Name: Niagara County Legislature Meeting - 9-22-2026
Uploaded: 2026-09-22T00:00:00Z
Duration: 1 h 2 min 5 s
Description: Just want to take this opportunity to thank the Niagara County Legislature for this opportunity, but also just the support of disc golf, whether directly or indirectly.

[0:13] Okay. If I could call this meeting to order. We've got a public hearing tonight, and, uh, as I read this, uh, it's it's lengthy for some reason. So here we go. Please take notice that a public hearing will be held by the Niagara County Legislature in Niagara County, New York, at the Niagara County Courthouse, first floor, 175 Holly Street, Lockport, New York, 14094. On the 22nd day of September 2026 at 5:50 p.m. local time for the purpose of the hearing of comments, the county's community development needs and potential submission of one or more Community Development Block grants, known as Cdbg applications for the 2026 program year. The New York State Cdbg program is administered by the New York State Homes and Community Renewal, and will make available to eligible local governments approximately $45 million for the current program year for housing, public infrastructure, public facilities, economic development, imminent threat and community planning with the principal purpose of benefiting low to moderate income persons. Nassau County is applying for funding to assist multiple projects for an estimated aggregate amount of $1,450,000 in Cdbg funds to support economic development projects that will support manufacturing, hospitality and tourism, economic growth and job creation in the county. It is expected that $1,402,000 of the requested Cdbg funds will be used to offset the cost of furnishing fixtures and equipment, and or working capital expenses for their respective projects, with the remaining funding utilized for expenses related to program delivery and grant administration. It is anticipated that the projects are estimated to, in the aggregate result in the creation of 95 full time equivalent jobs, 62 of which will be available to low and moderate income persons. The hearing will provide Cdbg program information and accept public input on proposed grant applications and alternative project ideas. The location of the hearing as accessible to persons with disabilities. And I think I don't need to read that portion, but, uh, written comments may also be submitted by email to Andrea.

[2:40] A NDREA dot KLYCZEK S1:

[3:17] Is there anyone in the gallery that would like to speak on today's public hearing regarding Cdbg funds? S1:

[3:42] Tune to LC TV 1301 on spectrum cable for local talk shows, sports, entertainment and special events in our communities. We also bring you the best gavel to gavel local government meetings and an opportunity for you to talk with your local officials live on TV program Wls-tv in your favorites button on your remote watch live or DVR. Wls-tv channels 1301, 1302 and 1303 for the best in local programing at TV. For more information, go to www.tv.net.

[4:20] Legislators Department heads, please take your seats. We'll start the meeting.

[4:33] Good evening. I'll call the. Tuesday, September 22nd Niagara County Legislature meeting to order with a call of the roll, please.

[4:49] Legislator. Abbott here. Legislator. Andrés. Here. Legislator. Brat here. Legislator. Cassel here. Legislator. Elder here. Legislator here. Legislator. Godfrey. Here. Legislator. Gooch here. Legislator. Hill here. Legislator. McKinney. Here. Legislator. Myers. Legislator here. Legislator. Robins here. Legislator. Speranza here. 15 present.

[5:16] Um. Madam clerk.

[5:18] Oh, I'm.

[5:19] Sorry.

[5:19] Legislator Farrugia.

[5:25] Very good. Legislator Abbott will be leading us in the prayer and the pledge.

[5:34] O God, father of us all, we humbly beseech thee. And thy wisdom and knowledge to guide and direct the deliberations of this legislative body along the paths of truth, justice and righteousness, so that what it decides for the welfare of our citizens may also redound to thy greater honor and glory. Amen.

[5:53] Amen.

[5:53] Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[6:19] As many of you are probably aware, earlier this month we had the loss of Bill Ross, a longtime legislator here in Niagara County, a chairman of our legislature, a record setting number of times and, uh, just a true gentleman, uh, in our community. He was a coach. He was a veteran. He was a community servant. He was many things. I consider him a friend and a mentor. I'd like to take a moment to recognize him with a moment of silence.

[7:08] Thank you.

[7:13] All right. As you look at your yellow sheets, you're not going to see on that that we are actually going to call Legislator Meyer up to give us a presentation regarding the 250 celebration and more specifically, the inclusion of some items in our time capsule. A new time capsule that will be, uh, keeping here in the courthouse. Legislator Meyer.

[7:41] Thank you, Chairman Hal. Um, I would just like to remind everyone that we're still celebrating our, uh, 250th birth year of America, and I would like to take a second to thank Jeff Gaston for heading down to Fort Niagara, picking up the pictures and distributing them to the supervisors in the municipalities that participated, which everyone did. So thanks, Jeff, for you and your crew for doing such a great job of doing that. Um, last but not least, what we do have is the time capsule that was put together by our friends at Suny Niagara. And I'd like to take this moment to ask if there's any supervisors here that we send out a little invitation, if they would like to bring any, uh, little things from their town or, um, whatever little memorabilia to put in the time capsule. And thank you for joining us tonight. So, um, what do we have? You want to come over here and tell me who you are? Tell everybody who you are and what you're contributing to the capsule.

