HomeMy WebLinkAbout99-0420
99-0420.txt
No. 8
COMMON COUNCIL
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
CITY OF BUFFALO
APRIL 20, 1999
MAYOR
Hon. Anthony M. Masiello
COMPTROLLER
Joel A. Giambra
COMMON COUNCIL
PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL
James W. Pitts
PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE
David A. Franczyk
MAJORITY LEADER
Rosemarie Lo Tempio
COUNCILMEMBERS-AT-LARGE
Beverly Gray
Barbara Kavanaugh
Rosemarie LoTempio
DISTRICT COUNCIL MEMBERS
ALFRED T. COPPOLA - DELAWARE
BARBARA MILLER-WILLIAMS - ELLICOTT
DAVID A. FRANCZYK - FILLMORE
RICHARD A. FONTANA - LOVEJOY
BYRON BROWN - MASTEN
ROBERT QUINTANA - NIAGARA
DALE ZUCHLEWSKI - NORTH
DENNIS T. MANLEY - SOUTH
KEVIN J. HELFER - UNIVERSITY
REGULAR COMMITTEES
CIVIL SERVICE COMMITTEE: Beverly Gray,
Chairman, Alfred T. Coppola, Kevin J. Helfer, Barbra
Kavanaugh, Dennis A. Manley
CLAIMS COMMITTEE: Robert Quintana, Chairman,
Alfred T. Coppola, David Franczyk, Kevin J. Helfer, Barbara
Miller-williams, Members
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: Dale L.
Zuchlewski Chairman, Byron Brown, Richard A. Fontana,
Kevin J. Helfer, Rosemarie LoTempio, Barbara Miller-
Williams Members
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FINANCE COMMITTEE: David Franczyk, Chairman,
Byron Brown, Beverly Gray, Kevin J. Helfer, Dennis T.
Manley, Dale Zuchlewski Members.
LEGISLATION COMMITTEE: Alfred T. Coppola,
Chairman, Richard T. Fontana, Kevin J. Helfer, Barbra
Kavanaugh, Rosemarie LoTempio, Robert Quintana,
Members
RULES COMMITTEE: James W. Pitts, Chairman
Kevin J. Helfer, Rosemarie LoTempio , Members
EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Barbra A. Kavanaugh
Chairman, David A. Franczyk, Beverly Gray, Kevin J. Helfer,
Barbara Miller-Williams, Dale Zuchlewski Members
SPECIAL COMMITTEES
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE: James W.
Pitts, Chairman, Alfred T. Coppola, Richard T. Fontana,
Beverly Gray, Kevin J. Helfer
BUDGET COMMITTEE: Rosemarie LoTempio ,
Chairman, Byron Brown , Alfred T. Coppola, David Franczyk,
Kevin J. Helfer,
ERIE BASIN MARINA LEASE COMMITTEE: James
W. Pitts, Chairman, Alfred T. Coppola, Richard T. Fontana,
Kevin J. Helfer, Rosmarie LoTempio, Robert Quintana
POLICE REORGANIZATION COMMITTEE: Robert
Quintana, Chairman, Beverly Gray, Kevin J. Helfer,
Rosemarie LoTempio, Dennis A. Manley
CORPORATION PROCEEDINGS
COMMON COUNCIL
CITY HALL - BUFFALO
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 1999
AT 2:00 P.M.
PRESENT - Council President Pitts and Council
Members Brown, Fontana, Franczyk, Coppola, Gray,
Helfer, Lotempio, Manley, Quintana, Williams &
Zuchlewski-12.
ABSENT - None.
MRS. LOTEMPIO MOVED THAT THE MINUTES OF THE
4/1/00 MEETING BE ACCEPTED. SECONDED BY MR.
QUINTANA.
RECEIVED AND FILED
FROM THE MAYOR
NO. 1
"DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE LOCAL LAW
ENFORCEMENT BLOCK GRANT
YEAR 3"
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This is the third year that the departments of Police,
Community Development, and Parks, Recreation and
Human Services, have applied for a Local Law Enforcement
Block Grant (LLEBG), through the Department of Justice
(D.O.J.) The total award of the grant is $1,559,409, with a
required local match of $173,268. The local match is
Community Development Block Grant funds, earmarked for
the Neighborhood Matching Funds program and Community
Schools.
The grant application was prepared according to the terms
and conditions established by the Department of Justice. As
requirement of this grant, a meeting with an Advisory Board
that was established specifically for this grant was held on
March 30, 1999. Also, a public hearing was held on April 12,
1999. Of note, any changes in the grant must conform with
the terms and conditions established by the Department of
Justice.
The programs funded are a continuation of an on going effort
to modernize our Police Department and enhance existing
criminal prevention activities.
I look forward to your comments and support in fulfilling the
Justice Department's requirements, so that we can utilize the
federal funds to make our neighborhoods all safe and
healthy.
SUMMARY OF EXPENDITURES
Buffalo Police Department $906,000
EQUIPMENT/TECHNOLOGY UPGRADING AND
ENHANCEMENT ($800,000)
Refurbishing Central Booking Bureau $220,000
Management Information Systems: Office of Professional
Standards $35,000
Police Vehicles (Marked/Unmarked 17) $415,000
Portable Radios - $75,000
Commercial Vehicle Safety Equipment $20,000
Management Information Systems/Geographic Information
Systems Interns $35,000
ENHANCED ADJUDICATION ($106,000)
Prosecutor to Enhance Adjudication of Violent Juvenile
Offenders $76,000
Precinct 4 12 Domestic Violence Advocate $30,000
DEPARTMENT OF PARK/RECREATION/HUMAN
SERVICES $255,000
CRIME PREVENTION/ENHANCED SECURITY (PARKS)
($200,000
Continuation of Bike Patrols $70,000
Park Ranger Program $30,000
Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Program $ 100,000
DRUG COURT SUPPORT ($55,000)
Personnel $30,000
Supplies $10,000
Travel/Training $15,000
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ($100,000)
Conflict Resolution $26,000
Multicultural Drumming & Dancing $48,000
Buffalo Schools Swim Racers Program $24,000
Conferences/Training $2,000
DIVISION OF NEIGHBORHOODS (298,409)
Neighborhoods Matching Fund $125,000
Save Our Streets (S.O.S) $125,000
Downtown Security $48,409
Total '98 '99 GRANT FUNDS: $1,559,409
Required Match Fund: $173,268
* Primary Match Fund: Community Development Block Grant
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(Housing and Community Development Act of 1974
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Mayor dated April
13, 1999, be received and filed; and
That the departments of Police, Community Development,
and Parks, Human Services are hereby authorized to accept
the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant through the
Department of Justice for a total award of $1,559,409.00
with a required local match of $173,268.00. The local match
is Community Development Block Grant funds, earmarked
for the Neighborhood Matching Funds program and
Community Schools.
Passed
AYES-12. NOES-0.
FROM THE MAYOR
EXECTIVE DEPARTMENT
FROM THE BUFFALO ARTS COMMISSION
NO. 2
1999
2000 ARTS & CULTURAL FUNDING
ADVISORY COMMITTEE & BUFFALO ARTS
COMMISSION CUTURAL FUNDING RECOMMENDATION
The Arts & Cultural Funding Advisory Committee and the
Buffalo Arts Commission are pleased to submit its funding
recommendations (attached) for City fiscal year 1999
2000.
We welcome the opportunity to discuss these
recommendations with Your Honorable Body at anytime.
Please don't hesitate to contact us at (x5027) for any further
information. Thank you for your attention and continued
support for the arts in Buffalo!
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET
FROM THE CITY PLANNING BOARD
NO. 3
COUNCILMEMBER ZUCHLEWSKI
HEARING NOTIFICATION DISTANCE
REQUIREMENTS
ITEM NO. 161, C.C.P. 3/9/99
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held
Tuesday, March 30, 1999, considered the matter captioned
above pursuant to Section 317-1 of the Buffalo Code,
referable matters to the City Planning Board.
The Planning Board voted to recommend the following
changes, to Section 511-126 of the Buffalo Code, with
regard to rezoning notification and would like to suggest
changes to other zoning ordinance sections in the near
future. The proposed new language is bold and underlined
with deleted language in brackets. The changes are as
follows:
ARTICLE XXV, Amendments; Construal
511
126. Procedure for changes and amendments.
A. The Common Council may from time to time, on its own
motion or on petition, after public notice and hearing, amend,
change or supplement the regulations and districts
established under this chapter. Whenever the owners of fifty
per centum (50%) or more of the frontage in any district or
part thereof shall present a petition, duly signed and
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acknowledged, to the Common Council requesting an
amendment, supplement, change or repeal of the
regulations prescribed for such district or part thereof, it shall
be the duty of the Council to vote upon said petition within
ninety (90) days after the filing of the same by petitioners. If,
however, a protest against a proposed amendment,
supplement or change be presented, duly signed and
acknowledged, by the owners of twenty per centum (20%) or
more of the area of the land included in such proposed
change or by the owners of twenty per centum (20%) or
more of the area of land immediately adjacent extending one
hundred (100) feet therefrom or by the owners of twenty per
centum (20%) or more of the area of land directly opposite
thereto extending one hundred (100) feet from the street
frontage of such opposite land, such amendment shall not
be passed except by a three fourths vote of the Council.
B. A petition to amend, change or supplement the text of
this chapter or any zoning district as designated on the
Zoning Map established by 511-66 of this chapter shall be
filed with the City Clerk on forms obtainable from his office
and shall be transmitted by him to the Common Council.
Such forms and petition shall include, among other things, a
description by metes and bounds of the premises
proposed to be rezoned, an accurate map or survey showing
the location of all buildings and structures on such premises,
the present and proposed use of such premises, the present
and proposed zoning classification of such premises, a
statement from the petitioner that the use under the
proposed amendment is not contrary to or in violation of any
private agreement, building restrictions or
other legal restrictions of record, the name and address of
the owner of such premises, a statement as to the
petitioner's interest in the proposed rezoning if other that the
owner, a map and list indicating all premises on which notice
is to be served in connection with the hearing on the
proposed rezoning and such other information as may assist
the Common Council in its consideration of the matter,
sworn to by the petitioner. Any such petition, except by the
City Planning Board, shall be accompanied by a filing fee as
provided in Chapter 175, Fees.
C. The Common Council shall refer any such petition to its
Committee on Legislation and to the City Planning Board. In
the case of a proposed amendment to the Zoning Map, the
City Planning Board shall consider whether the area
described in the original petition should be enlarged in order
to reflect the interests of the community and to correspond
with the general plan for city development. The City Planning
Board shall recommend to the Common Council such
enlargement as it deems desirable, and the Council may by
resolution direct the Committee on Legislation to issue the
notice of public hearing on the basis of such enlargement.
D. During the months when the Council is in regular session,
and whenever the time of the Common Council to vote upon
a petition in otherwise limited by 83 of the General City
Law, the Committee on Legislation shall hold hearings on
proposed amendments, changes or supplements as
provided in said 83 of the General City Law. At least ten
(10) days notice of the time, the place and the object of such
hearing shall be given by the City Clerk in the following
manner:
In case of a proposed change in or supplement of the text of
this chapter, by publication in a newspaper of general
circulation in the City of Buffalo. (2) In case of a proposed
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change in the Zoning Map, if the area of land included in
such change is less than ten (10) acres, and the change is to
a more restrictive zone by publication in a newspaper of
general circulation in the City of Buffalo and by serving
notice upon all owners and occupants of all properties
included in the proposed change and all properties having a
frontage on both sides of the public highway or highways
upon which any premises included within the proposed
change have a frontage, within five [four] hundred (5'4]00)
feet in both directions along such highway or highways from
the nearest side line, or nearest side line extended, and the
rear or side line on [of the] premises included
in the proposed change. [and also upon the owners and
occupants of all properties located within fifty (50) feet of the
rear or side line of any premises included in the proposed
change.] In the case of a rezoning to a less restrictive zone,
within the same category, the distance notification
requirement will be seven hundred fifty (750) feet. In the
case of a rezoning to a less restrictive zone, other than the
same zoning category, the distance notification requirement
will be one thousand (1000) feet. Zoning categories are
defined as Residential, Commercial, or Industrial zones.
Such notice may be served by delivering and leaving a copy
of said notice with any person of suitable age and discretion
upon any inhabited premises and by mailing a copy of said
notice to the owners of premises which are vacant or upon
which no person of suitable age and discretion can be found,
within the designated area, as shown on the maps and
surveys of the Board of Assessors. (3) In case of a proposed
change in the Zoning Map, if the land included in such
change consists of a single parcel or two (2) or more parcels
which adjoin either immediately or across a street or alley
with a total area of ten (10) acres or more, by publication in a
newspaper of general circulation in
the City of Buffalo. E. A record of the public hearings on
such proposed amendment, change or supplement shall be
transmitted by the City Clerk to the City Planning Board, and
the recommendation of the City Planning Board with
respect thereto shall be transmitted to the Common Council
or a committee thereof before final action by the Common
Council on said amendment, change or supplement,
provided that if the recommendation of the City Planning
Board has net been returned within sixty (60) days from the
date of receipt by the City Planning Board of said record
from. the City Clerk, the City Planning Board shall forfeit the
right further to suspend action of the Common Council with
respect to such case. F. Special development plans. (1) In
the case of a proposed amendment to the Zoning Map which
involves a reclassification into a C1, C2, CM, TS, RR, DO, II,
M1, M2, M3 and the special zoning districts contained in
Article XVI of this chapter, the Common Council and the City
Planning Board may require the petitioner to submit a
development plan showing the extent, location and character
of proposed structures and uses. The Council and the City
Planning Board may require that such plan be modified to
meet objections raised at the hearing or subsequent thereto
and may qualify its approval of the Zoning Map amendment
in any such case by attaching a special permit. Any such
action shall be distinguished in the Common Council
proceedings with the words "Special Development Plan" and
a serial number. (2) Within a period of six (6) months from
the approval of the Zoning Map amendment conditioned on
said special development plan, no building permit or use
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permit shall be issued for any such property except in
accordance with the development plan as approved, in
which case the permit shall contain all conditions and
limitations placed thereon by the Common Council or in
accordance with the zoning classification applicable before
said action. Unless a building permit or use permit for such
special development is issued within six (6) months from the
Common Council's approval, said approval shall be void and
the zoning classification shall be as it was when the petition
was filed. (3) Special development plan for residential
commercial districts. (a) The purpose shall be to encourage
the design of well planned, large scale residential,
institutional or a commercial developments, or a combination
thereof, whereby a variety of building types will prove to be
more attractive and provide efficient overall planning and
design without sacrificing creative and imaginative planning.
It is intended to permit, with approval by the Common
Council after review by the City Planning Board, a
diversification in the use, size, type and location of structures
and to improve circulation and other site facilities and at the
same time ensure adequate standards applicable to safety,
public health, welfare and convenience in the use and
occupancy of buildings and other facilities in the planned
building groups, thereby permitting greater flexibility in the
design of large scale residential developments, shopping
plazas and other connected uses. (b) The application is to
be filed with the City Clerk for approval by the Common
Council and shall certify that: Ill The area to be included
within the development contains ten (10) or more acres. [2]
The applicant is the legal or equitable contract owner of all
rights in the entire designated area to be included within the
development. [3] Within the portion of the development used
for residential purposes, the number of dwelling units shall
not exceed that allowed in the area requirements for similar
R Districts. [41 No building in the designated residential area
shall exceed the maximum height requirements for similar R
Districts and
in business and commercial districts shall not exceed forty
(40) feet unless the variance is approved by the Common
Council. 151 All requirements of the Buffalo Zoning
Ordinance and other applicable city ordinances for off
street parking and commercial parking lots in similar R or C
Districts shall be complied with.
With each application for the planned development, there
shall be submitted five (5) copies of a site plan, drawn to
scale, for such development, showing:
(1)The proposed use, location, dimensions and
architectural elevation of all buildings and other structures.
[2]The open areas of the proposed development.
[3]Existing zoning classifications of the designated
area and all property within two hundred (200) feet of the
proposed development.
[4]The topography of the designated area and the
location of public and private rights
way, encumbrances and easements bounding and
intersecting the designated area and indications as to which
of the rights
way, encumbrances or easements
are to be continued, relocated or abandoned.
(d)Upon filing of the application for a large
scale planned development with the Common Council, it
shall be referred by the Common Council, with all
accompanying documents, to the City Planning Board for
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review and report. In reviewing each application, the City
Planning Board should give consideration to whether:
(1)The provisions for light and air are in all respects
adequate for the proposed development.
[2)Properly planned and adequate parking spaces
and. loading berths are provided within the designated area.
[3]Adequate sewer and water facilities are available
or car, be obtained.
[4]Any deviation from the use, height, area, density
or bulk provisions of these regulations will have any adverse
effect on the use of neighboring property in accordance with
the Zoning Plan.
[51The plans for the development are consistent with
the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Buffalo as a whole.
(e)After the report by the City Planning Board to the
Common Council, the plans for such development shall not
be approved unless a public hearing is first held by the
Committee on Legislation of the Common Council C41, as
provided in said 83 of the General City Law.
(4)No modification of the plan as approved by the
Common Council shall be permitted unless processed as a
new application pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. If
work on the proposed development is not begun within the
time limits specified by the Common Council or if such work
is not completed within the period
of time specified by the Common Council, approval of the
application shall become null and void and all rights
thereunder shall lapse unless the Common Council, for good
cause, authorizes an extension of either period. Such
extension may I be authorized without a public hearing.
(5)Any certificate of occupancy issued for one (1) or
more uses of land or structures within the designated area of
the development prior to completion of the entire
development shall be revoked upon the applicant's failure to
complete within the limit specified the entire development in
accordance with the approved plan.
(6)All conditions imposed by the Common Council,
including those the performance of which are conditions
precedent to the issuance of any permit necessary for the
development of any part of the entire site, shall not lapse or
be waived as a result of any subsequent change in the
tenancy or ownership of any or all of said area. Such
conditions shall be a part of any certificate of occupancy
issued for any use or structure in such development.
G.Except in cases wherein the time of the Common
Council to vote upon certain petitions is limited by 83 of the
General City Law, no petition which has been previously
denied by the Common Council shall be again considered or
voted on by it, except for a vote to table or to receive and
file, within cue (1) year from the date of such previous denial,
unless the City Planning Board shall first submit its
recommendation and certify, with grounds stated therefor,
that there
have been substantial changes in the situation which would
merit a rehearing and reconsideration by the Common
Council of such petition.
RECOMMENDED TO THE COMMITTEE ON
LEGISLATION.
NO. 4
M. BUE
3125 BAILEY AVE.
TAKE OUT RESTAURANT
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ITEM NO. 64, C.C.P. 3/23/99
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held
Tuesday, April 13, 1999 considered the matter captioned
above pursuant to Section 511
65 of the Buffalo Code, Kensington Bailey District.
The applicant seeks to convert a vacant office store front into
a take out restaurant located at 3125 Bailey Ave. Under
SEQR the proposed restaurant is considered an unlisted
action which may be studied through uncoordinated review.
The Planning Board voted to recommend approval of the
proposed take out restaurant.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
NO. 5
766-770 ELMWOOD AVE.
RESTAURANT CONSTRUCTION
ITEM NO. 61, C.C.P. 3/23/99
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held
Tuesday, April 13, 1999 considered the matter captioned
above pursuant to Section 511-56 of the Buffalo Code,
Elmwood Avenue Business District.
The applicant seeks to erect a new restaurant with parking to
be located at 766-770 Elmwood Ave. Under SEQR the
restaurant is considered an unlisted action which may be
studied through uncoordinated review.
The Planning Board voted to recommend approval of the
proposed use of the site for a restaurant. The applicant is
seeking a Zoning Board of Appeals variance for the square
footage of the restaurant building. The applicant will have to
appear before the Planning Board, for City Wide Site Plan
approval, once a determination by the ZBA is made with
regard to the area of the building.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
NO. 6
V. PANAGROPOULOS
577 FOREST AVE.
SIDEWALK CAFE AND AWNING
ITEM NO. 27, C.C.P. 4/6/99
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held
Tuesday, April 13, 1999, considered the matter captioned
above pursuant to Section 413-56 and 511-59 of the Buffalo
Code, Awnings, canopies, marquees and Sidewalk caf6ls,
respectively.
The applicant seeks to encroach the right of way with the
installation of a 24'x6.5' sidewalk cafe and awning. Under
SEQR the proposed encroachment is considered an unlisted
action which may be studied through uncoordinated review.
The Planning Board voted to recommend approval of the
proposed sidewalk encroachments and awning.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
NO. 7
J. EMMERLING
2381 FILLMORE AVE.
LOADING DOCK ENCROACHMENT
ITEM NO. 28, C.C.P. 4/6/99
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held
Tuesday, April 13, 1999, considered the matter captioned
above pursuant to Section 413-67 of the Buffalo Code,
Encroachment regulations.
The applicant seeks to encroach the right of way with the
rebuilding and extension of a loading dock, on the Rockwood
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side of the building, at 2381 Fillmore Ave. The new loading
dock will measure 33'x12'. Under SEQR the proposed
encroachment is considered an unlisted action which may be
studied through uncoordinated review.
The Planning Board voted to recommend approval of the
proposed loading dock encroachment.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
NO.8
MAIN SENECA CORP.
14 LAFAYETTE SQ.
7'X6' PROJECTING SIGN
ITEM NO. 93, C.C.P. 4/6/99
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held
Tuesday, April 13, 1999 considered the matter captioned
above pursuant to Section 413-67 and 511-63 of the Buffalo
Code, Encroachment regulations and Sign Control Overlay
District, respectively.
The applicant seeks to replace a 32'x4' sign with a 6'x6' "ID"
sign which will project into the right of way at the corner of
Washington St. and Lafayette Sq. Under SEQR the
proposed sign is considered an unlisted action which may be
studied through uncoordinated review.
The Planning Board voted to recommend approval of the
proposed sign and encroachment.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
NO. 9
D'YOUVILLE COLLEGE 320 PORTER AVE. CONDUIT
ENCROACHMENTS
ITEM NO. 24, C.C.P. 4/6/99
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held
Tuesday, April 13, 1999, considered the matter captioned
above pursuant to Section 413-67 of the Buffalo Code,
Encroachment regulations.
