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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-0706No.( 14) COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY OF BUFFALO JULY 6, 2004 MAYOR Hon. Anthony M. Masiello ACTING COMPTROLLER Andrew Sanfilippo COMMON COUNCIL PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL FILLMORE DISTRICT David A. Franczyk PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE UNIVERSITY DISTRICT Bonnie E. Russell MAJORITY LEADER DELAWARE DISTRICT Marc A. Coppola DISTRICT COUNCIL MEMBERS BRIAN C. DAVIS - ELLICOTT RICHARD A. FONTANA - LOVEJOY ANTOINE M. THOMPSON - MASTEN DOMINIC J. BONIFACIO Jr. - NIAGARA JOSEPH GOLOMBEK JR. - NORTH JAMES D. GRIFFIN - SOUTH REGULAR COMMITTEES CIVIL SERVICE COMMITTEE: Bonnie E. Russell Chairman, Brian C. Davis, Joseph Golombek Jr., Richard A. Fontana - Members CORPORATION PROCEEDINGS CLAIMS COMMITTEE: James D. Griffin, Chairman, Richard A. Fontana, Joseph Golombek,Jr., Antoine M. Thompson - Members COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: Joseph Golombek, Jr. Chairman, Dominic J. Bonifacio Jr., Bonnie E. Russell, Antoine M. Thompson - Members FINANCE COMMITTEE: Brian C. Davis, Chairman, Dominic J. Bonifacio, Jr., Marc A. Coppola, James D. Griffin - Members. LEGISLATION COMMITTEE: Richard A. Fontana, Chairman, Dominic J. Bonifacio Jr., Marc A. Coppola, Bonnie E. Russell - Members RULES COMMITTEE: David A. Franczyk, Chairman Marc A. Coppola, Bonnie E. Russell - Members SPECIAL COMMITTEES BUDGET COMMITTEE: Dominic J. Bonifacio, Jr., Chairman, Marc A. Coppola, Brian C. Davis, Joseph Golombek, Jr. - Members MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE COMMITTEE - Antoine M. Thompson, Chairman Brian C. Davis, James D. Griffin EDUCATION COMMITTEE COMMON COUNCIL CITY HALL - BUFFALO TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2004 AT 2:00 P.M. PRESENT — David A. Franczyk, President of the Council, and and Council Members Bonifacio, Coppola, Davis, Fontana, Golombek, Griffin, Russell and Thompson — 9. ABSENT - None. On a motion by Mr. Coppola seconded by Mr.Fontana, the minutes of the stated meeting held on June 22, 2004 were approved. FROM THE MAYOR NO. 1 Declaration of Need Attached please find a Declaration of Need in the amount of One Hundred Twenty Million Dollars required by the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority (BFSA) to borrow funds for 2004 -2005 cash flow requirements of the City of Buffalo. Pursuant to the BFSA legislation, the Common Council must approve this Declaration to enable the BFSA to borrow these funds on the City's behalf. Included in the attachment, is an analysis provided by the BFSA detailing the cost of the borrowing. Mr. Coppola moved That the Common Council hereby approves the Declaration of Need dated July 6, 2004 in the amount of One Hundred Twenty Milli0on Dollars required by the BFSA for 2004 -2005 Cash flow requirements PASSED AYES — BONIFACIO, COPPOLA, FRANCZYK, GOLOMBEK, RUSSELL - 5 NOES — DAVIS, FONTANA, GRIFFIN, THOMPSON -4 NO. 2 Name Michael D'Orazio Acting commissioner of Fire Effective upon the retirementof Calvin Worthy, please be advised that I have named Deputy Commissioner Michael D'Orazio Acting Commissioner of Fire. Deputy Commissioner D'Orazio will serve in this capacity until such time as we complete the process for filling the position of Commissioner of Fire. Mr. Coppola moved That the Common Council hereby rescinds the motion to receive & file this item on February 17, 2004 and now hereby approves the appointment of Deputy Commissioner D'Orazio as Acting Commissioner of Fire PASSED AYES -9 NOES -0 FROM THE MAYOR EXECUTIVE FROM THE OFFICE OF CITIZEN SERVICES NO. 3 BUFFALO WEED AND SEED YOUTH OPPORTUNITY INITIATIVE YEAR IV FUNDS This is to advise the Honorable Common Council the funds for Year IV of the Buffalo Weed and Seed Program, in the amount of $92,210.00 has been awarded to the City of Buffalo. This grant will allow Buffalo Weed and Seed to continue and expand its mission in engaging youth as crime prevention partners and in service learning activities in Buffalo's East and West sides (parts of Police District "B" and "C ") as prescribed by our current U.S. Department of Justice Weed and Seed Grant. The Buffalo Weed and Seed Youth Opportunity Initiative will examine the best practices of the Neighborhood Revitalization aspects of the East Side Buffalo Weed and Seed program and then duplicate those services to meet the needs of our West Side target area as well as expand these services on the East Side (FEC) target area. Identified components of the program will include: Neighborhood and Park Restoration, Youth Volunteerism, Community Asset Mapping, Job Training and Workforce Development. The Safe Havens model will be the primary means of implementing our program. Coordinating these efforts will be residents, youth, law enforcement and the staff of the Weed and Seed office. In conjunction with other initiatives already occurring in the target area, the program will ensure that available Weed and Seed resources are being used effectively to help meet the needs of the target population. Effective, this year, an interfund cash loan will no longer be available for this grant. Money will be drawn down as expenses are incur and invoices will be paid, as the funds become available. These funds will be used to conform to the guidelines of the grant specified by the U.S. Department of Labor and Buffalo and Erie county Work Force Development Consortium and as previously approved by the Honorable Body for Year I, II, and Year III. Mr. Coppola moved That the above communication from the Mayor dated June 29, 2004, be received and filed; and That the Common Council accept the funds for Year IV of the Buffalo Weed and Seed Program, in the amount of $92,210.00. PASSED AYES - 9 NOES - 0 NO. 4 BUFFALO WEED AND SEED INNER -CITY URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY PROJECT I: This is to advise the Honorable Common Council that the Buffalo Weed and Seed Program has been granted funds from the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation in the amount of $25,000 for the implementation of a comprehensive Inner -City Urban and Community Forestry Project. This grant will allow us to conduct an environmental education awareness program for inner -city residents to improve their neighborhood environments through tree planting in community green spaces and curb areas using environmental design principles that promote sustainable tree management and crime prevention. Our project goal is to introduce block clubs to environmental design principles that will enable them to use natural resources to recapture a sense of community pride and their neighborhood green spaces. Trees planted in the curb areas will provide shading and protection for future garden activities. Fruit trees will provide food to low- income residents and serve as focal point for future planting in the community gardens. Implementation of this project will enable Buffalo Weed and Seed to continue and expand it's mission to engage residents as partners in crime prevention partners and neighborhood reviatlization activities in Buffalo's East and West sides (part of Police District "B" and "C ") as prescribed by our current U.S. Department of Justice Weed and Seed Grant. Effective, this year, an interfund cash loan will no longer be available for this grant. Money will be drawn down as expenses are incurred and invoices will be paid, as the funds become available. These funds will be used to conform to the guidelines of the grant specified by the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation. Mr. Coppola moved That the above communication from the Mayor dated June 29, 2004, be received and filed; and That the Common Council accept funds from the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation for the Buffalo Weed and Seed Program, in the amount of $25,000.00 for the implementation of a comprehensive Inner -City Urban and Community Forestry Project. PASSED AYES - 9 NOES - 0 FROM THE BOARD OF PARKING NO. 5 AUDIT OF BCAR CCP# 21 3/30/2004 Attached please find the Board of Parking's response to the above state audit. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE NO. 6 BUFFALO CIVIC AUTO RAMPS INC. EXTENSION OF MNGT AGREEMENT As you are aware the existing Management Agreement between the City of Buffalo and Buffalo Civic Auto Ramps Inc. expires by its terms on June 30, 2004. The Board of Parking at its regular monthly meeting of June 23, 2004, unanimously passed a resolution to extend the existing Management Agreement for six (6) months until December 31,2004. During this time the Board of Parking will continue to work with the Corporation Counsel on developing a new document for the downtown ramp that would be used to solicit proposals for a new agreement. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE FROM THE OFFICE OF STRATEGIC PLANNING NO. 7 APPROVAL OF CONTRACT FOR SALE OF LAND — 1435 HERTEL NICK KOTRIDES, REDEVELOPER The City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency duly designated Nick Kotrides and /or joint venture, partnership, corporation or other legal entity to be formed as the qualified and elgible Redeveloper for the subject parcel. The Agency has also determined that the proposed Land Disposition Agreement negotiated by the Agency and the Redeveloper is satisfactory. Please be advised that in accordance with the provisions of Article 15A of the General Municipal Law, it is now necessary for your Honorable Body to set a date for a public hearing, and to direct the publication of a notice of said hearing. In the interest of time and anticipating that Your Honorable Body is willing to expedite this matter, I have taken the liberty to prepare a Resolution together with a Notice of Public Hearing for your action. Forwarded separately are the following documents: Resolution setting Public Hearing Notice 3. Resolution approving proposed Land Disposition Agreement After the Public Hearing is held, Your Honorable Body may adopt a Resolution authorizing the disposition of the land to the Redeveloper, which the Agency has designated as being qualified and eligible. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NO. 8 PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT MEMORANDUM The following is the information you requested on Personal Service Contracts during the period July 1, 2003 — June 30, 2004. Buffalo Neighborhood Revitalization Corporation Name Carla A. Kosmerl, CPA Amount paid $14,040.00 Status Terminated Services Prepared various reports on the Homeownership Zone Program Buffalo Economic Name Renaissance Amount Paid: Corporation Status Name Stewart M. Levy Services: Amount Paid: $25,504.00 Status Terminated Services: Preformed various Business Development Out- reach services Name Daniel E. Kwiatkowski Amount Paid: $3,885.00 Status Terminated Services Provided advice on various HUD 108 Loan Applications Name Maureen D. Pace Amount Paid$6,666.66 StatusActive Services Entrepreneurial Assistance Program Instructor REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE NO. 9 ACTING FIRE COMMISSIONER EXT OF M D'ORAZIO APPT Item No. 4, C.C.P. 2/17/04 On February 17, 2004 the Mayor appointed "acting" Fire Commissioner No.4 COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY OF BUFFALO FEBRUARY 17, 2004 FROM THE MAYOR No. 1 Name Michael D'Orazio Acting Commissioner of Fire Effective upon the retirement of Calvin G. Worthy, please be advised that I have named Deputy Commissioner Michael D'Orazio Acting Commissioner of Fire. Deputy Commissioner D'Orazio will serve in this capacity until such time as we complete the process for filling the position of Commissioner of Fire. The City Charter reads as follows under Article 14 -2 In the event of the death of the Commissioner of Fire or a vacancy in that office for any other cause whatsoever, the mayor shall appoint a commissioner of fire to serve for a period not to exceed one hundred and eighty days, which temporary appointment shall not be subject to confirmation by the council. The temporary appointment of acting Fire Commissioner would have expired on June 22, 2004. At that time the Comptroller's department would be unable to pay the individual at the commissioner's salary. As a result of that the Comptroller's department asked the Corporation Counsel's office to opine on the temporary situation that we face. An opinion was issued from the Corporation Counsel's Office (with a copy to the Human Resources Commissioner) that we feel allows us to continue the temporary appointment payments to the acting Fire Commissioner Michael D'Orazio. The letter from the Corporation Counsel's office "Dear Mayor Masiello: The Department of Human resources has requested a legal opinion as to the authority of the Mayor to make successive temporary appointments to the position of Commissioner of Fire. The following is the opinion of the undersigned, and has been reviewed by Corporation Counsel Michael B. Risman. The Charter of the City of Buffalo, Article 14, Section 14.2, authorizes the Mayor to make a temporary appointment to the position of Commissioner of the Department of Fire for a period 'not to exceed one hundred eighty days' 'In the event of the death of the commissioner of fire, or a vacancy in that office for any other cause whatsoever, the mayor shall appoint a commissioner of fire to serve for a period not to exceed one hundred and eighty days, which temporary appointment shall not be subject to confirmation by the council.' The Charter is certainly read with the understanding that such appointment is to assure proper administration of the Fire Department, until the Commissionership is formally filled. Thereby, the Mayoral authority is clear. Inasmuch as the 180 day period ends prior to the formal appointment of a Commissioner, successive temporary appointments would be necessary to assure adequate leadership of the Fire Department and administration of its services to the public. The Mayoral appointment authority must, of course, be remedied with the clear intent of the City Charter. The Charter specifically imbues the Common Council with confirmation authority of Mayoral appointments. This authority must be shown proper deference. Temporary appointment(s) must be made in good faith, and not to side- step the oversight role of the Common Council. Indeed, it is the overall intent that direct leadership of the Fire Department be provided by an appointee who has been presented by the Mayor, yet confirmed by the representative voice of the Common Council. The Council's confirmation authority does not, however, thwart the Mayor's right and privilege to make all necessary and reasonable temporary appointments to the Fire Commissionership. Rather it imposes the standards of reasonableness and good faith into such a decision. Considering the busy schedule of the Mayor, the importance of the Fire Commissioner position and the fact that there is a large field of minimally qualified candidates, nationwide, it is practical that the search, selection and confirmation of a well qualified Commissioner could consume greater than one hundred eighty days. Lastly, I see no impediment to having the same person receive successive temporary appointments. To argue that one candidate ought not be permitted to receive multiple appointments, seems to be a suggestion that either (i) successive appointment is prohibited or (ii) the appointee is not deemed qualified to hold the position. As discussed, I believe the Mayor does have authority to successively appoint, so long as his choice is reasonable and in good faith. Certainly, appointment of a well qualified appointment would be a requisite of these requirements. Please let me know if I can further clarify the Corporation Council's position. Thank you. Yours Very truly, Michael B. Risman, Corporation Counsel By: Christopher M. Putrino, Assistant Corporation Counsel." RECEIVED AND FILED NO. 10 AUDIT REPORT OF BUFFALO CITY COMPTROLLER ON THE BUFFALO SCHOOL DISTRICT Mr. Richard P. Mills, Commissioner New York State Education Department and Mr. Alan Hevesi, State Comptroller of the New York State Office of State Comptroller. The Comptroller has audit authority over the Board of Education as a result of New York State legislation. As a result of that authority, we have reviewed the financial reports on the District and conducted our own internal audit of one segment of its operation. We have reviewed the reports of the State Comptroller's Office, the Audit Report and Management Letter from the Board's own auditors, and also reports by the Council of Great Schools. With this information and our own limited audits of the management controls at the Board, we audited Buffalo Board of Education of the Buffalo Public State Aid and Grant Cash Management. We have assigned a relative risk factor of the various procedures and specific areas to help effectuate an efficient and effective audit process. We planned the scope and performed the audit procedures, held exit interviews, issued the reports with recommendations and filed the results with the Common Council. This is part of the audit reporting as required by the State Comptroller and the State Education Department. The audit has identified control and performance issues, made recommendations based on the findings and encouraged participation in the cash flow projection procedures. