERYWHERE I LOOKED, LIGHTS.

EMERGENCY SERVICES FLYING DOWN THE STREET.

NOBODY WOULD EVER HAVE THOUGHT IN A MILLION YEARS THAT A PLANE FELL OUT OF THE SKY.

BUT THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED.

49 PEOPLE ON A PLANE, ONE FATHER ON THE GROUND PERISHED.

AND THOSE FAMILIES IN CLARENCE AND AROUND THE SURROUNDING BUFFALO AREA FOUGHT HARD FOR MORE STRINGENT REQUIREMENTS FOR PILOTS IN ORDER TO IMPROVE SAFETY.

AND THOSE THOSE STRINGENT EFFORTS HAVE WORKED EVER SINCE FOR THE LAST 14 YEARS.

THEY'VE IMPROVED THE QUALITY OF AIRLINES AND THE SAFETY MECHANISMS THAT WE SHOULD NOT BE ROLLING THOSE BACK FOR ANY AIRLINE WHEN THEY'RE WORKING.

AND I WOULD ENCOURAGE EVERYBODY TO SUPPORT THIS.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

ON THE QUESTION [INAUDIBLE].

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. I ALSO WANT TO SPEAK ON THIS.

I FEEL THAT ANY AIRPLANE IN THE AIR SHOULD HAVE THE SAME CLASSIFICATION, REGARDLESS OF IF IT'S A COMMUTER PLANE OR THE PILOTS THEMSELVES. EVERYBODY SHOULD GO THROUGH THE SAME PROCESS, SAME AMOUNT OF HOURS OF ACTUAL FLIGHT TIME.

AND I THINK WE GOT TO RECOGNIZE THAT, YOU KNOW, WE HAVE BUFFALO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN CHEEKTOWAGA, AND THESE PLANES ARE FLYING OVER THE WHOLE COUNTY ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES.

SO WITH THAT, I JUST THINK WE SHOULD JUST, YOU KNOW, SUPPORT THIS AND JUST MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE LETTING EVERYONE KNOW THAT IT SHOULD BE THE SAME ACROSS THE BOARD.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU, LEADER TODARO.

OKAY. ON THE QUESTION ON THE APPROVAL OF THE ITEM.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.

ANY OPPOSED? THE RESOLUTION IS APPROVED.

CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA COMMUNICATIONS DISCHARGE FROM COMMITTEE.

I'M SORRY.EXCUSE ME. PARDON ME.

WE ARE NOW ON INTRO 8-3 FROM LEGISLATOR MALCZEWSKI OPPOSING NEW YORK STATE SENATE PROPOSAL TO ADD A SURCHARGE ON RIDE SHARING SERVICES. MAJORITY LEADER GILMORE, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

[00:20:01]

LEGISLATOR MALCZEWSKI YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

I LOOK AT THIS AND THE STATE HAS A SURPLUS, AS I SAID EARLIER, OF $9 BILLION.

THIS IS JUST ANOTHER UNNECESSARY TAX WHICH AFFECTS EVERY COMMUNITY, EVERY COMMUNITY IN ERIE COUNTY.

THIS AFFECTS THE DRIVERS.

THIS AFFECTS THE PASSENGERS.

THIS AFFECTS PEOPLE TRYING TO GET GET TO SCHOOL.

THIS AFFECTS PEOPLE TRYING TO GET TO DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENTS.

THIS AFFECTS PEOPLE TRYING TO GET HOME FROM A BAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT.

I WOULD NOT WANT TO DISCOURAGE THAT WHATSOEVER.

I THINK THAT THIS TAX IS COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY AND UNREASONABLE.

SO I APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT.

WELL, ON THE QUESTION.

LEGISLATOR TODARO. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

I COMPLETELY SUPPORT HIS LEGISLATOR MALCZEWSKI WORDS.

I JUST WANT TO EXPLAIN.

I HAVE A RECEIPT HERE THAT I PERSONALLY TOOK FROM AN AIRPORT.

WE HAVE A BOOKING FEE, AN UBER AIRPORT SURCHARGE.

MY TIP. NEW YORK STATE BLACK CAR FUND AND THE [INAUDIBLE] FEE.