The applicant seeks to encroach the right of way with the
installation of new conduit under the pavement on Fargo and
West Streets. Under SEQR the proposed encroachment is
considered an unlisted action which may be studied through
uncoordinated review.
The Planning Board voted to recommend approval of the
proposed conduit encroachments.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
FROM THE BUFFALO PRESERVATION BOARD
NO. 10
693 MAIN STREET DEMOLITION
693 MAIN STREET
SEQR NEGATIVE DECLARATION
A Negative Declaration for the above referenced project is
hereby filed with your office in accordance with Section
617.12 of the New York State Environmental Quality Review
Act.
If you should have any questions, please contact Thomas W.
Marchese, Board Secretary at 851
5029. Thank you.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
FROM THE COMPTROLLER
NO. 11
ACQUISITION OF 479 & 481 ALABAMA STREET IN
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CONJUNCTION WITH THE
PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT OF THE
SENECA/EXCHANGE CORRIDOR
The Department of Community Development has requested
the Comptroller's Office, Division of Real Estate to negotiate
a sale price for the acquisition of 479 & 481 Alabama Street.
These properties are needed in conjunction with the
proposed redevelopment of the Seneca/Exchange Corridor.
They have indicated that funds for this acquisition are
available in Bond Acct. 200-717.
The property at 479 Alabama is a vacant lot located on the
south corner of Seneca. This property sits back 211.05'
south of Seneca having a frontage of 28' on "closed"
Alabama and depth of 576' to Hamburg. The property at 481
Alabama is situated on a vacant lot located 150' south of
Seneca having a frontage of 61' and a depth of 576'. The
owner of both parcels is 550 Seneca Street LTD.
The results of our negotiations are that we have reached an
agreement with Mr. Karl Kellner, President of 550 Seneca
Street LTD, for the City to acquire 479 & 481 Alabama in the
amount of Fifty Two Thousand Dollars ($52,000). This
agreement is contingent on a final approval of the purchase
price by the Common Council and the Mayor.
I am recommending that Your Honorable Body approve the
purchase price of Fifty Two Thousand Dollars ($52,000.00).
1 am further recommending that the Corporation Counsel
prepare the necessary documents for the acquisition of the
property and that the Mayor be authorized to execute the
same.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND THE
CORPORATION COUNSEL
NO. 12
CERTIFICATE OF NECESSITY
INCREASED APPROPRIATION
CITY REVENUE
DIVISION OF COLLECTIONS
We, Anthony M. Masiello, Mayor and Joel A. Giambra,
Comptroller, do hereby certify pursuant to Section 41 of the
Charter, that an increase in the sum of $50,000 in the
estimates for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1998 is
necessary in Appropriation Allotments
Department of Audit and Control, Division of Collections, to
meet a contingency which could not have been reasonably
foreseen when the budget was adopted. The amount of
increased appropriation will be met from an increase of
$50,000 in the General Fund City Revenue account 100-4,
402-30020 Charges for Collection Services not otherwise
appropriated for any other purpose. The details of the
requirements are set forth below:
To:
100 General Fund
044 Division of Collections
001 Collections
570 Financial and Accounting Services $50,000
Dated: Buffalo, NY, April 7, 1999
RECEIVED AND FILED.
NO. 13
CERTIFICATE OF NECESSITY
TRANSFER OF FUNDS
DEPARTMENT OF AUDIT AND CONTROL
We, Anthony M. Masiello, Mayor and Joel A. Giambra,
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Comptroller, do hereby certify, pursuant to Section 42 of the
Charter, that it is necessary that the sum of $14,196 be
transferred and reappropriated within the Department of
Audit and Control, as set forth below:
The amount to be transferred represents an unexpended
balance of items contained in the budget for the current
fiscal year and will not be needed at this time for the purpose
for which they were appropriated.
From:
100 General Fund
042 Division of Accounting
001 Accounting
110 Salary - Regular $14,196
To:
100 General Fund
040 Comptroller
00 1 Comptroller
570 Financial & Accounting Services $9,196
043 Real Estate
001 Real Estate Management
112 Temporary Services $5,000
Dated: Buffalo, NY April 8, 1999
RECEIVED AND FILED.
NO. 14
INTERFUND LOAN
Over the last six years, the City has provided interfund loans
from the City General Fund to the City, Board and Enterprise
Capital Projects Funds to implement financing of the Capital
Improvements Budget. The interfund loans are repaid when
the Bond Anticipation Notes or Bonds are issued to finance
these projects.
As of today, we have one request for money to finance
projects and we will not reenter the bond market at this time.
We are requesting that you approve interfund cash loan from
the General Fund to the City's Capital Projects Fund in the
amount of $150,000 Citywide Park Improvement. The loan
will be repaid when Bond Anticipation Notes or Bonds are
issued.
From To Account Repayment Date
Total
100 General 200 Capital Projects 204
001 BAN/Bond Sale $150,000
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Comptroller dated
April 14, 1999, be received and filed; and
That the Comptroller be, and he hereby is authorized to
make an interfund cash loan from the General Fund to the
City's Capital Projects Fund in the amount of $150,000
Citywide Park Improvement. The loan will be repaid when
Bond Anticipation Notes or Bonds are issued.
Passed
AYES-12. NOES-0.
FROM THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT
NO. 15
COMMON COUNCIL
BUDGET HEARING SCHEDULE
The attached is the Common Council's Budget Hearing
Schedule beginning May 3, 1999. It is expected that the
Mayor will present his budget April 30. A special meeting will
be called to receive it.
Page 12
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As you know, all Budget Hearings begin promptly at 9:00
a.m. in the Council Chambers. I would respectfully request
each Council Member to clear schedules to ensure
attendance.
If you have any questions concerning the schedule, please
contact me.
Your cooperation is appreciated.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF ASSESSMENT
NO. 16
D. ZUCHLEWSKI
DELINQUENT TAXES
195 EAST STREET AND
119 THOMPSON
CCP MARCH 23,1999 ITEM 59
The above subject matter was referred to the Department of
Assessment for a response.
Although we sympathize with Mr. Paul Brunner, the
Department of Assessment has made every effort to notify
the Black Rock Riverside Neighborhood Services, Inc. that
the 1997-98 city tax remained unpaid and that 195 East and
119 Thompson was subject to foreclosure.
A review of the tax records show that the parcel assessed as
119 Thompson was purchased on January 2, 1998 and 195
East on March 17, 1998. The tax in question became a lien
on July 1, 1997 and was payable by July 31, 1997 and
December 31, 1997. The attorney representing the Black
Rock Riverside Services, Inc. should have adjusted or paid
the tax at closing. It is suggested that Mr. Brunner review the
closing statement to determine if an adjustment for taxes
was made.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS
NO. 17
NOTIFICATION SERIAL # 9131 INSTALL NO PARKING
ON WASHINGTON STREET, WEST SIDE BETWEEN
SAINT MICHAELS PLACE AND EAST CHIPPEWA
STREET
NO PARKING 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 24 Section 15 of Chapter 479 of
Ordinances of the City of Buffalo be supplemented by adding
thereto the following: NO PARKING
PROH. PORTION OF HIGHWAYPROH. PERIOD
Washington Street, west side 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
From a point 157' north of E.
Chippewa Street except
To a point 291' north of East
Chippewa Street Visitor Center Patrons
This action is being taken at the request of the Visitor Center
in order to reserve on street parking for visitors to access
material and information available at the aforementioned
location.
Page 13
99-0420.txt
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
NO. 18
REPORT OF BIDS
MAIN STREET - UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS MULTI-MODAL
PROJECT #A356 - SIDEWALK & TRAFFIC
IMPROVEMENTS - KENMORE TO HIGHGATE
GROUP 4477
ITEM #35, C.C.P. 5/26/98
ITEM# 126, C.C.P. 3/3/98
ITEM #42, C.C.P. 12/1/98
This is to advise your Honorable Body that I have advertised
and received bids on April 7, 1999.
In obtaining bids for the above project, I have asked for bids
on a unit price covering the various items of work and
material which will be performed. The final cost of the work
will be based on the actual measured quantities of materials
entering into the work and may be either more or less than
the total bid.
The following bids were received:
Base Bid Alt. Bid Unit Price Incr.
Thomann Asphalt$146,267.00 $68,258.35 $21,452.54
M.P.J. Contr., Inc.$156,844.00 $62,053.00 $21,889.70
Northeast Diver.$161,865.00 $76,093.00 $23,795.80
Alternate No.1 is to construct a pedestrian crossing point at
the intersection of Main/Kenmore University Plaza. Private
funds being provided for this work are as follows:
Benderson Development Co.$21,000
University of Buffalo $5,000
Walgreen's $5,000
Town of Amherst $4,400
I hereby certify that the lowest responsible bidder for the
above project is Thomann Asphalt, Inc. I respectfully
recommend that your Honorable Body order the work, the
cost thereof to be charged to the Capital Projects Fund #200
000 in an amount of 146,267.00, plus Alternate Bid of
$68,258.35 plus approved unit prices not to exceed
$21,452.54 as per Item # 126, C.C.P. 3/3/98 for a total
encumbrance of $235,977.89. The engineer's estimate for
this work was $200,000.00.
The attached is certified to be a true and correct statement
of the two (2) lowest bids received.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Public Works dated April 15, 1999, be received and filed;
and
That the Commissioner of Public Works be, and he hereby is
authorized to award a contract for Main Street University
Heights Multi-Modal, Project #A356 to Thomann Asphalt,
Inc., the lowest responsible bidder, in an amount of
$146,267.00 plus Alternate Bid of $68,258.35 plus approved
unit prices not to exceed $21,452.54 as per Item No. 126,
C.C.P., 3/3/98, for a total encumbrance of $235,977.89.
Funds for this project are available in the Capital Projects
Fund #200-401-569-00-000.
Passed.
AYES-12. NOES-0.
NO. 19
REPORT OF BIDS FOR THE ERIE BASIN MARINA
PHASE VIA, MISCELLANEOUS SITE IMPROVEMENTS
AND ROOF REPAIRS
ITEM NO. 143, C.C.P. 01/21/97
Page 14
99-0420.txt
As authorized and directed by your Honorable Body in Item
No. 143, C.C.P. 01/21/97, 1 have advertised and received
bids on April 14, 1999 for the Eric Basin Marina Phase VIA,
Miscellaneous Site Improvements and Roof Repairs.
In obtaining bids for the above project, I have asked for bids
on a unit price basis covering the various items of work and
materials which will be performed. The final cost of the work
will be based on the actual measured quantities of material
entering into the work and may be more or less than the total
bid.
The following bids were received:
ContractorBase Bid Alternate Bid
Destro & Brothers
Concrete Co., Inc.$112,801.00$113,301.00 (Low)
Wilsandra.
Construction Co.$121,680.30$121,930.30
C. Nichter Inc.$123,766.25$124,766.25
Nichter Associates$126,000.00$127,000.00
Patterson
Stevens, Inc.$131,091.50$131,601.50
Balvac$131,530.00$132,530.00
North East Paving$131,815.50$132,215.50
Donald Braasch
Constr. Co., Inc.$153,899.00$150,899.00
Hadala Corporation$219,801.75$221,451.75
After a review of the bids it was determined that the City will
accept the alternate bid for this project. 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 order the work and the cost
thereof to be charged to the Division of Engineering Bond
Fund 203-401-003-00-000 in and amount of $113,301.00,
plus approved unit prices for an additional amount of
$11,330. 10 for a total encumbrance of $124,631.10.
The engineers estimate for this work is $165,000.00. The
above is certified to be a true and correct statement of the
bids received. Under the provisions of the General Municipal
Law any of the bidders may withdraw his bid if the award of
this contract is not made by June 1, 1999. Individual bid
submissions are available in our office for inspection and
copies are available upon request.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Public Works dated April 14, 1999, be received and filed;
and
That the Commissioner of Public Works be, and he hereby is
authorized to award a contract for Erie Basin Marina Phase
VIA, Miscellaneous Site Improvements and Roof Repairs to
Destro & Brothers Concrete Co., Inc., the lowest responsible
bidder, in an amount of $113,301.00 plus approved unit
prices for an additional amount of $11,330.10 for a total
encumbrance of $124,631.10. Funds for this project are
available in the Division of Engineering Bond Fund 203-401-
003-00-000.
Passed.
AYES-12. NOES-0.
NO. 20
CHANGE IN CONTRACT RIVERSIDE ICE RINK
CONDENSER WORK
I hereby submit to Your Honorable Body the following
changes for the Riverside Ice Rink, Condenser Work, John
W. Danforth Co., C #9 1985600.
Page 15
99-0420.txt
1. Delete provision to install heat exchanger. Deduct
$ 450.00
2. Change circuit setter to a triple duty valve. Add$ 150.00
3. Rework two (2) 15 foot long control conduits
and wiring found rotted away in slab.Add$ 450.00
The foregoing change results in a net increase in the
contract of One Hundred Fifty and 00/100 Dollars ($150.00).
Summary:Original Amount of Contract $56,989.00
Amount of This Change Order (No. 1)Add$150.00
Revised Amount of Contract $57,139.00
These changes could not be foreseen at the time contract
was let. Costs have been reviewed by the Department of
Public Works and found to be fair and equitable. Funds for
this work will be charged to CPF 203-402-040- Division of
Buildings.
I request that Your Honorable Body authorize the
Commissioner of Public Works to issue a change order to
the contractor as set forth above.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Public Works dated April 12, 1999, be received and filed,
and
That the Commissioner of Public Works be, and he hereby is
authorized to issue change order No. 1, to John W. Danforth
Co., an increase in the amount of $150.00, as more fully
described in the above communication, for work relating to
Riverside Ice Rink, Condenser Work, C #91985600. Funds
for this project are available in CPF 203-402-040- Division of
Buildings.
Passed
Ayes-12. Noes-0.
NO. 21
CONVEY A FORMER PART OF
SEVENTH STREET TO KALEIDA
HEALTH FOR CONSTRUCTION OF
COLUMBUS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER
As Your Honorable Body is aware, KALEIDA Health is in the
process of developing the former Buffalo Columbus Hospital
site into the Columbus Community Health Center.
In so doing, a title question has arisen as to the ownership of
a portion of Seventh Street between the northerly line of
Carolina Street and the southerly line of the Virginia
Carolina Interchange.
Seventh Street was originally laid out as a military street,
ninety nine (99.0) feet in width. until August 26, 1851, the
Common Council of the City of Buffalo reduced the width of
Seventh Street (and other military streets) to a width of sixty
six (66.0) feet, and granted the abutting owners the right to
fence and enclosed the 16.5 foot wide strip of land on each
side of the street. The contraction of the street contained a
condition that no buildings would be allowed to be
constructed within this strip. To clear questions of ownership,
the State Legislature Chapter 5C5 of the Laws of 1875)
authorized the Common Council of the City of Buffalo to
convey to the adjacent owners of lands bordering or. the
contracted military streets, the 16.5 foot wide strip of land in
question.
Therefore, to clear any problems of title to the 16.5 foot wide
strip of land along the easterly line of Seventh Street,
between the northerly line of Carolina Street and the
southerly line of the Virginia Carolina Interchange, I am
respectfully recommending to Your Honorable Body that the
Page 16
99-0420.txt
City of Buffalo convey, by quit claim deed, said parcel of land
to KALEIDA Health.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Public Works dated April 14, 1999, be received and filed;
and
That the Comptroller be, and he hereby is authorized to
convey a former portion of Seventh Street as more fully
described in the above communication, by quit claim deed to
KALEIDA Health.
Passed.
AYES-12. NOES-0.
No. 22
Declare Bennett Village Terrace Access Roads
The above captioned item has been referred to the
Commissioner of Public Works for his recommendation.
The subdivision on map for Bennett Village Terrace was filed
in the Erie County Clerk's Office November 18, 1948 in map
cover 1694. The access roads in question are shown as
PRIVATE LANES, twenty feet wide, with a four foot wide
strip reserved for utility. These lanes are far too narrow to be
acceptable as "public streets". Once the width of the utility
easement is subtracted from the twenty foot lane width, only
a 16 foot wide alley remains. These alleys would never have
been approved by the City as "public streets" at the time the
subdivision was proposed. The present "Subdivision Control
Ordinance" calls for a minimum width of forty (40) feet for
marginal access streets. The marginal access street is the
narrowest allowed by the ordinance.
I must also point out that if these lanes were dedicated as
public streets, the legal setbacks of all buildings, as required
by the zoning Ordinance, would be in effect. It should be
noted that these private lanes are bounded by a row of
existing garages.
It must also be noted that the present ordinances call for a
providing an area for a sidewalk along at least one side of a
dedicated public street. There simply is no7 enough width to
meet this requirement.
I must, therefore, respectfully recommend to Your Honorable
Body that the request of the Bennett Village Terrace
Homeowners and Tenants Association, for dedication of the
private lanes as public street be denied.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
NO. 23
SHEA'S PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
EMERGENCY PURCHASE OF VARIOUS EQUIPMENT
ITEM #82
C.C.P. APRIL 6,1999
The purchase of various equipment necessary for the proper
operations of the new stagehouse at Shea's Theatre was
eliminated from previously award contracts to ensure that
construction would be completed within the funds allocated.
We are now certain that funds will be available to purchase
this equipment. Because the theatre is scheduled to open in
April, I have declared an emergency and authorized Shea's
Performing Art Center to purchase items to be approved by
this department in an amount not to exceed $70,000. Shea's
has been directed to utilize, to the maximum extent feasible,
any City, County or State purchase contract, or to seek
informal bids whenever practical.
Upon presentation of appropriate documentation we will
Page 17
99-0420.txt
reimburse Shea's from account #292-402-001.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Department of
Public Works dated April 12, 1999, be received and filed;
and
That the Commissioner of Public Works be authorized to
reimburse Shea's Performing Arts Center for purchasing
various items in an amount not to exceed $70,000. The
Department of Public Works will reimburse Shea's from
account #292
001.
Passed
AYES-12. NOES-0.
NO. 24
377 MAIN STREET
REQUESTS PERMISSION TO INSTALL
SIDEWALK CAFE
Mr. Richard Taylor, owner of Taylor's Patisserie Cafe,
located at 377 Main Street, has requested permission to
install a sidewalk cafe which would encroach City right of
way at said address.
The proposed cafe would be located on the West Eagle
Street side of the property measuring 70' length and
projecting 16'from the building face into City right of way.
The Department of Public Works has reviewed Mr. Taylor's
application pursuant to Chapter 413, Section 59 (Sidewalk
Cafes) of the City Ordinances and has no objection to Your
Honorable Body authorizing the Commissioner of Public
Works to issue a "Mere License" for said sidewalk cafe
provided the following conditions are met:
1.That the applicant obtain any and all other City of
Buffalo permits necessary.
2.That the sidewalk cafe be installed exactly as
shown on plans submitted to and approved by the
Department of Public Works, Division of Buildings.
3.That the sidewalk cafe does not exceed 70' in
length or extend more than 16' from the building face.
4.That no portion of the sidewalk cafe be permanent
in nature or permanently affixed to the main building or
public sidewalk.
5.That the sidewalk cafe be completely removed
from City right of way from November 15 to April I each year.
6.That the applicant be assessed the annual fee of
$1.35 per square foot of City right of way occupied by said
sidewalk caf‚ as described in Chapter 413, Article IX,
Section 59 (Sidewalk Cafes) of the City Ordinances.
7.That the applicant supply the City of Buffalo with a
five thousand dollar ($5,000.00) 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 sidewalk cafe.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND
THE CITY PLANNING BOARD
NO. 25
130 SOUTH PARK AVENUE
SIDEWALK CAFE
WITHIN RIGHT OF WAY
Mr. Mike Caruso, owner of Prohibition Bar and Restaurant,
located at 130 South Park Avenue, has requested
permission to install a sidewalk cafe within city right of way
Page 18
99-0420.txt
at said address.
The proposed cafe would be located on the Mississippi
Street side of the property. Mississippi Street is scheduled
for reconstruction this spring and a new concrete sidewalk
measuring twelve feet in width will exist after said
reconstruct ion. Mr Caruso has requested to occupy the
entire twelve feet, from building face to curb line, in order to
accommodate antique items within the cafe boundaries such
as a car, water fountain, phone booth, etc., in addition to
restaurant seating.
The Department of Public Works has reviewed this request
pursuant to Chapter 413-59 (Sidewalk Cafes) of the Section
B(2) of this Chapter states in part that "In no case shall the
passageway, after the installation of the sidewalk cafe, be
less than four feet in width". Mr. Caruso wishes to appeal to
Your Honorable Body for a variance from the above
mentioned condition due to the fact the restaurant is located
within the cobblestone district and Mr. Caruso feels
pedestrian traffic within the cobblestone area should be
encouraged.
Therefore, the Department of Public Works hereby refers
this matter to the Common Council for consideration. The
Department of Public Works asks that any approval include
a statement that this Departments conditions also be met.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND
THE CITY PLANNING BOARD.
NO. 26
REQUEST PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND
AWARD A CONTRACT FOR THE REFURBISHMENT OF
PARK TYPE LIGHT STANDARDS AND THE PURCHASE
OF ASSORTED LIGHT STANDARDS AS REQUIRED
We hereby request your Honorable Body's permission to
advertise for bids and to award a contract for the
refurbishment of park type light standards and to purchase
the following light standards:
Approximately 75-25' steel pendant light standards as per
Union Metal Design #70033
Approximately 25- 30' aluminum davit light standards as per
Union Metal Design #920-760 or equal
Approximately 10-30' aluminum bronze tone davit light
standards as per Union Metal Design #920-Y60 or equal
Approximately 5- 30' aluminum twin arm light standards as
per Union Metal Design #920Y64 or equal.
