Good morning everyone. Thank you for your patience. Welcome to our work session for session number six of the erie county legislature.
going through today's agenda, today's invocation will be led by majority leader meyers.
the pledge of allegiance will be led by legislator lorigo.
we will put the meeting minutes from the previous meeting up for approval. There are no public hearings at this time.
we have two presentations today. One for our district attorney who will be departing county government and retiring, and The other will be from the majority leader honoring a middle school in
his district. Miscellaneous resolutions on page one and on page two are, as indicated, local laws.
there are none. Committee reports, report number five from the public safety committee.
well said, madam chair. Thank you. And report number five from the economic development committee.
we're all set. Madam chair, report number three from the energy and environment Committee, majority leader
services committee. Committee chair gilmour. We're all set. And report number two from the small business committee.
committee chair vinal. Okay. Legislator resolutions from the minority caucus.
intro 6-1 opposing wind, wind, wind turbines in lake erie waters will be set to invite Energy and environment committee under my authority as
chair. Communications discharge from committee. Communication 5e-41 from the public safety committee will be up for amendment and a vote Today.
communication there's an amendment to communication 5e-41.
continuing on with our agenda. Communication 5e-9 from the finance and management committee from the comptroller.
this is regarding the home rule request mr. Comptroller, did you want to update the members?
yeah. This is an annual thing.
it's necessary to get [inaudible] and the legislature. The state legislature.
normally, they're done for the year at the end of june. So the sooner we can get this to them, the better.
thank you. Any questions for the comptroller? If I can just add, madam chair, that the the member of the state delegation who carries This in the senate requested that we move this quickly so that it's not remaining
in the in the event that
thank you, thank you. Continuing on with our agenda, suspension of the rules.
communication 6d-8 from the director of budget and management.
capital projects update will be directed to the economic development committee under my Authority as chair.
continuing on with our agenda, communications from elected officials. Communication 6e-1 through and including communication 6e-3, as indicated.
communication 6e-4 from the comptroller. The 2024 consolidated bond resolution will be up for a vote today.
communication 6e-5 through and including communication 6e-9 as indicated.
communication 6e-10 and communications 6e-11 as indicated.
communication 6e-12 from the county executive regarding authorization to amend term Contracts for hazardous materials and design.
we have tracy here to speak on this item this morning. Good morning tracy, how are you?
good. How are you? I'm well. You as well. Thank you.
good morning legislators. I'm here before this honorable body requesting authorization to amend the term contract For the hazardous materials design and or sample testing and air monitoring with watts
architecture and engineering. I'm requesting an additional $46,763, for a total contract value of $196,763.
the additional funds will be used for the design of the encapsulation of the lincoln Building, and the remaining money will be used for any unforeseen condition from
existing projects. On the question, legislator greene.
sorry, tracy, I couldn't hear you, but the asbestos, that's the lincoln building.
that's actually for lead. Oh. Lead encapsulation. Yes. Okay. Thank you.
on the question. Okay. Thank you, mr. [inaudible]. This item will be up for immediate consideration today.
have a good day, sir. Communication 6e-13 and communication 6e-14 as indicated.
communication 6e-5 from the county executive regarding the pilot agreement for the perry Homes.
one in the city of buffalo, we have commissioner castle and deputy commissioner baines Here to speak on this item.
good morning gentlemen.
good morning and we are seeking the approval of this honorable body for this pilot Agreement for a multifamily affordable housing project
located in the city of buffalo. The specific project consists of the demolition of existing deteriorated buildings and The construction of 27 new buildings, totaling 405 units of
local of low income housing located at 339 perry street and 448 south park avenue.
all 405 units will be low income and will include 284 units with rental vouchers, 48 units At 50% area
median income and 73 units at 60% area median income.
this project will be developed by perry homes one, llc and perry homes one housing Development fund company.
today we have with us nadine marrero, who is the president of bridges development, and Also larry rubin from kavinoky cook
to answer any more specific questions. Thank you, deputy commissioner.
very excited to see construction on the revitalization of perry homes underway.
thank you, mr. Rubin. Thank you, nadine, for your hard work and helping get the city of Buffalo and the county of erie in position to make this happen for residents who are in
need of quality and affordable housing. Appreciate your leadership so much.
legislator johnson. Yes. Thank you, mr. Rubin. And thank you, mr. Moreira. On this is a project that's been long overdue.
the perry has been so desolate for so many years. It's [inaudible].
so I am so happy to see this going. Everything was done in the right capacity.
you engage the community, your gates and stakeholders that was involved. And I just can't thank you guys enough for what you've done to get this project going.
so thank you. Thank you legislator. Any questions on the project?
okay. This item will be up for immediate consideration today.
thank you gentlemen. Continuing on with our agenda communication 6e-16 and communication 6e-17 as directed Economic development committee.
communications 6e-18 from the county executive regarding personnel modification for the Division of budget and management.
we have commissioner brian bray here from personnel to speak on this item. Good morning commissioner.