[8:57] Good evening. Uh, Jeff Brown. Town of Royalton. Supervisor. And we've just got some memorabilia that we'd like to put in. Nice. Okay.

[9:07] Thank you. Thank you for making the trek up here tonight and bringing that. And I'll have you come around here also. Don't run away, Mr. Brown. Okay.

[9:18] Hi.

[9:19] I'll just do it very briefly. I've got a U-Haul outside with some of the things from Wheatfield.

[9:28] But some of the things that I thought were kind of interesting. I just found this tonight is the Wheatfield Bicentennial Patch, which is, I thought would be interesting. And rather than go through all of them, one of the original badges from our Constable department, a Wheatfield badge and pin Uh, the map of Wheatfield back in the 1800s and including a map. And it's also a map of the roads, as they are today in Wheatfield and various photographs. A History of Wheatfield by Eugene Cameron. If anybody remembers Eugene, he was our historian for years. So the history of Wheatfield is there, and the history of burr coats and the German settlement. So a lot of good stuff.

[10:12] Great.

[10:12] Okay.

[10:13] Well, thank you for, um, for taking the time to come here this evening and bringing us, um, your little tokens for the time capsule.

[10:23] My pleasure. Of course.

[10:32] Sure. Oh, look at that. Yeah. Red, white and blue bag.

[10:37] I want a bag.

[10:38] Yeah.

[10:41] There we go.

[10:49] Okay, I'll tell you what. I want to make sure.

[10:53] You guys want to get.

[10:55] Every time.

[11:09] Okay. Thank you very much. Appreciate you coming out. Yes. Okay, I'll let you check it out. Okay.

[11:20] You'll let me drop it all over? S9:

[11:21] No. You can put that in the time capsule. Yeah. Thank you.

[11:32] We will have the time capsule out here in the rotunda for a few more weeks. So, um, if you are out and about and you see your supervisors, if they would like to share some items with you, please feel free to bring them here and we'll get them in the capsule. Thanks again.

[12:00] Thank you. Legislator. Meyer. Legislator McKinney. Presentation regarding Sheriff's Week.

[12:11] Come on down.

[12:20] For me.

[12:25] As chairman of the Community Safety and Security Committee, I'm proud to present this proclamation to the Sheriff's office recognizing September 20th through the 26th Sheriff's Week here in Niagara County. The Sheriff's office does far more than people see day to day from law enforcement operations operating our county jail to emergency communications, civil services and more. I've spent much of my own career in law enforcement, so I understand the commitment that comes with putting on the uniform and serving your community. We're fortunate to have dedicated men and women at the Niagara County Sheriff's Office who answer the call every day on behalf of the Niagara County Legislature. Thank you for your professionalism, your service, and everything you do to keep Niagara County safe.

[13:16] Good evening. I think this eight by ten glossy of Dominic Swan is supposed to go in the time capsule still up here on the podium.

[13:25] I want to introduce who's up here with me. I'm going to say new new ish. Um, you maybe recognize some of their faces up here. Undersheriff Rob Richards, Chief deputy Tom Huff. And I'm sure you recognize Chief Deputy Zimmerman, who has worked, I think, consecutively a lot. A lot of legislative meetings. So, um. Chairman and members of the legislature, thank you for taking the time for Sheriffs Week. Uh, as we recognize Sheriffs Week, I want to take a moment to recognize the men and women of the Niagara County Sheriff's Office who serve our residents every day. The office of Sheriff has a unique responsibility from road patrol and criminal investigations to corrections, communications, emergency response, and many other facets of operations. I'm proud of the professionalism and dedication demonstrated by our deputies, correction officers, dispatchers, civilian employees, and command staff. Public safety is a team effort. We could not do our job effectively without the support and partnership of this legislative body. I want to thank the legislature for your continued support of the Sheriff's Office. Whether it's investing in personnel, equipment, technology training or the facilities, our employees need to do their jobs. Our employees work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, often under difficult and unpredictable circumstances to protect the people of this county. Sheriff's week is really an opportunity to say thank you not only to the men and women currently serving, but also to the retired members and families who have supported them throughout their careers. I am proud to be the sheriff of this county, and I am proud of the men and women who wear the Niagara County Sheriff's Office uniform. Thank you for recognizing them this week. And most importantly, thank you for your support throughout the year. Thanks.

[15:29] Thank you gentlemen. Legislator Foti, would you like to come up to the podium with Garrett Miele in regards to our disc golf presentation.

