HomeMy WebLinkAbout98-1020
98-1020.txt
No.(19)
COMMON COUNCIL
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
CITY OF BUFFALO
OCTOBER 20, 1998
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 T. 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 A. 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, Beverly Gray, Kevin J. Helfer, Barbara Miller-
Williams, Dale Zuchlewski Members
SPECIAL COMMITTEES
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE: James W.
Pitts, Chairman, Alfred T. Coppola, Richard A. 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 A. Fontana, Kevin
J. Helfer, Rosmarie LoTempio, Robert Quintana
POLICE REORGANIZATION COMMITTEE: Robert
Quintana, Chairman, Beverly Gray, Kevin J. Helfer,
Rosemarie LoTempio, Dennis T. Manley
CORPORATION PROCEEDINGS
COMMON COUNCIL
CITY HALL - BUFFALO
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1998
AT 2:00 P.M.
PRESENT - James W. Pitts President of the Council,
and and Council Members Brown, Coppola, Fontana,
Franczyk, Gray, Helfer, Kavanaugh, LoTempio,Manley,
Pitts, Quintana, Williams and Zuchlewski - 13.
ABSENT - None.
On a motion by Mrs. LoTempio, seconded by
Mr.Fontana, the minutes of the stated meeting held on
October 6, 1998 were approved.
FROM THE MAYOR
FROM THE MAYOR
NO. 1
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APPOINTMENT OF MEMBER TO THE -
BUFFALO SEWER AUTHORITY
Pursuant to the powers vested in me by Section 1177 of the
Public Authorities Law, I hereby appoint, subject to
confirmation by Your Honorable Body, Rodney 1. Richardson,
residing at 688 Crescent Avenue, Buffalo, New York-14216,
as a member of the Buffalo Sewer Authority for a tern expiring
June 30, 1999. Mr. Richardson will be filling the unexpired
term of Rev. Troy A. Bronner, who has resigned.
Mr. Richardson is Vice-President and Regional Community
Development Manager of Fleet Bank of New York, Buffalo,
New York. He has held various managerial assignments with
Fleet Bank since 1971 to the present. Rodney Richardson is
very involved in community organizations, and has received
numerous awards for his active participation, such as United
Way Voluntary Community Service Award, NAACP
Community Service Award, Black Achievers in Industry, etc.
Mr. Richardson is a member of the Greater Buffalo
Partnership, Buffalo Urban League, Inc., National Association
of Urban Bankers/Buffalo Chapter, St. Peter Claver Youth
Program, Inc., One Hundred Black Men Inc., etc.
I hereby certify that the above named individual is fully
qualified to serve as a member of the Buffalo Sewer Authority.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISTLATION,
CORPORATION COUNSEL, DIVISION OF COLLECTIONS
AND COMPTRO LLE R.
FROM THE MAYOR - EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
FROM THE CITY PLANNING BOARD
NO. 2
PETROLEUM SALES
650 TONAWANDA ST. POLE SIGN
ITEM NO. 93, C.C.P. 10/6/98
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held
Tuesday, October 13, 1998, considered the matter captioned
above pursuant to Section 387-19 of the Buffalo Code,
Application for Billboard, ground sign or pole sign permit.
The applicant seeks to erect an illuminated pole "ID" sign with
reader boards 8.25'x3.67', 5.16'x4', 5.16'x7' at 24' in height.
Under SEQR the proposed pole sign is considered an unlisted
action which may be studied through uncoordinated review.
The Planning Board voted to approve the proposed pole
sign at an overall height of 201 with the condition that
appropriate landscaping be placed at the base of the sign.
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 3
PETROLEUM SALES 595 ONTARIO ST. POLE SIGN
ITEM NO. 94, C.C.P. 10/6/98
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held
Tuesday, October 13, 1998, considered the matter captioned
above pursuant to Section 387-19 of the Buffalo Code,
Application for Billboard, ground sign or pole sign permit.
The applicant seeks to erect an illuminated pole "ID" sign
with reader boards 8.25'x3.67', 5.16'x4', 5.16'x7' at 24' in
height. Under SEQR the proposed pole sign is considered an
unlisted action which may be studied through uncoordinated
review.
The Planning Board voted to approve the proposed pole sign
at an overall height of 20' with the condition that appropriate
landscaping be placed at the base of the sign.
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RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 4
D. CAMPIERI
256 ALLEN ST.
USE AS A TAVERN
ITEM NO. 95, C.C.P. 10/6/98
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held
Tuesday, October 13, 1998, considered the matter captioned
above pursuant to Section 511-57 of the Buffalo Code, Allen
Street District.
The applicant seeks to re-establish a tavern use at 256 Allen
St. after being closed for several years. Under SEQR the
proposed tavern is considered an unlisted action which may
be studied through uncoordinated review.
The Planning Board voted to approve the proposed tavern.
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 5
FRANKLIN ST. ASSOCIATES
45 ALLEN ST. AKA 503 FRANKLIN ST.
USE AS A TAVERN
ITEM NO. 96, C.C.P. 10/6/98
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held
Tuesday, October 13, 1998, considered the matter captioned
above pursuant to Section 511-57 of the Buffalo Code, Allen
Street District.
The applicant seeks convert an existing store into a tavern
with offices above at the Franklin St. side of 45 Allen St. Under
SEQR the proposed tavern is considered an unlisted action
which may be studied through uncoordinated review.
The Planning Board voted to approve the proposed tavern.
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 6
CANTALICIAN CNTR FOR BUFFALO 655 HERTEL AVE.
COMMUNITY RESIDENCE
ITEM NO. 97, C.C.P. 10/6/98
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held
Tuesday, October 13, 1998, considered the matter captioned
above pursuant to Section 511-94 of the Buffalo Code,
Halfway houses.
The applicant seeks to erect a 1 story community residence.
Under SEQR the proposed community residence is
considered an unlisted action which may be studied through
uncoordinated review.
The Planning Board voted to approve the proposed
community residence.
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 7
BUFFALO SELF STORAGE
363 DINGENS ST.
POLE SIGN
ITEM NO. 98, C.C.P. 10/6/98
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held
Tuesday, October 13, 1998, considered the matter captioned
above pursuant to Section 387-19 of the Buffalo Code,
Application for Billboard, ground sign or pole sign permit.
The applicant seeks to erect a non-illuminated 4'x8'x14' pole
"ID" sign. Under SEQR the proposed pole sign is considered
an unlisted action which may be studied through
uncoordinated review.
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The Planning Board voted to approve the proposed pole with
the condition that appropriate landscaping be placed at the
base of the sign.
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 8
ALI MOHAMED AGGI
1347 KENSINGTON AVE.
TAKE-OUT RESTAURANT
ITEM NO. 121, C.C.P. 7/21/98
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held
Tuesday, October 13, 1998, considered the matter captioned
above pursuant to Section 511-65 of the Buffalo Code,
Kensington Bailey Business District respectively.
The applicant seeks to convert an existing store into a take-
out restaurant. Under SEQR the proposed take-out restaurant
is considered an unlisted action which may be studied through
uncoordinated review.
After failing to appear at several planning board meetings,
the Planning Board voted to receive and file the proposed
take-out restaurant application.
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 9
M. MCCLOSKEY
162 SWAN ST.
AWNING SIGN
ITEM NO. 39, C.C.P. 10/6/98
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held
Tuesday, October 13, 1998, considered the matter captioned
above pursuant to Section 413-56 of the Buffalo Code,
Awnings, canopies or marquees.
The applicant seeks encroach the right-of-way by 2' with the
installation of a 4'x65' awning sign located at 162 Swan St.
Under SEQR the proposed awning sign is considered an
unlisted action which may be studied through uncoordinated
review.
he Planning Board voted to approve the proposed awning
sign.
RECEIVED AND FILED
FROM THE BOARD OF PARKING
NO. 10
BIDS - GATES AND BUFFALO GENERAL PARKING
RAMPS
The current five (5) year management agreement between
Allright Parking Buffalo Inc. and the City of Buffalo for the
concession at the Gates Circle and Buffalo General parking
ramps is about to expire October 31, 1998.
The Board of Parking advertised on August 24, 1998 for new
management proposals. The public bid opening was held at
11:00 a.m., September 30, 1998 in the office of the Board of
Parking, 1801 City Hall.
The following are the results for the public bids:
Gates Circle Buffalo General
Bidders Management Fee Mngnent Fee
Allright Parking Buffalo Ihc.
107 Delaware Ave. - Suite One
Buffalo, NY 14202 $523 $519
Buffalo Civic Auto Ramps Inc.
221 Pearl Street
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Buffalo, NY 14202 $800 $800
Imperial Parking
185 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202 $2195 $2195
At its regular monthly meeting of October 14, 1998, the
Board of Parking voted to recommend to your Honorable Body
the award of new three year management agreement with
Allright Parking Buffalo Inc. for the Gates Circle Parking Ramp
for a monthly fee of $523 and a monthly fee for Buffalo
General of $519.
The Concession package bid in 1993 required the
successful bidder to install a new revenue control equipment
and a computerized control system in each garage. Also the
bidder was required to purchase new power sweepers for each
garage. The cost of said new equipment was to be amortized
over 60 months (see attached). The base bid was for three (3)
years, with two, one (1) year extensions. There was a buy out
provision if the City canceled before the 60 months was
complete.
GATES CIRCLE BUFFALO GENERAL
Bid Amount $2657.12 $2669.13
Amortized Equipment
cost -$1444.52 -$1256.01
Management Fee $1212.75 $1413.12
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
FROM THE BUFFALO ARTS COMMISSION
NO. 11
CHANGE ORDER # 1 FOR CONTRACT #918747700
RUSSELL-MARTI CONSERVATION SERVICES
NOVEMBER 24, 1996 ITEM. 14
The Arts Commission.hereby submits to your Honorable
Body the following Change Order No. 1 with Russell-Mart
Conservation Services, Inc. for work related to Art
Conservation Services, Contract, Contract *91874700.
New York Item No. 1
Conservation treatment of a Civil War Cannon.
Increase $1500.00
Conservation treatment of a General Pulaski Monument.
Increase $10,000.00
Summary:
Original Amount $98,425.00
Amount of Change Order No.1 Increase $11,500.00
$109,925.00
Funds are available in Account #202-402-011,and must be
transferred into Account 200-402-035. The Arts Commission
respectfully recommends the above Change Order be
authorized by Your Honorable Body as set forth above. Thank
you for your attention to this matter.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
NO. 12
CHANGE ORDER #1 FOR CONTRACT #91921400
RUSSELL-MARTI CONSERVATION SERVICES
JULY 22, 1997 ITEM #5
The Arts Commission hereby submits to your Honorable
Body the following Change Order * 1 with Russell-Marti
Conservation services, Inc., for work related to Art
Conservation Services, Contract # 91921400.
New Work Item # 1
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98-1020.txt
Conservation treatment of Charles Roesch plaque.
Increase: $4,500.00
Restoration to Gates Circle Lamp Posts 2,3,4,and 5.
Increase $27,600.00
Conservation treatment of Gates Circle urns.
Increase: $ 6,700.00
Conservation treatment of Thomas Mercer Plaque.
Increase: $ 3,000.00
Restoration treatment of Statue of David.
Decrease: $1,555.00
Conservation treatment of Sons & Daughters.
Decrease: $1,355.00
Credit for not performing conservation treatment on George
Washington statue (owned by County of Erie)
Decrease:$14,130.00
Summary:
Original Amount $167,280.00
Amount of Change Order No. 1 Increase $ 41,800.00 Amount
of Change Order No. 1 Decrease $17,040.00.
. $192,040.00
Funds are available in Account #202-402-011, and must--be
transferred into Account $ 201-402-003.