I THINK THIS IS LUDICROUS TO ADD ANOTHER LINE TO THIS.

WITH THAT, I AGREE.

THANK YOU.

HOLD ON JUST ONE SECOND.

LEGISLATOR JOHNSON, YOU WERE ASKING THE SPONSOR A QUESTION.

SO YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

ARE YOU DONE WITH YOUR QUESTION LEGISLATOR JOHNSON? THANK YOU. LEGISLATOR VINAL YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

I JUST HAD A QUESTION AS TO WHETHER IT DOESN'T HAVE THE NUMBER OR ANYTHING WITH REGARD TO THE BILL AND IT DOESN'T HAVE THE INFORMATION ON IT.

I WAS WONDERING IF IT COULD BE JUST SO I COULDN'T LOOK UP TO SEE WHAT IT WAS ABOUT EASILY.

I PROBABLY COULD HAVE IF I HAD A LITTLE MORE TIME.

BUT THE THING IS, I WAS WONDERING, IS IT MAKING IT THE SAME TAX THAT TAXES PAY OR IS IT MAKING IT MORE THAN WHAT TAXES PAY? IS IT MAKING IT, YOU KNOW, FOR LOCAL TAXI COMPANIES, DO THEY HAVE TO PAY THIS TAX AND THEN THE UBER DOESN'T PAY IT? I DON'T KNOW.

THAT IS IT MAKING IT SO THAT THEY'RE IN PARITY WITH THE WITH THE WITH TAXIS, OR IS IT SOMETHING THAT THEY WOULD BE PAYING MORE THAN TAXIS OR LESS THAN TAXES OR THE SAME LIKE, FOR EXAMPLE, I KNOW THAT WITH REGARD TO LIKE WHEN THEY HAVE THE AIRBNBS.

YEAH. I'M SORRY. YOU KNOW, WITH YOU KNOW, WITH REGARD TO I'M JUST WONDERING, IS THIS MAKING IS THIS TAX TO MAKE IT SO THAT RIDESHARES PAY THE SAME TAX AS TAXI COMPANIES OR IS IT SOMETHING THAT THEY'LL PAY MORE THAN TAXI COMPANIES? BECAUSE BEFORE THEY WEREN'T. MAYBE BECAUSE YOU DON'T NEED AN AIRPORT MEDALLION OR YOU DON'T NEED A, YOU KNOW, LICENSING AS A TAXI.

I'M ASKING THE QUESTION. I'M NOT SAYING I KNOW THE ANSWER.

I'M ASKING YOU.

DOES. YOU'RE SAYINGOKAY, WE'RE UNCLEAR.

OKAY. I'M ON THE QUESTION.

THIS IS REFLECTIVE OF THE BILL THAT YOU'RE PROPOSING WITH HOME STAYS LIKE AIRBNBS AND VERBOS TOO .

[00:25:33]

THANK YOU. MOVING FORWARD.IT SOUNDS LIKE A FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT.

OKAY. SO WE'LL SEND IT TO FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE [INAUDIBLE] UNDER MY AUTHORITY AS CHAIR.

CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA, COMMUNICATIONS DISCHARGE FROM COMMITTEE.

[ COMMUNICATIONS DISCHARGED FROM COMMITTEE:]

OKAY. THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION MADE BY ACTING MAJORITY LEADER GILMORE.

IT'S BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON.

ALL IN FAVOR ON THE DISCHARGE? ALL IN FAVOR. ANY OPPOSED.

THE MOTION CARRIES.

AND NOW THE ITEM IS NOW BEFORE THE BODY.

MAJORITY LEADER.

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO AMEND THE ITEM WITH WHAT'S BEEN PASSED OUT MADE BY MAJORITY LEADER GILMORE.

IS THERE A SECOND? BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION OF THE AMENDMENT? ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED? THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE ITEM IS NOW AMENDED.

MAJORITY LEADER.

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

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.

ANY OPPOSED? OKAY.

THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE ITEM IS APPROVED AS AMENDED.

CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA.

MAJORITY LEADER.

OKAY. THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO DISCHARGE THIS ITEM FROM COMMITTEE.