good morning. This resolution creates a part time position within the office of
the budget management. The purpose of creating this position is to retain the retiring budget director in a part Time role.
the budget director has served in this role as budget director for 12 years, and has Worked in erie county for 39 years, and has a vast amount
of institutional knowledge that the county wishes to to retain.
initially, the budget department had planned on bringing back mr.
keating in a fee for service arrangement as an independent contractor.
however, we felt it was more appropriate for for us to have him as an employee, rather as An independent contractor.
the funds for professional services were allocated in the 2024 budget.
this resolution would transfer that to the employee salary line.
and so therefore this resolution is budget neutral.
on the question. Thank you commissioner, this item will be up for immediate consideration.
happy to see that director keating will be remaining with the county in some capacity for His years and years of stellar work in our budget division, continuing on with our agenda
communication 6e-19 from legislator baskin is, as indicated, health and human services.
on with our agenda communications from the department's communications 6d-1 through Including communications 6d-4 as indicated.
communication 6d-5 through including communications 6d-7 as indicated.
communications from the people in other agencies. Communication 6m-1 from the town of from the town of hamburg.
from the town of hamburg as indicated. Energy and environment.
any announcements? Yes. Legislative [inaudible]. This isn't an announcement, but I was wondering on this the Communication 5e-41 about the the sheriff's
swat team response unit. I had voted in favor of this when it came up originally because they said that it saved a Life of a sheriff when it was shot at by bucky phillips back in that
those days at that time. But the thing is, is that this is authorizing it to be allowed is without a waiver of a Bond because of section
3.07-2 or sub two, which is not about the originally I thought that this was because it Was from the state contracting list, which it's not
because it's obviously a new build. This section is only for when you waive bidding is only for three instances one when There's a public emergency, and the third
one is when the county legislature is in session. And the second one is when it's resolution adopted by a supermajority of two thirds of The member when we've determined it's impracticable to advertise such bids.
and I don't think that there's anything saying that it's impractical to advertise such Bids.
so I think this should go out to bid since the original purchase order was approved, but It wasn't signed.
and now this one is, I think, this one that I just want if our fellow legislators would Read that section 7.02, subsection two, which is saying that we
don't have a bid I'm not saying this canadian company wouldn't ultimately get the bid, But I'm saying it's not necessarily in my mind.
it's not a obviously it's not something that needs to get done right away because they Have a piece of equipment.
last actually used this kind of tactical equipment was used with the bucky phillips that It was used where there was actually a necessity.
and so it's not a rush job. And to give it to a canadian company, not that I don't want this canadian company to Succeed, but I think it'd be good to put it out, to bid and not let it go.
I thought it was represented that it was based on a state bid, but this is not the Section for the state bid, and it's something this company never bid on before.
so it obviously isn't necessarily one of the agenda. It's an approved vendor from the state for other products, but not necessarily for this Product.
so I don't think that it should be. I think there should be more about why are they saying that we need a supermajority in This case, that it's so impractical to advertise bids in this context when it's not a rush
purchase? Thank you. Legislator. Legislator johnson. Yeah, I know in our in committees last week, we decided that the only issue we had was The funding being in usd as
opposed to canadian. That's the only issue that we've seen with this resolution. So, you know, we held this up based on that to the legislative body, you have your Points, but we've already decided that as a committee last week, the issue that
we had was that and I think you were here for that. So you know, and those questions were pointed questions.
but we could have brought those questions up last week as well, when we had those folks Here for. The thing, I agree with what he's saying, and I appreciate that.
and usually I would you know, stick with that. The only thing is, is that I don't think it was represented to any of us.
and in fact, I would say, I know it's not representative to anyone that they were asking For a waiver of the normal bid process on the doctrine of either emergency or that we're
not in session, or that this is so impracticable. That makes a whole different thing.
and if the group doesn't bring that up, then we're having a discussion based on facts That weren't really known by us.
and at least I think that should be known. And because of that, I'm voting against it because of the fact to separate it out [inaudible].
and I think that we should at least table it to say, why is this impracticable, to vote to Not have to go to bid process.
and when we want to have minority bidders, we want to have women bidders, we want to have Local companies versus out of country, [inaudible] bidders to just give
a sweetheart deal to a canadian company for on that section of law that says that it has To be found by supermajority.
it's one of the few times that we need a supermajority is on this section that putting That in there changes it to me, to what was discussed at the committee and should have
been brought up when it was brought up, and it was brought up by the sheriff, who Wouldn't necessarily know those details of it, but that's the only way it gets through
without bidding is by using this thing that's supposed to be for very limited Circumstances, and not just every single time.
well, thank you, legislator. Mr. [inaudible], you could be heard on the question.
are you and legislator vinal during the break can definitely have conversation with the Office of the sheriff to clear up any of her concerns.
okay. All right. If there are no other topics to discuss legislator todaro.
thank you, madam chair. I just want to. I want to elaborate on the conversation we had in committee briefly.