The Arts Commission respectfully recommends the above
Change order be authorized by Your Honorable Body as set
forth above. Thank You for your attention to this matter.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
FROM THE COMPTROLLER
NO. 13
CERTIFICATE OF NECESITY
CAPITAL BUDGET AMENDMENT
AUTHORIZATION FOR ADDITIONAL CAPITAL
INDEBTEDNESS
We, Anthony M. Masiello, Mayor and Joel A. Giambra,
Comptroller, do hereby certify, pursuant to Section 359 of the
Charter, that it is necessary to authorize an increase in
indebtedness for Capital Projects Program, provided by the
Common Council prior to July 1, 1998 for the ensuing fiscal
year, by adding the following item:
200 Capital Projects
401 Division of Engineering
Elmwood Avenue Parking Lots $1,000,000
Dated: Buffalo, NY October 1, 1998
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 14
CERTIFICATE OF NECESSITY
TRANSFER OF FUNDS
RESERVE FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
DIVISION OF BUILDINGS
We, Anthony M. Masiello, Mayor and Joel A. Giambra,
Comptroller, do hereby certify, pursuant to Section 42 of the
Charter, that it is necessary that the sum of $13,745.51 be
transferred and reappropriated from the Reserve for Capital
Improvements, as set forth below:
From:
100 General Fund
81-9 - Exempt Items
842 - Reserve for Capital Improvements $13,745.51
To:
81-8 Interfund Transfers
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010 - Transfer to Capital Projects Fund $13,745.51
From:
81-8 Interfund Transfers
010 - Transfer to Capital Projects Fund $13,745.51
To:
201 Capital Project Fund
402 - Division of Buildings
005 - City Hall Masonry Reconstruction $13,745.51
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 15
CERTIFICATE OF NECESSITY
TRANSFER OF FUNDS
COMMON COUNCIL - CITY CLERK
We, Anthony M. Masiello, Mayor and Joel A. Giambra,
Comptroller, do hereby certify, pursuant to Section 42 of the
Charter, that it is necessary that the sum of $2,500 be
transferred and reappropriated within the Division of City Clerk,
as set forth below:
From:
100 General Fund
01 - Common Council
1 - City Clerk
002 - Office of Telecommunications
110 - Salaries - Regular $2,500
To:
100 General Fund
01 - Common Council
1 - City Clerk
001 - City Clerk
302 - Transportation $1,000
305 - Meals & Lodging $1,000
306 - Registration Fees & Dues $500
Dated: Buffalo, NY, October 1, 1998
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 16
CERTIFICATE OF NECESSITY
TRANSFER OF FUNDS
PARKING ENFORCEMENT
TREASURY
We, Anthony M. Masiello, Mayor and Joel A. Giambra,
Comptroller, do hereby certify, pursuant to Section 42 of the
Charter, that it is necessary that the sum of $25,000 be
transferred and reappropriated from Parking Enforcement, as
set forth below:
From:
100 General Fund
06 - Department of Administration & Finance
4 - Division of Parking Enforcement
013 - Parking Meters & Enforcement
112 - Temporary Services $25,000
To:
100 General Fund
06 - Department of Administration & Finance
5 - Division of Treasury
001 - Treasury
112 - Temporary Services $25,000
Dated:Buffalo, NY, October 6, 1998
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 17
INTERFUND LOAN
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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 two requests 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 $170,000, Renovations Citywide Playground
(Tow Path), $3,400,000, Shea's Theater - Stage Expansion.
The loans will be repaid when Bond Anticipation Notes or
Bonds are issued.
From To Account Re-payment Date Total
100200
General Capital 203-717-003 BAN/Bond Sale $170,000
Projects
100 200 Capital
General Projects 203-402-016 BAN/Bond Sale $ 3,400,000
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Comptroller dated
October 15, 1998, be received and filed; and
That the Comptroller be, and he hereby is authorized to make
interfund cash loans from the General Fund to the City's
Capital Projects Fund in the amount of $170,000, Renovations
Citywide Playground (Tow Path), $3,400,000, Shea's Theater -
Stage Expansion. The loans will be repaid when Bond
Anticipation Notes or Bonds are issued.
Passed
AYES-13, NOES-0
NO. 18
INTERFUND CASH LOAN
Certain Federal and State aided programs require a cash
advance until the program is operating and reimbursement is
received.
I have reviewed the program listed below and determined
the cash needs to be warranted. I have approved an interfund
cash loan to be made in the maximum amount of $87,534.00
as needed subject to your approval. Loan is payable at date
of reimbursement.
FROM: 100 - General Fund
TO: 200 - Capital Projects Fund
ACCOUNT NO.: 203-717-501-00-000
GRANT TITLE: Tow Path Park
GRANT AGENCY: NYS Environmental Quality Bond Act
GRANT AMOUNT: $87,534.00
LOAN AMOUNT: $87,534.00
Estimated Date of Repayment: June 1999
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Comptroller dated
September 28, 1998, 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 $87,534.00 (Tow
Path Park Grant). The loan will be repaid when Bond
Anticipation Notes or Bonds are issued.
Passed
AYES-13, NOES-0
NO. 19
CERTIFICATE OF NECESSITY
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TRANSFER OF FUNDS
Fringe Benefits - Reserve for Agreements with City Unions
Common Council, Mayor and Comptroller
We, Anthony M. Masiello, Mayor and Joel A. Giambra,
Comptroller, do hereby certify, pursuant to Section 42 of the
Charter, that it is necessary that the sum of $128,700 be
transferred and reappropriated from Fringe Benefits - Reserve
for Agreements with City Unions, as set forth below:
From:
100 - General Fund
813 - Fringe Benefits
176 - Reserve for Agreements with City Unions $128,700
To:
100 General Fund
01 - Common Council
1 - Legislative
002 - Councilmember 2 $ 7,937
003 - Councilmember 3 $ 7,937
004 - Legislation Committee Chairman $0
005 - Civil Service Committee Chairman $ 7,937
006 - Councilmember 6 $ 7,937
007 - Education Committee Chairman $ 7,937
008 - Minority Leader $ 7,937
009 - Finance Committee Chairman $ 7,937
010 - Claims Committee Chairman $ 7,937
011 - Councilmember II $ 7,937
012 - Majority Leader $ 7,937
013 - Community Development Committee Chairman $ 7,937
02 - President of Common Council 0 - Legislative
001 -Legislative $21,270
03 - Mayor and Executive Department
0 - Executive
001 -Executive Function $20,123
04 - Department of Audit and Control
0 - Comptroller
001 -Comptroller $ 0
Dated:Buffalo, NY, October 15, 1998
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 20
Certificate of Necessity
Increased Appropriation
Fund Balance
Police
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 $391,000 in the
estimates for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1998 is
necessary in Appropriation Allotments - Department of Police,
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 account 100-890-060
Fund Balance Unreserved, not otherwise appropriated for any
other purpose. The details of the requirements are set forth
below:
To:
100 General Fund
20 - Department of Police
1 - Police Administration
085 - Exempt Items
981 - Passenger Cars & Other Vehicles
Police Cars
Adaptation of Cars $ 50,000
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Dated:Buffalo, NY, October 15, 1998
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 21
CERTIFICATE OF NECESSITY INCREASED
APPROPRIATION DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
We, Anthony M. Masiello, Mayor and Joel A. Giambra,
Comptroller, do hereby certify pursuant to Section 41 of the
Charter, that increases in the sums of $12,000, $5,000 and
$5,000 in the estimates for the fiscal year beginning July 1,
1998 are necessary in Appropriation Allotments for the
Department of Police - Clothing and Uniforms and Public
Relations, 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 $22,000 in the General City Revenue account 100-
200-402-62032 - Deposit of Unclaimed Property not otherwise
appropriated for any other purpose. The details of the
requirements are set forth below:
To:
100 General Fund
20 - Department of Police
1 - Police Administration
021 - Administration and Communications
427 - Clothing and Uniforms $12,000
100 General Fund
20 - Department of Police
1- Police Administration
12 -Patrol Services
427 - Clothing and Uniforms $5,000
100 General Fund
20 - Department of Police
1 - Police Administration
001 - Office of the Police Commissioner
586 - Public Relations $5,000
Dated:Buffalo, NY, October 15, 1998
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 22
CERTIFICATE OF NECESSITY
TRANSFER OF FUNDS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - BOND FUNDS
PUBLIC WORKS - BOND FUNDS
We, Anthony M. Masiello, Mayor and Joel A. Giambra,
Comptroller, do hereby certify, pursuant to Section 42 of the
Charter, that it is necessary that the sum of $736,691 be
transferred and reappropriated from the Department of
Community Development Capital Projects Fund, as set forth
below:
The amount to be transfer-red 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:
203 Capital Projects Fund
717 - Department of Community Development
001- Demolitions $736,691
To:
203 Capital Projects Fund
402 - Division of Buildings
500 - City Demolitions $736,691
Dated:Buffalo, NY October 15, 1998
RECEIVED AND FILED
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FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL
NO. 23
APPOINTMENT TO KENSINGTON HEIGHTS
REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
The Kensington Heights housing project has been vacant for
nearly twenty years. This New York State Housings
Development once housed families in 460 units of midrise
towers, which have remained in fairly good repair without any
maintenance. As one of four "State Developments" in the
City, Kensington Heights is the only one left that is unoccupied
and without any plans for redevelopment. The former Ellicott
Mall, is now Ellicott Towne Center; Frederick Douglas Towers
is partially vacant, however, there are plans to provide a
redevelopment plan within the next 6 months; the Ferry-Grider
apartments are scheduled to be completely renovated!
Kensington Heights is the only development where there has
been no consistent movement towards a plan.
During the past year several developers have expressed
interest in becoming involved with Kensington Heights. The
Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority issued a Request for
Proposal some time ago, but the process has not come to
closure.
Located at Kensington and Fillmore atop the Kensington
Expressway, this housing site is poised to be a major factor in
the redevelopment of that part of the Masten District. The
relative remoteness of the site and its accessibility to the
Expressway in addition to being on major bus routes provides
a unique advantage to redevelopment prospects. Additionally,
it is located in the shadow of the Erie County Medical Center
and next to a park. This means that the project has viability for
mixed uses, which would meld into the surrounding
environment, meeting needs which have gone wanting.
If Kensington Heights is to evolve out of its present state of
latency, a push and or pull is needed! This was the case with
the old Ellicott Mall project. The push there was to form a
redevelopment committee of all concerned and thus a plan
which involved a private developer. Although the push and
pulls took many years, Ellicott Towne Center is a centerpiece
of redevelopment for the City and the State of New York.
Councilmember Brown has proposed a Master Plan for the
redevelopment of the Masten District; the Kensington Heights
Project is viewed as a key component to realizing his goals
and, importantly, the community's expectation to turn things
around! In order to start the push/pull process to the
redevelopment of Kensington Heights I am appointing a
Redevelopment Committee which will have the responsibility
of developing and ultimately implementing a plan for
Kensington Heights. The following members of this
committee represents a cross-section of interest that
Councilmember Brown especially sees as essential in making
this project happen. The appointees are:
Councilmember Byron Brown - Chairman
Councilmember at Large Beverly Gray
Councilmember at Large Barbara Kavanaugh
Councilmember at Large Rosemarie LoTempio
Rev. Darius Pridgen - Pastor, True Bethel Baptist Church,
907 E. Ferry Street
Richard Gillert - U.R.S. Greiner, 282 Delaware Avenue
Luther Walker, President - Delevan/Grider Block Club Council,
62 Carl Street
Scott Turner, Owner - Parkside Computing, 1598 Hertel
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Avenue
Sherrill Colston, Commissioner - Buffalo Municipal Housing
Authority -
This committee will meet regularly during the next 90 days.
It will develop a Request for Proposal, interview respondents
and report back to the Common Council with a preliminary
plan for Kensington Heights.
