[ ROLL CALL]
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OKAY, GOOD MORNING EVERYBODY. I CALL THIS MEETING TO ORDER.
MEETING NUMBER 14, THE ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE, JULY 9TH, 2026. CLERK, PLEASE TAKE THE ROLL.
AND VINAL. ALL MEMBERS PRESENT.
THANK YOU, CLERK. PLEASE RISE FOR THE INVOCATION. MOMENT OF SILENCE, PLEASE. THANK YOU.
PLEASE REMAIN STANDING FOR THE PLEDGE. WILL BE LED BY THE MINORITY LEADER.
TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THROUGH THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. THANK YOU. OKAY, I WILL NOW OPEN UP THE FLOOR FOR THE FIRST PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD. WE ASK THAT SPEAKERS KEEP THEIR COMMENTS RELATING TO ANY MATTERS OF TODAY'S AGENDA. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND, ALL SPEAKERS KEEP THEIR REMARKS TO 3 MINUTES. THE CLERK WILL RING THE BELL WHEN THERE ARE 30 SECONDS LEFT. ARE THERE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS BEFORE WE START TO SPEAK? NO QUESTIONS, OKAY. WE HAVE ANYBODY WHO SIGNED UP, ANYBODY WHO'D LIKE TO SPEAK IN THE FIRST PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD? LAST CALL FOR THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD.
OKAY, I WILL CLOSE THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD AT THIS TIME.
CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA. TABLED ITEMS, THERE ARE NONE. ITEMS FOR RECONSIDERATION, THERE ARE NONE. MINUTES
[ MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING]
FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING, MAJORITY LEADER. MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION, APPROVED BY THE MAJORITY LEADER. WE HAVE A SECOND BY THE MINORITY LEADER.
ON THE QUESTION, ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. OPPOSED? 11-0 CARRY UNANIMOUSLY. MAJORITY LEADER, UM, WHAT ARE WE ON, SESSION 13 THEN? MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION, APPROVAL.
OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION, APPROVAL FOR THE MINUTES OF MEETING NUMBER 13 BY THE MAJORITY LEADER. WE HAVE A SECOND BY LEGISLATOR VINAL.
ON THE QUESTION, ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
OPPOSED? 11-0 CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. PUBLIC HEARINGS, THERE ARE NONE AT THIS TIME. MISCELLANEOUS
[ MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS:]
RESOLUTIONS ON PAGE 1 AND CONTINUED ON TO PAGE 2.MAJORITY LEADER, MOVE TO CONSIDER.
OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION TO CONSIDER BY THE MAJORITY LEADER, A SECOND BY THE MINORITY LEADER.
ON THE QUESTION, ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
OPPOSED? 11-0 CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. THE MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS ARE NOW BEFORE THE LEGISLATURE.
MAJORITY LEADER. MOVE TO AMEND TO INCLUDE AT ALL SPONSORSHIP. OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION TO INCLUDE AT ALL SPONSORSHIP BY THE MAJORITY LEADER. WE HAVE A SECOND BY LEGISLATOR ST.
JEAN-TARD. ON THE QUESTION, ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
OPPOSED? 11-0 CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MAJORITY LEADER. MOVE TO APPROVE AS AMENDED.
OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE AS AMENDED BY THE MAJORITY LEADER. WE HAVE A SECOND BY LEGISLATOR VINAL.
ON THE QUESTION, ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
OPPOSED? 11-0 CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. THE MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS ARE APPROVED AS AMENDED.
[ COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PEOPLE AND OTHER AGENCIES:]
WE WILL TAKE A BREAK. WE HAVE A PRESENTATION FROM THE ERIE COUNTY CORRECTIONS SPECIALIST ADVISORY BOARD ON THEIR ANNUAL REPORT.GOOD AFTERNOON. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR GIVING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TODAY. MY NAME IS LINDSAY ALLEN. I'M THE CHAIR OF THE ERIE COUNTY CORRECTIONS SPECIALIST ADVISORY BOARD. I'M HERE TODAY WITH MICHAEL JUNE, THE BOARD COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR. WE ARE EXCITED TO SHARE OUR ANNUAL REPORT UPDATES WITH YOU ALL.
AND PROGRESS WE'VE MADE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY AND THE ERIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE.
BEFORE WE BEGIN, WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR THE DEATH OF ANTONIO PIZARRO, WHO DIED ON JULY 4TH AT THE ERIE COUNTY HOLDING CENTER. THANK YOU. THE ERIE COUNTY CORRECTIONS SPECIALIST ADVISORY BOARD EXTENDS ITS DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND LOVED ONES OF ANTONIO PIZARRO DURING THIS INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT TIME. WE RECOGNIZE THE SERIOUSNESS
[00:05:01]
OF HIS DEATH WHILE IN CUSTODY AT THE ERIE COUNTY HOLDING CENTER, WHICH IS CURRENTLY BEING INVESTIGATED AS A HOMICIDE. EVERY INDIVIDUAL IN CUSTODY DESERVES TO BE TREATED WITH DIGNITY, HUMANITY, AND ANY LOSS OF LIFE UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANTS A THOROUGH, TRANSPARENT, AND IMPARTIAL INVESTIGATION.THIS BOARD WANTS TO ENSURE THE COMMUNITY THAT WE ARE COMMITTED TO CARRYING OUT OUR OVERSIGHT RESPONSIBILITY WITH DILIGENCE AND INTEGRITY.
