[00:00:02]
>> GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE. WELCOME TO OUR WORK SESSION FOR SESSION NUMBER 12, OF THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE.
WE'LL GO THROUGH OUR AGENDA FOR OUR FORMAL SESSION BEGINNING AT 12 NOON TODAY.
TODAY'S INVOCATION WILL BE LED BY LEGISLATOR ASHO.
THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE WILL BE LED BY LEGISLATOR GREEN.
THERE ARE NO TABLED ITEMS, NO ITEMS FOR RECONSIDERATION FROM OUR PREVIOUS MEETING.
THE MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING WILL BE UP FOR APPROVAL, AND THERE ARE NO PUBLIC HEARINGS AT THIS TIME.
TODAY WE WILL HAVE A PRESENTATION FOR COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SERVICES, MARIE CANNON, WHO WILL BE DEPARTING COUNTY GOVERNMENT TO TAKE A NEW ROLE.
MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS ON PAGE 1 AND CONTINUED ONTO PAGE 2 AS INDICATED.
LOCAL LAWS, LOCAL LAW, INTRO 2-1 FROM LEGISLATOR LORIGO, AS INDICATED.
LOCAL LAW INTRO 3-1 FROM LEGISLATOR LORIGO, AS INDICATED, LOCAL LAW INTRO 4-1 FROM LEGISLATOR MYERS REGARDING SALES TAX, COMPENSATING USE TAX LAW AMENDMENT WILL BE UP FOR CONSIDERATION TODAY.
LOCAL LAW INTRO 5-1 FROM LEGISLATOR BAGNES, WILL BE DIRECTED TO THE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE UNDER MY AUTHORITY AS CHAIR. COMMITTEE REPORTS.
REPORT NUMBER 11 FROM THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE COMMITTEE CHAIR JOHNSON. THANK YOU.
REPORT NUMBER 11 FROM THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTE COMMITTEE CHAIR JOHNSON.
REPORT NUMBER 8 FROM THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE COMMITTEE CHAIR GILMORE.
THANK YOU. REPORT NUMBER 8 FROM THE ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE COMMITTEE CHAIR MYERS.
REPORT NUMBER SEVEN FROM THE FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTE COMMITTE CHAIR MYERS.
INTRO 12-1 FROM LEGISLATOR GILMORE REGARDING THE ADOPTION OF PERSONNEL POLICIES FOR MANAGERIAL CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES WILL BE UP FOR CONSIDERATION TODAY.
INTRO 12-2 FROM LEGISLATOR JOHNSON REGARDING THE CITIZEN'S SALARY REVIEW COMMISSION WILL BE UP FOR CONSIDERATION TODAY.
INTRO 12-3 FROM THE MAJORITY CAUCUS REGARDING A RE APPROPRIATION OF CULTURAL AGENCY CAPITAL FUNDING WILL BE UP FOR CONSIDERATION TODAY WITH AN AMENDMENT.
COMMUNICATIONS DISCHARGED FROM COMMITTEE.
THERE ARE NONE AT THIS TIME. SUSPENSION OF THE RULES.
COMMUNICATION 12E-29 FROM THE OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF WILL BE UP FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL, THIS IS REGARDING THE SHERIFF'S PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS.
CONTINUE ON WITH OUR AGENDA COMMUNICATION 12E-30 FROM THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY, ALSO REGARDING A PERSONNEL MODIFICATION.
THIS ITEM IS GOING TO GO TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE UNDER MY AUTHORITY AS CHAIR.
CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA, COMMUNICATIONS 12E-1 THROUGH AND INCLUDING COMMUNICATION 12E-14 AS INDICATED.
CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA, COMMUNICATION 12E-15, THROUGH THE COMMUNICATION 12E-25, AS INDICATED.
COMMUNICATION 12E-26 FROM THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE REGARDING THE REAPPROPRIATION OF PRIOR YEAR FUNDING TO DIVISION OF BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS.
WE HAVE MIKE CORNEA SPEAK ON THIS ITEM.
GOOD MORNING, BUDGET DIRECTOR.
YOU CAN SIT RIGHT THERE AND TIE YOUR MIKE.
>> OKAY. I'M HERE TODAY SEEKING AUTHORIZATION TO REAPPROPRIATE JUST UNDER $130,000 IN UNEXPENDED PRIOR FUNDING TO TRANSFER TO THE DIVISION OF BUILDING AND GROUNDS IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE REPLACEMENT OF CARPETING WITHIN THE LEGISLATURE'S CHAMBERS.
>> ON THE QUESTION. LEGISLATIVE REAL.
>> YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT THE HANDS, LET ME JUST GIVE THIS OUT.
THIS IS WITH THE CARPETS, CORRECT?
>> IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THERE'S ALSO MORE FUNDING THE RING PORTION AND THERE'S THAT THE RIGHT ONE. HANG ON A SECOND.
NO. OKAY. ACTUALLY, IT'S NEVER MIND TIME. THANK YOU.
>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS FOR MR. CARNE? OKAY. THIS ITEM WILL BE UP FOR MEDIATE CONSIDERATION TODAY.
CONTINUE NOW WITH OUR AGENDA 12E-27 FROM THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE REGARDING A AUTHORIZATION TO INCREASE DEPARTMENT OF LAW BUDGET FOR
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ADDITIONAL FORECLOSURE AND STADIUM COMPLIANCE COSTS.GOOD MORNING, COUNTY ATTORNEY.
SORRY. TWO ISSUES, WE'RE LOOKING TO REPLENISH THE FORECLOSURE ACCOUNT BECAUSE OF THE TIMING OF THE YEAR, AND WHEN WE PAY OUTSIDE COUNSEL, WE ARE SHORT RIGHT NOW.
WE EXPECT TO RECOVER SIGNIFICANT DOLLARS.
TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR WHEN THE FORECLOSURE ACTUALLY GOES THROUGH AND WE ACTUALLY HAVE THE OPTION.
BUT BECAUSE OF THE TIMING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR RIGHT NOW, WE ARE SHORT FOR OUR OUTSIDE COUNSEL BILLS.
THEN FOR STADIUM COMPLIANCE, IT'S SIGNIFICANT COST.
MOST OF THE COST THAT MY CONTRACT PAYS WITH PHILLIPS LIBEL IS NOT ACTUALLY LEGAL BILLS.
IT'S BUILDING PERMIT COMPLIANCE, WHICH WE HAVE NO CHOICE.
WE ARE THE PERMITTING AGENCY, SO IT'S US THAT HAS ALL THE INSPECTORS OUT THERE, MAKING SURE, WHATEVER HAS TO BE DONE FOR A STADIUM, I DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT IS TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH THAT CHRIS STRAUSS WERE HERE.
HE COULD EXPLAIN EXACTLY WHERE THE BEAMS GO AND WHERE THE OUTLETS GO.
I'M PAYING THROUGH THE LAW DEPARTMENT'S BUDGET, THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THAT, AS WELL AS MINORITY AND WOMEN COMPLIANCE, BOTH IN TERMS OF WORKFORCE, AND IN TERMS OF BUSINESS UTILIZATION.
WHILE IT'S COMING THROUGH MY BUDGET, THE ACTUAL COST OF LAWYERS IS SIGNIFICANTLY DECREASED SINCE LAST YEAR, BUT AS THE BUILDING GOES UP, THE OTHER COSTS HAVE GONE UP.
>> ANY QUESTIONS FOR THE COUNTY ATTORNEY? LEGISLATOR [INAUDIBLE].
>> HOW MANY FORECLOSURES HAVE WE COMPLETED THIS YEAR SO FAR?
>> THE PROCESS DOESN'T GET COMPLETE UNTIL THEY AUCTION.
I DON'T HAVE A CURRENT LIST RIGHT NOW, BUT THE WAY THE PROCESS WORKS IS THIS BODY AUTHORIZES 1,600 OR SO.
>> YEAH, IN RUN 172, WHICH WE'RE IN RIGHT NOW AUTHORIZED 1,632 TO BE PART OF THE PETITION.
THAT NUMBER AS THE PROCESS GOES ALONG IS WHITTLED DOWN.
I BELIEVE THE FINAL FORECLOSURE AUCTION ENDS UP SOMEWHERE IN THE 400.
>> FOUR TO 500 AUCTION DAY BECAUSE A LOT OF PEOPLE, WHAT HAPPENS, AND THIS IS WHY IT'S SO IMPORTANT.
THAT WE CONTINUE TO DO THIS IS A LOT OF FOLKS PAY THEIR TAXES ONCE THAT FORECLOSURE PROCESS STARTS FOR WHATEVER REASON, SOMEBODY PASSED, THEY MISSED THE BILL, WHATEVER HAPPENS, BUT A LOT WE RECOVER MILLIONS OF DOLLARS BEFORE THE FORECLOSURE.