During this period the committee will work with the Buffalo
Municipal Housing Authority and all other parties who have
expressed an interest.
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 24
APPOINTMENT TO THE BUFFALO
PEST MANAGEMENT BOARD
I am appointing William Nowak to the Buffalo Pest
Management Board. Mr. Nowak left his position with the
Common Council Staff to take a position with the New York
League of Conservation Voters.
As you know, Mr. Nowak's specialty as a staff member was
in environmental issues. He was a founder of the Pest
Management Board and has worked diligently to develop a
pesticide free city ordinance.
Mr. Nowak resides at 17 Putnam Street, Buffalo, New York
14213 and is exceptionally qualified to serve.
RECEIVED AND FILED
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS
NO. 25
NOTIFICATION SERIAL # 9074
NO STANDING - REPEAL ON DELAWARE AVENUE,
WEST SIDE FROM WEST HURON STREET
TO A POINT 255' SOUTH THEREFROM
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 state 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 22 Section 15 of Chapter 479 of
Ordinances of the City of Buffalo be supplemented by
repealing therefrom the following: NO STANDING
PROHIBITED PORT. OF HGHWY PROH. PERIOD - DAILY
Delaware Avenue, west side 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
from West Huron Street except Sunday
to a point 255' south therefromThis action is being taken by
request of James C. Jackson, Staff Director, Protection
Division of the Federal Reserve Bank in order t upgrade
security around the perimeter of a federal facility.
(see next 4 serials)
NOTIFICATION SERIAL # 9075
INSTALL NO STANDING ON DELAWARE AVENUE,
WEST SIDE BETWEEN WEST HURON STREET AND
WEST MOHAWK STREET
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.
Page 13
98-1020.txt
That that part of Subdivision 22 Section 15 of Chapter 479 of
Ordinances of the City of Buffalo be supplemented by adding
thereto the following:NO STANDING
PROH. PORTION OF HIGHWAY PROHIBITED PERIOD
Delaware Avenue, west side at all times
between West Huron Street
and West Mohawk Street
This action is being taken by request of James C. Jackson,
Staff Director, Protection Division of the Federal Reserve Bank
in order to upgrade security around the perimeter of a federal
facility.
(see previous and next 3 serials)
NOTIFICATION SERIAL # 9076
NO STANDING - REPEAL ON SOUTH ELMWOOD
AVENUE, EAST SIDE FROM WEST CHIPPEWA STREET
TO JERGE DRIVE
NO STANDING - REPEAL
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 22 Section 15 of Chapter 479 of
Ordinances of the City of Buffalo be supplemented by
repealing therefrom the following: NO STANDING
PROH. PORTION OF HIGHWAY PROH. PERIOD - DAILY
South Elmwood Avenue, east side 7:00 a.m. to 7:00
p.m.
from West Chippewa Street except Sunday
to Jerge Drive
This action is being taken by request of James C. Jackson,
Staff Director, Protection Division of the Federal Reserve Bank
in order to upgrade security around the perimeter of a federal
facility.(see previous 2 and next 2 serials)
NOTIFICATION SERIAL # 9077
NO STANDING - REPEAL
ON SOUTH ELMWOOD AVENUE, EAST SIDE FROM
WEST CHIPPEWA STREET TO A POINT 140' SOUTH
THEREFROM
NO STANDING - REPEAL
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 22 Section 15 of Chapter 479 of
Ordinances of the City of Buffalo be supplemented by
repealing therefrom the following: NO STANDING
PROH. PTN OF HIGHWAY PROH. PERIOD - DAILY
South Elmwood Avenue, east side At all times
from West Chippewa Street
to a point 140' south therefrom
This action is being taken by request of James C. Jackson,
Staff Director, Protection Division of the Federal Reserve Bank
in order to upgrade security around the perimeter of a federal
facility.
Page 14
98-1020.txt
(see previous 3 and next serial)
NOTIFICATION SERIAL 9078
INSTALL NO STANDING ON SOUTH ELMWOOD
AVENUE, EAST SIDE BETWEEN NIAGARA STREET AND
WEST CHIPPEWA STREET
NO STANDING - 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 22 Section 15 of Chapter 479 of
Ordinances of the City of Buffalo be supplemented by adding
thereto the following: NO STANDING
PROH. PORTION OF HIGHWAY PROH. PERIOD
South Elmwood Avenue, east side at all times
between Niagara Street
and West Chippewa Street
This action is being taken by request of James C. Jackson,
Staff Director, Protection Division of the Federal Reserve Bank
in order to upgrade security around the perimeter of a federal
facility.
(see previous 4 serials)
NOTIFICATION SERIAL #9083
NO STANDING - REPEAL ON SENECA STREET - SOUTH
SIDE FROM MICHIGAN AVENUE TO A POINT 175' EAST
THEREFROM
NO STANDING - REPEAL
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 22 Section 15 of Chapter 479 of
Ordinances of the City of Buffalo be supplemented by
repealing therefrom the following: NO STANDING
PROH. PORTION OF HIGHWAY PROH. PERIOD - DAILY
Seneca Street, south side At all times
from Michigan Avenue
to a point 175' east therefrom
This action is being taken in order to prohibit parking on the
south side of Seneca Street between Michigan Aveenue and
North Carroll Place and on the north side of Seneca Street
between Butler Place and Elmira Place per request from
Police Commissioner Rocco Diina. It is needed to facilitate
the safe crossing of ECC students. (see next 2 serials)
NOTIFICATION SERIAL 9084
INSTALL NO STANDING
ON SENECA STREET - SOUTH SIDE BETWEEN
MICHIGAN AVENUE AND NORTH CARROLL PLACE
NO STANDING - 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
Page 15
98-1020.txt
after the first Council meeting at which they appear on the
agenda as an item business.
That that part of Subdivision 22 Section 15 of Chapter 479 of
Ordinances of the City of Buffalo be supplemented by adding
thereto the following NO STANDING
PROH. PORTION OF HIGHWAY PROH. PERIOD
Seneca Street, south side At all times
between Michigan Avenue
and North Carroll Place
This action is being taken per the request of Police
Commissioner Rocco Diina in order to facilitate the safe
crossing of ECC students parking in the lots along Seneca
Street. (see previous serial and next serial)
NOTIFICATION SERIAL #9085
INSTALL NO STANDING
ON SENECA STREET - NORTH SIDE BETWEEN BUTLER
PLACE AND ELMIRA PLACE
NO STANDING - 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 22 Section 15 of Chapter 479 of
Ordinances of the City of Buffalo be supplemented by adding
thereto the following NO STANDING
PROH. PORTION OF HIGHWAY PROHIBITED PERIOD
Seneca Street, north side At all times
between Butler Place
and Elmira Place
This action is being taken per the request of Police
Commissioner Rocco Diina in order to facilitate the safe
crossing of ECC students parking in the lots along Seneca
Street. (see previous 2 serials)
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
NO. 26
REPORT OF BIDS
THE REPLACEMENT OF TREE ROOT
DAMAGED SIDEWALK IN THE UNIVERSITY
DISTRICT - GROUP #486
ITEM# 56 C.C.P. 9/8/98
This is to advise your Honorable Body that I have advertised
and received bids on June 10, 1998 for the Replacement of
Tree Root Damaged Sidewalk in the University District - Group
#486.
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 Unit Price
Increase
P&J Construction Co., Inc. $192,465.00
$211,711.50
Mario Campanella Conc.
Const., Inc. $215,695.00
$234,941.50
C&C Contractors, Inc. $217,725.00
Page 16
98-1020.txt
$236,971.50
Sunshine Concrete $226,250.00
$245,496.50
Campobello Const. $229,690.00
$248,936.50
Master's Edge, Inc. $234,650.00
$253,896.50
MPJ Contracting, Inc. $300,727.50
$319,974.00
*Adjusted Amount
I hereby certify that the lowest responsible bidder for the above
project is P&J Construction.
I respectfully recommend that your Honorable Body order the
work, the cost thereof to be charged to the Capital Projects
Funds 201-401-002 & 202-401-002 in an amount of
$192,465.00 plus approved unit prices not to exceed
$19,246.50 as per Item #126 C.C.P. 3/3/98 for a total
encumbrance of $211,711.50. The engineer's estimate for this
work is $200,000.00.
The attached is certified to be a true and correct statement of
the two (2) lowest bids received. Under provisions of the
General Municipal Law, any of the bidders may withdraw his
bid if an award of the contract is not made by November 30,
1998. Individual bid submissions are available in our office for
inspection and copies are available upon request. Also
attached is an itemized list of locations for your review.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the
Commissioner of Public Works dated October 15, 1998, be
received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Public Works be, and he
hereby is authorized to award a contract for Replacement of
Tree Root, Damaged Sidewalk in the University District, Group
#486 to P&J Construction, Co., Inc. the lowest responsible
bidder, in an amount of $192,465.00 plus approved unit prices
not to exceed $19,246.50 as per Item No. 126, C.C.P., 3/3/98,
for a total encumbrance of $211,711.50. Funds for this project
are available in the Capital Projects Funds 201-401-002 &
202-401-002.
PASSED.
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 27
EMERGENCY BIDS - REMOVAL OF MATERIALS
SQUAW ISLAND LANDFILL
After a fire on August 2, 1998, the Fire Department requested
that we remove trash and other materials from the West Side
Transfer Station as soon as possible. On August 5, 1998, we
received informal bids for this purpose.
The following is a re-cap of the bids received:
C.I.D. Refuse Service $ 10.00 per ton
Modern Disposal $ 14.23 per ton
Buffalo Fuel Corporation $ 31.00 per ton
Based on these bids, I awarded the contract to C.I.D. Refuse
Service at an amount not to exceed $20,000.00. Funds for this
work are available in Capital Project Account #202-401-005.
We respectfully request that your Honorable Body authorize
the Comptroller to encumber said contract in an amount not to
exceed $20,000.00.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the
Commissioner of Public Works dated October 15, 1998, be
received and filed; and
Page 17
98-1020.txt
That the Commissioner of Public Works be, and he
hereby is authorized to award a contract for Removal of
Materials Squaw Island Landfill, to C.I.D. Refuse Service, the
lowest responsible bidder, in the amount of $10.00 per ton;
such contract shall not exceed $20,000.00. Funds for the
project are available in Capital Project Account #202-401-005.
PASSED.
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 28
CHANGE IN CONTRACT
RECONSTRUCTION OF BROADWAY MARKET
PHASE II
ELECTRICAL WORK
I hereby submit to Your Honorable Body the following changes
for the Reconstruction of Broadway Market, Phase 11,
Electrical Work, Grand Island Electric, C #919501 00.
1. Provide power to new automatic doors. Add $ 960.25
The foregoing change results in a net increase in the contract
of Nine Hundred Sixty and 25/100 Dollars ($960.25).
Summary: Original Amount of Contract
$103,829.00
Change Order #1 (CCP 9/22/98, item #33) Add $
17,432.39
Amount of This Change (No. 1) Add $960.25
Revised Amount of Contract
$122,221.64
These changes could not be foreseen at the time contract was
let. Costs have been reviewed by the Consulting Architect
(DiDonato Associates, PE, PC) and the Department of Public
Works and found to be fair and equitable. Funds for this work
are available in 202-402-002 - 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 October 2, 1998, be received and filed;
and
That the Commissioner of Public Works be, and he
hereby is authorized to issue change order No. 1, to Grand
Island Electric, an increase in the amount of $960.25, as more
fully described in the above communication, for work relating
to Reconstruction of Broadway Market, Phase II, Electrical
Work, C #91950100. Funds for this project are available in
202-402-002 Division of Buildings.
PASSED.