[16:00] Good evening everyone. Thanks for having us up here. I have um, last month we had the disc golf tournament that we talked about the World Amateurs disc golf tournament. Um, it was quite an event. Uh, people from all around the world were here, uh, experiencing our courses, our parks, uh, we have with us here tonight, uh, Sam Castiglione. Not only was he the tournament organizer, but he was also, uh, quite instrumental working with Frank Rotella, our park supervisor, and developing both courses in Niagara County. Uh, the course at, uh, Bond Lake course at Burmeister Park, of course, was our first one. Uh, they put that together. It instantly took off. It's a beloved course within the disc golf community, and it rose to as high as number 33 in the world rankings of disc golf courses worldwide out of 10,000 courses. Uh, they followed that up with another course at Royalton Ravine. The two of them put their blood, sweat, and tears into those courses, and they turned out fantastic. Uh, and they were able to then draw these, uh, this, this major tournament to the, to the parks. And I asked Mr. Castiglione and Mr. Rotella to come on out and talk a little bit about the the tournament and let you know what occurred here, because it was really a fantastic event. So with that, I'll turn it over to Mr. Castiglione. Thank you.

[17:25] Mr..

[17:29] Mayor. I.

[17:32] Just want to take this opportunity to thank the Niagara County Legislature for this opportunity, but also just the support of disc golf, whether directly or indirectly. Like Garrett said, getting a major is a big deal. It's kind of like the Super Bowls. You have to bid on it. You have to have the infrastructure, you have to have the partnerships, you have to have the sponsors and the courses to go along with a bid. And getting Niagara County on board with Bond Lake and Royalton over the last couple of years have made us feel real comfortable doing that. So we were able to go ahead and, you know, put a bid in. Um, so I'm just going to kind of go through how Niagara County played a role in that, not the success, so much of it, because you'll kind of see it through it, but really how Niagara County, uh, supported it and valued and, you know, took something out of it. So let's see this. That's not it.

[18:30] There we go. So we did a pin map of all our participants. So you can see here this was a world event for amateurs. Um, 348 players from all over the world came to Niagara and Erie County. We partnered with both counties for this event. Um, 41 of the states were represented in some way, shape or form. And 12 countries, including the United States, had representatives throughout. You know, again, the world, um, Europe, Asia, um, Latin America. And with that, the, the Buffalo Sports Commission did an economic impact study. And they said that $1.4 million was brought to Western New York for this event alone, because some of them came with families and friends, and they stayed for 7 to 10 days for the event. So, you know, it had a high value to it. I think if you didn't know disc golf, it's a pretty powerful sport. Um, and a lot of, you know, people follow it and they invest in it and they take, you know, ten days out of their summer to, to do an event like this. And, you know, Western New York was, you know, the host of it. Um, so again, you know, we want to thank you guys for supporting this event because it brings tourism. You know, the falls is obviously a nice little, uh, thing to have when you put a bid together. Um, but overall, we also added some other areas like, um, the opening ceremonies were held down here right at the, the Palace Theater where this is the only time that all competitors are together. Um, and it's where, you know, myself and the Professional Disc Golf Association, um, addresses everybody. And we also had the mayor, uh, Mayor Lombardi, uh, be a keynote speaker to address Lockport and Niagara County and welcome everybody. Um, and one cool thing that they do is the presentations of nations. So all nations are represented, called out, and that player from that country brings a flag up. Um, and then, you know, we sing the national anthem. So again, this is a worldwide event that um, brought Tremendous exposure to your area. We had an old Falls Street event where our sponsors, we had a band. We had vendors and we set up a putting course, and we were able to bring in the tourists that are downtown into our event. You know, kind of accidentally. Um, so you can see by some of the pictures. Yeah, there's disc golf, but there's also the tourists that are down there just to see the sights and sounds of Niagara Falls. And we were able to interact with them and offer them some sort of attraction as well.

[21:04] To have a championship level course. Not every area can do this. And that's why I want to thank Garrett and Jeff and Frank Rotella for, you know, about ten years of planning, developing, designing and installing courses. And the courses were in great shape prior to this event. But in order to get them to a standard that is championship, they installed new concrete tee pads at Bond Lake. new baskets were donated by our sponsors that they installed. They do maintenance on these courses daily throughout the spring, summer and fall. But for this event, we did expansion. We had other ideas. We brought in the Pdga and then they gave us some feedback on how that should look. Frank's team out on the course did a fabulous job of, you know, getting that standard. And the repetitive thing that I kept hearing throughout the week is these were the best collection of world's courses that people have ever played. Um, sometimes you don't have 3 to 4 championship level courses. And we were able to do that here in the Niagara Buffalo region. So I just want to show you some pictures of what your courses actually look like. If you never walked them or been on them, um, minus like the world's decorations, this is what they look like, you know, year round.

[22:21] Some pretty big sponsors locally. We had, you know, seven environmental we had the Buffalo Sports Commission, you know, Destination Niagara, uh, Larkin Square, we were able to really secure some, you know, major corporations locally.

[22:36] This one's Royalton Ravine. If you haven't been out there to see it, it's a beautiful park. Um, down, down the road here. And again, just a testament to what the Parks Department continuously does is make these parks beautiful.