The engineer's estimate for this work is $100,000. 00. Funds
for this work are available in Bond Fund 200-401-008.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
NO. 27
REQUEST FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL STUDY- NORTH
OGDEN AND VANDERBILT STREETS
This is in response to Item #109 of February 9, 1999
requesting a traffic signal study be performed at the
intersection of North Ogden and Vanderbilt Streets. The
Department of Public Works Traffic Engineering Section has
scheduled this study for the summer of 1999. Upon
completion of this work, this department will inform Your
Honorable Body of our findings and conclusions.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
NO. 28
REQUEST FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL STUDY
COLGATE AVENUE AND SOUTH PARK AVENUE
Page 19
99-0420.txt
ITEM NO. 82, C.C.P. 10/20/98
This is in response to Item #82 of October 20, 1998
requesting a traffic signal study be performed at the
intersection of Colgate and South Park Avenues. The
Department of Public Works
Traffic Engineering Section has scheduled this study for the
summer of 1999. Upon completion of this work, this
department will inform Your Honorable Body of our findings
and conclusions.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
NO. 29
STREET LIGHTING AT CONVENTION CENTER
Please be advised that a work order has been issued to
Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. to install new street lighting
along Franklin Street between W. Mohawk and Court Street
and on W. Genesee between Niagara Square and Franklin
Street. The new lighting has been laid out in the field and
Niagara Mohawk has made preliminary inspections of the
existing underground system. The new lighting will be
installed by the second week of May unless there are
problems with the existing underground system.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
NO. 30
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment Effective April 12, 1999 in the Department of
Public Works , Division of Water to the Position of Assistant
Water Distribution. Superintendent, Permanent Promotion
at the: Maximum Starting Salary of $43,509
Frank Mangione, Jr.
221 Roesch Avenue
Buffalo, 14207
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
NO. 31
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment Effective April 6, 1999 in the Department of
Public Works, Division of Engineering to the Position of
Senior Drafting Technician, Permanent Promotion at the
Maximum Starting Salary of $33,609
Ronald E. Brunette
104 Trinity Place
Buffalo 14201
REFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
NO. 32
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment Effective April 7, 1999 in the Department of
Public Works, Division of Engineering, to the position of
Account Clerk-Typist, Provisional, at the intermediate
starting salary of $24, 170.
Debra A. Bagarozzo
141 Crestwood Avenue
Buffalo 14216
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
NO. 33
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment Effective April 14, 1999 in the Department of
Public Works , Division of Buildings to the Position of
Supervisor of Maintenance II, Permanent, Promotion
at the Maximum Starting Salary of: $ 37,161.
Page 20
99-0420.txt
John V. LoTempio
57 Wilbury Place
Buffalo 14216
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
NO. 34
CALLS FOR SERVICE: 2022 GENESEE STREET]
On File for review in City Clerk's Office-Unable to scan.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
NO. 35
INVESTIGATION
ITEM #84, C.C.P. APRIL 6, 1999
My name is Inspector Michael F. Gaspar and I am in charge
of the Professional Standards Division of the Buffalo Police
Department. Please be assured that the above listed matter
is currently under investigation. Upon completion of this
investigation, the Commissioner of Police will make the final
determination regarding the pending matter.
As part of our normal procedure, the complainant will be
informed of the final disposition concerning the issues
raised.
REFERRED TO SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON POLICE
REORGANIZATION/OVERSIGHT.
NO. 36
Y2K TECH. PROBLEM IN THE CITY OF BUFFALO]
RES 124, CCP MARCH 23, 1999
In order to understand how the Buffalo Police Department is
handling the Y2K problem, it is important to understand how
the department classifies its information resources.
Information resources are broken down into three
categories; critical systems, non-critical systems, and
peripheral equipment or hardware.
Critical Systems are defined as systems used by the
department to support either public safety or officer safety.
These systems would include Computer Aided Dispatch
(CAD) and Records Management (RMS). CAD is used to
facilitate the processing of emergency calls until such time
that the call is closed. RMS takes the closed call and records
it for departmental follow-up or investigation.
Non-Critical Systems are defined as systems used by the
department for purposes other than public safety or officer
safety. These systems would include all desktop systems
except those in the Dispatch Center used for CAD. All
Mobile Computer Terminals, Photo Imaging Systems, and
stand alone systems would be classified as non-critical.
Peripheral equipment or hardware would include any
hardware that is maintained internally. Plotters, printers,
older personal computers, scanners, and modems would all
be included in this classification.
The Y2K issue is being addressed as follows:
The Critical systems have been audited and will be tested for
compliance by May 3 1, 1999. Documents explaining the
audit process and testing procedures are available through
the Management Information systems Unit. Each system has
a separate set of documentation explaining the audit and
necessary updates needed for Y2K compliance.
Non-Critical Systems are being tested by an external vendor.
A vast majority of the equipment purchased by the BPD is
supported through a Network Support Agreement (NSA).
Page 21
99-0420.txt
The NSA, which was awarded through the City's Purchasing
Division for fiscal year 1998, 1999 and 1999
2000, included Y2K compliance on all non-critical systems.
The Buffalo Police Department is not staffed with sufficient
MIS personnel to handle this process internally, so we out
source the task as part of our annual support agreement.
Departmental employees are checking peripheral equipment
and hardware. Equipment in this category undergoes a high
degree of turnover; so therefore, the equipment will be
tested in the fourth quarter of 1999. None of the equipment
in this category is deemed mission critical. If we have a
problem, it can be addressed anytime now or even after the
new millennium.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
NO. 37
OPERATION PROTECT KIDS RENEWAL: FY 1999
ITEM NO.#43, C.C.P. 04-28-98
The Buffalo Police Department is respectfully requesting
authorization for the City to accept funds from the County of
Erie (Department of Health) for Operation Protect Kids. This
grant was awarded to the county of Erie under the New York
State Department of Health's Youth Tobacco Enforcement
and Prevention Grant and will run through September 30,
1999.
Under this renewal agreement, the County will reimburse the
City of Buffalo the sum of $30.00 for every completed
compliance check of merchants who sell tobacco products.
Using underage operatives as decoys, compliance checks
will be conducted to see if active enforcement of New York
State Public Health Laws reduces the availability of tobacco
products to children. A national survey was conducted and
found that 63% of youths between the ages of 12 to 18 years
who smoke, purchase their own cigarettes and that cigarette
smoking is responsible for nearly 1 in 5 deaths in New York
State.
Another focus of this project is to educate local business
owners with licenses to sell tobacco products as to the law,
and how this law must be enforced.
As previously stated, underage operatives will be employed
to randomly check city wide businesses for compliance.
Merchants who are found to violate this law and allow the
operative to purchase tobacco products, will be subject to
penalties imposed by the Health Department which may
include fines. The City of Buffalo will receive 50% of any
fines levied in order to continue the efforts to reduce tobacco
sales to minors.
Last year's program resulted in 350 enforcement checks of
which 77 were cited and fined. The fines levied resulted in
an additional $4,300 to the City over the $10,500 we
received for the actual number of checks under this grant
program, a total revenue of $14,800.
The County wishes to begin as soon as possible (May 1,
1999). Therefore, we are requesting that your Honorable
Body authorize the acceptance of these funds at your April
20, 1999 meeting so that there will be sufficient time to fulfill
our obligation, thus enabling the City to receive the
maximum reimbursement.
If you require additional information, please contact Chief
Kevin Comerford or Maureen Oakley at ext. 4475.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Page 22
99-0420.txt
Police dated April 15, 1999, be received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Police be, and he hereby is
authorized to accept funds from the County of Erie
(Department of Health) for Operation Protect Kids which will
run through September 30, 1999.
Passed
AYES-12. NOES-0.
NO. 38
REPORT OF AUDIT
DEPARTMENT OF POLICE]
ITEM #4, CCP MARCH 23,1999
The Department has reviewed the findings and
recommendations contained in the Audit Report from the
Comptrollers Office. As noted in the report, "as exceptions
were discovered, they were brought to the attention of
management for immediate corrective action. Subsequent to
our audit, we have observed that the Department
implemented several corrective actions regarding these
maters. We therefore performed a test of subsequent events
to test the effectiveness of the newly implemented
procedures."
We believe the audit findings, recommendations and
subsequent actions taken by the Department not only
reflects well on the work of all our employees, but also
shows our commitment to the continuous improvement of all
our processes.
We appreciate the input and constructive recommendations
made, and look forward to working together in the future on
improving the delivery of City services for our citizens.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF FIRE
NO. 39
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment Effective April 12, 1999-98 in the Department
Of Fire to the position of Battalion Chief,
permanent/contingent promotion at the flat starting salary of
$61,082.
Walter Coakley
91 Ramona
Buffalo, 14220
Appointment Effective April 12, 1999-98 in the Department of
Fire, to the position of Battalion Chief, permanent promotion
at the starting salary of $61,082.
Edward Young
13016 BeIscher
Concord, 14141
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
NO. 40
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment Effective April 5, 1999 in the Department of
Fire, Division of Fire, to the position of Captain, contingent
permanent promotion at the flat starting salary of: $56,020
Peter Kertzie
32 VIA Pinto
Williamsville, 14221
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
NO. 41
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Page 23
99-0420.txt
Appointment Effective April 12, 1999 in the Department of
Fire, to the position of Fire Captain, Contingent Permanent,
at the flat starting salary of $56,020.
James Hayes
8 Pearl Street
Akron, New York 14001
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE
NO. 42
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment Effective April 12, 1999 in the Department of
Fire, Division of Fire, to the position of Captain, Permanent
Promotion, at the flat starting salary of $56,020.
Robert Hartmann
186 Enchanted
Lancaster, NY 14086
Timothy Esford
38 Treehaven
W. Seneca, NY 14224
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
NO. 43
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment Effective April 9 1999 in the Department of Fire
to the position of Fire Lieutenant, contingent permanent,
promotion at the flat starting salary of $53,314
Keith Burke
308 North Street
Amherst, New York 14226
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
NO. 44
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment Effective April 12, 1999 in the Department of
Fire to the position of Fire Lieutenant, contingent permanent,
Promotion at the flat Starting Salary of $53,314
Susan Brown
8010 Burdick Road
Newstead, NY 14001
Thomas Bunk
286 Wayside
Depew, NY 14043
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
NO. 45
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment Effective April 12, 1999 in the Department of
Fire, to the position of Fire Lieutenant, Permanent
Promotion, at the flat starting salary of $53,314.
Mark Wickenheiser
9730 Greiner Road
Clarence, NY 14031
Joseph Pietromica
123 Brentwood
Cheektowaga, NY 14227
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
FROM THE CORPORATION COUNSEL
NO. 46
PURCHASE AGREEMENT -DELAWARE AVENUE
ASBURY CHURCH
ITEM NO. 175, C.C.P., 11/17/98
Page 24
99-0420.txt
ITEM NO. 157, C.C.P., 3/9/99
Pursuant to Item No. 175, C.C.P., 11/17/98, the Corporation
Counsel has negotiated a purchase agreement for the
Delaware Avenue Asbury Church for submittal to the Council
for final approval. Attached hereto is such purchase
agreement.
We respectfully request that the Common Council approve
the purchase agreement, authorize the purchase of 341
Delaware Avenue and authorize the Comptroller to execute
the purchase agreement and take title to the property.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Department of Law
dated April 12, 1999, be received and filed; and
That the Common Council does hereby approve the
purchase agreement for the property located at 341
Delaware Avenue; and
That the Comptroller be, and he hereby is authorized to
execute the purchase agreement between the City and
Kingdom Evangelism Ministries, Inc. for the property located
at 341 Delaware Avenue in the amount of $175,000.00.
Passed
AYES-BROWN, COPPOLA, FONTANA, FRANCZYK,
GRAY, LOTEMPIO, MANLEY, PITTS, QUINTANA,
WILLIAMS AND ZUCHLEWSKI-11.
NOES-HELFER-1.
NO. 47
BENNETT BEACH/VILLAGE OF ANGOLA
ITEM NO. 92, CCP 4/6/99
You requested a response from the Law
Department regarding the request from the Village of Angola
for assistance in transferring title to a 15 x 270 foot parcel of
land located at the edge of Bennett Beach. As mentioned in
the Village's correspondence, the City did not transfer title to
that parcel to the County of Erie when the conveyance of
Bennett Beach was made. The Village would like title to the
parcel transferred to them.
When the City conveyed Bennett Beach to the
County in 1996, this parcel was excluded due to title
problems. The County was not willing to accept title. The
Village is willing to accept the parcel as it is. Pursuant to
General Municipal Law Section 72-h, municipal corporations
may convey real property to one another for no
consideration or subject to negotiable terms agreeable by
both parties.
Assuming the City of Buffalo has no objection to
the transfer of title (the parcel is too small for City use and it
is encroached by the Village of Angola Water Treatment
Plant), the City and the Village should negotiate the terms of
transfer.
If it is the intent of the Common Council to transfer
the parcel, the Law Department stands ready to engage in
negotiations in conjunction with the Division of Real Estate.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
NO. 48
DRIVEWAY PERMIT FEES
ITEM NO. 130, C.C.P., 3/9/99
You requested a response from the Law
Department regarding the existence of an ordinance
requiring a permit to pour or blacktop new concrete
driveways. We could not identify an ordinance which directly
required such a permit. The City's current policy to require
Page 25
99-0420.txt
permits is inferred from the interplay of various ordinances.
We would recommend that legislation be drafted clarifying
the City's requirements for driveways.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
NO. 49
REGULATING STEEL COIL TRANSPORT
ITEM NO. 195, C.C.P., 7/8/97
You requested a response from the Law
Department regarding the drafting of a city ordinance to
regulate the transport of steel coils.
The transport of steel coils or similar objects is
governed by the Vehicle and Traffic Law 377, which states
that:
"No vehicle which is designed or used for the purpose of
hauling logs or other materials which by their very nature
may shift or roll so as to be likely to fall from such vehicle,
shall be operated or moved over any highway unless its load
is securely fastened by such safety chains, cables or other
suitable devices as will effectively prevent the shifting or
falling of such load or any part thereof, from the vehicle."
It appears that this law covers the transportation of steel
coils because the coil may shift or roll and is likely to fall from
a vehicle. This section further states that a violation of this
provision shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable by a
fine or possibly imprisonment.
The City is prohibited from enacting any laws to
regulate the transportation of steel co The Appellate Division
stated in Ames v. Smoot, 98 AD.2d 216, 218 (2nd Dept,
1983), that "where a state law indicates a purpose to occupy
an entire field of regulation, local regulations are pre-empted
regardless of whether their terms conflict with the provisions
of the state statute or only duplicate them." It is apparent
from 1600 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law that the state's
purpose is to occupy this aspect of traffic regulation. The
section reads as follows:
"The provisions of this chapter shall be applicable and
uniform throughout this state and in all political subdivisions
and municipalities therein and no local authority shall enact
or enforce any local law, ordinance, order, rule or regulation
in conflict with the provisions of this chapter .... No local
authority shall enact or duplicate any provision of this
chapter as a local law, ordinance, order, rule or regulation.
The Common Council cannot pass an ordinance
regulating steel coil transportation as the subject matter is
clearly preempted by state law.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
NO. 50
NYS CIVIL SERVICE RULING
ITEM NO. 184, C.C.P., 4/6/99
You requested a response from the Law
Department regarding the New York State Department of
Civil Service ("State Civil Service") ruling that the Municipal
Civil Service Commission ("CSC") must treat employees of
the Buffalo Board of Education, the Buffalo Municipal
Housing Authority and the Buffalo Sewer Authority as
employees of separate legal entities and not like City
departmental employees. The employees of these separate
legal entities would only be eligible to take promotional
examinations with their current public employer. Each entity
would have to maintain its own preferred eligible list. This
ruling was made after an audit of the CSC by the State Civil
Page 26
99-0420.txt
Service.
A challenge to this determination would have to
have been brought in Albany County. As the ruling
represents an interpretation by the State Civil Service of the
State Civil Service Law, the City's challenge would not have
been on the strongest of legal ground. As stated by the State
Civil Service, each public employer involved is in fact a
separate legal entity. It would not have advanced the City's
interests to challenge or appeal such a determination. At this
point, an Article 78 proceeding to appeal the decision is now
time-barred as beyond the statute of limitations.
If the City wishes to explore methods to allow
interagency list eligibility, we would recommend looking at
the provisions of Section 52 of the Civil Service Law.
Through that section, the CSC believes there may be a way
to retain interagency promotion and has petitioned the State
Civil Service for its consideration.
Section 52 generally provides that "vacancies in
positions in the competitive class shall be filled, as far as
practicable, by promotion from among persons holding
competitive class positions in a lower grade in the
department in which the vacancy exists, provided that such
lower grade positions are in direct line of promotion, as
determined by the state civil service department or municipal
commission; except that where the state civil service
department or a municipal commission determines that it
is impracticable or against the public interest to limit
eligibility for promotion to persons holding lower grade
positions in direct line of promotion, such department or
commission may extend eligibility for promotion to
persons holding competitive class positions in lower grades
which the department or commission determines to be in
related or collateral lines of promotion, or in any
comparable positions in any other unit or units of
governmental service and may prescribe minimum training
and experience qualifications for eligibility for such
promotion." (Emphasis added)
The CSC may be able to achieve interagency
eligibility for promotions if sufficient showing can be made
that such a policy is in the public interest. As mentioned
above, the State Civil Service is currently reviewing a
proposal for a uniform interagency policy regarding
promotions, which may allow for a method that reflects a
modified version of the former interagency policy. Once they
have responded to the proposal, we shall keep the Council
informed as to the status of the interagency policy.
REFERRED TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, THE
BUFFALO MUNICIPAL HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE
BUFFALO SEWER AUTHORITY
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
NO. 51
WATERFRONT REDEVELOPMENT
PROJECT NYR 35
APPROVAL OF CONTRACT FOR
SALE OF LAND
DISPOSITION PARCELS 19 AND
19D- NIAGARA & CAROLINA
The City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency duly designated
Kaleida Health and/or joint venture, partnership, corporation
or other legal entity to be formed as the qualified and eligible
Page 27
99-0420.txt
Redeveloper for the subject properties.
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 herewith are the following documents:
1. Resolution setting Public Hearing 2. Notice of Public
Hearing 3. Resolution approving proposed Land Disposition
Agreement 4. Proposed Land Disposition Agreement
After the Public Hearing is held, Your Honorable Body may
adopt a Resolution authorizing the disposition of land to the
Redeveloper, which the Agency has designated as being
qualified and eligible.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT.
NO. 52
DELAWARE/ELLICOTT DISTRICT : TREE PLANTING :
INFORMAL BID
I have asked for and received the following bids for the
above project on April 14, 1999:
CompanyBid
Gleason's Nursery$9,955
Village Green10,578
BatesNo Bid
AdamsNo Bid
Birch GroveNo Bid
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct
statement of the bids received. We are accepting the low
base bid of $9,955. Therefore, Gleason's Nursery, 4780
Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, New York is the lowest
responsible bidder in accordance with the plans and
specifications.
I recommend that Your Honorable Body authorize the
Commissioner of Community Development to order the work
on the basis of the low bid. Funds for this work are available
in Bond Fund Account 203
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Community Development dated April 14, 1999, be received
and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Community Development be, and
he hereby is authorized to award a contract for
Delaware/Ellicott District Tree Planting, to Gleason's
Nursery, the lowest responsible bidder, in the amount of
$9,955.00. Funds for the project are available in Bond Fund
Account 203-717-021.
Passed.
AYES-12. NOES-0.
NO. 53
ELMWOOD DISTRICT & OTHER TREE PLANTING
INFORMAL BID
I have asked for and received the following bids for the
above project on April 14, 1999:
Page 28
99-0420.txt
Company
Gleason's Nursery$15,522
Village Green19,191
BatesNo Bid
AdamsNo Bid
Birch GroveNo Bid
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct
statement of the bids received. We are accepting the low
base bid of $15,522. Therefore, Gleason's Nursery, 4780
Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, New York is the lowest
responsible bidder in accordance with the plans and
specifications.
I recommend that Your Honorable Body authorize the
Commissioner of Community Development to order the work
on the basis of the low bid. Funds for this work are available
in Bond Fund Account 203-717-021.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Community Development dated April 14, 1999, be received
and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Community Development be, and
he hereby is authorized to award a contract for Elmwood
District and Other Tree Planting, to Gleason's Nursery, the
lowest responsible bidder, in the amount of $15,522.00.
Funds for the project are available in Bond Fund Account
203-717-021.
Passed.
AYES-12. NOES-0.
NO. 54
MASTEN/FILLMORE DISTRICT TREE PLANTING
INFORMAL BID
I have asked for and received the following bids for the
above project on April 14, 1999:
CompanyBid
Village Green Landscaping$8,567
Gleason's Nursery$9,590
BatesNo Bid
AdamsNo Bid
Birch GroveNo Bid
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct
statement of the bids received. We are accepting the low
base bid of $8,567. Therefore, Village Green Landscaping,
3134 Old Lakeview Road, Hamburg, New York is the lowest
responsible bidder in accordance with the plans and
specifications.
I recommend that Your Honorable Body authorize the
Commissioner of Community Development to order the work
on the basis of the low bid. Funds for this work are available
in Bond Fund Account 203
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Community Development dated April 14, 1999, be received
and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Community Development be, and
he hereby is authorized to award a contract for
Masten/Fillmore District Tree Planting, to Village Green
Landscaping, the lowest responsible bidder, in the amount of
$8,567.00. Funds for the project are available in Bond Fund
Account 203-717-021.
Passed.
AYES-12. NOES-0.
Page 29
99-0420.txt
NO. 55
NIAGARA/NORTH DISTRICT : TREE PLANTING :
INFORMAL BID
I have asked for and received the following bids for the
above project on April 14, 1999:
CompanyBid
Gleason's Nursery$11,245
Village Green12,897
BatesNo Bid
AdamsNo Bid
Birch GroveNo Bid
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct
statement of the bids received. We are accepting the low
base bid of $11,24S. Therefore, Gleason's Nursery, 4780
Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, New York is the lowest
responsible bidder in accordance with the plans and
specifications.