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 29
CHANGE IN CONTRACT
CHANGE ORDER NO. I
RECONSTRUCTION OF CURBS & SIDEWALKS - 1998
GROUP #474
C. DESTRO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
CONTRACT NO. 91959201
ITEM NO. 134, 3/17/98
I hereby submit to our Honorable Body the following unit price
additions to the contract for the above named Project. This
change order was necessary to enable our department to
make improvements to the location listed below - including
concrete curbing, concrete sidewalk, pavement base and
landscaping.
Page 18
98-1020.txt
Change Order No. I
Location:Vulcan Street (South Side) - Niagara to
Tonawanda
Cost:$43,991.70
Contract Unit Estimated Estimated
Item Description Unit Price Quantity Cost
02.110 Unc.Excavation Cu.Yd. $10.00 134.65 $1,346.50
04.150 Asphalt Concrete
- hand laid Tons $65.00 120.12 $7,807.80
R05.11O Cement
Concrete Base Cu.Yd. $100.00 8.07 $807.00
R05.204 Concrete
Sidewalk
4" replace Sq. Ft. $3.00 533.05 $1,599.15
R05.206 Concrete
Sidewalk
6" replace Sq. Ft. $3.50 149.50 $523.25
05.424 Sawing Concrete
(</= 4 inch) Lin. Ft. $3.00 1,242.00 $3,726.00
R07.506 Concrete Curb
- 6" replace Lin. Ft. $15.00 1,107.00 $16,605.00
R07.506R Concrete Curb - 6" Radius
Repl Lin. Ft. $20.00 42.00 $840.00
Underdrain
Pipe Lin. Ft. $4.00 1,128.00 $4,512.00
08.314 Rec. Reset Each $500.00 1 $500.00
11.110 Seeding &
Fertilizer Sq. Ft. $0.10 10,000 $1,000.00
613.101 Topsoil Cu. Yd . $25.00 189.00 $4,725.00
Total
$43,991.70
Contract Summary
Original Contract Amount $589,407.00
Change Order No. 1 $ 43,991.70
Total Contract $633,398.70
Funds for this change order of $43,991.70 are available in
Division of Engineering Bond Fund Account 4202-401 002-00-
000.
I respectfully certify that this change order is fair and equitable
for the work involved, and respectfully request that your
Honorable Body approve the subject Change order and
authorize the Commissioner of Public Works to issue said
change order to C. Destro Development, Inc.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Public Works dated October 8, 1998, be received and filed;
and
That the Commissioner of Public Works be, and he hereby is
authorized to issue change order No. 1, to C. Destro
Development, Inc., an increase in the amount of $43,991.70,
as more fully described in the above communication, for work
relating to Reconstruction of Curbs and Sidewalks 1998,
Group #474, Contract No. 91959201. Funds for this project
are available in Division of Engineering Bond Fund Account
#202-401-002-00-000.
PASSED.
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 30
CHANGE IN CONTRACT
RECONSTRUCTION OF POLONIA HALL
HVAC WORK
I hereby submit to Your Honorable Body the following changes
Page 19
98-1020.txt
for the Reconstruction of Polonia Hall, HVAC Work,
Mollenberg Betz, Inc., C #91977600.
1 .Replace 37 steam traps with self-contained control
valve units on existing convectors. Add $4,160.00
2.Credit for not relocating 3" low pressure steam pipe
in basement storeroom. Deduct $1,580.00
3.Install new convector element and trap to the second
floor front stairhall unit. Add $ 380.00
The foregoing change results in a net increase in the contract
of Two Thousand Nine Hundred Sixty and 00/100 Dollars
($2,960.00).
Summary: Original Amount of Contract $ 37,000.00
Amount of This Change (No. 1) Add $ 2,960.00
Revised Amount of Contract $ 39,960.00
These changes could not be foreseen at the time contract was
let. Costs have been reviewed by the Consulting Architect
(Ronald W. Bugaj, Architect) and the Department of Public
Works and found to be fair and equitable. Funds for this work
are available in 203-402-501 - 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
October 6, 1998, be received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Public Works be, and he
hereby is authorized to issue change order No. 1, to
Mollenberg Betz, Inc., an increase in the amount of $2,960.00,
as more fully described in the above communication, for work
relating to Reconstruction of Polonia Hall, RVAC Work, C #
91977600. Funds for this project are available in 203-402-501
Division of Buildings.
PASSED.
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 31
CHANGE IN CONTRACT
ROOF REPLACEMENT
NORTH BUFFALO, CARMICHAEL, HENNEPIN
COMMUNITY CENTERS
I hereby submit to Your Honorable Body the following changes
for the Roof Replacement, North Buffalo, Carmichael,
Hennepin Community Centers, Weaver Metal and Roofing,
Inc., C #91956600.
1 .Repair broken vent pipe over Men's Locker Room at
North Buffalo Community Center Add $111.00
2. Replace deteriorated metal deck, install additional
galvanized steel roof edge, wood blocking, and insulation at
Carmichael Community Center Add $3,570.80
3. Install additional wood blocking at
Hennepin Park Community Center Add $156.75
4. Credit for job photographs not provided. Deduct $200.00
5. Roof deck allowance provided in contract.
Deduct $15,000.00
The foregoing change results in a net decrease in the contract
of Eleven Thousand Three Hundred Sixty One and 65/100
Dollars ($11,361.65).
Summary: Original Amount of Contract $ 393,000.00
Amount of This Change (No. 1)
Deduct $ 11,361.65
Revised Amount of Contract $ 381,638.35
These changes could not be foreseen at the time contract was
Page 20
98-1020.txt
let. Costs have been reviewed by the Consulting Architect
(Ronald W. Bugaj, Architect) and the Department of Public
Works and found to be fair and equitable. Funds for this work
are available in 203-402-501 - 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
October 13, 1998, be received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Public Works be, and he
hereby is authorized to issue change order No. 1, to Weaver
Metal and Roofing, Inc., a decrease in the amount of
$11,361.65, as more fully described in the above
communication, for work relating to Roof Replacement, North
Buffalo, Carmichael, Hennepin Community Centers, C
#91956600. Funds for this project are to be credited to 203-
402-501 Division of Buildings.
PASSED.
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 32
REDUCTION IN RETENTION
CONTRACT NO. 91959300
THE STRIPING OF VARIOUS
CITY STREETS CROSSWALKS - 1998
I hereby submit to Your Honorable Body the following request
for a reduction in retention for the subject contract.
The contractor has completed the majority of the project, with
remaining portion of the contract to be completed in the spring
of 1999 due to time and temperature requirements.
It is respectfully requested that Your Honorable Body authorize
a reduction in retention from the standard 10% ($4,772.77) to
1% ($477.28) for Buffalo Sewer and Striping Company,
Contract No. 91959300.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Public Works dated October 15, 1998, be received and filed;
and
That the Commissioner of Public Works be, and he
hereby is authorized to reduce the retention from 10%
($4,772.77) to 1% ($477.28) for Buffalo Sewer and Striping
Company, for the Striping of Various City Streets Crosswalks -
1998, Contract No. 91959300.
PASSED.
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 33
SHEA'S BUFFALO THEATRE STAGE EXPANSION
In Item No. 120, C.C.P. January 6, 1998, Your Honorable
Body authorized an additional $3,400,000 towards the Shea's
Buffalo Theatre Expansion. This Capital Budget Amendment
was presented and approved with the understanding that the
City would be partially reimbursed by $3,100,000 grants from
the State of New York.
Our Construction Managers, Ciminelli Cowper Company, Inc.,
have advised us that they are currently projecting a $650,000
project deficit. Should this deficit materialize, we will not be
able to utilize the entire State Grant to reimburse our capital
expenditures. Only $2,350,000 would be available for that
reimbursement.
The original sources of funds for the project was as follows:
Page 21
98-1020.txt
City of Buffalo $ 4,395,000
State of New York 3,100,000
Shea's O'Connell Preservation Guild 7,382,908
$14,877,908
We respectfully request that Your Honorable Body now
approve the following sources of funds:
City of Buffalo $ 5,045,000
State of New York 3,100,000
Shea's O'Connell Preservation Guild 7,382,908
$15,527,908
The net result of this change will be an additional $650,000
of City funds invested into this project.
Attached for your review is the Total Project Budget Analysis
prepared by Ciminelli Cowper as of October 7, 1998.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
NO. 34
AUDIT - PW-DELAWARE PARK CASINO LEASE
ITEM NO. 11, CCP 10/06/98
The above referenced item has been submitted to this
Department by the Council with a request for comments
and/or recommendations. Please be advised that this
Department has reviewed the audit and is in agreement with
the audit recommendations. As recommended, this
Department will issue an accounts receivable invoice in the
amount of $5,258.49 and will issue an accounts receivable
invoice on June 1st of each year for the guaranteed rental
revenue due according to the lease agreement. In addition,
we have been working on the separation of electric service
between the Casino and Shakespeare to resolve that issue.
REFERRED To THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
NO. 35
118 EAST UTICA STREET:
AWNING WITHIN RIGHT-OF-WAY
Mr. Charles Lynch of Robert Traynham Coles Architects,
acting as agent for Friends to the Elderly, Inc., located at 1 1 8
East Utica Street, has requested permission to install an
awning which would encroach City right-of-way at said
address.
The proposed awning would measure six feet in length, one
foot six inches in height, and project four feet from the building
face into City right-of-way.
The Department of Public Works has reviewed this request
pursuant to Chapter 413-56 (Awnings, Canopies and
Marquees) of the City Ordinances and has no objection to your
Honorable Body authorizing the Commissioner of Public
Works to issue a "Mere License" to the applicant, Friends to
the Elderly, Inc., provided the following conditions are met:
1.That the applicant obtain any and all other City of Buffalo
permits necessary for said installation.
2.That the awning be installed exactly as shown on plans
submitted to and approved by the Department of Public
Works, Division of Buildings.
3.That the applicant supply the City of Buffalo with a five
thousand dollar construction in street bond or certificate
of insurance which will indemnify and save harmless the
City of Buffalo against any and all loss and damage
arising out of the construction, maintenance, use and
removal of said awning.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Public Works dated October 15, 1998, be received and filed;
Page 22
98-1020.txt
and
That the Commissioner of Public Works be, and he hereby
is authorized to issue a "mere license" to Mr. Charles Lynch of
Traynham Coles Architects, acting as agent for Friends to the
Elderly, Inc., located at 118 East Utica Street, to install an
awning, which would encroach city right-of-way at said
address, subject to the conditions as listed in the above
communication.
PASSED.
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 36
STATUS REPORT ON SQUAW ISLAND
ITEM NO. 269, C.C.P. OF 7/21/98
This is in response to the subject item which requested a
status report on Squaw Island and information regarding the
Parker Bay Consultant Contract.
In regard to Squaw Island the project is basically split into two
areas north and south of the Canadian National Railroad
Bridge and tracks. As of this date, Phase I involving
remediation of the south end is essentially complete with the
installation of a 40 ml polyethylene liner and 12 inch thick
barrier protection soil layer over the former landfill area. We
are presently awaiting final comments from the NYSDEC prior
to moving ahead with demolition of the West Side Transfer
Station and development of a multi playfield park facility on the
south end. It is our intention to bid the demolition work later
this Fall and the south end park in the Spring of 1999.
The north end of this project is planned to be a passive
recreational park with a large central meadow, nature-hiking
trails, wooded areas, fishing on the Niagara River/interior
ponds and selective low maintenance landscaping. This
concept has been approved in principal by the North District
Waterfront Review Committee and pending review of fish
sampling data from the ponds by NYSDEC, we are prepared
to move ahead with final plans.
Presently, City Capital Funds are available for demolition of
the transfer station and development of the recreational park
on the south end. We are anticipating a $1 Million Dollar grant
from the New York State Clean Water/Clean Air Bond and
this, combined with future Capital Budget requests by our
department, will provide funding for future phases. Keep in
mind that all work being done on this project is mandated by
an executed consent order between NYSDEC and the City of
Buffalo.