WHILE THIS BODY AUTHORIZES A 1,600, ABOUT 1,600 PROPERTIES.
BY THE END, WE MAYBE GO THROUGH WITH THE FORECLOSURE MAYBE FOUR OR 500 BY THE END, AND THAT'S IN THE FALL.
>> YOU SAID THAT THERE'S A BUDGET SHORTFALL RIGHT?
>> THERE'S A BUDGET SHORTFALL RIGHT NOW BECAUSE WE PAY 50% OF THE FLAT FEE UPFRONT.
THAT 1,600 IS I THINK IT'S IN THE RESOLUTION.
>> YEAH, $1,400 FLAT FEE, SO $700 IS PAID UP FRONT FOR THE 1,632.
THEN THAT IS THE NEXT PORTION OF IT IS 25% OF THEN 25% UPON THE FINAL FORECLOSURES.
>> DEPENDING ON HOW FAR THAT PARTICULAR PROPERTY GOES IN THE PROCESS.
PART OF THE PROBLEM WE HAVE IS THAT HERE COUNTY TAX ACT ALLOWS A $500 FORECLOSURE FEE.
I IMAGINE THAT THAT COVERED THE COST 60 YEARS AGO OR WHENEVER THEY CAME UP WITH $500.
I NO LONGER COVERS THE COST, NOBODY CAN FORECLOSE ON THE PROPERTY FOR $500.
WHILE WE RECOVER THE $500 IN THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS, FOR EACH PROPERTY WE ARE FORECLOSING ON, THE LEGAL THERE'S A GAP BETWEEN THAT $500 THAT WAS, I THINK, ANTICIPATED TO COVER THE LEGAL COSTS AND THE ACTUAL LEGAL COSTS, WHICH IS $400 PER PARCEL.
>> MY QUESTION WAS GOING TO BE IS YOU SAID THAT THERE'S A BUDGET GAP, EXACTLY HOW MUCH IS THAT GAP RIGHT NOW?
>> CURRENTLY SO OUR CURRENT BILL, I THINK.
>> RIGHT NOW, THE MOST RECENT BILL WAS FOR ABOUT $680,000.
THAT IS FOR THE SECOND PORTION, THE 25%.
THE ACCOUNT THAT HOLDS THAT $500 FEE,
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CALLED THE REFEREE ACCOUNT.TRADITIONALLY, THAT HAS HAD A BALANCE OF APPROXIMATELY $1,000,000 IN IT, AND THAT WAS USED AS SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING FOR THESE FORECLOSURES.
IT IS GOING TO BE REPLENISHED AS TIME GOES ON, BUT THERE IS ONLY ABOUT $250,000.
WE ARE SHORT FOR CURRENT INVOICES, AND IT'S GENERALLY SOMETHING WE'RE NOT INTERESTED IN ASKING VENDORS TO DELAY RECEIVING PAYMENT FOR SIX MONTHS, NINE MONTHS A YEAR UNTIL THAT REPLENISHES.
THE PLAN RIGHT NOW IS TO UTILIZE UNBUDGETED REVENUE THAT WE EXPECT TO NOW COME IN BECAUSE THE AID TO LOCALITIES REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE ASSIGNED COUNCIL COST INCREASES HAS BEEN EXPENDED A FULL OTHER YEAR.
ORIGINALLY, WE HAD BUDGETED ONLY FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2024 BECAUSE IT WAS SUPPOSED TO SUNSET AS OF MARCH 1, 2024.
THE GOVERNOR IN THE MOST RECENT BUDGET HAS NOW SUNSETED THIS AS OF APRIL 1ST, 2025.
WE HAVE THREE ADDITIONAL QUARTERS OF REIMBURSEMENT THAT WE WILL GET, WHICH IS GOING TO BE ABOUT ONE SOMEWHERE $1-2 MILLION PER QUARTER IN REIMBURSEMENT WILL COME IN THROUGH THE REST OF THE YEAR AND THEN THROUGH THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2025 THAT WE DIDN'T REASONABLY EXPECT.
THIS IS UTILIZING FUNDS WITHIN THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE OR EXCESS REVENUES THAT ARE COMING IN TO PAY FOR SOME EXCESS EXPENSES.
>> I KNOW I BROUGHT THIS UP BEFORE, BUT ALTHOUGH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY HAS PERHAPS THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE COUNSEL WITHOUT ANY APPROVAL OR ANYTHING ELSE WITH REGARD TO THE LEGISLATURE.
IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT THE COUNTY ATTORNEY CAN'T TRY TO MAKE IT MORE OPEN RELATIONSHIP AND MAKE IT MORE OF AN OPEN EVENT.
FOR EXAMPLE, CHOOSING THE IDEA OF LIKE HAVING AN RFP TO HAVE PEOPLE ACTUALLY BID ON DOING IT.
IT'S ONE LAWSUIT WITH A $210 FILING FEE.
THE LAST OR SEARCHES COULD BE BID OUT.
WE HAVE WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS TITLE FIRM.
WE HAVE OTHER TITLE FIRMS HERE LOCALLY THAT WOULD DO THAT.
IF WE WANTED TO DO THAT AS A SEPARATE THING, SO IT COULD BE DONE IN HOUSE OR FOR ANOTHER ATTORNEY, BUT TO HAVE, A NON BID CONTRACT.
>> THAT'S INCORRECT. THIS WAS AN RFP PROCESS DONE UNDER THE PREVIOUS COUNTY ATTORNEY.
AS I SAID, I THINK LAST TIME I WAS HERE, WE WILL BE RFP THIS CONTRACT OUT AGAIN.
I THINK THEY ARE ON THEIR LAST EXTENSION OF A FIVE YEAR CONTRACT.
WE WILL BE RFPING OUT THE LEGAL WORK THIS YEAR.
I SUSPECT, HOWEVER, IT'S THE COSTS WILL GO UP, NOT DOWN.
I THINK THAT'S I MEAN, I THINK THAT'S JUST THE NATURE.
I THINK RIGHT NOW, BECAUSE THEY'RE LOCKED IN AT THESE RATES, LIPS MATHIAS FROM FIVE YEARS AGO WHEN THE PREVIOUS COUNTY ATTORNEY RFP THIS OUT, I SUSPECT ANYBODY WHO RESPONDS TO THAT RFP IS GOING TO SIGNIFICANTLY IS GOING TO SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THESE COSTS.
BUT WE ARE GOING TO RFP OUT THE LEGAL WORK THIS YEAR.
I'M GOING TO HAVE YOU KNOW SCOTT LESKI WILL BE PRINCIPALLY, I THINK IN CHARGE OF THAT BECAUSE THOUGH HE COMES THROUGH MY BUDGET, HE'S REALLY ACTING AS THE DEPARTMENT THAT USES THIS.
SCOTT WILL PRINCIPALLY BE INVOLVED IN THE NEW RFP PROCESS.
I'LL ASK BUDGET TO BE INVOLVED AND PROBABLY KRISTIN WALDER.
>> WHEN YOU'RE DOING THAT, MAYBE CONSIDER DOING IT IN HOUSE, I KNOW YOU POP ABOUT THE CITY BECAUSE OF OTHER THINGS, BUT THAT WAS AFTER THE FACT.
>> YEAH. I'M NOT GOING TO DO IT IN HOUSE.
I KNOW YOU BRING THIS UP EVERY YEAR.
YOU'VE BEEN BRINGING IT UP FOR TWO YEARS.
IF YOU CAN CONVINCE YOUR COLLEAGUES AND THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO HIRE WHATEVER RESOURCES I NEED, TO DO IT IN HOUSE, I'LL DO IT IN HOUSE.
BUT I'M NOT GOING TO MAKE THAT DECISION BECAUSE I DON'T THINK IT'S COST EFFECTIVE.
I THINK THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS IS EXTRAORDINARILY COMPLICATED.
I THINK THE REASON THE CITY HASN'T DONE IT IN FIVE YEARS IS BECAUSE IT'S EXTRAORDINARY COMPLICATED.
>> NO. IT'S BECAUSE [INAUDIBLE] DID IT FOR LIKE 25 YEARS IN-
>> BUT THEY HAVEN'T DONE IT NOW IN FIVE YEARS, AND SO I'M NOT THE CITY AS A MODEL FOR THE WAY IN WHICH THE COUNTY WANTS TO DO IT.
NOW, IF THE COUNTY NO LONGER WANTS TO FORECLOSE, THAT IS ALSO A POLICY DECISION THAT IS ABOVE MY PAY GRADE, THAT WOULD BE UP TO THIS BODY AND THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE.
BUT AS I SAID, NOW, FOR TWO YEARS, SINCE I TOOK OVER, THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT IS RECOVERED IN THIS PROCESS IS SIGNIFICANT,
[00:15:01]
AND AS THIS BODY AUTHORIZES 1,600 PROPERTIES ROUGHLY.IN THE END, WE TALK ABOUT 400.
