Council members spar over timing of Conservation District reappointments
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Summary
The finance committee discussed several prospective reappointments to the Erie County Conservation District and whether reappointing individuals before terms expire is appropriate; members said the district uses a pre-vetting nominating process but some argued the incoming county executive should have the appointment opportunity.
The Finance Committee reviewed multiple appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions and spent notable time on the Erie County Conservation District reappointments.
Members introduced possible reappointments, including John Hollenberg and Francis Shrovedic, and discussed whether the council should approve reappointments before the term expiration date of Dec. 31, 2025. One member said reappointing individuals whose terms "have not expired" is premature and described it as a procedural wrinkle that could appear "disingenuous," arguing the incoming county executive should have deference to place their appointees.
Other members explained the conservation-district appointment process differs from other boards: nominees typically are submitted through nominating agencies and vetted under state conservation-district procedures, then come to council for approval. "They have to be submitted through those nominating agencies up through the conservation district in accordance with the state conservation district," one member said, noting the process provides vetting and recommendations to council.
The committee did not take final action on the reappointments during the session. Some members suggested pulling the resolutions and reconsidering them in January so the new administration can participate.
Next steps: Appointments remain pending; the committee discussed reaching out to stakeholders and returning the items for consideration in January.