I recommend that Your Honorable Body authorize the
Commissioner of Community Development to order the work
on the basis of the low bid. Funds for this work are available
in Bond Fund Account 203
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Community Development dated April 14, 1999, be received
and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Community Development be, and
he hereby is authorized to award a contract for
Niagara/North District Tree Planting, to Gleason's Nursery,
the lowest responsible bidder, in the amount of $11,245.00,
Funds for the project are available in Bond Fund Account
203-717-021.
Passed.
AYES-12. NOES-0.
NO. 56
RIVERSIDE PARK FENCE : INFORMAL BID
I have asked for and received the following bids for Riverside
Park Fence on April 14, 1999:
CompanyBid
Armor Fence$16,111
City Fence$16,226
Oneida FenceNo Bid
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct
statement of the bids received. We are accepting the low
base bid of $16,111. Therefore, Armor Fence, 4789
Bussendorfer Road, Orchard Park, New York is the lowest
responsible bidder in accordance with the plans and
specifications.
I recommend that Your Honorable Body authorize the
Commissioner of Community Development to order the work
on the basis of the low bid. Funds for this work are available
in Bond Fund Account 203-717-016.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Community Development dated April 14, 1999, be received
and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Community Development be, and
he hereby is authorized to award a contract for Riverside
Park Fence, to Armor Fence, the lowest responsible bidder,
in the amount of $16,111.00. Funds for the project are
available in Bond Fund Account 203-717-016.
Passed.
AYES-12. NOES-0.
Page 30
99-0420.txt
NO. 57
RIVERSIDE PARK TREE PLANTING INFORMAL BID
I have asked for and received the following bids for Riverside
Park Tree Planting on April 14, 1999:
CompanyBid
Gleason's Nursery$ 6,300.00
Village Green Landscaping$ 7,408.55
Johnstone Landscaping$12,640.00
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct
statement of the bids received. We are accepting the low
base bid of $6,300. Therefore, Gleason's Nursery, 4780
Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, New York is the lowest
responsible bidder in accordance with the plans and
specifications.
I recommend that Your Honorable Body authorize the
Commissioner of Community Development to order the work
on the basis of the low bid. Funds for this work are available
in Bond Fund Account 203-171-016.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Community Development dated April 14, 1999, be received
and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Community Development be, and
be hereby is authorized to award a contract for Riverside
Park Tree Planting, to Gleason's Nursery, the lowest
responsible bidder, in the amount of $6,300.00. Funds for
the project are available in Bond Fund Account 203-717-016.
Passed.
AYES-12. NOES-0.
NO. 58
SOUTH/UNIVERSITY DISTRICT
TREE PLANTING
INFORMAL BIDS
I have asked for and received the following bids for the
above project on April 14, 1999:
CompanyBid
Gleason's Nursery$9,695
Village Green 11,400
BatesNo Bid
AdamsNo Bid
Birch GroveNo Bid
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct
statement of the bids received. We are accepting the low
base bid of $9,695. Therefore, Gleason's Nursery, 4780
Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, New York is the lowest
responsible bidder in accordance with the plans and
specifications.
I recommend that Your Honorable Body authorize the
Commissioner of Community Development to order the work
on the basis of the low bid. Funds for this work are available
in Bond Fund Account 203-717-021.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Community Development dated April 14, 1999, be received
and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Community Development be, and
he hereby is authorized to award a contract for
South/University District Tree Planting, to Gleason's Nursery,
the lowest responsible bidder, in the amount of $9,695.00.
Funds for the project are available in Bond Fund Account
203-717-021.
Page 31
99-0420.txt
Passed.
AYES-12. NOES-0.
NO. 59
CHANGE IN CONTRACT 91994800 : ALLENDALE
THEATRE INTERIOR : RENOVATION - GENERAL
During the construction of the above project, certain items
that were unforeseen at the time the bids were let required
attention. Therefore, we recommend that the following
changes be made to Contract 91994800 with Gianadda
Construction Corporation:
Delete 9 precast pieces & labor Credit $1,608.00
Add wood transom panelsAdd 3,233.80
Additional pilasters plaster patching
Add 2,653.05
Delete spandrel glass Add plywood
Credit 24.00
Add transom lexan in lieu of glass
Add 1,150.00
Total Add$5,404.85
Contract Summary:
Original Contract Amount$279,888.00
Change Order No.1 (This
Increase) 5,404.85
New Contract Amount$285,292.85
These costs have been reviewed and approved by Foit
Albert Associates, Project Architectural Consultants. Funds
for this extra work are available in C.P.A. 203-717-503.
I recommend that Your Honorable Body authorize the
Commissioner of Community Development to issue a
change order to Gianadda Construction, as set forth above.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above Communication from the Commissioner Of
Community Development dated April 14, 1999, be received
and filed; and
That the Commissioner Of Community Development be, and
he hereby is authorized to issue change order No. 1, to
Gianadda Construction Corporation, an increase in the
amount of $5,404.85, as more My described in the above
communication, for work relating to Allendale Theatre
Interior Renovation, General, Contract 91994800. Funds for
this project are available in C.P.A. 203-717-503.
Passed.
AYES-12. NOES-0.
NO. 60
DEMOLITION ACTIVITY
This is the April 1999 monthly status report reflecting our
activity regarding the number of Demolitions and/or
Asbestos Removals completed, the number of ongoing
Demolitions and/or Asbestos Removals and a proposed
number of Demolitions and/or Asbestos Removals for the
upcoming month. If you have any questions regarding any
part of these reports please contact our office.
Total Number of Demolitions
In Progress as of 1/1/99 157
Total Number of Demolitions
Completed from 3/1/99 - 3/31/99:39
Projected Activity for April 1999
Pre-Demolition Asbestos Removal Bids:00
( Demolition to follow)
Demolition Bids42
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET.
Page 32
99-0420.txt
NO. 61
DOWNTOWN SPECIAL DISTRICT REVISED VENDING
SITES FOR 1999-2000
Please be informed that I am submitting the attached list of
approved revised sites for the Downtown District Vendors for
1999-2000 from Buffalo Place. The following changes were
made to the original map:
Annual Sites
Site 2 McDonald's Theatre Square changed from non food to
food
Site 11 E Side Main @Mohawk changed from non food to
restricted food
Site 12 NW Corner Main and Court changed from restricted
food to food
Site 16 E Side Main @Eagleremoved from the list
Site 20 SW Corner Main and Court removed from the list
Site 31 Auditorium removed from the list
Site 50 SW Corner Franklin and removed from the list
Chippewa
Daily Sites
Site Dl Auditoriumremoved from list
Site D3 Auditoriumremoved from list
Site D5 Auditoriumremoved from list
Site D6 Auditoriumremoved from list
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
NO. 62
ELMWOOD "WALKWAY PROJECT"
PERMISSION FOR MAYOR TO EXECUTE AND ENTER
INTO EASEMENT AGREEMENTS.
The Department of Community Development in conjunction
with the City's Law Department has negotiated easements
from Mrs. Frances Jean Giordano of Elmwood Ave. (Excel
Market) and Mr. Charles Cortese of 504 Elmwood Ave.(Ave
Pizza). These two easement agreements have been
reviewed by the respective property owners Counsel and are
satisfactory and ready for execution by the Mayor. The
easements being sought will be granted to the City without
monetary exchange.
The agreements stipulate the City will maintain the
easement area in g condition and repair, including removal
of ice, snow, trash and debris. The ice, snow, and debris
removal will be performed by R.A.P.P. (Residential Area
Parking Program).
I hereby certify that the foregoing is true and correct
description of the easement's purpose and conditions.
I hereby request of Your Honorable Body to grant permission
for the Ma to execute the easement agreements on behalf of
the City of Buffalo enabling the Elmwood "Walkway" project
to proceed forward.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Community Development dated April 20, 1999, be received
and filed; and
That the Mayor be, and he hereby is authorized to execute
the easement agreements between the City and Mrs.
Frances Jean Giordano of 502 Elmwood Avenue (Excel
Market) and Mr. Charles Cortese of 504 Avenue (Avenue
Pizza) enabling the Elmwood "Walkway" project to proceed
forward.
That the easement agreement be filed with the Council for
final approval.
Page 33
99-0420.txt
PASSED
AYES-12. NOES-0.
NO. 63
NYSDEC
REGISTRY OF HAZARDOUS WASTE SITES
TIFFT ST.-LEHIGH C: VALLEY RAILROAD E :
ITEM NO. 54, C.C.P. 3/23/99
The Common Council has asked for comments regarding
the above captioned item. The Department of Community
Development advises that this action is a formal
classification which has occurred during movement to
manage the contamination on the site. Under the supervision
of the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation, this three acre site will be remediated. In a
cooperative relationship between the Lehigh Valley Railroad
and Allied Chemical, contamination is to be moved to a site
which is being properly closed. This is being done at the
expense of Allied Chemical, which has accepted
management responsibility for the contamination in question.
The Department of Community Development notes that this
remediation will only account for about three acres of a
larger one hundred acre site, which is known by versions of
the same name. While this larger site has been removed
from the New York State Registry of Inactive Waste Sites,
the Council should be assured that this Department will
remain sensitive to any contamination
management/brownfields issues which may attach to the
overall site.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
NO. 64
PERMISSION TO HIRE CONSULTANTS : VARIOUS
PROJECTS AND BID
I hereby request permission of Your Honorable Body to
authorize the Commissioner of Community Development to
engage the services of architectural/engineering consultants,
and receive bids, for the following projects:
Reconstruction of CRUCIAL Building
C.P.A. 203-717-009$ 30,000
Broadway Market Renovations
C.P.A. 203-717-011$495,000
Alleyway Theatre Roof Replacement
C.P.A. 203-717-013$110,000
WHRD Parking Facility
C.P.A. 203-717-017$175,000
Please understand that we have not begun to negotiate
design contracts as of this time, nor do we have consultants
in mind. This process will not begin until the approval of Your
Honorable Body is received.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
NO. 65
REPORT OF INFORMAL BIDS
CRUCIAL WINDOWS
The Department of Community Development asked for and
received the following informal bids for the reconstruction of
windows at the CRUCIAL Center, 1609 Genesee Street,
which were opened and read on February 12, 1999:
Marcon Erectors$16,661
1 Howell Street
Buffalo, New York 14207
Phoenix Windows & Arch. Prod., Inc.No Bid
Page 34
99-0420.txt
500 Northland Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14211
McLean Thomas, Inc.No Bid
266 Broadway
Buffalo, New York 14204
InfinityNo Bid
P.O. Box 1501
Buffalo, New York 14222
The Architect's estimate for this work was $15,000. We have
been advised that Phoenix Windows will supply the 21
windows to be installed under this contract.
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct
abstract of all bids received, and that Marcon Erectors, 1
Howell Street, Buffalo, New York, 14207, is the lowest and
only responsible bidder, in the amount of $16,661.
Funds for this work are available in CPA 203-717-009.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Community Development dated April 14, 1999, be received
and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Community Development be, and
he hereby is authorized to award a contract for Windows at
the CRUCIAL Center, to Marcon Erectors, the lowest
responsible bidder, in the amount of $16,661.00. Funds for
the project are available in CPA 203-717-009.
Passed.
AYES-12. NOES-0.
NO. 66
REPORT OF BIDS
HILLERY PARK SHELTER HOUSE
RENOVATION
As authorized by Your Honorable Body, Item No. 43 C.C.P.,
March 9, 1999, this department received the following sealed
proposal for the Hillery Park Shelter House Renovation,
which were publicly opened and read on April 1, 1999.
Contractor Base Bid Alt.1 Alt.2 Alt.3
Alt.4
Miller Enterprises,Inc.$31,400 $2,950 $13,700 $ 3,800
$1,400
584 Taunton Place
Buffalo, New York 14207
Mike Mazur 31,940 1,700 8,750 4,200
1,550
1002S Keller Road
Clarence, New York 14032
C.H. Byron Co. Inc. 36,000 3,200 6,000 9,500
1,500
127 Skillen Street
Buffalo, New York 14207
Gianadda Const., Inc.36,6904,43015,49011,900
1,960
786 Terrace Blvd. Suite 1
Depew, New York 14043
Nichter Associates,37,0005,00015,00015,000
3,000
344 Vulcan Street
Buffalo, New York 14202
Cloverbank Const.,40,1005,1306,00010,600
1,700
3937 Lakeshore Road
Blasdell, New York 14219
C. Nichter, Inc.41,7005,00010,50010,000
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2,000
30 Wildwood Drive
Lancaster, New York 14086
I hereby certify that the foregoing is true and correct
statement abstract of all bids received for this work, and that
Miller Enterprises, Inc., is the lowest bidder in accordance
with the plans and specifications.
I respectfully recommend that Your Honorable Body
authorize the Commissioner of Community Development to
order the work by Miller Enterprises, Inc., 584 Taunton
Place, Buffalo, New York, 14207, in the amount of the base
bid, $31,400 plus alternate #4, $1,400 for a total contract
amount of $32,800.
Funds for this work are available in C.P.A. 203-717-003.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Community Development dated April 8, 1999, be received
and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Community Development be, and
he hereby is authorized to award a contract for the Hillery
Park Shelter House Renovation, to Miller Enterprises, Inc.,
the lowest responsible bidder, in the amount of the base bid,
$31,400.00 plus alternate 94, $1,400.00 for a total contract
amount of $32,800.00. Funds for the project are available in
C.P.A. 203-717-003.
Passed.
AYES-12. NOES-0.
NO. 67
RESULTS OF NEGOTIATIONS
PORTION OF 935 CLINTON
69' W FILLMORE
VACANT LOT: 25' X 115'
ASSESSED VALUATION: $1,440.
The Department of Community Development, Division of In
Rem Properties, has received a request from Mr. Sushil K.
Nath, 274 Hastings, Buffalo, New York, 14215, to purchase
the west portion of 935 Clinton Street (10, x 1151). Mr. Nath
owns a single family home at 933 Clinton Street and intends
to use the parcel for extra yard space.
The Department of Community Development and the
Division of Collections have no objection to the sale. There
are no building code violations, taxes or other liens owed to
the City of Buffalo by the purchaser.
An independent appraisal of the property was conducted
Richard W. Bronstein, 3666 Main Street, Buffalo, New York
14226. He has estimated the value of the 101 x 115' parcel
to be Five Hundred Fifty Dollars ($550). The Division of In
Rem Properties concurs with the appraisers estimate of
value.
The results of our negotiations are that Mr. Sushil Nath has
agreed and is prepared to pay Five Hundred Fifty Dollars
($550) for the portion of 935 Clinton Street (10' x 115'). He
has also agreed to pay for the cost of the appraisal, transfer
tax, recording fee's and cost of the legal description.
I am recommending that Your Honorable Body approve the
sale of portion of 935 Clinton (10" x 115') to Mr. Sushil for
Five Hundred Fifty Dollars ($550). 1 am further
recommending that the Corporation Counsel prepare the
necessary documents for the transfer of title and that the
Mayor be authorized to execute the same.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
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NO. 68
RESULTS OF NEGOTIATIONS
PORTION OF 935 CLINTON,
69' W FILLMORE
VACANT LOT: 15' X 115
937 CLINTON, 441 W FILLMORE
VACANT LOT: 25' X 1151
ASSESSED VALUATION: $1,440.
The Department of Community Development, Division of In
Rem Properties, has received a request from Mr. Ahmad
Yamin, 949 Clinton Street, Buffalo, New York, 14210, to
purchase the east portion of 935 Clinton Street (15' x 115')
and 937 Clinton Street. Mr. Yamin owns a commercial
building and intends to use the parcels for additional parking
for customers and yard space.
The Department of Community Development and the
Division of collections have no objection to the sale. There
are no building code violations, taxes or other liens owed to
the City of Buffalo by the purchaser.
An independent appraisal of the property was conducted
Richard W. Bronstein, 3666 Main Street, Buffalo, New York
14226. He has estimated the value of the portion of 93S
Clinton (1S' x 1151) along with 937 Clinton Street to be Two
Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($2,200). The Division of In
Rem Properties concurs with the appraisers estimate of
value.
The results of our negotiations are that Mr. Ahmad Yamin
has agreed and is prepared to pay Two Thousand Two
Hundred Dollars ($2,200) for the east portion of 935 Clinton
Street (151 x 115') and 937 Clinton Street. He has also
agreed to pay for the cost of the appraisal, transfer tax,
recording fee's and cost of the legal description.
I am recommending that Your Honorable Body approve the
sale of portion of 935 Clinton (15' x 115') and 937 Clinton
Street to Mr. Ahmad Yamin for Two Thousand Two Hundred
Dollars ($2,200). 1 am further recommending that the
Corporation Counsel prepare the necessary documents for
the transfer of title and that the Mayor be authorized to
execute the same.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITEE ON FINANCE
NO. 69
TRANSFER OF TITLE, URBAN HOMESTEAD PROGRAM
10 BELL STREET, BURA OWNED VACANT LOT,
DIMENSIONS 30 X 120 ASSESSED VALUATION
$1,800.00
The Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency has surveyed the BURA
owed vacant lot at 10 Bell Street, the parcel is 30 x 120 in
dimension; and it has been determined that this parcel is
inappropriate for either the construction of new housing or
needed for public purposes.
Ms. Karen Wutz, residing at 16 Bell, indicated that she will
clean, improve and maintain the lot in the event that she
obtains title to the property under the Urban Homestead
Program.
The Division of Inspections and Division of Collections have
been contacted. There are no property code violations, taxes
or other liens owed to the City of Buffalo by the
homesteader.
This transfer was approved by the Buffalo Urban Renewal
Agency at their meeting of April 8, 1999.
We, therefore, recommend that the BURA owned vacant lot
to be designated as a Homestead Property and be
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99-0420.txt
transferred to Ms. Wutz on the condition that the property is
cleared and improved within (6) months and maintained in a
sanitary manner.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT.
NO. 70
TRINIDAD PARK
SITE INVESTIGATION/REMEDIAL
ALTERNATIVE REPORT
The Department of Community Development hereby
requests permission to take bids for the above project, and
has asked for and received the following bids for the Trinidad
Park site investigation and remedial alternative report on
March 23, 1999:
CompanyBid
Panamerican Environmental$102,398
Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.declined to submit bid
Benchmark Engineeringdeclined to submit bid
Parsons Engineering Science$140,785
The Sear Brown Group $112,563
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct
statement of the bids received. We are accepting the low
base bid of $102,398. Therefore, Panamerican
Environmental, Inc., 36 Brunswick Road, Depew, New York
14043 is the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with
the plans and specifications.
I recommend that your Honorable Body authorize the City to
order the work on the basis of the low bid. The City in
conjunction with the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation will investigate this site
as part of the Buffalo Brownfields Program.
Funds for this consulting agreement will be available from
Bond Fund Account 202
005 and will ultimately be reimbursed in an amount of 75%
under a grant which has been awarded by the New York
State Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Community Development dated April 14, 1999, be received
and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Community Development be, and
he hereby is authorized to award a contract for Trinidad Park
Site Investigation/Remedial Alternative Report, to
Panamerican Environmental, Inc., the lowest responsible
bidder, in the amount of $102,398.00. Funds for the project
are available in Bond Fund Account 202
005 and will ultimately be reimbursed in an amount of 75%
under a grant which has been awarded by the New York
State Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act.
Passed.
AYES-12. NOES-0.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF STREET SANITATION
NO. 71
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment Effective March 31, 1999 in the Department of
Street Sanitation, to the position of Laborer II, Hourly,
Permanent, Appointment, at the Maximum Starting Salary of
$24,826.
Fred S. Sacilowski
49 Goodyear
Page 38
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Buffalo, NY 14212
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF ADMINISTRATION AND
FINANCE
NO. 72
AFSCME LOCAL #650 FACTFINDER'S REPORT
Enclosed for filing and placement on the Common Council's
Agenda for Tuesday, April 20, 1999 are the AFSCME Local
650 Fact Finder's Report, the Mayor's recommendations on
the Fact Finding Report and the City's brief to the Fact
Finder.
Copies have been delivered to the individual
Councilmembers.
REFERRED TO THE TAYLOR LAW IMPASSE
COMMITTEE.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF HUMAN SERVICES,
PARKS AND RECREATION
NO. 73
PLANS TO MOVE TREES FROM INNER HARBOR TO
LASALLE, J.F.K. AND JOHNSON PARK
The bids have been submitted to the Forestry Office for
transplanting Inner Harbor trees. The results are:
1. Instant Tree: $397.00__per tree.
Elma, New York
2. Trees Fir Shade: $422.00 ver tree.
Orchard Park, New York
Because of the size of this project and time frame for tree
moving, I request that the bid be awarded to Instant Tree as
soon as possible.
The Contractors have agreed to work together on this
project, with Trees Fir Shade acting as a subcontractor at
the same rate as the contract winner. Funds for this work are
available in Bond Fund Account 200-601-030.
Thank you for your attention to this effort to save the tree
population and improve our Parks.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
NO. 74
ASSESSOR TRAINESS LIST
This office is in receipt of communication which you
forwarded relative to Patrick McLaughlin.
Enclosed please find a copy of the eligible list for the position
of Assessor Trainee. Please be advised that appointments
were made in accordance with the rule of choosing 1 in 3.
Also, please note that canvassing is done by the department
wishing to fill said position.
Relative to Mr. McLaughlin's concerns with the Police Officer
exam, this office will not have results for some time. We are
still awaiting receipt of scores for the written portion and
need to administer the oral portion of the examination before
an eligible list can be adopted.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
FROM THE BUFFALO ECONOMIC RENAISSANCE
CORPORATION
NO. 75
APPEAL NEW YORK STATE CIVIL SERVICE'S RULING
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INC. BOARD OF EDUCATION, BUFFALO SEWER
AUTHORITY,
BUFFALO MUNICIPAL HOUSING AUTHORITY
CCP 4/6/99, RES. 184
The New York State Department of Civil Service findings
concluded that the Buffalo Municipal Civil Service
Commission must come into compliance with Civil Service
law and/or rules concerning the operations, rules and
procedures of the Board of Education, Buffalo Municipal
Housing Authority and Buffalo Sewer Authority. The State
Commission addresses Rule 1, section 2 of the
Commission's Rules concerning this matter.