THAT MEANS THE VAST MAJORITY OF FOLKS FOR WHATEVER REASON, PERSONAL FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES, LOGISTICS, LOST MAIL, FOR WHATEVER REASON MOST PEOPLE WANT TO PAY THEIR TAXES, AND THIS PROCESS AFFORDS THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO THAT.
I THINK IT WOULD BE A MISTAKE TO STOP DOING FORECLOSURES LIKE CITY OF BUFFALO OR AND I DON'T HAVE A STRONG OPINION ABOUT DOING AN IN HOUSE OR NOT, BUT IT'S NOT MY IT WOULD BE UP TO THIS BODY TO ALLOW ME TO HIRE AS MANY PEOPLE AS I NEED TO DO IT, AND IT CAN'T JUST BE DONE BY ONE PERSON OR ONE PERSON AND THIS SUPPORT STAFF.
BUT AGAIN, YOU HAVE TO CONVINCE YOUR COLLEAGUES, YOU'RE NOT GOING TO CONVINCE ME, YOU GOT TO CONVINCE YOUR COLLEAGUES, AND THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE THAT THAT IS A BETTER APPROACH.
>> SECOND IS THAT IN THE CHARTER, IT'S ABOUT COUNTY LEGISLATOR HAS THE RIGHT TO APPROVE THE FORECLOSURE PLACES, WHICH IS.
>> FORECLOSED. AND I KNOW OTHER MUNICIPALITIES JUST FORECLOSED AGAINST EVERYONE, THAT'S THE MINIMUS AND WE'RE ONLY FORECLOSING AGAINST 20% OR SO OF THE PROPERTIES THAT WOULD BE SUBJECT TO FORECLOSURE WITH TAXES OVER THREE-THIRDS OLD, THREE OR MORE YEARS OLD.
SO I WAS WONDERING, ARE WE GOING TO GET THE LIST THIS YEAR OF ALL THE PROPERTIES SO WE CAN JUST, AS AN OVERSIGHT BODY, TO SEE WHICH ONES ARE NOT BEING FORECLOSED BACK?
>> WELL, I THOUGHT THAT LIST WAS PROVIDED EARLIER IN THE YEAR.
>> THAT'S THE LIST OF THE PROPERTIES THAT ARE BEING FORECLOSED, NOT THE LIST OF THE PROPERTIES THAT AREN'T BEING FORECLOSED.
>> I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THAT HAD BEEN DISCLOSED.
>> NO, WE PROVIDED A LIST OF THE ONES THAT ARE BEING FORECLOSED, NOT THE ONES THAT AREN'T BEING FORECLOSED.
>> LEGISLATOR, WE CAN GET YOU ANY INFORMATION YOU WANT, YES.
>> I'VE ASKED THAT BEFORE AND I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT BEFORE OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS AND I'VE NEVER RECEIVED IT.
SO IS THERE A WAY I COULD GET THAT IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS OR IF THAT'S.
>> YES, I'LL GET YOU THAT INFORMATION.
>> YES, I MEAN, BUT I'VE TOLD THAT BEFORE, AND THAT'S WHY I WANTED TO MAKE SURE, THAT I JUST THINK IT'S PART OF THE OVERSIGHT OF IT TO DO THAT BEFORE AND WE EVEN WROTE THAT LIST.
>> I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THAT LIST HAD BEEN SHARED.
THE PROBLEM, OF COURSE, THOUGH, IS THE LIST TODAY IS NOT THE LIST TOMORROW, WHICH IS NOT THE SAME LIST AS IT WAS YESTERDAY.
SO THAT LIST IS A CONSTANT CHANGE BECAUSE PEOPLE PAY THEIR TAXES, PEOPLE FILE LAWSUITS TO PREVENT THE FORECLOSURE.
AND SO IT IS AN EVER EVOLVING LIST.
BUT I KNOW THIS BODY, USING THEIR OVERSIGHT, WORKING WITH THE DIVISION OF REAL PROPERTY SERVICES, CAME UP WITH A WRITTEN POLICY AS TO WHAT GOES IN AND WHAT GOES OUT.
AND SO I THOUGHT THAT THE PROCESS WAS MORE TRANSPARENT.
I THINK IT IS MORE TRANSPARENT THAN IT WAS WHEN I STARTED TWO YEARS AGO BECAUSE THE PROCESS BY WHICH SCOTT DECIDES TO PUT SOMETHING IN FORECLOSURE OR NOT IS TRANSPARENT.
WHETHER OR NOT YOU RECEIVED ACTUAL LIST I THOUGHT YOU HAVE, BUT APPARENTLY YOU HAVEN'T.
SO I WILL CERTAINLY ENCOURAGE HIM TO SHARE THAT LIST.
>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS FOR THE COUNTY ATTORNEY? LEGISLATOR TODARO?
>> THANK YOU, CHAIR. SO I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT WHAT IS THE MAKEUP OF THE PROPERTIES BEING LANDLOCKED? I DISCOVERED BEING AT THE AUCTION JUST TO WATCH AND I DISCOVERED THAT A LOT OF LANDLOCKED PROPERTIES, MULTIPLE, HAVE NOT BEEN MOVED.
NO ONE'S BIDDING ON THEM BECAUSE THEY'RE LANDLOCKED.
>> THAT'S SOMETHING YOU GOT TO ASK, SCOTT.
I WOULD NOT BE IN A POSITION NOR DO I HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO SET POLICY AS TO HOW TO.
I KNOW LANDLOCKED PROPERTIES ARE VERY DIFFICULT.
WHOEVER OWNS THEM, LANDLOCKED PROPERTIES ARE VERY DIFFICULT, BUT I CAN'T ANSWER.
>> I MEAN, ON THE LIABILITY SIDE OF IT, I'D LIKE TO SEE SOMEHOW WE HAVE A PLAN THAT THOSE CAN BE SOLD OFF AT A REASONABLE PRICE TO ANYONE THAT ADJOINS THE PROPERTY, GIVE THEM THE FIRST RIGHT TO PURCHASE AND IT ON TO THEIR PARCEL, JUST TO REMOVE THE LIABILITY.
>> AND I KNOW WE HAVE DONE THAT, BUT YOU GOT TO TALK TO SCOTT.
>> YEAH, I WILL. AND THEN ALSO, CAN I REQUEST THAT OUR CHIEF OF STAFF GET A LIST ALSO? PLEASE. THANK YOU. THAT'S ALL I HAVE.
>> LEGISLATOR TODARO, ACTUALLY, TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION, SO LAST JULY, SCOTT PUT OVER A RESOLUTION TO START SELLING LANDLOCKED PARCELS.
ONE SPECIFIC SET OF PARCELS WAS IN THE VILLAGE OF LANCASTER, RIGHT BY COLEMAN PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, LIKE THE OLD PAPER STREETS AND THAT KIND OF STUFF.
[00:20:02]
AND I JUST TALKED TO SCOTT MAYBE A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO.CONTRACT'S EXECUTED. IT'S WITH THE AUCTIONEER, AND EVERYTHING YOU SAID IS WHAT SCOTT'S HOLDING IS GOING TO HAPPEN.
IT'S GOING TO ONLY BECAUSE THEY'RE LANDLOCKED.
IT'S ONLY PEOPLE THAT HAVE ACCESS TO THE PROPERTY.
THEY'RE GOING TO START, I BELIEVE SCOTT SAID SOMEWHERE BELOW MARKET BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF COMPETITION THERE CAN BE.
BECAUSE IF THREE PEOPLE TOUCH THIS PROPERTY, YOU CAN'T HAVE LEGISLATOR GREENE GOING BY PROPERTY VILLAGE LANCASTER IF HE DOESN'T HAVE ACCESS TO THAT.
BUT EVERYTHING, LIKE YOU SAID, IS GOING TO HAPPEN.
SCOTT DID TWO OF THOSE FOR TWO DIFFERENT THINGS.
ONE WAS LANCASTER AND ONE WITH THE MANGOLAS AND WHATNOT.
SO I THINK HE SEES HOW THAT GOES AND THEN WE'RE GOING TO TRY TO MAKE OUR WAY THROUGH THOSE PARCELS OF LAND.
>> I THINK IT'D BE GREAT TO SEE MOVEMENT ON REMOVING THESE OFF THE LIST.
A MAJORITY OF THAT LIST IS ALL LANDLOCKED AND NOBODY'S MAKING THE BIDS ON JUST BECAUSE OF THAT.
>> OKAY, THANK YOU. THAT'S ALL I HAVE.
>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? THIS ITEM WILL BE UP FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION TODAY.
COMMUNICATION 12E-28 AS INDICATED.
COMMUNICATION 12D-1 THROUGH AND INCLUDING COMMUNICATION 12D-2 AS INDICATED.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PEOPLE AND OTHER AGENCIES, COMMUNICATION 12M-1 AS INDICATED.
