Dec 21, 2023 Legislative Session

[00:00:01]

GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYBODY.

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

THIS IS MEETING NUMBER 24 OF THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE.

DECEMBER 21ST, 2023.

[ ROLL CALL]

PLEASE STAND IF YOU ARE ABLE.

TODAY'S INVOCATION WILL BE LED BY LEGISLATOR KOOSHOIAN.

AND THEN PLEASE REMAIN STANDING FOR THE PLEDGE, WHICH WILL BE LED BY LEGISLATOR GREENE.

LEGISLATOR KOOSHOIAN. AMEN.

LEGISLATOR GREENE ALLEGIANCE].

PLEASE TAKE YOUR SEAT IF YOU ARE ABLE ON WITH OUR AGENDA.

TABLED ITEMS. THERE ARE NONE.

ITEMS FOR RECONSIDERATION FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING.

[ MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: Meeting No. 22 & Meeting No. 23]

MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. I MOVE TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM MEETING NUMBER 22.

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

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

THE MEETING MINUTES FOR MEETING NUMBER TWO ARE APPROVED.

MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. MOVE TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR MEETING NUMBER 23.

SECOND PROPER MOTION TO APPROVE MEETING MINUTES FOR MEETING NUMBER 23 MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.

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

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? 11 TO 0. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

THE MEETING MINUTES ARE APPROVED.

PUBLIC HEARINGS. THERE ARE NONE.

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

[ MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS:]

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. I MOVED TO CONSIDER SECOND MOTION TO CONSIDER THE MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.

BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? 11 ZERO.

OKAY. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

THE MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS ARE NOW BEFORE THE BODY.

MAJORITY LEADER. THANK YOU.

MADAM CHAIR. MOVED TO AMEND TO INCLUDE ADULT SPONSORSHIP.

THERE'S BEEN A MOTION TO MAKE THE MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS AT ALL MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.

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

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.

ANY OPPOSED? 11 TO 0.

THE RESOLUTIONS ARE NOW AMENDED.

MAJORITY LEADER. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

MOVED TO APPROVE, AS AMENDED.

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

DO I HAVE A SECOND? SECOND BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION? ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? 11 TO 0. CARRY UNANIMOUSLY.

THE MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS ARE APPROVED, AS AMENDED.

WE NOW HAVE A PRESENTATION THAT WILL BE LED BY MINORITY LEADER MILLS FOR HIS CITIZEN OF THE MONTH.

LEGISLATOR MILLS, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

OKAY. THIS AFTERNOON.

WE HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF FINDING A GENTLEMAN IN OUR COUNTY WHO IS DOING OUTSTANDING WORK FOR RESIDENTS OF ERIE COUNTY AND FOR OUR NATION, IS A MEMBER OF THE NEW YORK STATE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD.

AND IT'S I'D LIKE TO INTRODUCE TO YOU FIRST SERGEANT JUSTIN CHERNOGOREC AS CITIZEN OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER FOR HIS EFFORTS TO PROMOTE DRUG FREE COMMUNITIES.

BEFORE I GET INTO A PROCLAMATION FOR THE SERGEANT, I'D LIKE TO INTRODUCE A COUPLE OF INDIVIDUALS WHO WORK VERY CLOSELY WITH HIM IN THEIR COMMUNITY ON DRUG COALITION, SUSAN BOYLE.

SPRINGVILLE REGIONAL COALITION AND KYLIE BABCOCK, ADMINISTRATOR, ALBANY SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND PREVENTION COALITION.

AND BEFORE I START WITH THE SERGEANT, I'D LIKE TO JUST ASK THESE LADIES TO MAKE A COUPLE OF COMMENTS FOR US BEFORE WE BRING THIS OUT.

CAN EVERYONE HEAR ME?

[00:05:01]

AGAIN. MY NAME IS COLLEEN BABCOCK.

I'M THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR FOR THE ALDEN SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION COALITION, WE WERE THE FIRST COALITION TO START IN OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES BACK IN 2013. AND WE STARTED WITH A GROUP OF, YOU KNOW, PEOPLE FROM OUR COMMUNITY WHO WERE PERSONALLY TOUCHED BY ADDICTION AND WANTED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY BUT THAT WAS ALL WE KNEW.

WE KNEW WE WANTED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

WE DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO GET STARTED.

AND WE WERE VERY FORTUNATE TO MEET JUSTIN, WHO HELPED US TO GET OUR COALITION OFF THE GROUND, HELP US TO AFFECT CHANGE IN OUR COMMUNITY, TO LEARN HOW TO PROVIDE INFORMATION, HOW TO GET OUR CITIZENS INVOLVED, HOW TO CREATE A COMMUNITY WHERE PEOPLE KNOW WHO WE ARE AND ARE INTERESTED IN WHAT WE'RE SAYING. AND, YOU KNOW, JUSTIN WEARS MANY HATS.

YOU SEE HIM UP HERE IN HIS UNIFORM REPRESENTING HIS COUNTRY.

I CAN TELL YOU HE'S ALSO PUT ON AN OLAF COSTUME, A SPIDER-MAN COSTUME, A SUPERMAN COSTUME, ANYTHING THAT WE ASK HIM TO DO IN OUR COMMUNITY TO HELP ENGAGE OUR YOUTH IN HEALTHY ACTIVITIES.

HE'S THERE. HE WORKS HAND OVER FOOT ANY TIME, ANY HOUR, ANY DAY TO HELP US TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY. AND WE ARE NOW A DFC FUNDED COALITION.

BECAUSE OF THE HELP OF JUSTIN, WE PROVIDE AND DO SURVEYS IN OUR COMMUNITIES EVERY TWO YEARS TO DOCUMENT AND KEEP TRACK OF WHETHER WE'RE MAKING A DIFFERENCE OR NOT. AND I'M HAPPY TO SAY THAT WE ARE.

EVERY YEAR SINCE 2014, WE HAVE SUCCESSFULLY REDUCED OVERALL DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE IN OUR COMMUNITY.

WE WOULD NOT BE WHERE WE ARE TODAY WITHOUT THE HELP AND SUPPORT OF JUSTIN.

AND YOU KNOW, THEY ASKED ME TO KEEP A BRIEF UP HERE, WHICH I'M GOING TO OUT OF RESPECT FOR EVERYBODY ELSE, BUT I'M GOING TO TELL YOU, IF I STOOD UP HERE AND TOLD YOU EVERYTHING THAT THIS MAN DOES FOR HIS COMMUNITY, I'D BE UP HERE FOR HOURS.

I WANT TO ALSO THANK ALL OF YOU FOR SUPPORTING US.

WITHOUT YOUR PERSONAL, PROFESSIONAL AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT, WE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN THE CHANGES THAT WE DO IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR EVERYTHING.

CONGRATULATIONS TO JUSTIN.

THIS HONOR IS SO WELL DESERVED FOR HIM.

AND I'M GOING TO TURN IT OVER TO MY FRIEND SUE BOYLE.

YOU GUYS GOT OFF LIGHT.

SHE REALLY COULD GO ON FOR HOURS AND SHE WARNED ME.

SO I WROTE OUT MY REMARKS BECAUSE I COULD GO ON FOR HOURS, TOO ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO JUSTIN, THE WORK THAT HE DOES IN THE COMMUNITY IS CRUCIAL.

WE ARE A DRUG FREE COMMUNITY COALITIONS.

WE REALLY DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

IT'S DOCUMENTED.

WE HAVE STATS, WE CAN SHOW THEM TO YOU.

BUT WITHOUT THE HELP OF JUSTIN AND ALL OF THE THINGS HE DOES, IT WOULD NOT HAPPEN, AND WE'RE HERE TO CELEBRATE HIM BECAUSE OF THE AMAZING WORK HE DOES.