[22:50] And then the finals was at Bond Lake, and we had over 100 volunteers locally, which is unheard of at an event like this. The competitors kept saying, we don't know how you guys did it, because every hole, every spotter area, every part of the course that needed a volunteer at, we had it supplied. Um, you can see them in the yellow shirts, the exposure. We had two media teams out here to cover it. So if you're interested it'll be on YouTube. You can just search AM World's disc golf and you'll find Royalton Ravine. You'll find Bond Lake on coverage. Um, there's commentators. It's done professionally. So we put Bond Lake Royalton and the other course down in Erie, you know, out into the media world on a very, you know, nice looking package for everybody.

[23:41] Historical wins, if you're interested in that in our FA1 division, the youngest female ever to win this event. 13 year old, she's from Illinois. I think she has a career in disc golf because she's very good. And, um, she won in a playoff. And again, it was spectated by over 250 people. Um, and then the MA1 division. He is a, he's from New York. He's from Albany area 17 year old. He also won junior worlds. First time that that's ever happened. So two historic wins on each side of our divisions.

[24:15] This is the banner that everyone signed when they were here. It's just kind of a a token that we have that we keep, um, but kind of just want to leave you with this in terms of like, what's next? Because some, some people don't really know about disc golf. Um, but I just want want to share that, you know, to continue to invest in this sport because our vision, you know, in installing courses to, to this summer was to provide a high level event. And we did it successfully and we did it to the point where the Pdga wants to come back. Um, they want to be here, they want to host more events and partner with us. So again, to continue to invest in your courses to continue to, you know, support these events, whether it comes from Garrett, myself or Frank or Jeff. Um, you know, it's invaluable that, that we do that. Um, one thing I would suggest is to build a beginner friendly course because Bond Lake and Royalton are championship level, but this sport is inclusive to everyone of all abilities of all ages. Um, and it's inexpensive. These courses are free to play. Um, and all you need is a $10 Frisbee. So, you know, I teach special ed for Boces. I teach this to my students and they can do it so anybody can do this sport. So having beginner friendly courses that can introduce families and youths and seniors to this game as a fun, free, leisurely, healthy activity. I think it would go a long way. And you know, Frank, myself and I know Garrett supports it. And Jeff, we looked at Croke Park. Can we have a preliminary plan in place that, you know, if we can get the support of the legislatures that we're able to, you know, kind of move forward, you know, more specifically with a plan. But we do have something that we've brainstormed over the last couple of months, and we'd be happy to share it with you at another time. And then also one thing, youth development programs, you know, I work with park and rec programs in the area and it is a big, big, um, need, I think for young families, for people who aren't in the soccer and football and basketball in Niagara County to connect, to build community and have some sort of, you know, belonging in this kind of, you know, athletic environment. So I think youth development programs are big. Um, like I said, I'm an educator, I coach. Um, so this is something that I'm passionate about. So again, I'll leave you with that. And again, really want to thank you guys again for supporting disc golf. Couldn't imagine the event go any better than it did. Hopefully you guys caught some of it or heard about it. If this is your first time, welcome and I hope to see you guys again.

[26:49] Thank you.

[26:59] All right, before we wrap up, Frank just yet, I just come here a second. Um, on another topic. Um, I just wanted to publicly acknowledge, um, a pretty significant storm that came through September 3rd, uh, September 2nd into September 3rd, we had a tornado go through Kroll Park. The damage there was pretty extreme. We had parked trees down all over the place, very large, very old trees. And Jeff and I went out there to examine it on September 3rd. And all we had in our mind is we have a car show in two days. The largest car show in this part of New York State. We contemplated what our options were. We. We really did not want to cancel the car show. The organizer. It was his last one. Uh, this is something that's been going on. I think he was involved for 38 years. So it was really an extraordinary effort on behalf of the Parks Department, uh, who they were assisted by, uh, the golf course, uh, staff. The highway department came out and did a tremendous amount of work. Um, the other departments, uh, everybody really came together. Uh, and in 48 hours, they did some Extreme removal of large trees, chopped up the trees, got rid of the branches, shredded it all up, got the park cleaned up, got it all mowed. And two days later the impossible happened. He he managed to get that park open to have 1300 show cars in the park safely and I just thought it was a. I can't even describe how big of an effort they put into it, and I just wanted to publicly thank Frank and his staff, as well as Dean and his staff and Jeff and everybody that was involved. It was a really an extreme and impressive effort.

[29:04] Thank you.

[29:08] Uh, we have Mike Zimmerman here to present regarding Nimac.

[29:24] Before I start, I just want to mention that at Nimac we were blessed to have the wise counsel of Bill Ross as he served on our board of directors, and I had the privilege of working with him for the past few years, and he definitely would be greatly missed. We appreciate his work with us. Thank you, legislators, for the support Niagara County has provided to the Niagara Military Affairs Council. This briefing is meant to show what that support makes possible. A standing civilian organization that can coordinate community partners, explain installation needs, and keep work moving between decision points. The legislature's investment gives Nimac the capacity to do this work continuously, not only when a crisis appears.