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE NO. 11 FEDERAL FORM 1099S FOR CALENDAR YEARS 2002 & 2003 DEAR MR. WANAMAKER: We performed an audit of Personal Service Contracts which included BURA, BNRC and BERC. We used information from the annual 1099s for the respective employers. The Common Council asked some specific questions about the audit and the future policies and procedures. I am, therefore, formally requesting a listing of 1099 information by the calendar years 2002 and 2003 for your respective entities. We would like to proceed with this element, so if there is any problem we would appreciate a phone call so that we can complete this audit. Outside of your written responses to date to the audit, we have not been contacted concerning procedures that would reduce this risk in the future. The City's procedures have been reasonably successfully since the IRS audit. Thank you in advance for your assistance. Respectfully, REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE No. 12 Certificate of Appointment Appointment effective July 6, 2004 in the Department of Audit and Control Division of Cash & Debt Management to the position of Investment & Debt Management Officer Exempt appointment at the Maximum Starting Salary of 73, 208 Richard F Calipari, 2 Via Donato, Lancaster, NY 14043 REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF ASSESSMENT AND TAXATION NO. 13 PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACTS In response to the communication dated June 21, 2004 from Finance Chairman Brian C. Davis, please be advised that the Department of Assessment and Taxation does not have any "...Agreements or Contracts for Personal Services of a Non - professional and /or Professional nature rendered by an unincorporated business entity..." with any individual or business for the period of July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS PARKS AND STREETS NO. 14 NOTIFICATION SERIAL #9946 [: INSTALL STOP SIGNS IN DOAT STREET AT MAY STREET STOP SIGNS (ALL -WAY) - INSTALL In conformity with Section 49 of Chapter 479 of the Ordinances of the City of Buffalo, the City Engineer hereby notifies Your Honorable Body of this action supplementing, amending, or repealing existing provisions of Chapter 479 of the Ordinances, as stated below, to be effective forty five days after the first Council meeting at which they appear on the agenda as an item business. That that part of Subdivision 9 Section 11 of Chapter 479 of Ordinances of the City of Buffalo be supplemented by adding thereto the following: STOP SIGNS VEHICLES ON SHALL STOP BEFORE ENTERING Doat Street May Street This action is being taken in view of the fact that minimum Federal Highway Administration guidelines, as they relate to accident history, have been met regarding the installation of all -way stop control at this intersection. RECEIVED AND FILED NO. 15 ACCEPT PROPERTY DONATION R.O.W. ACQUISITION PHASE III SCAJAQUADA PATHWAY [: 1700 NIAGARA ST., BUFFALO, NY P.I.N. 5756.14 #16 OF CCP 6/8/04 Your Honorable Body has previously approved construction bids for the subject project, item #16 of CCP 6/8/04. In order to construct this Federal Aid project it is necessary to acquire a small triangular parcel of land at the rear of 1700 Niagara St. with an area of 19.9 square feet (location map attached). The current property owner known as Seventeen Hundred Niagara, Inc. has agreed to donate the parcel to the City of Buffalo and has signed a standard NYSDOT donation form to the City of Buffalo (copy attached). Permission is requested from Your Honorable Body to accept this parcel as a donation to satisfy the necessary right of way acquisition process for this project. Mr. Coppola M ove d: That the above communication from the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets dated March 10, 2004, be received and filed; and That the City of Buffalo, Department of Public Works, Parks and Streets accept a triangular parcel of land at the rear of 1700 Niagara Street with an area of 19.9 square feet from Seventeen Hundred Niagara Inc., to satisfy the necessary right of way acquisition process for R.O.W Acquisition Phase III Scajaquada Pathway, P. I. N. 5756.14. PASSED AYES - 9 NOES - 0 NO. 16 72 -76 PEARL STREET BALCONY WITHIN CITY RIGHT OF WAY (ELLICOTT) Mr. Drew J. Gedra and Mr. Earl A. Ketry, owners of the Pearl Street Grill and Brewery, located at 72 -76 Pearl Street, have requested permission to encroach City right of way with a second floor balcony at said address. The balcony would occupy both the Seneca Street and Pearl Street sides of the property, extend 7 from the building face into City right of way. and provide seating for approximately 90 diners. The balcony was approved by the City Planning Board at their meeting of June 29, 2004. The Department of Public Works, Parks and Streets has reviewed this application pursuant to Chapters 413 -67 (Encroachment Regulations) of the City Ordinances and has no objection to Your Honorable Body authorizing the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets to issue a "Mere License" for said encroachment provided the following conditions are met: 1. That the applicant obtain any and all City of Buffalo permits necessary. 2. That the balcony be installed exactly as shown on plans submitted to and approved by the Department of Permit & Inspection Services. 3. That the applicant be responsible for maintenance of the balcony as long as it remains within City right of way. 4. That, in the event that the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets determines the encroachment must cease as a result of factors effecting the health, safety and welfare of the public, or the needs of the City, said commissioner may order the immediate removal of the encroachment as described in Chapter 413 -67(F) of the City Ordinances. 5. That the applicant supply the Department of Public Works, Parks and Streets with a certificate of insurance, in an amount deemed sufficient by the Corporation Counsel, which will indemnify and save harmless the City of Buffalo against any and all loss or damage arising out of construction. maintenance, use or removal of said balcony. Mr. Coppola Moved: That the Common Council hereby approves the encroachment on the City ROW for a balcony at 72 -76 Pearl Street with the above conditions. PASSED. AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 17 REPORT OF BIDS DOWNTOWN BUFFALO PARKING SIGN PROJECT EAST OF MAIN STREET This is to advise Your Honorable Body that I have advertised and received bids on June 30, 2004. The following bids were received: Contractor Base Bid Total Bid Price Destro & Brothers Concrete Co., Inc. 46,139.00 $48,445.95 411 Ludington St. Buffalo, New York 14206 1 hereby certify that the lowest responsible bidder for the above project is Destro & Brothers Concrete Co., Inc. and I respectfully recommend that Your Honorable Body authorize a contract award to Destro & Brothers Concrete Co., Inc. in the amount of $48,445.95. (Base Bid of $46,139.00 + [5% unit price increases] $2,306.95 equals [Total Award] $48,445.95.) Funds for this project are available in our Capital Account #30032106 - 445100. The engineer's estimate for this work is $48,000.00. That the above communication from the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets dated July 1, 2004, be received and filed; and Mr. Coppola moved: That the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets, be, and he hereby is authorized to award a contract for Downtown Buffalo Parking Sign Project East of Main Street, to Destro Brothers Concrete Co., Inc., the lowest responsible bidder, in the amount of $48,445.95 (Base Bid of $46,139.00 + [5% unit price increases] $2,306.95 equals [Total Award] $48,445.95). Funds for the project are available in Capital Account #30032106 - 445100. Passed. AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 18 REPORT OF BIDS DOWNTOWN BUFFALO PARKING SIGN PROJECT WEST OF MAIN STREET This is to advise Your Honorable Body that I have advertised and received bids on June 30, 2004 Contractor Base Bid Total Bid Price Destro & Brothers Concrete Co. Inc. $44,734.00 $46,970.70 411 Ludington Street Buffalo, NY 14206 JP Construction of New York Inc. No Bid No. Bid I hereby certify that the lowest responsible bidder for the above project is Destro & Brothers Concrete Co., Inc. and I respectfully recommend that Your Honorable Body authorize a contract award to Destro & Brothers Concrete Co., Inc. in the amount of $46,970.70. (Base Bid of $44,734.00 + [5% unit price increases] $2,236.70 equals [Total Award] $46,970.70.) Funds for this project are available in our Capital Account #30032106 - 445100. The engineer's estimate for this work is $48,500.00. Mr. Coppola moved: That the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets, be, and he hereby is authorized to award a contract for Downtown Buffalo Parking Sign Project West of Main Street, to Destro Brothers Concrete Co., Inc., the lowest responsible bidder, in the amount of $46,970.70 (Base Bid of $44,734.00 + [5% unit price increases] $2,236.70 equals [Total Award] $46,970.70). Funds for the project are available in Capital Account #30032106 - 445100. Passed. AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 19 REPORT OF BIDS SIGNAGE PROJECT CITY OF BUFFALO MEDICAL CAMPUS This is to advise Your Honorable Body that I have advertised and received bids on June 30, 2004. The following bids were received: Contractor Base Bid Total Bid Price Destro & Brothers Concrete Co., Inc. 411 Ludington St. Buffalo, New York 14206 $43,808.00 $45,998.40 JP Construction of New York, Inc. 21 Stahl Rd. Getzville, NY 14068 No Bid No Bid Geograph Industries, Inc 475 Industrial Drive Harrison, OH 45030 No Bid I hereby certify that the lowest responsible bidder for the above project is Destro & Brothers Concrete Co., Inc. and I respectfully recommend that Your Honorable Body authorize a contract award to Destro & Brothers Concrete Co., Inc. in the amount of $45,998.40. (Base Bid of $43,808.00 + [5% unit price increases] $2,190.40 equals [Total Award] $45,998.40.) Funds for this project are available in our Capital Account #30032106- 445100. The engineer's estimate for this work is $47,000.00. Mr. Coppola Moved: That the above communication from the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets dated July 1, 2004, be received and filed; and That the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets, be, and he hereby is authorized to award a contract for Signage Project City of Buffalo Medical Campus, to Destro Brothers Concrete Co., Inc., the lowest responsible bidder, in the amount of $45,998.40 (Base Bid of $43,808.00 + [5% unit price increases] $2,190.40 equals [Total Award] $45,998.40). Funds for the project are available in Capital Account #30032106- 445100. Passed. AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 20 BUS SHELTERS (2) WITHIN CITY RIGHT -OF -WAY Mr. Christopher J. Cronin, Traffic Data Administrator for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA), has requested permission to install two bus shelters within City right -of -way. The proposed locations are: West Utica @ Elmwood; south side of street, approximately 50' west of Elmwood. Fillmore @ East Ferry Street, northwest corner. The Department of Public Works, Parks and Streets has reviewed the NFTA's request pursuant to Chapter 413 -67 (Encroachment Regulations) of the City Ordinances and has no objection to Your Honorable Body authorizing the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets to issue a "Mere License for said installation provided the following conditions are met: 1. That the applicant obtain any and all other City of Buffalo permits necessary for said installation. 2. That the bus shelters be installed exactly as shown on plans submitted to and approved by the Department of Public Works. Parks and Streets. 3. That the applicant be responsible for maintaining the bus shelters as long as they remain within City right -of -way. 4. That the applicant supply the City of Buffalo with a five thousand dollar construction in street bond or certificate of insurance which will indemnify and save harmless the City of Buffalo against any and all loss and damage arising out of the construction, maintenance, use and removal of said bus shelters. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION. NO. 21 CONNECTICUT STREET CONDUIT WITHIN RIGHT OF WAY - NIAGARA DISTRICT Mr. Jim Baker. of Russo Development, acting as agent for the applicant, D'Youville College located on Porter Avenue, has requested permission to install two conduits within City right of way on Connecticut Street. The conduits are part of the new construction underway at D'Youville College and will enable the connection of computers between buildings. The Department of Public Works. Parks and Streets has reviewed this request pursuant to Chapter 413 -67 (Encroachment Regulations) of the City Ordinances and has no objection to Your Honorable Body authorizing the Commissioner of Public Works. Parks and Streets to issue a "Mere License" to DYouville College for said conduit installation provided the following conditions are met: 1. That D'Youville College obtain any and all City of Buffalo permits necessary for said installation, including a street cut permit. 2. That the conduits be installed. and City right of way restored, according to Department of Public Works. Parks and Streets Standard Specifications. 3. That D'Youville College supply the Department of Public Works, Parks and Streets with a set of "as built" plans depicting the exact location of said conduits upon completion of the project. 4. That D'Youville College provide the Department of Public Works. Parks and Streets with a five thousand dollar construction in street bond or Certificate of Insurance which will indemnify and save harmless the City of Buffalo against any and all loss and damage arising out of the construction. maintenance, use and removal of said conduits. 5. That, as an owner of underground facilities, D'Youville College become an active member of Dig Safely New York as required by New York State Law, Code 753. Mr. Coppola Moved: That the above communication from the Department of Public Works, Parks and Streets dated June 30, 2004, be received and filed; and That the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets be, and he hereby is authorized to issue a "mere license" to D'Youville College, applicant, located on Porter Avenue, to install conduits as part of the new construction underway at D'Youville College and will enable the connection of computers between buildings, which would encroach city right -of -way at said address, subject to the conditions as listed above. Passed. AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 22 CHANGE IN CONTRACT CAZENOVIA POOL REHABILITATION JOB #0329 SOUTH DISTRICT I hereby submit to Your Honorable Body the following changes for Cazenovia Pool, Rehabilitation, The Peyton Barlow Co., Inc., C #92010843. 