I REPRESENT THE SPRINGVILLE REGIONAL COALITION, AND WE'RE A GROUP OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS PARENTS, POLITICIANS, PROFESSIONALS, VOLUNTEERS, YOUTH THEMSELVES ALL COMING TOGETHER AND REALLY BEING VERY CONCERNED ABOUT REDUCING SUBSTANCE MISUSE.

WE WANT THE YOUTH IN OUR COMMUNITY TO MAKE BETTER CHOICES.

WE WANT THE YOUTH IN OUR COMMUNITY TO HAVE BETTER OPTIONS.

SOUND FAMILIAR? THAT'S WHAT WE'RE ALL WORKING ON, RIGHT? WE WANT THE ADULTS IN OUR COMMUNITY TO LIVE THEIR BEST LIVES.

SO WE COME TOGETHER AND WE BRING TALENT, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE OF LOCAL CONDITIONS.

AND WE SIT AT A TABLE AND WE SAY, WHAT CAN WE DO? JUSTIN HAS THE ANSWER.

HE GUIDES THE COALITIONS THAT HE WORKS WITH, WITH EXPERTISE, INTELLIGENCE, PATIENCE, HUMOR AND A WILLINGNESS TO PITCH IN, PUT ON AN OLAF COSTUME AND DO WHATEVER NEEDS TO BE DONE.

JUSTIN HELPS COALITIONS LIKE MINE OBTAIN GRANTS.

HE TRAINS STUDENTS TO DEVELOP AND USE THEIR LEADERSHIP SKILLS.

HE TRANSLATES STATISTICS INTO MESSAGES THAT EVERYONE CAN UNDERSTAND AND EVERYONE CAN ACT ON.

HE HELPS US CHOOSE AND IMPLEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGIES THAT CHANGE COMMUNITIES FOR THE BETTER.

ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGIES THAT DO WORK.

OVER THE PAST MONTH, JUSTIN AND I HAVE BEEN IN SEVERAL MEETINGS WHERE HE HAS SPOKEN ABOUT THE WORK OF THE NEW YORK NATIONAL GUARD COUNTERDRUG TASK FORCE.

I HAD TO HAVE THAT WRITTEN DOWN AS HAVING A MULTIPLIER EFFECT THAT ENHANCES LOCAL EFFORTS.

COALITIONS ARE MOST EFFECTIVE WHEN WE HARNESS THAT MULTIPLIER EFFECT, WHEN THE COMMUNITY PULLS TOGETHER, WHEN WE SHARE OUR RESOURCES, OUR

[00:10:02]

JUSTIN IS A SHINING EXAMPLE OF AN INDIVIDUAL WHO MAKES THAT HAPPEN.

WE ARE BETTER BECAUSE OF THE WORK HE DOES.

WE ARE BLESSED BY HIS EFFORTS AND GRATEFUL TO WORK ALONGSIDE HIM.

CONGRATULATIONS FIRST SERGEANT JUSTIN CHERNOGOREC, ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATOR, CITIZEN OF THE MONTH AND OUR OWN HOMETOWN HERO.

THANK YOU, SUSAN AND COLLEEN, FOR YOUR REMARKS, I APPRECIATE THAT IF, JUSTIN COULD STAND UP HERE WITH ME.

SURE. SEE? THIS GENTLEMAN WALKS IN THE ROOM DON'T YOU THINK HE GETS A LITTLE RESPECT IN THAT UNIFORM? HE SERVES IN THE RIGHT SERVICES [INAUDIBLE] LEGISLATOR, JOHNSON, US ARMY.

[INAUDIBLE] ALSO OKAY, HERE WE GO.

WHEREAS JUSTIN HAS DEDICATED OVER 16 YEARS OF SELFLESS SERVICE TO THE MISSION OF PROMOTING DRUG FREE COMMUNITIES IN WESTERN NEW YORK.

AND WHEREAS JUSTIN JOINED THE UNITED STATES ARMY IN 2002 AND TRANSITIONED TO THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD IN 2004, WHERE HE HAS PLAYED A PIVOTAL ROLE IN THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD TASK FORCE COUNTER DRUG.

WHEREAS THROUGH HIS ROLE AS DRUG DEMAND REDUCTIONS, CIVIL OPERATIONS SPECIALIST JUSTIN ACTIVELY SUPPORTS SCHOOLS, COMMUNITIES AND COALITIONS ACROSS WESTERN NEW YORK AND THEIR EFFORT TO PROVIDE SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION.

WHEREAS JUSTIN ACTIVELY REDUCES YOUTH SUBSTANCE ABUSE THROUGH INNOVATIVE INITIATIVES LIKE THE TAIL IT TO THE [INAUDIBLE] CAMPAIGN, PROVIDING ACCESSIBILITY RESPONSIBILITY AND PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISPOSAL.

UTILIZING A COMPREHENSIVE MAP LINK TO DRUG DROP OFF LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY AND WHERE JUSTIN'S HAS BEEN ACTIVELY INVOLVED WITH VARIOUS COALITIONS, INCLUDING THE SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL COALITION AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE COALITION AND KIDS ESCAPING DRUG FREE COALITION, SERVING WEST SENECA AND ORCHARD PARK, ESTABLISHED HIMSELF AS A LEADER IN ADDRESSING THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE ISSUE AND PREVENTION AND FOSTERING COLLABORATION AMONG DIVERSE COMMUNITY SECTORS THROUGHOUT GREENE COUNTY, AND WHERE JUSTIN STANDS AS A TESTAMENT TO DILIGENCE AND DEDICATION.

HE'S THE FIRST TO ARRIVE IN THE LAST TO LEAVE AT EVERY EVENT, HIS QUIET BUT STEADFAST WORK ETHIC HAS EARNED A SPECIAL PLACE IN OUR HEARTS CHERISH FOR THE KINDNESS, GENEROSITY AND UNPARALLELED COMMITMENT.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THE ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE POSITIVE AND DELIBERATION TO RECOGNIZE THE EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF FIRST SERGEANT JUSTIN TURNER FOR HIS UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO CREATING DRUG FREE COMMUNITIES IN ERIE COUNTY AND BE FURTHER RESOLVED.

THIS HONORABLE BODY DECLARES JUSTICE SHARON MCGURK, THE ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATOR CITIZEN OF THE MONTH FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER FROM THE 11TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT AND [INAUDIBLE] DECEMBER 21ST AS JUSTIN CHERNOGOREC IN ERIE COUNTY.

CONGRATULATIONS, JUSTIN.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK.

THANK YOU, I APPRECIATE IT SO MUCH.

LIKE SUE AND COLLEEN SAID, WE COULD SIT YOU HERE AND TALK FOR HOURS ON STATISTICS AND YOU KNOW, OVER THE LAST TEN YEARS OF ALL THE DIFFERENT REPORTS THAT WE'VE CONSTRUCTED AND GONE THROUGH, YOU KNOW, IT'S BEEN I'VE BEEN DOING THIS SUCH A LONG TIME, I CAN I PHYSICALLY WATCHED THE NEEDLE MOVE WITH ALL THE PROGRESS THAT THE COMMUNITIES AND COALITIONS HAVE DONE. AND LIKE I SAID, OVER THE LAST TEN YEARS OF SUPPORTING THESE LOCAL COMMUNITIES, WE'VE SEEN A STEADY DECLINE OF TOBACCO USE AND UNDERAGE DRINKING THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE STRATEGIES DEVELOPED THROUGH FEDERALLY ACQUIRED FUNDS.

ALTHOUGH WE'VE WITNESSED THOSE NUMBERS DECLINE, WE'RE NOW SEEING AN INCREASE IN THE USE OF MARIJUANA AND VAPING DEVICES AMONGST YOUTH.

COMMUNITIES AREN'T DIRECTLY FUNDED TO SUPPORT THIS REDUCTION OF YOUTH SUBSTANCE USE COALITION WORK AND RESULTING PROGRESS IS FINANCIALLY SUPPORTED THROUGH PRIMARILY FEDERAL GRANTS AND DONATIONS FROM LOCAL AGENCIES.