WE WILL WORK TO ENSURE THE APPROPRIATE INVESTIGATIVE PROCESSES ARE FOLLOWED, THAT ACCOUNTABILITY IS UPHELD, AND ANY REVIEWS ARE CAREFULLY IDENTIFIED. WE REMAIN COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING EFFORTS THAT PROMOTE PUBLIC SAFETY TRANSPARENCY, AND PUBLIC TRUST WITHIN OUR JAIL SYSTEMS. OUR THOUGHTS REMAIN WITH MR. PIZARRO'S FAMILY AND ALL OF THOSE AFFECTED BY THIS TRAGIC LOSS.
AT THIS TIME, WE'LL MOVE INTO OUR ANNUAL REPORT, AND I'M GOING TO PASS IT OVER TO MIKE, WHO'S GOING TO SHARE A NEWLY CREATED MISSION STATEMENT.
GOOD AFTERNOON. THE ERIE COUNTY CORRECTIONS SPECIALIST ADVISORY BOARD MAINTAINS AN ADVISORY RELATIONSHIP WITH THE ERIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE JAIL MANAGEMENT DIVISION TO SUPPORT TO PROMOTE SAFE, HUMANE, AND EFFECTIVE CORRECTIONAL OPERATIONS. GROUNDED IN RESTORATIVE JUSTICE, THE BOARD SERVES AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY AND CORRECTIONAL LEADERSHIP TO IMPROVE FACILITY CONDITIONS, REDUCE RECIDIVISM, AND SUPPORT SUCCESSFUL REENTRY.
THROUGH COLLABORATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY, THIS BOARD WORKS TO STRENGTHEN PUBLIC SAFETY AND ENSURE CONTINUOUS SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO SHARE OUR MISSION STATEMENT VIA SOCIAL MEDIA THIS YEAR. WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK COUNTY LEGISLATORS, COUNTY DEPARTMENTS, AND LOCAL NONPROFITS FOR RECOMMENDING A ROBUST GROUP OF BOARD MEMBERS. THE BOARD TRULY HAS THE EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE TO INFORM OUR WORK.
OUR LEADERSHIP CONSISTS OF LINDSAY ALLEN, JULIA JULIANA EVERDITE, MYSELF, MICHAEL JUNE, AND I'M HONORED TO SIT ON THIS BOARD TO SHARE MY INSIGHT, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE OF BEING A PREVIOUSLY INCARCERATED INDIVIDUAL. OUR BOARD MEMBERS' EXPERIENCE RANGE FROM ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING TO PROBATION TO LEGAL AID TO MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING.
EACH OF OUR BOARD MEMBERS BRINGS A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE, AND WE THANK THOSE WHO ARE ABLE TO BE WITH US TODAY. LINDSEY, I WILL HAND IT OVER TO YOU.
THANK YOU, MIKE. UM, I HAVE BEEN HONORED TO SERVE AS BOARD CHAIR AND EXCITED TO SHARE ALL OF OUR ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS FOR THIS FIRST YEAR AT REITERATION OF THE BOARD.
IN JUNE OF 2025, WE HIT THE GROUND RUNNING, AND DURING THAT FIRST MEETING, WE, UM, APPOINTED OUR BOARD LEADERSHIP.
SHORTLY THEREAFTER, IN JANUARY AND SEPTEMBER, WE UPDATED OUR BYLAWS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE WERE IN ALIGNMENT FOR OUR BOARD. AS CHAIR OF THIS BOARD AND SOMEBODY THAT HAS WORKED INSIDE OF THE JAILS, I KNEW IT WAS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT FOR OUR MEMBERS TO BE ABLE TO GO AND VISIT AND TOUR THESE FACILITIES. I AM HAPPY TO REPORT THAT IN AUGUST OF 2025, ALL BOARD MEMBERS WERE ABLE TO VISIT THE ERIE COUNTY HOLDING CENTER AND THE ERIE COUNTY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY.
BEING ABLE TO SEE THE JAILS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT IN ORDER TO INFORM OUR WORK. THE ERIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND BOARD ENCOURAGES ALL LEGISLATORS, IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE SO ALREADY OR NEED A RE-TOUR, UM, TO SCHEDULE THOSE TOURS, AND WE WOULD HAPPY TO TO GO ALONG WITH YOU TO BOTH OF THOSE FACILITIES. MOVING ON, UM, THE SUCCESS OF THIS BOARD RELIES HEAVILY ON THE COLLABORATION WITH THE ERIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE.
IN JULY OF 2025, I MET WITH OUR PREVIOUS SUPERINTENDENT, MIKE PHILLIPS, TO DISCUSS OUR COMMUNICATIONS PLAN, WHAT HIS PRIORITIES WERE FOR THE JAILS, AND HOW WE COULD WORK TOGETHER TO BETTER ENHANCE THE EXPERIENCE FOR THOSE THAT ARE CURRENTLY INCARCERATED AND THOSE THAT ARE WORKING IN THE FACILITY. IN SEPTEMBER OF 2025, WE BEGAN HAVING WEEKLY CHECK-IN MEETINGS WITH OUR BOARD LEADERSHIP AND THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE JAIL.
DURING THESE MEETINGS, WE WOULD WORK COLLABORATIVELY ON BOARD PROJECTS, RECEIVE UPDATES ABOUT THE INCARCERATED POPULATION, ANY VACANCIES AND STAFFING SHORTAGES THAT THE JAIL WAS EXPERIENCING, AND ANY ONGOING BARRIERS OR ISSUES. THESE MEETINGS HAVE PROVEN TO BE SUCCESSFUL AND ADDRESSING CONCERNS AND SEEKING ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS OUR BOARD MEMBERS MIGHT HAVE HAD. MOVING ON TO THE COMPREHENSIVE FACILITY AND OPERATIONAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT, WE ARE VERY LUCKY AND GRATEFUL TO HAVE DAN CASTLE AS A MEMBER OF OUR BOARD, WHO IS THE CURRENT COMMISSIONER OF ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING AND WHO LED THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR A POTENTIALLY NEW JAIL.