Please be advised as follows:
1. The Board of Education is defined as a "body corporate"
by Section 2252 of the NYS Education Law.
2. The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority is established as
a "body corporate and politic" by Section 404 of the Public
Housing Law.
3. The Buffalo Sewer Authority is established as a "public
benefit corporation" by Section 1177 of Public Authorities
Law.
Based on the above information, the Board of Education,
Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority and Buffalo Sewer
Authority are separate entities, existing separately from the
City.
Since the Commission has always considered these
separate entities to be departments of the city, the
Commission directed the Corporation Counsel to forward an
opinion concerning the legal justification on how this can
remain status quo. The Corporation Counsel advised the
Commission that the State findings are correct in that the
Board of Education, Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority,
and Buffalo Sewer Authority are separate legal entities as
directed by law. Therefore, the Commission has scheduled a
public hearing for May 5, 1999 at 10:00 am in the Offices of
the Civil Service Commission concerning the changes in
operations for these entities.
This change in operation will impact many areas of civil
service administration. In correspondence dated March 4,
1999, to department heads and union representatives, the
Commission outlined these changes in the areas of
promotions, layoffs, and transfers. (A copy of this
communication is attached for your records).
You may also wish to contact the Department of Law with
regard to this matter.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
NO. 76
700,000.00 SECTION 108 LOAN FOR MAIN-LA SALLE
PLACE PROJECT (STORM/SEWER DRAINAGE SYSTEM
COST
OVERRUNS AND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS).
ITEM NO. 70 C.C.P. JULY 9,1996.
Permission is requested of your Honorable Body to utilize a
$700,000.00 Community Development Block Grant Section
108 Guaranteed Loan for the following activity to be
undertaken by the Buffalo Economic Renaissance
Corporation (BERC), as program administrator.
A $700,000.00 loan, for a 9 year term, for the Main LaSalle
Place Project;
The purpose of the financing is to fund cost overruns for the
project which includes providing access to a major vacant,
under utilized site for neighborhood commercial, retail and
Page 40
99-0420.txt
light industrial development, to reengineer the City's
infrastructure from an obsolete rail oriented system,
unfriendly to residential neighborhoods, to a modern,
highway oriented system meeting the needs of modem
industry and compatible with adjacent residential
neighborhoods, and to provide public infrastructure for a
linear industrial park.
The project will potentially create 198 retail, commercial and
industrial job opportunities, and potentially generate an
additional $2 million annually in property taxes.
The Project will be required to comply with Davis
Bacon (i.e. prevailing wages) and Section 3 Legislation (e.g.
local hiring requirements).
The term shall be for a 9 year period, requiring level
amortization payments of principal and interest.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT.
NO. 77
HEALTH CARE PLAN UPDATE
CCP #181
Please see the attached letter as a response to your Council
request.
I am writing in response to your letter to the Common
Council dated April 12,1999 and to the events of your move
outside of the City.
At a BERC board meeting of March 31st, I responded to the
news of HCP's move to Amherst. I made three points to my
Board of Directors.
1. I expressed disappointment that we did not have an
opportunity to discuss your options in the city with you.
However, I did not criticize HCP for "not seeking incentives
from the city," as your letter indicated, nor did anyone else. I
simply expressed my position that if given the opportunity we
might have been able to keep an important employer in
downtown.
2. I had spoken with Jim Allen from the Amherst IDA (AIDA)
and he assured me that AIDA would not take any action until
BERC had an opportunity to ascertain the facts of the
situation. We spoke about existing tax abatement and bond
financing provisions on the Park Club Lane site and a
possible developer request for future renovation tax
abatements. The issue of reversion of title was also
discussed.
3. I questioned the developer's dual roles of Chairman of
The Buffalo Development Council, which is designed to
specifically help and promote the City, and of private
developer.
I recognize that you must make business decisions that best
serve your interests. Our responsibility and business at
BERC is to try to influence those business decisions
favorably to the city.
I hope this explains my position more clearly.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT.
FROM THE CITY CLERK
NO. 78
LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATIONS
Attached hereto are communications from persons
applying for liquor licenses from the Erie County Alcohol
Beverage Control Board.
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99-0420.txt
AddressBusiness NameOwner
229 Allen StMulliqan's Brick BarJFDI Inc
844 WaldenHuber s TavernJannette E, Huber
1463 E. DelevanMarlene WatkinsMarlene Watkins
1008 E. Ferry Alaring GordenAlaring Gorden
1011 Walden Ave. Papa Joe's Sports Bar Carol
Osuch--Dipirro
495 HopkinsS @ J Tavern Susan Reuther
2022 GeneseeJohn McadoryJohn Mcadory
1175 E. FerryAnnette MorrisAnnette Morris
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 79
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:
Community Development- Francisco Guzman
Human Services, Parks/Recreation- Elizabeth Wilk
RECEIVED AND FILED.
NO. 80
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:
City Planning Board
RECEIVED AND FILED.
NO. 81
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 GENERAL SERVICES
Appointment Effective: April 8, 1999 in the Department of
General Services, Division of Inventory & Stores to the
Position of Seasonal Laborer II at the flat starting salary of
$6.92/hr
Kobie Barber, 150 Forest Avenue,Buffalo, NY 14213
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Appointment Effective April 13, 1999 in the Department of
Human Services, Parks & Recreation, Division of Youth to
the Position of Attendant, Temporary at the flat starting
salary of $5.15/hr
LaTisha Turner, 21 Gesl, Buffalo, NY 14214
Appointment Effective: April 12, 1999 in the Department of
Human Services, Parks & Recreation, Division of Youth to
the Position of Attendant, Temporary at the flat starting
salary of $5.15/hr
Beverly Lucas, 317 Shirley, Buffalo 14215
Renee Robinson, 196 Sycamore, Buffalo 14204
Genkia Brown, 210 Chester, Buffalo 14208
Elisha Eich, 347 Grant, Buffalo 14213
Appointment Effective: April 7, 1999 in the Department of
Human Services, Parks & Recreation, Division of Recreation
to the Position of Laborer II, Seasonal, Non Competitive at
the Flat starting salary of $6.92/hr
Norma Anderson, 1050 Ellicott, Buffalo, NY 14209
Ed Cudney, 103 Harrison, Buffalo 14210
Paul Crowley, 40 Portland, Buffalo 14220
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Terry Williams, 211 E Eagle, Buffalo14204
Dominic LoVallo, 288 Dearborn, Buffalo, 14207
Kenneth Pitts, 54 Decker, Buffalo 14215
Joseph Thompson, 140 Deerfield, Buffalo 14215
Stephen Radominski, 133 Weimar, Buffalo 14206
Judith Zaccagnino, 178 Penton, Buffalo 14206
Appointment Effective: April 7, 1999 in the Department of
Human Services, Parks & Recreation, Division of Parks to
the Position of Laborer II, Seasonal, Non Competitive at the
Flat starting salary of $6.92/hr
Jeffrey Bartels, 117 N Ryan, Buffalo 14220
Keith Plant, 411 Dearborn, Buffalo 14207
Salvatore Cicatello, 90 Eckhert, Buffalo 14207
Philip Nott, 54 Clifford, Buffalo, NY 14210
Sarah Torres, 354 Amherst, Buffalo 14207
Mary Thimas, 55 « Arkansas, Buffalo, 14213
Appointment Effective April 12, 1999 in the Department of
Human Services, Parks and Recreation, Division for Youth
to the Position of Supervisor, Temporary Appointment at the
flat Starting Salary of $5.60/hr
Robert Sanders, 199 Deerfield, Buffalo, NY 14215
Bernard Pryor, 50 Pryor, 50 Jaktram, Buffalo, 14209
Melissa Robinson, 643 East Ferry, Buffalo, 14211
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Appointment Effective January 1, 1999 n the Department
of
Public Works, Division of Water, to the Position of
Consultant II
Non-Competitive, the: Flat starting Salary of $20.00/hr.
Kathleen Frawley, 125 Pomona Place, Buffalo, New York
14210
Appointment Effective April 13, 1999, in the Department of
Public Works, Division of Engineering to the Laborer I,
seasonal Non-Competitive at the Flat Starting Salary of
$6.22 hr.
Kurt S. Stefaniak, 35 West Woodside Ave., Buffalo, NY
14220
DEPARTMENT OF STREET SANITATION
Appointment Effective March 8, 1999 in the Department of
Street Sanitation to the position of Seasonal Laborer II,
Seasonal Non-Competitive, at the Flat Starting Salary of
$6.92/hour
Terry Freeman, 410 Clinton Street, Buffalo, NY 14204
Jack W. Gerard, 200 Roebling Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14215
Mark W. McKinnon, 325 Auburn Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14213
Matthew B. O'Grady, 212 Summit, Buffalo, NY 14214
John C. Taylor, 214 Linden Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14216
Edward Tooles, 26 Rose Street, Buffalo, NY 14204
Appointment Effective March 29, 1999 in the Department
of Street Sanitation to the position of Seasonal Laborer II,
Seasonal Non-Competitive, at the Flat Starting Salary of
$6.92/hour
Frank Zorechak, 136 Lafayette Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14213
Nicholas Derfert, 103 Pontiac Street, Buffalo, NY 14206
Thomas C. Kelley, 382 Okell Street, Buffalo, NY 14220
Joseph W. Kustra, 372 Marilla Street, Buffalo, NY 14220
Madalene J. Merkl, 18 Garvey Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14220
Barrett A. Ward, 106 Wellington Road, Buffalo, NY
14216-2850
Leonard Wackowski, 1310 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo, NY
14206
Ernest Watson, 32 Davis Street, Buffalo, NY 14204
Appointment Effective April 5, 1999 in the Department of
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99-0420.txt
Street Sanitation to the position of Seasonal Laborer II,
Seasonal Non-Competitive, at the Flat Starting Salary of
$6.92/hour
Aaron Bell, 55 Purdy Street, Buffalo, NY 14208
Mashi J. Booth, 373 E. Utica Street, Buffalo, NY 14208
Jack Eskridge, 306 Hudson, Buffalo, NY 14204
Howdy J. Giomundo, 482 Kenmore Avenue, Buffalo, NY
14216
Charles A. Guagliano, 181 Congress Street, Buffalo, NY
14213
Shirley D. Jackson, 298 Riley Street, Buffalo, NY 14208
Christopher F. Sterlace, 68 Trowbridge, Buffalo, NY 14220
James M. Morris, 424 Hoyt Street, Buffalo, NY 14213
Bart Stachoski, 116 Carmel Road, Buffalo, NY 14214
David J. Loos, 1444 Hertel Avenue, Apt A2, Buffalo, NY
14216
Paul H. Stokely, 562 Parkside Ave., Buffalo, NY 14216
Appointment Effective April 7, 1999 in the Department of
Street Sanitation to the position of Seasonal Laborer II,
Seasonal Non-Competitive, at the Flat Starting Salary of
$6.92/hour
Gregory R. Campeau, 407 Huntington Avenue, Buffalo, NY
14214
Appointment Effective April 19, 1999 in the Department of
Street Sanitation to the position of Seasonal Laborer II,
Seasonal Non-Competitive, at the Flat Starting Salary of
$6.92/hour
Michael A. Jones, 82 Lakewood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14220
Walter Cromer, 723 Woodlawn, Buffalo, NY 14211
Ronald Link, 75 Marion Street, Buffalo, NY 14207
Elizah Melton, 297 Mills Street, Buffalo, NY 14211
DeJuaine G. Motley, 788 Fillmore St., Buffalo, NY 14212
Norman Ross, 17 Durham Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14215
Michael F. Sacilowski, 161 Weiss Street, Buffalo, NY 14206
Charles A. Sessa, 176 Normal Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14213
Appointment Effective 4/5/99 in the Department of
61-Stadium and Auditorium, Division of 1-North AmeriCare
Park to the Position of Laborer I, Seasonal,
Non-Competitive, at the Flat Starting Salary of $ 6.22
Robert McDow, 1 Maryner Tower, Apt.#702, Buffalo, 14201
Darryl Williams, 181 Chicago Street, Buffalo, 14204
Jane Kenney, 165 Leslie Street, Buffalo, 14211
McKinley Faulkner, 257 Person Street, Buffalo, 14212
Appointment Effective 4/5/99 in the Department of
61-Stadium and Auditorium, Division of 1-North AmeriCare
Park to the Position of Laborer I, Seasonal,
Non-Competitive, at the Flat Starting Salary of $ 6.22
M.T. McNeal, 492 South Division, Buffalo, 14202
Frank Cortelli, 8 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, 14207
Michael Barnes, 269 Lisbon Avenue, Apt.# 2, Buffalo, 14215
Vincent Cicatello, 33 Beatrice Avenue, Buffalo, 14207
Eduardo Perez, 169 Virgil Avenue, Buffalo, 14216
Frank Lopez, Jr., 311 Starin Avenue, Buffalo, 14216
NO. 82
APPOINTMENTS - TEMPORARY, PROVISIONAL OR
PERMANENT
I transmit herewith Appointments in the various
departments made at the Minimum (Temporary, Provisional
or Permanent) and for Appointments at the Maximum (as per
contract requirements)
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, PARKS AND
Page 44
99-0420.txt
RECREATION
Appointment Effective April 12, 1999 Department of
Human Services, Parks and Recreation, Division of
Substance Abuse Services to the position of Typist,
Provisional Appointment at the minimum Starting Salary of
$21,917
Mayda L. Molina, 106 West Ave., Buffalo 14201
DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
Appointment Effective March 30, 1999 in the Department
of: Police
to the Position of: Public Safety Dispatcher Contingent
Permanent Appointment at the Minimum Starting Salary of
$25,146
Laurice A. Clarke-Frazier, 1141 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, N.Y.
14209
Appointment Effective: March 30, 1999 in the Department
of Police to the Position of: Public Safety Dispatcher,
Permanent Appointment
at the Minimum Starting Salary of $25,146
Jean M. Whalen, 98 Milford Street, Buffalo, N.Y. 14220
Appointment Effective: April 12, 1999in the Department
of Police
to the Position of Report Technician, Contingent Permanent
Appointment at the Minimum Starting Salary of $23,705
Louis s. Fasolino, 208 Lexington Avenue, Buffalo, N.Y.
14222
NON-OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS PETITIONS AND
REMONSTRANCES
NON-OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION
NO. 83
J. ANDERSOK-BUFFALO ZOO- INCREASE IN
ADMISSION FEES
Thank you for the interest in the Buffalo Zoo expressed by
you and your colleagues last Monday evening. I wanted to
get back in touch with you on your concerns regarding the
increase in admission fee for seniors.
When we discussed the scale, we felt that a 20% discount
from regular adult admission was fairly representative of
senior discounts, generally. We considered this in the
context of our many free admission days for Erie County
residents, understanding that retired seniors are those most
able to avail themselves of that benefit. However, as I said in
the hearing, we are happy to work with the Council to quickly
find an acceptable alternative.
One option that you may wish to consider is making all
seniors free at the Buffalo Zoo, all the time. This could be
accomplished by permitting the Zoo to retain 50% of the City
5% ticket surcharge that is collected and remitted to the City
each year. I believe there may be some precedent for this.
Last year this amounted to $41,311.30, so an agreement
such as I've suggested would reduce that amount to
$20,655, but provide a nice benefit for your constituents. At
the same time, the Zoo would promote that benefit and
encourage seniors to bring their grandchildren, thereby
hopefully increasing overall visits to the Zoo.
Another approach could be to reduce seniors to $5.00, but
increase children to $4.00. This $.60 cent reduction for
seniors would be made up by the $.50 increase for youths.
Beyond this, we are happy to discuss any approach you
might have, including an increase in our annual
appropriation from the long standing $136,000. 1 know that
you understand how important it is to make certain that
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anything we do be revenue-neutral, producing the projected
$120,000 in new income.
Mrs. LoTempio, thank you for your interest in the Zoo.
Please call me at 8878521 if I can offer any additional
information on this issue.
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 84
S. ATTRIDGE -ERIE COUNTY DEP STATUS REPT.
CONST./DEMO. PROJECTS IN BFLO. RECYCLING
EFFORT
Housing Demolition
City Crew
I have been working with Jim Bagarozzo (Bags), Director of
the Mayor's Impact Team. Jim gave me a list of houses
scheduled for demolition. I have accompanied the crew on
two scheduled demolitions. These are the houses that are in
the worst shape. Most have been vacant for several years
and have been ransacked of all high value salvage material
like mantels, windows, etc. The wood debris that is piling up
in the demolition is rotting and does not appear useable in
the recycling markets we have in the Buffalo area now.
However, I spoke with Tim Russ, International Waste
Removal (IWR), who is the wood collection contractor for
Can Fibre. When the facility opens (currently under
construction), IWR can take the wood debris as long as it is
95% clean of other debris. RVR can put containers on a site
as well.
Demolition Contractors
I sent letters to the demolition contractors suggested by Bob
Sienkiewicz. I spoke with Tom of Topor Demolition. He said
that Topor will go through a house and salvage what they
can. By the time they get to the buildings, most of the high
value salvage material is gone. Still, they pull out concrete,
wood and window weights. If there is valuable salvage in a
building, Topor calls in an antique dealer. Mr. Topor
attended a conference on recycling and is looking into
recycling rugs and vinyl siding.
I did go inside a property at 624 W. Delevan that was in
good shape. There appeared to be high salvage material in
the presence of wainscoting, a stair railing and six panel
doors. Hank Sonntag from Horsefeathers Architectural was
supposed to come as an expert in salvageable material but
he did not make it. He said depending on the material, it
could be of use to them but there are no guarantees. The
Building is scheduled to go out to bid soon.
Other Projects
Hampton Hotel
I have scheduled a meeting with Vernon Verelli of
Benderson Development with Bob Battaglia and myself for
April 15, 1999. At this meeting we will discuss the potential
for recycling and reporting mechanisms.
Memorial Auditorium
I received a letter from Mr. Giambra stating that when the
Memorial Auditorium is scheduled for demolition, the City will
include bid language-requiring recycling (attached).
BMHA
I have been attempting to contact Larry Sinear from the
BMHA to discuss the Commodore Perry, Lakeview and
Franklin Douglas rehabs but have not been successful. Any
ideas are welcome.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET
Page 46
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NO. 85
R. BUTLER PUBLIC ACCESS PROGRAMMING
C.C.P. APRIL 6, 1999 RES. 161
I am glad that you are watching Channel 18 and that you
are concerned enough about this community resource to
make a statement about what you are seeing there. I would
also like to add that I am looking forward to working closely
with the Common Council, the Telecommunications
Committee, and the Office of Telecommunications on issues
involving Buffalo Neighborhood Network and public access
cable television.
Over the past year I have enjoyed working with Council
President Pitts, and Office of Telecommunications Director
Toni Tarapaki, to negotiate a service agreement for public
access cable television. Although we are about to assume
operation of channel 18 very soon at the present time we are
still without a signed service agreement for Buffalo
Neighborhood Network. BNN is not operating channel 18 at
this time with the exception of several clerical duties related
to playback personnel payroll.
While I cannot respond to programming issues occurring on
channel 18 before BNN is operating channel 18 1 would like
to respond in regard to BNN's policies on language and
program content.
First a couple of guidelines which will be used to determine
our policy.
"Free Speech: The FCC defines Public Access as a public
forum. As such, it follows that all speech that is legal (i.e.
protected by the First Amendment) must be allowed. Recent
court decisions have appeared to uphold this assumption."
i.e.. Copin v. Fairfield "Attempts to ban speech on the basis
of content or because it may offend, runs afoul of the central
tenants of the First Amendment." (Cable Access Startup
Manual 1998, The Alliance for Community Media,
Washington, DC) While the supreme court does not consider
obscenity protected speech it has left this issue open for
other courts to decide.
However, BNN will, as public access operators have in the
past, require each individual producer of public access
programming to include a disclaimer at the beginning of
each program being aired. This disclaimer releases the city,
Adelphia, and the cable access operator from liability related
to the content of the tape it accompanies.
In addition, while it is illegal for either the City or a cable
access operator to ban a show due to its content what can
be done is to install "safe harbor hours". These designated
time slots in the program schedule accommodate adult
content programming while allowing for avoidance of these
shows by young children.
I hope you have found this response helpful and I welcome
your input in the future.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON
TELECOMM1MICATIONS
NO. 86
CHARTER REVISION COMM. MINUTES 3/18/99 - 4/8/99
ATTACHED ARE THE MARCH 18, 1999 THROUGH APRIL
8,1999
CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES.
REFERRED TO THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT
NO. 87
J.A. GAMARRA
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DAMAGE TO PROPERTY 23639 SENECA ST
This is in regard to our telephone conversation on March
18, 1999, regarding the branch of a tree located in City
property that fell on my home. Mr. Lawrence A. Wolff, Legal
Investigator, in his letter of February 26 denied my claim for
$250-00, deductible, indicating that the City Clerk bad not
written-notice, in advance, about the hazardous condition of
this branch. I consider this to be an unjustified decision.
The broken branch that caused the damage was part of a
tree, about 1-50 feet tall whose main trunk stands 59 feet
away from my home. (Please see the attached diagram). It is
not possible for any one, including the City Forester or the
Park Attendant to predict when a tree or a branch is going to
fall.
Previously, the City Clerk was notified by written letter about
another tree, 1-30 feet tall by 3' in diameter located in the
corner of my home, on city property, leaning 45 degrees
After several letters and telephone calls the inclined tree was
recently and incompletely cut.1n the past 7 years, three
trees fell Along the side walk near to my home, damaging
properties of Mrs. Violet Riga and Mrs. Jean Zangara. In the
Park, many trees fell spontaneously, either by slight winds
gravitation or inner destruction of the heartwood by insects,
squirrels or frozen water.
Thank you Mr. Pitts, for taking the time to became
acquainted with my complaint. The Department of Law of the
City of Buffalo has the entire documentation as they have
requested, including photographies.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS
NO. 88
T. GARLOCK-BFLO. ZOO AUDIT-ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the
Comptroller's recently completed audit of the Zoological
Society of Buffalo, Inc. The Comptroller chose to combine
operating and capital fund statements to provide the Council
with an overview of the Society's financial position. I would
like to take this opportunity to address them individually.