WITHOUT THIS FUNDING, THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO DO WHAT WE DO, AND THIS EVER PRESENT EVOLVING PROBLEM WOULDN'T BE ADDRESSED.

[00:15:02]

I AM IMMENSELY GRATEFUL FOR THIS INCREDIBLE HONOR.

I WANT TO EXPRESS MY SINCERE APPRECIATION TO ALL THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE SUPPORTED ME THROUGH THIS JOURNEY, ESPECIALLY TO SUE AND COLLEEN, TO JANELLE, WHOSE UNWAVERING LOVE AND ENCOURAGEMENT HAVE BEEN MY GUIDING LIGHT.

AND THANK YOU FOR BEING MY ROCK.

I SHARE THIS RECOGNITION WITH WONDERFUL COMMUNITIES AND THE COALITION THAT I AM FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE A PART OF.

IT'S YOUR SPIRIT, YOUR RESILIENCE AND DEDICATION THAT CONTINUE TO INSPIRE ME DAILY.

TOGETHER WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED REMARKABLE THINGS.

I'M PROUD TO BE PART OF YOUR THRIVING COMMUNITIES AND ANTICIPATE FUTURE PROGRESS AND SUCCESS IN OUR COLLECTIVE EFFORTS.

THIS AWARD ISN'T JUST A TREATMENT TESTAMENT TO MY EFFORTS.

IT'S A DIRECT REFLECTION OF THE SUPPORT AND COLLABORATION WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY.

IT REAFFIRMS THE POWER AND COLLECTIVE ACTION AND THE IMPACT WE CAN CREATE WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER TOWARDS A COMMON GOAL.

I PLEDGE TO CONTINUE SERVING OUR COMMUNITY WITH THE SAME PASSION AND DEDICATION THAT LED TO THIS RECOGNITION.

LET'S KEEP STRIVING TO MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS, AND FOSTERING A COMMUNITY WHERE EVERYONE FEELS VALUED AND SUPPORTED.

ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR THIS HONOR.

I AM TRULY GRATEFUL AND WILL CHERISH THIS AWARD AS A REMINDER OF THE INCREDIBLE POWER OF COMMUNITY AND THE IMPACT WE CAN MAKE WHEN WE STAND TOGETHER.

THANK YOU ALL AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS! BEAUTIFUL PRESENTATION, MINORITY LEADER.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, JUSTIN.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OF OUR GUESTS.

CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA, WE ARE NOW AT LOCAL LAWS.

[ LOCAL LAWS:]

LOCAL LAW INTRO 3-1 AND LOCAL LAW INTRO I'M SORRY.

YES, LOCAL LAW INTRO 3-1 2022 AND LOCAL LAW INTRO 3-1 2023 WILL BE RECEIVED AND FILED.

LOCAL LAW INTRO 9-1.

THIS IS THE ERIE COUNTY LANGUAGE ACCESS ACT, SPONSORED BY LEGISLATOR BASKIN MAJORITY LEADER MATT MEYERS, LEGISLATOR JOHNSON VINAL AND GILMOUR MAJORITY LEADER.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. I MAKE A MOTION TO TAKE LOCAL LAW.

INTRO 9-1 THE ERIE COUNTY LANGUAGE ACCESS LAW.

SECOND, THERE HAS BEEN A MOTION TO TAKE THE LAW FROM THE TABLE.

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

YES. [INAUDIBLE] YES.

OKAY. THERE IS, TEN OPPOSITION.

OKAY. YEP. OKAY.

SO, WE ARE 9 TO 1 WOULD TAKE 10 TO 1 WITH, TAKING THE LAW FROM THE TABLE, LOCAL LAW, INTRO 9-1 IS NOW BEFORE THE BODY.

MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. I MOVE TO APPROVE LOCAL LAW 9-1.

OKAY. THERE'S BEEN A MOTION TO APPROVE LOCAL LAW.

INTRO 9-1 MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.

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

MINORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS LAW FORWARD.

BUT MY CONCERN, AND I THINK MY CAUCUS CONCERN IS THERE'S NOT ENOUGH INFORMATION HOW WE CAN IMPLEMENT THIS SO IT CAN BE SUCCESSFUL. IT'S JUST THERE'S TOO MANY THINGS THAT ARE STILL OUT THERE.

IT'S A GREAT THING THAT, MOVE FORWARD.

BUT WE WORRY ABOUT THE COST FACTORS, HOW WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE GOING TO BE, YOU KNOW, BROUGHT FORWARD, TO BE, ANALYZED HERE.

SO WE HAVE A REAL INTEREST, YOU KNOW, A REAL INTEREST GOING FORWARD WITH THIS, BUT THERE'S JUST TOO MANY THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN ANSWERED AND OUR CLOCK IS QUESTIONED, SO.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU, MINORITY LEADER, LEGISLATOR.

JOHNSON, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

NO. OKAY.

LEGISLATOR GREENE, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

AS A MINORITY MENTIONED, CONCEPTUALLY, THE LAW SEEMS TO BE A GREAT IDEA AND, YOU KNOW, CONCEPTUALLY, IT'S SUPPORTED BY OUR CAUCUS,

[00:20:05]

IN ADDITION, WHAT THOSE COSTS ARE GOING TO BE YOU KNOW, ARE WE GOING TO BE TAKING ON AND HIRING A WHOLE BUNCH OF INTERPRETERS? AND IF SO, IS EACH THE DEPARTMENT GOING TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN INTERPRETER? I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A COMMITTEE DISCUSSION WITH THE PERTINENT AGENCIES THAT ARE MOST IMPACTED BY THIS, SPECIFICALLY SOCIAL SERVICES HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

I'D LIKE TO HAVE [INAUDIBLE] COUNTY ATTORNEY IN, FOR A COMMITTEE DISCUSSION, AS WELL AS THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

AND, OF COURSE, YOU KNOW, WE ALL SEE THAT THE COURT SYSTEM HAS TO DEAL WITH, YOU KNOW, PEOPLE OF ALL DIFFERENT LANGUAGE BACKGROUNDS.

AND JUST TO GET AN UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THAT WILL BE ROLLED OUT.

SO THE SECOND PIECE, THE LAW DOES REQUIRE THAT AN IMPLEMENTATION PLAN IS PUT TOGETHER BY EACH DEPARTMENT.

AND I GUESS BEFORE WE MOVE FORWARD, I'D LIKE TO GET AN IDEA OF WHAT THAT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN WOULD LOOK LIKE SO THAT WE HAVE AN UNDERSTANDING OF WHETHER THOSE COSTS ARE A FEW HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS IN INTERPRETIVE COSTS, OR IF WE'RE TALKING ABOUT MILLIONS OF DOLLARS MOVING FORWARD.

AGAIN, WE'RE NOT NECESSARILY AGAINST THE LAW.

WE ARE, YOU KNOW, RIGHT NOW PROBABLY WOULD BE NO, UNTIL WE KIND OF HAVE THAT ONE MORE COMMITTEE DISCUSSION TO GET SOME MORE CONCRETE ANSWERS.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU. LEGISLATOR.

LEGISLATOR JOHNSON, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

YES. THE TIME IS NOW.

I DON'T THINK WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO WAIT.

YOU KNOW, DURING A PUBLIC HEARING, YOU KNOW, WHAT I HEARD WAS A LOT OF CONCERN, A LOT OF THE FOLKS WHO ARE HERE TODAY WHO TALKED ABOUT THE PROBLEMS THEY HAVE IN, YOU KNOW, GETTING PROPER ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS, PARTICULARLY WITH THE COUNTIES.