DURING OUR JULY 2025 BOARD MEETING, DAN WAS ABLE TO PREVENT OR PRESENT THAT ASSESSMENT TO US.
AT THAT TIME, A DECISION HADN'T BEEN MADE REGARDING THE POSSIBILITY OF A NEW FACILITY, AND THE BOARD PRIORITIZED EDUCATING OURSELVES ON THE COST, SAFETY, AND MAINTENANCE OF WHAT A NEW FACILITY MAY BRING TO OUR COUNTY. THE CONVERSATION SURROUNDING THE NEED FOR A NEW JAIL WAS PRESENT DURING A LOT OF OUR CONVERSATIONS DURING THIS FIRST YEAR, ESPECIALLY WHEN DISCUSSING THE CURRENT CONDITIONS IN BOTH OF THE FACILITIES THAT WE HAVE
[00:10:01]
RIGHT NOW. ANOTHER COMMON THEME AND BARRIER THAT WE WITNESSED THROUGHOUT THIS YEAR WAS THE STAFFING SHORTAGES WITHIN THE JAIL MANAGEMENT DIVISION. THE COMMISSION OF CORRECTIONS DETERMINES THE STAFFING STRUCTURE THAT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE MUST FOLLOW. BOARD LEADERSHIP AND ERIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE HAVE HAD MANY CONVERSATIONS REGARDING HOW TO CREATIVELY FIND SOLUTIONS TO THE STAFFING SHORTAGES.MORE INFORMATION ON THOSE SOLUTIONS WILL BE SHARED SHORTLY. IN NOVEMBER OF 2025, THERE WERE 30 VACANCIES AT THE ERIE COUNTY HOLDING CENTER AND 18 AT THE ERIE COUNTY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY.
AS OF THIS END BOARD YEAR, WHICH WAS MAY OF 2026, THERE WERE 9 VACANCIES AT THE HOLDING CENTER AND 5 VACANCIES AT THE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY.
ALTHOUGH THESE NUMBERS HAVE IMPROVED GREATLY, JAIL ADMINISTRATION IS STILL STRUGGLING WITH THE STAFFING SHORTAGES DUE TO FACILITY HOUSING RESTRICTIONS, FMLA USAGE, AND VACATIONS.
ON OUR CALL JUST THIS MORNING, THE SHERIFF OR THE SUPERINTENDENT DID SHARE THAT THEY ARE HAVING TO FORCE THEIR EMPLOYEES UP TO 3 TO 4 DAYS A WEEK STILL.
ONE OF THE DEPUTIES AT THE ADDITIONALLY, THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE HAS TO CONTINUOUSLY WORK WITH TWO UNIONS, ONE THAT REPRESENTS THE HOLDING CENTER DEPUTIES AND ONE THAT REPRESENTS THE CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AT THE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY, ADDING ANOTHER COMPLICATED LAYER WHEN IT COMES TO STAFFING WITHIN THE FACILITIES.
IN ADDITION, REGARDING STAFFING, ONE OF THE CREATIVE WAYS THAT THIS WAS DISCUSSED WAS THROUGH A SHIFT LENGTH STUDY.
AS YOU MAY BE FAMILIAR, THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE HAS WORKED WITH MATRIX, WHO CONDUCTED A STUDY TO DETERMINE IF 12-HOUR SHIFTS WOULD ALLEVIATE SOME OF THE CURRENT STAFFING ISSUES.
THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WAS PROVIDED WITH A PRELIMINARY REPORT AND ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO A FINAL REPORT THAT THEY SHOULD BE RECEIVING IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. THE LEADERSHIP PLANS TO PRESENT THESE FINDINGS TO THOSE TWO UNIONS MENTIONED PREVIOUSLY, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO RECEIVING THAT REPORT AS WELL AND CONTINUING THE CONVERSATIONS. ANOTHER BARRIER THAT HAS PLAGUED THE JAIL MANAGEMENT DIVISION IS THE CIVIL SERVICE EXAM PROCESS.
TYPICALLY, THE PROCESS FOR SOMEBODY COULD TAKE UP TO 12 MONTHS FROM WHEN A CANDIDATE APPLIES TO WHEN THEY ACTUALLY START GOING THROUGH THE ACADEMY AND FINISHING THEIR TRAINING IN THE FACILITY.
WITH THIS CHANGE, THE TIMING OF ONBOARDING HAS BEEN CUT NEARLY IN HALF. COUNTY PERSONNEL, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WAS ABLE TO EXPEDITE THE EXAM PROCESS FOR THOSE SPECIFICALLY APPLYING TO WORK AT EITHER OF THE FACILITIES. THE INTENTION BEHIND THIS CHANGE IS TO HAVE MORE APPLICANTS SUCCESSFULLY HIRED, TRAINED, AND RETAINED THROUGH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO HELP WITH THE CURRENT STAFFING SHORTAGES.
DURING THE BOARD'S FIRST YEAR, THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE HAS GRADUATED TWO ACADEMY CLASSES TOTALING 63 GRADUATES AT A RATE OF RETENTION OF 87%. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN MANY YEARS THAT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN DOING TWO BACK-TO-BACK ACADEMY CLASSES, AND THIS IS IN THANKS TO THE CHANGES OF THE CURRENT CIVIL SERVICE PROCESS. AS OF OUR PRESENTATION TODAY, A THIRD GRADUATION HAS OCCURRED WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE.