The operating fund of the Society has been on balance for
the past two fiscal years. In 1995 and 1996, there were
deficits in operating due to sorely needed improvements and
equipment acquisitions including, but not limited to a new
computer system and the replacement of a number of
vehicles. It was also during that period that the Society made
a decision to draw down reserves to bring accounts payable
into a 30-60 day window, as opposed to the 60-150 day
window that had existed prior to 1995. For fiscal years 1997
and 1998, the Society realized a modest profit in the
operating fund.
Over the past few years, expenses of the Zoo have
remained flat, even in the face of dramatically increased
personnel costs (minimum wage hikes, health care
premiums.) The care of a living collection of exotic animals,
365 days each year, 24 hours each day, is a staff intensive,
costly challenge.
Over the past number of years, revenues generated by the
Society have funded the majority of capital improvements to
the Zoo. However, when factoring depreciation, the Society
has shown an overall loss for a five-year period of $431,697
as identified by the Comptroller. When City and County
appropriations to the Zoo totaled 47% of the institution's
operating budget, the Society was better able to generate
funds for capital improvements. In the face of declining
Page 48
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taxpayer support (now at 31%), more funds are diverted
from capital to operating. As a consequence, we agree with
the Comptrollers finding that the institution will require
greater support to meet minimum standards.
We appreciate the Council's interest in the Zoo and are
prepared to work with you to ensure the continuation of a
well-managed, quality zoological institution for the families of
our area.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
NO. 89
A. GOSHIN -HEALTH CARE PLAN -INFORMATION TO
MOVE TO
AMHERST NY
Health are Plan (HCP) has been highly and demonstrably
committed to the City of Buffalo since our inception in 1976.
Our first responsibility is, and must be, to the needs of our
business and members, and to continued success of our
private, not-for-profit organization in this highly competitive
health care environment.
We have grown exponentially over the past three years and
are involved with operations on Long Island, Central New
York and the Southern tier, in addition to our presence in
Erie and Niagara Counties.
Our decision to remain in the Guaranty Building in 1996, in
lieu of relocation to Waterfront Village, was intentionally
short term, as evidenced by a three year lease extension
term without renewal options. HCP needed time to digest
changes in the model of its delivery system, expanding
geographic areas of service and projected membership
growth before settling on a location for its long term future.
HCP negotiated volume parking discounts in conjunction,
with its continued occupancy oil the Guaranty Building in
1996, but did not seek and was not part of any debt
restructuring undertaken by Prudential Associates involving
the City of Buffalo and Erie County. We were hopeful at that
time that the Guaranty Building would be able to resolve its
remaining problems during our three year renewal term.
Unfortunately that did not happen. We have provided a full
year's notice of our intention to relocate to allow time for the
releasing and restructuring that may help stabilize the
historic building.
When the time came for HCP to focus on relocation, we
were in dialogue with a number of City-based developers
and brokers, and we believe that we considered the
available options very carefully. We explored every avenue
to obtain adequate additional space with the Guaranty
Building
When it became known that NationsBank was vacating the
Park Club Lane site, it was immediately apparent to us that
the space and site could be uniquely suited for our needs,
and it proved to be available on very favorably terms
compared to developing or existing facilities elsewhere.
Neither HCP nor Ciminelli Development have sought any
economic inducements or incentives in connection with
HCP's new office lease. It is troubling to find our
organization, that has contributed significantly to the City of
Buffalo and is growing and remaining in Western York, has
become the target of criticism simply because it did not seek
incentives from the City of Buffalo or other economic
development agencies after finding an almost perfectly
suited, highly economical location for its operations.
We remain committed to a physical presence in the City of
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Buffalo through the Mosher Medical Center, developed at a
cost of over $5 million dollars with a current employment of
163 persons. We are a major contributor to the economy of
the City of Buffalo, and provide quality and affordable health
care to many City residents, including participation and
management of Buffalo Community Health, a major joint
venture with ECMC and Kaleida Health Systems for
Medicaid eligible patients.
Our representatives have met with Deborah O'Shea and
Dave Sengbusch from the Buffalo Economic Renaissance
Corporation concerning our decision to relocate. We believe
they realize that HCP has captured the benefit of a very
favorable opportunity that is right for HCP and beneficial for
our members and subscribers and for the overall good of
Western New York. We hope to remain viable and in
business in Western New York for many years to come. We
plan to work with the N.F.T.A and transit officials to optimize
public transportation to attract City residents for job
opportunities at our new location.
We regret the necessity to relocate from the City of Buffalo
and the Guaranty Building, which has been our home for
many years.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
NO. 90
ROSE-COMMENTS-KEEP ZOO IN DELAWARE PARK
Last fall, Janice Barber, then Chairperson of the
Committee to Keep
the Zoo in Delaware Park, sent you a packet of information
in support of our view that the Zoo should and be improved
in Delaware Park rather than moved to the Buffalo River. As
this matter is now before you, we wanted to provide you a
new copy of this material, along with two additional items:
A flyer we developed for the Olmsted Winterfest that
expresses our vision of how the Zoo could be integrated with
the other cultural
institutions in the vicinity of Delaware Park.
Excerpts from an untitled document submitted by the
management
group of the Buffalo Zoo to the Board of Directors of the
Zoological
Society in June 1997. This is the document that outlines the
three
choices often referred to by Zoo spokespersons: a modest
renovation,
an aggressive renovation, or a new zoo. We have excerpted
the
portions pertaining to an aggressive renovation, because we
believe
that a good solution could be arrived at by starting with that
plan and
adapting it to address some of its shortcomings. Two
statements
contained in this document are of special interest:
While the aggressive renovation plan contemplates no
expansion
it provides "the possibility of enlarging the collection." (p. 4).
How does this square with the dire predictions of loss of
accreditation unless the Zoo is expanded significantly?
[R]enovations of this magnitude increase yearly attendance
and potential sources of funding." (p. 4). Yet Zoo officials
have more recently claimed it would not be financially viable.
Page 50
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The Zoo's proposal to relocate to the Old First Ward has
produced deep divisions in Buffalo and Erie County. We
believe it is an ill-conceived plan that will continue to fail to
muster widespread community support. We have offered
what we believe to be a better concept, one that builds on
our cultural strengths in the heart of the City rather than
dismantling them. We remain hopeful of finding a solution
that will engender a true community consensus.
We ask that a copy of this letter, along with the enclosed
documents, be filed as part of the record of the Hearing of
the Finance Committee of the Buffalo Common Council of
March 22, 1999.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE ZOO
NO. 91
A. MCCARTHY -624 W. DELAVAN R L/B/R CHAINANI
929 ELMWOOD AVE.
I represent R. L. and R, R, Chainani. My -.Clients are
interested in purchasing the above captioned Property from
the City of Buffalo's In Rem Properties Division. My clients
own 929 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, New York and intend to
use this property for extra green space.
My clients by this letter are offering $11,000,00 for the
purchase of this property and will pity for the demolition of
the building, the costs of any appraisals, transfer and other
taxes, recording fees and costs of legal descriptions.
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 92
R. PACHOLSKI-RESIGNATION CHARTER REVISION
COMMISSION
This letter is to confirm a message which I left with a staff
member in your office on April 7, 1999 to inform you that the
reason I have not submitted a 1999 Annual Statement of
Financial Disclosure to you as a member of the Charter
Revision Commission is due to the fact that I am no longer a
member of the Commission.
As noted in my conversation with your staff member, I
submitted my letter of resignation as a member of the
Charter Revision Commission to Mayor Masiello in October,
1998.
I also left a message with David R. Hayes, Assistant
Corporation Counsel, with the same information, in response
to his letter informing me that I had not filed the Annual
Statement of Financial Disclosure.
If you have any questions concerning this letter, you can
contact me at 627-1200 during work hours.
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 93
AFSCME J. SCARDINO REQUEST SUPPORT OF
RESOLUTION
Attached resolution employee option to live outside the
City.
Mrs. LoTempio made a motion to refer said item to the
Taylor Law Impasse.
Mr. Franczyk made a motion (amended) to Receive & File
Said item.
Seconded by Mr. Helfer
LOST
Mrs. LoTempio's original motion to refer said item was then
made.
REFERRED TO THE TAYLOR LAW IMPASSE
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AYES - FRANCZYK, ZUCHLEWSKI -2 NOES - BROWN,
COPPOLA, FONTANA, GRAY, LOTEMPIO, MANLEY,
PITTS, QUINTANA, WILLIAMS -9
NO. 94
P TEAGUE BAILEY DELAVAN CONM. SVCS. INC.-,
BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMENTS
It is again our understanding that our letter dated March
23, 1999 appeared on your April 6, 1999 agenda and was
duly filed without going before the Common Council.
Seeing as though our representatives are refusing to
represent us, maybe we have no choice but to inform the
media of our concerns.
Who do we ask for permission to use the council chambers
for a public meeting?
Again, as taxpayers, we should not be treated this way. We
have serious concerns for our community and have worked
too hard to be filed away without being heard.
Your response is greatly appreciated. Please contact Mrs.
Plezetta Teague, 35 Ericson Ave. ( 897-2524).
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 95
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF REDEV. INNER HARBOR
PROJECT
The redevelopment entails the following:
The City of Buffalo, 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo, New York
14202, has applied for a Department of the Army permit for
the redevelopment of the Buffalo Inner Harbor located within
the Buffalo River, in the City of Buffalo, Erie County, New
York. The purpose of the project is to enhance and facilitate
public access to the water's edge. Currently access is
impeded by the configuration of the Naval and Military
Museum.
1.) Construction of an inland cut naval basin. The basin will
accommodate naval vessels including the USS The
Sullivans, a vessel listed on the National Register of Historic
Places (Figures 4 and a.)All work will occur prior to the
removal of the existing sheet pile bulkhead. Specifically, the
basin will be excavated, the walls of the new basin will be
stabilized with steel sheet pile bulkheading and stone riprap
will be placed at the base of the new wall to provide toe
protection and aquatic habitat (Figure 9).
b)Approximately 8000 cubic yards of material will be
dredged between the existing bulkhead and the Federal
navigation channel. T material will be disposed of at the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers' Confined Diked Disposal Facility
(USACE CDF) in Buffalo (Figures 16 through 18,
cross-section drawings A and B). Bedrock encountered
during dredging will be removed by drilling. The excavated
rock will be incorporated into the toe protection at the base
of the new bulkhead or disposed of at an upland area.
c)The USS The Sullivans and USS Croaker will be moored
along the new bulkhead. The USS Little Rock will be moored
to three new breasting structures and will encroach a
maximum of 48 feet into the Federal channel (Figures 7 and
8). Electric service lines will extend from the bulkhead to the
USS Croaker and USS The Sullivans. A flexible sewer line
will extend from the upland to the USS Little Ro (Figures 4
and 5).
d)A debris deflector wall will be installed at the downstream
end of the basin. The wall will be constructed, perpendicular
to the bulkhead and will extend 50 feet into the river.
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Electrical and water supply lines for the USS Little Rock will
be located on top of the wall (Figures 4 through 6).
2) Construction of an inland cut canal basin. The basin will
accommodate water taxis and transient boats (Figure 10).
a)All work will be completed prior to the removal
of the
existing sheet pile bulkhead. The basin will be excavated
and the walls of the new basin will be stabilized with steel
sheet piling an( riprap, toe protection (Figure 9). Timber
fender piles with lights will be installed along the entire
perimeter of the bulkhead.
b)Approximately 2000 cubic yards of material will be
dredged between the existing bulkhead and the Federal
channel. The material will be disposed of at the USACE CDF
(Figures 16, 18 and 19, crossection drawings C and D).
c)A floating dock measuring 215 feet long by 10 feet wide
will be installed along the southern bulkhead of the basin. A
pedestrian bridge will be constructed over the basin (Figures
10 through 12).
3)Construction of an inland cut, 4-slip commercial
south basin.
The basin will accommodate the Fire Boat Cotter, tour boats
and large
scale maritime vessels (Figure 13).
a)All work will be completed prior to the removal of the
existing bulkhead. The basin will be excavated and a sheet
pile bulkhead and riprap will be installed along the sides of
the new basil (Figure 9).
b)Three pile-supported piers will be installed within the basin
to form four slips. The piers will measure 120 feet in length
by 18 feet in width and will be capped with concrete. Timber
fender piles will be installed around the perimeter of each
pier (Figures 14 and 15).
c)Approximately 500 cubic yards of material will be dredged
between the existing bulkhead and the Federal channel. The
material will be disposed of at the USACE CDF (Figures 16
and 20, cross-section drawings E and F).
Location and details of the above described work are shown
on the attached maps and drawings.
Questions pertaining to the work described in this notice
should be directed to Bridget E. Brown, who can be
contacted by calling (716) 879-4365, or by e-mail at:
Bridget.Brown@usace.army.mil
The applicant has certified that the proposed activity
complies with New York's approved Coastal Zone
Management Program and will be conducted in a manner
consistent with that program. Any comments on the
consistency of the proposed activity with New York State's
Coastal Zone Management Pro-ram should be forwarded to:
d)A debris deflector wall will be installed at the downstream
end of the basin. The wall will be constructed perpendicular
to the bulkhead and will extend 50 feet into the river.
Electrical and water supply lines for the USS Little Rock will
be located on top of the wall (Figures 4 through 6).
2)Construction of an inland cut canal basin. The
basin will
accommodate water taxis and transient boats (Figure 10).
a)All work will be completed prior to the removal
of the
existing sheet pile bulkhead. The basin will be excavated
and the walls of the new basin will be stabilized with steel
sheet piling an( riprap, toe protection (Figure 9). Timber
fender piles with lights will be installed along the entire
Page 53
99-0420.txt
perimeter of the bulkhead.
b)Approximately 2000 cubic yards of material will be
dredged between the existing bulkhead and the Federal
channel. The material will be disposed of at the USACE CDF
(Figures 16, 18 and 19, crossection drawings C and D).
c)A floating dock measuring 215 feet long by 10 feet wide
will be installed along the southern bulkhead of the basin. A
pedestrian bridge will be constructed over the basin (Figures
10 through 12).
3)Construction of an inland cut, 4-slip commercial
south basin.
The basin will accommodate the Fire Boat Cotter, tour boats
and large
scale maritime vessels (Figure 13).
a)All work will be completed prior to the removal of the
existing bulkhead. The basin will be excavated and a sheet
pile bulkhead and riprap will be installed along the sides of
the new basil (Figure 9).
b)Three pile-supported piers will be installed within the basin
to form four slips. The piers will measure 120 feet in length
by 18 feet in width and will be capped with concrete. Timber
fender piles will be installed around the perimeter of each
pier (Figures 14 and 15).
c)Approximately 500 cubic yards of material will be dredged
between the existing bulkhead and the Federal channel. The
material will be disposed of at the USACE CDF (Figures 16
and 20, cross-section drawings E and F).
Location and details of the above described work are shown
on the attached maps and drawings.
Questions pertaining to the work described in this notice
should be directed to Bridget E. Brown, who can be
contacted by calling (716) 879-4365, or by e-mail at:
Bridget.Brown@usace.army.mil
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 96
RESIGNATION BUFFALO EMERGENCY MEDICAL
SERVICE BOARD
I am writing to advise you that due to a change in my
responsibilities for the County of Erie, I must resign my
position on the Buffalo Emergency Medical Services Board.
On November 25, 1998 1 was appointed Commissioner of
Emergency Services for Erie County. My duties do not allow
me to devote the same amount of time and energy as I was
able to do in my former position.
I have been associated with the Buffalo Emergency Medical
Services Board for over 25 years and it is with great regret
that I must resign. It has been an honor and a privilege to
serve with so many good public minded people whose desire
it is to improve the quality of care afforded to the citizens of
Buffalo.
My current term does not expire until June 30, 2001. As you
know, pursuant to the contract that exists between the City
of Buffalo and Erie County, the representative for the County
on the Board is named by the Commissioner of Health. I am
recommending that Dr. Lubin name Mr. Gregory Skibitsky to
fill my unexpired term. Mr. Skibitsky has assumed the duties
of my former position as Deputy Commissioner for
Emergency Medical Services. He is fully qualified to provide
the expertise and knowledge necessary to work with the
Board.
Again, I thank you for your support. I have appreciated the
opportunity to serve the City of Buffalo.
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RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 97
A. WEST NIMO LIGHTING SERVICES POWER CHOICE
In response to your letter of April 7, 1999, please be
advised that Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation's street
lighting service offerings include many different types of
lamps, luminaires and standards.
Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation's new PowerChoice
Settlement Agreement will bring a new light to the
Corporation's street lighting business. As the business
opportunities evolve, we will be in communication with you.
Regarding your request for a number to be called when
identifying burned out street lights, our customers can
always call our Customer Service Center at 1-800-932-0301.
However, to increase service to the City of Buffalo and the
surrounding municipalities, we have designated a number
that will go directly to our local Operation Department and
provide for quicker response to outages. That number is
716-831-7306. This number, though is not manned 24 hours
a day, and contains specific instructions to the caller
regarding the information necessary for us to address a
street light outage. Calls left on this voice mail will be
addressed the following business day.
Let me re-state our willingness to continue to provide to the
City of Buffalo a complete understanding of the street
lighting business located within the City limits.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON
MUNICIPALIZATION
PETITIONS
NO. 98
BENDERSON ASSOCIATES, USE 2101 ELMWOOD, FOR
A GAS STATION
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION, THE
COMMISSIONER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND
THE CITY PLANNING BOARD
NO. 99
BENENSON CAPITAL COMPANY, USE 333 AMHERST
STREET, FOR A GAS STATION
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION, THE
COMMISSIONER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND
THE CITY PLANNING BOARD AND THE DEPARTMENT
OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
NO. 100
D. LIAROS, PETITIONER, REZONE 45, 55, 59
KENSINGTON & 224 HUMBOLDT PARKWAY FROM R-2
TO C-1.
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION, THE
CITY PLANNING BOARD, AND COMMISSIONER OF
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
NO. 101
SORRENTO CHEESE, OWNER, PETITION TO USE 2376
SOUTH PARK FOR A POLE SIGN,
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION, THE
CITY PLANNING BOARD AND THE COMMISSIONER OF
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
NO. 102
PLEASE FILE THE ATTACHED PETITIONS FROM THE
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RESIDENTS OF OXFORD AVENUE FOR THE NEXT
COUNCIL MEETING, APRIL 20,1999.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION, THE
CORPORATION COUNSEL, THE COMMISSIONER OF
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, ME COMMISSIONER OF
POLICE AND THE COMMISSIONER OF ASSESSMENT
REGULAR COMMITTEES
CIVIL SERVICE
(BEVERLY A.GRAY, CHAIRPERSON)
NO. 103
APPOINTMENT
TELLER
That Communication 41, April 6, 1999 be received and
filed and the Permanent appointment of Tracy Nikel at the
Fourth Step salary of $26,364.00 effective on April 19, 1999
is hereby approved.
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
NO. 104
APPOINTMENT LABORER I
That Communication 42, April 6, 1999 be received and
filed and the Temporary appointment of William M. Finnegan
at the Maximum salary of $10.86 effective on March 29,
1999 is hereby approved.
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
NO. 105
APPOINTMENT
LABOR 11
That Communication 58, April 6, 1999 be received and
filed and the Permanent appointment of Fred S. Sacilowski
at the Minimum salary of $24,826.00 effective on March 31,
1999 is hereby approved.
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
NO. 106
SALARY ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
21 - 0 DEPARTMENT OF FIRE
022 ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
(ITEM NO. 17 1, C. C. P., APR. 6, 1999)
That the Salary Ordinance Amendment as contained in
Item No. 171, C.C.P., April 6, 1999, be and the same hereby
is approved.
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
NO. 107
SALARY ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
06 - DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE
- DIVISION OF LABOR & EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
002 CIVIL SERVICE
(ITEM NO. 173, C.C.P., APR. 6, 1999)
That the Salary Ordinance Amendment as contained in
Item No. 173, C.C.P., April 6, 1999, be and the same hereby
is approved.
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
NO. 108
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NOTICE OF APPTS.-TEMP./PROV./PENN
(ITEM NO. 71 C.C.P. APRIL 6, 1999)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
FINANCE
(DAVID A. FRANCZYK, CHAIRMAN)
NO. 109
T. GARLOCK - ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY, CHANGE OF
ADMISSION CHARGES
(ITEM NO. 66, C.C.P., FEB. 23,1999)
That the above item be, and the same hereby is returned
to the Common Council without recommendation.
Mr. Franczyk moved:
That the Zoological Society of Buffalo, Inc. be granted
permission to change admission charges to the Zoological
Gardens effective April 1, 1999 as follows:
Youths, two (2) years to fourteen (14) years $3.50
Adults, fifteen (15) years to sixty-two (62) years $7.00; and
Seniors sixty-three (63) years and older $3.00
Any additional monies allocated to the Zoological Society
should be applied to a reduction of the senior fee.
PASSED
AYES -BROWN, COPPOLA, FONTANA, FRANCZYK,
GRAY, HELFER, LOTEMPIO, MANLEY, PITTS, WILLIAMS,
ZUCHLEWSKI -11 NOES - QUINTANA -1
NO. 110
RESULTS OF NEGOTIATIONS - 549 EAST FERRY
(ITEM NO. 36, C.C.P., NOV. 17, 1998)
That the above item be, and the same hereby is returned
to the Common Council without recommendation.
Mr. Franczyk moved that the above item be recommitted to
the Committee on Finance.
ADOPTED.
NO. 111
O.HUNTER - WATER PROBLEM - 354 BISSELL
(ITEM NO. 68 C.C.P. DECEMBER 15, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
referred to Claims.
ADOPTED
NO. 112
PROP. SEWER AUTH. CONTR. (BSA)
(ITEM NO. 57 C.C.P. NOVEMBER 17, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 113
J. FENNIE-REQ. FOR REFUND- 170 W. CHIPPEWA
(ITEM NO. 66 C. C.P. DECEMBER 29, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 114
COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FIN. RPT. - FISCAL YR.