[30:08] Nimac has served as a community partner to the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station for more than 30 years. We do not speak for the installation. Our job is to connect military leadership with government and regional stakeholders, keep issues organized and translate military needs into actions the civilian community can appropriately advance. Niagara County. Support helps sustain that year round capacity.

[30:34] Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station is not one unit with one mission. It's a multi-component installation with Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Army Reserve, Army National Guard and the military entrance processing station activity. That complexity creates needs that can cross agencies, municipalities, transportation systems, utilities, workforce lodging, and quality of life issues. Niagara County. Support of Nimac helps give all of those partners a consistent civilian point of coordination.

[31:10] Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station sits only a few miles from Canada within a region defined by international Crossings. Major hydropower generation and significant US Canada commerce. The installation is not an isolated federal property. It is part of a broader regional system. Niagara county's long term engagement helps ensure that infrastructure planning, emergency response, transportation and economic development conversations account for the installations needs.

[31:42] The accomplishments of Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station are collaborative, and Nimac does not claim sole credit for them. Our role is to keep the right people at the table, keep the facts organized, maintain continuity, and make sure community support is ready when decisions are made. Over the last two years, Niagara County Support has allowed Nimac to stay engaged on several important Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station priorities. That work has included the boom operator weapons system. Trainer continued advocacy for the Combined Operations alert facility and runway and taxiway modernization. And I just want to emphasize too, that we're talking about millions and millions of federal dollars coming to this area for those projects. We're also looking ahead, updating Niagara's quality of life case for potential KC 46 or additional KC 135, helping address the current lodging challenge and advancing discussions with additional federal agencies. Interested in looking at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. Niagara County support gives Nimac the capacity to do this work continuously, professionally and before issues become urgent.

[32:56] This is the practical value of Niagara County support. It gives Nimac the ability to convene early translate needs into civilian action, align multiple organizations, and remain engaged all year. The result is efficiency fewer disconnected conversations. less duplication and a community structure that is already in place. When a time sensitive issue develops.

[33:25] This structure also protects clarity of roles. Federal civilian employees are subject to Hatch Act restrictions on Partizan political activity, while service members are governed by separate Department of Defense political activity rules. Nimach provides a civilian, nonpartisan lane for community education, coordination and advocacy so military leaders can remain focused on mission requirements and within their official roles.

[33:52] Thank you again for your support of Nimach and for recognizing the importance of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station to Niagara County. Your support helps maintain the organized community capacity behind this work. We appreciate the partnership and the trust that allows Nimach to represent the community professionally, consistently, and a nonpartisan manner. Thank you very much. Appreciate it.

[34:22] Garrett, you want to join us again?

[34:40] All right. I'm back again.

[34:45] All right. A few months back, we received the final results on our 2025 road scoring report. This is something that's done every two years. And I thought that I'd like to come out and share it tonight. Our highway system in the county is consists of 283 centerline miles of road. We have county roads in all 12 towns. Each of the villages as well. Uh, and there are no county roads within the city limits in the three cities.

[35:17] So G, B and C, the Greater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council. They are the local planning organization overseeing the transportation network in Erie and Niagara counties. Uh, we're one of seven members on the board for GBTC as part of their unified, uh, work program. Uh, every two years, they go around and rate the road surface scores for, for all of the entities in the region. Uh, they do that. There's industry standards that they use developed by New York State DOT and the Cornell Local Roads program. And so they can kind of come out and measure where we're at on a regular basis. So we can use that for planning purposes. The ratings represent a snapshot of the time that they're taking the, uh, doing the survey, conducting the survey, uh, in 2025. They came out early summer. And basically what they completed represents that you can see on the screen. Um, the colors represented. The road scoring is based on basically a road under construction as scores is ten road that's been recently constructed scores at a nine. Uh, after about a year or so it gets that loses that new car, uh, luster, uh, and then it falls down into the seven and eight range, uh, which is a pretty good to fair road. And that's where we like to keep most of our roads whenever possible. Uh, as it ages, it gets maybe down to a, a good poor condition. Uh, that's a level six. That's when it kind of gets on our radar. Uh, we're a little more aware that some maintenance activities might be necessary to keep it going. And then one through five are considered poor, represented in red on the screen. So, uh, nine and ten is in blue. Uh, eight is in green. Seven and eight is in green. Uh, six is in yellow. And then the red, of course, would be, uh, the poor. So looking back and where we're at now compared to where we've been, uh, right now in 2025, we're sitting with roughly about 78% of our roads in that, uh, 7 to 8 range. Like I said, that's where we would expect it of road to fall, where we try to keep it and do some activities to keep them there. Uh, the second most roads would fall in that six category where we're kind of taking a look at them and determining what we might do to keep it going a little bit better. And, um, the, the poor category has 4%. Um, we're addressing most of the roads that fall under that category right now. Some of them have already been done. And, uh, then 1% had been recently constructed. So as you can see on this chart here, but I got it shown graphically as well. We have some very encouraging trends. Um, this is over a ten year cycle since 2015. And you can see that the, the quality of the roads, uh, has been going up on a consistent basis. Uh, the red continues to fall on a cycle by cycle basis. Uh, so we're trending in the right direction and we expect to next year in 2027 when they come out and do it again to have even better results. Uh, some of the projects that have been done recently, including Upper Mountain Road, Ewing's Road, uh, Lockport Road by Amazon. And right now we're just finishing up Raymond Road and Rapids Road that will take take away some of those, uh, quite a few of those miles in red. And there's several other projects that are ongoing with, with those projects that are in those lower categories. So we do expect to see this improvement continue. We're never going to be perfect, but we do as much as we can with the resources that we have available.