ALL IN FAVOR OF THE DISCHARGE? I'M SORRY. THE SECOND SECOND LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ALL IN FAVOR ON THE DISCHARGE OF THE ITEM , AYE.

ANY OPPOSED TO THE DISCHARGE? THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE ITEM IS NOW BEFORE THE BODY.

MAJORITY LEADER.

SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION.

LEGISLATOR JOHNSON, IF YOU WOULD MIND STANDING, SIR.

MY APOLOGIES. I JUST WANT TO MAKE A CLARIFICATION.

THE RESOLUTION IS NOT CALLING ON THE STATE OF EMERGENCY.

IT'S JUST PROPOSING THE THREE BELT SYSTEM [INAUDIBLE] WE AMENDED THAT ITEM.

YEAH, THAT ITEM WAS AMENDMENT.

[INAUDIBLE] IT'S NOT DECLARING A STATE OF EMERGENCY.

[INAUDIBLE] WE DID AMEND THAT ITEM.

THANK YOU FOR THE CLARITY, MISTER SPONSOR, ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR OF OF THE OF APPROVING THE ITEM SAY AYE.

AYE. ANY OPPOSED.

[INAUDIBLE] THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE ITEM IS APPROVED AS AMENDED.

CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA.

[ SUSPENSION OF THE RULES:]

MAJORITY LEADER.

[INAUDIBLE] OKAY, MR. GRABER. OKAY.

ITEM MR. GILMOUR.

I MOVE CONSIDERATION. SECOND.

OKAY. THIS ITEM HAS BEEN MOVED FOR CONSIDERATION BY MAJORITY LEADER GILMOUR HAS BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON.

ON THE QUESTION. ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? THE ITEM IS NOW BEFORE THE BODY.

AT THIS TIME I OPEN UP THE FLOOR FOR NOMINATIONS OF APPOINTMENT OF A COMMISSIONER APPOINTMENT TO THE WATER AUTHORITY FOR A COMMISSIONER.

[00:30:01]

THANK YOU. ARE THERE ANY OTHER NOMINATIONS FROM.

NO, THAT'S GREAT FOR TODAY.

YEAH. NO.

OKAY, SO WE HAVE THE PETITION.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER NOMINATIONS FROM THE FLOOR? ARE THERE ANY OTHER NOMINATIONS MR. GILMOUR? OKAY. THERE'S BEEN A MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS MADE BY LEGISLATOR GILMOUR.

IT'S BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR GREENE.

OKAY, SO THERE IS THE NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

I WILL NOW RECOGNIZE WE HAVE TO VOTE TO CLOSE THE NOMINATIONS.

OKAY. OKAY, THAT'S FINE.

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

ALL IN FAVOR ON CLOSING THE NOMINATIONS, AYE.

ANY OPPOSED.

OKAY, SO THAT MOTION IS APPROVED.

I WILL NOW RECOGNIZE LEGISLATOR GILMOUR FOR THE PURPOSES OF OFFERING AN AMENDMENT.

OKAY. THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION MADE BY LEGISLATOR GILMOUR.

IT'S BEEN SECONDED BY MINORITY LEADER TODARO.

ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? THE COMMUNICATION IS NOW AMENDED.

MAJORITY LEADER.

I MOVE TO APPROVE COMMUNICATION 8E-18 AS AMENDED.

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.

IT'S BEEN SECONDED BY THE MINORITY LEADER.

ON THE QUESTION. ROLL CALL VOTE OKAY. SO THE MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY AND MRS. [INAUDIBLE] IS THE OFFICIAL APPOINTEE.

CONGRATULATIONS TO HER MOVING FORWARD WITH OUR AGENDA.

MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU. THE NEXT SUSPENSION IS FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

LEGAL OPINION ON LOCAL LAW INTRO 1-2 2023.

ITEM NUMBER MR. CLERK.

THIS ITEM IS RECEIVED FILED AND PRINTED UNDER MY AUTHORITY AS CHAIR.

MR. GILMOUR YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU. THE NEXT SUSPENSION IS ALSO FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

LEGAL OPINION ON LOCAL LAW INTRO 4-1 2023.

ITEM NUMBER MR. CLERK.

THIS ITEM IS GOING TO BE RECEIVED, FILED AND PRINTED UNDER MY AUTHORITY AS CHAIR.