GIVEN THE HIGH RATE OF RESIGNATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS RETIRING, THE RETENTION RATE WILL NEED TO REMAIN SUCCESSFUL IN ORDER FOR THESE STAFFING SHORTAGES TO BE ADDRESSED AND RESOLVED. THE FIRST HALF OF OUR YEAR, THE BOARD FOCUSED ON ADDRESSING AND RESPONDING TO THE MAJORITY CAUCUS RECOMMENDATIONS THAT WE WERE TASKED WITH AT THE BEGINNING OF OUR BOARD YEAR. TOPICS FOCUSED ON STRENGTHENING FAMILY CONNECTIONS, MENTAL HEALTH, MEDICAL SERVICES, PROGRAM INVENTORY AND AVAILABILITY, ATTORNEY ACCESS, WOMEN'S HEALTHCARE, DENTAL SERVICES, AND IPAD CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE. THE FINAL DOCUMENT WAS SENT WITH THESE RECOMMENDATIONS TO ALL LEGISLATORS IN DECEMBER OF 2025. AN IMPORTANT PART OF TRACKING OUR BOARD'S WORK IS TO RESPOND, MONITOR, AND TRACK TO ALL LETTERS AND CONCERNS THAT COME IN FROM INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS.
IN ORDER TO DO THIS, OUR BOARD CREATED A COMPLAINT INTAKE FORM, A RESPONSE OF VARIOUS LETTERS, AND A COMPLAINT TRACKER.
DURING OUR FIRST YEAR, THE MOST COMMON THEMES THAT WE RECEIVED VIA COMPLAINTS WERE THE LACK OF AIR CONDITIONING ON THE LINEAR UNITS, WHICH IS THE BARS AT THE ERIE COUNTY HOLDING CENTER, THE CONSISTENT PLUMBING ISSUES SPECIFICALLY AT THE HOLDING CENTER, AND THE FOOD WITHIN BOTH FACILITIES. THE BOARD LOOKS FORWARD TO MAKING OUR PRESENCE MORE KNOWN IN THE JAILS, WHICH WILL BE ADDRESSED IN OUR NEXT STEPS. IN NOVEMBER OF 2025, THE PREVIOUS SUPERINTENDENT, MIKE PHILLIPS, LET US KNOW THAT HE WOULD BE RETIRING AT THE END OF THE YEAR. AND THAT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WOULD BE WELCOMING JOSEPH NOWETH INTO THE ROLE. THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WAS ABLE TO HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF DUPLICITY WITH THE TWO OF THEM, AND SO THEY BOTH WERE ABLE TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY COULD WORK WITH OUR BOARD COLLABORATIVELY AND HAVE A WARM HANDOFF. THIS WAS EXTREMELY BENEFICIAL IN OUR WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO BUILD EXPECTATIONS BETWEEN BOTH LEADERSHIP PARTIES.
SUPERINTENDENT NOWETH JOINED OUR NOVEMBER BOARD MEETING
[00:15:02]
WITH SUPERINTENDENT PHILLIPS.ADDITIONALLY, DURING THIS TRANSITION PERIOD, I WAS OUT ON MATERNITY LEAVE, SO THE BOARD DID TAKE A BREAK IN THE MONTHS OF DECEMBER AND JANUARY TO CONDUCT FORMAL BOARD MEETINGS. WE DID NOT HAVE ANY DUE TO THE HOLIDAYS, AND WE WELCOMED OFFICIALLY SUPERINTENDENT NOWETH TO OUR MEETINGS IN 2026.
LASTLY, THIS YEAR OUR BOARD REALLY FOCUSED ON OUR INTERNAL OPERATIONS TO ENSURE WE WERE ABLE TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY, COMMUNITY PRODUCTIVELY. WE DID HAVE A HANDFUL OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS ATTEND OUR MEETINGS THROUGHOUT THIS FIRST YEAR, AND WE THANK THEIR ENGAGEMENT AND THOUGHTFUL IDEAS THAT THEY SHARED WITH US. WITH THE NEWLY CREATED OFFICER POSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, WE HAVE MADE IT A PRIORITY TO ENSURE THAT OUR WEBSITE STAYS UP TO DATE, AND WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO FURTHER USING OUR SOCIAL MEDIA TO SHIFT OUR FOCUS. THEN WE WILL MOVE TOWARDS OUR BOARD PRIORITIES FOR THIS UPCOMING YEAR. SO OUR FIRST PRIORITY IS HAVING A CONTINUED CONVERSATION REGARDING THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT.
ALTHOUGH THE CONVERSATIONS HAVE SHIFTED REGARDING A NEW JAIL, THE BOARD STILL REMAINS STEADFAST THAT THE CURRENT FACILITY NEEDS UPGRADES AND CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT IN ORDER FOR THE SAFETY OF THOSE THAT CURRENTLY LIVE IN THE FACILITY AND WORK IN THE FACILITY. MORE SPECIFICALLY, THE BOARD SUPPORTS THE URGE AND INSTALLATION OF THE UPGRADED CAMERA SYSTEM AT THE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY.