ANY ANNOUNCEMENTS? WE WILL RECONVENE AT 12 NOON FOR A FORMAL SESSION.
THANK YOU, EVERYONE. GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYONE.
[ ROLL CALL]
I CALLED THIS MEETING OF THE ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE TO ORDER.THIS IS MEETING NUMBER 12 OF THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE JUNE 20, 2024.
MADAM CLERK, WOULD YOU PLEASE TAKE THE ROLE.
>> ALL MEMBERS PRESENT. THANK YOU.
TODAY'S INVOCATION WILL BE LED BY LEGISLATOR KOOSHOIAN.
AMEN, PLEASE REMAIN STANDING FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE LED BY LEGISLATIVE GREENE YOU MAY TAKE YOUR SEATS IF YOU ARE ABLE.
I ANSWER RECONSIDERATION FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING, THERE ARE NONE.
MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING,
[ MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: Meeting No. 11]
MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.>> THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. I MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION.
>> THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER. DO I HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON.
ON THE QUESTION. ALL IN FAVOR?
>> CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. THE MINUTES ARE APPROVED.
PUBLIC HEARINGS, THERE ARE NONE.
MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS ON PAGE 1 AND CONTINUED ON TO PAGE 2.
[ MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS:]
MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.>> THEN YOU, MADAM CHAIR, MOVE TO CONSIDER.
>> THERE'S BEEN A MOTION TO CONSIDER MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER. DO HAVE A SECOND.
>> SECONDED BY THE MINORITY LEADER.
ON THE QUESTION. ALL IN FAVOR?
>> CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. THE MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS ARE NOW BEFORE THE BODY.
MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.
>> MOVE TO AMEND TO INCLUDE ALL.
>> THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO AMEND THE MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS TO MAKE AT ALL MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADERS, BUT SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR GILMORE.
ON THE QUESTION. ALL IN FAVOR?
>> CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS ARE NOW AMENDED.
MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.
>> THANK YOU MADAM CHAIR, MOVE TO APPROVE AS AMENDED.
>> PROPER MOTION TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTIONS AS AMENDED MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER, SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON.
ON THE QUESTION. ALL IN FAVOR?
>> THE MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS ARE APPROVED AS AMENDED.
WE NOW HAVE A PRESENTATION FOR OUR ESTEEMED COMMISSIONER OF DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, MS. MARIE CANNON.
WOULD YOU PLEASE JOIN ME HERE AT THE DANCE? [APPLAUSE].
I'M GOING TO ASK THE MAJORITY LEADER AND THE MINORITY LEADER TO JOIN ME AS WELL.
WE ARE ALL VERY GRATEFUL FOR MARIE SERVICE HERE IN COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
AND SO WE ARE HERE TODAY TO PRESENT HER WITH A PROCLAMATION FOR HER SERVICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF ERIE COUNTY.
AND THE PROCLAMATION READS, WHEREAS DR. MARIE CANNON, COMMISSIONER CANNON JUST RECEIVED HER PHD.
WHEREAS DR. MARIE CANNON WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND TO SERVE OUR RESIDENTS THROUGHOUT ERIE COUNTY.
AND WHEREAS MARIE HOLDS A DOCTORAL DEGREE AND A MASTER'S DEGREE FROM THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK,
[00:25:06]
AND A BACHELOR'S DEGREE FROM CANISIUS UNIVERSITY.AND WHEREAS COMMISSIONER CANNON HAS BEEN LEADING THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES FOR THE LAST EIGHT YEARS IN WHICH SHE SPEARHEADED AN EFFORT TO TURN THE DEPARTMENTS INTO TRAUMA-INFORMED ORGANIZATIONS.
AND WHEREAS DURING HER TENURE AS COMMISSIONER, DR. CANNON HAS LED THE LARGEST DEPARTMENT OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT WITH A $618 MILLION ANNUAL BUDGET AND A STAFF OF OVER 1,500 PEOPLE.
WHEREAS MARIE HAS SERVED AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER FOR SEVERAL, NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, AND HAS OVER 34 YEARS OF EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE IN COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION SERVICE TO VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES.
AND WHEREAS SHE WAS NAMED THE US AND CANADIAN BY NATIONAL COMMUNITY ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR BY NIAGARA UNIVERSITY.
AND WHEREAS MARIE IS THE FIRST VICE PRESIDENT OF THE NEW YORK PUBLIC WELFARE ASSOCIATION REPRESENTING 58 SOCIAL SERVICE DISTRICTS AS A MEMBER OF GREATER BUFFALO RACIAL EQUITY ROUNDTABLE AND THE BUFFALO TOGETHER COMMUNITY RESPONSE FUND.
AND WHEREAS DR. CANNON SERVES ON THE NEW YORK STATE CHILD POVERTY REDUCTION ADVISORY COUNCIL AND GOVERNOR HOCHUL'S CHILD CARE AVAILABILITY TASK FORCE.
AND WHEREAS COMMISSIONER CANNON HAS ALWAYS BEEN SO UNDERSTANDING AND COMPASSIONATE ON THE SIDE OF PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING THROUGH HARDSHIPS OF ANY KIND.
AND WHEREAS THIS HONORABLE BODY DESIRES TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND RECOGNIZE INDIVIDUALS SUCH AS DR. MARIE A. CANNON, WHO ENHANCED, REPRESENT, AND CHANGED OUR COMMUNITY BY WAY OF ACTION.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED.
IT IS WITH GREAT ADMIRATION THAT THIS HONORABLE BODY ACKNOWLEDGES AND HONORS DR. MARIE CANNON FOR HER LEADERSHIP, LOVE, AND SELFLESS WORK AND HER DEVOTION TO SERVING OUR COMMUNITY AS COMMISSIONER OF EERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES FOR BEING SUCH A BLESSING AND ROLE MODEL AND WISHES HER WELL IN HER FUTURE AS THE CEO OF THE COMMUNITY ACTION ORGANIZATION OF WESTERN NEW YORK.
MARIE, I REMEMBER WHEN YOU BECAME THE COMMISSIONER, I REMEMBER THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH YOU BECAME THE COMMISSIONER, AND IT WAS UNEXPECTED.
AND YOU STEPPED UP WITH SUCH GRACE.
AND I'VE WITNESSED YOU JUST AS MY COLLEAGUES HAVE HERE, SERVE OUR COUNTY THROUGHOUT COVID 19, THROUGHOUT THE MASS SHOOTING, THROUGHOUT THE DEADLIEST BLIZZARD THAT THIS REGION HAS EVER SEEN.
AND WITH YOU HAVING THE LARGEST DEPARTMENT IN COUNTY GOVERNMENT, THE BODY OF GOVERNMENT THAT SERVES THE PEOPLE AND MAKE SURE THAT THEY HAVE THE BEST QUALITY OF LIFE THAT THEY CAN HAVE TO SEE YOU AS A BLACK WOMAN LEAD DURING SUCH TRAUMATIC AND TRAUMA TIMES, HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL EXPERIENCES THAT I HAVE HAD IN BEING A PUBLIC SERVANT.
AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT WE WILL GREATLY MISS YOU, AND YOU HAVE LEFT AN IMPRINT ON ERIE COUNTY, AND WE ARE FOREVER INDEBTED TO YOUR SERVICE AND FOREVER, YOUR FRIEND.
GOD BLESS YOU, SISTER [APPLAUSE].
I DON'T KNOW. FIRST, I WANT TO JUST SAY TO OUR COUNTY EXECUTIVE, MARK POLONCARZ, I REALLY APPRECIATE THAT HE SELECTED ME AS THE COMMISSIONER.
I DID COME KICKING AND SCREAMING BECAUSE THIS WAS NOT A JOB I EVER WANTED BECAUSE I UNDERSTOOD THE WEIGHT AND THE SEVERITY AND WHAT IT MEANT TO PEOPLE EVERY SINGLE DAY.
THIS HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING AND HONORABLE JOBS I'VE EVER HAD IN MY ENTIRE LIFE TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY.
AND WHAT I HOPE THAT I'VE DONE IS THAT I'VE SERVED OUR COMMUNITY WELL, AND I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT IT WAS A BETTER PLACE THAN HOW I FOUND IT.
AND THAT WE TOGETHER, AND TO YOU ALL, YOU'VE BEEN A PARTNER.
I CAN'T GET THE RIGHT TITLE OF MAJORITY LEADER, MISS BASKIN, AND JUST YOU ALL PARTNERING.
AND THERE'S A TEXT THAT SAYS IRON SHARPENS IRON.
SO EVERY TIME THAT YOU CHALLENGED ME, IT ACTUALLY MADE ME STRONGER, SMARTER, AND WISER.