OKAY. SO THAT WRAPS UP OUR SUSPENSIONS.

MOVING FORWARD WITH OUR AGENDA.

[ COMMUNICATIONS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS:]

COMMUNICATION 18E-1 FROM THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE REGARDING THE 2022 YEAR END BUDGET BALANCING AMENDMENTS AND DESIGNATIONS. MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU. MOVE TO CONSIDER.

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO CONSIDER.

THE ITEM MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER HAS BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? THE ITEM IS NOW BEFORE THE BODY.

MAJORITY LEADER. YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

MOVE TO AMEND WITH WHAT'S BEEN PASSED OUT.

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO AMEND THE ITEM WITH WHAT'S BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO THE BODY MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.

DO I HAVE A SECOND? SECONDED BY THE MINORITY LEADER.

ON THE QUESTION. ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

THE ITEM IS AMENDED.

MR. GILMOUR. THANK YOU.

I REQUEST THE SEPARATION OF THE FIFTH, SIXTH AND SEVENTH RESOLVE CLAUSES AND MOVE TO APPROVE THE BALANCE OF COMMUNICATION 8E-1 AS AMENDED.

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO APPROVE THE BALANCE OF THE ITEM MADE BY

[00:35:08]

YEAH. THANK YOU. AND APPROVE THE BALANCE OF THE REPORT.

DO I HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.

SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON.

ON THE QUESTION. ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? THE BALANCE OF THE ITEM IS APPROVED.

OKAY. MOVING FORWARD.

MR. GILMOUR. MOVE TO APPROVE THE FIFTH RESOLVED CLAUSE.

THERE'S BEEN A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FIFTH RESOLVE CLAUSE MADE BY LEGISLATOR GILMOUR HAS BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON.

ON THE QUESTION. YES, WE WILL.

ON THE QUESTION. ROLL CALL.

EXPLAIN MY VOTE JUST REAL QUICK.

I DO THINK WE HAVE A PROBLEM IN ALL OF ERIE COUNTY, NOT JUST IN THE SOUTHERN TIER AS FAR AS AMBULANCE RESPONSE TIMES.

I DO AGREE THAT WE SHOULD BE EXAMINING DIFFERENT WAYS TO IMPROVE THOSE SERVICES AND THEREFORE I APPROVE THESE ALLOCATIONS.

AS I STATED EARLIER, THE FUNDS ARE CRUCIAL AND REQUIRED.

I FEEL THAT THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE CONVERSATION OF WHERE THE ACTUAL SERVICES ARE NEEDED.

SO WITH THAT I SAY YES AND I THINK IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO LISTEN TO ALL STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVED BEFORE ANY DECISIONS ARE MADE.

WITH THIS BEING A RURAL DISTRICT, THIS DIRECTLY AFFECTS JUST ABOUT EVERY TOWN IN MY DISTRICT, AND I NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT IT'S DONE RIGHT.

THANK YOU.

OKAY. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

SO ITEM NUMBER FIVE IS APPROVED MOVING FORWARD, MR. GILMOUR.

MOVE TO APPROVE THE SIXTH RESOLVE CLAUSE.

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO APPROVE THE SIXTH RESOLVE CALLS MADE BY ACTING MAJORITY LEADER GILMORE.

DO I HAVE A SECOND? SECOND BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION? LEGISLATOR GREENE.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

WE NEED TO DO A GREATER JOB EXPLORING OUR OPTIONS AND WHAT'S AVAILABLE TO US.

WE HAVE NOT EXPLORED THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO A PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP AS IS DONE WITH THE VAST MAJORITY OF OUR SUBURBAN DISTRICTS.

WE NEED INPUT FROM VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANIES, AMBULANCE SERVICES, EMERGENCY ROOM ADMINISTRATORS.

IN THE END, THIS IS GOING TO CREATE ADDITIONAL BUREAUCRACIES WITHOUT REALLY VETTING WHAT IS THE BEST DIRECTION FORWARD TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF SLOW RESPONSE TIMES AND THE LACK OF EMTS AND PARAMEDICS IN ERIE COUNTY.

FOR THAT, I'M GOING TO VOTE NO ON THIS.