I do recall the sheriff's office clearly stating that there's only one manufacturer for That product.
and being that I guess the if I remember the fema they were already being they were Already allocated to the federal government so they could not take
any more work on. So we went to the canadian company because they're the only ones available.
our pys, they kind of did their work already, from what I gathered in committee, and we Agreed that
thank you for the point of clarity. Legislator, legislator bargnesi. During that committee meeting, I brought it up.
I said why? They weren't going to the next stage of it because they couldn't fulfill the first the Low bidder and the state couldn't fulfill them.
and I think they're doing this to get around going back [inaudible].
so I think that answers your question. They're saying that this company is not the state did.
and that's why they have to do. But my question was why aren't we going to the next lowest bidder on the state.
so we never they never put it to bid. The first thing is they never put it to bid. They used the state bid which is fine.
but now they're going instead of putting it to bid the first time they went to the state Bid, and then the purchase order didn't get signed or whatever at a timely.
and that's why the company said that they were going to upcharge, whatever, [inaudible] Or something.
and that's why they tried to do this. So it was now they're doing this to get around it for, you know, trying out the new Company.
but I don't think it's we're supposed to be like open, inclusive government and not Cherry picking which groups get to have a bid without going through the normal process.
I don't think they cherry pick from what
I'm just saying that I just think that to go around the bidding process, I don't see There's any justification for it in this context.
okay. All good points. Well taken, legislator greene. Thank you, madam chair. I don't know if anybody has the answer, but I of last week's Discussion I kind of got the idea that this was on gsa
contract. [inaudible] that is correct.
it is in the gsa catalog. In addition, captain hawthorne tells me that is a sole source provider of this.
it's called the senator. The vehicle is called the senator. So in addition to being sole source, it is in the gsa catalog which is why we're Requesting a waiver of the bidding.
I believe, if I remember correctly, right around 2019, maybe 2018, I believe it was Governor cuomo who had altered some of the new york state
laws regarding competitive purchasing that allows new york state municipal employees to Utilize non-new york state
contracts if they're competitively bid. So there was a kind of caveat that I believe.
so my point is, we're allowed to use gsa bids in place with state contract, where we Wouldn't have been in that 20 years ago, I
believe I believe that's correct.
okay. Chris, I would certainly touch base with legislator vinal in the interim.
but it seems that members that were present during the committee have made points that Can come up in the committee to justify.
yeah. If I, if I may pick up the [inaudible] to take a look at this. And the incorrect section of the charter was cited for what was being waived.
and an amendment is needed to cite section 3.07(2). So I apologize that deputy director cornell can't be here to explain that today.
that was his plan. So I think he had the correct language she wanted to have amended.
thank you if that's all.
then we will reconvene at 12 noon for our formal session. Thanks, everyone.
all right. We're going to get started. Good afternoon everyone.
I call this meeting of the erie county legislature to order. This is meeting number six of the erie county legislature.
march 21st, 2024. Madam clerk, would you please take the role?
thank you. Today's invocation will be led by majority leader meyers.
and please remain standing if you are able, for the pledge of allegiance, which will be Led by legislator lorigo majority leader.
thank you, madam chair. A moment of silence, please.
amen. Legislator lorigo.
you may take your seat if you are able. I'd like to recognize. Joining us today in our formal session is town of cheektowaga supervisor, the honorable Brian nowak.
thank you for joining us today supervisor [applause].
continuing on with our agenda, tabled items. There are none. Items for reconsideration from the previous meeting.
there are none. Minutes from the previous meeting. Majority leader, you have the floor. Thank you, madam chair. I move for immediate consideration and approval.
a proper motion for a meeting consideration of approval made by the majority leader has Been seconded by legislator johnson on the question.
all in favor? Any opposed? 11 to 0. Carried unanimously.
the meeting minutes are approved. Public hearings. There are none at this time. Miscellaneous resolutions on page one and continued on to page two.
majority leader, you have the floor. Thank you, madam chair. Move to consider. Second, it's been a proper motion to consider the miscellaneous resolutions made by the Majority leader and seconded by legislator gilmour on the question.
all in favor any opposed? 11 to 0. Carried unanimously.
the miscellaneous resolutions are now before the body. Majority leader, you have the floor. Thank you, madam chair. I move to amend to include at all.
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. Carried unanimously.
the miscellaneous resolutions are amended. Majority leader. Thank you, madam chair. Move to approve, as amended, second, proper motion to approve the miscellaneous Resolutions, as amended, made by the majority leader.
it's been seconded by legislator gilmour on the question. All in favor?
any opposed? 11 to 0. Carried unanimously. The miscellaneous resolutions are now approved, as amended.
we will now transition to two formal presentations.
the first one will be led by the leadership of the legislature.
so I'm going to ask the majority leader and the minority leader to join me here at the Dais as we honor a presentation to district attorney flynn followed
by that majority leader. You will remain at the podium for your presentation for cleveland hill high school.
as our esteemed district attorney joins us at the podium, why don't we give him a round of Applause for amazing service?