SECONDLY, INCREASE COMMUNITY AWARENESS. THE BOARD LOOKS FORWARD TO ENGAGING OUR COMMUNITY AND INCARCERATED POPULATION WITH MORE INTENTION. WE ALSO HAVE INTEREST IN ENGAGING THE FAMILIES OF THOSE THAT ARE CURRENTLY INCARCERATED. THIRD, ADDITIONAL WORKFORCE ENGAGEMENT PRE-RELEASE. THOSE WHO ARE CURRENTLY INCARCERATED HAVE EXPRESSED INTEREST IN GAINING HANDS-ON AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE THAT WE BELIEVE SHOULD NOT BE PUT TO THE SIDE JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE INCARCERATED. THE BOARD LOOKS, LOOKS FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY REINTEGRATION DIVISION AT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO ENHANCE AND MONITOR THE CURRENT AND POTENTIAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THIS POPULATION. AND LASTLY, THE BOARD COMMITS TO ANSWERING ANY QUESTIONS, CORRESPONDENCE, IN A TIMELY, RESPECTFUL, SOLUTION-FOCUSED MANNER. WE BELIEVE THAT TRUST BETWEEN THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, THE COMMUNITY, AND THE INCARCERATED POPULATION IS PARAMOUNT. LASTLY, WE'RE GOING TO DISCUSS OUR NEXT STEPS AND OUR GOALS FOR THIS SECOND YEAR. OUR FIRST GOAL IS TO OVERSEE AND COLLABORATE WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE OF THE ALLOCATED FUNDS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES.
GIVEN THE SHIFT IN FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE COUNTY, THE BOARD WILL REMAIN INVESTED AND INVOLVED IN THE DECISION-MAKING AS IT PERTAINS TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS WITHIN THE JAILS. THE BOARD PLANS TO SERVE AS OVERSIGHT IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES AND PROVIDE GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT WITH HAVING KEEPING COST AND TIME IN THE FOREFRONT OF ANY DECISION-MAKING.
SECONDLY, WE LOOK FORWARD TO PLANNING, IMPLEMENTING, AND MAINTAINING A KNOW YOUR RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES AND LOVED ONES. THIS CAMPAIGN'S GOAL IS TO ENSURE FAMILY MEMBERS ARE NOT TURNED AWAY FROM VISITING JUST BECAUSE THEY MAY NOT KNOW THE FACILITY VISITING RULES. THIS CAMPAIGN WILL NOT ONLY ALLEVIATE THE UNKNOWNS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS, BUT ALSO CAN HELP ELIMINATE CONFUSION AND FRUSTRATION IN FACILITY LOBBIES DURING VISITING HOURS. AND LASTLY, THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WILL BE ROLLING OUT NEW TABLETS FOR THE INCARCERATED POPULATION THIS YEAR. THE BOARD WILL WORK ALONGSIDE DURING THIS PROCESS AND PLANS TO UPLOAD OUR CONTACT INFORMATION ONTO THE TABLETS SO ALL INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS HAVE MORE OF AN ACCESSIBLE WAY TO REACH US. ADDITIONALLY, THE BOARD LOOKS FORWARD TO UNDERSTANDING HOW THESE NEW TABLETS WILL BE ABLE TO INCREASE THE EDUCATIONAL AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS FOR THE INCARCERATED POPULATION.
SO LIZZIE AND I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR TIME AND DEDICATION TO THE ERIE COUNTY CORRECTIONS SPECIALIST ADVISORY BOARD.
WE'LL OPEN UP THE FLOOR. I GUESS I WILL START HERE SOMEWHERE. UM, I WILL START.
FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU ALL. I KNOW THIS BOARD, UM, WHEN WE RE-ESTABLISHED, WE WANTED THIS ESPECIALLY TO BE PRODUCTIVE AND TO COME IDEAS AND FOR US AS THE LEGISLATURE TO LISTEN TO EXPERTS ON THIS BOARD. WE HAVE PEOPLE FROM MENTAL HEALTH, CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS, SOMEONE WHO WAS INCARCERATED AND TURNED THEIR LIFE AROUND. LIKE, THIS IS WHAT THIS BOARD IS SUPPOSED TO DO. SO FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. AND SPECIFICALLY, LINDSAY, THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS SHE WAS PREGNANT. SHE WAS MAKING SURE THE REPORT GOT DONE. SHE HAD HER BEAUTIFUL BABY BOY AND JUMPED RIGHT BACK INTO IT. SO I APPRECIATE THAT. I DO HAVE A COUPLE QUESTIONS REGARDING THE 12-HOUR VERSUS 10-HOUR SHIFT. I KNOW THAT WE, YOU GUYS ARE LOOKING INTO THAT, WORKING WITH THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT TO, AND THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE HELPING REDUCE THE OVERTIME, THE FORCING. DO YOU KNOW IF
[00:20:02]
THEY'VE DECIDED IF THEY DID THE 12-HOUR SHIFT OR THE 10-HOUR SHIFT? DOES THAT MEAN THE EMPLOYEES WILL HAVE 4 DAYS ON AND THEN THE REST RDOS? OR LIKE, HAS THAT BEEN A DISCUSSION WITH YOU? I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S BEEN FULLY ESTABLISHED YET, BUT FROM OUR INITIAL CONVERSATIONS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT AND WITH THAT PRELIMINARY REPORT, UM, THE EARLY ON DECISION IS THAT THEY ARE NOT SURE IF IT ACTUALLY WOULD HELP REDUCE THE STAFFING SHORTAGES THAT THEY CURRENTLY HAVE. OKAY, BECAUSE I KNOW THAT'S ONE OF THEIR STICKING POINTS, AND ALSO WE'RE GOING TO BE IN BUDGET, SO THAT'S GOING TO BE A HIGH AMOUNT OF DOLLARS, BUT THEY ARE TRYING TO DO WHAT THEY CAN DO. EXAM CHANGES. IN THE REPORT, YOU TALK ABOUT CHANGES TO CIVIL SERVICE EXAM PROCESS MAYBE BEING 24/7. CAN YOU KIND OF TALK