ENCOURAGE FURTHER DISCUSSIONS IN COMMITTEE WITH THOSE INTERESTED PARTIES IN ORDER TO COME UP WITH WHAT WILL BE ULTIMATELY THE BEST SOLUTION AS OPPOSED TO WHAT IS THE RUSHED SOLUTION.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU, SIR.

RESOLVE CLAUSE NUMBER SIX ON THE QUESTION . I'D LIKE TO EXPLAIN ALSO, AS I SAID, I THINK WE NEED TO LISTEN TO THE STAKEHOLDERS HERE.

IS THERE A NEED? ABSOLUTELY.

THERE'S A NEED. WHAT IS THE CORRECT PROCESS MOVING FORWARD THAT NEEDS TO BE DISCUSSED? HOLD ON ONE SECOND LEGISLATOR SAY IT AGAIN.

YEAH. WE'RE NOT IN THE VOTE.

GREAT. OH, OKAY.

RIGHT. WE'RE IN. WE'RE NOT VOTING.

WE'RE ON THE QUESTION RIGHT NOW.

[INAUDIBLE] OKAY, ON THE QUESTION.

AND OUT OF RESPECT FOR LEGISLATOR MALCZEWSKI, I WOULD ALLOW HIM TO START HIS COMMENTS OVER AGAIN.

LEGISLATOR MALCZEWSKI ON THE QUESTION.

THANK YOU. AS I STATED, I THINK WE NEED TO LISTEN TO THE STAKEHOLDERS HERE.

IS THERE A NEED? ABSOLUTELY THERE'S A NEED.

WHAT'S THE CORRECT PROCESS? I THINK THAT STILL NEEDS TO BE DISCUSSED.

SO THANK YOU. ON THE QUESTION, RESOLVED CLAUSE NUMBER SIX, MAJORITY LEADER.

I JUST WANT TO POINT OUT A COUPLE OF THINGS THAT WE LEARNED IN THE LAST COUPLE OF DAYS.

ONE, WE JUST PASSED A 10% DECREASE IN TAXES FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS BECAUSE THERE'S A RECRUITING PROBLEM.

THOSE ARE THE SAME PEOPLE THAT ARE RESPONDING TO EMT CALLS IN THE SUBURBS.

TWO, WE SPOKE TO OFFICIALS WHO TOLD US THAT THEY REALIZED THERE WAS A PROBLEM IN THE SOUTH TOWNS, THAT THEY CAN'T RESPOND, BUT THEY ASKED US TO SLOW THINGS DOWN JUST TO TALK BECAUSE IT SEEMED TO ME THEY DIDN'T WANT COMPETITION WHEN IT CAME TO HIRING.

THEY'RE PAYING THEIR PEOPLE $18 AN HOUR FOR A JOB THAT, FRANKLY, I WOULDN'T WANT TO DO.

[00:40:05]

WE ALSO KNOW THAT THEY'RE STRUGGLING TO GET PEOPLE TO BECAUSE OF HOW LOW THE WAGES ARE.

THE COUNTY HAS TO DO SOMETHING.

WE ALL KNOW THAT IT'S GOING IN A DIRECTION WHERE PEOPLE JUST AREN'T VOLUNTEERING ANYMORE.

IF WE HAVE TO GET INTO THE ANCILLARY SERVICES AND PROVIDE SERVICES TO THE SOUTH TOWNS TO THOSE WHO DON'T HAVE IT, IF IT'S GOING TO COST US SOME MONEY, WE STILL HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO ALL THE CITIZENS OF ERIE COUNTY TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY'RE SAFE AND CARED FOR.

THAT'S WHY I'M [INAUDIBLE] YESTERDAY.

WELL SAID. ON THE QUESTION FOR HER FOR THE SECOND TIME.

LEGISLATOR GREENE. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

I DO AGREE WITH WITH LEGISLATOR GILMORE THAT WE DO NEED TO DO THIS.

BUT WHEN WE LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE LAW WE JUST PASSED TO SUPPORT THE 10% TAX DECREASE FOR VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANIES, THAT WAS DONE WITH A VERY OPEN, TRANSPARENT PROCESS WITH A PUBLIC HEARING.