SO THE NEXT TIME I CAME IN HERE, I WAS READY, AND TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION.
BUT I JUST REALLY WANTED TO SAY IT HAS BEEN HONOR TO SERVE AND TO WORK WITH YOU ALL.
AND I HAVE BEEN MISSION-DRIVEN MY ENTIRE LIFE,
[00:30:02]
AND IT MATTERS TO ME THAT PEOPLE ARE SERVED WELL AND THAT THIS COMMUNITY AND OUR GOVERNMENT SERVE PEOPLE WELL.SO CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE, ESPECIALLY FOR OUR MOST VULNERABLE COMMUNITY MEMBERS.
CONTINUE TO MAKE SURE THAT WHAT IS NEEDED IS DONE.
AND I NEED TO JUST SAY THIS TO MY STAFF WHO ARE HERE, I DIDN'T DO THIS ALONE, IT WAS BECAUSE I HAVE AN AWESOME TEAM.
I BELIEVE YOU ARE IN GOOD HANDS WITH THAT INTERIM COMMISSIONER KAREN WRIGHT VICKI, WHO HAVE SERVED AS OUR FIRST COMMISSIONER, BUT IT HAS BEEN THIS TEAM THAT THE REASON THAT I COULD STAND UP HERE AND SAY TO YOU ALL THAT WE'VE SERVED WELL.
IT IS BECAUSE WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO PARTNER WITH YOU ALL AS LEGISLATORS, OUR TEAM AND THIS COMMUNITY HAVE ACCEPTED WHAT WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO DO.
SO THANK YOU FOR THIS [APPLAUSE].
SEE, I'M NOT USED TO BEING A LEADER.
IT'S A DIFFERENT VIEW UP HERE [LAUGHTER].
>> [BACKGROUND] BITTER, BUT SWEET FOR US ALL.
CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA.
[ LOCAL LAWS:]
WE ARE NOW AT LOCAL LAWS.LOCAL LAW INTRO 2-1 AND LOCAL LAW INTRO 3-1 AS INDICATED.
LOCAL LAW INTRO 4-1, MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.
>> THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. MOTION TO TAKE LOCAL LAW INTRO 4-1 2024 SALES COMPENSATED TAX USE LAW AMENDMENT FROM THE TABLE.
>> THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO TAKE LOCAL LAW INTRO 4-1 FROM THE TABLE, AND IT HAS BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION.
ROLL CALL VOTE ON TAKING THE ITEM FROM THE TABLE, MADAM COURT.
>> THE MOTION PASSES, AND THE ITEM IS NOW BEFORE THE LEGISLATURE.
MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.
>> THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. MOVE TO APPROVE LOCAL LAW INTRO 4-1.
>> THERE HAS BEEN A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LOCAL LAW MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER, SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTION. ROLL CALL VOTE?
>> ON THE MOTION TO APPROVE LEGISLATOR GREENE?
>> EXPLAIN MY VOTE. THE EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY SALES TAX INCREASES CAN BE PASSED WITH A SIMPLE MAJORITY TODAY.
IT REQUIRES THE APPROVAL OF THE RESIDENTS OF ERIE COUNTY BY REFERENDUM.
DESPITE THE EFFORTS TO CONFUSE THE PUBLIC ON WHAT WILL INEVITABLY BE MULTIPLE BALLOT PROPOSITIONS AND POTENTIALLY DECEPTIVE LANGUAGE, WHEN YOU BOIL IT DOWN, THIS LAW REMOVES THE PUBLIC'S DIRECT VOTING RIGHT ON THIS ISSUE.
PROPOSING AND APPROVING A LAW THAT REDUCES THE VOTING RIGHTS OF OUR CONSTITUENTS IS BAD GOVERNMENTS AND ULTIMATELY IS UN-AMERICAN.
FOR THAT REASON, MY VOTE IS NO.
>> HE WAS EXPLAINING HIS VOTE.
>> EXPLAIN MY VOTE. AS HE HAS ALREADY SAID TODAY, THE TEMPORARY SALES TAX CAN BE PASSED WITH A SIMPLE MAJORITY.
YOU AREN'T TAKING AWAY MY VOICE, WE AREN'T TAKING AWAY THE VOICE OF THE MINORITY CAUCUS.
YOU'RE TAKING AWAY THE VOICE OF THE CONSTITUENTS THAT WE REPRESENT.
WE SHOULD BE WORKING ACROSS THE AISLE TO ENSURE THAT CERTAIN COMMUNITIES AREN'T FAVORED OVER OTHERS.
TODAY, WE HAVE A PRIME EXAMPLE LATER ON IN THE AGENDA WHERE WE HAVE TWO MILLION DOLLARS OF COURT BEING GIVEN TO VARIOUS SELECT COMMUNITIES.
THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORK ACROSS THE ISLAND.
THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THINGS CAN BE DONE WITH A SIMPLE MAJORITY.
WE SHOULD BE WORKING ACROSS THE AISLE.
I LOOK BACK AT THE CHAIRWOMAN'S COMMENTS LAST YEAR AND SAYING THAT DESPITE GROWING DISCONTENT IN POLITICS ACROSS THE NATION, WE'VE SHOWN THAT WE CAN WORK TOGETHER IN ERIE COUNTY.
WE SHOULD SHOW THAT WE CAN WORK TOGETHER IN ERIE COUNTY.
WE SHOULD CONTINUE TO STRIVE ABOVE RATHER THAN MEET
[00:35:03]
THE LOWEST COMMON DENOMINATOR AND MAKE SURE THAT ALL VOICES IN ERIE COUNTY ARE HEARD AS MY VOTE IS NO.>> THANK YOU, LEGISLATOR MILLS.
>> THANK YOU. I'VE BEEN ON THIS LEGISLATURE THIS IS MY 19TH YEAR AND THE SYSTEM WE HAVE AT THIS POINT IS NOT WORKING, SO WHY ARE WE OUT THERE TRYING TO FIX IT.
I THINK WE'VE MANAGED TO WORK TOGETHER, ESPECIALLY UNDER YOUR LEADERSHIP AND CHAIR.
I DON'T SEE A NEED TO DO THIS AND ALSO WE HAD A PUBLIC HEARING WHERE MANY PEOPLE THAT SHOWED UP AT A PUBLIC HEARING AGAINST THIS ISSUE.
I THINK THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION. MY VOTE IS NO.
>> THANK YOU, LEGISLATOR TODARO.
>> EXPLAIN MY VOTE. MADAM CHAIR, THE MAJORITY CAUCUS AND THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE BELIEVES THAT IT'S EASIER TO APPROVE THE LOCAL LAW THAN IT IS TO WORK IN BIPARTISAN FASHION FOR THE BETTERMENT OF ALL THE RESIDENTS OF ERIE COUNTY.
THIS IS SIMPLY PUT, IT IS A PARTISAN POWER GRAB.
IT IS A LACK OF LEADERSHIP BY THE MAJORITY SIDE.
A YES VOTE TO CHANGE THE COUNTY'S FINANCIAL PROCEDURES WILL CAST ASIDE OVER 315,000 VOTERS FROM THE RURAL AND SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES THAT'S 33 MUNICIPALITIES.
I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO VOTE NO.
IF APPROVED TODAY, I URGE THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO VETO THIS PROPOSAL.
IF APPROVED BY THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE, I URGE THE RESIDENTS TO VOTE NO TO THE REFERENDUM.
I WOULD LIKE TO STATE A DIRECT QUOTE FROM THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING JULY SALES TAX EXTENSION LESS THAN A YEAR AGO.
HIS WORDS WERE TO THE BUFFALO NEWS.
"THIS WILL ENSURE THE FISCAL STABILITY OF THE COUNTY FOR YEARS TO COME WHILE ALSO OFFERING SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS FOR OUR RESIDENTS, CHIEF PAUL AND CARLOS IN A STATEMENT.
I THANK MY PARTNERS AT THE LEGISLATURE FOR WORKING WITH MY ADMINISTRATION IN A COOPERATIVE MANNER.
THAT'S IN THE BEST INTEREST OF ALL OUR CONSTITUENTS. I VOTE NO.
>> THANK YOU, LEGISLATOR, PARKS MAIZ.
>> YES. I WANT TO EXPLAIN MY VOTE.
WE'RE TALKING ABOUT SOME THINGS THAT WE HIT ON HERE.
WE'RE TALKING ABOUT A SIMPLE MAJORITY VOTE VERSUS A SUPER MAJORITY VOTE AND HE TALKED ABOUT BOTH.
I GUESS IT WASN'T PORTABLE WHEN THEY WENT IN MAJORITY VOTE TO GET STUFF FOR THEM TO.
BUT, HEY, WHO AM I? I THINK THAT WE HAVE TO TAKE THE POLITICS OUT OF WHAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE.