[39:09] Where do we get those resources? We do have federal aid that we spend on a number of the roads, but unfortunately not all all our roads are federal aid eligible. I'm sure this is a difficult for everybody to see, but roads are categorized and the national highway system has that part in the box. Um, that that's our part of the system that's on the national highway system. And those are federal aid eligible roads. Uh, everything outside of that is not federal aid eligible. So we have roughly about 50% of our roads. A little over 50% are federal aid eligible. Uh, and we try to keep those going. Uh, the transportation improvement plan is a three year plan that we, we get federal money for on a regular basis. And we try to keep those roads moving forward with that, which that's what's funding Raymond Rapids and other roads like that for the other roads, um, Other highways tend to be in the more rural highways that lets lower traffic roads. Some of the sources that we have, those fall out of our state budget. You may have heard of chips. Uh, pop. Uh, pave. Those are all programs within the state system that we use. Uh, so we can use that towards our local roads. And then beyond that, we pretty much have to do it in-house using capital reserves or, uh, or bond for projects as a last resort. But, um, I think what we see is really been encouraging, uh, as far as maintaining the system without, uh, over, over spending, uh, going to any extravagance on that. Uh, just trying to be responsible and keeping our roads going. So that's what I have for tonight. Um, I don't know if anybody has any questions or.

[40:55] If not, thank you.

[41:06] Thank you.

[41:09] Madam clerk, are there any public speakers?

[41:12] No. There's not.

[41:14] Majority leader, minority leader. Any need for recess? All right, let's roll the agenda. Start with the preferred.

[41:30] On the preferred agenda. I'll take a motion from Legislator Bratt and a second from Legislator Elder. Are there any questions pertaining to the preferred agenda items? All those in favor? Any opposed? That carries.

[41:48] Legislator Godfrey. We have some committee of the holes.

[41:59] Did you run through those for us? S16:

[43:07] Robbins, any discussion? All in favor? S10:

[43:08] Opposed? Carried. Thank you. All right. The third CW-14-26.

[43:17] Again for the sheriff's new forensics lab. Uh, this is for the mechanical and the Hvac construction itself. Let's say the 41st. Let's say the elder for a second question.

[43:35] All in favor? S9:

[43:36] Opposed? Carried. And last not least, CT 015-26. Again for the sheriff's bids that went out for the new forensics lab. This is for the plumbing construction. Uh, closer to Gooch. And first, please. And let's say there are not a question.

[44:00] All in favor? S8:

[44:01] Opposed if any. That is carried. That is all for Mr. Chairman. That's the seat. Thank you.

[44:09] Mr. Chairman.

[44:11] I just want to say thank you for your overwhelming support of this project. It's critical. And I appreciate your support. Thank you.

[44:19] Thank you, Sheriff. And thank you, Legislator Godfrey.

[44:24] Yes.

[44:31] My apologies, chairman. Um, if we could go back to, um, I l resolution IL153-26.

[44:44] It was on the preferred agenda. My apologies.

[44:49] Um S7:

[44:54] Oh, it's coming up. Okay. Okay.

[45:01] So we'll roll those and you'll have your opportunity to speak on it. Go ahead.

[45:06] Resolution IL153-26. From legislators Irene Myers, Michael Castillo, David Godfrey and Shawn Foti, a resolution supporting the Cormorant Relief Act of 2025.

[45:19] So Legislator Meyer, on the first to bring this to a rule 15 second by Legislator Cassel. All those in favor of rule 15.

[45:31] Motion by Legislator Meyers, second by Legislator Godfrey on the question. Legislator Meyer's.