AND THAT'S THE KEY DIFFERENCE.

THAT WAS A METHODICAL PROCESS TO COME TO AN END.

THIS, ON THE OTHER HAND, WAS SOMETHING THAT MUCH LIKE THE WHAT WE DISCUSSED HERE EARLIER WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR A NEW JAIL, IT WAS DROPPED ON OUR LAP WITH THE STATE OF THE STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS, AND WE HAVE NOT THOROUGHLY VETTED IT.

I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS HAS BEEN DISCUSSED IN THE PAST WITH WITH POTENTIALLY OTHER LEGISLATORS.

BUT AT THIS POINT, THIS IS THE FIRST THAT ALL OF US, AT LEAST ON OUR SIDE OF THE AISLE, HAVE HEARD OF IT.

AND WE'RE NOT ASKING TO KILL THIS.

THIS MIGHT BE THE BEST WAY FORWARD.

BUT TO HAVE IT WITHOUT AN INTELLIGENT DISCUSSION FROM ALL THE ALL THE STAKEHOLDERS IN MY MIND IS IRRESPONSIBLE.

AND THAT'S WHY I WILL BE VOTING AGAINST THIS.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

LEGISLATOR GILMORE FOR THE SECOND TIME.

JUST REAL BRIEFLY, I'D LIKE TO POINT OUT THAT WE'RE DOING THIS ON THIS SIDE VINAL IS VERY CAUTIOUS BECAUSE WE FEEL A RESPONSIBILITY TO THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY. IT DOESN'T AFFECT OUR DISTRICT.

WE'RE DOING IT FOR THEIR DISTRICTS.

SO THAT'S MY ONLY POINT.

LEGISLATOR BARGNESI ON THE QUESTION.

I JUST WANTED TO TAKE YOU BACK TO WHAT YOU SAID.

THIS ONLY AFFECTS THE DISTRICTS THAT DO NOT CURRENTLY HAVE CONTRACTS.

OUR DISTRICT HAVE CONTRACTS, SO WE ARE RECOGNIZING A PROBLEM MAINLY IN ALL OF YOUR DISTRICTS AND SUPPLYING THE SERVICE THAT'S GOING TO AFFECT YOU GUYS.

I'M NOT SURE WHY YOU'RE VOTING NO WHEN ALL THESE RESOURCES ARE GOING TO YOU.

IT'S NOT COMING TO OUR DISTRICT.

WE HAVE CONTRACTS. THEY'RE NOT GOING TO COMPETE WITH COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE CONTRACTS.

I'M JUST A LITTLE CONFUSED BY IT.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU. LEGISLATOR.

LEGISLATOR VINAL, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU. ECHO THE STATEMENTS THAT WERE MADE BY THE MINORITY CAUCUS SAYING THAT THERE'S A PROBLEM TODAY.

SO IF THERE'S A PROBLEM TODAY THAT INVOLVES LIFE AND SAFETY, THAT I THINK WE SHOULD TRY TO SOLVE IT TODAY.

AND I THINK IT'S A PROBLEM THAT'S BEEN GOING ON FOR A LONG WHILE.

YOU KNOW, RURAL METRO, THE FACTS OF THE INDUSTRY, RURAL METRO GOT BOUGHT OUT BY AMR, AMR GOT SWALLOWED UP BY GLOBAL.

IT'S, YOU KNOW, A BIG HUGE IT'S NOW A SUBSIDIARY.

I WANT THE DECISIONS MADE ABOUT COVERAGE TO BE DONE LOCALLY HERE I, I GENERALLY FAVOR PRIVATE ENTERPRISE OVER GOVERNMENT, BUT I WANT LIFE AND SAFETY DECISIONS TO BE MADE HERE, NOT MADE IN A CORPORATE BOARDROOM IN COLORADO OR IN AN INTERNATIONAL THING.

THAT'S, YOU KNOW, THE JOINT VENTURE PEOPLE ARE DOING AND NOT PEOPLE WHO ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE WOMAN IN EAST AURORA OR NOT EAST AURORA, BUT THE WOMAN MAYBE IN IN A TOWN THAT DOESN'T HAVE IT AND DOESN'T GET COVERAGE.