SO LET'S START RIGHT THERE, PARTICULARLY WITH THE COUNTY, YOU KNOW, THE INTERPRETATION OF THINGS, SERVICES THAT WAS LOST BECAUSE THERE BECAUSE OF THE LANGUAGE BARRIERS AND NOBODY THERE TO HELP TO GUIDE THAT PROCESS ALONG.

WE CAN'T WAIT TO FOR THE COMMITTEE DISCUSSION.

WE HAVE TO TAKE ACTION ON THIS NOW, BECAUSE FOR FOLKS WHO HAVE WERE IN NEED OF VITAL SERVICES, I THINK THE ONE YOUNG LADY TALKED ABOUT HER LOSING HER FOOD STAMPS.

WE WANT WAIT, PUT THIS ON HOLD SO SOMEBODY ELSE CAN CONTINUE THEIR [INAUDIBLE] FOOD STAMPS.

THIS IS HOW PEOPLE FEED THEIR FAMILIES.

YOU KNOW, IN MY DISTRICT, THE FIRST LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT.

THE CENSUS, AS OF THE CENSUS OF 2020, WE GAINED 9000 NEW RESIDENTS IN THE FIRST LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT, MANY OF WHOM DON'T SPEAK THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, AND MOST OF THEM WHO ARE IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE COUNTY FOR SERVICES.

IF WE DON'T HAVE THIS NOW, WHAT HAPPENS TO THEM? THEY COME OVER HERE TO NOT BE ABLE TO GET THE SERVICES THAT'S NECESSARY FOR THEM.

YOU KNOW, I DON'T WANT TO THINK THIS IS A DISS TO THEM.

BUT YOU KNOW, WE HOLD THIS UP.

THAT WILL BE A DISS TO THEM.

AND I JUST WANT TO SAY I'M GOING TO BE SUPPORTING THIS.

AND I'M AND I'M A PROUD SUPPORTER OF THIS.

I THINK WE HAVE TO DO THIS NOW BECAUSE THE ESSENCE OF RIGHT OF THE TIME IS RIGHT NOW.

WE CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS BECAUSE THERE ARE MANY FOLKS WHO ARE GOING TO SUFFER, PARTICULARLY THOSE WHO DON'T SPEAK THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

AND THE QUESTION, LEGISLATOR VINAL, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU. I WANTED TO ECHO WHAT LEGISLATOR JOHNSON STATED SO WELL, AND ALSO TO REMIND, THE REASON I BRING THIS UP IS THAT I'VE RECEIVED CALLS ON IT IN FAVOR OF IT, OBVIOUSLY.

AND THEN ONE CALL AGAINST IT AND HAD A NICE TALK WITH THE CONSTITUENT WHO WORKS WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND IMMIGRATION FOR HER WHOLE CAREER.

AND SO ONCE WE GOT TO TALKING, SHAREPOINT WAS LIKE, WHY DON'T WE JUST SPEND THE MONEY TO TEACH PEOPLE ENGLISH? AND I SAID, WELL, UNDER OUR CONSTITUTION, OUR FOREFATHERS DISCUSSED SHOULD ENGLISH BE OUR REQUIRED LANGUAGE? AT THAT TIME WE HAD PEOPLE SPEAKING GERMAN, PEOPLE SPEAKING OLD TIMEY LIKE DUTCH, KIND OF A PRE GERMAN THING.

PEOPLE SPOKE ALL DIFFERENT LANGUAGES DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.

IT WASN'T JUST ONE LANGUAGE.

AND OUR COUNTRY IS FOUNDED ON THE 10TH AMENDMENT THAT PEOPLE ARE ALLOWED TO SPEAK ANY LANGUAGE.

THEY'RE NOT REQUIRED TO SPEAK ENGLISH.

THAT'S NUMBER ONE. NUMBER TWO IS THAT TALKING TO THIS WOMAN? I DISCOVERED FROM HER, SHE INFORMED ME THAT WHEN SHE WORKED, I SAID, WELL, DIDN'T YOU GUYS HAVE YOUR FORMS TRANSLATED? ALL THE FEDERAL FORMS WERE TRANSLATED INTO 30 DIFFERENT LANGUAGES.

WE'RE DOING IT ONLY ON THE TOP FIVE LANGUAGES, NOT ACTUALLY THE TOP FIVE LANGUAGES IN THE COUNTY, BECAUSE THERE'S NO WAY TO DO THAT.

BUT THE TOP FIVE LANGUAGES IN THE CITY OF BUFFALO AND THE LAW HAS THAT IT SHOULD BE REDONE EVERY SO OFTEN TO VERIFY THAT THOSE THAT'S THE TRUTH.

AT THAT MOMENT, I THINK THAT WE CAN REST ASSURED THAT PEOPLE WITH SMALL ISSUES CAN HAVE THE LOCAL TRANSLATORS OF THEIR FRIENDS OR THEIR NEIGHBORS.

WHEN IT COMES TO SOMETHING WITH COMPLICATED TERMS, THEY WILL REACH THEM.

[00:25:01]

THEY'RE GOING TO IF IT'S SOMETHING FROM THE GOVERNMENT, A LOT OF TIMES WE DO TRANSLATION.

THEY HAVE TRANSLATIONS AND DEPOSITIONS.

CERTAIN WORDS DON'T COME UP DEFENDANT, PLAINTIFF, DEPOSITION, YOU KNOW, THINGS LIKE THAT.

THINGS DON'T COME UP. SO FOR I THINK IT WOULD BE IT'S THE TIME IS NOW.

MAYBE THE TIME WAS TEN YEARS AGO, BUT THE TIME IS DEFINITELY NOW THAT WE NEED THIS.

AND IT WAS A GREAT INNOVATION BY OUR CHAIRMAN.

AND I'M A PROUD CO-SPONSOR.

AND I THINK THAT OUR ROLE IS TO SAY THAT THIS IS REQUIRED.

THIS IS NEEDED. THE ACTUAL IMPLEMENTATION IS BY THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH.

AND THIS HAS BEEN CLOCKED IN SINCE NOVEMBER.

WE ALSO HAD PEOPLE COME EARLIER THAN THIS TO TALK ABOUT IT.

WE'VE HAD A LOT OF MEETINGS. WE'VE HAD PUBLIC COMMENT.

WE'VE ALSO HAD HERE.

WE HAD ALL THE PEOPLE THAT ACTUALLY DID THE RESEARCH CAME, SO WE'VE HAD PLENTY OF TIMES TO DISCUSS IT.

AND I THINK NOW IS THE TIME TO PASS THIS, TO ALLOW ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND NOT KEEP INFORMATION SO THAT ALL OF OUR CITIZENS AND RESIDENTS OF ERIE COUNTY HAVE FAIR AND OPEN, TRANSPARENT ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT.

THANK YOU. LEGISLATOR, ON THE QUESTION, LEGISLATOR MALCZEWSKI, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

LANGUAGE ISSUES HAVE BEEN AROUND FOREVER.

HOWEVER, IT'S NEVER BEEN THE GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO SOLVE THEM WITH THE UNCERTAINTY OF THE EXTENT THAT IS BEING ASKED FROM THE GOVERNMENT TO STEP IN HERE, I DON'T SEE HOW WE CAN MOVE FORWARD UNTIL WE HAVE MORE INFORMATION AS TO EXACTLY WHAT IS BEING ASKED OF THE GOVERNMENT.

SO WITH THAT, I ASK EVERYBODY TO RECONSIDER.

THANK YOU, LEGISLATOR GREENE.

FOR THE SECOND TIME.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR, I DON'T DISAGREE WITH ANYTHING, REALLY THAT, LEGISLATOR JOHNSON OR LEGISLATOR VINAL STATED WITH RESPECT TO THE NEED WE AGREE WITH THAT.

