℅ Allegany County Legislature, 7 Court Street, Room 207, Belmont, NY 14813 Phone (585) 268-9217 Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Brooke Harris, President – Allegany Co. RESOLUTION COMMITTEE: NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Ken Miller, 1st Vice President – Wayne Co. Brenda Rigby Riehle-Allegany Co. Ken DeRoller, - Orleans Co. nd George Hebert, 2 Vice President – Monroe Co. Gerald Deming – Livingston Co. Carol Ferratella, - Steuben Co. Jodi Adams, Secretary – Allegany Co. John Pastrick – Chemung Co. Tom Sweet, - Chemung Co. Brenda K. Scotchmer, Treasurer – Steuben Co. Representing the Counties of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tompkins, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates
Virtual Zoom Meeting Minutes – February 19, 2021
The virtual meeting was held using a Zoom meeting platform and was coordinated by Allegany County. The meeting was called to order by Association President Brooke Harris (Allegany) at 9:31 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation G. Barnes (Allegany) led members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and Association President Harris (Allegany) gave the Invocation.
Roll Call of Counties Roll call was recorded as: Allegany (3+1), Cattaraugus (2), Cayuga (0), Chautauqua (0), Chemung (3), Erie (0), Genesee (2), Livingston (4), Monroe (0), Niagara (3), Ontario (0), Orleans (1), Schuyler (1), Seneca (1), Steuben (3), Tompkins (0), Wayne (3+3), Wyoming (3), and Yates (3). Distinguished guests in attendance included Patrick Cummings, NYSAC Counsel and Ryan Gregoire, NYSAC Legislative Coordinator. There were 32 members and 6 guests in attendance.
Approval of Minutes On a motion by M. Rondinaro (Schuyler), seconded by J. Patrick (Chemung), the November 20, 2020, Inter-County Association Meeting Minutes were approved. On a motion by G. Hebert (Monroe), seconded by M. Rondinaro (Schuyler), the January Joint Inter- County Association of WNY & Inter-County Association of the Adirondacks Meeting Minutes were approved with the following corrections to the attendance Chemung (3+1) and Schuyler (1).
Approval of Treasurer’s Report Inter-County Treasurer Scotchmer (Steuben) reported that during the month of January the association’s account balance is $5,448.75. She will send out the invoices for yearly dues next week. A motion was made by M. Rondinaro (Schuyler), seconded by D. Koch (Cattaraugus), and carried to accept the Treasurer’s Report.
Updates from NYSAC Association President Harris (Allegany) welcomed Patrick Cummings, NYSAC Counsel and Ryan Gregoire, NYSAC Legislative Coordinator. Mr. Gregoire said Senator Schumer’s announcement is good news for counties in NYS. Stimulus funding is moving through the budget process and NYSAC continues advocacy efforts on behalf of counties. NYSAC produced a report with projected allocations under the existing bill and projections through direct and flexible unrestricted aid. Congressman Reed’s maintenance of efforts provision doesn’t appear to have enough support in Congress. G. Hebert (Monroe) noted that the State of NY aid allocation of $12.66 Billion in unrestricted dollars to over $25 1 | P a g e
Billion does not include the city. Mr. Gregoire said that through the Federal stimulus package, states would receive $195.3 Billion and New York State will receive $12.66 Billion, local governments would receive $130.2 Billion and $65.1 Billion will be based on a modified Community Development Block Grant formula broken up the following way: ■ $45.57B for municipalities with populations of at least 50,000 ■ $19.53B for municipalities with populations of less than 50,000, with allocation capped at 75 percent of the locality’s most recent budget as of January 27, 2020 and also $65.1B to counties based on population. He said for New