1. ACM Testing not required. Deduct $ 360.00 The foregoing change results in a net decrease in the contract of Three Hundred Sixty and 00/100 Dollars ($360.00). Summary: Current Contract Amount $ 78,659.00 Amount of This Change Order ( #4) Deduct $ 360.00 Revised Contract Amount $ 78,299.00 Costs have been reviewed by the Department of Public Works, Parks & Streets and were found to be fair and equitable. Funds for this work are available in 36400106 445100 - Division of Buildings. I request that Your Honorable Body authorize the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks & Streets to issue a change order to the contractor as set forth above. Mr. Coppola Moved: That the above communication from the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets dated June 22, 2004, be received and filed; and That the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets be, and he hereby is authorized to issue change order No. 4, to The Peyton Barlow Co., Inc., a decrease in the amount of $360.00, as more fully described in the above communication, for work relating to Job No. 0329, Cazenovia Pool, Rehabilitation, C #92010843. Funds for this project are to be credited in 36400106 445100 - Division of Buildings. Passed AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 23 CHANGE IN CONTRACT NORTH JEFFERSON LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION JOB #0324 MASTEN DISTRICT I hereby submit to Your Honorable Body the following changes for the North Jefferson Library, Construction, Patrick Development, C #92010833. 1. Removal of unsuitable fill and replacement with structural fill. Add $41,307.00 During excavation in the parking lot area, the remains of a previously demolished building were found below existing grades. The material, composed of wood, plaster, and other residential building debris is unsuitable for use in the parking lot area. The amount quoted is a not to exceed amount based upon what can reasonably be expected to be found at the site. The foregoing change results in a net increase in the contract of Forty One Thousand Three Hundred Seven and 00/100 Dollars ($41,307.00). Summary: Current Contract Amount $2,983,300.00 Amount of This Change Order ( #1) Add $ 41, 307.00 Revised Contract Amount $3,024,607.00 Costs have been reviewed by the Consulting Architect (Robert Traynham Coles, P.C.) and the Department of Public Works, Parks & Streets and were found to be fair and equitable. Funds for this work are available in 37320306 445100 - Division of Buildings. I request that Your Honorable Body authorize the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks & Streets to issue a change order to the contractor as set forth above. Mr. Coppola Moved: That the above communication from the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets dated July 1, 2004, be received and filed; and That the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets be, and he hereby is authorized to issue change order No. 1, to Patrick Development, an increase in the amount of $41,307.00, as more fully described in the above communication, for work relating to Job No. 0324, North Jefferson Library, C #92010833. Funds for this project are available in 37320306445100 - Division of Buildings. PASSED. AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 24 INCREASE IN CONTRACTS MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARK SPLASH PAD CONTRACT NO. 92010798 MASTEN DISTRICT We are requesting permission of your Honorable Body to increase contract no. 92010798 with Tunny Electric in the amount of $9,379.80. OThe change order for Tunney Electric includes additional electrical work; lines, circuit breakers, and lighting that were added to the contract after the bid. The prices for this work was found to be fair and reasonable by our consultant, Wendel Duchscherer. Funds for this work are available in Bond Account 31459606, 31459706, 34640606, 31459806. Summary Tunny Electric Existing Contract Amount $23,400.00 Amount this change $ 9,379.80 New Contract Amount $32,779.80 That the above communication from the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets dated July 1, 2004, be received and filed; and That the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets be, and he hereby is authorized to issue a change order, to Tunney Electric, an increase in the amount of $9,379.80, as more fully described in the above communication, for work relating to Martin Luther King Jr. Park Splash Pad, C #92010798. Funds for this project are available in Bond Account 31459606, 31459706, 34640606 and 31459806. Passed Ayes- 9.Noes -0. NO. 25 INCREASE IN CONTRACT MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARK SPLASH PAD CONTRACT NO. 92010802 MASTEN DISTRICT We are requesting permission of your Honorable Body to increase contract no. 920108002 with Visone Construction in the amount of $28,810.51. The change order for Visone Construction covers the acceptance of two alternates for benches on the project, adding color to the concrete surface, a project sign, additional concrete and asphalt repairs, and removal of obstructions and water lines that were not indicated on the plans. The prices for this work was found to be fair and reasonable by our consultant, Wendel Duchscherer. Funds for this work are available in Bond Account 31459606, 31459706, 34640606, 31459806. Summary Visone Construction Existing Contract Amount $684,000.00 Amount this change $ 28,810.51 New Contract Amount $712,810.51 Mr. Coppola moved: That the above communication from the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets dated July 1, 2004, be received and filed; and That the Commissioner of Public Works, Park and Streets be, and he hereby is authorized to issue a change order, to Visone Construction, an increase in the amount of $28,810.51, as more fully described in the above communication, for work relating to Martin Luther King Jr. Splash Pad, C #92010802. Funds for this project are available in Bond Account 31459606, 31459706, 34640606, and 31459806. PASSED. AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 26 OVERLAY OF CITY PAVEMENTS -2004 GR. #607, AMHERST PAVING, INC. CONTRACT #92010810 CHANGE ORDER I hereby submit to our Honorable Body the following unit price additions to the contract for the above named Project. This change order was necessary to mill Fougeron Street from Fillmore Avenue to Genesee Street. Quantities necessary for the completion of defective areas was beyond the original scope of this contract and was unforeseen. Details in Clerk's Office Contract Amount $1,303,365.50 This Change Order $15,750.00 Total Contract Amount $1,319,115.50 Fund for this change order are available in Division of Engineering Bond Fund Account #30032106. 1 respectfully certify that this change order is fair and equitable for the work involved, and respectfully request that your Honorable Body approve the subject Change order and authorize the Commissioner of Public Works to issue said change order to Amherst Paving, Inc. Mr. Coppola moved: That the above communication from the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets dated July 1, 2004, be received and filed; and That the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets be, and he hereby is authorized to issue a change order, to Amherst Paving, Inc., an increase in the amount of $15,750.00, as more fully described in the above communication, for work relating to Overlay of City Pavements -2004, C #92010810. Funds for this project are available in Division of Engineering Bond Fund Account #30032106. PASSED. AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 27 STREET NAME CHANGE - CAZENOVIA PARKWAY TO WARRREN SPAHN WAY ITEM NO. 112, C.C.P. 06/22/ The referenced item was referred to this office for comment. Due to the fact that Cazenovia Parkway is totally confined within Cazenovia Park, and that no private properties are located adjacent to the roadway, this department would have no objection to the proposed name change, if the Council decides it proper to do so. RECEIVED AND FILED. NO. 28 CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT Appointment Effective July 1, 2004 in the Department of Public Works, Parks and Streets, Division of Streets, to the position of Streets Worker, Permanent, Non - Competitive, at the Intermediate Starting Salary of $28,577. Keith Plant 145 Royal Avenue Buffalo, NY 14207 Jeffrey Bartels 117 North Ryan Street Buffalo, NY 14210 Timothy Favero 131 Kelburn Street Buffalo, NY 14206 Lonnie Pieczynski 320 Barnard Street Buffalo, NY 14206 Alra Staples 57 Plymouth Avenue Buffalo, NY 14213 Daniel Gant 51 Brunswick Boulevard Buffalo, NY 14208 Mr. Coppola moved: That the Common Council hereby approves the appointment of Keith Plant, Jeffrey Bartels, Timothy Favero, Lonnie Pieczynski, Alra Staples and Daniel Gant effective July 1, 2004. PASSED AYES -9. NOES -0. FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE NO. 29 DRUG ASSET FORFEITURE CHECKS RECEIVED ITEM NO. 104, CCP 2/2/88 8155 - 00120478 C2 -02 -0151 $1,644.05 8155 - 00119912 C9 -03 -0085 $5,042.54 8155 - 00120155 C2 -03 -0073 $2,229.85 8155 - 00120314 C2 -02 -0151 $36,022.29 8155 - 00120174 C2 -04 -0012 $28,702.00 8155- 00120408 C2 -03 -0078 $ 5,781.25 C2 -04 -0028 $ 1,494.49 C2 -04 -0045 $ 2,404.69 C2 -04 -0046 $ 1,108.09 8155- 00120222 C2 -04 -0024 $ 1,136.89 C2 -04 -0025 $ 1,282.09 C2 -04 -0027 $ 640.69 8155- 00120166 C2 -97 -0110 $ 7,194.00 Total $94,682.92 The above referenced property has been administratively forfeited by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The Checks were received by this Department and duly deposited in the Trust and Agency Account, #20010000 - 389001. These funds will be placed into one or more of the following accounts as deemed by the Commissioner of Police: Educational Training /Seminar, Confidential Funds, Materials and Supplies, Firearms and Weapons, Communications and Computers, Electricial Surveillance, Purchase of Services, Improvements, Vehicles, Operating Equipment. If you have any questions regarding the above mentioned, please contact Chief Richard Ortiz at 851 -5181. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE. FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF FIRE NO. 30 NAME CHANGE CAZENOVIA PARK #112 -CCP JUNE 12, 2004 Be Advised that the Buffalo Fire Department has no objection to the street name change - Cazenovia Pkwy to Warren Spahn Way RECEIVED AND FILED. NO. 31 PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACT As per your request, the Department of Fire has one personal services contract with John Sniderhan for consulting I the MMRS program. The contract is funded through the Metropolital Medical Response System grant (acct #20400006 - 434000 - 10136). Contract terms are $18,000 to be paid in monthly installments of $1,800 each from January 15, 2004 through October 15, 2004. As of June 30, 2004, $10,800 has been paid for services rendered. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE. FROM THE CORPORATION COUNSEL NO. 32 REVIEW OF NOMINEE FOR APPOINTMENT — BUFFALO ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION ITEM NO. 2, C.C.P., 6/22/04 The Corporation Counsel conferred with the Division of Collections and reports (as verified by that Division as of July 1, 2004) that the following nominee to the Buffalo Environmental Management Commission owes outstanding debts to the City: Kevin M. Matheis $164.06 for User Fee $423.86 for Water REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION NO. 33 FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW REVIEW OF NOMINEE FOR APPOINTMENT — EXAMINING BOARD OF ELECTRICIANS ITEM NO. 2, C.C.P., 6/22/04 The Corporation Counsel conferred with the Division of Collections and reports (as verified by that Division as of July 1, 2004) that the following nominee to the Examining Board of Electricians has no outstanding debts to the City: Michael J. McLaughlin RECEIVED AND FILED FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE NO. 34 CITY'S NOISE ORDINANCE Your Honorable Body has asked the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication and Randall Kay, Administrative Law Judge, to provide information concerning City Noise Ordinance violations. Randall Kay, in his capacity as Administrative Law Judge for the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication, is only compensated for presiding over adjudication hearings and is not required to respond to council communications. Accordingly, I am responding to both inquiries on behalf of the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication. In response to your inquiry regarding unpaid fines and our ability to enforce liens against properties or vehicle registrations, please be advised that under New York State General Municipal Law Article 14 -BB, unpaid noise ordinance violations constitute a judgment against the respondent. Said judgment may be entered in city court and enforced in the same manner as the enforcement of money judgments in civil actions. The judgments cannot be enforced as liens against motor vehicle registrations, since state law does not provide for such action. Additionally, the judgments do not automatically become liens against real property. In the case of noise violations, it is unusual for a respondent to actually own the property at which the offense took place. To enforce judgments against any real property owned by the respondent, we must follow the filing procedures for enforcement of money judgments in civil actions, which require filings in city court and county clerk's office. The cost of such filings is approximately $61.00 per judgment, which is cost - prohibitive considering that the collection process is labor intensive and cannot guarantee results. In response to your inquiry to Randall Kay regarding the process used at noise violation hearings to determine if an individual is guilty or not guilty, the Common Council administrative law judge relies on page 2 the officer's factual statement, July 1, 2004 which is prima facie evidence at the hearing. Although it is not necessary to calibrate the noise level in accordance with the noise violation ordinance, the officer does have to provide some quantitative measure used in determining that the noise level was excessive, i.e. music could be heard more than 100 feet away. Additionally, the administrative law judge makes a determination of guilt based on the credibility of the respondent's testimony at the hearing. Based on the annual report you referred to, only 14 percent of noise violation summonses went to hearing, with 60 percent of those summonses found guilty. The majority of noise violation summonses are paid without a hearing. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF COMMUNITY SERVICES NO. 35 CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT Appointment Effective: July 6, 2004 in the Department of Division of Community Services to the Position of Drug Abuse Nurse R.N. , TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT At the FIFTH STEP Starting Salary of. $32,795.00 Nicole Blair, 113 Lafayette Ave Apt 65, Buffalo, NY 14213 REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES NO. 36 APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT [: RISK MANAGEMENT CONSULTING SERVICES R F P completed for risk Management Consulting Services. Low bidder was Cox & Aldrich, Inc. (see attached tabulation of bids). Request approval for attached Agreement capped at $48,000 for FY 2004/05. Funding approved in adopted budget under 25- 1053- 12553006- 432004 ($115,000 for technical services to include Health Insurance Consultant and EAP Program.) Consultant initially will conduct a full risk management audit to determine scope of issues and develop master risk. Management plan. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE FROM THE BUFFALO MUNICIPAL HOUSING AUTHORITY NO. 37 REQUEST OF BMHA TO DISCUSS ELIMINATION COB CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION TO SUBSIDIZE OPERATIONS — FREDERICK DOUGLASS TOWERS RES #100, C.C.P. JUNE 22, 2004 Dear Council Members: BMHA has received and reviewed your letter of June 23, 2004 concerning the above - referenced matter. As we have previously advised you, the Frederick Douglass Towers housing units are now under the control of private partnerships with private investors. Accordingly, BMHA has no authority to waive or alter subsidy requirements unilaterally. While the recitals in the resolution of the Common Council are generally correct, the $8 million fund reserve referred to in such resolution is in fact a federal reserve that is unavailable to fund Frederick Douglass. BMHA has no other sources to fund the operating subsidy that now comes from the City of Buffalo. To assist the City with possibly reducing or eliminating its funding obligation for Frederick Douglass, BMHA has engaged a consultant to assist us in preparing a mixed- finance application to possibly reacquire the Frederick Douglass housing development in the hopes of including them in BMHA's federal housing portfolio. If that acquisition could be accomplished, then it might be possible to reduce or eliminate some or all of the City's ongoing subsidy obligation to the Frederick Douglass housing development. "BMHA is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer" Please contact me if you require anything further on this matter. Otherwise, BMHA will provide the Council with periodic updates concerning the possible acquisition of the Frederick Douglass housing development to our federal portfolio. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET FROM THE CITY CLERK NO. 38 REPORT OF LEGAL BEAGLE DOG LICENSING DRIVE District # of Licenses Delaware 37 Ellicott 7 Fillmore 19 Lovejoy 3 Masten 5 Niagara 5 North 9 Sash 39 University 4 View in Clerk's office REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET NO. 39 RE: JOHN VERBOCY Before I re -hired John Verbocy I requested a 3 -three month residency waiver from Mr. Matarese, Commissioner Human Resources which was granted. Therefore I re -hired Mr. Verbocy on part -time bases exclusively for this project as he had 18 years of experience, knows how to handle situations on the streets and is very trustworthy. However, the Common Council chose not to confirm his appointment and I had to release Mr. Verbocy of his duties. Nevertheless, there is the matter of Mr. Verbocy's outstanding 2 -two weeks pay prior to the council's refusal to re -hire him. He worked diligently and attended evening meetings to assist with the Legal Beagle Drive. The practice of starting individuals to work prior to it going before the Council is not unusual as this practice is done all the time with interns and summer workers. The City owes Mr. Verbocy the money he earned and I respectfully request that he be paid accordingly. I have attached a copy of these hours of which he is owed. 1 am submitting a claim on behalf of Mr. Verbocy so that he can receive the money justifiable due him. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS N O . 4 0 C E R T I F I C A T E O F A P P O I N T M E N T Appointment Effective: in the Department of Common Council, Division of City clerk to the Position of Data Control Clerk, Permanent Appointment at the Maximum Starting Salary of $31,153 Wendy Nobile, 62 Clayton, Buffalo, NY 14207 REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE NO. 41 C E R T I F I C A T E O F A P P O I N T M E N T Appointment Effective: in the Department of City clerk to the Position of Data Control Clerk, Permanent Appointment at the Maximum Starting Salary of $27,939.68 Julia Paul, 139 Villa Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216 REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE NO. 42 LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATIONS Address Business Name Owners Name 220 Delaware Papaya Sweet Papaya Inc RECEIVED AND FILED NO. 43 LEAVES OF ABSENCE WITHOUT PAY I transmit herewith notifications received by me, reporting the granting of the leaves of absence without pay, in the various departments as listed: X Police- Debra Drzazga X Fire - Michael Cassidy XCommunity Services- Arleen F i I i p s I i RECEIVED AND FILED. NO. 44 REPORTS OF ATTENDANCE I transmit herewith communications received by me, from the various boards, commissions, agencies and authorities reporting the membership attendance at their respective meetings: Buffalo Sewer Authority RECEIVED AND FILED. NO. 45 NOTICES OF APPOINTMENTS - SEASONAL /FLAT I transmit herewith certificates received by me, reporting seasonal and flat salary appointments made in various departments. RECEIVED AND FILED. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Certificate of Appointment Appointment Effective June 17, 2004 in Department of Public Works, Division of Recreation to the Position of Laborerll Seasonal at the minimum starting salary of $8.15/hr Victor DeGeorge, 30 Taunton PI, Buffalo, NY 14216 Appointment Effective June 17, 2004 in Department of Public Works, Division of Water to the Position of Water Service Worker Seasonal at the minimum starting salary of $8.15/hr Philip Frederick Jr, 80 Avery Ave, Buffalo, NY 14207 Peter Militello, 913 7 th st, Buffalo, Ny 14213 NON - OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS AND REMONSTRANCES NO. 46 CIMINELLI BOARD PACKET DOCUMENTS - 05/2004 ATTACHED ARE THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS FROM THE JUNE 17, 2004 JOINT SCHOOLS CONSTRUCTION BOARD MEETING. Team Progress Report — May 2004 RECEIVED AND FILED NO. 47 CIMINELLI BOARD PACKET DOCUMENTS -JUNE 17, 2004 Attached are the following documents for the June 17, 2004 Joint Schools Construction Board Meeting. Draft Agenda Meeting Minutes from JSCB Meeting dated May 3, 2004 Application and Certificate for Payment No. 22 — May 2004 Phase II Application and Certificate for Payment No. 1 — May 2004 Resolution Regarding Inclusion Committee Office of the State Comptroller Progress Report Bevlar & Associates Inc. Construction Contract Monitoring and Compliance Services Monthly Report for Addendum 1 Project — April 2004 RECEIVED AND FILED NO. 48 ADELPHIA- REPORT COB YEAR ENDING 2003 Enclosed is the Annual Report for the City of Buffalo for the year ending 2003. If you should have any questions or need additional information, please let me know. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION NO. 49 REQ PW COMM. PROVIDE INFOPROP MERGER OF WATER SYSTEMS Dear Mr. Michaux: Can you please file this item for the next Council meeting to be held on Tuesday, July 6, 2004, to be sent the Finance Committee. MARC A. COPPOLA Dear Commissioner Giambra: It is my understanding that discussions between the Erie County Water Authority and the City of Buffalo regarding the proposed merger of the two water systems have been progressing over the past couple of months. Since the Common Council, by charter, will have to approve any such merger and/or referendum proposing such merger, it is vitally important that the Common Council be kept up to date regarding this matter. Therefore, I am requesting you file with the Common Council for discussion at our next Finance Committee meeting, to be held on Tuesday, July 13, 2004, at 10:00 AM, any and all current information you have regarding this matter, including but not limited to consultant's reports and recommendations. Thank you in advance for your help in this matter, and please feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Marc A. Coppola Councilmember REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE NO. 50 A. SANFILIPO- CONCERNS CITY'S LONG TERM DEBT POSITION UNDER BSA PLAN It is my duty as comptroller to advise you that while I will certainly agree to be a partner in BFSA's proposed cash flow borrowing, must raise the issue of the implications to the city's long -term debt position under the BFSA plan. Let me first acknowledge that we've employed conduit financing structures similar to BFSA's proposal in the past. However, perhaps the most economical approach and structure would be the city's selling of its RANS to the BFSA instead of the open market, similar to the past practice of using the Municipal Bond Bank Agency and the Environmental Facilities Corporation on certain debt issues. However under BFSA's current proposal, which appears to be less costly than the city's traditional RANS structure because it would not require a letter of credit, there is a significant weakening of the city's long -term credit position that must be noted. Accord'ng to Standard & Poor's, because BFSA BANS will be issued relying on long -term debt capability and city resources, they will not be deducted from the city's long -term debt statement. Based on the most recent OS material, the city's ratio of debt to estimated full value of taxable property would go from 8.73% to over 11 % if the $125 million borrowing were added to the city's net tax - supported debt statement. That is a significant increase since 10% is considered particularly dangerous for problem credits. Considering the fact that the city's general obligation rating is at BBB- from S & P, which is the lowest investment grade rating, an increase in the city's net tax - supported debt load of over 25% can only spell bad news for Buffalo's credit position. This increase would not only have a rating agency effect, but it also has adverse consequences for the city's continuing access to the credit markets. With the declining taxable valuation that exists in Buf alo, any increase in indebtedness adversely impacts the city's debt load. While I understand BFSA has routinely used the Nassau County (NIFA) financing models for its financing structures in Buffalo, Buffalo is not Nassau County. Including BFSA BANS in the amount of $125 million on the city's net tax - supported debt load will have a much more severe consequence for Buffalo than any similar treatment for Nassau County, one of the wealthiest counties in the state with an increasing tax base. I have personally confirmed the approach S & P would take with respect to this matter through telephone conversations with the city's primary analyst at the rating agency. Obviously it is important to proceed as quickly as possible for this cash borrowing for the city and the school district, but I would caution that the impact on the BFSA proposal on the city's long- term debt position is a very significant issue. It certainly has impact on the city's future access to the credit markets, and I intend to advise the Common Council of my concerns. REFERRED TO WE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET NO. 51 B. DAVIS -A. SANFILIPO REMAINING DEBT MAIN PLACE MALL Please file the attached correspondence regarding the Main Place Ramp for the upcoming Council Session to be held on Tuesday, July 6, 2004 for further discussion. Patrick Hotung General Manager Main Place Liberty Group 2100 Liberty Bldg. Buffalo, NY 14202 -3699 Dear Mr. Hotung„ In response to your letter of June 10, 1 am able to confirm to you that the remaining debt on the Main Place ramp is $1,423,350.16, which includes $262,350.16 in interest. The payment schedule referred to in your letter is also correct. I hope this information is helpful and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, THE PARKING BOARD AND THE MAYOR NO. 52 B. DAVIS PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT Dear Mr. Michaux III, Please file the attached correspondence regarding the Personal Service Contracts for the upcoming Council Session to be held on Tuesday, July 6, 2004 for further discussion. Thank you in advance for you assistance in this matter. Sincerely, Date: June 30, 2004 Subject: Your memo dated 6/21/04 for Personal Service Contracts Dear Mr. Chairman, Department of Management Information Systems has following personal service contracts in effect during the fiscal year 2003 -2004. Vendor Name - Gerald Hughes Nature of Work - Mr. Hughes provides very valuable network and software support to the city. Please see the attached contract for detail on type of service. Total Amount paid for the fiscal year - $32,400 (Also the anticipated and budgeted cost) Beginning & Ending Dates - Contract with Mr. Hughes started in 2001 and will be on going Vendor Name - Keith Free Ellis - DBA – Tech Visioneer Nature of Work - Mr. Ellis is an expert in ASP.NET programming. He is an independent contractor who worked with the city before as a sub - contractor for AIX Inc. to write security and logging object for City's web site. City was paying $75 per hour for his services as a sub - contractor. Last year we hired him to write project specs to convert our time keeper system from VB3 to ASP.net as an independent contractor at $54 per hour. Anticipated Cost of the Work - $11,016 Total Amount Paid - $5,508 Beginning and End Dates - Contract Started - 10/21/03 Contract Terminated - 6/29/04 The copies of the contracts are attached herewith. Please feel free to contact me at 851 -4836 if any further details are needed. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE NO. 53 J. MAXFIELD -INFO DELTA SONIC To the Editor The June 2d Zoning Board of Appeals hearing (1802 City Hall) was attended by first, about a dozen neighborhood residents and preservationists who oppose Delta Sonic's plan to cover more than a block of Main Street, contiguous to Linwood Preservation District and second, about as many proponents — including many uniformed Delta Sonic employees including self- described single mothers who touted Delta Sonic's virtues as an employer and others claiming E' -S gives thousand of dollars to community charities (both factors completely irrelevant to the proposed project). The Transit Overlay Regulations that accompanied construction of the Main Street subway c. 1980 include seven points that govern commercial activities and attempt to encourage appropriate combined commercial and residential land use in the subway corridor, including limitation of automotive service such as gasoline pumps (currently 13)- -which encourage use of cars and increase A -S's profits; devil take the cheaper and more energy- efficient subway, and tranquility of the highly -taxed neighborhood! A -S's attorneys requested variances on all seven points. The ZBA unanimously granted them all, erroneously throwing the federally- imposed Transit Overlay in the trash can (but keeping the multi - million dollar subway). The objections of the neighbors to noise, light, dirt, and traffic pollution, backed by many petitions, letters, calls, and meetings over the last few years, were ignored in favor of the multi - billion dollar Benderson behemoth. ZBA and its owner, the Masiello administration (which had overruled planners' recommendations that the Mid -City Office building be spared demolition) irresponsibly ruled the day. Perhaps the voters will rememberthis planning debacle and insult to the community at mayoral election time... Sincerely, RECEIVED AND FILED NO. 54 P. HOTUNG -MAIN PLACE LIBERTY GARAGE PURCHASE COB MAIN PLACE PARKING RAMP As a follow up to our previous correspondence and discussions with members of your administration, I am writing to request an appointment at your earliest convenience to discuss the Main Place Liberty Group's (MPLG) offer to purchase the City of Buffalo's remaining fifteen year interest in the Main Place parking ramp for the same amount of money that the City would reasonably earn over the same period if it continued to own and operate the ramp itself. Specifically, MPLG is offering to pay off the $1.4 million debt and pay to the City over 15 years the same $6.9 million the City would net from the ramp. In addition, MPLG would make all of the necessary capital repairs over the next 15 years which we estimate to be at least $2.2 million. Therefore, MPLG is effectively offering $10.5 million to purchase Buffalo's remaining interest in the Main Place parking ramp. It is important to note that because the ramp does not currently generate any sales or property taxes, this sale would allow the City to minimally capture an additional revenue stream of approximately $5 million in tax receipts over the same 15 -year period. In addition, the added value of the ramp to the assessed value of Main Place Tower and Liberty Building would add another $4.5 million in projected tax receipts to the City over the same period. Therefore, the minimum additional net cash flow to the City from the sale of its interest in the ramp would be $9.5 million, in addition to the sale price and capital improvements of $10.5 million. In addition, I would like to point out that the City faces the urgency of making $1.2 million in necessary repairs to the ramp right now, as well as a minimum of another $1 million for concrete restoration work in the Main Place Parking Ramp over the next 15 years. Because we view the parking ramp as our front door, it is in our best interest to ensure that the parking facility is maintained to the highest standards for appearance, cleanliness, security and lighting. For those who may have legitimate concerns about potential displaced parkers from the Main Place ramp, they need only look to the Adam ramp which is located approximately two blocks away on the other side of Main Street. As you know, the Adam ramp has recently been expanded and approximately 350 empty parking spaces have been available for the past five months. In addition, the recently expanded Augspurger ramp has provided an additional 850 parking spaces and at least 400 of these new spaces remain empty. In closing, I would like to emphasize that our proposal is not a "one shot revenue stream" to the City of Buffalo because in addition to the $10.5 million in the sale price and maintenance, we are offering to provide an additional $9.5 million in tax revenues to the City over a 15 -year period. This is $9.5 million more than the City would make if it continued to operate the ramp under its current arrangement. I look forward to meeting with you as soon as possible to discuss this offer with you in greater detail. Thank you in advance for your prompt reply to this request. