John Lloyd introduced our speaker, PJ Wendel, County Executive.
Chautauqua county Ethics Board is looking for new members. If you are interested in serving on this board, give PJ Wendel a call. The board provides necessary checks and balances, and audits members of Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches of local government to ensure that all parties are operating in an ethical manner. They typically meet four times each year.
Update on Operation WARP speed:
The County Executive recently returned from a White House summit.
Vaccine process - the vaccine is packed onto a transport vessel, which allows those in charge to track location of each box. CHQ county has started vaccinations through hospitals and nursing homes.
Vaccine process - the vaccine is packed onto a transport vessel, which allows those in charge to track location of each box. CHQ county has started vaccinations through hospitals and nursing homes.
Update on Chautauqua County Jamestown Airport:
Upgrade hanger to support Luscombe Aircraft Corp.
Installation of electric charging station to support 12 passenger electric airplanes.
Rose Aviation - aircraft marketing group.
Chase Aviation Company - aircraft brokers and consultants lease space, recently relocated to Chautauqua County from Charleston South Carolina.
IDA Funding requests in process.
Installation of electric charging station to support 12 passenger electric airplanes.
Rose Aviation - aircraft marketing group.
Chase Aviation Company - aircraft brokers and consultants lease space, recently relocated to Chautauqua County from Charleston South Carolina.
IDA Funding requests in process.
County economic development agency (IDA) has consolidated three offices in county into one office in the BWB Building in Jamestown. Mark Geise is Director of IDA.
County is moving forward with Share Services Agreement.
Q&A
Q - Randy Sweeney thanked Wendel for job well done in 2020. Wendel responded by saying that his success has been a function of the excellent teams - especially the medical and financial teams that support the county.
Q - Lynne Gruel asked about vaccine distribution. Wendell responded by indicating that the County does not have control over distribution of vaccine. The hospitals have received vaccine. Governor Cuomo is putting together Regional Vaccine Hubs. But we do not have a continual supply of the vaccine today. Dr. Howard Zucker, NYS Commissioner of Health will be publishing a power point presentation later today with details on vaccine distribution.
Q - Michelle Starwalt-Woods asked about the proposed start date for Athenex in Dunkirk and contact tracing efforts. Wendell indicated that nursing home contact tracing is managed by the state and that rapid test results (conducted by Well Now and other facilities) are typically delayed by two days which negatively impact effect contact tracing. Additionally, Over 700 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported to Wendel by County Health Commissioner Christine Schuyler, with 418 reported for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, so about 300 new cases will be reported for Sunday.
Q - Chris Anderson asked about county Covid 19 positivity rate (which was reported at 20% today on state website). Wendel indicated that the county will not shut down or enter into a Red or Orange Zone, despite high positivity rates, as the 7 day average rate is only 11%. The high positivity rate is a reflection of low number of tests given recently, and that most people getting tested are already experiencing symptoms. Wendel encouraged everyone to take responsibility to stay safe.