York’s local governments, this formula would deliver more than $10.6B. It was noted the Executive to cut Aid to Localities spending as necessary to achieve balance, which was originally estimated as an $8 billion (20 percent) cut to localities by the Governor, with $640 million targeted to counties outside of New York City in state fiscal year 2021; and in addition to the state sales tax diversions counties are scheduled for a five percent state aid cut that could reach $160 million. Counties continue to be concerned about the first annual diversion of $250 million in local sales tax to support fiscally distressed health facilities. NYSAC Counsel, Patrick Cummings discussed Senate Bill S2588A that relates to granting time off for public employees to receive a COVID 19 vaccines. It has passed in the Senate and Assembly. Additionally, Mr. Cummins discussed the Governor’s the recent Executive Orders which have extended many provisions for an additional 30 days. The Executive Orders now allow bars, restaurants and gyms to be open until 11:00 p.m. Ryan Gregoire mentioned that NYSAC has completed a Spanish version of Covid-19 public service announcements and the information is posted on NYSAC’s website. Also, NYSAC has organized virtual lobby days scheduled for March 10th and March 11th providing an opportunity to meet with 124 lawmakers over the two days. He noted the new membership includes 30% in the Senate and 34% in the Assembly. Please visit NYSAC’s website to register to attend the lobby meetings. NYSAC wrote a letter to the Governor encouraging a weekly report of vaccine allocations and distributions by zip code. Members discussed the variant strains of the virus now being reported in NYS. R. Stein (Genesee) discussed a mass distribution site request letter to the Governor and NYS Health Director by neighboring counties. The letter to the Governor was written on behalf of Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming County Health Departments respectfully requesting a regional mass vaccination clinic at the Genesee Community College (GCC) campus to provide COVID-19 vaccine to the rural counties. She will forward the letter to Association President Harris for reference. Please see attached letter.
J. Hopkins (Allegany) said rural areas like Allegany County are having trouble getting the vaccine supply. Allegany County is averaging 100 vaccines a week and currently has a waiting list for county residents aged 65 and older that includes more than 2,700. Ryan Gregoire, NYSAC Legislative Coordinator, commented that is a valid concern and President Biden recently announced a goal to increase vaccines to counties by 57% over the next 2-3 weeks. State distribution sites are located far away from rural areas. M. Rondinaro (Schuyler) stated Schuyler County currently receives 100 vaccines a week as well. He encouraged NYS DOH to send the vaccines to the counties as we are equipped and ready to vaccinate residents. Allegany County Administrator Carissa Knapp voiced the same concerns and is concerned with expectations placed upon local pharmacies. R. Stein (Genesee) said local distribution is more cost effective and efficient and local vaccine clinics operated by local health departments can accommodate hundreds of vaccine appointments each day. She noted the rural disparity experienced in the lack of test supplies initially, and now with a lack of vaccines.
Resolutions: Resolutions Committee member, Brenda Rigby Riehle (Allegany), introduced the following resolutions for consideration. 2 | P a g e