[45:38] Thank you, Chairman Hull. Um, I first of all, um. Legislator Abbott and Legislator Speranza would like to join on to this resolution, but I'd also like to just speak for briefly in regards to, um, why we brought this resolution up and how these, these comments are so detrimental to our environment, our fisheries, just everything. Um, just a little bit of education here. Um, each fish we, we put into um release into the spring, um Youngstown and Olcott between those two locations, over 350,000 fish total, um which cost approximately $5 per fish to raise before it's released. So with that, the cormorants are consumed 25 to 30 fish per per bird per day. So that is really detrimental to our our fishing industry, our Great Lakes, just and also, um, to our environment because of their, uh, their droppings are very acidic, which burns out the bottom of the trees, the roots causing it to basically just decay. And therefore all along our waterways, we find a lot of erosion. So with these birds that are so protected, um, that's why we're bringing this resolution to, um, to the floor to um, have the Dec do something and to um, taking care of the population of these fish.

[47:30] Well, I appreciate you bringing this to our attention. I did see a couple of legislators indicate their desire to be added to this. Is there anyone that wouldn't like to be added? So then with your permission, we'd all like to sign on to your resolution.

[47:44] Absolutely.

[47:45] Thank you. We're making some notes up here, and we'll do that. Are there any other comments? Questions? All those in favor? Are there any opposed? Thank you. That carries.

[47:57] Thank you.

[48:00] I al 154-26. Legislators from legislators Jeffrey Elder, Christopher Robbins, Carla Speranza and Sam Ferrugia. Resolution requesting the development of a county wide voluntary firearm buyback program to promote community safety and reduce gun violence in Niagara County.

[48:19] We're going to refer that to the Community Safety and Security Committee, and they'll work in conjunction with our gun advisory panel to advise us on that matter. Next.

[48:32] I al 155-26 from legislator Richard Andres, a local law opting Niagara County into the full real property tax exemption under section 5458-A of the real property tax law of the State of New York.

[48:51] Um motion to take this to rule 15 by legislator Andres, second by legislator McKinney. All in favor of rule 15? Any opposed? Motion to bring this to the floor by Legislator Andres. Second by legislator McKinney.

[49:10] Are there any comments to be made? S1:

[49:45] Any additional comments?

[49:47] Yeah, I just like to share that it was definitely a bipartisan effort to throughout the state, throughout here, the people involved in this room and everything else. So for sure, I think we should be proud of that.

[49:56] Yes. Legislator Brett.

[50:00] Um.

[50:02] Sorry, Mr. Chairman. Also, I would move. I would like to be added also in et al.

[50:07] Et.

[50:08] Al.

[50:08] Got it. Are there any any legislators who would not like to be on this? All right. We're making some more notes. We're going to add everybody's name. I think it's a good a good program legislator McKinney.

[50:21] I just want to mention that this exemption is important because this, uh, this resolution provides, uh, a tax burden reduction on veterans that are totally disabled because of their military service. And it's going to help veterans stay in their homes. And I'm proud to support this legislation.

[50:40] Agreed. I believe we're all equally as proud to support this resolution and support the veterans here in our community in Niagara County. Final resolution.

[50:52] Resolution IL15626. From legislators Michael Cassel, Michael Hill, Christopher McKinney and Irene Myers. A resolution calling on Governor Hochul and New York State to hold counties harmless under changes to Snap program.

[51:10] Motion for rule 15 by legislator Cassel and a second by Legislator Myers.

[51:24] On the rule 15. All those in favor? Any opposed?

[51:32] All right. And legislator Cassel. Motion and second by legislator McKinney on the resolution. Are there any comments. Legislator Cassel.

[51:47] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to preface my comments by saying that.

[51:52] The Snap program.

[51:52] Is a vital.

[51:53] Program.

[51:54] For food security for nearly 23,000 Niagara County residents and many New Yorkers. New York is one state, one of about ten states which are required by state law to administer the program and share in its administrative costs, which up to now has been a 5050 cost share between the federal government and the counties. But beginning on October 1st, because of a restructuring of the cost sharing model, an estimated $168 million in new annual costs are being shifted onto New York counties and New York City. What does that mean for Niagara County? According to our Social Services Commissioner Megan Lutz, the Snap admin cost increase for fiscal year 2027 is estimated at $2.1 million, while the Snap error rate cost shift, and that's more of a monster, is estimated at 2.2 million, for a total impact of over $4.3 million to the county taxpayer. And it gets worse. That monster I talked about, the snap error rate cost shift in 2028 is estimated at $8.8 million. And if I'm wrong with these numbers. Megan. Rick, please correct me if I'm wrong. Counties are just not equipped to absorb these costs, especially operating under a state imposed property tax cap. And by the way, we've already seen about a dozen counties in 2026 breach that tax cap. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. If this cost shift goes through, a cost shift of this magnitude can be met only by raising property taxes, reducing other services, dipping into reserves, or all of the above. This is why, through this resolution, we're asking that the governor and the state legislature hold counties harmless by appropriating state funds to cover the administrative and benefit cost shifts, and more importantly, to take steps to decrease the error rate and eliminate fraud and abuse in the program, which would lower costs for everybody. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[54:14] Thank you, Legislator Ferrugia.