I'M CONCERNED ABOUT HER TODAY IS THE PILOT PROGRAM, AND IT WILL HELP MAKE BONES TO MAKE THE [INAUDIBLE] RURAL METRO TO TO MAKE THEM TO BE RESPONSIVE TO THAT SO THEN THEY CAN UP THEIR GAME.

THEY'LL HAVE A LONG TIME TO UP THEIR GAME IN TERMS OF PAYING PEOPLE A LIVABLE WAGE, NOT JUST WITH OVERTIME, BUT ACTUALLY TODAY THEY'LL BE ABLE TO UP THEIR GAME TO PROVIDE SERVICE AND REACH OUT TO THESE [INAUDIBLE] TO SAY THAT WE WILL PROVIDE THAT.

SO THAT'S WHAT A PILOT PROGRAM IS ABOUT AND I THINK IT'S A GOOD INVESTMENT.

THE PEOPLE THAT WILL BE TRAINED FOR IT WILL BE USEFUL EVERYWHERE.

SO I THINK IT'S A GOOD PROGRAM AND I'M LIKE, YOU KNOW, THE ONLY THING I CAN SEE IS THAT IT'S AN ISSUE OF, YOU KNOW, SUPPORTING LARGE CORPORATE BUSINESS OUT OF TOWN, LARGE CORPORATE BUSINESS OVER THE LIFE AND SAFETY LOCALLY.

THAT'S WHAT I LOOK AT AS THE DIFFERENCE OF IT, BUT THAT'S WHY I'M VOTING YES FOR IT.

THANK YOU LEGISLATOR.

ON THE QUESTION. LEGISLATOR JOHNSON YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

YES. COMPETITION IS GOOD.

IF WHEN YOU LOOK AT CABLE SERVICE WE HAVE IN OUR CITY WITH SPECTRUM.

SPECTRUM IS THE ONLY GAME IN TOWN.

THEY CAN CHARGE WHATEVER THEY WANT TO AND THE SERVICE SUCKS.

SO SO I'M ON RECORD AS SAYING [INAUDIBLE], BUT I THINK THAT WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THE LIFE AND SAFETY OF

[00:45:05]

EMS RESPONSE TIME. THAT'S A MATTER OF SOMEBODY LIVING AND SOMEONE DYING.

SO FOR THAT, I'M GOING TO BE SUPPORTING THIS ITEM.

I'M GOING TO BE YES, FOR THIS ONE AS WELL.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU, MINORITY LEADER, FOR THE SECOND TIME.

UH, FIRST. EXCUSE ME, SIR.

IT'S THE FIRST TIME. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

EVERYONE'S RIGHT. I HAVE TO SAY, EVERYONE HAS A COMMENT.

I FEEL IT'S CORRECT.

IT DOES AFFECT OUR DISTRICTS MORE.

I AGREE. THE PROBLEM IS TODAY THAT WE ARE TRYING TO SOLVE.

BUT I DON'T WANT TO HASTILY MAKE A DECISION WITHOUT THOSE THAT ARE THE STAKEHOLDERS, THE PROFESSIONALS THAT OWN THESE COMPANIES AND HAVE THE RIGHT MANAGERS THAT CAN COME TO THE TABLE, SIT WITH OUR COUNTY OFFICIALS WHO ARE VERY INTELLIGENT PEOPLE AND COME UP WITH A GAME PLAN.

I REALLY FEEL THAT IS THE WAY IT SHOULD BE DONE IN A COMMON SENSE WAY.

I PERSONALLY FEEL AND ANOTHER THING TOO, THIS CAN NEGATIVELY AFFECT YOUR DISTRICT.

I FEEL IF WE DID THIS IN A HASTILY WAY, I REALLY FEEL THAT IT JUST GOT TO SLOW IT DOWN AND TALK MORE ABOUT IT AND I WANT TO GET IT DONE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

BUT LET'S PUT THOSE THAT HAVE THE IDEAS IN PLACE AND LISTEN TO THEM.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

ON THE QUESTION.

OKAY. ROLL CALL. VOTE ON RESOLVED CLAUSE NUMBER SIX.

MISTER CLERK.

OKAY. THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE RESOLVED CLAUSE IS APPROVED.