WE SHOULDN'T BE GOING TO CREATING OUR OWN BILLS WHEN WE'RE TALKING ABOUT SELF TAX EXTENSION.
THAT'S A BENEFIT TO ALL OF ERIE COUNTY.
OUR COLLEAGUES ACROSS OUT HASN'T SAID ANYTHING THAT WOULD SAY THAT WE TOOK IN THE POWER AWAY FROM THE PEOPLE.
THEY HAVEN'T SAID ANYTHING YET THEY ARE ON THE RECORD TO SAY THAT WE HAVE DONE THAT BUT IN THEIR EXPLANATION OR REMARKS WHAT WE'VE DONE PURPOSELY TO TAKE THE POWER OF THE PEOPLE.
ALL WE'RE GOING TO DO HERE IS TAKE THE NEGOTIATIONS OUT OF SELF TAX COMPENSATION.
WE SHOULDN'T BE GOING AROUND THE BACK DOOR TO HAVE THESE CONVERSATIONS WITH THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO CREATE OUR OWN BILLS.
I THINK THIS IS A GOOD GOVERNMENT RIGHT HERE THAT WE WANT TO ELIMINATE THE SUPERMAJORITY VERSUS THE SIMPLE MAJORITY BECAUSE SUPER VERSUS SIMPLE IS AGAIN, AN EXTRA VOTE VERSUS HAVING SIX VOTES.
>> THANK YOU. LEGISLATOR BISULIAN?
>> I WANT TO EXPLAIN MY VOTE ABOUT THE AMERICAN COMMENTS.
TO ME, THERE'S NOTHING MORE AMERICAN THAN MAJORITY RULE THAT'S THE NATURE OF A DEMOCRACY AND A REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY IS THAT.
THAT'S NUMBER 1. NUMBER 2 IS THAT THIS WILL MAKE IT LESS LIKELY THAT SALES TAX WILL EVER BE INCREASED BECAUSE IT WILL REQUIRE A SIMPLE MAJORITY TO KEEP THE SALES TAX AS IS OR LOWER IT AND REQUIRE SUPERMAJORITY TO INCREASE IT SO THAT IS A PROTECTION TO THE TAXPAYERS.
THE OTHER THING IS IS THAT I'VE ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT THE SALES TAX WAS REGRESSIVE.
BETTER TO LOWER SALES TAX, BUT I'VE TALKED TO SO MANY VOTERS ALL OVER WESTERN NEW YORK, AND THEY WOULD PREFER A SALES TAX TO STAY AT THE EIGHT AND THREE QUARTERS TO ALLOW PROPERTY TAX TO GO DOWN AND THAT'S ALL PEOPLE IN DIFFERENT WAYS.
WE'VE HAD IN ERIE COUNTY PROPERTY TAX DECREASE IN THE TIME THAT PROPERTY TAXES ARE INCREASING ALL OVER THE PLACE, AND WE'VE HAD NOT ONLY IN THE AMOUNT, BUT IN THE TOTAL COLLECTED,
[00:40:02]
AND THAT'S BECAUSE OF THE SALES TAX.FOR THAT REASON, I THINK THAT IT'S NOT FAIR FOR A SMALL GROUP TO HOLD UP THE OTHERS AND TO SAY FOR THE MINORITY CAUCUS TO SAY, WE'RE IN ERIE COUNTY.
I DON'T KNOW IF VOTERS REALIZE THAT IN ERIE COUNTY, THE MAJORITY DISTRICTS PAY FOR POLICING OF THESE MINORITY DISTRICTS.
THE ROADS, THE INFRASTRUCTURE, THE UTILITIES.
MUCH OF THE CITIES AND LARGE FIRST RING SUBURBS ARE SUBSIDIZING THOSE SMALLER DISTRICTS THAT TO SAY THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE MORE WHEN THEY ARE GIVING SUCH A HUGE PERCENTAGE OF THE BUDGET GOES TO THOSE DISTRICTS THAT I THINK IT'S DISINGENUOUS.
FOR THESE REASONS I'M VOTING, YES.
>> THANK YOU. THE VOTE IS 7-4.
THE MOTION CARRIES AND LOCAL LAW IS APPROVED.
CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA, LOCAL LAW INTRO 5-1 2024, FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE ERIE COUNTY CHARTER IN RELATION TO TERM LENGTH LIMITS WILL BE SENT TO THE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE UNDER MY AUTHORITY AS CHAIR.
COMMITTEE REPORTS. REPORT NUMBER 11 FROM THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE.
[ COMMITTEE REPORTS:]
COMMITTEE CHAIR JOHNSON.>> YES. ON THIS ONE, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE THE ITEM SEPARATED OUT OF THAT. SPEAK TO IT, YES.
>> I'D REQUEST TO SEPARATE ITEM 3-11E-4.
>> LEGISLATOR LORIGO, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.
>> I REQUEST TO SEPARATE FROM THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT ITEM 3, IT'S COMMUNICATIONS 11.
>> THERE'S BEEN A MOTION TO SEPARATE.
WELL, WE WILL SEPARATE THE ITEM AND THEN ARE YOU GOING TO JUST GO TO APPROVE THE BALANCE OF THE REPORT?
>> DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER COMMENTS, LEGISLATOR?
>> SEPARATION OF ITEM NUMBER 3.
>> SEPARATION TO ITEM NUMBER 3 I MOVE TO.
>> APPROVE THE BALANCE OF THE REPORT.
>> SECONDED BY THE MAJORITY LEADER? ALL IN FAVOR?
>> ARE YOU MAKING A MOTION ON ITEM NUMBER 3?
>> I WILL ACKNOWLEDGE YOU IF YOU'D RATHER MAKE THE MOTION.
LEGISLATOR LORIGO, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.
>> MOTION TO APPROVE THE SEPARATE ITEM NUMBER 3.
>> THERE'S A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ITEM.
>> I'M SORRY. MOTION TO TAKE VOTE. I DON'T KNOW WHAT.
>> YES. MOTION TO APPROVE. DO I HAVE A SECOND?
>> THERE'S BEEN A MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM NUMBER 3 MADE BY LEGISLATOR LORIGO.
IT'S BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR TODARO.
ON THE QUESTION LEAD CONVO MADAM CLERK.
>> TRYING TO CATCH UP. ARE WE APPROVING THE BALANCE OR ARE WE APPROVING.
[OVERLAPPING] THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT.
>> THEN YOU VOTE NO. [OVERLAPPING].
>> THIS IS CALLED BIPARTISANSHIP JUST RIGHT HERE.
CONTINUING ON OUR AGENDA, REPORT NUMBER 11 FROM THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, CHAIR JOHNSON.
>> IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.
>> THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL MADE BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON.
THE SECOND WAS THE MAJORITY LEADER ON THE QUESTION. ALL IN FAVOR?
>> THE REPORT IS APPROVED REPORT NUMBER 8 FROM THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE, COMMITTEE CHAIR GILMORE.
>> IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.
>> THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION APPROVAL MADE BY COMMITTEE CHAIR GILMORE, HAS BEEN SECONDED BY A MAJORITY LEADER ON THE QUESTION. ALL IN FAVOR?
REPORT NUMBER 8 FROM THE ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE, COMMITTEE CHAIR MEYERS.
>> THANK YOU MADAM CHAIR. MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.
>> THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION MADE BY THE COMMITTEE CHAIR.
IT'S BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR GILMORE ON THE QUESTION. ALL IN FAVOR?
>> THE REPORT IS APPROVED. REPORT NUMBER 7 FROM THE FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. COMMITTEE CHAIR MEYERS.
>> MADAM CHAIR I MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.
>> THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION APPROVAL MADE BY THE COMMITTEE CHAIR, SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON ON THE QUESTIONS. ALL IN FAVOR?
[ LEGISLATOR RESOLUTIONS:]
[00:45:01]
INTRO 12-1, MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.THIS ITEM IS GOING TO BE SENT TO FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UNDER MY AUTHORITIES CHAIR. FORGIVE ME, MEMBERS.
CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA.
LEGISLATOR JOHNSON, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.
>> YES. THIS IS COMMUNICATION 12-2.
THIS IS THE CITIZENS SALARY COMMISSION.
THE CITIZEN SALARY REVIEWED BY CHARTER HAS TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THIS BODY EVERY TWO YEARS, BASED ON THAT.
THIS RESOLUTION, WE'VE TALKED ABOUT THIS A NAUSEA I JUST ASK YOU TO PUT SUPPORT ON THAT.
>> MOTION TO APPROVE. THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION MADE BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON.
IT'S BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR VINAL ON THE QUESTION.
>> ROLL CALL VOTE ON THE STANDARD REVIEW COMMISSION RESOLUTION. MADAM CLERK.
>> THREE YEARS AGO [INAUDIBLE]
>> THANK YOU, LEGISLATOR LORIGO.
