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Council to repeal 2017 restriction, pauses on Carl Anderson appointment after conflict concerns
Summary
Councilors agreed to repeal a 2017 resolution limiting community college employment by elected officials and discussed appointments: concerns were raised about Carl Anderson serving on the Erie County Community College Board while also on the college foundation board; other appointments and reappointments were placed on the agenda
Erie County Council addressed several governance and appointment items on the April 8 agenda, including a move to repeal a 2017 resolution limiting community college employment by elected officials and multiple board appointment proposals.
Council members said they generally agreed to repeal Resolution No. 28 (2017), which had restricted elected officials and immediate family members from serving on or seeking employment with the community college. One member observed that the five-year limit in the original resolution effectively expires later this year, while others favored outright repeal now to remove ambiguity.
The council discussed the possible appointment of Carl Anderson to the Erie County Community College Board of Trustees (to replace Dr. Charles Mach). Some council members raised a conflict concern: Anderson’s membership on the Community College Foundation board, which raises funds for the college, could create the appearance of a conflict if he were to serve simultaneously on both the foundation and the trustees board. One council member said if Anderson continued to serve on the foundation board, the council member would vote against his trustees appointment; the council agreed to delay or revisit the appointment pending conversation with the nominee.
Other items on the agenda included the possible appointment of Jeffrey A. (last name recorded in the transcript as a shot) to the Erie County Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities Board, term to expire Dec. 31, 2027, and the possible reappointment of Kimberly A. Grove to the Erie County Library Advisory Board through Dec. 31, 2027. An ordinance (No. 19/2025) regarding the official salary for a part-time assistant public defender was also on the agenda and was noted as a first-reading item.
Why it matters: the repeal of the 2017 restriction will change eligibility considerations for local elected officials and relatives seeking roles at the community college. The council exercised caution on the Anderson appointment because the foundation role might create perceived conflicts during accreditation or fundraising activities.
Council members asked staff to contact nominees where appropriate and to bring any necessary appointment or repeal ordinances forward for formal consideration. No final roll-call votes or confirmed appointments were recorded in the meeting transcript.