As for the Parker Bay Consultant Contract, a summary is as
follows:
1 .Parker Bay lease for composting and recycling was
extended by your Honorable Body for five years by Item
#220 of CCP 9/5/95.
2.NYSDEC inspected the site on 9/22/97 and wrote
Parker Bay a notice of violation letter on 10/15/97.
Violations included uncontrolled blowing litter,
inadequate/improper storage of solid waste,
unauthorized outside storage of plaster molds, glass,
plastics, etc., all waste not removed within 72 hours,
area not maintained in a neat and orderly appearance
and untimely permit renewal applications.
3.1 1/7/97 letter from the City to Parker Bay informing
them that the City viewed the violations as a breach of
contract. As per terms of the lease with Parker Bay the
City chose to declare Parker Bay in default. Parker Bay
was given 30 days from postmark to cure the default or
Page 23
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the contract would be terminated.
4.The default notice prompted several meetings and
negotiations with Parker Bay which resulted in nothing
being resolved.
5.2/27/98 letter from Parker Bay advising City that as of
4:00 p.m. Friday 2/27/98 all operations at Squaw Island
would be closed. Letter cited the City for breach of
contract, failure to make timely payments and
commercial defamation.
6.Upon inspection of the site, it was revealed that the
entire tipping floor area was full of bulky residential trash
and waste. City advised Parker Bay's attorney that
additional materials have been bought on site and
should be removed or the City will remove and seek
reimbursement.
7.3/23/98certified letter from NYSDEC to Parker Bay
regarding an inspection done on 3/5/98 to assess
conditions and determine what actions may be
necessary to properly close and secure the sight. The
inspection report documented large volumes of waste
material left on site, violations of special permit
conditions and the additional trash brought on site in the
building.
8. Arson fire at the site on 8/2/98 which prompted our
department to take emergency bids for trash removal from
the building.
9.C.I.D. low bidder to load and haul trash at $1 0.00 per
ton. As of this date, 1700 + tons of trash have been
removed and disposed of at the Modern Landfill at the city
rate of $26-00 per ton. Costs to date as follows:
Loading and Hauling $10.00 ton x 1,700 = $17,000 +
Disposal $26.00 ton x 1,700 = $44,200 +
Total $61,200
Be advised that the above figure does not include the large
outside piles of wood, plaster, glass, plastic and metals. It is
anticipated that some of these materials will be utilized as fill
during demolition. We will keep track of all costs of
remediation attributed to Parker Bay's operations and advise
the Corporation Counsel of our findings.
As previously mentioned, we are currently awaiting final
comments from NYSDEC prior to proceeding with demolition
and grading. Disposal costs for other materials on site will be
documented as part of the project.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
NO. 37
APPROVAL TO SUBMIT A SUPPLEMENTAL FOR
PAYMENT OF A SUM EQUAL TO THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN WAGES AND COMPENSATION BENEFITS -
N. CARUSO
Mr. Norman Caruso, Caulker (Permanent) in the
Division of Water has been on disability since 7/22/98 to the
present. Pursuant to the City Ordinance, Chapter 35, Article
VI, Section 22, each employee is entitled to a difference in pay
allowance under the provisions of the Worker's Compensation
Law for a period not to exceed 6 months.
Therefore, Mr. Caruso is entitled to a difference in pay. The
normal salary for 10 days is $1110.65 (based on the daily rate
of $111.065). Less deductions for Federal Tax - $105.40,
State Tax - $26.76, FICA/Med. - $84.96 and New York State
Retirement Contribution - $33.32 for a total deductions of
$250.44. The payment from the Compensation Carrier is
$800.00 biweekly making the difference due the employee of
Page 24
98-1020.txt
$60.21 bi-weekly.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the
Commissioner of Public Works dated October 7, 1998 be
received and filed; and
That the Comptroller be, and he hereby is
authorized to pay Norman Caruso, Caulker in the Division of
Water in the amount of $60.21 bi-weekly for difference in pay
allowance under the provisions of the Workers' Compensation
Law from July 22, 1998 to the present for a period not to
exceed six months.
PASSED.
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 38
APPROVAL TO SUBMIT A SUPPLEMENTALFOR
PAYMENT OF A SUM EQUAL TO THEDIFFERENCE
BETWEEN WAGES ANDCOMPENSATION BENEFITS - S.
GUIDICE
Mr. Salvatore Giudice, Senior Water Service Worker
(Permanent) in the Division of Water has been on disability
since 9/22/98 to the present. Pursuant to the City Ordinance,
Chapter 35, Article VI, Section 22, each employee is entitled to
a difference in pay allowance under the provisions of the
Worker's Compensation Law for a period not to exceed 6
months.
Therefore, Mr. Giudice is entitled to a difference in
pay. The normal salary for 10 days is $1,071.26 (based on the
daily rate of $107.126). Less deductions for Federal Tax
$135.67, State Tax - $38.43, FICA/Med. - $81.95 and New
York State Retirement Contribution $32.14 for a total
deductions of $288.19. The payment from the Compensation
Carrier is $740.86 bi--weekly making the difference due the
employee of $42.21.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the
Commissioner of Public Works dated October 7, 1998 be
received and filed; and
That the Comptroller be, and he hereby is
authorized to pay Salvatore Giudice, Senior Water Service
Worker in the Division of Water in the amount of $42.21 for
difference in pay allowance under the provisions of the
Workers' Compensation Law from September 22, 1998 to the
present for a period not to exceed six months.
PASSED.
AYES-13. NOES-0/
NO. 39APPROVAL TO SUBMIT A SUPPLEMENTALFOR
PAYMENT OF A SUM EQUAL TO THEDIFFERENCE
BETWEEN WAGES ANDCOMPENSATION BENEFITS - P.
MARTIN
Mr. Patrick Martin, Caulker Supervisor (Permanent) in
the Division of Water has been on disability since 9/2/98 to the
present. Pursuant to the City Ordinance, Chapter 35, Article
VI, Section 22, each employee is entitled to a difference in pay
allowance under the provisions of the Worker's Compensation
Law for a period not to exceed 6 months.
Therefore, Mr. Martin is entitled to a difference in pay. The
normal salary for 10 days is $1,282.49 (based
on the daily rate of $128.249). Less deductions
for Federal Tax $118.25, Stare Tax - $47.63,
FICA/Med. - $98.11 and New York State
Retirement Contribution $38.47 for a total
deductions of $302.46. The payment from the
Page 25
98-1020.txt
Compensation Carrier is $800.00 bi-weekly
making the difference due the employee of
$180.01 bi-weekly.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the
Commissioner of Public Works dated October 7, 1998 be
received and filed; and
That the Comptroller be, and he hereby is authorized
to pay Patrick Martin, Caulker Supervisor in the Division of
Water in the amount of $180.01 bi-weekly for difference in pay
allowance under the provisions of the Workers' Compensation
Law from September 2, 1998 to the present for a period not to
exceed six months.
PASSED.
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 40
APPROVAL TO SUBMIT A SUPPLEMENTAL FOR
PAYMENT OF A SUM EQUAL TO THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN WAGES AND COMPENSATION BENEFITS -
T. STONE
Mr. Timothy Stone, Caulker (Permanent) in the
Division of Water has been on disability since 1 7/30/98-
Pursuant to the City Ordinance, Chapter 35, Article VI, Section
22, each employee is entitled to a difference in pay allowance
under the provisions of the Worker's Compensation Law for a
period not to exceed 6 months.
Therefore, Mr. Stone is entitled to a difference in pay.
The normal salary for days is $1110.65 (based on the daily
rate of $111. 065) . Less deductions for Federal Tax $77.67,
State Tax - $33.79, FICA/Med. - $84.96 and New York State
Retirement Contribution $33.32 for total deductions of
$229.74. The payment from the Compensation Carrier is
$800.00 bi weekly making the difference due the employee of
$80.91 bi-weekly.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the
Commissioner of Public Works dated October 6, 1998 be
received and filed; and
That the Comptroller be, and he hereby is authorized to pay
Timothy Stone, Caulker in the Division of Water in the amount
of $80.91 bi-weekly for difference in pay allowance under the
provisions of the Workers' Compensation Law from July 30,
1998 for a period not to exceed six months.
PASSED,
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 41
APPROVAL TO SUBMIT A SUPPLEMENTAL FOR
PAYMENT OF A SUM EQUAL TO THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN WAGES ANDCOMPENSATION BENEFITS - J.
SZCZEPANSKI
Mr. Jerome Szczepanski, Caulker (Permanent) in the
Division of Water has been on disability, since 8/10/98 to the
present. Pursuant to the City Ordinance, Chapter 35, Article
VI, Section 22, each employee is entitled to a difference in pay
allowance under the provisions of the Worker's Compensation
Law for a period not to exceed 6 months.
Therefore, Mr. Szczepanski is entitled to a difference
in pay. The normal salary for 10 days is $1110.65 (based on
the daily rate of $111.065). Less deductions for Federal Tax -
$115.14, State Tax - $37.20, FICA/Med. - $84.96 and New
York State Retirement Contribution - $33.32 for total
deductions of $270.62. The payment from the Compensation
Page 26
98-1020.txt
Carrier is $800.00 bi-weekly making the difference due the
employee of $40.03 bi-weekly.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the
Commissioner of Public Works dated October 6, 1998 be
received and filed; and
That the Comptroller be, and he hereby is
authorized to pay Jerome Szczepanski,
Caulker in the Division of Water in the
amount of $40-03 bi-weekly for difference
in pay allowance under the provisions of
the Workers' Compensation Law from
August 10, 1998 to the present for a
period not to exceed six months.
PASSED.
AYES-13. NOES-0.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
NO. 42
CHANGE SHIFT HOURS FOR BUFFALO POLICE DEPT.
CCP# 205 , MARCH 3, 1998
Included in the City's Contract Proposals for 1998/99 was a
provision which will provide more flexibility in the assignment
of schedules for Officers in the Patrol Division. Another
proposal asked for changes in the shifts currently worked by
Headquarters personnel. Negotiations for this contract have
only recently begun, however I inform the Council of any
progress or an outcome regarding this issue.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON TAYLOR
LAW IMPASSE -
NO. 43JUSTICE DEPARTMENT GRANTS]ITEM # 262,
C.C.P. SEPTEMBER 22, 1998
In response to your request for information regarding the Local
Law Enforcement Block Grant I am forwarding a narrative
which describes the Police Departments Program. This
funding will provide police vehicles, computer hardware for
Professional Standards Division, police radios, refurbishing
Central Booking, vehicle safety equipment, MIS/GIS graduate
assistants, a domestic violence advocate, and a prosecutor to
assist prosecution of violent juvenile offenders. I have also
forwarded a Bureau of Justice Assistance Fact Sheet which
explains the program goals and guidelines.
The Department proposal provides equipment to enable our
officers to perform their duties more effectively, physical plant
changes which will speed the booking process and return
Officers to the street more quickly, and support functions
which will help this Department continue to provide
professional police service for the residents of our City.
If you have any further questions you can contact Kevin
Comerford , Chief of Staff at 851-4963 or the Grants Office,
Maureen Oakley at 851-4475.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
NO. 44
POLICE UNIFORM POLICYNO. 251, SEPT. 22, 1998
NO. 132, DEC. 9, 1997;NO. 134, NOV. 25 1997
I have included correspondence which indicates the Council
changed the City Charter section as it applies to the wearing of
police uniforms and use of other equipment (No. 134
11/25/97) and the fact this legislation was passed by the
Council on December 9, 1997 (item No. 132). Due to an
oversight this legislation was never reflected in the Charter
Page 27
98-1020.txt
itself. Our understanding is that this is being corrected now.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
NO. 45
POLICE USE OF FORCECCP# 204, DECEMBER 23, 1997
In response to your request I have included a table which
shows the total number of complaints filed at Professional
Standards Division (PSD) from 1994 through 1997. I have also
included a table which shows the total number of complaints
broken down by type (physical and chemical).