ABOUT THAT IDEA FROM THE BOARD'S PERSPECTIVE? SURE. SO THE INFORMATION THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS THAT WITH THESE CIVIL SERVICES CHANGES, THEY ARE SEEING LESS INDIVIDUALS, THE TIMELINE FROM WHEN SOMEBODY APPLIES TO WHEN THEY'RE ACTUALLY SCREENED AND INTERVIEWED AND THEN START THE ACADEMY HAS SHORTENED SIGNIFICANTLY. AND SO THEY SEE THAT AS A SUCCESS BECAUSE THEY WERE GOING MONTHS. THEY WOULD OPEN UP THE EXAM, THEY WOULD THEN CLOSE IT, AND THERE WOULD BE A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. AND ALL OF THOSE PEOPLE THAT WERE APPLYING ARE OBVIOUSLY STILL LOOKING FOR ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT, RIGHT? AND SO THEY WERE SEEING A LARGE PERCENT OF, OF INDIVIDUALS ORIGINALLY APPLYING, BUT WHEN IT ACTUALLY CAME TIME TO INTERVIEWS AND STARTING THE ACADEMY, THEY HAD A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF INDIVIDUALS FALL OFF BECAUSE THEY WERE EITHER NO LONGER INTERESTED OR FOUND ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT. WELL, AGAIN, THANK YOU. I'M LIKE PROUD BECAUSE I'M LIKE, YES, IT'S FUNCTIONING. UM, AS MANY OF YOU GUYS KNOW, MY COLLEAGUES RE-ESTABLISHING THIS WAS A LIFT, AND TO SEE EVERYONE HERE PRESENTING THIS, UM, FULL REPORT IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE REPORT, IT'S A GOOD READ UM, AND ALL THE IDEAS AND THE COLLABORATION WITH THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, UM, IS SO IMPORTANT. I'M SO GLAD WE HAVE THAT RELATIONSHIP. AND I'M HAPPY. I'M JUST, I'M VERY HAPPY TO SEE HOW FAR WE HAVE GONE.SO THANK YOU, THANK YOU AGAIN. AND ALSO I WANT TO THANK OLIVIA, WHO HAS BEEN STAFFING THIS BOARD, AND MY STAFFER, BECAUSE THEY'VE BEEN WORKING REALLY HARD TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU GUYS HAD EVERYTHING YOU NEED. SO THANK YOU TO BOTH OF YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR QUESTION.
THANK YOU. I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU ALSO TO, AGAIN, FOR COMING HERE. I REALLY APPRECIATE WHAT BOARD IS DOING TO COME TOGETHER TOO, BECAUSE THIS IS A VERY NEEDED PART FOR WHAT WE NEED FOR THE COMMUNITY. FOR ME, IT'S, UH, UH, HOW CAN THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ACCESS ANY BOARD MEETING MINUTES OR PAPERWORK OR ANYTHING THEY NEED TO KNOW ABOUT? THIS IS IMPORTANT. AND ONE OF THE THINGS IS THAT PEOPLE ARE WONDERING WHAT ARE WE DOING, AND YOU'RE OBVIOUSLY DOING WHAT WE NEED YOU TO DO, BUT HOW'S IT BUT HOW CAN PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU? HOW CAN PEOPLE FIND THE STUFF? WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO TALK ABOUT THE WEBSITE AND EVERYTHING JUST SO PEOPLE CAN KNOW? UH, SO I POST ON THE FACEBOOK PAGE WHERE THEY CAN FIND INFORMATION ON THERE AND THEY CAN WRITE US DIRECTLY.
AND ALL OF OUR MEETING MINUTES AND AGENDAS ARE ACTIVELY POSTED ON THE LEDGE WEBSITE THROUGH OUR BOARDS.
AND PLEASE, IF THERE'S ANY WAY I CAN HELP WITH SENDING INFORMATION AND SPREADING OUT, PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO REACH OUT. I WANT TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THE THINGS THAT WE'RE DOING.
THANK YOU GUYS. ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS? AWESOME.
THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.
OKAY, THANK YOU EVERYBODY, APPRECIATE IT. UH, CONTINUING
[ LOCAL LAWS:]
ON WITH OUR AGENDA, LOCAL LAWS, LOCAL LAW INTRO 4-1, AS INDICATED. LOCAL LAW INTRO 6-1 WILL BE SENT TO FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT UNDER MY AUTHORITY AS CHAIR.[ COMMITTEE REPORTS:]
COMMITTEE REPORTS. REPORT NUMBER 9 FROM THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE. MAJORITY LEADER, MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION, APPROVAL. OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION, APPROVAL BY THE MAJORITY LEADER, SECOND BY LEGISLATOR LORIGO. ON THE QUESTION, ALL IN FAVOR? OPPOSED? 11-0 THE REPORT IS APPROVED. REPORT NUMBER 11 FROM THE ENERGY ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE.LEGISLATOR BARGNESI. IMMEDIATE
[00:25:01]
CONSIDERATION, SECOND. OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION, APPROVAL BY LEGISLATOR BARGNESI. WE HAVE A SECOND BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.ON THE QUESTION, ALL IN FAVOR? OPPOSED? 11-0 THE REPORT IS APPROVED. REPORT NUMBER 10 FROM THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE.
LEGISLATOR DUPREE. THANK YOU, CHAIR. MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.
OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION, APPROVAL BY LEGISLATOR DUPREE. UH, WE HAVE A SECOND BY LEGISLATOR ST. JEAN-TARD.
ON THE QUESTION, ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
OPPOSED? 11-0 THE REPORT IS APPROVED. REPORT NUMBER 10 FROM THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.
MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.
SECOND. OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION APPROVAL BY LEGISLATOR ST.
JEAN-TARD. WE HAVE A SECOND BY LEGISLATOR DUPRE.