FINAL PRESENTING RESOLUTION TITLE ACTION TAKEN NUMBER COUNTY 1 NYSAC Resolution 2021-1-IC Motion to adopt made by M. Standing RESOLUTION CALLING ON THE GOVERNOR AND Rondinaro (Schuyler), seconded Committee on STATE LEGISLATURE TO SUBSTANIALLY REDUCE by D. Koch (Cattaraugus). Taxation and Motion carried. ACROSS-THE-BOARD STATE FUNDING CUTS TO Dated: February 19, 2021 Finance LOCALITITIES FOR SFY 2021 AND FIND ALTERNATIVES, RATHER THAN STATE AID CUTS TO COUNTIES, TO CLOSE OUT-YEAR STATE BUDGET GAPS 2 NYSAC Resolution 2021-2-IC Motion to adopt made by B. Standing RESOLUTION CALLING ON THE GOVERNOR AND Rigby Riehle (Allegany), Committee on THE LEGISLATURE TO END THE STATE DIVERSION seconded by G. Maha (Genesee). Taxation and Motion carried. OF LOCAL SALES TAX Dated: February 19, 2021 Finance 3 NYSAC Resolution 2021-3-IC Motion to adopt made by M. Standing RESOLUTION CALLING ON THE GOVERNOR AND Rondinaro (Schuyler), seconded Committee on STATE LEGISLATIVE LEADERS TO PERMANENTLY by R. Stein (Genesee). Motion Taxation and carried. EXTEND ALL EXISTING LOCAL SALES TAX RATES, Dated: February 19, 2021 Finance AND ALLOW ALL COUNTIES TO SET THEIR LOCAL RATE UP TO FOUR PERCENT UNDER LOCAL LAW AND TO REFORM THE PROCESS OVER OTHER HOME RULE REVENUE OPTIONS 4 NYSAC Resolution 2021-4-IC Motion to adopt made by K. Standing RESOLUTION CALLING ON THE GOVERNOR AND DeRoller (Orleans), seconded by Committee on STATE LEGISLATURE TO PROVIDE MORE OPTIONS M. Rondinaro (Schuyler). Taxation and Motion carried. FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO INVEST THEIR Dated: February 19, 2021 Finance CASH 5 Wyoming Resolution 2021-5-IC Motion to adopt made by J. Davis RESOLUTION URGING NEW YORK STATE TO (Wyoming), seconded by E. ESTABLISH AN ACTIVE AND FORMAL ROLE FOR Grant (Wyoming). Motion carried. COUNTY REPRESENTATION IN PLANNING EFFORTS Dated: February 19, 2021 RELATED TO THE CLIMATE LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY PROTECTION ACT, AND TO ENGAGE LOCAL REPRESENTATION THROUGHOUT DEVELOPMENT OF THE CLIMATE ACTION COUNCIL’S SCOPING PLAN 6 Wyoming Resolution 2021-6-IC Motion to adopt made by J. Davis RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO A PROPOSED (Wyoming), seconded by R. Ryan LATE DEER SEASON REGULATION. (Wyoming). 4 Opposed: R. Helmich (Cattaraugus), M. Rondinaro (Schuyler), K. DeRoller (Orleans), and Jody Bender (Wayne); Motion carried. Dated: February 19, 2021 7 Wyoming Resolution 2021-7-IC Motion to adopt made by E. Grant RESOLUTION OPPOSING NEW YORK STATE (Wyoming), seconded by J. Davis ASSEMBLY BILL A.5630-A AND NEW YORK STATE (Wyoming); Motion carried. Dated: February 19, 2021 SENATE BILL S.3923A RELATING TO REFORMING THE STATUTORY SHORT FORM AND OTHER POWERS OF ATTORNEY FOR PURPOSES OF 3 | P a g e
FINANCIAL AND ESTATE PLANNING AND TO REPEAL CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF SUCH LAW RELATING TO STATUTORY GIFT RIDERS (AGING). 8 Wyoming Resolution 2021-8-IC Motion to adopt made by J. Davis RESOLUTION CALLING ON THE GOVERNOR AND (Wyoming), seconded by M. STATE LEGISLATIVE LEADERS TO RESTORE Rondinaro (Schuyler); Motion carried. REDUCTIONS TO COUNTY SALES TAX. Dated: February 19, 2021 9 Cattaraugus Resolution 2021-9-IC Motion to adopt made by D. Koch RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO CLOSURE OF (Cattaraugus), seconded by R. CORRECTIONAL FACILITITIES IN NEW YORK STATE. Helmich (Cattaraugus); Motion carried. Dated: February 19, 2021
Other Association President Harris mentioned we are looking for host counties for the April 16th Inter-County Association meeting. He encouraged members to invite their representatives to attend meetings. An updated meeting schedule is attached.
Adjournment: On motion by G. Hebert (Monroe), seconded by M. Rondinaro (Schuyler), the meeting was adjourned at 10:59 a.m.
Reminder/Update: The next meeting will be held on March 19, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom and will be hosted by Steuben County.
Respectfully submitted, ______Jodi Adams, Secretary Inter-County Association of Western New York
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