WE AGREE THAT THERE IS MORE DIVERSITY IN LANGUAGES HERE THAN POSSIBLY EVER IN THE HISTORY OF BUFFALO AND WE CONTINUE TO BE A WONDERFUL BREEDING GROUND FOR IMMIGRANTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD BUT WITH THAT SAID, I DO THINK IT'S IMPORTANT FOR US AS A LEGISLATURE, TO HAVE THAT RESPONSIBILITY PUT ON OUR SHOULDERS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE CAN MEET THE FINANCIAL END AND THAT WE CAN NARROW DOWN THE SCOPE OF WHAT WE'RE LOOKING AT AND TO LEGISLATOR, YOU KNOW, JOHNSON'S, YOU KNOW PUSH AND A DEMAND THAT THE TIME IS NOW.

I WOULD ENCOURAGE THAT.

YOU KNOW, WHEN WE FLIP OVER TO THE NEW YEAR, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A COMMITTEE DISCUSSION, THE FIRST TIME WE HAVE COMMITTEE DISCUSSIONS ON THIS.

SO WITH THAT STATED, I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO PUT THIS BACK INTO COMMITTEE, FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AT THE NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING IN JANUARY, WE HAVE A PROPER MOTION TO SEND THE ITEM TO COMMITTEE MADE BY LEGISLATOR GREENE.

IT'S BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR TODARO.

MADAM CLERK, ROLL CALL.

VOTE ON THE MOTION TO SEND THE ITEM TO COMMITTEE ON THE MOTION.

. I DIDN'T PLAN ON TALKING ABOUT THIS.

I KIND OF TAKEN BACK AND SHOCKED WHERE THIS IS HEADED.

SO I'M A LITTLE BIT OFF THE CUFF HERE.

I'M OFF THE CUFF.

WE'RE TALKING ABOUT MAKING PEOPLE WHOLE.

WE'RE TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE THAT ARE COMING TO THIS COMMUNITY AND WANT AND NEED THE INFORMATION.

WE ALL CAME HERE.

EVERYONE HERE IS FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE.

I COULD TELL YOU STORIES ABOUT MY ITALIAN GRANDFATHER, WHO WENT TO THE ONLY ITALIAN BANK IN THE CITY OF BUFFALO BECAUSE THEY ONLY SPOKE ITALIAN.

RUN BY THE FIRST ELECTED ITALIAN AMERICAN.

FIRST ELECTED ITALIAN AMERICAN IN BUFFALO, NEW YORK.

YOU KNOW, I'M SURE, FRANK, YOU HAVE MANY STORIES FROM YOUR FAMILY ALSO.

SO WHAT'S DIFFERENT? MY FAMILY OR YOUR FAMILY OR YOUR FAMILY? WHAT'S DIFFERENT? IT'S SHOCKING THAT WE'RE DOING THIS NOW.

THAT THIS WASN'T DONE YEARS AGO.

WE WANT PEOPLE HERE.

WE WANT THEM TO HAVE THE INFORMATION WE NEED TO MAKE IT EASIER, THIS IS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

IT'S A MELTING POT. SHOULDN'T WE BE EASIER TODAY THAN IT WAS 100 YEARS AGO WHEN MY GRANDPARENTS WERE HERE? IT'S NOT. AND IT SHOULDN'T BE.

AND IT'S QUITE SHOCKING THAT WE'RE GETTING [INAUDIBLE] WITH THIS AND THAT IT'S TAKING THIS LONG FOR THIS TO HAPPEN.

I'M A YES. I MEAN, NO, I'M A NO ON COMMITTEE.

LET ME GET THAT RIGHT. NO, I GOT YOU.

THANK YOU. WE GOT YOU.

THANK YOU. CHAIR BASKIN.

THANK YOU. MADAM CLERK, EXPLAIN MY VOTE.

I'M GOING TO BE VOTING NO ON SETTING ASIDE COMMITTEE, BECAUSE I AGREE WITH MY COLLEAGUES FROM THE MAJORITY CAUCUS AT THE TIME IS ABSOLUTELY NOW.

THIS BILL WAS ACTUALLY INTRODUCED IN THE YEAR 2020, IN THE MIDST OF THE PANDEMIC, WHEN SOME OF OUR MOST, VULNERABLE COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND SOME OF OUR

[00:30:02]

BUT THOSE OF US THAT HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF KNOWING AND UNDERSTANDING AND READING THE LANGUAGE OF ENGLISH DID NOT FACE BARRIERS DURING THAT TIME THAT OTHERS MAY HAVE.

WE ARE NOW, ALMOST FOUR YEARS LATER AND STILL NEGOTIATING AND TALKING ABOUT THIS BILL AND WHETHER OR NOT IT NEEDS TO GET DONE AT THE PUBLIC HEARING.

MANY PEOPLE ATTENDED FROM THE PUBLIC AND WERE ABLE TO ANSWER A LOT OF QUESTIONS AND TELL STORIES ABOUT HOW I THINK ONE WOMAN WHO WAS HERE TODAY TALKED ABOUT HOW HER FATHER HAD A HEART ATTACK, AND A LOT OF THE ISSUES THAT HE WAS DEALING WITH MEDICALLY WAS HIS INABILITY TO BE ABLE TO CONVERSE IN HIS NATIVE LANGUAGE WITH COUNTY WORKERS AND BEING ABLE TO UNDERSTAND HIS NEEDS.

WE HERE IN COUNTY GOVERNMENT ARE THE BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT THAT PROTECTS PEOPLE'S QUALITY OF LIFE.

WHEN PEOPLE NEED FOOD, THEY CAN SEEK COUNTY GOVERNMENT FOR SUPPORT, WHEN THEY NEED THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, WHEN THEY NEED SENIOR SERVICES, WHEN VETERANS NEED SERVICES, WHEN PEOPLE NEED HEAT IN THEIR HOME OR ROOF OVER THEIR HEAD, THEY COME TO COUNTY SERVICES.

WHEN CHILDREN ARE VULNERABLE AND NEED TO BE REMOVED FROM THEIR HOME OR PLACED IN THEIR HOME BECAUSE OF SITUATIONS, THEY COME TO THE COUNTY FOR SERVICES.

BY NOT PASSING THIS BILL, WE ARE SAYING THAT PEOPLE THAT DON'T SPEAK A TRADITIONAL LANGUAGE THAT'S FOUND HERE IN THIS COUNTRY, SHOULD NOT HAVE THE ACCESS READY OR TO DOCUMENTS TO BE ABLE TO GET THOSE SERVICES.

AND THAT TO ME IS INHUMANE.

LEGISLATOR JOHNSON IS RIGHT.

THIS REGION HAS SEEN AN ABSOLUTE INCREASE IN POPULATION.

I THINK ALL MUNICIPALITIES ACROSS THIS COUNTRY WANT TO SEE MORE PEOPLE LIVING IN THEIR COMMUNITY, BECAUSE THE MORE RESIDENTS THAT WE HAVE THAT ARE HEALTHY, THE MORE RESIDENTS THAT WE HAVE THAT ARE WORKING, THE MORE POSITIVE AND THE MORE PROGRESSIVE OUR COMMUNITIES WILL BECOME.

BUT PEOPLE CANNOT BE ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS COMMUNITY THE WAY THAT THEY NEED TO IF THEY DON'T HAVE THEIR VITAL BASIC NEEDS.

MET HOUSING, HEALTH CARE SERVICES THESE ARE THINGS THAT ARE UNDER OUR PURVIEW AS COUNTY LEGISLATORS.

AND TO SAY THAT WE DON'T SIMPLY WANT TO COPY AND PASTE A COUPLE OF PIECES OF PAPER INTO TEN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES SO THAT PEOPLE UNDERSTAND HOW TO GET THOSE SERVICES TODAY IS VERY TELLING ABOUT THOSE WHO WILL VOTE YES VERSUS VOTE NO.

SO WITH THAT, MADAM CLERK, I AM GOING TO BE VOTING AGAINST SENDING THIS ITEM TO COMMITTEE AND IN FAVOR OF THE LAW BEING PASSED TODAY.