ENDED 6/30/98 (COMPT)
(ITEM NO. 17 C. C. P. MARCH 9, 1999)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
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received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 115
AUCTIONING OFF OF CITY OF BUFFALO PROPERTY
(ITEM NO. 13 1, C. C. P., MAR. 9, 1999)
That the following Departments of Police, Fire, Parking
Enforcement and General Services report to this Council on
their policies regarding selling of vehicles and or
merchandise; and
That the Budget Office report to this Council on the income
generated by these sales; and
That the Budget Office compare sales held by the city that
were run by professional auctioneers and those sales done
by city employees.
ADOPTED
NO. 116
AUCTIONING OFF CITY PROPERTY
(ITEM NO. 16 C.C.P. MARCH 23, 1999)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 117
REPLY TO AUCTIONING OFF CITY PROPERTY
(ITEM NO. 37 C.C,P. MARCH 23, 1999)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 118
D. ZUCHLEWSKI-DELIQUENT TAXES-195 EAST ST. &
119 THOMPSON
(ITEM NO. 59 C.C.P. MARCH 23, 1999)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 119
ACQUIRE 533 MILITARY ROAD - MILITARY ROAD
RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT AND
NORTHWEST ACADEMY
(ITEM NO. 35, C.C.P., APR. 6, 1999)
That the Comptroller be, and he hereby is authorized to
enter into negotiations with Damiano Capazzi and Wife for
the purchase of the property known as 533 Military Road.
Funds for the purchase of the property are available in Bond
Fund 202-401-003. The results of such negotiations shall be
reported back to the Common Council for final approval of
the purchase.
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
NO. 120
FORECLOSURE FEE (LAW)
(ITEM NO. 46 C. C. P. APRIL 6, 1999)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 121
$450 FORECLOSURE FEE
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(ITEM NO. 144, C.C.P., MAR. 23, 1999)
(ITEM NO. 127, C.C.P., APR. 6, 1999)
That the Foreclosure Fee of $450.00 procedure be
reviewed by the Corporation Counsel to see if there is any
kind of options available that may allow the waiving of this
fee for unique cases; and
That if it found, under the law, that this fee cannot be waived,
is there any option available to the Common Council to
adjust this fee for unique cases; and
That the Corporation Counsel review the aforementioned
inquiry and present their findings to the Common Council on
or before the next Council Meeting.
ADOPTED
NO. 122
RENT REDUCTION AT CAZENOVIA GOLF COURSE
(ITEM NO. 61, C. C.P., APR, 6, 1999)
That the Commissioner of Human Services, Parks and
Recreation be, and he hereby is authorized to credit Edward
Fallon $2,000.00 on his initial 1st half bill due at the start of
the 1999 season for the Cazenovia Golf Course.
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
NO. 123
P. FAGAN - SHEA'S STAGEHOUSE EXPANSION
(ITEM NO. 82, C.C.P., APR. 6, 1999)
That the above item be, and the same hereby is returned
to the Common Council without recommendation.
Mr. Franczyk moved:
THAT THE ABOVE ITEM BE RECEIVED AND FILED
ADOPTED
LEGISLATION
(ALFRED T. COPPOLA, CHAIRMAN)
NO. 124
PETER D'ORSANEO, PETITION TO USE 14 LAFAYETTE
SQUARE - WALL SIGN
(ITEM NO. 93, C.C.P., APR. 6, 1999)
That after the public hearing before the Committee on
Legislation on April 13, 1999, the petition of Peter
D'Orsaneo, owner, for permission to use 14 Lafayette
Square for a wall sign be, and hereby is approved.
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
NO. 125
MICHAEL FEINBERG, PETITION TO USE 766-770
ELMWOOD - SIT-IN RESTAURANT
(ITEM NO. 61, C.C.P., MAR. 23, 1999)
That after the public hearing before the Committee on
Legislation on April 13, 1999, the petition of Michael
Feinberg, owner, for permission to use 766-770 Elmwood
Avenue for a sit-in restaurant be, and hereby is approved
subject to the Zoning Board of Appeals approval and
approval of the site plan by the City Planning Board.
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
NO. 126
MARYNER ASSOCIATES, PETITION TO USE 186
EFFIER, TO PLACE 5 ANTENNAS AND
EQUIPMENT SHELTERS TO ROOF
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(ITEM NO. 63, C.C.P., MAR. 23, 1999)
That after the public hearing before the Committee on
Legislation on April 13, 1999, the petition of Maryner
Associates, owner, for permission to use 186 Effier to place
5 antennas and equipment shelters on the roof be, and
hereby is approved.
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
NO. 127
MARYNER ASSOC. USE 186 EFNER (5) ROOFTOP
ANTENNAS & EQUIP. SHELTER (PL. BD)
(ITEM NO. 7 C.C. P. APRIL 6, 1999)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 128
CONFUSION OVER ZOO PLANNING
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
referred to the Zoo Committee.
ADOPTED
NO. 129
REQ AUDIT OF ZOO
ITEM NO 141 CCP NOVEMBER 4, 1998
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
referred to the Zoo Committee.
ADOPTED
NO. 130
RESPONSE REQ TO AUDIT BUFFALO ZOO
ITEM NO. 9 CCP NOVEMBER 17, 1999
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
referred to the Zoo Committee.
ADOPTED
NO. 131
T. GARLOCK AUDIT OF ZOO
ITEM NO. 72 CCP NOVEMBER 17, 1998
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
referred to the Zoo Committee.
ADOPTED
NO. 132
CONCERN OVER "OPERATION SAVE AMERICA" CMG.
TO CITY
(ITEM NO. 150 C. C. P. MARCH 9, 1999)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 133
CONCERN OVER "OPERATION SAVE AMERICA" CMG.
TO CITY
(ITEM NO. 34 C.C.P.MARCH 23, 1999)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 134
RESPONSE-CONCERN OVER "OPERATION SAVE
AMERICA COMING TO BFLO. (POL.)
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(ITEM NO. 43 C.C.P. APRIL 6, 1999)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 135
D'YOUVILLE COLLEGE - 320 PORTER AVENUE -
CONDUITS
(ITEM NO. 24, C.C.P., APR. 6, 1999)
That the Commissioner of Public Works be, and he hereby
is authorized to issue a "mere license" to Mr. Marc A.
Brunelle, Project Manager for Industrial Power and Lighting
Corporation, acting as agent for D'Youville College, located
at 320 Porter Avenue, to install conduit within city
right-of-way crossing West and Fargo Avenues, subject to
the following conditions:
1. That the applicant obtain any and all other City of Buffalo
permits necessary for said installation.
2. That the conduits are installed a minimum of 36 inches
below the pavement surface.
3. That the applicant supply the City of Buffalo with a five
thousand dollar ($5,000.00) construction in street bond or
certificate of insurance which will indemnify and save
harmless the City of Buffalo against any and all loss or
damage arising out of the construction, maintenance, use
and removal of said conduits.
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
NO. 136
SIDEWALK CAFE - 765 ELMWOOD AVENUE
(ITEM NO. 26, C.C.P., APR. 6, 1999)
That the Commissioner of Public Works be, and he hereby
is authorized to issue a 44mere license" to Mr. Govindan
Kartha, President of New World Record and Mr. Mike Moran,
President of Spot Coffee, located at 765 Elmwood Avenue,
to encroach city right-of-way by installing a sidewalk cafe
and planters on the Cleveland Avenue side of the property
and benches and a large metal canopy with support posts on
Elmwood Avenue, subject to the following conditions:
1. That the metal canopy with support posts on Elmwood
Avenue be installed in accordance with applicable building
codes and City Ordinances, including the need for rain
gutters.
2. That the sidewalk cafe be installed in accordance with
Chapter 413, Article IX, Section 59 (Sidewalk Cafes) of the
City Ordinances including obtaining of a license at a cost of
one dollar and thirty cents ($1.30) per square foot of City
right-of-way occupied per year.
3. That the applicant be responsible for relocation of any
existing underground utilities effected by said
encroachments.
4. In the event that the Commissioner of Public Works
determines the encroachments must cease as a result of
factors effecting the health, safety and welfare of the public,
or the needs of the City, the Commissioner of Public Works
may order the immediate removal of said encroachments as
described in Chapter 413-67 (E) of the City Ordinances.
5. That the applicant supply the City of Buffalo with a
construction in street bond or 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 the
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construction, maintenance, use and removal of said
encroachments.
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
NO. 137
SIDEWALK CAFE AND AWNING - 577 FOREST AVENUE
(ITEM NO. 27, C.C.P., APR. 6, 1999)
That the Commissioner of Public Works be, and he hereby is
authorized to issue a "mere license" to Mr. Vasilis
Panagropoulos, owner of Plate-Oh's Restaurant, located at
577 Forest Avenue, to install a sidewalk cafe and awning,
which would encroach city right-of-way at said address,
subject to the following conditions:
1. That the applicant obtain any and all other City of Buffalo
permits necessary.
2.That the sidewalk cafe and awning be installed exactly as
shown on plans submitted to and approved by the
Department of Public Works, Division of Buildings.
3.That the sidewalk cafe does not exceed twenty four feet
(24') in length or extend more than six and one half feet
(6.5') from the building face.
4. That no portion of the sidewalk cafe and awning be
permanent in nature or permanently affixed to the main
building or public sidewalk.
5.That the sidewalk cafe be completely removed from City
right-of-way
from November 15 to April I each year.
6. That the applicant be assessed the annual fee of one
dollar and thirty cents ($1.30) per square foot of City
right-of-way occupied by said sidewalk caf‚ as described in
Chapter 413, Article IX, Section 59 (Sidewalk Cafes) of the
City Ordinances.
7. That the applicant supply the City of Buffalo with a five
thousand dollar ($5,000.00) construction in street bond or
certificate of insurance which will indemnify and save
harmless the City of Buffalo against any and all loss or
damage arising out of the construction, maintenance, use
and removal of said sidewalk cafe and awning.
And additional conditions
Conditions for the sidewalk caf6 at 577 Forest:
1. The cafe will close by 11:00 PM
2. No music will be allowed.
3. The cafe must be enclosed by a railing.
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
NO. 138
LOADING DOCK - 2381 FILLMORE AVENUE
(ITEM NO. 28, C.C.P., APR. 6, 1999)
That the Commissioner of Public Works be, and he hereby
is authorized to issue a "mere license" to Mr. Joseph J.
Emmerling, CPA, Vice President of Finance and Chief
Financial Officer for Kaufman's Bakery, Inc., located at 2381
Fillmore Avenue, to install a loading dock, which would
encroach city right-of-way at said address, subject to the
following conditions:
1. That the applicant obtain any and all other City of Buffalo
permits necessary.
2. That the loading dock be installed exactly as shown on
plans submitted to and approved by the Department of
Public Works, Division of Buildings.
3. That the applicant be responsible for relocation of any
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existing underground utilities effected by said installation.
4. In the event that the Commissioner of Public Works
determines the encroachments must cease as a result of
factors effecting the health, safety and welfare of the public,
or the needs of the City, the Commissioner of Public Works
may order the immediate removal of said encroachments as
described in Chapter 413-67 (E) of the City Ordinances.
5.That the applicant supply the City of Buffalo with a
five thousand dollar ($5,000.00) construction in street bond
or certificate of insurance which will indemnify and save
harmless the City of Buffalo against any and all loss or
damage arising out of the construction, maintenance, use
and removal of said loading dock.
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
NO. 139
RESULTS OF NEGOTIATIONS - 624 WEST DELAVAN
(ITEM NO. 55, C.C.P., APR. 6, 1999)
That the above item be, and the same hereby is returned
to the Common Council without recommendation.
Mr. Coppola moved:
That the offer from Mr. Ronald A. Lucchino, residing at 1157
Colvin Avenue, in the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($ 10,
000. 00) for the sale of 624 West Delavan Avenue, be and
hereby is accepted, and
That the appraisal requested by the City of Buffalo shall be
paid by the purchaser; and
That the transfer tax, recording fees and cost of legal
description shall be paid by the purchaser; and
That the Corporation Counsel be authorized to prepare the
necessary documents for the transfer of title and that the
Mayor be authorized to execute the same, in accordance
with the terms of sale upon which the offer was submitted.
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
(DALE ZUCHLEWSKI, CHAIRMAN)
NO. 140
BEDC - INNER HARBOR PROJ. STATUS REPORT
(ITEM NO. 71 C.C.P. NOVEMBER 4, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 141
BEDC - INNER HARBOR/DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT
FNDG. AGREE.-USDC
(ITEM NO. 75 C.C.P. APRIL 6,1999)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 142
BERC - WATERFRONT REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT -
INNER HARBOR AREA AMENDMENT
(ITEM NO. 76, C. C. P., APR. 6, 1999)
That the Common Council does hereby approve the
Amended Waterfront Redevelopment Project No. N.Y. R-3 5
Urban Renewal Plan for the Inner Harbor Area as revised
December, 1998 and as more fully contained in the above
communication.
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AND ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS:
To the maximum extent feasible and practical, the siting of
the new Naval Museum building and new Canal slip will be
done so as to avoid disturbance of the known, functional
edges of the former commerical slip were irregularly defined
and cannot be precisely defined based on existing
information.
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
NO. 143
WATERFRONT UR AMEND.-INNER HARBOR (C.P. BA)
(ITEM NO. 8 C.C.P. DECEMBER 15, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 144
D. ZUCHLEWSKI-DOC ANNER HARBOR PROI - STATUS
RPT.
(ITEM NO. 107 C.C.P. FEBRUARY 9, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 145
NO OF COMPLETION-FIN. ENV. IMPACT ST.-BFLO.
INNER HBR. DV. PROI. (BERC)
(ITEM NO. 68 C.C.P. MARCH 9, 1999)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 146
INNER HARBOR MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
(ITEM NO. 2 1, C.C.P., APR. 6, 1999)
That the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency be, and they
hereby are authorized to execute the Memorandum of
Understanding with the Niagara Frontier Transportation
Authority for the real property commonly known as the
Buffalo Inner Harbor Project
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
NO. 147
EMPIRE STATE DEV.-BFLO, INNER HARBOR DEV.
PROJ. FINDINGS STATEMENT
(ITEM NO. 81 C.C.P. APRIL 6, 1999)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 148
SEQR - BFLO. INNER HARBOR DEV. PROJECT -
FINDINGS STATEMENT
(ITEM NO. 180, C.C.P., APR. 6, 1999)
That the Common Council does hereby adopt the
Findings Statement for the Buffalo Inner Harbor
Development Project in accordance with Article 8 of the
Environmental Conservation Law (SEQRA) and 6 NYCRR
Part 617.
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
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NO. 149
P. LEUCHNER-US ARMY CORPS OF ENG. -PERMIT-HMS
LANDOWNE-FLOATING REST.
(ITEM NO. 52 C.C.P. MARCH 23, 1999)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 150
RESP P. LEUCHNER-US ARMY CORPS. OF ENG.
PERMIT HMS LANSDOWNE (HSPR)
(ITEM NO. 60 C. C. P. APRIL 6, 1999)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
SPECIAL MEETINGS
BUDGET COMMITTEE
(ROSEMARIE LOTEMPIO, CHAIRPERSON)
NO. 151
POLICE DEPT. K-9 DIVISION (4182, 121/17)(9158, 2/9)
(ITEM NO. 125 C. C. P. MARCH 9, 1999)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 152
R. LOTEMPIO INFO. K-9 CORPS
(ITEM NO. 68 C.C.P. FEBRUARY 23, 1999)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 153
POLICE COMM.'S AUTHORITY OVER K-9 UNIT
(ITEM NO. 25 C.C.P. MARCH 23, 1999)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 154
L. DUVALL & O-REINSTATE, K-9 UNIT POLICE DEPT.
(ITEM NO. 67 C.C.P. MARCH 23, 1999)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 155
L. DUVALL & O-PETITION-ADDL. SIGN/REMISTATE K-9
UNIT POLICE DEPT.
(ITEM NO. 94 C. C. P. APRIL 6, 1999)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 156
M. CHMURA-OFFICERS ASSIGNED TO TRAFFIC
BUR/K-9 UNIT CALL RESP.
(ITEM NO. 79 C. C. P. APRIL 6, 1999)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
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RESOLUTIONS
NO. 157
BY MR. BROWN
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR NEIGHBORHOOD
BEAUTIFICATION PROJECTS
Whereas: Block clubs and other community organizations
have frequently requested the use of City-owned land to
erect block club signs or do minor improvements, such as
the planting of flower gardens; and
Whereas: For projects of this type, the City requires
community groups to take out a million dollar insurance
policy in order to protect the City from liability"
and
Whereas: While the City is usually quite Willing to grant
permission for these uses the cost of the insurance policy is
often prohibitive and kills the community initiative, and
Whereas: the insurance policy barrier is worth examining
because it is blocking initiatives that could be important in
reversing blight and improving the condition of Buffalo's
neighborhoods, while giving neighbors a chance to Work
together;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That:
This Common Council requests the Corporation Counsel to
explore the possibility of developing a less costly way to
protect the City when community groups want to do simple
improvements on neglected, city owned land in order to
beautify their neighborhood.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND
THE CORPORATION COUNSEL
NO. 158
BY: ALFRED T. COPPOLA
[FIRE AT LBJ APARTMENTS ON HUMBOLDT AVENUE]
Whereas: On Saturday, April 10, a fire broke out on the
10th floor of the LBJ apartments on Humboldt Parkway; and
Whereas: During this emergency, serious issues were
identified. Most importantly, the need of an access ramp for
the elderly and handicapped to exit the building from the
upper floors, and the necessity for doors that properly open
from the interior, allowing residents access onto the fire
escape; and
Whereas: According to sources, the building suffered a lot of
water damage, and minimal fire damage; and
Whereas: Several questions need to be answered such as;
How did the fire get started, what problems were incurred by
the fire fighters when combating the fire, and who will be
handling financial claims made by the residents;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the
Commissioner of Fire, the Director of Buffalo Municipal
Housing Authority and Management of LBJ Apartments; and
Be It Further Resolved:
That a cover letter be attached to the resolution requesting
that they submit a full report of the incident to this Common
Council.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION, THE
COMMTSSTON-ER OF FIRE AND THE BUFFALO
MUNICIPAL HOUSING AUTHORITY
NO. 159
BY: MR. COPPOLA
OPPOSE DIVERSION OF GREAT LAKES WATER
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Whereas: Clean, fresh water is an extremely- valuable
resource, and its value will be taken far more seriously in the
21 st Century as global climate change, population
increases, and continuing industrial development combine to
put pressure on the world's fresh water supply,- and
Whereas:Drought is already a serious problem in much of
the world and shortage of water for both industrial and
agricultural processes is projected to be a major factor in
many countries', and
Whereas:According to the United Nations publication
"Forecast of Water Shortages", water is currently the world's
3rd most sought after commodity and by the year 2010 it will
be the most sought after commodity" and
Whereas:The LIN report also notes that by the year 2025
serious water shortages will affect 30% of the world's
population, and the most impacted areas will include Africa,
the Middle East, parts of India and China, Peru, England and
Poland-, and
Whereas:A 1995 World Bank report noted that "Many of the
wars of this century were about oil, but wars of the next
century will be about water" and
Whereas The Great Lakes make up 20% of the world's fresh
water supply and 95% of the fresh water in North America',
and
Whereas:Great Lakes communities and the governments of
the United States and Canada need to be united and well
prepared to manage and protect the Lakes as international
commercial pressure builds for bulk export of water and
other forms of water diversion', and
Whereas It would be arrogant folly and an environmental
disaster for mankind to attempt to commercially redistribute
the supply of the world's fresh water', and
Whereas:While Buffalo and other cities could find minor
ways to benefit from commercial trade in water, we stand to
benefit far more by protecting our clean, fresh, water and
using it to lure development to Western New York; and
Whereas:Present and future international trade agreements
may limit the ability of the United States and Canada to
restrict trade in water once it has begun" and
WhereasThe City's Green Gold Development Strategy calls
on Buffalo to create a niche in the world economy by
developing businesses that solve environmental problems;
and
Whereas:In keeping with Green Gold, the Buffalo area
would be better served by seeking to provide an example for
other areas in water conservation and the protection of local
water supplies with a goal of exporting water conservation,
protection, and purification technologies',
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That:
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo strongly opposes
the bulk diversion of any water, including groundwater, out of
the Great Lakes Basin-, and
Be it Further Resolved That:
This Council requests the Corporation Council to research
the legal issues involved in water diversion, to be prepared
to intervene on behalf of the City to protect the City's
interests vis a vis water diversion, and to file a report on this
issue within 60 days', and
Be It Finally Resolved That:
The City Clerk be directed to send certified copies of this
resolution to the Mayors of Montreal, Toronto, Erie,
Rochester, Cleveland, Detroit, Windsor, Chicago, Sault Ste.