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE , THE PARKING BOARD AND THE MAYOR NO. 66 BFSA -INFO CASH FLOW BORROWING Dear Comptroller SanFilippo: Thank you for your recent letter and your expressed willingness to partner with BFSA in the City's cash flow borrowing. The savings which our cooperative approach can bring the City is expected to be nearly $1 million — a goal well worth working toward. Thank you also for bringing S & P's concern regarding the long -term indebtedness of the City to our attention. We have reviewed it with our bond counsel, financial advisor and senior banker, and based on that review raised the concern with both Moody's and Fitch to confirm our understanding. There may be some confusion due to the fact that in so many instances the BFSA Act follows the "NIFA" model — that of the control board created for Nassau County. In the Nassau/NIFA Act, however, NIFA debt counts against the County's constitutional debt capacity, whereas in the Buffalo /BFSA Act it does not. Therefore, according to our bond counsel, Mintz Levin, the BFSA BANS should not add to the City's legal long -term debt limit, either for constitutional debt capacity or in relation to the City's debt statement under the Local Finance Law. It is interesting to note that even in the Nassau/NIFA model for cash flow borrowing (which we are considering here), the NIFA BANS did not count toward the County's long -term debt capacity, despite the requirement that long -term debt be counted. The reason for that is that the BANS are fully anticipated to be paid down in the first instance from payments under the County's BANS. That relationship is expected to hold between the City's RANs and the BFSA BANS as well. Therefore, the likelihood that BFSA would issue long -term debt as a result of the City's non - payment of the RANS should be considered highly remote. Even in the case of non- payment of the RANS due to a delay in receipt of State aid, BFSA would have alternatives to issuing long -term debt, such as rolling the BANS for a period of time to allow for the receipt of the late State aid. Rolling the BANS would similarly not count to the City's constitutional long -term debt capacity. We're pleased to report that both Moody's and Fitch confirmed that under our proposed structure the issuance of BFSA BANs would be of no consequence in their measure of the City's outstanding long -term indebtedness and, in the case of Moodys', their rating of the City's debt. If, however, BFSA were to issue long -term bonds sometime in the future (a highly remote option) to take out all or a portion of the maturing BANs then, and only then, would Moody's and Fitch take such issuance into account when measuring the City's outstanding long -term indebtedness. Therefore, we see S & P's concern, though apparently serious, one that should be fully allayed when we have the chance to describe our structure to them, an opportunity that we have not been given to date. Again, we look forward to working with you in structuring this transaction. We believe that our cooperative efforts will bring substantial and recurring savings to the City as we work together going forward, and that the Citys debt rating will show similar improvement over time that Nassau County's has over the period of cooperation with NIFA. Moving forward in this cost- effective transaction will, I'm sure, be seen as a step in the right direction for the City. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET NO. 66 K KELLY - SUPPORT CREATIVE OF LINEAR PARK SYSTEM HEREBY CERTIFY, That at the 15' Session of the Legislature of Erie County, he in the County Hall, in the City of Buffalo, on the Twenty - Fourth day of June A.D., 2004, a Resolution was adopted, of which the following is a true copy: A RESOLUTION SUBMITTED BY LEGISLATORS SCHROEDER, KUWIK, SMITH, SWANICK, MARSHALL, HOLT, RANZENHOFER, DEBENEDETTI, DUSZA, WROBLEWSKI, MARINELLI, CHASE, MCCARVILLE, CUSAK, AND WEINSTEIN WHEREAS, in February 2003, at the request of the Erie County Executive, the Erie County Legislature approved appropriating up to $15,000 to pay for the travel and other expenses of a student research team from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government to, among other things, study the potential of creating a regional parks system connecting waterfront parks in Erie, Niagara, and Chautauqua Counties that mirrored the Niagara Parks Commission in Ontario, and WHEREAS, that Harvard student team was apparently going to examine the "legal, financial and community impact" of linking parks along Lake Erie, the Niagara River and Lake Ontario, with the potentials ranging from "connecting waterfront parks through a system of trails to creating a new, overarching parks authority," and WHEREAS, according to an Administration official, the Harvard team was to report their findings to the County by June 2003, and WHEREAS, to -date, no such report has ever been reported, discussed, nor communicated to the Erie County Legislature, and WHEREAS, in early 2003, Assemblyman Sam Hoyt introduced Assembly Bill 7418, the Niagara River Park Act, which "would benefit all residents of the state... the process will enhance the ability of New Yorkers to enjoy the Niagara River; protect the river, including its role as an aquatic habitat; promote the health, safety, and welfare of the people of the state; increase the quality of life in the adjoining community and the state as a whole; help alleviate the unhealthy and dangerous conditions that characterize the parts of the area; and boost tourism and stimulate the economy," and WHEREAS, in Summer 2003, the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy began studying and working on a proposal for a 40 -mile "linear park" starting at Fort Niagara and running along the Niagara River to Buffalo's South Park, including Gallagher Beach State Park, Tifft Nature Preserve, Times Beach Nature Preserve, LaSalle Park, Front Park, Riverside Park, Cherry Farm site, Beaver Island State Park, Buckhorn Island State Park, Isle View Park, Niawanda Park, the Niagara Falls State Reservation, Whirlpool State Park, Devil's Hole State Park, Artpark, Joseph Davis State Park, and Fort Niagara State Park STATE OF NEW YORK LEGISLATURE OF ERIE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE BUFFALO, N.Y., JUNE 24, 2004 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: HEREBY CERTIFY, That at the 15 Session of the Legislature of Erie County, held in the County Hall, in the City of Buffalo, on the Twenty - Fourth day of June A.D., 2004 a Resolution was adopted, of which the following is a true copy: WHEREAS, the Conservancy stated that they would apply to the National Park Service for a grant to study and plan the possibilities for such a linear park — a park that the Conservancy suggested could cost between $50 and $100 million, and WHEREAS, in September 2003, Legislator Lynn Marinelli and former Legislator Judith Fisher sponsored Intro. 15 -26, a resolution supporting the Olmsted Parks Conservancy's proposal, and WHEREAS, in 2003, the Greater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council suggested using a planned bike route connecting seven state parks and 20 municipal parks along the Niagara River as the basis for a linear park, - and WHEREAS, members of the WNY Relicensing Consensus Committee have called on the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to financially support the creation of a linear park system as a part of the relicensing of the Niagara Power Project, and to that end, to engage a neutral facilitator to identify and coordinate the interest and needs of all affected municipalities, community organizations and stakeholders, and WHEREAS, in his January 2004 Executive Budget, Governor George Pataki called for the creation of a Niagara River Greenway, "to be modeled after the successful Hudson River Valley Greenway, which will lend communities in Western New York guidance and expertise in shaping the future of the Niagara River and its surrounding communities," and WHEREAS, on May 17, 2004, Governor Pataki introduced legislation to create the Niagara River Greenway Commission, a fourteen- member body to "aid in the planning and development of a Lake Ontario to Lake Erie greenway of interconnected parks, river access points and waterfront trails along the Niagara River," and WHEREAS, Pataki stated "the Niagara River Greenway Commission will provide a solid framework in helping local communities develop a linear park system along the Niagara River... the Commission will allow dozens of communities — both on the River and nearby — to boost local tourism, enhance recreation and create new jobs and economic opportunities for the people of Western New York,' NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Erie County Legislature expresses its support for the creation of a linear park system stretching from Fort Niagara at the mouth of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario to Lake Erie State Park in Chautauqua County, and be it further STATE OF NEW YORK LEGISLATURE OF ERIE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE BUFFALO, N.Y., JUNE 24, 2004 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: HEREBY CERTIFY, That at the 15 h Session of the Legislature of Erie County, held in the County Hall, in the City of Buffalo, on the Twenty - Fourth day of June A.D., 2004, a Resolution was adopted, of which the following is a true copy: RESOLVED, that this Honorable Body encourages Governor George Pataki and the State Assembly and State Senate to increase the scope of the linear parks concept, to immediately engage a facilitator to represent the interests of the parks system concept before the NYPA Relicensing Committee beginning in August 2004, and to work cooperatively to enact legislation to create a Niagara Frontier Greenway Commission, including additional representatives and including a greater scope of the linear park system extending along Lake Erie including southern Erie County and into northern Chautauqua County, and including state government and Power Authority funds for the creation of a regional parks system, and be it- further RESOLVED, that certified copies of this resolution be transmitted to Governor George the local delegation of the New York State Legislature, Bernadette Castro of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Louis Ciminelli, Chairman of the New York State Power Authority, the Erie County Executive, Erie County Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, Erie County Commissioner of Environment and Planning, the Niagara County Legislature, Chautauqua County Executive Mark Thomas, the Chautauqua County Legislature, Buffalo Mayor Anthony Masiello, the - Buffalo Common Council, - Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Ronald Moline, the Tonawanda Town Board, Grand Island Supervisor Peter McMahon, the Grand Island Town Board, Niagara Falls Mayor Vincent Anello, the Niagara Falls City Council, Tonawanda Mayor Jack Gallagher, the Tonawanda City Council, Deborah Trimble of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, David Colligan of Watson, Bennett, Colligan, Johnson & Schechter, Hal Morse of the Greater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council, and the Friends of the Buffalo Niagara Rivers. RECEIVED AND FILED NO. 57 F. LUHR ERIE CANAL HARBOR PROJECT Dear Mr. Michaux: Enclosed is a copy of the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) for the Erie Canal Harbor project in Buffalo, New York. Please file this document. Thank you. Sincerely, June 17, 2004 NOTICE OF COMPLETION SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT ERIE CANAL HARBOR PROJECT Pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (Article 8 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law) and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto (6 NYCRR Part 617), a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement ( "SDEIS') has been prepared covering the actions described below, and copies thereof are available upon request to the offices of the lead agency as set forth below. Project Location: The Project Site is 12.5 acres bordered by the Buffalo River, Main Street, Scott Street, and Marine Drive. The site is currently owned by the City of Buffalo and the New York State Department of Transportation. Current uses include a Naval and Military Museum, a 350 space parking lot, and the recently completed Veterans Park. SEQRA Classification: Type I Lead Agency: New York State Urban Development Corporation, d /b /a Empire State Development Corporation 633 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10017 Lead Agency Contact: Rachel Shatz Director, Planning and Environmental Review Copies of this DEIS are available for review at the Western NY Region offices of Empire State Development Corporation, 420 Main Street, Suite 717, Liberty Building, Buffalo, NY 14202. Please contact ESDC at 716 - 856 -8111 to schedule an appointment to review the SDEIS. Copies of this SDEIS are also available for review at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, Central Branch, Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY 14203. The Executive Summary of the SDEIS which describes the project and its potential impacts is incorporated hereto and made a part hereof. A public hearing will be held on the SDEIS pursuant to SEQRA and other relevant statutes, on Tuesday, July 13 h , 2004 at 6pm at the Erie Community College Auditorium (Downtown location), 121 Ellicott Street (corner Swan), Buffalo, New York 14203. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, AND THE DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PLANNING NO. 58- L. MATERESE- HEALTH INS COVERAGE The purpose of this memo is to recognize your outstanding performance over the past month as we transitioned to the single health insurance provider for the City of Buffalo. In my many years of municipal management, I have rarely witnessed an individual work so diligently, thru such a difficult task, and achieve such an outstanding success. Because of your personal dedication, effort and stamina, the City was able to transition virtually every one of its over 6,000 active and retired employees to a single health insurer in less than three weeks. In fact, as of today there are less than 200 applications to be completed to achieve a 100% transition. Doing this required many, uncompensated hours on your part. Not only did your workday begin very early in the morning and end late in the afternoon, (oftentimes meeting with various unions before the workday began), you also spent evenings and weekends for the past month dedicated to this effort. Additionally you spent many, many hours, tirelessly explaining to hundreds of individuals, what their benefits would be and how to sign up for the new carrier. At times this meant taking verbal abuse by some thoughtless and rude employees and retirees. Nonetheless, because of your personal touch you were typically able to calmly explain what the benefits were and in virtually every instance the former disgruntled individual left satisfied and understanding how their benefits were in fact preserved or enhanced. Frankly, this transition, which will save the City over $7.5 million this year alone, would not have been accomplished as smoothly as it has without your leadership and dedication. I am proud to have you as part of the management team of this Department and thank you for your outstanding work. RECEIVED AND FILED NO. 59 A. THOMPSON RE: ERIE COUNTY MANAGEMENT TAKEOVER OF BUFFALO PARKS AND RECREATION Dear Mr. Michaux: Pleaser file the enclosed item with the Common Council for review and /or deliberation at the next meeting scheduled on July 6, 2004. I thank you for your assistance in this matter. Should you have any questions, please contact my office at 851 -5145. I am a concerned citizen of Buffalo and Erie County with serious reservations about the proposed anagement takeover of Buffalo's parks and recreation by Erie County. Attachment 2 includes comments which were submitted for the record at the June 7, 2004 Erie County Legislature Public Hearing regarding the parks and recreation takeover. Facts and information are embedded in the comments and will hopefully stimulate discussion. It seems to me that the parks and recreation management takeover is being driven by the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority, i.e. control board, and the County Executive. They have promoted the myth that this is the way to resolve Buffalo's immediate fiscal crisis, which was precipitated when the Governor withdrew state assistance. There are alternatives; for examples, see Attachment 1. If possible, please share my remarks. I realize that everyone will not share my point of view, but thank you for listening. Lynda Stephens Buffalo, New York RECEIVED AND FILED NO. 60 A. THOMPSON- LIVING WAGE COMMISSION Dear Mr. Michaux: Pleaser file the enclosed item with the Common Council for review and /or deliberation at the next meeting scheduled on July 6, 2004. 