ON THE QUESTION, ALL IN FAVOR? OPPOSED? 11-0 THE REPORT IS APPROVED. UH,
[ LEGISLATOR RESOLUTIONS:]
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTIONS, UH, UH, LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTIONS INTRO 14-1. FROM LEGISLATOR VINAL, UH, MAJORITY LEADER.MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION, APPROVAL. OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION, APPROVAL BY THE MAJORITY LEADER. WE HAVE A SECOND BY LEGISLATOR DUPRE.
ON THE QUESTION, ALL IN FAVOR? OPPOSED? 11-0 THE MOTION CARRIES. THE RESOLUTION IS APPROVED. UH, INTRO 14-2 FROM LEGISLATOR DUPRE, MAJORITY LEADER. MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION, APPROVAL. OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION, APPROVAL FROM THE MAJORITY LEADER. WE HAVE A SECOND LEGISLATOR ST. JEAN-TARD. ON THE QUESTION, ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
OPPOSED? 11-0 MOTION CARRIES. THE ITEM THE RESOLUTION IS APPROVED. INTRO 14-3 FROM LEGISLATORS GILMOURE AND SENATOR ST. JEAN-TARD.
MAJORITY LEADER. MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.
OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL BY THE MAJORITY LEADER. WE HAVE A SECOND BY LEGISLATOR VINAL.
ON THE QUESTION, ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
OPPOSED? 11-0 THE MOTION CARRIES. THE RESOLUTION IS APPROVED. INTRO 14-4 FROM LEGISLATOR VINAL.
MAJORITY LEADER. MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION APPROVAL.
OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION FROM THE MAJORITY LEADER. WE HAVE MULTIPLE SECONDS.
ON THE QUESTION, ALL IN FAVOR? OPPOSED? 11-0 THE MOTION CARRIES AND THE RESOLUTION IS APPROVED.
COMMUNICATIONS DISCHARGE FROM COMMITTEES, THERE ARE NONE. SUSPENSIONS OF THE RULES, THERE ARE NONE.
[ COMMUNICATIONS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS:]
COMMUNICATIONS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS, COMMUNICATION 14E-1 THROUGH AND INCLUDING 14E-32, AS INDICATED. COMMUNICATIONS[ COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE DEPARTMENTS:]
FROM THE DEPARTMENTS, COMMUNICATION 14D-1 AND COMMUNICATION 14D-2, AS INDICATED. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PEOPLE AND OTHER AGENCIES, COMMUNICATION 14M-1, AS INDICATED. I WILL NOW OPEN[ PUBLIC COMMENT:]
UP THE FLOOR FOR THE SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT ALL SPEAKERS KEEP THEIR COMMENTS RELATED TO ANY MATTERS INVOLVING ERIE COUNTY GOVERNMENT AGAIN, KEEP IN MIND SPEAKERS ARE TO KEEP THEIR REMARKS TO 3 MINUTES OR LESS. THE CLERK WILL RING THE BELL WHEN THERE IS 30 SECONDS LEFT. WE HAVE ONE SPEAKER SIGNED UP, TODD.WHERE'S TODD? TODD, COME ON UP HERE TO THE FLOOR, SIR.
GOOD MORNING. I WOULD LIKE TO ASK EVERYONE IN THE ROOM, IF YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE DOING SO, TO CLOSE YOUR EYES FOR A MOMENT. AND I'D LIKE YOU TO PICTURE A BUSTLING CITY STREET AT THE TURN OF THE LAST CENTURY.
AMONG THE CACOPHONY OF CARS AND HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGES, COMES THE DESPERATE CLAMORING OF BELLS AS FIRE TRUCKS RUSH TO AN INTERSECTION WHERE A GATHERING OF ONLOOKERS GAZE ON IN HORROR. THE 10-STORY BUILDING IS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES, AND A MENACING BLACK CLOUD HANGS OVER THE GREENWICH NEIGHBORHOOD. GIRLS, SOME AS YOUNG AS ONLY 14, JUMP FROM BROKEN WINDOWS ON THE 9TH AND 10TH FLOORS RATHER THAN BE CONSUMED BY THE FLAMES. A FIRE ESCAPE COLLAPSES UNDER THE HEAT AND WEIGHT OF GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN FRANTICALLY TRYING TO ESCAPE THE INFERNO, TOSSING THEIR BODIES ONTO THE PAVEMENT 100 FEET BELOW. ANOTHER GIRL, SHE OF ONLY 13 YEARS, CLINGS DESPERATELY TO A 10TH-STORY WINDOWSILL UNTIL THE FLAMES OVERWHELM HER AND SHE PLUNGES TO HER DEATH.
THIS WAS REPORTING FROM ONE OF OUR NATION'S WORST INDUSTRIAL DISASTERS. NEW YORK CITY'S TRIANGLE SHIRTWAIST FACTORY FIRE OF 1911. 146 PEOPLE, MOSTLY IMMIGRANT GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN, DIED ON THAT TRAGIC AFTERNOON.