Marie, Duluth, and Green Bay, to the President of the World
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Bank, the U.S. and Canadian CoChairs of the International
Joint Commission, the President of the Council of Great
Lakes Industries, the Commissioner of the NYSDEC, the
Environment Ministers of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick
and Nova Scotia, to the Secretary of State of the United
States and to the Foreign Minister of Canada, to the Western
New York Congressional delegation, to Prime Minister Jean
Chretien, and to President Clinton
ADOPTED
NO. 160
BY: MR. COPPOLA
RATE REDUCTIONS FROM THE SALE OF NIAGARA
MOHAWK PROPERTY
Whereas: Niagara Mohawk officials have repeatedly
blamed state-mandated investments in utility generating
capacity for the high rates they charge for electricity; and
Whereas: In fact, a recent Buffalo News article claims that
19% of a typical residential customer's bill will now be paving
for a "competitive transition charge" designed to allow
Niagara Mohawk to recover investments in generating
capacity made while the company's generating program was
regulated by the State Public Service Commission; and
Whereas: Another recent News article reported that Niagara
Mohawk had sold three generating plants to NRG Energy,
Inc,. of Minnesota, for a total of $435 million-, and
Whereas: The article also reported that to date Niagara
Mohawk has made $860 million selling off its hydroelectric
and fossil fuel burning plants, and that the company plans to
use this sum to retire $1 billion of the $3.6 billion it incurred
in buying out its contracts with independent power
producers; and
Whereas: Upstate New York consumers have been paying a
hefty price for Niagara Mohawk's investments through the
years and it is imperative that, as the excuses the company
offers for high rates are eliminated, rates are lowered
measure for measure;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That:
This Common Council requests William E. Davis, Niagara
Mohawk's Chief Executive Officer, and Maureen 0. Helmer,
the Chair of the NYS Public Service Commission, to file
reports detailing the relationship between the sale of Niagara
Mohawk's generating plants and the rates charged to
Niagara Mohawk's customers, and
Be It Further Resolved That:
This Council requests the Corporation Counsel, with the aid
of outside professional help if necessary. to take a close look
at the requested reports to insure that rates are lowered in
direct proportion to the relief the sale of the plants provides
relative to the company's justified costs.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON
MUNICIPALIZATION, NIAGARA MOHAWK, THE
CORPORATION COUNSEL AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE
COMMISSION
NO. 161
BY: AL COPPOLA
[WHY IS NIAGARA MOHAWK APPEALING THE REFUND
TO THE BUFFALO CITY MISSION
FOR THE THIRD TIME? ]
Whereas: Niagara Mohawk has asked the PSC to initiate a
proceeding to clarify the criteria for utility companies to use
in deciding whether there should be a religious rate
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for electric; and
Whereas: Niagara Mohawk has stated that they harbor no
desire to discriminate against the Buffalo City Mission or any
other entity; and
Whereas: If Niagara Mohawk does not want to discriminate
against the Buffalo City Mission or any other entity, than why
do they feel that the City Mission in Albany is any different?
Why do they feel that the Buffalo Christian Center is any
different? Why do they feel that Sonfest Pavilion is any
different? Why do they feel that American Rescue Workers
is any different? Why do they feel that Six Salvation
Annies is any different?
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That this Common Council wants the same Religious rate as
the City Mission in Albany, the Buffalo Christian Center,
Sonfest Pavilion, American Rescue Workers and Six
Salvation Armies.
ADOPTED
NO. 162
BY: MR. FRANCZYK
TRANSFER OF FUNDS
DEPARTMENT OF AUDIT AND CONTROL
That pursuant to section 42 of the Charter and the
Certificate of the Mayor and the Comptroller submitted to the
Common Council, the sum of $14,196 be and the same is
hereby transferred within the Department of Audit and
Control and said sum is hereby
reappropriated as set forth below:
From:
100 General Fund
042 - Division of Accounting
00 1 -Accounting
110 - Salary - Regular$14,196
To:
100 General Fund
040 - Comptroller
00 1 -Comptroller
570 - Financial & Accounting Services $9,196
043 - Real Estate
001 - Real Estate Management
112 - Temporary Services$5,000
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
NO. 163
BY: MR. FRANCZYK
INCREASED APPROPRIATION
CITY REVENUE
DIVISION OF COLLECTIONS
That, Pursuant to Section 41 of the Charter and the
Certificate of the Mayor and the Comptroller submitted to the
Common Council, the appropriation in the budget for the
current fiscal year for Appropriation Allotments - Department
of Audit and Control, Division of Collections be and the same
hereby is increased in the sum of $50,000
That, the comptroller be and hereby is authorized and
directed to increase the revenue
Estimate of account:
Revenue City
100 General Fund
044 - Division of Collections
402 - City
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30020 - Charges for Collection Services$50,000
To meet the increased appropriation as set forth below:
100 General Fund
044 - Division of Collections
001 - Collections
570 - Financial and Accounting Services$50,000
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
NO. 164
BY: MR. FRANCZYK
BROADWAY MARKET FARMER'S MARKET
Whereas: Broadway was Started as a Farmer's Market on
Broadway in 1888 and
Whereas The farmers market has been in the rear of the
building hidden away in the parking ramp since the public
market hall was built in 1954; and
Whereas: unrepaired sewers and drains in the parking ramp
have createdan environment not conducive to retail
sales
Whereas: the 1999 Strategic Business Development study
completed by the Public Market Collaborative of the Project
for Public Spaces recommends that the farmer's market be
held in the front of the Broadway Market on Broadway, and
Whereas: a farmer's market on Broadway will be more
visible to the
public and attract more farmers who will better provide farm
fresh
local produce.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That:
This Common Council requests that permission be granted
for the Broadway Market Farmer's Market to be allowed on
the public right-of-way on Broadway between Gibson and
Lombard Streets for its Farmer's market.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION, THE
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND THE CITY
PLANNING BOARD
NO. 165
BY: MR. HELFER
SECTION 108 FUNDS [MAIN-LASALLE PLACE
PROJECT [STORM/SEWER DRAINAGE [COST
OVERRUNS AND [INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS.
WHEREAS, Section 108 of the Housing and Community
Development Act of 1974 authorizes a program of
community development loan guarantee assistance (Section
108 or Section 108 Program). Under the Section 108
Program, the Department provides metropolitan cities and
urban counties that receive entitlement grants (entitlement
public entities) with fronted financing for large-scale
community and economic development projects that cannot
be financed from annual grants; and
WHEREAS, The United States Department of Housing and
Urban Development has published rules and regulations
governing the eligibility requirements and administration of
the Section 108 Program; and
WHEREAS, The City of Buffalo satisfies all the eligibility
criteria established by the United States Department of
Housing and Urban Development; and
WHEREAS, The Main-LaSalle Place Project will not reach
fruition unless the City of Buffalo provides the infrastructure
necessary to encourage private development.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMON
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COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUFFALO:
1. That the City of Buffalo and the City of Buffalo Urban
Renewal Agency are hereby authorized to enter into a
Section 108 Loan as follows:
a.The Section 108 loan shall be a pass through loan from
the United States Department of Housing and Urban
Development.
b.That the City of Buffalo is hereby authorized to pledge its
Community Development Block Grants as security for the
Section 108 loan.
C.The loan shall be prepared and administered by
the Buffalo Economic Renaissance Corporation (hereinafter
referred to as "BERC").
d.The loan shall be granted to the City of Buffalo Urban
Renewal Agency (hereinafter referred to as "BURA").
e.The interest rate assessed will be at the prevailing Section
108 rate and the following conditions Agency.
(i) Approval and authorization of such financing by the
Buffalo Urban Renewal
(ii) Authorization by the BERC Board of Directors to submit
the Section 108 loan application for financing to the Federal
grantor.
2. That the Mayor of the City of Buffalo and the
Commissioner of Community Development acting in their
capacities as Mayor and Commissioner, or Chairman and
Vice Chairman of the City of Buffalo Urban Renewal
Agency, respectively, are hereby authorized to execute any
and all documents deemed necessary by their appropriate
legal counsel to effect this execute a resolution.
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
NO. 166
BY: MR. HELFER
PUBLIC HEARING-MAIN - LASALLE PLACE
PROJECT
SECTION 108 LOAN
WHEREAS: Section 108 of the Housing and Community
Development Act of 1974 authorized the Department of
Housing and Urban Development to offer Section 108 loans
for community and economic development projects that
cannot be financed from annual grants; and
WHEREAS: The proposed Main-LaSalle Place Project
Section 108 Loan requires the approval of the local
governing body.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMON
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUFFALO:
1. That this Common Council will conduct a Public Hearing
regarding the Section 108 loan for the Main-LaSalle Place
Project before the Community Development Committee on
April 28, 1999 at 10: 00 a.m. in the Common Council
Chambers; and
2. That the City Clerk is hereby directed to publish a notice
similar to the attached and marked "Notice of Hearing" in the
Buffalo News and the City Record no later then the 21 st of
April 1999.
ADOPTED
NO. 167
WAIVE RENTAL FEES FOR THE CAZENOVIA PARK
CASINO
Whereas Many South Buffalo residents have inquired
about the rental of the Cazenovia Park Casino; and
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Whereas: The Cazenovia Casino does not provide our
residents with the amenities necessary to hold certain events
at $125.00 charge; and
Whereas:The vandalism that has occurred to this building
has been an eyesore for the past few years including broken
windows, lights, and graffiti; and
Whereas: I am allocating $50,000 to make the necessary
improvements to make the Cazenovia Casino a viable
component of our Parks and Community; and
Whereas: Renovations will be taken place this spring to
enhance the Casino for rental; and
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That the Common Council grant permission to waive any
fees for the rental of the Cazenovia Park Casino for 1999.
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
NO. 168
BY: MR. QUINTANA
DISPLAY BANNER FOR "SPRING INTO FITNESS"
Whereas:Roswell Alliance will be hosting a "Spring into
Fitness" contest with proceeds benefiting the research,
education, and patient care areas at Roswell Park Cancer
Institute, and
Whereas: To promote this public event initiated by Alessi
Personal Fitness, permission has been requested to display
a banner on Delaware Avenue. off of Pole 453 ) 1, near
Allen Street; and
Whereas: The organizers would like to display the banner
from April 17, 1999, through May '10, 1999-1
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved: That this Common Council
grants permission to the Roswell Alliance "Spring into
Fitness" event in displaying a banner, pursuant to the
conditions established by the Commissioner of Public
Works, the Corporation Counsel., and the Special Events
Advisory Committee,
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
NO. 169
BY: MR. PITTS
ADELPHIA ACQUISITIONS
Whereas: On Monday April 12, 1999 Adelphia
Communications Corp. announced that it was buying the
cable TV systems owned by Harron Communications for
$1.17 billion, it was the fifth purchase announced by
Adelphia in the last five months; and
Whereas: The deals will make Adelphia the fourth largest
cable company in the U.S. - and
Whereas: After seeing Adelphia double its size in ten days,
financial analysts raised questions about Adelphia's
surprising aggressiveness, expressing concerns about the
high price it paid for some of the systems and questioning
the motivations for its buying spree,- and
Whereas: While some cable companies have attempted to
strategically "cluster" contiguous systems to create operating
efficiencies, many of Adelphia's acquisitions lack geographic
continuity, such as 772, 109 subscribers in systems
operated by Century Communications in Los Angeles; and
Whereas After the Century deal, moody's placed Adelphia's
bond ratings under review for possible downgrade because
of concerns about the company's ability to integrate new
systems that have "very distinct operating characteristics"
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99-0420.txt
and require considerable upgrades in many cases-, Moody's
also expressed concerns about the high acquisition costs;
and
Whereas: Standard and Poor's also placed Adelphia's
ratings on Credit Watch as it analyzes the impact of the
transactions as well as the company's long-term strategy
and financial policy-, and
Whereas: These developments have created much
speculation about Adelphia's future, and some have
concluded that the company is positioning itself to be
bought, or that itintends to sell or swap large portions of
its holdings
Now therefore be it resolved:
That this Common Council requests that Adelphia
Communications Corporation report on its recent
acquisitions and their impact on the company, as well as
what impact these transactions will have upon the City of
Buffalo and local cable subscribers; and
Be it further resolved:
That this Honorable Body also requests that the City
Comptroller, Moody's Investor Service, and Standard and
Poor's provide reports on the long-term implications of the
large scale acquisitions announced by Adelphia.
ADOFT FINAL RESOLVE, REMAINING REFERRED TO
THE COMMITTEE ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND
ADELPHIA CABLE
NO. 170
BY: MRS. MILLER-WILLIAMS
CONCERN OVER RECENT SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON
WOMEN
Whereas: Recently, there have been numerous sexual
assaults against women in various sections of the City; and
Whereas: In incidents dating back to July 29, 1998, women
have been dragged, pushed, or forced into bushes
or behind structures where they have been assaulted and/or
raped;and
Whereas: The community is in a state of shock as the news
of these incidents spreads throughout the City and as a
result have expressed interest in working with law
enforcement and government officials to apprehend the
perpetrator(s); and
Whereas: Although the Buffalo Police Department has been
working diligently on apprehending the perpetrator(s) of
these horrific assaults, neighborhood residents need to be
continuously informed and assured that their safety and
well-being are a top priority;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That representatives from the Buffalo Police Department
attend the Committee on Legislation meeting on Tuesday,
April 27, at 2:00 p.rn. in Council Chambers, to outline and
discuss what has been done to date in an investigative role,
and what measures are being taken to apprehend the
suspect(s); and
Be It Further Resolved:
That the Buffalo Police Department increase manpower in
the areas of the assaults to include special units, community
police officers, and detectives specialized in solving these
types of crimes.
\REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
AND THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
NO. 171
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BY: BARBARA MILLER- WILLIAMS, ELLICOTT
DISTRICT COUNCILMEMBER
SET PUBLIC HEARING
WATERFRONT REDEVELOPMENT
PROJECT NYR-35
APPROVAL - CONTRACT FOR
FOR SALE OF LAND
KALEIDA HEALTH
WHEREAS, Kalelda Health 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 disposition of Parcels 19 and 19D in the
Waterfront Redevelopment Project NYR-35; 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:
THAT, the City Clerk be and is hereby directed to publish the
attached Notice of Hearing in the Buffalo News and the City
Record on the 24th day of April, 1999 and
THAT, this Common Council will hold a public hearing on the
proposed agreement, on the 4 1h day of May 1999.
ADOPTED
NO. 172
BY: BARBARA MILLER-WILLIAMS AND ROSERNARIC
LOTEMPIO
WAIVE PERMIT FEES FOR JAMES A. DOCKERY
COMMUNITY CENTER
Whereas:Memorial Temple Christian Ministries,
the owner of the James A. Dockery Community Center
located at 800 Sycamore Street, project to expand the
community center's present size; and
is planning a construction
Whereas:This project will add approximately
11,000 square feet to the popular communitycenter;
and
Whereas:This additional space will be used to
house four hour day care facility, and
Whereas:Both the multi-purpose room and the
day care center are welcome additions, eagerly anticipated
by the community;
a multi-purpose room and a twenty
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved: That this Common Council
requests the Commissioner of Public Works to waive any
and all fees associated with this project
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
NO. 173
BY: MR. ZUCHLEWSKI
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[NAME NORTHWEST ACADEMY THE WILLIAM J.
GRABIARZ SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE]
Whereas: William J. Grabiarz was born and raised in
Buffalo, New York, and entered into the U.S. Army, Troop E,
5th Cavalry, Ist Cavalry Division as a Private First Class; and
Whereas: It has been more 54 years since Private William
Grabiarz honored himself and his hometown of Buffalo in
military glory through a hail of enemy gunfire in Manila,
Luzon, Philippine Islands; and
Whereas: William was a scout when his unit advanced with
tanks along a street in Manila, Luzon, Philippine Islands.
Without warning, concealed enemy machine gun and rifle
fire swept the street, striking down the troop commander and
forcing the men to take cover. As the officer lay in the open
road, Private Grabiarz voluntarily ranfrom behind a tank
to try to carry the commander to safety, but was himself
wounded in the shoulder. Finding this impossible to achieve,
he rejected the opportunity to save himself and deliberately
covered the officer with his own body to form a human
shield, calling for a tank to maneuver into position between
himself and the hostile encounter. The enemy riddled him
with concentrated fire before the tank could intercede. The
troops found that he had been successful in preventing
bullets from striking his leader, who survived; and
Whereas:Through his magnificent sacrifice in
gallantly giving his life to save that of his commander,
Private Grabiarz provided an outstanding and lasting
inspiration to his fellow soldiers, his country, and the
City of Buffalo; and
Whereas:Private Grabiarz was posthumously
awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions
that day, the only American to win this honor in the liberation
of Manila; and
Whereas:Residents of the City of Buffalo wish to
have the memory of Private William J. Grabiarz's actions of
that day live on for future generations by having the new
Northwest Academy named in his honor;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That the Common Council of the City of Buffalo requests the
Board of Education to name the school building abounded
by Race, Military Road, Lawn Avenue and the Northwest
Community Center, presently known as Northwest Academy,
be named the William J. Grabiarz School of Excellence.
ADOPTED
NO. 174
BY:MR. ZUCHLEWSKI
UNION CONCERNS - CONVEYANCE OF PARKLAND
Whereas Upon approval of C.C.P, Resolution # 140,
January 12, 1999, proceedings began for the
conveyance of parkland at the foot of Ontario Street and
Broderick Park from the City of Buffalo to the County of Erie;
and
Whereas: These proceedings have raised questions and
concerns by Local 264's labor force; and
Whereas: Local 264 would like assurance that with such
conveyance, none of the union's workforce would be
jeopardized; and
Whereas: The purpose of this conveyance was to alleviate
some of the City's costs and to act consistently with the
County's involvement in the Riverwalk project;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That representatives of Local 264, the Parks Commissioner,
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99-0420.txt
and the Director of Labor Relations attend the next meeting
of the Committee on Community Development to be held on
Wednesday, April 28, 1999, at 10 am, to discuss their
concerns regarding this issue.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT, THE COMMISSIONER OF HUMAN
SERVICES PARKS AND RECREATION, THE DIRECTOR
OF LABOR RELATIONS, AND LOCAL #264
NO. 175
BY: MR. ZUCHLEWSKI
STREET CLOSING - SUNNYSIDE & HOLMES FOR
GREAT AMERICAN CLEAN-UP
Whereas: In the past, the Sunnyside/Holmes Block Club
has put a great deal of time and effort in the Great American
Clean-up; and
Whereas: This year, part of their clean up efforts will include
sweeping and cleaning curbside on Sunnyside & Holmes;
and
Whereas: Because this is a city sponsored program and
numerous block club members will be working in the street,
the Sunnyside/Holmes Block Club is requesting that
Sunnyside & Holmes be closed to the public from 10:00am -
3:00 pm on Saturday, May 8th; and
Whereas: The Sunnyside/Holmes Block Club is a
not-for-profit organization interested inbettering their
neighborhood and therefore, would like to request that the
street closing fee of $25.00 be waived; and
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That this Common Council grant permission to the
Department of Public Works to waive the street closing fee
of $25.00 so that the Sunnyside/Holmes Block Club can
close their streets from 10: 00am - 3: 00 pm on Saturday,
May 8th
PASSED
AYES -12 NOES - 0
NO. 176
BY MR. ZUCHLEWSKI
FELICITATIONS/IN MEMORIAM
Attached hereto are Felicitation and In Memoriam
Resolutions sponsored by Members of the Common Council
as indicated:
Felicitation for Sister Geraldine Deas
By Councilmember Charles Michaux III and Council
President James Pitts
Felicitation for Bishop Gilbert E. Patterson
By Councilmember Council President James Pitts And
Charles Michaux III
Felicitation for NYS Black Gay Network
By Councilmember Council President James Pitts and
Charles Michaux
Felicitation for Reverend Jones
By Councilmember Charles Michaux III and Council
President
ADOPTED.
NO. 177
BY: MR. ZUCHLEWSKI
APPOINTMENTS
COMMISSIONERS OF DEEDS
That the persons are hereby appointed as Commissioner
of Deeds for the term ending December 31, 2000,
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conditional upon the person so appointed certifying under
oath to their qualifications and filing same with the City Clerk:
Dorothy L. Brown
Kelly L. Colucci
Donna L. Doknovitch
Elizabeth A. Guise
Joan LaCurte
Tammy Jo Lewandowski
Ingrid Perez
Susan Sfrika
ADOPTED.
NO. 178
BY: MR. ZUCHLEWSKI
APPOINTMENTS
COMMISSIONERS OF DEEDS
REQUIRED PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC DUTIES
That the persons are hereby appointed as Commissioner
of Deeds for the term ending December 31, 2000,
conditional upon the person so appointed certifying under
oath to their qualifications and filing same with the City Clerk:
Greg G. Blosat
Daniel Barrett
Antonio Borrelli
Joseph M. Cook
Lxauralann L. Denny
Akiel H. Kaudeyr
Sherry L. Kiszewski
David S. Kobler
Lissa Kogut
David M. Lillis
Katherine D. McGarrah
John Pace
Julia Paul
ADOPTED.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NO. 179
BOND RES. - $800,000 - ALLENDALE THEATRE
RESTORATION
(NO. 162, C.C.P. APRIL 6,1999)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from the
table
Seconded by Mr. Helfer
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved the approval of the above item.
Seconded by Mr. Brown
PASSED
AYES- 12 NOES- 0
NO. 180
BOND RES. - $400,000 - HAZ. MATERIALS RESP.
VEHICLE
(NO. 163, C.C.P. APRIL 6, 1999)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from
the table.
Seconded by. Mr. Helfer
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved the approval of the above item.
Seconded by Mr. Brown
PASSED
AYES- 12 NOES-0
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NO. 181
BOND RES. - $250,000 - PUMPER TRUCK
(NO. 164, C.C.P. APRIL 6, 1999)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from
the table.
Seconded by. Mr. Brown
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTernpio now moved the approval of the above item.
Seconded by Mr. Helfer
PASSED
AYES- 12 NOES- 0
NO. 182
ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS
The following meetings are scheduled. All meetings are
held in the Council Chambers, l3th floor, City Hall, Buffalo,
New York, unless otherwise noted.
Regular Committees
Committee on Civil Service Tuesday, April 27,1999 at
9:30 o'clock A.M.
Committee on Finance Tuesday, April 27, 1999
following Civil Service
Committee on Legislation Tuesday, April 27, 1999 at
2:00 o'clock P.M.
Committee on Comm DevWednesday, April 28, 1999 at
10:00 o'clock A.M.
Committee on Education To be determined.
Ancillary Meetings
Special Committee on Municipalization of Electrical Services
will be meeting on Wednesday, Aprit7, 1999 at 2: 00 o'clock
P.M. 'in Room 1417 City Hall.
Claims Committee will be meeting on Thursday, April 22,
1999 at 12:30 in Council Chambers.
Special Committee on Budget will be meeting on
Wednesday, April 28, 1999 at 11:00 a.m. in Room 1417 City
Hall.
Gretchen A. Pound
Council Reporter
NO. 183
ADJOURMNENT
On a motion by Mrs. LoTempio, Seconded by Mr. Helfer the
Council adjourned at 3:30pm
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