1 thank you for your assistance in this matter. Should you have any questions, please contact my office at 851 -5145. MEMORANDUM TO: BUFFALO COMMON COUNCIL FROM: LIVING WAGE COMMISSION DATE: 6116/04 RE: POSSIBLE AMENDMENTS TO THE LIVING WAGE LAW We understand that Buffalo Civic Auto Ramps (BCAR), a for - profit business corporation, is currently seeking a change in their tax status. They are pursuing 501(c)(4) non - profit tax status. Currently, the living wage ordinance only allows 501(c)(3) non- lie profits to be considered for exemption from the law. In conversations with BCAR, they indicated that they wanted an amendment to the living wage law that included possible exemptions for 501(c)(4) non- profits. Under the Powers of the Ordinance, the living wage commission has the power to "make legislative recommendations regarding needed changes in the ordinance." After a careful reading of the Buffalo legislation, research and conversation with other cities having similar legislation, and much deliberation, we have determined that a change in the law to include 501(c)(4) non - profits would undermine the original intent of the law. We have determined this because it is clear that 501(c)(3)s are charitable organizations and that their eligibility for exemption was in large part intended to protect organizations who rely heavily on charitable contributions to meet their budget and would not be able to afford living wage rates. 501(c)(4)s, however, are not charitable organizations, do not accept donations and therefore do not meet the original intent of the law. Therefore, we recommend that no change in the legislation be made at this time. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION, THE CORPORATION COUNSEL AND THE PARKING BOARD A. THOMPSON -TIRES REMOVAL 537 E. DELAVAN AVE Please file the enclosed item with the Common Council for review and consideration at the next Common Council meeting scheduled Tuesday July 6, 2004. if you have any further questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at 851 -5145. Dear Mr. Mc Gum: I am writing to respectfully request that the property at 537 East Delavan Avenue be inspected and investigated. There are many tires at this location and barrels of unidentified substances that are potential health hazards. I would like to request that the tires are removed; they are becoming an eyesore to the surrounding community. I would like to resolve this matter before it has the opportunity to worsen. I would like to thank you in advance for your anticipated assistance with keeping our community clean. Please feel free to contact me directly at (716) 851- 5145. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE PON LEGISLATION AND THE COMMISSIONER OF PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS NO. 62 B. RUFFINO, AGENT, USE 196 ALLEN AKA 82 ELMWOOD- TATTOO PARLOR W /CHANGE OF USE (HRG. 7/13) REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION, CITY PLANNING BOARD AND CORPORATION COUNSEL. NO. 63 D. MIKA, AGENT, USE 690 KENMORE AVENUE FOR AN ILLUMINATED POLE SIGN ID W/ A DIGITAL READER BOARD, 4 GROUND SIGNS, TWO WALL SIGNS, AND TWO LOGOS (HRG. 7/13) REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION, CITY PLANNING BOARD AND CORPORATION COUNSEL. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND BOA OF- EDUCATION NO. 64 M COPPOLA -KD REQ FUTURE PLANS SCHOOL# 56 We, the residents of the North Buffalo community surrounding the Buffalo Public School - #86- St. Lawrence Academy at 756 St. Lawrence Avenue, request detailed information as to the future plans for this facility. As concerned citizens, we would like to see this building continue to be used for academic purposes, and /or other community enriched functions. Our concerns include the non -use of the facility, which would decrease the value of our individual properties, increase the potential for criminal activities in the neighborhood, as well as creating potential health hazards and the look of abandoned property. REFERRED TO THE OMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND THE BOARD OF EDUCATION NO. 61 1 REGULAR COMMITTEES CLAIMS JAMES D. GRIFFIN, CHAIRMAN NO. 66 PERSONAL INJURY That, upon the recommendation of the Corporation Counsel, the following actions for personal injury arising out of alleged negligence on the part of the City of Buffalo, be compromised and settled: A. 1. Sharocca Alston vs. City of Buffalo $ 2,500.00 A. 2. Phyllis Cobian vs. City of Buffalo $ 5,000.00 A. 3. Lauri A. Colondona vs. City of Buffalo $75,000.00 A. 4. Karen Nowicki and Dennis E. Nice vs. City of Buffalo Karen Nowicki $12,500.00 Dennis E. Nice $15,000.00 A. 5. Donnell M. Staton vs. City of Buffalo $45,000.00 That checks be drawn on the account of Org 17221008 (480205) Judgment and Claims Prior Years, or (480204) Current Fiscal Year, payable to the respective claimants or plaintiffs and their attorneys, if any, herein above named, in the amounts set opposite their names and delivered to them upon execution and delivery to the Corporation Counsel of proper releases and closing papers. PASSED AYES -9- NOES -0 NO.66 PROPERTY DAMAGE That, upon the recommendation of the Corporation Counsel, the following actions for personal injury arising out of alleged negligence on the part of the City of Buffalo be compromised and settled: B. 1 Mary Amorosi, 278 Colvin Avenue, 14216 This is a claim for damages to a 2003 Honda Civic, which occurred on December 8, 2003 at the Hennepin Park Community Center. $619.51 B. 2. Justin Badagliacci, 4536 Lewis Drive, Hamburg, 14075 This is a claim for reimbursement of a tire that was ruined at 2364 South Park Avenue on February 7, 2004. $100.00 B. 3. Nicholas Campas, 18A Viola Drive, Cheektowaga, 14227 This is a claim for reimbursement of a mirror allegedly knocked off by a city snowplow on February 1, 2004 in front of 47 Goethe Street. $187.52 Elsieta Chapman, 401 Wyoming Street, 14201 This is a claim for reimbursement of a roof damaged by over hanging tree limbs from a city - owned tree at 401 Wyoming Street. $800.00 5. Gregory Liskiewicz, 4085 Highview Parkway, Hamburg, 14075 This is a claim for reimbursement of plumbing expenses incurred as a result of the basement flooding at 496 Amherst Street on March 22, 2004. $5,617.92 B. 6. Anna McDonald, 39 Coolidge Road, 14220 This is a claim for replacement of a tire that was destroyed on May 3, 2004 in front of 39 Coolidge Road. $135.53 B 7. Grace Moran, 71 Folger Street, 14220 This is a claim for the replacement of siding on claimant's house at 71 Folger Street, which was damaged by a City of Buffalo packer, which was driving down the street and struck the electrical wires leading to the house. $275.00 B. 8. James Podkladek, 86 Ridgewood Road, 14220 Thomas J. Whalen, 161 Midshore Drive, 14219 Employees of the Streets Department submit these two (2) claims. On February 6, 2004, while parked t the Broadway Garage, their vehicles were apparently damaged by a city snowplow. Podkladek $2,124.04 Thomas J. Whalen $623.55 B. 9. Sandra F. Wilhite, 164 Walnut Street, 14204 This is a claim for damages to claimant's vehicle on March 20,2004 on Walnut Street. $129.02 B. 10. The following claims all relate to damages to vehicles supposedly by City of Buffalo snowplows. While no driver of the plows is named by the claimants or an accident report made out by drivers, we feel that the seven (7) damage claims on Richmond Avenue on the morning of January 12, 2004, have merit and, therefore, the Law Department recommends payment as follows: (a.) Kerry Buckley, 249 Richmond Avenue, 14222 Side mirror damage $68.81 (b.) Julie Henneberger, 99 Richmond Avenue, 14222 Side mirror damage $282.05 (c.) Daniel Long, 171 Richmond Avenue, 14222 Side mirror damage $86.65 (d.) Patricia Parete, 380 Richmond Avenue, 14222 Side mirror damage $219.50 (e.) Kevin Sanders, 851 Richmond Avenue, 14222 Side mirror damage $144.03 (f.) William Smith, 193 Richmond Avenue, 14222 Side mirror damage $125.21 (g.) John Strangis, 134 Richmond Avenue, 14222 Side mirror damage $95.83 (h.) Carrie Woodrow, 134 Richmond Avenue, 14222 Side mirror and door damage $386.43 B. 11. The following claims are being submitted without recommendation to the Claims Committee. Although, some of the claimants list witnesses, there are no driver's names mentioned or any accident reports filled out: (a.) James Appeheimer, 22 Chapel St., P.O. Box 158, Belfast NY 14911 Overnight on 3/14/04 at 209 Richmond Avenue plow damaged Mirror $185.26 (b.) Bethesda World Harvest Church, 1356 Main St., 14209 - 1/12/04 12:10 a.m. plow damaged side mirror $53.04 (c.) Helen Brown (State Farm Insurance) - 1 /12/04 12:15 a.m. plow damaged car @ 1365 Main Street (d.) Richard Bums, 58 Arlington, 14201 - 2/3/04 11:05 a.m. plow damaged van $675.05 (e.) Sylvester Harold, 13 McCarthy Street, 14211 - 1/7/04 Plow hit mail box $100.00 (f) Frank LoJacono, 52 Koster Row, Amherst, 14226 At midnight on 3/16/04 at 609 Busti Avenue, snow from plow damaged mirror $48.71 (g.) Ryan Landry, 239 Lafayette Avenue, 14213 - 1 /12/04 1:00 p.m. plow damaged mirror $119.16 (h.) Hal Limebeer, 34 Orton Place, 14201 - 1 /22/04 1:00 a.m. plow damaged car and rental costs $929.41 (i.) Thomas Maggio, 23 Dewitt Street, 14213 - 1/31/04 5:00 -6:00 a.m. plow damaged mirror $142.29 Linda McNally, 576 Humboldt Parkway, 14211 - 1 /12/04 Late night plow damaged mirror $115.47 (k.) Kathy Nathan, 589 Parkside Avenue, 14216 - 1 /12/04 5:00 a.m. plow damaged mirror $165.78 (I.) Candace Santana, 155 Potters Road, 14220 - 1 /26/04 10:45 p.m. plow damaged mirror $222.23 (in.) Thomas Stacy, 483 Hickory, 14204 - 1/12/04 10:00 a.m. plow damaged mirror $349.63 (n.) Lisa Stapley, 200 Starin Avenue, 14214 On 3/16/04 overnight at 870 Richmond Avenue a snow plow damaged mirror $234.23 (o.) Vanessa Voit, 26 Bidwell Pkwy., 14222 - 1/12/04 3:00 p.m. plow damaged mirror $245.16 That checks be drawn on the account of Org 17221008 (480205) Judgment and Claims Prior Years, or (480204) Current Fiscal Year, payable to the respective claimants or plaintiffs and their attorneys, if any, herein above named, in the amounts set opposite their names and delivered to them upon execution and delivery to the Corporation Counsel of proper releases where such releases are indicated. Passed AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 67 MISCELLANEOUS INVOICES That upon the recommendation of the Corporation Counsel and the appropriate City Departments, the following claims be paid: C. 1 Davis Electrical Supply Co., 24 Anderson Road 14225 This is a claim for payment of Invoice Nos. 94230 -0 and 64340 -1 for work done at the request of the Department of Public Works, Parks and Streets in March and April, 2001. $447.00 C. 2. Erie County Clerk, 25 Delaware Avenue, 14202 This is a claim for payment of Invoice Nos. (Charge Tickets) 8190, 8187, 8189, 8193, 8188, 8192, 8125 and 8104 for filing of Notices of Demolition in 2002. $1,488.00 C. 3. Light Hart Sales, 56 Boxwood Lane, Cheektowaga, 14227 This is a claim for payment of prior fiscal year Invoice No. 7839 for work done at Fire State No. 34 at Main and Mercer. $1,750.00 That checks be drawn on the account of Org 17221008 (480205) Judgment and Claims Prior Years, or (480204) Current Fiscal Year, payable to the respective claimants or plaintiffs and their attorneys, if any, herein above named, in the amounts set opposite their names and delivered to them upon execution and delivery to the Corporation Counsel of proper releases where such releases are indicated. Passed AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 68 MISCELLANEOUS REFUND /REIMBURSEMENT That upon the recommendation of the Corporation Counsel and the appropriate City Departments, the following claims be paid: D. 1 Acme Bearings Corp., 1387 Niagara Street 14213 This is a claim for refund of overpayment of user fee payments due because of a miscalculation of square footage on the property at 1387 Niagara Street. $966.87 D. 2. Georgia Johnson, II 5 Hill Street, 14214 This is a claim for payment of $ 1,000 due Ms. Johnson for reporting and testifying in an illegal dumping case in the City. $1,000.00 D. 3. M & T Trust Co., as trustee for Doris Rooney and others This is a claim for refund of overpayment of user fee payments due because of miscalculation of square footage for the property at 3144 Bailey Avenue. $13,149.26 D. 4. Brie McCulley, 115 Debra Lane, 14207 This a claim for reimbursement of a 1990 Dodge Daytona Hatchback which was ordered towed by the City to M & M Salvage from Debra Lane in February, 2004. $1,000.00 D. 5. Howard J. Miller, 87 Landon Street, 14208 This is a claim for reimbursement of a 9mm pistol, which was destroyed by the Buffalo Police Department last year. $150.00 D. 6. Helen Popa, 101 Freund Street, 14215 This is a claim for a container taken by the Streets Sanitation Department on May 3, 2004 at 101 Freund Avenue. $10.99 D. 7. Dwayne Scaife, 196 Colvin Avenue, 14216 This is a claim for a refund of an erroneously placed Marshall's Lien, which provided an income execution against the claimant, a City of Buffalo Fire Department employee. $86.00 That a check be drawn on the account of Org 17221008 (480205) Judgment and Claims Prior Years, or (480204) Current Fiscal Year, payable to the respective claimants or plaintiffs and their attorneys, if any, herein above named, in the amounts set opposite their names and delivered to them upon execution and delivery to the Corporation Counsel of proper releases where such releases are indicated. Passed AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 69 REPORT TO THE CLAIMS COMMITTEE E. 1. John Marchese, 87 Gibson Street, 14212 This matter is being reconsidered after being tabled from the previous claims committee meeting (4/7/2004). This is a claim for damages to a fence and gate at 87 Gibson Street. These were damaged by the Fire Department in the process of extinguishing a fire at a City owned adjacent building. The claimant originally submitted an estimate for repairs in the amount of $2,450. Investigation by the Law Department has resulted in the claimant accepting an offer from the City in the amount of $750. Therefore, Corporation Counsel recommends payment in the amount of $750.00 That a check be drawn on the account of Org 17221008 (480205) Judgment and Claims Prior Years, or (480204) Current Fiscal Year, payable to the respective claimants or plaintiffs and their attorneys, if any, herein above named, in the amounts set opposite their Dames and delivered to them upon execution and delivery to the Corporation Counsel of proper releases where such releases are indicated. Passed AYES -9. NOES -0. CIVIL SERVICE (BONNIE E. RUSSELL, CHAIRPERSON) NO.70 APPOINTMENTS PRINCIPAL AUDITOR (INTER) (COMPT) (ITEM NO. 11 - C.C.P. JUNE 22, 2004) That Communication 11, June 22, 2004 be received and filed and the temporary appointment of Mark D. Bidell stated above at the intermediate salary of $51,824 effective on June 10, 2004 is hereby approved. PASSED AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 71 APPOINTMENTS SENIOR ENGINEER (PERM) (INTER) (PW) (ITEM NO. 28- C.C.P. JUNE 22, 2004) That Communication 28, June 22, 2004 be received and filed and the permanent promotion of Joseph Poltorak stated above at the intermediate salary of $49,578 effective on June 4, 2004 is hereby approved. PASSED AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 72 APPOINTMENTS SENIOR ENGINEER (TEMP) (INTER) (PW) (ITEM NO. 29- C.C.P. JUNE 22, 2004) That Communication 29, June 22, 2004 be received and filed and the temporary appointment of Michael Hoffert stated above at the intermediate salary of $49,578 effective on June 4, 2004 is hereby approved. PASSED AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 73 APPOINTMENTS SENIOR ENGINEER (PERM) (MAX)) (PW) (ITEM NO. 30- C.C.P. JUNE 22, 2004) That Communication 30, June 22, 2004 be received and filed and the permanent promotion of Steven J. Stepniak stated above at the maximum salary of $55,189 effective on June 4, 2004 is hereby approved. PASSED AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 74 APPOINTMENT SENIOR FIRST CLASS STATIONARY ENGINEER (PERM) (MAX) (PW) (ITEM NO. 31 - C.C.P. JUNE 22, 2004) That Communication 3 1, June 22, 2004 be received and filed and the permanent appointment of Andrew J. Moffett stated above at the maximum salary of $37,213 effective on June 14, 2004 is hereby approved. PASSED AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 75 APPTS.