[applause]
so, district attorney flynn, please join us here at the dais. We wish to honor you for your stellar service as our county district attorney since
2017. Thank you so much for your service. Thank you very much. We have a proclamation to read for you, and we'd love for you to Greet us with your remarks as you head into retirement.
minority leader from here. Okay, nice.
okay. Whereas john j. Flynn, a devoted husband, father and five current resident of the town of tonawanda, is a Graduate of east aurora high school, earning a bachelor's degree in clinical
science from bowling green university. And whereas, d.a. Flynn joined the united states navy, attended naval officer candidate School in newport, rhode island, and whereas, after fulfilling his
naval commitment. District attorney flynn returned to western new york to attend and graduate from the University of buffalo school of law in 1995, and.
that's great. Thanks, john. Whereas prior to taking office district attorney on january 1st, 2017, john sat as a board member on the town of tonawanda town board,
serves as town justice and appointed as an acting buffalo city court judge and town of Town attorney for the town of tonawanda.
and whereas john's noteworthy accomplishments at the 41st district attorney in erie County included helping create the first opioid intervention court in the
nation, in the response to the increase of overdose related deaths in erie county and Assigned prosecutors, prosecutors, and liaisons to the police departments and school
districts in erie county to increase investigative response to critical instances.
and whereas another significant accomplishment involved the prosecution of the gunman, who Killed ten people and injured three
victims at the tops on jefferson avenue. The first person to be charged and convicted in new york state in new york state of Domestic act of terrorism motivated by hate in the first
degree. And whereas, in june 2023, district attorney flynn was officially named as President of the district
attorneys association of the state of new york. And whereas, this honorable body recognizes individuals such as john flynn, a man who has Provided his leadership services and phenomenal skill set in
different capacities, most recently as district attorney of erie county.
now, therefore, be it resolved that the erie county legislature pauses in its Deliberations to honor john flynn on his dedicated and distinguished
service to the people of western new york and the state of new york. And be it further resolved that this honorable body thanks, john, for his above and Beyond work ethic and dedication to our community, and wishes him
the absolute best in his future endeavors. Ladies and gentlemen, john flynn.
[applause] thank you very much.
mic]
well, first and foremost I see my dear friend bob bennett here.
I'll tell you what. You know I want to thank you for all that you've done for for your, Your your career.
I said right. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you for. Are you done for for those of you who are the students here, if you ever get a traffic Ticket in the southern tier, he's got more power than I do.
okay? He he's a town prosecutor every town in southern tier.
so thank you very much. I you know, I I came here.
well, I, you know, obviously I've been in this body on numerous occasions when I, when I Took over in 2017, but when I really
needed you needed this body. Needed the county was in 2020.
we were in the process, as we all know, of dramatic changes to our criminal justice System.
and, you know, I know that a lot that's talked about in the criminal justice system, as Far as, you know, the new bail laws and other laws that took effect.
but, you know, as I told you before, the biggest law that affected me in my office was The discovery law
and the changes to discovery were just, you know, a earth shattering event to da's Offices all over, all over the
state because of what we had to do now to comply with the new rules.
and I came to you, and even before it got passed in 2019 and took effect on january 1st, 2020,
and I came to you and said, I'm going to need help.
I'm going to need resources because I know how albany works, and I know that they're Going to pass a law and they're not going to provide any
resources. They're going to give us an unfunded mandate. And what happened on january 1st, 2020, that's exactly what happened.
the law went into effect, and there were no resources attached to that law.
so I needed help. I needed you, the county, to give me the resources that my office needed, not just my Office, but the resources that the community
needed to stay safe so that cases would not get dismissed and criminals would not go Free, and that we
we were ensured that the rules were in place, the material was sent out and discovery was Taken care of here in erie county.
and you stepped up. I know some of you weren't here, but this body that you represent right now.
stepped up to the plate, the county executive stepped up.
the budget office in erie county. Mr. Keating and his staff stepped up, and you guys were the final piece of the puzzle Because you had to approve it at the end of the
day. And every one of you, even though lindsay you weren't here, doesn't matter.
I'm giving you credit for it. Okay? Every one of you can take credit for providing the
safety and security for the residents of erie county.
and again, if we think about it, you know, whatever you debate in here, whether it's Bonds, a new stadium for the bills,
which is important. Okay. What could be wrong. All right. You know, education, housing, whatever it may be, all issues that are vital to our Community and very important,
but none of them are as important as public safety.
it doesn't matter whether you're whether we have taxes raised, taxes lowered.
it doesn't matter whether there's ten cleveland hills funded properly for schools if if The if the if the students at cleveland hill aren't safe, if the
residents of cheektowaga aren't safe, none of it matters, none of it matters at all.
public safety is the number one issue across this country.
and if we're not safe, if our residents don't feel secure in their communities, nothing Else matters.
and when we were faced with covid and we were faced with dramatic changes
to criminal justice laws that were done in albany and action needed to be taken in erie County, the erie county legislator
came through. And I'll never forget that.
and I thank every one of you for what you did. I thank this past body for what you did.
I thank you for your leadership back then, and I thank you for for what you do each and Every day.