THANK YOU CHAIR. LEGISLATOR GILMOUR.

NO. JOHNSON.

EXPLAIN MY VOTE.

THIS IS ABOUT AN ISSUE OF EQUALITY BACK THIS SUMMER.

AND I WAS AND I WORKED CLOSELY WITH SOME OF THE BANGLADESH POPULATION.

I WENT TO A YOUNG LADY'S HOUSE.

HER HUSBAND WASN'T THERE AWAY AT WORK.

THE SON WAS GOING TO SEE THE ISLANDERS, AND HE WAS PULLED OUT OF THE SCHOOL.

HE WAS AN AUTISTIC STUDENT WHO WAS PULLED OUT OF THE SCHOOL BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, THE CLASS DIDN'T UNDERSTAND THAT HE WAS AUTISTIC AND HOW HE, YOU KNOW, FLOWED IN THE CLASS.

[INAUDIBLE]. THEY SUSPENDED HIM OUT OF SCHOOL, PLACED HIM IN A HOME AND THE MOTHER DIDN'T HAVE AN UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING.

SO I HAD TO WORK WITH ONE OF THE TRANSLATORS WHO WORKS AT ONE OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS OFFICE.

AND I WORKED CLOSELY WITH THEM TO KIND OF GUIDE HER DOWN THAT PATH.

NOW, THERE WAS A BIG LANGUAGE BARRIER THERE.

SHE DIDN'T UNDERSTAND THE DOCUMENTS THAT WERE PRESENTED BEFORE OR ANYTHING OF THAT NATURE, ALL SHE KNEW WAS SHE WANTED HER SON BACK AND TO ME, IT'S TELLING IS THAT WE IF SHE COULDN'T UNDERSTAND THE SIMPLE DOCTRINES OF WHY THE KID BEING PUT OUT OF SCHOOL AND THAT HE HAD A TRUE ISSUE, AN AUTISM ISN'T AN ISSUE, BUT THEY JUST DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO DIAGNOSE IT BECAUSE OF THE LANGUAGE BARRIERS THERE.

YOU KNOW, I THINK I TO ME, THIS GOES BACK TO BEING A QUESTION ON EQUALITY.

IF WE WAIT, WHAT OTHER KIDS CAN BE PULLED OUT OF THEIR HOME? WHAT OTHER KIDS, WHAT OTHER FAMILIES WON'T GET THE SERVICES THAT THEY NEED BECAUSE OF THE LANGUAGE BARRIER? YOU KNOW, FOR THAT, I'M GOING TO BE A YES ON THIS AND I'M AGAINST IT AND IT'S BACK TO COMMITTEE AS WELL.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU SIR.

LEGISLATOR KOOSHOIAN NO.

MEYERS, NO AND LEGISLATOR VINAL, THE VOTE IS 4 TO 7.

THIS MOTION FAILS.

SO THE MOTION TO SEND THE ITEM TO COMMITTEE FAILS.

WE ARE BACK ON THE QUESTION OF APPROVING THE ITEM.

[00:35:04]

YES. YES.

OKAY. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. MOVE TO APPROVE A LOCAL LAW INTRO 9-1 OKAY, SO NOW THERE HAS BEEN A FORMAL MOTION TO APPROVE, THE LOCAL LAW INTRO 9-1.

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

OKAY. THERE'S NO QUESTION.

WE'LL PROBABLY GO ON THE MOTION TO APPROVE LEGISLATOR GREENE? DISPLAY MY VOTE AGAIN, I CONCEPTUALLY AGREE WITH THE CONCEPT OF THE LAW AND BE ABLE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL ACCESS, HOWEVER, I THINK RIGHT NOW WHERE WE HAVE, YOU KNOW, DISCUSSION THAT WERE BROUGHT UP IN COMMITTEE AS FAR AS HAVING A CONCRETE GAME PLAN AND TO GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT THE CLARITY OF THE SCOPE AND COSTS ARE MOVING FORWARD WITHOUT THOSE DISCUSSIONS, I THINK IS IRRESPONSIBLE.

AND FOR THAT, I'M A NO VOTE.

THANK YOU, LEGISLATOR MALCZEWSKI.

I'D LIKE TO EXPLAIN MY VOTE.

I DON'T DISPUTE THE NEED OR ANY OF THE ISSUES AT HAND.

WHAT I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IS APPROVING SOMETHING WITHOUT KNOWING THE EXTENT OF THE INVOLVEMENT, AS I SAID EARLIER, WITH SAYING THAT, I THINK IT WOULD BE IRRESPONSIBLE TO VOTE YES, SO I VOTE NO.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

SIR. LEGISLATOR MILLS, NO.

LEGISLATOR TODARO.

EXPLAIN MY VOTE. I'M COMING UP ON MY FOUR YEARS OF BEING A COUNTY LEGISLATOR PROUDLY DOING IT AND WHAT I'VE NOTICED IS, IN GOVERNMENT, WHEN THERE'S HASTE, THERE'S GOING TO BE WASTE.

AND THAT'S HAPPENING RIGHT BEFORE OUR EYES.

I AGREE WITH EVERYONE THAT WE WANT TO MOVE THIS FORWARD.

I AGREE WITH THAT.

BUT THE CONCERN IS OUR MAIN DUTY AS A LEGISLATOR IS TO HAVE A COST FACTOR FORMULATED IN OUR DECISION MAKING.

I'M NOT EVEN HEARING ANY DOLLARS BEING THROWN OUT THERE.

THIS IS JUST IT'S [INAUDIBLE].

I REALLY THINK THAT WE SHOULD JUST PAUSE.

WE SHOULD HAVE PUT THIS IN COMMITTEE.

WE CAN IMMEDIATELY TALK ABOUT THIS IN THE FIRST COMMITTEE COMING UP IN THE NEW YEAR, AND MAKE SURE THAT WE TALK ABOUT THIS AND MAKE IT A PRIORITY.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME.

I DO HAVE A LOT OF, YOU KNOW, INDIVIDUALS THAT LIVE IN MY DISTRICT THAT ARE DEAF, AND THEY DO COME TO ME AND ASK ME, HOW CAN THEY GET MORE ACCESS TO US WITH SIGN LANGUAGE? I SEE THAT WE HAVE SOME SIGN LANGUAGE NOW IN THE GALLERIA.

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT THEY NEED.

SO I WANT TO BE PART OF THAT AND HELP EVERYONE MAKE THAT DECISION.

BUT DOING IT THIS WAY HASTILY, WITHOUT A DOLLAR FIGURE IS NOT THE WAY TO DO IT.

SO I'M A NO.

THANK YOU. SIR. LEGISLATOR BARGNESI.

YES. CHAIR BASKIN.

EXPLAIN MY VOTE.

I WILL BE VOTING YES ON THIS ITEM, MADAM CLERK, AND WANT TO POINT OUT THAT, ACCESS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE WHO ARE HARD OF HEARING IS A PART OF THIS BILL AND UNDERSTANDING THAT WE HAVE COLLEAGUES ACROSS THE AISLE WHO VERY MUCH WANT TO CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION AND HAVE MORE DETAILS ABOUT A WORK PLAN AND MOVE FORWARD.

I'M TOTALLY IN SUPPORT OF THAT WHEN WE RETURN IN THE NEW YEAR.

BUT FOR THE TIME BEING, I STILL BELIEVE THAT THE BILL SHOULD BE PUT FORWARD AND PUT IN PLACE.

SO WITH THAT, I'M GOING TO BE VOTING YES.

THANK YOU.

THE VOTE IS 7 TO 4.

THE MOTION PASSES.

OKAY, SO THIS BILL IS PASSED.

OKAY.

[ COMMITTEE REPORTS:]

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

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION FOR A MEETING, CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL MADE BY COMMITTEE CHAIR.