As for the mechanisms in place to monitor this activity,
internally, the Commissioner is in daily contact with PSD and
receives monthly reports regarding the number and nature of
complaints received. At the same time this Department has
requested funding through the Local Law Enforcement Block
Grant Program to computerize the record keeping in PSD to
allow tracking for all complaints made to PSD. The
Department also is in the process of developing a report which
will document every time force is used in the performance of
police duties.
Over the past four years the Department has developed a
training program of defensive tactics to provide our Officers
with different skills before physical force becomes necessary.
The Department spends a great deal of time providing our
Officers with alternatives regarding the use of force ranging
from verbal judo (formerly Strategic Communications) to soft-
hand take down techniques. At the same time the Department
has upgraded the force alternatives (pepper spray) and has
equipped most of the Department with 9mm weapons. The
City has also invested in a Firearms Training System (FATS)
that trains Officers in the not only the appropriate use of force,
but the decision making involved in this process.
As for your question regarding an estimate on the number of
physical force incidents, it is much less the number of
incidents rather the appropriateness of the use of force which
is important. To that end I believe our numbers reflect the
Department commitment to training and the development of
alternative skills to avoid the inappropriate use of force.
Finally, I have forwarded the Department Training Bulletin
regarding the Use of Force, Chemical Agent Use and
Positional Asphyxia.
If we can be of any further assistance, please contact my
Office. Thank you.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON POLICE
REORGANIZATION/OVERSIGHT
NO. 46
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Appointments Effective: October 1, 1998 in the Department of
Police to the Position of Cellblock Attendant, Permanent, at
the Intermediate Starting Salary of: $24,322
Richard L. Welch, 189 Hastings, Buffalo, New York 14215
Clark S. Saltz, 512 St. Lawrence St., Buffalo, New York
14216
Jennifer M. Weyand, 8 Como Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14220
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE
FROM THE CORPORATION COUNSEL
NO. 47
REVIEW OF NOMINEE FORMUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE
COMMISSIONC.C.P., 9/22/98, NO. 1
The Corporation Counsel conferred with the Division
Page 28
98-1020.txt
of Collections and reports (as verified by that Division as of
October 1, 1998) that the following nominee for appointment to
the Municipal Civil Service Commission has no outstanding
debts to the City:
Richard A. Grimm III,
RECEIVED AND FILED.
NO. 48REVIEW OF NOMINEES FORBUFFALO
PRESERVATION BOARD
C.C.P., 9/22/98 NO. 2
The Corporation Counsel conferred with the Division
of Collections and reports (as verified by that Division as of
October 1, 1998) that the following nominees for re-
appointment or appointment (in the case of Christopher
Guerra) to the Buffalo Preservation Board have no outstanding
debts to the City:
John M. Laping
Sam Gurney
Christopher F. Guerra
RECEIVED AND FILED.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
NO. 49
LOVEJOY AND FILLMORE DISTRICTTREE PLANTING
I hereby request permission to take bids for the
above project; and have asked for and received the following
bids for Lovejoy & Fillmore District Tree Planting on October
14, 1998:
COMPANY BID
Gleason's Nursery $ 7,161
Village Green Landscaping 7,855
Johnstone Landscaping 11,335
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true & correct
statement of the bids received. We are accepting the low
base bid of $7,161. Therefore, Gleason's Nursery, 4780
Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, New York 14221 is the lowest
responsible bidder in accordance with the plans &
specifications.
I recommend that Your Honorable Body authorize
the City to order the work on the basis of the low bid. Funds
for this work are available in Bond Fund Account 202-717-001.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the
Commissioner of Community Development dated October 15,
1998, be received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Community Development
be, and he hereby is authorized to award a contract for
Lovejoy and Fillmore District Tree Planting, to Gleason's
Nursery, the lowest responsible bidder, in the amount of
$7,161. Funds for the project are available in Bond Fund
Account 202-717-001.
PASSED.
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 50
BIDSSCHOOL 36 PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS
I hereby request permission to take bids for the
above project; and have asked for and received the following
bids for School 36 playground improvements on October 14,
1998:
COMPANY BID
Birchgrove Landscaping $48,986
Page 29
98-1020.txt
Tricore Development 54,000
Johnstone Landscaping 54,460
Thomann Asphalt 54,800
Gleason's Nursery 56,000
Buffalo Creek 59,000
North Boston 65,065
Tomani Eastern 69,300
Suburban Blacktop 75,783
(*) Bid withdrawn due to error in bidding
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true & correct
statement of the bids received. The apparent low bid was
withdrawn due to errors made by the contractor in preparation
of the bid and we are accepting the second bidder as the
lowest responsible bid. This bid is within our estimate of
$56,000. We are accepting the low base bid of $54,000.
Therefore, Tricore Development, P.O. Box 467, Clarence, New
York 14032 is the lowest responsible bidder in accordance
with the plans & specifications.
I recommend that Your Honorable Body authorize
the City to order the work on the basis of the low bid. Funds
for this work are available in Bond Fund Account 201-717-003.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Community Development dated October 15, 1998, be
received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Community Development be, and
he hereby is authorized to award a contract for School 36
Playground Improvements, to Tricore Development, the lowest
responsible bidder, in the amount of $54,000. Funds for the
project are available in Bond Fund Account 201-717-003.
PASSED.
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 51
UNIVERSITY & ELLICOTT DISTRICTTREE PLANTING
I hereby request permission to take bids for the
above project; and have asked for and received the following
bids for University & Ellicott District tree planting on October
14, 1998:
COMPANY BID
Gleason's Nursery $12,631
Village Green Landscaping 13,488
Johnstone Landscaping 15,265
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true & correct
statement of the bids received. We are accepting the low
base bid of $13,488. Therefore, Gleason's Nursery, 4780
Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, New York 14221 is the lowest
responsible bidder in accordance with the plans &
specifications.
I recommend that Your Honorable Body authorize
the City to order the work on the basis of the low bid. Funds
for this work are available in Bond Fund Account 201-717-004.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Community Development dated October 15, 1998, be
received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Community Development
be, and he hereby is authorized to award a contract for
University and Ellicott District tree planting, to Gleason's
Nursery, the lowest responsible bidder, in the amount of
$12,631. Funds for the project are available in Bond Fund
Account 201-717-004.
PASSED.
Page 30
98-1020.txt
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 52
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
LICENSES FUNCTION
RESPONSE TO AUDIT REPORT
In response to the recently completed audit report
of the Office of Licenses conducted by the Department of
Audit and Control:
SAFEGUARDING OF ASSETS-GENERAL
Instead of preparing a deposit slip based on
actual fees collected, the Office of Licenses prepares a
deposit slip to match the computer generated report the
following business day.
We recommend collaborating with Data Processing to
devise a program that would generate either a carbon copy of
each license, or a perforated section for each license with
pertinent information that could be retained by Licenses
personnel.
Departmental Response
The audit report states that deposits are prepared to match the
computer generated report of the following business day.
Licensing personnel prepare daily deposits based on actual
fees collected, the deposit report generated by Data
Processing is corrected if necessary, to match actual fees
collected.
The audit report recommends collaborating with
Data Processing to devise a program that would generate
either a carbon copy of each license, or a perforated section
for each license with pertinent information that could be
retained by Licenses personnel. The Office of Licenses has
collaborated with Data Processing and devised a program that
will generate a dual receipt, one receipt for the licensee and
the other receipt retained for licensing records. This program
should be implemented within one month from the date of this
audit response.
SEGREGATION OF DUTIES-OTHER LICENSES
Audit Report findings and Recommendations
The personnel that issue the licenses and collect
the related fees also perform the reconciliation of deposits
related to these transactions. We strongly recommend that a
person that is not involved in the actual collection and
recording of fees perform this reconciliation.
Departmental Response
The Office of Licenses will reassign the duties of
reconciliation of daily reports to an individual who is not
responsible for collecting the related licensing fees.
ASSIGNMENT OF DUTIES
Audit Report Findings and Recommendations
We discovered that for the month of December
1997 Bingo and Games of Chance fees were not remitted as
due to New York State. This was apparently caused by the
prolonged sick leave absence of a key employee. This
employee's many responsibilities were divided among the
division's other personnel, however this task was overlooked.
Once attention was called to this matter by our
presentation, it was processed immediately. We recommend
developing a detailed checklists of personnel duties and
responsibilities.
Departmental Response
The oversight in remitting fees due New York
State was caused by the prolonged sick leave absence of two
(2) key bingo and games of chance personnel. Both
employees many responsibilities were divided arnong the
Page 31
98-1020.txt
Office of Licenses other personnel. Considering that the
duties of two (2) key personnel had to be divided amongst the
limited number of clerical staff assigned to the Office Licenses,
the office staff did a very admirable job in maintaining the
office in a professional and efficient manner. The Office of
Licenses is presently in the process of creating a detailed
employee procedural manual.
STAFFING-BINGO
Audit Report Findings and Recommendations
As of January, 1998, two inspectors were hired.
As this is a low-risk function of the division, we recommend
that the productivity generated by the hiring be closely
monitored to better analyze the costs and benefits associated
with this increase in manpower. If the future overall
productivity does not increase significantly, the department
head may consider having these two inspectors perform
inspections for all other license categories as needed.
Departmental Response
The recommendation to consider having Bingo
Inspectors perform inspections for all other categories is a
matter to be addressed through Civil Service, Labor Relations
and the Bargaining Unit representing these employees.
CONSISTENCY-BINGO
Audit Report Findings and Recommendations
Several organizations were reporting net carryovers of
expenses differently. These losses resulted from the
deduction of the annual license fees and are allowable as
carryovers to future profits until the total expense is absorbed.
While it appears the majority of licensees follow this
procedure, we found that some did not, resulting in
inconsistent reporting of bingo operations to the City.
Departmental Response
The Office of Licenses has developed a standard report for
the carryover of net expenses, this report along with a letter of
explanation was sent to all reporting organizations. This
should greatly reduce the problem of inconsistency of
reporting bingo operations to the City.
REVENUES-BINGO
Audit Report Findings and Recommendations
A primary concern is the fact that overall Bingo
revenues are steadily decreasing and subsequently, several
organizations having discontinued participating. In addition,
the Erie County non-smoking law is expected to have even
more of a detrimental effect on revenues. In order to combat
this loss of revenues, we recommend that City officials request
New York State to amend Article 14H of the General Municipal
Law in order to increase proze limitations offered at Bingo
games and also increase the amount of minimum entrance
fees. We also recommend the increase of municipal fees to
be paid to localities.
Departmental Response
Total Bingo revenue has decreased due to a
number of factors. The Erie County Non-Smoking Law has
played a major role in the decrease. Also, many
organizations, schools and churches are experiencing
declining membership, enrollment and congregations.
The recommendations to request New York State
to amend Article 14H of the General Municipal law to increase
prize limitations and to increase the percentage paid to all
municipalities for licensing fees does have merit. It will take a
collaborative effort from all municipalities in New York State as
well as all elected officials representing these municipalities.
CREDIT CARDS
Page 32
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Audit Report Findings and Recommendations
We recommend that the License Division explore the idea
of accepting credit cards as payment for all licenses.
Departmental Response
The Office of Licenses has already initiated talks to implement
credit card use.
REGULATION COMPLIANCE-BING0
Audit Report Findings and Recommendations
The division is, in our opinion, currently following a
procedure that does not comply with the regulations of the
New York State racing and Wagering Board. According to the
New York section 581.1 "Canceled bingo occasions", the
organization may cancel a bingo occasion and "reschedule the
canceled occasion within a reasonable time".