I'll just make sure the bills don't leave buffalo, okay? And that stadium gets funded.
all right. God bless you all [applause].
awesome.
typical luck for me. I always have to follow a legend, so I'll try not to let you down here.
you know, it's always a tough act to follow, but today gives me great pleasure.
we're joined by some students and teachers from cleveland hill middle school. So if everybody could please come on up here.
we appreciate that [applause].
everybody's smiling because I got a day out of school, right? We know mondays. I just want to point out some of the people that are here.
we have danielle eleuterio, the principal.
danielle [applause]. Okay. Hi, sir.
elizabeth haynes, teacher is here with us. And james menzie.
I'm hoping I'm getting these names right. Teacher and john powell. John, thank you for being here.
and we also are going to hear from jack scheidel in a little bit, but I just want to read This.
this is their government club. Correct. So I just want to read the proclamation first, and then we'll get to our Speakers.
okay. Thank you. Acknowledging and recognizing cleveland hill fire, memorial day, buffalo, new york, march 21st, 2024.
whereas on march 31st, 1954, a devastating fire occurred at the cleveland hill school as The school's furnace exploded,
causing a massive fire in the wooden annex to the building. And whereas the wooden annex only had two exits which were both engulfed in flames and Windows were inaccessible due to heavy, heavy multiple coats of
paint on them, and the windows were impossible to open. And whereas the fire resulted in the loss of 15 school children that day, which had a Major emotional toll on the school district and all of erie county.
and whereas, in the months and years after the fire, state lawmakers, lawmakers worked Significantly to enhance and improve the school building codes and fire safety
measures with the hopes of preventing another fire like the 1954 cleveland hill incident.
and whereas legislation was introduced to ban schools from wood to make sure that every Classroom had space and adequate escape routes, to
require fire extinguishers to be placed in all schools and mandate fire drills for all Students.
and whereas to this day, there has been not been another public school fire in this Country due to the improved fire safety
regulations that were implemented following the devastating cleveland hill school fire.
now, therefore, be it resolved that this honorable body recognizes march 31st as the Cleveland hills school fire memorial day in honor of the
lives that were lost that day and acknowledgment of the impact of the tragic event on and On the improvement of fire safety and public schools
across this country. And be it further resolved, the dishonorable body commends the cleveland hills middle School student government club for creating this memorial and winning the most
outstanding bill for their bill to honor and remember the cleveland hill fire of 1954 and At the 2002 for new york state ymca youth
government conference. Thank you [applause].
next, representing the students is going to be jackson right.
are you a school president or a class president?
your name might be right up here, and we'll be listening to you, but come on up and you Can address the body.
welcome, jackson. Good afternoon.
we thank you all for inviting us here today. My name is jack speedo. I am an eighth grade student at cleveland hill middle school in cheektowaga.
we are members of our school's youth and government club, this year we tackled the issues Of microplastics in our water and honoring the anniversary of our school's fire.
on march 31st, 1954, a devastating fire ripped through a wooden addition, both to hold Extra classes for our school, cleveland hill.
there were 31 children in that room with two teachers, but there was no escape, 15 Students would die.
the homes in our cheektowaga community were constructed for the factory workers that Built the planes to win the war during world war two.
there was a price to be paid for the rapid growth of our community to meet the needs of Our families of addition was built quickly, using available materials left over from the
great depression, making room for extra classes including art and music.
the addition was ten years old in 1954. The wood around the windows had been painted so many times it was impossible to open Them.
there are only, what, two ways in and out. Both were blocked by the flames caused by an explosion in the furnace.
the fire left our community shocked and devastated. While families mourn the dead and tended to their wounded children, leaders across our Region took action.
legislation was proposed to ban building schools from wood, but to make sure that every Classroom had adequate escape routes, to make sure that every classroom or
sorry fire extinguishers were placed in all schools. Fire drills became routine for all students, not just in erie county, but across the Nation, as others states took notice of what had happened at our school.
since the cleveland hill fire and all the safety regulations that were put in place.
no other child has died in a public school fire or in the new york state or in the us.
as we approached the 70th anniversary of the fire that changed all of our school Procedures and has made us all safer, we ask that march 31st be designated as
a day of remembrance for the children that died and our community that was left to Rebuild.
we ask, as students not much older than they were at their legacy, be remembered and Honored
[applause]. Yeah, if everybody can scooch in a little bit so everybody can get in the Picture.
that's good. Yeah.
thank you. Thank you all for being here today [applause].
thank you, students of cleveland hill middle school. And thank you, majority leader.
beautiful touching presentation. We're going to get back to our agenda.
local laws. Think so?
yes. Local laws. Local laws. There are none.
committee reports, report number five from the public safety committee.
committee chair johnson. Thank you, madam chair. I move for immediate consideration and approval.
there's been a proper motion for immediate consideration and approval made by committee Chair johnson has been seconded by legislator bargnesi on the question.
all in favor? Aye. Any opposed? 11 to 0. The report is approved.
report number five from the economic development committee. Committee chair johnson.