MEYERS IS BEEN SECONDED BY MINORITY LEADER MILLS ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.

ANY OPPOSED? 11 TO 0.

THE REPORT IS APPROVED.

REPORT NUMBER 14 FROM THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE.

COMMITTEE CHAIR GILMOUR, THANK YOU.

MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION.

APPROVAL MADE BY COMMITTEE CHAIR GILMOUR HAS BEEN SECONDED BY THE MAJORITY LEADER ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR ANY OPPOSED? 11 TO 0.

OKAY. THE REPORT IS APPROVED.

REPORT NUMBER 17 FROM THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.

COMMITTEE CHAIR JOHNSON FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.

SECOND, THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION FOR A MEETING, CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL MADE BY THE COMMITTEE CHAIR.

JOHNSON HAS BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR GILMOUR ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.

ANY OPPOSED? 11 TO 0.

THE REPORT IS APPROVED.

REPORT NUMBER 17 FROM THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE.

COMMITTEE CHAIR JOHNSON, MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.

[00:40:03]

DO I HAVE A SECOND? SECOND? IT'S BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR MILLS ON THE QUESTION.

LEGISLATOR VINAL, I'D LIKE TO MOVE TO SEPARATE OUT THE SECOND ITEM.

21, 18 AND 20.

THERE'S BEEN OKAY.

THERE'S NO MOTION TO SEPARATE.

SO WE JUST [INAUDIBLE] ITEM, NOT ITEM NUMBER TWO IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT IS NOW SEPARATED, AND WE WILL MOVE FORWARD WITH THE BAT WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE BALANCE OF THE REPORT.

DO I NEED A MOTION? YEAH. PARLIAMENTARIAN TO APPROVE THE BALANCE OF THE REPORT.

OKAY, SO ON THE MOTION TO APPROVE EVERYTHING IN THE REPORT EXCEPT ITEM NUMBER TWO.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.

ANY OPPOSED? OKAY, THE BALANCE OF THE REPORT IS APPROVED.

WE ARE NOW BACK TO ITEM NUMBER TWO ON THIS ITEM FOR THE REASON STATED THERE.

THIS IS THE, STUDY, THE REASONS WE DISCUSSED IT AT THE COMMITTEE, I MADE REASONS CLEAR THERE.

I THINK YOU KNOW THAT IT IS IT'S, ALLOCATION THAT PRESUMES THAT WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A JAIL AS OPPOSED TO HAVING A ROBUST DISCUSSION AS TO, THE NEEDS AND THE USE OF THAT KIND OF MONEY.

SO FOR THAT REASON, I THINK I'M AGAINST THEM AND THE COMMITTEE WAS IN FAVOR OF IT.

BUT THANK YOU, LEGISLATOR.

I'LL ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM NUMBER TWO.

THERE'S BEEN A MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM NUMBER TWO MADE BY LEGISLATOR GREENEHAS BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR TODARO ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? 10 TO 1. OKAY.

ITEM NUMBER TWO IS APPROVED.

CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA.

LEGISLATOR. RESOLUTIONS.

[ LEGISLATOR RESOLUTIONS:]

MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. MOVE, FOR A MEETING, CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.

THIS IS REGARDING THE MAJORITY CAUCUSES APPOINTMENT TO THE ARTS IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMITTEE.

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

IS BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR GILMOUR ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? 11 TO 0. THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE RESOLUTION IS APPROVED.

COMMUNICATIONS. DISCHARGE.

[ COMMUNICATIONS DISCHARGED FROM COMMITTEE:]

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. I HAVE ONE DISCHARGE MOVED TO DISCHARGE.

INTRO 21-2 FROM THE ENERGY ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE.

THIS IS REGARDING THE MODIFICATION OF THE AGRICULTURAL DISTRICTS.

THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO DISCHARGE.

ITEM INTRO 21-2 MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER HAS BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR GILMOUR.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.

ANY OPPOSED? THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE ITEM IS NOW BEFORE THE LEGISLATURE.

MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. I MOVED TO AMEND INTRO 21-2.

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

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

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? 11 TO 0. THE ITEM IS NOW AMENDED.

MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU. MADAM CHAIR. MOVED TO APPROVE.

INTRO 20 1-2, AS AMENDED.

IT'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO APPROVE THE ITEM AS AMENDED, MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER HAS BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR GILMOUR ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? 11 TO 0. THE ITEM IS APPROVED, AS AMENDED.

CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA.

SUSPENSION OF THE RULES.

[ SUSPENSION OF THE RULES:]

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. I HAVE ONE SUSPENSION FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY OPINION AS TO FORM LOCAL LAW INTRO 9-1 2022 MADAM CLERK.

ITEM NUMBER COMMUNICATION 24D-4.

THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK. THIS ITEM WILL BE RECEIVED, FILED AND PRINTED UNDER MY AUTHORITY AS CHAIR MAJORITY LEADER.

YOU HAVE THE FLOOR? NO. THAT'S IT.

IT'S BEEN FILED AND PRINTED.

MOVING ON WITH OUR AGENDA.

COMMUNICATION. FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS.

[ COMMUNICATIONS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS:]

CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA.

COMMUNICATION 24E-7.

NOW, MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. I MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL YOU NEED TO AMEND IT.

I'M SORRY. MOVE TO AMEND THE IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION, THEN AMEND.

SO MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION.

THAT'S WHAT I SAID ORIGINALLY.

BUT YOU SAID APPROVAL. SECOND.

OKAY, SO WE HAVE A PROPER MOTION TO MOVE THE ITEMS FORWARD AS AN IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.

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

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? 11 TO 0. OKAY.

THE MOTION CARRIES, AND THE ITEM IS NOW BEFORE THE BODY.

MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR I MOVE TO AMEND.

IT'S BEEN A MOTION TO AMEND THE ITEM WITH WHAT'S BEEN PASSED OUT, MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.

IT'S BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR GILMOUR.

THE QUESTION ON THE AMENDMENTS.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? 11 TO 0. THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE ITEM IS NOW AMENDED.

[00:45:03]

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

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

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

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES AND THE ITEM IS NOW APPROVED, AS AMENDED.

WE'RE GOING TO CONTINUE ON WITH OUR AGENDA TO COMMUNICATION.

24E-8 FROM THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE REGARDING SECTION 520 EXEMPTION CHARGES FOR 2024.

MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. I MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL FOR MOTION FOR A MEETING, CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER, SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.

ANY OPPOSED? 11 TO 0. THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE ITEM IS APPROVED.

COMMUNICATION 24E-9 FROM THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE FROM ERIE COUNTY.

REAL PROPERTY TAX MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIRMAN, MOVE FOR MEETING, CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.

PROPER MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER, SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR GILMOUR ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? 11 TO 0. THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE ITEM IS APPROVED.

COMMUNICATION 24E-10.

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

SECOND MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER, SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? 11 TO 0. OKAY.

MOTION CARRIES. THE ITEM IS APPROVED.

COMMUNICATION 24-11.

MAJORITY LEADER MOVE FOR A MEETING, CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.

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

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.

ANY OPPOSED? 11 TO 0.

OKAY. THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE ITEM IS APPROVED.

COMMUNICATION 24E-12.

MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

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

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

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

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? 11, ZERO. THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE ITEM IS APPROVED.

COMMUNICATION 20E 24E-13.

MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION.

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

HAS BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR GILMOUR ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.

ANY OPPOSED? 11 ZERO.

THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE ITEM IS APPROVED.

CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA.

COMMUNICATION 24E-14 MAJORITY LEADER [INAUDIBLE] I NEED A RUSH.

MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION.

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

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? 11 TO 0. THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE ITEM IS APPROVED.

COMMUNICATION 24E-15.

MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION.

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

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

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? 11 ZERO. OKAY.

THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE ITEM IS APPROVED.