WORKING CONDITIONS INSIDE THIS FACTORY AND COUNTLESS OTHERS WERE BRUTAL, BUT BECAUSE THERE HAD NEVER BEEN AN INDUSTRIAL DISASTER OF THIS MAGNITUDE, THESE CONDITIONS WERE LARGELY IGNORED BY THE GOVERNMENT. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? WELL, PERHAPS MANY ELECTED LEADERS OF THE TIME SHARED THE SAME SENTIMENT
[00:30:02]
AS THOSE COUNTY LEGISLATORS EXPLAINING THEIR VOTE AGAINST LAST MONTH'S RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A STATE LAW BANNING SURVEILLANCE PRICING. QUOTE, IT'S TRYING TO SOLVE A PROBLEM THAT DOESN'T EXIST. THE PROBLEM IS GOVERNMENT HAS TRADITIONALLY BEEN SLOW TO RECOGNIZE A PROBLEM AND ACT ON IT. IF LAWS REQUIRING FACTORIES HAVE EMERGENCY EXITS CLEARLY MARKED AND UNLOCKED, CHILDREN WOULD NOT HAVE LEAPED TO THEIR DEATHS. IF BUILDING CODES MANDATING FIRE ESCAPES BE FIREPROOF AND WELL CONSTRUCTED, MANGLED BODIES OF GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN WOULD NOT HAVE LITTERED THE SIDEWALKS OF GREENWICH VILLAGE. IF LAWS REQUIRING FACTORIES INSTALL FIRE ALARMS, SPRINKLER SYSTEMS, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, ONLOOKER ONLOOKERS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SICKENED BY THE DEAFENING THUD OF A POOR 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL'S BODY HITTING THE PAVEMENT MERE FEET AWAY.IF GOVERNMENT HAD ONLY ACTED WELL BEFORE THERE WAS A PROBLEM, 146 EMPLOYEES OF THE TRIANGLE SHIRTWAIST FACTORY WOULD HAVE GONE HOME TO THEIR FAMILIES AT THE END OF THEIR SHIFT. IT IS FAR EASIER TO PREVENT A FIRE WITH THE STROKE OF A PEN THAN IT IS TO PUT ONE OUT. I WOULD STRONGLY ENCOURAGE LEGISLATORS FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE TO CAST THEIR VOTES WITH AN EYE TOWARD THE FUTURE TO BE PROACTIVE RATHER THAN REACTIVE. JUST AS THE DEAD WILL REMEMBER THE INDIFFERENCE OF THOSE WHO FAILED TO ACT BEFORE THAT FATEFUL DAY IN 1911, SO TOO WILL COUNTY RESIDENTS WHO HEAR LEGISLATORS SPEAK OF AFFORDABILITY BUT FAIL TO SUPPORT THE ONE FAIR PRICE ACT. AND THAT, MY FRIENDS, IS A FIRE OF YOUR OWN MAKING. THANK YOU.
OKAY, THANK YOU, TOM. IS THERE ANYBODY ELSE WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK AT THIS TIME? LAST CALL FOR ANYBODY WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK. OKAY, I WILL CLOSE THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
[ ANNOUNCEMENTS:]
AT THIS TIME. ANNOUNCEMENTS, WE HAVE MID-YEAR BUDGET HEARINGS NEXT WEEK, TUESDAY THE 14TH AND WEDNESDAY THE 15TH. THE SCHEDULE IS POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE. THE LEGISLATURE WILL CONDUCT COMMITTEE MEETINGS NEXT WEEK, THURSDAY, JULY 16TH.THE SCHEDULE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED. THE NEXT SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE IS SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, JULY 23RD. THIS WILL BE THE FINAL SESSION BEFORE THE AUGUST RECESS. ARE THERE ANY OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM ANYBODY? OKAY, PLEASE RISE
[ MEMORIAL RESOLUTIONS:]
FOR MEMORIAL RESOLUTIONS.I WOULD LIKE TO ADJOURN IN THE MEMORY OF HERBERT SINE. IF ANYONE KNOWS ABOUT THE KOREAN SOCIETY, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FESTIMA, THAT'S HER FATHER. SHE WAS TAKING CARE OF HIM FOR A WHILE AND HE RECENTLY PASSED, SO I WANT TO SEND MY PRAYERS TO HER AND HER FAMILY. AND THEN ALSO REVEREND ARTHUR H. BOYD, HE WAS NOT ONLY FAMILY, I FOUND OUT LATER ON IN LIFE, BUT HE WAS A PILLAR IN OUR COMMUNITY. IF ANYONE KNOWS GROUP MINISTRIES, HE RAN THAT. HE PASSED UNEXPECTEDLY, AND I KNOW THAT'S GOING TO LEAVE A BIG GAP IN OUR COMMUNITY FOR SOMEONE WHO WAS SUCH A STRONG LEADER, WHO CARED ABOUT EVERYONE THAT WALKED THROUGH JEFFERSON AVENUE. AND I WISH NOT ONLY MY FAMILY, BUT ALSO HIS NEPHEW, WHO'S BEEN VERY HANDS-ON PUTTING TOGETHER THE SERVICE AND TO ALSO KEEP ROOT MINISTRIES OPEN, A LOT OF PRAYERS AND LOVE AT THIS TIME.
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, REPRESENTATIVE DUPRE.
THANK YOU. I'D LIKE TO CLOSE IN MORAL RESOLUTION OF JANICE PUGH. SHE WAS AN AMAZING WOMAN ROOTED IN FAITH AND HER FAMILY, AND IT IS A LOSS TO THE COMMUNITY.
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, REPRESENTATIVE LORIGO I'D LIKE TO CLOSE IN MEMORY OF RON SEALOOTERS, WHO WAS A FARMER IN ELMA, AN ERIE COUNTY HIGHWAY EMPLOYEE FOR ABOUT 20 YEARS, AND THE FATHER OF MY SON'S SCHOOL DEAN OF STUDENTS. HE WAS A GREAT GUY AND WAS ALWAYS AROUND, SO HE'LL BE MISSED.
I JUST ER, LEGISLATOR TODARO, I MOVE TO ADJOURN IN THE MEMORY OF JODY CATALANO.
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. ANYBODY ELSE? OKAY, A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR THOSE WHO WENT ON TO BE WITH THE LORD. THANK YOU. I'LL ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO ADJOURN. MOTION TO ADJOURN BY THE MAJORITY LEADER, SECONDED BY LEGISLATOR TODARO. ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
THANK YOU.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.