again. Thank you. I move for immediate consideration and approval. It's been a proposition made by legislator johnson.
it's been seconded by legislator gilmour on the question. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed?
okay. The report is approved. Report number three 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 committee chair meyers second, seconded by Legislator johnson on the question.
all in favor? Any opposed? 11 to 0. The report is approved. Report number three from the health and human services committee.
committee chair gilmour. Thank you. Move for consideration approval. Second motion made by legislator gilmour has been seconded by legislator johnson on the Question.
all in favor? Aye. Any opposed? 11 to 0. Okay. The report is approved. And report number two from the small business committee.
legislator vinal there's been a second motion made by legislator vinal has been seconded by legislator Gilmour on the question.
all in favor? Any opposed? 11 to 0. The report is approved.
legislator resolutions. Intro 6-1 will be sent to the energy and environment committee under my authority as Chair.
communications discharge from committee. Majority leader, you have the floor. Thank you, madam chair. I have two discharges moved to discharge communication 5e-41 from The public safety committee.
second, there's been a proper motion made by the majority leader. Meyers 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. Thank you, madam chair. Move to amend the item. There's been a proper motion to amend the item made by the majority leader.
it's been seconded. Seconded by legislator gilmour. All in. All in favor?
aye. Any opposed? 11 to 0. The motion carries and the item is amended.
majority leader. Thank you, madam chair. Move to approve the item as amended. Second motion to approve the item as amended, made by the majority leader.
it's been seconded by legislator johnson. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Oh, there there is a question.
there's a question allowed on these motions. Right. There isn't one written here, I thought so there's on the question.
go ahead. Legislator. Thank you. When this was approved by the at the committee level, originally, the one Change that was requested by legislator todaro was the to
identify that it was us dollars. And the other change that was made before it came to us today was that section 307-2 of The erie county code was added as the enabling legislation, which
wasn't there the last time that we had it here. The reason why I would ask that either be denied now or just delayed and tabled until next Time, is that there are questions in the sense that that section
is supposed to be sparingly used, and it's only supposed to be used in times when there's A declared emergency, when contracts can be approved without going through bidding.
number two, the third, third section of it is when we're not in session, and the third is When it's impracticable to have a normal bidding.
bidding is an important part of government. It's a chance, the only chance that people have to be a part of government to to actually Bid and participate economically in government and to take that away
from the from people in the private sector, participating should only be done sparingly.
and that's why that statute, in order for it to go on, the practicality thing, has to Have a supermajority and not just an ordinary majority.
so it's not something to be taken so lightly as we're taking it today. So I would ask that that to be decided.
the reason for it is they're claiming that it's a sole use provider, which it's only sole Use if it's the sole use of that product called the senator,
which obviously any company names its products and every company will always be the sole Use of that particular product like that, as you know, brought up by someone else.
they use the example that if we say we want a bic round stick pen, that only can be Provided by bic as opposed to just a pen.
if we say we want a mustang convertible, that can only be provided by ford, as opposed to Saying we need a sedan or two door, four door sedan.
so to take this away. I think is not necessarily a proper thing to do on it, and it's not using the section to Say, we're not using this as a section to say that we're putting it on
gsa or putting it on the others. We're putting it on that section 3.03.07.
and I don't think this warrants it, I do I did vote for the product that the purchase of This product before, even though it's a military style vehicle used in civilian format.
and I did it because I was told by the person that I believed him that this is something That will protect people, and it protected officers from potential fatal and life altering
illness things in back in when bucky phillips was you know on the loose and that was so I Do believe that it's important
for safety, but that doesn't give the right to just deny the right of the public to try To participate in government.
so for that reason, I would ask to either have it if we move it to next time so we can Get those answers to see if this particular vehicle is sold, use, or if, just as they're
saying, [inaudible]. And for that reason and we're not you know, we're definitely not purchasing it at the Price and the catalog.
so I doubt it's the same product. And the ones that they said are in the catalog are the ones that are being sent over to The ukraine for military purpose, which is very different than the purpose.
we're using it in the type of vehicle. So for that reason, I think that and not saying it's not a good vehicle, but I'm saying We should table it.
there's no urgency whatsoever that it should be tabled so that we can have those Answered to see if we if this is something that we knowingly want to take out of the
public sector, to have people bidding it and being participating in government, there's Been a proper motion to table the item.
do I have a second? No second. The motion fails. Back to the original motion.
on the question. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed?
opposed. Okay 10 to 1. The motion carries in. The item is carried.
approved. I lost track of where I am now.
second discharge.
right? Yeah, yeah. The second discharge. Yes. There's two discharges, that's why.
okay. Sorry about that, guys. Thank you for bearing with me. The second discharge from the finance and management committee.
majority leader, you have the floor. Thank you, madam chair. I move to discharge communication 5e-9 from the finance and Management committee.
there's been a second proper motion to discharge item 5e-9 made by the majority leader.
the second was legislator gilmour on the question. All in favor?
aye. Any opposed? 11 to 0. The motion carries, and the item is now before the legislature.