- LIEUTENANT (MAX) (POL) (CCP #34 -JUNE 22, 04) That the above item be and the same hereby is received and filed. ADOPTED. NO. 76 NOTICES OF APPT.- TEMP. /PROV. /PERM. (C. CLK.) (CCP #44 -JUNE 22, 04) That the above item be and the same hereby is received and filed. ADOPTED. FINANCE (BRIAN C. DAVIS, CHAIRMAN) NO. 77 REPORT OF BIDS - AUD LOTS 1, 2 & 3 (ITEM NO. 6, C.C.P., JUNE 22, 2004) That the Chairman of the Board of Parking be, and he hereby is authorized to award a contract for And Lots 1, 2 & 3 to Standard Parking, the highest responsible bidder, in the amount of $28,500. Passed. AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 78 J. HANNON- INFO -JN ADAM DEV. CTRA- PERRYSBURG, NY (STRAT PLAN)0(CCP# 1 -APR 27,04) (CCP# 1 -APR 27, 04) That the above item be and the same hereby is received and filed. ADOPTED. NO. 79 K. ORTEGA - STINGRAY ANGELS REQUEST ASSISTANCE - LIGHTING FOOTBALL FIELD (ITEM NO. 52, C.C.P., JUNE 8, 2004) That the above item be, and the same hereby is returned to the Common Council without recommendation Mr. Fontana moved: That the above item be and the same hereby is received and filed. ADOPTED. LEGISLATION (RICHARD A. FONTANA, CHAIRMAN) NO. 80 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT - CHAPTER 511 - ZONING (HRG. 6/22) (CCP# 121 - 6/8/04) (CCP #40 - 6/22/04) That the above item has been sent to the Common Council without recommendation. Richard A. Fontana, Legislation Committee Chairman A public hearing has been set, before the Common Council, at this regularly scheduled meeting, on the above item, and a Notice of same has been published in the Buffalo News, a copy of which is attached hereto. On motion by Mr. Coppola, seconded by Mr. Fontana, the item is properly before the Common Council, and the hearing is opened. CARRIED. Appearances- Richard Fontana Mr. Coppola now moved that the hearing be closed. Seconded by Mrs. Russell CARRIED. Mr. Coppola moved: That after a public hearing before the Common Council on July 6, 2004, the Ordinance Amendment as contained in Item No. 121, CCP June 8, 2004, be and the same hereby is approved. PASSED AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 81 REQUEST STREET NAME CHANGE OF CAZENOVIA PARKWAY TO "WARREN SPAHN WAY" CCP# 112- -JUNE 22, 2004 That the above item be and the same is returned to the Common Council without recommendation. RECOMMENDED BY THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION Richard A. Fontana, Chairman A public hearing has been set, before the Common Council, at this regularly scheduled meeting, on the above item, and a Notice of same has been published in the Buffalo News for two consecutive weeks, a copy of which is attached hereto. On a motion by Mr. Coppola, seconded by Mr. Thompson, the item is properly before the Common Council, and the hearing is opened. CARRIED. Appearances - In Favor: Mr. Robinson Mr. Coppola moved that the hearing be closed. Seconded by Mr. Fontana. CARRIED. Mr. Coppola moved: That the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks & streets be, and he hereby is authorized to install trailblazing signs beneath the existing street signs on Cazenovia Parkway proclaiming as "Warren Spahn Way." Passed. AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 82 A. QUIMBY, PETITION TO USE 147 ORLANDO - ERECT A BILLBOARD SIGN (ITEM NO. 66, C.C.P., JUNE 22, 2004) That after the public hearing before the Committee on Legislation on June 29, 2004, the petition of A. Quimby, agent, for permission to use 147 Orlando for a billboard sign be, and hereby is denied. ADOPTED. NO. 83 R. L. CHAINANI, PETITION TO USE 1256 HERTEL AVENUE - FOR AN ICE CREAM STAND (ITEM NO. 56, C.C.P., JUNE 22, 2004) That after the public hearing before the Committee on Legislation on June 29, 2004, the petition of R. L. Chainani, owner, for permission to use 1256 Hertel Avenue for an ice cream stand be, and hereby is approved. Passed. AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 84 S. FRISICARO, PETITION TO USE 140 ALLEN - SIDEWALK CAFE (ITEM NO. 57, C.C.P., JUNE 22, 2004) That after the public hearing before the Committee on Legislation on June 29, 2004, the petition of S. Frisicaro, owner, for permission to use 140 Allen for a sidewalk cafe be, and hereby is approved. Passed. Ayes -9. Noes -0. NO. 85 B. BAUMKER, PETITION TO USE 31 01 MAIN STREET - GROUND SIGN (UNIV) (ITEM NO. 59, C.C.P., JUNE 22, 2004) That the petition of B. Baumker, agent, for permission to use 3101 Main Street for a ground sign be, and hereby is approved. Passed. AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 86 L. MCCLIVE, PETITION TO USE 1829 MAIN STREET (CANISIUS COLLEGE) - THREE GROUND SIGNS (ITEM NO. 60, C.C.P., JUNE 22, 2004) That the above item be, and the same hereby is returned to the Common Council without recommendation. Mr. Fontana moved: That the petition of L. McClive, agent, for permission to use 1829 Main Street (Canisius College) for three (3) non - illuminated ground signs be, and hereby is approved. Passed. AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 87 B. DAVIS - HISPANICS UNITED - SUPP. ZONING CHANGE FROM RESIDENTIAL TO COMMERCIAL - 10TH STREET (ITEM NO. 57, C.C.P., JUNE 8, 2004) (ITEM NO. 86, C.C.P., JUNE 22, 2004) That the above item be, and the same hereby is returned to the Common Council without recommendation. Mr. Fontana moved: That the above item be and the same is recommitted to the Committee on Legislation. Adopted NO. 88 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT - CHAPTER 264 - LICENSING OF RENTAL HOUSING BUSINESS (ITEM NO. 129, C.C.P., JUNE 8, 2004) That after the public hearing before the Committee on Legislation on June 15, 2004, the Ordinance Amendment as contained in Item No. 129, C.C.P., June 8, 2004, be and the same hereby is approved. Passed AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 89 ENF, OF NOISE ORDINANCES (POL) (CCP433 -JUNE 22, 04) That the above item be and the same hereby is received and filed. ADOPTED. NO. 90 M. MAHANEY -BFLO. & ERIE CO. PUB. LIB. - DIRECTOR'S RPT. -JUNE 11, 2004 (CCP #50 -JUNE 22, 04) That the above item be and the same hereby is received and filed. ADOPTED NO. 91 M. MAHANEY -BFLO. & ERIE CO. PUB. LIB. - CIRCULATION STATISTICS -MAY 2004 (CCP #51 -JUNE 22,04) That the above item be and the same hereby is received and filed. ADOPTED. NO. 92 M. MAHANEY -BFLO. & ERIE CO. PUB. LIB. - PROP. MIN. OF BFLO /ERIE CO. PUB. LIB. -BD OF TRUSTEES - 5/20/04 (CCP #52 -JUNE 22, 04) That the above item be and the same hereby is received and filed. ADOPTED. NO. 93 RESTAURANT DANCING CLASS IV -414 PEARL STREET (ELLICOTT) (ITEM NO. 36, C.C.P., MAY 11, 2004) (ITEM NO. 101, C.C.P., JUNE 8, 2004) That pursuant to Chapter 150 of the City Code, the Commissioner of Permit & Inspections Services be, and he hereby is authorized to grant a Restaurant Dancing Class IV license to Angelo Castricone d /b /a Al A Nightclub, located at 414 Pearl Street. Passed. AYES -9. NOES -0. NO. 94 SECONDHAND DEALER — 631 WALDEN (LOVEJOY) (ITEM NO. 35, C.C.P., JUNE 22, 2004) That pursuant to Chapter 254 of the City Code, the Commissioner of Permit & Inspections Services be, and he hereby is authorized to grant a Secondhand Dealer license to Renee Sanitago d /b /a Flecha and Sons Used Appliances located at 631 Walden Avenue. PASSED AYES - 9 NOES – 0 NO. 95 T. ROMANO - NYSDOT -NYRTE 33/198 TO ELM. /OAK ARTERIAL -PHASE 1 -VAR. SAFETY IMPR. (CCP #53 -JUNE 22, 04) That the above item be and the same hereby is received and filed. ADOPTED NO. 96 B. DAVIS -T. RUGGIERO -REQ. TO BID ON GARAGES OPERATED BY BCAR (CCP #54 -MAY 25, 04) That the above item be and the same hereby is referred to the Finance Committee ADOPTED NO. 97 B. DAVIS -N. DORRIOS & 0 -PET. CLOSING OF CENTENNIAL POOL (CCP #62 -JUNE 22, 04) That the above item be and the same hereby is received and filed. ADOPTED NO. 98 A. THOMPSON -CLEAN STREETS & CLEAN NEIGHBORHOOD INITIATIVES (CCP #63 -MAY 25, 04) That the above item be and the same hereby is received and filed. ADOPTED EDUCATION ANTOINE M. THOMPSON, CHAIRMAN NO. 99 K. LIGHTEN - INITIATE NEW EDUCATIONAL & EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVES (CCP #45 -APR 27, 04) That the above item be and the same hereby is received and filed. ADOPTED RESOLUTIONS BY MR. COPPOLA NO. 100 LAND DISPOSITION AGREEMENT 143 5 HERTEL AVENUE – NICK KOTRIDES - REDEVELOPER WHEREAS, the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency has duly designated Nick Kotrides and /or other legal entity to be formed as qualified and eligible Redeveloper in accordance with rules and procedures duly adopted by the Agency; and WHEREAS, the City Clerk has published a Notice of Public Hearing, as required by Section 507, Subdivision 2(d) of the "General Municipal Law" and WHEREAS, the proposed Land Disposition Agreement has been duly submitted to this Common Council by the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: 1. Nick Kotrides and /or other legal entity to be formed was duly designated as qualified and eligible Redeveloper by the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, is hereby approved as the Redeveloper for 1435 Hertel Avenue. 2. That the Mayor, the Chairman, Vice - Chairman, or any officer of the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency is hereby authorized to execute any and all deeds or other documents necessary to convey land described in the proposed "Land Disposition Agreement" to Nick Kotrides and /or other legal entity to be formed in accordance with the terms of said Agreement and for the consideration recited therein. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NO. 101 BY: MR. COPPOLA GRANT PERMISSION TO THE OLMSTED CONSERVANCY TO HANG BANNERS WITHIN THE CITY OF BUFFALO Whereas: The Olmsted Conservancy has worked actively to revitalize the Olmsted Park System; and Whereas: They have requested permission to a hang five Olmsted Conservancy Banners within the City of Buffalo; and Whereas: The first banner will advertise the Conservancy fundraiser, and will be up from July 7, 2004, through July 23, 2004, and will be attached to light standard #63 on the east side of Parkside and to a wooden post on the west side; and Whereas: The other four banners will be Party for the Park banners, and will be up from August 1, 2004, until September 10, 2004; and Whereas: These banners will be located one between the lampposts at the stairs leading down to Hoyt Lake, one attached to light standards #955 and #946 on Elmwood Avenue, on Hertel Avenue between Starin and Parkside Avenue, and the last on the Delaware Park Casino on the night of the event only (9/10/04); and Whereas: The Olmsted Conservancy has contacted the City of Buffalo Traffic Engineer and is aware of the requirements for hanging a banner within the City of Buffalo. Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved: This Common Council supports the Olmsted Conservancy in its endeavor, and subject to the conditions set forth by the Department of Public Works, Parks, & Streets, grants them permission to hang an Olmsted Conservancy banner across Parkside Avenue. PASSED AYES -9- NOES -0 NO. 102 BY: COUNCILMEMBER COPPOLA SET PUBLIC HEARING 1435 HERTEL AVENUE NICK KOTRIDES - REDEVELOPER WHEREAS, Nick Kotrides and /or other legal entity to be formed (herein referred to as the "Redeveloper ") has been duly designated as qualified and eligible Redeveloper in accordance with the rules and procedures prescribed by the City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency; and WHEREAS, the City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency and the Redeveloper has negotiated a Land Disposition Agreement for the sale of 1435 Hertel Avenue; and WHEREAS, the terms of said Land Disposition Agreement have been approved by the City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency; and WHEREAS, said Land Disposition Agreement has been forwarded by the City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency to this Common Council for action, pursuant to section 507, subdivision 2(d) of the General Municipal Law; and WHEREAS, Article 15A of the "General Municipal Law" requires that the disposition of land in an Urban Renewal Project may be approved only after a public hearing on due notice. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: 1. That the City Clerk is hereby directed to publish the notice attached hereto and marked "Notice of Hearing" in the Buffalo News, no later than the 9th day of July 2004. 2. That this Common Council will conduct a Public Hearing on the matter stated in said "Notice of Hearing" at 2:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers on the 20 of July 2004. ADOPTED NO. 103 BY: BRIAN C. DAVIS APPOINTMENTS TO THE ELLICOTT DISTRICT COUNCIL OFFICE Now Therefore Be Resolved: That Ms. Kimberly R. German be appointed to the position of Legislative Aide to the Ellicott District Council Office; and Be It Further Resolved: That Ms. Irma Lorenzo be also appointed to the position of Legislative Aide to the Ellicott District Council Office; and Be It Finally Resolved: That these appointments be made effective July 1, 2004. ADOPTED NO. 104 BY: BRIAN C. DAVIS PERMISSION TO HANG BANNERS ALONG ELMWOOD AVENUE Hutchinson Central Technical High School would like to display there 100 Anniversary banners along Elmwood Avenue and The banners will be placed on six street poles on Elmwood Avenue from Chippewa and South Johnson Park; and The principal of Hutchinson Central Technical High School Mr. David Greco is requesting permission to display the banners from July 2004 to June 2005; and Now Therefore Be Resolved That: That the Common Council of the City of Buffalo grants permission to Hutchinson Central Technical School to hang the banners to advertise there 100"' Anniversary Be It Further Resolved: That the Hutchinson Central Technical School will purchase the necessary bond before the banners are hung and said banners meets all the requirement's of pertinent City Department's and that no existing laws are violated PASSED AYES -9- NOES -0 NO. 105 BY: MR. FONTANA DISCHARGE LEGISLATION COMMITTEE ITEM #2 C.C.P. JUNE 22, 2004 "APPT.- MEMBER -EXAM. BD. OF ELECTRICIANS (MAYOR)" Whereas: The above item is currently in the Legislation Committee; and Whereas: It is no longer necessary for this item to be considered by that committee; Now, Therefore Be it Resolved: That this Common Council does hereby discharge the Legislation Committee from further consideration of Item 2, C.C.P. June 22, 2004, "Appt.- Member -Exam. Bd. Of Electricians (Mayor)" and said item is now before the Common Council for its consideration. PASSED AYES -9- NOES -0 NO. 106 BY: MR. FONTANA RE: ORDINANCE AMENDMENT CHAPTER 495 WHARVES, HARBORS AND BRIDGES The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby ordain as follows: That Chapter 495 of the Code of the City of Buffalo be amended to read as follows: §495 -26(G) Safe navigation of the Buffalo River is the sole responsibility of the Captain of each vessel. It shall be the duty of each Captain to determine if the assistance of a tug is necessary when passing a bridge over the Buffalo River. [ §495 -27 Use of Tugs All vessels, including vessels with bow thrusters, navigating in the Buffalo Harbor, for which the opening of any bridge may be necessary, shall, while approaching and passing such bridge, having the assistance of a tug or tugs. Vessels navigating in the Buffalo Harbor stern first shall have a tug on the stern and a tug on the bow.] APPROVED AS TO FORM Corporation C o u n s e l NOTE:Matter in brackets to be deleted, matter underlined is new. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS NO. 107 BY: MR. FONTANA RE: ORDINANCE AMENDMENT CHAPTER 175 FEES The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby ordain as follows: That Chapter 175, Section 78 of the Code of the City of Buffalo be amended to read as follows: §78 -12, Seizure and Impoundment of dogs First Seizure $25.00 Plus $5.00 /day Second Seizure $50.00 Plus $5.00 /day Third Seizure and $75.00 subsequent seizures Plus $5.00 /day within 1 year of first seizure §78 -32, Euthanasia for Each Animal [$10.00]$20.00 §78 -33, Surrender of an Animal to the Buffalo Animal Shelter$15.00 APPROVED AS TO FORM Corporation Counsel NOTE:Matter in brackets to be deleted, matter underlined is new. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION NO. 108 BY: MR. FONTANA RE: ORDINANCE AMENDMENT CHAPTER 78, ANIMALS The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby ordain as follows: That Chapter 78 of the Code of the City of Buffalo be amended to read as follows: §78 -28, Penalties for Offenses Offense Initial Fine Additional Penalty Maximum Penalty Total Class A Unlicensed Dog [$11] $25 [$11] $25 [$32] $60 Dog Off Premises Without tag [$11] $25 [$11] $25 [$32]$60 Knowingly Affixing Improper tag [$11 $25 [$11] $25 [$32] 60 [$53] 60 FURNISHING FALSE INFORMATION License Application [$11] 25 [$11] $25 [$32] 60 [$53] 60 Change and Transfer Report [$11] 25 [$11] $25 [$32] 60 [$53] 60 Non - compliance w /dangerous dog Order [$11] 25 [$11] 25 [$32] $60 [$53] $60 Non - compliance w /night quarantine Order [$11] 25 [$11] 25 [$32] $60 [$53] 60 Dog RunningAt large [$11] $25 [$11] $25 [$32] $60 [$53]$60 Failure to Present REST AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE §78 -33, Surrender of an Animal to the Buffalo Animal Shelter Each person who brings an animal to the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter for the purpose of surrendering such animal shall be charaed a fee for such service as provided in Chapter 175, Fees. APPROVED AS TO FORM NOTE: Matter in brackets to be deleted, matter underlined is new. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION NO. 109 Corporation Counsel SPONSOR: MR. FRANCZYK MOTOR VEHICLE POLICY The City of Buffalo continues to experience a decline in revenues while the cost of petroleum based products continues to increase due to global conditions beyond the control of the City and its taxpayers; and The City must continue its efforts to right -size and look at new, bold and sometimes daring ideas such as the recent successful efforts to have Erie County and the Olmstead Conservancy operate and maintain the City's Park system; and The City has initiated many successful internal efforts to right -size, most recently the city -wide effort to reduce in half, the number of cell phones currently in use; and WHEREAS: The City currently maintains a large fleet of motor vehicles and expends substantial sums for motor fuels and lubricants to operate and maintain the motor vehicle fleet; and WHEREAS: The loss of employees, the elimination and transfer of functions, and the need to operate more efficiently dictate that the City reexamine the size of and the policies governing the use of the City's motor vehicle fleet. NOW THEREFOR BE IT RESOLVED THAT: $ 6 CEffective immediately, no motor vehicle shall be $6( pdded to the City's Motor Vehicle Fleet whether by purchase, lease or any other method, without the specific approval of this Council in additional and separate from its approval of funding for the purchase of a motor vehicle(s), such approval to be conditioned on the Council's review of the intended reasons for adding said motor vehicle to the City's fleet, to include the management, marking and maintenance thereof; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: The Comptroller is hereby directed to ensure that his approval of purchase orders for the procurement of a motor vehicle(s) is conditioned on the approval of the Council as cited herein; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: This Council examine and update City Code Chapter 53 Vehicles City- Owned, with the goal of establishing policies and controls for the procurement, use and marking of City owned motor vehicles, that are in the best interests of the City and its taxpayers. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET, THE COMMISSIONER OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE AND THE COMPTROLLER NO. 110 SPONSOR: MR. GOLOMBEK CO- SPONSORS: CALLING UPON THE STATE TO PASS LEGISLATION ALLOWING FOR A CITY /COUNTY MERGER WHEREAS: This community has for several years now discussed and debated whether a merger between the City of Buffalo and the County of Erie makes sense; and WHEREAS: On 1/1/76 Council President Delmar Mitchell in his address to the City recommended "That our governments, at both, the County and the City level study, the feasibility of merging into some form of regional government. I am not unmindful that this suggestion will create waves, because some tend to jealously guard old positions in government that we can no longer afford "; and In 1997 the Chautauqua Conference on Regionalism organized by Kevin Gaughn brought experts from around the Country to discuss the benefits of merging governments; and A series of Buffalo Conversations has been held to discuss government issues including the merger of City and County governments; and Current New York State Law does not provide for the merger of a City with a County; and Since at least 1993, legislation has been pending in the State Legislature which would amend the General Municipal Law to provide for a merger between a City and a County; and WHEREAS: Legislation has passed the New York State Senate in 1996, 2000, and 2001, but has not passed the Assembly; and WHEREAS: After years of talk and debate the time has come to put before the public a referendum to determine whether in fact the public supports a merger of the City of Buffalo with the County of Erie; and Now Therefore Be It Resolved: That this Council supports the passage of legislation in the New York State Legislature, that would allow for a City and County merger to occur and that certified copies of this resolution be forwarded to Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and members of the WNY State Legislative Delegation. Be It Further Resolved: That the Law Department render an opinion as to whether a referendum can be held in the City of Buffalo to determine whether City residents support a merger of the City of Buffalo with the County of Erie. Be It Finally Resolved. That this item be referred to an appropriate Committee of the Council for further consideration. REFERRDE TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND THE CORPORATION COUNSEL NO. 111 BY: MR. GRIFFIN ENTERING NEGOTIATIONS WITH NEW YORK STATE REGARDING TIFFT FARM NATURE PRESERVE Wheras: The new Outer Harbor State Park, along Route 5, is slated to open this summer; and Whereas: The proposal to develop the Outer Harbor State Park was conceived by New York State Assemblyman Brian Higgins, over two years ago with the efforts centered around creating a recreational environment along the waterfront that would bring more people, children and families to the area; and Whereas: Assemblymember Brian Higgins further proposes that the 264 acre Tifft Nature Preserve be folded into the current and future plans of the Outer Harbor State Park; and Whereas: Tifft Farm Nature Preserve is currently owned by the City of Buffalo and maintained by the Buffalo Museum of Science, however, we believe that New York State Parks' has the ability and resources to obtain environmental protection funds to be used for capital and operational improvements to the Tifft Preserve; and Whereas: The City is committed to maintaining the rich history and the land's status as a nature preserve and would not allow for the conversion of land within the current Tifft Farm footprint to be utilized for anything other than a historical nature preserve; and Whereas: The Outer Harbor remains Buffalo's greatest untapped resource and facilitating negotiations with all interested parties to add Tifft Farm to the State's Outer Harbor State Park can lead to bigger and better opportunities on the waterfront; and Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved: That the City of Buffalo Division of Recreation, Corporation Counsel and Division of Strategic planning enter into negotiations with New York State's Parks' Commissioner Bernadette Castro and other appropriate State officials in order to determine the most appropriate plan for adding the Tifft Farm Nature Preserve as Phase 11 of the Outer Harbor State Park redevelopment. Be it finally resolved That this resolution be referred to the Committee on Community Development for further consideration. ADOPT FINAL RESOLVE TO REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NO. 112 BY: MRS. RUSSELL RE: TRAILBLAZING SIGN FOR EDWARD SAUNDERS, JR. Whereas: Born on July 13, 1921, in Kansas City, Missouri, Edward Saunders, Jr., a Buffalo resident for 62 years and a long -time community activist, passed away in September 2002, after a long illness; and Whereas: Mr. Saunders was the founder of the Mid Olympic Block Club and a former President of the Ken - Bailey NHS Board of Directors; and Whereas: Edward Saunders served his country during World War II as an Army Sergeant; and Whereas: In 1995, Mr. Edward Saunders vision and commitment to the University District were realized as "The Edward Saunders Unity Center" opened with programs for children, youth, and senior citizens that assist them in their everyday lives; and Whereas: Edward Saunders has been honored and has received numerous awards during his lifetime, including the Distinguished Service Award from Neighborhood Housing Services, the Neighbor of the Year Award, the Dorothy Richardson Award, and the Certificate of Endurance Award; Now, Therefore be it Resolved: That the Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby express its sincere appreciation for the commitment and dedication to the Kensington Bailey community and the entire City of Buffalo shown by Mr. Edward Saunders for over six decades; and Be it Further Resolved: That this Honorable Body requests the Department of Public Works to install trailblazing signs that read "Edward Saunders, Jr. Way" beneath the existing signs on Olympic Avenue, between Kensington Avenue and Decker Street. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS NO. 113 BY: MS. RUSSELL 0 BUDGET AND PERSONNEL AMENDMENT 61— ENTERPRISE STREETS 1260 — SOLID WASTE COLLECTION The Common Council of the City Of Buffalo does ordain as follows: That Truck Driver $ 27,646- 30,793 4 Laborer II $ 24,420- 27,833 Is hereby amended to read: 46 Truck Driver $ 27,646- 30,793 Laborer II $ 24,420- 27,833 This is to be effective July 1, 2004. IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED, pursuant to Section 3 -19 of the Charter, that the immediate passage of the foregoing ordinance is necessary. We, JOSEPH N.GIAMBRA, COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS, PARKS & STREETS AND MICHAEL A. SEAMAN DIRECTOR OF BUDGET, hereby certify that the above change is necessary for the proper conduct, administration and performance of essential services of that department. We recommend that the compensation for said position be fixed at the respective amount set forth in the foregoing ordinance APPROVED AS TO FORM CORPORATION COUNSEL PASSED AYES – 9 NOES – 0 NO. 114 BY MR. THOMPSON SUBJECT: REQUEST EMERGENCY LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE FROM ERIE COUNTY SHERIFF, NEW YORK STATE POLICE, FBI, ATF, AND DEA Whereas: Over the last 15 years the City of Buffalo has been plagued with gun - violence and the aggressive distribution of illegal drugs such as crack cocaine and heroin; and Whereas: In the first six months of this year, more than 30 (thirty) people have been murdered, most of them younger than 35 years of age; and Whereas: The level of violence in Buffalo is unacceptable and has contributed to the disinvestments by many residential and commercial property owners, essentially negatively impacting the city's tax base and quality of life for more than 275,000 residents. Additionally, in many inner -city neighborhoods senior citizens are afraid to frequent local stores, exercise by way of walking around the corner, and some children and families can not sit comfortably on their porch in various communities; and Whereas: The governments of Erie County, New York State, and the United States need to assign additional law enforcement officials to the City of Buffalo to help confiscate illegal guns and drugs, patrol our neighborhoods, and shutdown the numerous drug houses and operations scattered throughout our city; and Whereas: Additional ATF, DEA, and FBI agents should be assigned to work with the Buffalo Police Department to crackdown on the large number of illegal guns and drugs in Buffalo; and Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved: That the Mayor of Buffalo formally request that the Governor of New York, the Erie County Executive, the Erie County Sheriff, and the President of the United States assign additional law enforcement personnel to Buffalo, New York for a minimum of 6 (six) months to help eradicate the gun violence in the City of Buffalo. Further, some of the staff should be assigned to foot - patrols in residential neighborhoods and required to attend tenant and block association meetings; and Be it Finally Resolved: That the Buffalo City Clerk forward copies of this resolution to members of the WNY state and federal delegations, the Clerk of the Erie County Legislature, the Chairman of the Erie County Legislature, the Mayor of Buffalo, the Erie County Executive, the Governor of New York, the Speaker of the New York State Assembly, the Majority Leader of the NYS Senate, the Sheriff of Erie County, the Commissioner of the Buffalo Police Department, the Erie County District Attorney, and the United States Attorney for WNY. ADOPTED NO. 116 BY MR. THOMPSON FELICITATIONS /IN MEMORIAM Attached hereto are Felicitation and In Memoriam Resolutions sponsored by Members of the Common Council as indicated: Felicitation for i3ishop Leroy J o n e s By Councilmember T h o m p s o n, Fr anczyk, Michaux ADOPTED NO. 116 BY: ANTOINE M. THOMPSON APPOINTMENTS COMMISSIONER OF DEEDS That the following persons are hereby appointed as Commissioner of Deeds for the term ending December 31, 2004, conditional, upon the person so appointed certifying under oath to their qualifications and filing same with the City Clerk: Kimberly Harzynski Allan Paglia David Granville Julie Kruger Hezzie Hodgins Bobby Calhoun Armal Morris Total: 7 ADOPTED NO. 117 APPOINTMENTS COMMISSIONERS OF DEEDS REQUIRED FOR THE PROPER PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC DUTIES That the following persons are hereby appointed as Commissioner of Deeds for The term ending December 31, 2004, conditional upon the persons so appointed certifying under oath to their qualifications and filing same with the City Clerk Christine Collingwood Judith Hoffman Gregory Noyes Michelle Muscarella Melvyna Murray Total 5 ADOPTED NO. 118 ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS The following meetings are scheduled. All meetings are held in the Common Council Chambers, 13` floor City Hall, Buffalo, New York, unless otherwise noted. Regular Committees Committee on Civil Service Tuesday, July 13, 2004 at 9:30 o'clock A.M. Committee on Finance Tuesday, July 13, 2004 at 10:00 o'clock A.M. following Civil Service Committee on Legislation Tuesday, July 13, 2004 at 2:00 o'clock P.M. Committee on Comm. Dev. Wednesday, July 14, 2004 at 10:30 o'clock A.M. Special Committees MBEC Monday, July 12, 2004 at 10:00 o'clock A.M. in Room 1417 City Hall. Education Committee Wednesday, July 14, 2004 at 2:00 o'clock P. M. in Council Chambers. (Public Disclaimers All meetings are subject to change and cancellation by the respective Chairmen of Council Committees. In the event that there is sufficient time given for notification, it will be provided. In addition, there may be meetings set up whereby the City Clerk's Office is not made aware: therefore, unless we receive notice from the respective Chairmen, we can only make notification of what we are made aware. NO. 119 NO. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Mr. Coppola, Seconded by Mrs. Russell, the Council adjourned at 4:55 pm CHARLES L. MICHAUX, III CITY CLERK