>> EXPLAIN MY VOTE. OUR FOUNDING FATHERS WANTED CITIZEN LEGISLATORS.
IT WAS NEVER MEANT THAT OUR PUBLIC SERVANTS WOULD BE CAREER POLITICIANS.
THIS JOB IS NOT MEANT TO BE A SOLE INCOME, AND WE SHOULDN'T BE BACK FILLING IT JUST BECAUSE SOME LEGISLATORS WANT TO TREAT IT AS SUCH.
THE COST OF LIVING IS ON THE RISE.
ALL OF OUR CONSTITUENTS DEAL WITH IT EVERY SINGLE DAY JUST LIKE WE DO.
UNFORTUNATELY, THEY DON'T GET TO VOTE TO SPEND THEIR TAX DOLLARS ON GIVING THEIR OWN PAYCHECKS, NOR SHOULD WE.
WE SHOULD NOT BE VOTING FOR THIS.
I WOULD URGE MY COLLEAGUES ACROSS THE AISLE TO DO THE SAME. MY VOTE IS NO.
>> THANK YOU, LEGISLATOR MILLS.
>> EXPLAIN MY VOTE. MADAM CHAIR, THE COUNTY, THE NATION IS HURTING.
INFLATION IS THROUGH THE ROOF.
HOW CAN WE ALL SIT HERE AND SAY, I ACCEPT THE PAY RAISE IN FRONT OF OUR CONSTITUENTS? I THINK IT'S JUST WRONG.
I CAN'T EVEN SIT HERE TO FATHOM EVEN THINKING, SHOULD WE GET A RAISE? I THINK WE CAN DO A BETTER JOB AS A BODY.
I THINK WE SHOULD STOP SPENDING, GROWING GOVERNMENT.
BASED ON THE SIZE OF OUR COMMUNITY, OUR COMMUNITY IS NOT GROWING TO THE SIZE THAT OUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT IS GROWING RATIO WISE.
>> THANK YOU. LEGISLATOR BARGNESI.
>> YES. I'D LIKE TO EXPLAIN MY VOTE.. FIRST, I WANT TO POSE A QUESTION.
[INAUDIBLE] IF THIS PAY RAISE PASSES, WILL YOU GUYS PARDON YOUR SALARY?
>> I THINK LAWFULLY, WE CANNOT DECLINE THE RAISE.
>> WILL YOU DONATE TO CHARITY?
>> I WAS JUST ASKING A QUESTION.
>> BUT TO MY POINT, HE TALKED ABOUT INFLATION.
THE PRICE OF GAS IN 1996 WAS $1.23.
THE PRICE OF GAS TODAY IS $4.59 A GALLON.
THAT'S LEFT [INAUDIBLE] PRICE OF GOODS AND SERVICES ARE GOING UP.
THAT'S NOT HUNDREDS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS MILLIONS OF DOLLARS.
THAT'S A SMALL INCREMENTAL INCREASE.
THAT'S JUST THE PRICE OF DOING BUSINESS.
THINGS ARE INCREASING ALL AROUND US.
THE PRICE OF CARS HAS WENT UP, EVERYTHING HAS WENT UP.
FOR ME, THIS IS A FULL TIME JOB.
I DON'T HAVE SOMEBODY HELP ME.
THIS IS ME. I DON'T EVEN SPEAK FOR ME.
I DON'T HAVE ANOTHER JOB [INAUDIBLE] SO WE SHOULD BE COMPENSATED FAIR.
WE REPRESENT 82,000 CONSTITUENTS FROM HISTORY.
THE ENTIRE COST FAR EXCEED OUR OWN REPRESENT 27,000.
[00:50:06]
I CROSS OVER FIVE COUNCIL DISTRICTS AND I AM IN.I KNOW EVERYTHING THAT'S HAPPENED IN MY DISTRICT.
I CAN'T SPEAK TO ANYBODY ELSE, BUT I KNOW EVERYTHING.
I'M IN THE NUTS AND BOLTS I'M PROBABLY AROUND BUT EVERYTHING THAT'S HAPPENING IN THE DISTRICT SO WE SHOULD BE COMPENSATED FAIRLY.
THIS IS NOT ASKING FOR ANYTHING UNJUST.
THIS IS NOT ASKING FOR A HUNDREDS OF THOUSAND DOLLARS TO SAY, HEY, LOOK, WE JUST WANT TO KEEP UP WITH THE PRICE INFLATION.
FOR THAT I'M GOING TO BE A YES.
>> THANK YOU. LEGISLATOR KOOSHOIAN.
MY VOTE IS YES, BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT IT'S NOT FOR US THAT ARE SITTING HERE, IT IS FOR THE PEOPLE THAT GET ELECTED NEXT TIME AND BY HAVING A SALARY WHERE WE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS.
THE IDEA OF HAVING IT LIMITED TO CITIZENS VOLUNTEERS IS FROM AN IDEA OF A FIRM THAT'S RUN BY A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO SOME ARE NOT EVEN ELIGIBLE TO VOTE AT THAT TIME.
THE IDEA OF HAVING A HOUSE OF LORDS IS NOT THE WAY I'M GOING TO SET IN ERIE COUNTY.
THE IDEA OF HAVING IT THAT ANYBODY CAN TAKE THIS JOB AND IT NOT BE SUCH A SACRIFICE ON THEIR FAMILY OR ON THERE OTHER SITUATION IS WHAT IT IS.
WE'RE VOTING FOR THIS FOR THE NEXT PEOPLE TO MAKE MORE PEOPLE TO BE ABLE TO RUN AND MAKE PEOPLE SO THAT THEY CAN AFFORD TO DO THIS JOB AND THAT WE HAVE DIVERSITY.
WE KNOW IF SOMEONE'S RETIRED, THEY HAVE A GOOD PENSION, THEY CAN WORK HERE.
SOMEONE HAS A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS, THEY CAN WORK HERE.
BUT I THINK YOU GET MORE DIVERSITY AND [INAUDIBLE] YOU GET PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, YOU GET PEOPLE OF ALL ECONOMIC GROUPS.
YOU WANT NOT ONLY RATIO, BUT YOU WANT ECONOMIC DIVERSITY.
IT'S SO IMPORTANT TO HAVE A MEANINGFUL DISCUSSION.
FOR THAT REASON, I'M VOTING YES.
I THINK THAT SAME WAY WITH THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE.
HE WON'T BE BENEFITING BY THIS RAISE, BUT THAT IT IS A BIG JOB, AND IT SHOULDN'T BE THAT IT'S SUCH A BIG DISPARITY BETWEEN THE DEPUTY AND THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE WHO WORKS FOR 24 HOURS A DAY REALLY ON THE JOB, AND SAME EVEN WITH THE SHERIFF.
THE PEOPLE WHO WORK UNDER THE SHERIFF MAKE SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT, AND IT'S HARD TO GET PEOPLE TO RUN FOR THAT JOB BECAUSE OF THE COST AND BECAUSE IT'S SUCH A TIME CONSUMING JOB.
FOR THAT REASON, I'M VOTING YES.
>> THANK YOU. THE VOTE IS SIX TO FIVE.
>> SIX TO FIVE, THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE ITEM IS APPROVED.
CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA FROM THE MAJORITY CAUCUS A RE APPROPRIATION OF CULTURAL CAPITAL FUNDING.
MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR FOR.
>> THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. DO AMENDMENT WITH [INAUDIBLE] PASSED OUT.
>> THE ITEM PASSED OUT. MS. VINAL, YOU HAVE TO MOVE TO CONSIDER FIRST THE LEGISLATURE. MAKE A MOTION TO CONSIDER.
>> MOTION TO CONSIDER MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.
>> SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR GILMOUR ON THE QUESTION. ALL IN FAVOR?
>> THE ITEM IS NOW BEFORE THE BODY. MAJORITY LEADER.
>> THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. MOVED [INAUDIBLE].
>> THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO AMEND THE ITEM WITH WHAT'S BEEN PASSED OUT BY THE MAJORITY LEADER, HAS BE SECOND BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON.
ON THE QUESTION. LEGISLATIVE RYAN.
>> I AM VOTING FOR THIS RESOLUTION, WHICH INCLUDES IN MY DISTRICT, THE TOWN OF AMHERST, THEY HAVE A GROUND IMPROVEMENT PARK, WHICH IS 200,000 GOING TO THAT, 200,000 IS BEING PUT IN BY THE TOWN OF AMHERST, AND IT'S GOING TO BE AT THE WINDERMERE PARKS AND IT WILL BE USED BY THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.
LIKEWISE, THE PLUMBING FOR ISLAND PARK, WHICH IS IN THE VILLAGE OF WILLIAMSVILLE, THAT'S ALSO USED BY THE ENTIRE REGION.