majority leader, you have the floor. Thank you, madam chair. I move to approve the item. It's been a proper motion to approve the item made by the majority leader.
it's been seconded by legislator johnson on the question. All in favor?
aye. Any opposed? 11 to 0. Yes.
which one are we on here from? The comptroller state authorization for the private sale of bonds or notes by negotiated Agreement.
the home rule from the comptroller [inaudible]. Yeah, the home rule.
all in favor? Aye. Any opposed? 11 to 0. Okay.
the motion carries. Moving on with our agenda. Suspension of the rules.
majority leader, you have the floor. Thank you, madam chair. I have three suspensions.
first, from the budget director and management of capital projects. Update for march 2024.
thank you, madam clerk. Communications 6e-8.
thank you. This letter is sent to the finance and management committee under my authority As chair, majority leader.
thank you, madam chair. The next suspension is from the department of environmental and Planning.
madam clerk. Communications 6d-9.
thank you. Mr. Meyers.
thank you, madam chair. Move for immediate consideration and approval. Second, there's.
second, there's been a proper motion for immediate consideration, and approval made by The majority leader, is don't talk when I'm talking please, just let me get through this
and I'll recognize you according to the rules. There's been a proper motion made for immediate consideration and approval.
and there's been a second on the question. Legislator lorigo, madam chair, yes.
I'm sorry. On the question.
all in favor? Aye, aye. Any opposed? 11 to 0. Okay. The item is approved.
continuing on with suspensions. Majority leader, you have the floor. Thank you, madam chair. The next suspension is from the department of budget and Management.
2024 capital projects funding. Conversion to pay as you go.
madam clerk. Communications 6d-10.
okay. Mr. Meyers. Thank you, madam chair. Move for immediate consideration and approval.
there's been a motion for immediate consideration and approval made by the majority Leader and seconded by legislator gilmour on the question.
legislator lorigo.
before us, we have an updated consolidated bond resolution.
two weeks ago, the administration pushed through a resolution expecting a rubber stamp on A spending plan that was irresponsible to taxpayers.
thanks to my colleagues and the minority caucus, we were able to reduce bond spending Saving roughly $15.2 million in bond spending.
that would have amounted to be about $7 million in interest payments long term for the Taxpayers.
we were able to do this without sacrificing a single project in this plan, which reduced Was a reduction in borrowing of roughly
27%. We're very proud to have this for this honorable body today and hope that we'll have Everybody's approval.
thank you. Thank you legislator. Legislator greene, on the question.
thank you, madam chair. Last two weeks have certainly been a little bit tense.
in the past, what was negotiations that would often occur across a conference room table We're trying to play out in social media.
in 2021 and 2022, we would often look at the consolidated bond resolution as well as the Balanced budget amendment, as a as a total package
that would often get passed on the same day as an entire spending bill.
that all changed last year. Things got off the rails. We got a decent deal done, but I feel like it could have been better.
but over the last three years, we've been able to save the taxpayers of erie county over $88 million in
interest payments over the over the over the life of these bonds.
this year we're going to add $7 billion in interest payments.
this is the deal that is great for taxpayers in both the short term and the long term.
I want to thank my, my, my, my, my, my colleagues, both in this caucus as well as the Ones on the other side of the aisle for things we've done in the past.
we have gotten some great concessions where we have some transparency in government that a Lot of us ran on last year, which is the first time in a generation we were
able to negotiate a reduction in the tax levy last year. We were able to get ourselves a project list going back to 2016 of bonding projects, to Know where their completion status was
and to make sure that the eyes of the of the taxpayers could go and see what's being done In ways we can improve the future.
and several of those bonds have been reactivated and reallocated. And I'm happy to say that that was work we have done.
in addition, we have a five year roadmap on what projects road projects are going to be Done.
we've continued to do the work on behalf of the taxpayers, and I think we have a fair Deal that's moving forward, going to be able to save taxpayers money without sacrificing a
single project. And I look forward to passing this. Thank you, madam chair. Thank you.
on the question, minority leader mills.
thank you, madam chair. I agree with what the legislator, [inaudible] and greene have mentioned, put a little Different light on things.
I've tried to negotiate with my democratic colleagues.
working together. And I think we've done a good job of doing that over the years here.
and I'm really proud of how things concluded on this issue.
what concerns me is that we had to work out an arrangement with the county executive to Meet face to
face with ironing out some of our issues that were very, very significant to the Taxpayers erie county.
we managed to do that, but what concerns me was that we made several attempts to meet Face to face with county executive, and he finally agreed to do that at
8:30 this morning. And then a young man anymore.
but, you know, it's a little stressful on the heart trying to lead these negotiations to 8:30 the morning of the
the vote. So I'm happy that we finally managed to get together and make significant Changes in the bond that were going to be,
sadly over. So, I mean, I'm happy it was concluded.
I wish we could have worked a little closer together before this came to conclusion, but Happy it finally concluded.
and it's a win win for all of us. So thank you. Thank you, minority leader.
on the question, legislator todaro. Thank you, madam chair. I'm finally now confident and set to vote on today's bond resolution, a vote that should Save all county taxpayers about
a 27% reduction in borrowing, translating to $7 million in interest payments.