Our recommendation is to follow the guidelines
issued by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board.
Also, we recommend the division consult with the NYS Racing
and Wagering Board to clearly define and clarify the above
guidelines and reporting procedures.
Departmental Response
The Office of Licenses has contacted the New York
State Racing and Wagering Board in the past concerning
guidelines and procedures for canceling bingo occasions. The
Racing Board's response to "rescheduling canceled bingo
occasions within a reasonable time", is for the individual
municipality to define what this reasonable time should be.
The Office of Licenses will establish a specific time frame for
canceling and rescheduling bingo occasions and will notify
each reporting organization as to these guidelines.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
NO. 53
FIRST CHANGE IN CONTRACT NO. 91952800 :363
MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE :COMMUNITY PASSIVE
PARK
During the construction of the above project
certain items that were unforeseen at the time of the bids
were left, required attention.
Therefore, we recommend that the following change
be made to Contract No. 91952800 with Nichter Associates
Inc. General Contractors:
1. Additional electrical work performed by subcontractor
Add: $549.00
2. Application of F&I Anti-Graffiti sealer on new pre-cast
planter walls Add: $480.00
3. Remove and relocate Kiosk Corkboard display panel
from East to West on the clock information Kiosk
Add: $240.00
Original Contract Amount $
86,800.00
Change Order No. 1 (This Change) Add 1,269.00
New Contract Amount $
88,069.00These cost have been reviewed and
approved by project consultant Dan Sundell
Landscape Architect, URS Greiner. Funds for this
extra work is available in C.P.A. 200-717-029.
I recommend the Your Honorable Body authorize the
Commissioner of Community Development issue a change
order to Nichter Associates Inc. General Contractors, 344
Vulcan Street, Buffalo, New York 14207 as set forth above.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the
Commissioner of Community Development dated October
Page 33
98-1020.txt
7, 1998, be received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Community Development be, and
he hereby is authorized to issue change order No. 1, to Nichter
Associates, Inc., an increase in the amount of $1,269.00, as
more fully described in the above communication, for work
relating to 363 Massachusetts Avenue, Community Passive
Park, Contract No. 91952800. Funds for this project are
available in C.P.A. 200-717-029.
PASSED.
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 54
DELAWARE PARK BASKETBALL COURTSCHANGE
ORDER I
I hereby request permission to issue a change order
for the above project in the amount of $308 to cover work
unforeseen at the time of the bid. The change was
necessitated by minor subsurface conditions that required
additional paving. The change order will increase the total
contract with American Paving, 5880 Thompson Road,
Clarence Center, New York, 14032 to $12,608.
I recommend that Your Honorable Body authorize
the City to increase the contract in the amount shown above.
Funds for this work are available in Bond Fund Account 201-
717-005.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the
Commissioner of Community Development dated October 6,
1998, be received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Community Development
be, and be hereby is authorized to issue change order No. 1,
to American Paving, an increase in the amount of $308.00, as
more fully described in the above communication, for work
relating to Delaware Park Basketball Courts. Funds for this
project are available in Bond Fund Account 201-717-005.
PASSED.
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 55
EMERSON PLAYGROUND RENOVATIONCHANGE
ORDER 1
I hereby request permission to issue a change order
for the above project in the amount of $2,500 to cover
additional work of repairing subsurface conditions and the
finished asphalt court surfaces that were unforeseen at the
time of the bid.
The change order will increase the total contract
with North Boston Construction, 7440 Boston State Road,
Hamburg, New York 14075 to $87,253. The cost has been
reviewed by our staff and found to be fair.
I recommend that Your Honorable Body authorize
the City to increase contract 91925000 in the amount shown
above. Funds for this work are available in Bond Fund
Account 200-717-040.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the
Commissioner of Community Development dated October 15,
1998, be received and filed; and That the
Commissioner of Community Development be, and he hereby
is authorized to issue change order No. 1, to North Boston
Construction, an increase in the amount of $2,500.00, as more
fully described in the above communication, for work relating
to Emerson Playground Renovation. Funds for this project are
available in Bond Fund Account 200-717-040.
Page 34
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PASSED.
AYES-13. NOES-0..
NO. 56
RETENTION REDUCTION REQUEST TO CONTRACT NO.
91956400HILLERY PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS
During the closeout meeting held on Friday October
2, 1998 it was determined that minor areas need to be re-
seeded in the Spring of 1999 by the contractor. It was agreed
the re-seeding portion of the project can be covered with
$2,000.00 held as the retention.
These cost have been reviewed and approved by project
consultant Frank T. Brzezinski, Landscape Architect.
Funds for this work are available in C.P.A. 200-717-003.
I recommend that Your Honorable Body authorize the
reduction of the retention from $16,587.30 to $ 2,000.00 and
that payment be made to Buffalo Creek, Inc. 11800 Route
20A, Wales Center, New York 14169 as set forth above.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the
Commissioner of Community Development dated October 7,
1998, be received and filed; and That the Commissioner of
Community Development be, and he hereby is authorized to
reduce the retention from $16,587.30 to $2,000.00 for Buffalo
Creek, Inc. for Hillery Playground Improvements. Funds for
this project are available in C.P.A. 200-717-003.
PASSED.
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 57
DOWNTOWN POLICE PRECINCTBLOCK 21
RES. 214, CCP JULY 7, 1998
Our previous response (Com. 32, CCP July 21, 1998) detailed
the current real property ownership issues at Genesee and
Oak Sts. Briefly, the property is owned by Uniland, not BURA,
and it is an extremely complex and difficult matter. Should it
be necessary, we are prepared to meet with your Honorable
Body and discuss this in greater detail.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON POLICE
REORGANIZATION/0VERSIGHT
NO. 58
CCP #270EXPRESS OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED HUD
POLICY CHANGE
The Department of Community Development respectfully
requests your Honorable Body to accept this response
regarding the HUD Policy Change. This change would effect
the HUD Buffalo Office's role of disposing of single/double
houses.
Under the Buffalo control, we established a process where:
a HUD performed necessary demolitions to properties;
úHUD worked collaboratively with the
Department of Community Development and CBO's/NHS's to
transfer and rehab properties; and
úSince HUD is locally based, there is an
understanding of Community Development's mission of "Total
Approach", acquisition, rehab, new construction and
demolition.
With the proposed Philadelphia office, we feel the City will lose
a much-needed partnership with HUD. Notably, the special
initiatives such as the demolition will no longer exist.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF HUMAN SERVICES,
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PARKS AND RECREATION
NO. 59
EEO AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PLAN
The purpose of this communication is in response to your
request for information in regard to the following:1.
Revision of the City of Buffalo's Affirmative Action Plan
The revision of the Affirmative Action Plan is in process. At
this time work has been completed on identifying the utilization
levels for minority and women in the local workforce.
Department Heads will be asked to develop goals and
objectives for their areas of responsibility. Departmental goals
and objectives will be compiled to create citywide goals and
objectives. Completion of this phase of the revisions will be
done within ninety days.
2. Update of hiring pattern
Discrepancies in information generated by reporting
programs have prevented a hiring report at this time. The
information stored is being reviewed for accuracy and
completeness. This report should be available after Nov 14th.
3. Equal Employment Opportunity Information
Attached please find an Employment Utilization Report for
the 3rd Quarter 1998. While some discrepancies are still
unresolved, they are not sufficient to delay this report.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE
FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
NO. 60
POLICE OFFICER EXAM - PERSONALITY TEST
Per your request, enclosed is material regarding the
Personality Inventory Test for the Police Officer exam.
Be advised that Judge Curtin has not issued a written order
in connection with any specific part of the police exam.
Further, this information is being sent to you for
informational purposes only.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE
FROM THE CITY CLERK
NO. 61
ADELPHIA - RFP - SHOWCASE SCHOOL PROJECT
Attached is an RFP that will facilitate Adelphia's educational
initiative the Showcase School Project for the Buffalo Public
School System.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND OFFICE OF
TELECOMMUNICATIONS.
NO. 62LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATIONS
Attached hereto are communications from persons applying
for liquor licenses from the Erie County Alcohol Beverage
Control Board.
Address Business Name Owner's Name
1503 Hertel747 Cal, Inc.
dba Fantasia Rest.
1192 Seneca Street Carol Dejak
391-393 Ellicott St Manning & Ferris Ltd.
1115 Seneca Street Sherry Bolognese
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 63
LEAVES OF ABSENCE WITHOUT PAY
I transmit herewith notifications received by me, reporting
the granting of the leaves of absence without pay, in the
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various departments as listed:
Comptroller- Carla Duke
Police- Leonard Valvo, Linda McDonald, Yolanda Singletary
Corporation Counsel-
James Jarvis
Human Services, Parks/Recreation- Christa Hodge
RECEIVED AND FILED.
NO. 64
REPORTS OF ATTENDANCE
I transmit herewith communications received by me, from the
various boards, commissions, agencies and authorities
reporting the membership attendance at their respective
meetings:Buffalo Sewer AuthorityCity Planning Board
RECEIVED AND FILED.
NO. 65
NOTICES OF APPOINTMENTS - COUNCIL INTERNS
I transmit herewith appointments to the position of Council
Intern.Mrs. LoTempio moved the approval of the appointments
to the position of Council Intern.ADOPTED.
Appointment Effective: 10/3/98 in the Department of
Common Council to the Position of Intern V Seasonal Non-
Competitive at the: Flat Starting Salary of: $8.00
Zorava B. Rivera 456 Auburn Avenue Buffalo, N Y 14213
NO. 66
APPOINTMENTS-MAYOR'S YOUTH OPPORTUNITY &
EMPLOYMENT
I transmit herewith appointments made in the Mayor's Youth
Opportunities and Employments Programs.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
Appointment Effective October 5, in the Department of
Mayor's Office Division of Mayor's Intern Program to the
Position of Intern VI Seasonal Non Competitive at the Flat
Starting Salary of $10.00
Kathleen J. Verrastro 270 Woodbridge Ave. Bflo, N.Y. 14214
NO. 67
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 STADIUM AND AUDITORIUM
Appointment Effective in the Department of Stadium &
Auditorium Division of North AmeriCare Park to the Position of
Laborer II Seasonal Non-Competitive at the: Flat Starting
Salary of: $ 6.92
Carl Rizzo, 142 Dorchester Road Buffalo, 14213
Appointment Effective 10/5/98 in the Department of Stadium
& Auditorium Division of North AmeriCare Park to the Position
of Senior First Class Stationary Engineer Temporary,
Appointment, at the Flat Starting Salary of $7.33
John LoTempio, 57 Wilbury Place,Buffalo, 14216
James Delmont, 106 Hartwell Road, Buffalo, 14216
DEPARTMENT OF ASSESSMENT
Appointment Effective October 6, 1998 in the Department of
Assessment Division of to the Position of Clerk, Seasonal
Non-Competitive at the Flat $5.20
Helen A. Miranda, 7 Susan, Buffalo, NY 14220
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DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
Appointment Effective 10/14/98 in the Department of Police
to the position of Crossing Guard, Temporary, Non-
Competitive, at the: Minimum, Starting Salary of: $ 6.09
Debora W. Singletary, 20 Helen St., Buffalo, NY 14213
DEPARTMENT OF STREET SANITATION
Appointment Effective October 2, 1998 in the Department of
Street Sanitation to the position Seasonal Laborer II
,Seasonal, at the Flat Starting Salary $ 6.92/hr.
Keith R. Siler, 347 Cumberland Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14220
Appointment Effective October 6, 1998,in the Department of
Street Sanitation to the Position of Seasonal Laborer II, at the
flat starting salary of $6.92/hr.