MOVING FORWARD MR. GILMOUR. MOVE TO APPROVE THE SEVENTH RESOLVED CLAUSE.

OKAY. THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLVE CLAUSE NUMBER SEVEN MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.

IT'S BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON.

ON THE QUESTION. ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED? OKAY.

THE MOTION CARRIES, BUT IN THE ITEM IS APPROVED.

CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA COMMUNICATION [INAUDIBLE] INCLUDING COMMUNICATION 8-14 AS INDICATED ON TO PAGE SIX OF OUR AGENDA COMMUNICATION 8E-15 INCLUDING COMMUNICATION 8E-17 AS INDICATED COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE DEPARTMENTS.

THERE ARE NONE.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PEOPLE IN OTHER AGENCIES.

[ COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PEOPLE AND OTHER AGENCIES:]

ANNOUNCEMENTS. THE LEGISLATURE WILL CONDUCT COMMITTEE MEETINGS NEXT THURSDAY, MAY 4TH, AND THE SCHEDULE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED IN THE NEXT SCHEDULED SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE IS

[ ANNOUNCEMENTS:]

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT.

I DECIDED TO HOST A COMMITTEE DISCUSSION REGARDING THE NEW BILLS LEASE NEXT WEEK, WEDNESDAY, AND I BELIEVE THAT IS WEDNESDAY, MAY 3RD, AND I HAVE NOT COMMITTED TO A FORMAL TIME YET.

I WOULD LIKE TO GET AS MUCH ON PAR WITH AS MUCH AVAILABILITY AS POSSIBLE AS THE MEMBERS, AND SO A FORMAL NOTICE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO YOU REGARDING THE TIME.

BUT WE ARE IN FACT HAVING A COMMITTEE DISCUSSION ON THE FORTHCOMING LEASE AGREEMENT FOR THE NEW STADIUM NEXT WEEK, WEDNESDAY.

AGAIN, ON THURSDAY THERE WILL BE ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO CONTINUE OUR DISCUSSION ON THE LEASE, THE LEASE THAT HAS BEEN PRESENTED BEFORE THIS BODY.

SO THERE WILL BE TWO COMMITTEE DISCUSSIONS.

IT WILL BEGIN NEXT WEEK, WEDNESDAY, MAY THE 3RD, AND THEN WE WILL CONTINUE WITH COMMITTEE DISCUSSIONS ON THE BILLS, LEASE ON THE BILLS, STADIUM LEASE, MAY 4TH.

ALSO ON THURSDAY, MAY 4TH, WE WILL HAVE A SPECIAL SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE FOR THE PURPOSES OF VOTING ON THE LEASE AGREEMENT.

TIMES ARE GOING TO BE CONSIDERED BY YOUR AVAILABILITY BECAUSE THIS IS MOVED UP.

BUT WE ARE GOING TO MOVE FORWARD WITH OUR TWO COMMITTEE DISCUSSIONS WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY AND THEN THERE WILL BE A SPECIAL SESSION ON

[00:50:02]

AND SO THAT MAY ALSO BE COUPLED IN THAT SPECIAL SESSION AS WELL.

THE BILLS LEASE AND THE ERIE COUNTY PUBLIC ART LAW.

ANY OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM MEMBERS? PLEASE RISE FOR MEMORIAL RESOLUTIONS.

[ MEMORIAL RESOLUTIONS:]

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. I MOVE TO ADJOURN IN MEMORY OF JOANNE [INAUDIBLE].

THANK YOU, MISTER CLARK.

I MOVE TO ADJOURN IN THE MEMORY OF MY UNCLE ROBERT SMITH JUNIOR.

LEGISLATOR MALCZEWSKI. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

I MOVE TO ADJOURN IN THE MEMORY OF MICHELLE BRENNAN, WHO IS SHERIFF HOWARD'S [INAUDIBLE].

I'M SORRY YOUR LOSS LEGISLATOR.

ANY OTHERS? OKAY.

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

AMEN. I'LL ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO ADJOURN.

MOTION TO ADJOURN. MADE BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON, SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR GILMOUR.

ALL IN FAVOR. AYE.

ANY OPPOSED? WE STAND ADJOURNED.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.