COMMUNICATION 24E-16, MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.

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

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

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? 11 TO 0. THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE ITEM IS APPROVED.

COMMUNICATION 24E-17.

MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

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

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

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

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? 11 TO 0. MOTION CARRIES.

THE ITEM IS APPROVED. COMMUNICATION 24 E-.

DID I GO TO 17? 18? WE'RE ON 18 NOW.

COMMUNICATION 24E-18.

MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

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

PROPER MOTION MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER, SECONDED BY THE MINORITY LEADER ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED? 11 TO 0.

THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE ITEM.

COMMUNICATION 24E-19 MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.

IT'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION MADE BY THE MAJORITY.

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

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? 11 TO 0.

OKAY. THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE ITEM IS APPROVED.

COMMUNICATION 24E-20 MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.

PROPER MOTION MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER IS DECIDED BY LEGISLATOR GILMOUR ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.

ANY OPPOSED? 11 TO 0.

THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE ITEM IS APPROVED.

COMMUNICATION 24E-21, MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

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

A PROPER MOTION MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER AND SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? 11 TO 0. THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE ITEM IS APPROVED.

COMMUNICATION 24E-22 THROUGH AND INCLUDING COMMUNICATION 24E-27 AS INDICATED.

COMMUNICATION FROM THE DEPARTMENTS.

[ COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE DEPARTMENTS:]

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PEOPLE IN OTHER AGENCIES.

[ COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PEOPLE AND OTHER AGENCIES:]

[00:50:06]

[ ANNOUNCEMENTS:]

WOULD YOU PLEASE JOIN ME AT THE DAIS FOR A PRESENTATION IN WHICH YOU WILL LEAD, SIR? [INAUDIBLE] THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. I HAVE A PROCLAMATION HERE HONORING THEM, [INAUDIBLE] FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF ERIE COUNTY IS A COUNTY LEGISLATOR.

SO I'D LIKE TO READ THIS AND THEN PASS IT TO MY TWO COLLEAGUES HERE AND FINISH IT UP.

WHEREAS ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE SEEKS TO HONOR INDIVIDUALS IN ERIE COUNTY AND ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THEIR EFFORTS.

AND WHEREAS JAMES MALCZEWSKI WAS APPOINTED BY ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE REPRESENTING THE 10TH DISTRICT ON JANUARY 5TH, 2023 AND WHEREAS JAMES MALCZEWSKI QUICKLY GAINED A REPUTATION FOR BEING A HARDWORKING, COMMUNITY DRIVEN LEGISLATOR, INTRODUCING DOZENS OF RESOLUTIONS, ATTENDING TOWN BOARD MEETINGS IN EVERY TOWN ACROSS THE DISTRICT, AND MEETING WITH DEPARTMENT HEADS AND COMMISSIONERS REGARDING THE LOCAL PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES, AND SPEAKING WITH THE COMMUNITY GROUP AND SENIORS.

AND WHEREAS, THIS.

WHEREAS IN ADDITION TO HIS COMMUNITY ADVOCACY, JAMES MALCZEWSKI HAS BEEN AN EFFECTIVE AND KNOWLEDGEABLE LAWMAKER, SPONSORING AND PASSING LOCAL LAW ONE TWO OF 2023, GRANTING OUR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER AND AMBULANCE PERSONNEL A 10% COUNTY PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION IN HIS FIRST SIX MONTHS IN OFFICE. AND WHEREAS JAMES MALCZEWSKI IS A VALUED MEMBER OF HIS CAUCUS, EFFECTIVELY ADVOCATING FOR MEASURES TO ELIMINATE THE COUNTY SALES TAX ON HOME ENERGY, INCREASING TRANSPARENCY FOR COUNTY ROAD PROJECTS, SAVING TAXPAYERS MILLIONS OF DOLLARS BY REDUCING DEBT ASSOCIATED WITH THE NEW BUFFALO BILLS STADIUM, AND SUCCESSFULLY SECURING THE FIRST PROPERTY TAX LEVY CUT IN NEARLY 20 YEARS AND WHEREAS JAMES MALCZEWSKI IS A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER OPERATING MODERN DECKS AND RAILINGS LOCATED IN ELMA, NEW YORK AND AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF HIS COMMUNITY.

AND WHEREAS, DESPITE HIS NUMEROUS LEGISLATIVE SUCCESSES, JAMES MALCZEWSKI, AFFECTIONATELY REFERRED AS JIMBO BY FRIENDS, WILL BE MOST REMEMBERED FOR ALWAYS TREATING HIS COLLEAGUES AND EMPLOYEES WITH RESPECT.

HIS POSITIVE ATTITUDE, WARM NATURE, GREAT WORK ETHIC AND FIRM HANDSHAKE.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THE ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE PAUSES IN ITS DELIBERATIONS TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE JAMES MALCZEWSKI FOR HIS PASSION, COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION TO SERVING ERIE COUNTY RESIDENTS IN HIS ROLE AS LEGISLATOR FOR THE 2023 TERM.

THANK YOU.

IT'S LIKE THE LAND OF THE GIANTS.

YOU'RE RIGHT. WE'RE GOOD. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

[INAUDIBLE]. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR, THE ONLY WAY TO DO GREAT WORK IS TO LOVE WHAT YOU DO.

AND WHEN YOU FIND A JOB THAT CAUSES YOU TO BE EXCITED EVERY DAY, LIFE DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT, THAT'S WHAT THIS JOB REPRESENTS TO ME.

[00:55:01]

THANK THIS HONORABLE BODY FOR WORKING TOGETHER.

I THINK WE HAD A FANTASTIC YEAR THIS YEAR.

WE GOT A LOT OF GOOD ACCOMPLISHED FOR THE RESIDENTS OF ERIE COUNTY, AND THAT CAME FROM WORKING TOGETHER.

SO I THANK THEM, THANKS TO MY COLLEAGUES, MOST IMPORTANTLY, THANKS TO THE STAFF.

I DON'T THINK THE STAFF AROUND HERE GETS RECOGNIZED ENOUGH, THE WORK WE DO OR THE WORK THEY DO MAKES ALL OF US LOOK A LOT BETTER.

SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO THE STAFF.

IN CLOSING, A STATEMENT THAT I'VE ALWAYS BELIEVED IN.

JUST DO THE RIGHT THING.

DO THE RIGHT THING.

MAKE ERIE COUNTY THE BEST THAT IT POSSIBLY CAN BE.

I THANK YOU VERY MUCH WISH EVERYBODY A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS.

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

THANK YOU. BEAUTIFUL PRESENTATION, COLLEAGUES, AND YOU WILL BE MISSED GREATLY.

LEGISLATOR MALCZEWSKI BUT YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE A FRIEND IN US.

GOOD JOB. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

THANK YOU FOR BEING A TEAM PLAYER AND FOR BUTTER LAMBS, AND FOR JUST BEING A KIND GENTLEMAN AND A LOVING RESIDENT OF OUR GREAT COUNTY.

I ADMIRE YOU, SIR.

ALL RIGHT, I WILL.

WE NEED TO RISE FOR MEMORIALIZING RESOLUTIONS.

[ MEMORIAL RESOLUTIONS:]

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. I'D LIKE TO ADJOURN IN THE MEMORY OF LARRY VITO.

I'M SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, LEGISLATOR.

OKAY. HEARING NONE OTHERS, WE WILL TAKE A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR MR. FIEGEL AND FOR THOSE WHO.

OH, WE HAVE ONE MORE.

[INAUDIBLE].

OUR HEART IS WITH THE TOWN, WITH THIS YOUNG WOMAN'S FAMILY DURING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

I ASK THE LORD TO BLESS THEM.

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

AMEN. I'LL ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO ADJOURN 2023.

SO MOVED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON, SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR MALCZEWSKI.

WE STAND ADJOURNED.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.