[54:17] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, I agree with the general sentiment of the whole resolution. Um, the error rate of 12.35% is too high and the county shouldn't or the taxpayers shouldn't have to shoulder that burden. Um, I also want to acknowledge that there is undoubtedly fraud within the program. I guess my concern is the language specifically. Uh, I guess with whereas number five, the error rate is an error with eligibility and the calculated benefit. And it doesn't necessarily represent fraud. And it can it can um be inflated by both over and under calculated payments. So in an instance, when someone's receiving benefits but they're lower than they need to be, that would still inflate the error rate. Conversely, if multiple people have a perfectly calculated benefit rate, but they're spending it at a store where they're from ineligible purchases that wouldn't reflect in the error rate at all. So it's really just a I'd like to propose an amendment to the fifth, whereas to just make sure that there's no insinuation that error rate correlates with fraud.

[55:41] Because they're two Separate things.

[55:47] I'll defer to legislator Kassel as the primary sponsor.

[55:55] Any concerns with the proposed change? S20:

[55:56] Yeah.

[55:58] Would you like me to read it to you or you want you want to read it yourself?

[56:01] Yeah. So craft your proposal.

[56:05] I have it right here.

[56:06] Okay. Go ahead. Share it. Uh, a motion by yourself and a second by legislator, uh, Robbins. And please share your proposed change.

[56:16] Uh, whereas, comma, New York state must take steps to reduce its snap payment error rate, comma, improve accuracy of eligibility and benefit determination, comma, and continue efforts to prevent and address fraud and abuse within the program just to separate those two things.

[56:34] I have no problem at all.

[56:37] Okay.

[56:37] Can you send that to me?

[56:39] Yeah, I'll send it to you.

[56:39] Yeah.

[56:40] Okay.

[56:41] So first and second.

[56:42] First and second. On the resolution, as amended, we already have it as a rule 15.

[56:50] Okay.

[56:53] Okay. Any other. All right. The resolution as amended. All those in favor? Any opposed? That carries. If you would, please. We need to circle back to the veterans. Uh, tax deferment. We had a lot of conversation about it. We all verbally agreed how great it is. We did not officially vote on it. Yeah. So some of you pointed that out, both with stern looks and some text messages, which I appreciate. Um, so it was moved to the floor and seconded. A lot of great debate and discussion. All those in favor of the tax reduction for veterans. Any opposed. Very good. That carries as well.

[57:43] County manager.

[57:45] Any comments? Updates? S21:

[57:59] Okay. Um, following the appointments. Yes. Okay. We have.

[58:06] And once we go into executive session, I'm going to need Tom Blodgett, Garrett Miele, Joe Trevino, and Jennifer Petrosky.

[58:14] And will there be any action that will take.

[58:16] There will be no action.

[58:17] No action. Thank you. And this is for contract updates. Yes. Okay. Uh, if you would please take note of the green sheets on your desks. This is for an appointment to our Ida, along with the green sheet naming, uh, Zachary Carr. You'll find Mr. Carr's letter of interest and resume.

[58:43] Motion by legislator. Brat. Second by. Oh. Excuse me. Yes. Legislator. Gooch. Oh, you're going to. Okay. Legislator Gooch is bringing this matter to the floor. A second by legislator brat. Um, yes. Legislator Robbins.

[58:59] Yeah. Just a couple questions on this. Sure. Um, Ida. Who's who's this? Mr. car replacing Bill Ross. Bill? Yes, that's what I thought. Yeah. Okay.

[59:17] And is was there an application process or anything like that for this position? S3:

[59:29] I agree with you on that. So as well. Um what it has labor been considered. I guess this is an overall question in ID with the ID a and what we've gone through this, and the county manager has given us updates on this several times on where we stand when doing this. We get how many appointments to the ID, a.

[59:51] All of them.

[59:52] Correct? S17:

[1:00:07] Any other questions? Nope. Okay. Any other questions on the appointment of Zachary Carr? All those in favor? Any opposed?

[1:00:17] All right. We've noted that.

[1:00:22] Okay. So, uh, those of you that have been invited to our executive session, please remain. I have a motion by Legislator Bratt, a second by legislator McKinney, to go into executive session following this executive session. There will be no action taken. If you've not been invited, you're welcome to leave. Let's clear the chambers.

[1:01:01] Tune to leave. 1301 on Spectrum Cable for local talk shows, sports, entertainment and special events in our communities. We also bring you the best gavel to gavel local government meetings, and an opportunity for you to talk with your local officials live on TV program Lctv in your favorites button on your remote watch live or DVR Lctv channels. 13011302 and 1303 for the best in local programing at Lctv. For more information, go to w w w dot dot net.

[1:02:05] And we had a motion and a second on the line. And all those in favor? We are adjourned. 17.

Niagara County Legislature Meeting - 9-22-2026

Transcript