The Ontario County Board of Supervisors convened for a meeting on June 20, 2024, where several key topics were discussed, including a public hearing on proposed local law regarding video conferencing and updates on community initiatives.

The meeting began with a roll call, confirming the presence of most supervisors, while three were noted as absent. The board welcomed an intern, Emma, who will assist in administrative tasks.

A significant agenda item was the public hearing concerning proposed local law number 9, which aims to extend the expanded use of video conferencing in accordance with New York State Open Meetings Law. The hearing was opened for public comment, but no members of the public chose to address the board on this matter.

County Administrator DeBolt provided updates on two initiatives. First, he announced a CFA workshop scheduled for June 27, aimed at informing municipalities and businesses about funding opportunities. The workshop will feature two sessions at FLCC, encouraging local participation.

DeBolt also reported on the first meeting of the newly formed ad hoc housing committee, which saw strong attendance and lively discussions. He emphasized the importance of continued dialogue among committee members to address housing issues methodically and effectively.

In a notable moment, Supervisor Bastila raised concerns about the impact of smartphones on youth mental health in Ontario County. He urged the board to consider supporting a ban on smartphones in schools, citing rising issues such as plagiarism and bullying, and referencing recent legislative actions in other states. Bastila called for proactive measures to protect students' mental health and academic performance, echoing sentiments from the Surgeon General regarding the need for warning labels on social media platforms.

The meeting concluded without further requests for discussion, and communication reports were filed with the board clerk's office. The board's commitment to addressing community concerns and legislative initiatives was evident throughout the session.