Erie County Council Holds ‘Special Meeting’ via Teleconference


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2020

CONTACT:
Douglas R. Smith
dsmith@eriecountypa.gov
814-451-6303

In response to the need of social distancing, the County Executive along with Court Administration, and President John J. Trucilla have issued notice that the Erie County Courthouse will be closed March 20, 2020 through Sunday, March 29, 2020.

During this period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Erie County Council has opted to offer “Zoom” conference calling to facilitate the public’s right to be informed on the topics of discussion during the meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 12:00P.M. Council is scheduled to reaffirm the partnership that they have found in Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA) to administer a response fund for Erie County during the COVID-19 emergency.

The ECGRA Board passed an initial allocation of $500,000 at its regularly scheduled meeting today.  The COVID-19 Response Fund will include three new grant/loan programs created to help meet rapidly rising needs generated as a result of the COVID-19 public health crisis. The three emergency programs include Immediate Human Relief Fund, Civic Institution Deferred Income Loans, and Small Business Loan Program. At this Special Meeting County Council will consider an ordinance for a $100,000 transfer to the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority COVID 19 Response Fund. This represents County Government’s contribution to this critical local effort to help mitigate the negative economic effects of the COVID 19 Disease. Also under consideration is the extension the County State of Emergency Declaration issued by County Executive Dahlkemper on March 16, 2019. By Statute, it has a longevity of one week. It must be extended by the Legislative Body of the County to remain in effect beyond seven days.

Council will be accepting emails at dsmith@eriecountypa.gov during the meeting to answer any questions. In addition, all members of the public may send in comments or questions prior to the meeting and can be assured that Council will read them into the minutes during the meeting. The conference can be accessed using the information below:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/150745641?pwd=N3RkU2kvL3U1NkhsM1NvSERFVTZNdz09

One Tap Mobile

+1 253 215 8782 US

Meeting ID: 150 745 641

Password: 768978

The Erie County Council thanks the community for their flexibility and understanding in this time of difficulty. The health and well-being of the citizens of Erie County are of the greatest concern, and Council appreciates all of the efforts the community is taking to combat the spread of COVID-19.

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