THOSE ARE TWO. WE HAVE NOT ONE COUNTY PARK IN DISTRICT 5 SO APPROPRIATING THIS MONEY FOR PARKS, WHICH IS FAR LESS THAN WHAT'S GIVEN OUT IN OTHER DISTRICTS IS APPROPRIATE, AND I WAS I'M GLAD THAT ABLE TO FIGHT FOR THAT FOR MY COMMITTEE.
>> ON THE MOTION TO AMEND, ON THE QUESTION.
ALL IN FAVOR ON THE MOTION TO AMEND?
>> CARRY THE MOTION. MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.
>> THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. WE 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. ROLL CALL VOTE.
>> THANK YOU. EXPLAIN MY VOTE.
I'LL BE PRETTY SIMPLE ON THIS ONE.
AS WE'VE SEEN, FROM THE COUNTY COMPTROLLER, HE'S MADE IT VERY CLEAR THAT ERIE COUNTY HAS SPENDING PROBLEM.
EVEN OUR BUDGET DIRECTOR HAS RAISED SOME RED FLAGS REGARDING SOME BUDGET CRUNCHES THAT WE ARE ANTICIPATING THIS YEAR.
IF WE END UP SHORT ON THE BUDGET, THIS TYPE OF MEASUREMENT IS SOMETHING WE COULD HAVE USED TO CLOSE THAT GAP.
GETTING RID OF THIS MONEY THIS EARLY IN THE YEAR WITHOUT KNOWING WHERE WE'RE GOING TO BE LONG TERM IS A PROBLEM SO FOR THAT I'M NO.
>> THANK YOU, LEGISLATOR LORIGO.
>> EXPLAIN MY VOTE. I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT
[00:55:01]
THAT WE DON'T CONFUSE THIS FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN WHAT IT IS.TODAY IS A DAY THAT WE'RE DUMPING ALL THE GARBAGE WITH EVERYTHING ELSE OUT THERE.
WE'RE TAKING AWAY THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE WITH SALES TAX.
WE'RE RAISING ELECTED OFFICIALS SALARIES ON THE TAXPAYER DOLLAR, AND NOW WE'RE PUTTING FORWARD TWO MILLION DOLLARS OF PORK AND TYING IT TO A CARPET PROJECT UP HERE.
UNFORTUNATELY, IT'S JUST THE CHERRY ON TOP FOR TODAY.
WE SHOULDN'T BE PUSHING OUT MORE PORK FUNDING AND DOING IT IN A WAY THAT THIS WAS FEDERAL FUNDING THAT WAS MEANT TO BENEFIT ALL OF ERIE COUNTY, NOT JUST SELECT MUNICIPALITIES WITH MAJORITY CAUCUS.
IT IS REALLY A PRIME EXAMPLE OF WHAT A SIMPLE MAJORITY GETS YOU IN ERIE COUNTY GOVERNMENT TODAY. I'M NO.
>> THANK YOU. LEGISLATOR MILLS.
>> I'M QUITE SURPRISED WITH FAMILY.
WE TALKED ABOUT NEGOTIATING FOR BUDGET, WHICH WE DID.
THE HEADLINES IN BUFFALO WAS NO PORK BASED ON BUDGET, AND I WAS REALLY HAPPY WITH THAT [INAUDIBLE].
BUT NOW I TURN AROUND AND I SEE THIS DOCUMENT HERE.
BASICALLY, IT GIVES PORK TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE EXCLUSIVELY, AND I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THAT, TOO SO IT'S NOT FAIR AND IT COMES OUT IN A CLEAR BLUE SKY.
WE WEREN'T MADE AWARE OF THIS.
I'M REALLY DISHEARTENED OVER THIS BECAUSE IT'S SOMETHING THAT I THOUGHT WE WERE ON THE RIGHT TRACK WORKING TOGETHER AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THIS THING POPS UP.
>> THANK YOU. LEGISLATOR TODARO.
>> EXPLAIN MY VOTE. JUST A FEW VOTES AGO, I HEARD THE WORD PORK.
WELL, HERE WE ARE TWO MILLION DOLLARS IN PORK.
I HAVE NO RESERVATIONS WHATSOEVER OF ANY OF THESE GREAT ESTABLISHMENTS THAT WILL BE RECEIVING THE MONEY BUT THE MAJORITY SIDE HAS MADE A DECISION TO SPEND TWO MILLION FOR THEIR DISTRICTS AND FORGOT THE MINORITY SIDE AGAIN. I'M NO.
>> THANK YOU. LEGISLATOR BARGNESI.
>> THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE RESOLUTION IS APPROVED AS AMENDED.
CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA.
COMMUNICATIONS DISCHARGED FROM COMMITTEE, THERE ARE NONE.
[ SUSPENSION OF THE RULES:]
MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.>> THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. TWO SUSPENSIONS; FIRST FROM SHERIFF'S OFFICE OF PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENT.
>> MOVED FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL.
>> THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION TO MOVE THE ITEM FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER. THE SECOND.
>> SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON.
ON THE QUESTION. ALL IN FAVOR?
>> THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE ITEM IS APPROVED.
MR. MEYERS, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.
>> THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. THE SECOND SUSPENSION IS FROM THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE OR DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE PERSONNEL MODIFICATION.
>> THIS ITEM IS DIRECTED TO THE FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UNDER MY AUTHORITY AS CHAIR.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM ELECTED OFFICIAL.
[ COMMUNICATIONS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS:]
COMMUNICATION 12E-1 THROUGH INCLUDING COMMUNICATION 12E-25 AS INDICATED.MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.
>> THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. MOVED FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.
>> THIS IS THE COUNTY EXECUTIVES REAPPROPRIATION OF PRIOR YEAR FUNDING TO THE DIVISION OF BUILDING AND GROUNDS.
THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER. THE SECOND.
>> SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR GILMOUR. ALL IN FAVOR.
>> THAT WAS IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION APPROVAL?
>> THIS ITEM IS DONE. COMMUNICATION 12E-27, MAJORITY LEADER, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.
>> THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. MOVED FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL.
>> THERE'S BEEN A PROPER MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL MADE BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.
IT'S BEEN SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR GILMOUR.
ON THE QUESTION. ALL IN FAVOR?
COMMUNICATION 12E-28 AS INDICATED IN OUR AGENDA AND COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE DEPARTMENTS.
[ COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE DEPARTMENTS:]
COMMUNICATION 12D-1 AND INCLUDING COMMUNICATION 12D-2 AS INDICATED.[ COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PEOPLE AND OTHER AGENCIES:]
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PEOPLE AND OTHER AGENCIES.COMMUNICATION 12M-1 AS INDICATED.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, THE LEGISLATURE WILL CONDUCT
[ ANNOUNCEMENTS:]
COMMITTEE MEETINGS NEXT WEEK, THURSDAY, JUNE 27, AND THE SCHEDULE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED,[01:00:01]
AND WE WILL HAVE A HOLIDAY ON THURSDAY, JULY 4 SO OUR NEXT SCHEDULED SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE WILL NOT TAKE PLACE UNTIL THURSDAY, JULY 11.ANY OTHER MEMBERS HAVE ANY OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS? HEARING NONE, PLEASE STAND IF YOU ARE ABLE FOR
[ MEMORIAL RESOLUTIONS:]
MEMORIAL RESOLUTIONS.>> THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS, AS MANY OF YOU GUYS KNOW, I COACH A VARIETY OF SPORTS, BASEBALL, HOCKEY.
LAST SATURDAY, YOU CAN IMAGINE ON THE FIELD, THERE CAN BE A LITTLE BIT FIGHT.
WE CAN ALL HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF FUN. BUT I'LL BE RESPECTFUL OF MEDIA AND WE TALK AFTERWARDS.
I HAD [INAUDIBLE] WHO I'VE MET FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS, LAST SATURDAY, EMMET CALDWELL AND WE HAD A REALLY NICE TIME AND THE NEXT DAY EXPIRED AT A VERY YOUNG AGE LEAVING SEVERAL KIDS.
>> I'M SO SORRY, LEGISLATOR. WE MOURN WITH YOU.
WE'RE SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS AS TRAGIC AND SUDDEN.
MAY THE LORD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND HIS FAMILY DURING HIS TIME OF GRIEF. MINORITY LEADER.
JOURNEY AND MEMORY OF SHARON [INAUDIBLE].
>> I'M SORRY FOR YOU LOSS, LEGISLATOR. LEGISLATOR JOHNSON.
>> I WANT TO JOIN IN THE MEMORY OF BASEBALL GREAT WILLY BAGS.
>> THANK YOU, LEGISLATOR. A MOMENT OF SILENCE.
AMEN. I'LL RETAIN A MOTION TO ADJOURN.
>> MOTION TO ADJOURN BY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON, SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR GILMOUR.
>> PLEASE STAND ADJOURNED.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.