I want to be very clear. This caucus was always very transparent on that.
we wanted to have the negotiations and the conversations to move this forward.
you can't do that with a door closed on the other side. But today we finally broke through and I appreciate that.
this is how government should work. We should all come together and have the same, the same answer that we got to come to our Taxpayers
and tell them that we're saving them money. I'm glad that we can keep these road projects moving forward and save them money.
that's our goal. So thank you, madam chair. Thank you. Legislator todaro legislator bargnesi on the question, I'm going to be very Brief.
I think we're all speaking on the wrong one. We're supposed to be speaking on 6e-4, but we might as well continue here.
I find it entertaining that minority caucus says we're finally being transparent.
last minute negotiations. When the capital projects committee met in july and august, which legislator mills is Part of, todaro attended, and they knew what the projects were at that
time. The bond resolution was submitted to us february 13th. We've had more than enough time to discuss it further, so there was nothing last minute About it.
transparency was always on the table, and it only came time when push came to shove that We're willing to talk about it.
but all in favor of good, transparent government.
thank you. Legislator on the question.
okay. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed?
11 to 0. Okay. The motion carries and the item is approved.
legislator meyers.
continuing on with our agenda. Thank you. Communications from elected officials. Communication 6e-1 through and including communication 6e-3 as indicated.
communication 6e-4 from the controller. Majority leader, you have the floor.
thank you, madam chair. I move for a meeting, consideration and approval. Second, there's been a proper motion for immediate consideration and approval made by the Majority leader.
it's been seconded by legislator johnson on the question. All in favor? Aye.
any opposed? The roll call vote.
okay. With the. One second. Legislator greene, we have to go back to make sure that we approve the item.
I mean, amend the item that's before us. So, legislator meyers, if we could go back and introduce the item as as the amendment to The item before we go around to approve it.
okay, madam chair, I'll make a motion to amend. Motion to amend communication 6e-4 made by the majority leader.
it's been seconded by legislator todaro on the motion to amend.
all in favor? Aye. Any opposed? The item is amended now.
majority leader. Thank you, madam chair. Move to approve, as amended.
motion to approve item 6e-4, as amended.
made by the majority leader, seconded by legislator todaro on the question.
all in favor? Aye. Any opposed? 11 to 0. Okay.
the motion carries and the item is approved, as amended. Continuing on with our agenda.
communication 6e-5 through and including communication 6e-11 as indicated.
communication 6e-12 from the county executive majority leader meyers.
thank you, madam chair. I move for immediate consideration and approval. There's been a proper motion for immediate consideration and approval made by the Majority leader.
it's been seconded by minority leader mills.
on the question. All in favor? Aye, aye. Any opposed? 11 to 0.
the motion carries and the item is approved. Continuing on with our agenda.
communication 6e-13 through and including communication 6e-14 as indicated.
communication 6e-15 from the county executive.
majority leader, you have the floor. Thank you, madam chair. Move for immediate consideration and approval.
there's been a proper motion for immediate consideration and approval made by the Majority leader is seconded by legislator johnson on the question.
all in favor? Aye. Any opposed? 11 to 0. The motion carries and the item is approved.
continuing on with our agenda. Communication 6e-16 through and including communication 6e-17 as indicated.
communication 6e-18 from the county executive. Majority leader you have the floor.
thank you, madam chair. I move for immediate consideration and approval. There's been a proper motion made by the majority leader.
do I have a second? Second seconded by minority leader on the question.
all in favor? Aye. Any opposed? 11 to 0. The motion carries and the item is approved.
continuing on communication 6e-19 as indicated.
continuing on communications from the departments. Communications 16d-1 through and including communication 16d-7 as indicated.
continuing on with our agenda communications from the people in other agencies. Communication 6m-1 as indicated.
announcements. We will conduct committee meetings next week on thursday, march 28th and The schedule will be distributed.
we have break during the week, spring break during the first week of april.
and our next scheduled session of the legislature is april 11th.
are there any other announcements from the floor? Please rise if you are able, for memorial resolutions.
legislator todaro. Thank you, madam chair. I move to adjourn in the memory of gaspara sarah.
we're sorry for your loss. Legislator. Any others? Legislator mills.
yes, madam chair, I am adjourned in memory of mary nelson.
she's a resident of the town of concord, which I presented certificate proclamation to Her last year when she turned
107 years old. And she just passed away in that very wonderful lady who involved in many, many things, Including making aircrafts
for our air force and during world war two.
she truly was a great, great woman. Down to earth lady drank a little vinegar with some other concoction.
and I guess that treated her to longevity, but she passed away at 107.
thank you. Our condolences to the town of concord. Your constituency.
any others? A moment of silence for those that have gone on to be with the lord.
amen. Now I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn by legislator johnson, seconded by the majority leader.
all in favor? Any opposed? 11 to 0. We stand adjourned.