Thomas C. Kelley, 382 Okell Street, Buffalo, NY 14220
Appointment Effective: October 14,1998 in the Department
Street Sanitation to the Position of Laborer II (Seasonal),
seasonal, non-competitive, at the MAXIMUM, at the Starting
Salary of: $6.92 per hour
Joseph W. Kustra, 372 Marilla Street, Bflo, New York 14220
Christopher F. Steriace, 58 Trowbridge, Bflo, N Y 14220
Nicholas G. Derfert, 103 Pontiac Street, Bflo, N Y 14206
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Appointment Effective: October 19, 1998, in the Department
of Administration and Finance, Division of Parking
Enforcement, to the Position of Laborer I Seasonal
Non-Competitive, at the Flat, Starting Salary of: $6.22
Thomas A. Ortalano, 66 Ardmore Place, Buffalo 14213
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Appointment Effective October 5, 1998 in the Department of
Human Services, Division of Parks to the Position of Laborer
II, Seasonal, Non-Competitive, at the Flat Starting Salary of $
6.92
Stephen Radominski, 33 Weimar, Buffalo 14206Joseph
Thompson, 140 Deerfield, Buffalo 14215Judith Zaccagnino,
178 Fenton, Buffalo 14206Keith Plant,152 Thompson Bflo
14207Salvator Cicatello, 90 Eckhert, Buffalo 14207
Appointment Effective October 5, 1998 in the Department of
Human Services, Division of Recreation to the Position of
Laborer II, Seasonal, Non-Competitive, at the Flat Starting
Salary of $ 6.92
Norman Anderson, 1050 Ellicott, Buffalo 14209
Paul Crowley, 40 Portland, Buffalo 14220
Ed Cudeny, 103 Harrison, Buffalo 14210
Sarah Torres . 260 Roslyn : Buffalo 14215
Appointment Effective October 12, 1998 in the Department
Human Services Division of Recreation to the Position of
Refrigeration Plant Engineer Seasonal, Non-Competitive, at
the Flat Starting Salary of $ 6.92
Jeffrey Klapp, 61 West Northrup, Buffalo 14214Vincoat
Miranda, 130 Ridgewood, Buffalo 14220Mark Scanlon,771
Abbott Buffalo 14220Mark Blake, 158 Dundee Buffalo 14220
Appointment Effective October 12, 1998 in the Department
Human Services, Division of Recreation to the Position of Fee
Collector, Seasonal, Non-Competitive, at the Flat Starting
Salary of $ 5.15
Jeffrey Dickman, 301 Roesch, Buffalo 14207Corey Krug, 153
Shenandoah Buffalo 14220
Appointment Effective October 12, 1998 in the Department
Human Services, Division of Recreation to the Position of
Refrigeration Plant Engineer, Seasonal, Non-Competitive, at
Page 38
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the Flat Starting Salary of $ 6.92
Sean Eddy, 28 Royal, Buffalo 14207
Appointment Effective October 12, 1998 in the Department
Human Services, Division of Recreation to the Position of
Refrigeration Plant Engineer, Seasonal, Non-Competitive, at
the Flat Starting Salary of $ 6.92
Michael Schieber, 168 Dundee, Buffalo 14220
Appointment Effective October 12, 1998 in the Department
Human Services, Division of Recreation to the Position of Fee
Collector, Seasonal, Non-Competitive, at the Flat Starting
Salary of $ 6.92
Kelly Haug, 136 Shefield, Buffalo 14220
Appointment Effective October 19, 1998, in the Department
of Human Services, Parks and Recreation, Division of Senior
Citizens, to the Position of Senior Citizen Aide, Seasonal, Non-
Competitive, at the Minimum, Starting Salary of $ 6.92 hour
Robert L. Williams, 236 Southampton St., Bflo, N Y 14208
Appointment Effective October 19, 1998, in the Department
of Human Services, Parks, to the Position of Laborer II,
Seasonal, Non-Competitive, at the Minimum, Starting Salary
of $ 6.92 hour
William Orr, 28 Latona Ct, Buffalo 14220,
Jeffrey Bartels, 117 west Ryan, Buffalo 14220
Appointment Effective October 19, 1998, in the Department
of Human Services, Division of Recreation, to the Position of
Laborer II, Seasonal, Non-Competitive, at the Flat Starting
Salary of $ 6.92 hour
Dominic LoVallo, 288 Dearborn street, Buffalo 14207
NO. 68
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.
Appointment Effective 10 /5/ 98 in the Department or Police to
the position of Crossing Guard Permanent, Non-Competitive
at the minimum Starting Salary of: $6.09/hr
Gisele Murphy, 36 Auchinvole Ave., Buffalo., NY 14213
Linda Herbert, 844 McKinley Pkwy. Buffalo, NY 14220
Christine Grant, 127 Butler Ave., Buffalo, NY 14208
Virginia McGee, 406 Lasalle Ave., Buffalo, NY 14215
Appointment Effective October 19, 1998 in the Department
of Audit & Control in the Division of Data Processing to the
position of Data Processing Equipment Operator at the
Starting Salary of Temporary Appointment at the first step of
$25,061.
Suzanne Zuchlewski, 311 Roesch Ave., Buffalo, NY 14207
Appointment Effective: October 2, 1998 in the Department
of: Police to the Position of: Public Safety Dispatcher
Permanent Appointment at the Minimum Starting Salary of
$25,146
Kevin J. Barry,94 Tamarack St., Buffalo, New York 14220
Appointment Effective October 5, 1998, in the Department of
Police to the Position of: Report Technician Permanent
Appointment at the Minimum Starting Salary of $ 23,705
Michele M. Parks, 31 Marine Drive #6D, Buffalo, NY 14202
Appointment Effective October 5, 1998 in the Department of
Police to the Position o: Report Technician Permanent
Appointment at the Minimum Starting Salary of $ 23,705
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Andrea L. Meegan, 60 Ramona Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14220
Appointment Effective October 5, 1998 in the Department of
Public Works, Division of Buildings to the Position of Laborer II
Permanent Non-Competitive at the: Minimum Starting Salary
of $ 10.45
Joseph Mele, 310 Norwalk Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14216
AMENDED
Appointment Effective 8/24/98 In the Department of Law to the
Position of Asst. Corp. Counsel II Temporary at the
Minimum/Flat Starting Salary of $48,566
Richard E. Stanton, 746 Amherst Street, Buffalo, NY 14216
Appointment Effective October 5, 1998 in the Department of
Street Sanitation to the Position of Heavy Equipment
Operator Provisional Appointment at the Minimum Starting
Salary of $26,184
Eugene A. Kelsey, 45 Shoreham Pkwy., Buffalo, NY 14216
Peter Nicosia, 303 Prospect Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14201
Appointment Effective October 13, 1998 in the Department
of Street Sanitation to the Position of Laborer 11(Daily)
Temporary non-competitive at the minimum Starting Salary of:
$87.55 per day
Ronald M. Leib, 71 Tioga, Buffalo, New York 14216
NON-OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS AND
REMONSTRANCES
NON-OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS
NO. 69
BUFFALO CHARTLR REVISION COMMISSION
BFLO CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION MINUTES
10/1,10/8,10/15
Attached are minutes from the Buffalo Charter Revision
Commission for the meetings of 10/1/98, 10/8/98 and
10/15/98.
REFERRED TO THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT
NO. 70
A. COPPOLA BD OF ELECTIONS DISCLOSURE
STATEMENTS NIMO
Attached is a copy of a Board of Elections Disclosure
Statement for Niagara Mohawk dated July 18, 1997.,
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON
MUNICIPALIZATION OF ELECTRICAL SERVICES.
NO. 71
LAWSUIT PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
Attached is a copy of a complete set of pleadings filed with
the Albany County Clerk's Office in respect to " Alliance for
Municipal Power v. NYS Public Service Commission.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON
MUNICIPALIZATION OF ELECTRICAL SERVICES.
NO. 72
RESIGNATION - BD. OF PARKING
With regard to my position of the City of Buffalo Parking
Board.
I have accepted a position as President of the Downtown
Spokane Partnership and my family and I will be leaving the
Buffalo area this October. I will thus be unable to continue as
a member of the City of Buffalo Parking Board and submit this
letter as my letter of resignation.
I will miss working with you and the members of the Board,
who are a terrific bunch of very talented and dedicated people,
to address the issues of parking and downtown revitalization.
Page 40
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I wish you and the City the best in the coming years.
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 73.EMPIRESTATE DEVELOPMENTPUBLIC
HEARING - OUTOKURNPU AMERICAN BRASS PROJECT
Enclosed please find a copy of the General Project Plan (the
"Plan") and findings for the proposed Outokumpu American
Brass - Empire State Economic Development Fund General
Development Financing Capital Grant Project in the City of
Buffalo. In accordance with Section 16(2) of the New York
State Urban Development Corporation Act (Chapter 174 of the
Laws of 1968), as amended, we request that the Plan and
findings be filed in your office.
A public hearing for this project will be held in the 13th Floor
Common Council Chambers, Buffalo City Hall, on Thursday,
October 22, 1998 from 1 1:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If you have
any questions, please contact me at 716-688-0485. Thank
you for your cooperation.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
NO. 74
M. GOLDMAN
RESIGNATION - PRESERVATION BOARD
I am afraid that I will not be able to continue my work on the
Preservation Board.
Thanks for your help and your continued efforts on behalf of
preservation.
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 75C. KELLYAPPEAL DECISION OF PRESERVATION
BOARD-453 PORTER AVENUE
In its meeting of September 24, 1998 the Buffalo
Preservation Board rejected our application to install two
exterior identification signs on the front and side of our building
at 453 Porter Avenue. It is our intention to appeal their
decision to the Common Council and we respectfully request
that this matter be placed on the Common Council's agenda
on the earliest available date.
Please feel free to contact me regarding this matter during
regular business hours at 885-4139.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND
CORPORATION COUNSEL.
NO. 76J. KENNERWATER PROBLEM - 205 SHUMWAY
I would like for the Common Council to address an issue
that has gone from bad to worst. My name is Janette Lynn
Kenner, and I live at 235 Peckham Street. I purchased a two-
family house at 205 Shumway that remained vacant for a year
before I rented the property to my father. This property was
bought from Mrs. Newton, who is presently in a nursing home,
to fix up a property to help improve the community.
After the first quarter water bill, the balanced due was $3,300.
After the water department investigated my concern, the next
quarter, the balanced due was up to $6,000. The bill is
presently over $ 1 0,000. 00 plus $1,800. 00 that has been
paid out to various parties to help rectify the problem. I have
spoken to the water department, W. Charles Aughtry, and
now, request that the Common Council investigate this
problem that has become very difficult for me to resolve.
Initially' the Water Department could not explain the
uncommonly high water bill, but after a licensed plumber was
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hired, the damage was not in the house as the Water
Department had alleged, but the damage to the pipes existed
at a point before the meter, outside of the property. This was
after I tore up my newly remodeled bathroom, ceiling tiles and
replaced the toilet after a representative from the water
department stated that they heard water leaking from with in
the house.
I am at my wits end as to what I should do to proceed from
this point. Any assistance that the Common Council can
would be deeply appreciated.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE,
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS, AMERICAN
ANGLICAN AND WATER BOARD.
NO. 77
FRANCHISE FEE AUDIT, 1996 AND 1997
In accordance with your request of January 16, 1998, I
examined the financial records of TCI of New York, Inc. (TCI)
to determine franchise fees payable pursuant its cable
television franchise with the City of Buffalo (City), for the years
ended December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1997. On June
5, 1998 and July 9, 1998 I communicated my initial findings
and questions to TCI. TCI responded to those letters on June
17, 1998 and August 4, 1998. This letter describes my
findings; TCI's response is associated with each of my final
conclusions:
After considering TCI's responses and making certain
adjustments to my initial findings based on their response, I
conclude that TCI failed to pay a total of $449,531 of franchise
fees for the years 1996 and 1997, excluding time value of
money (see attached Exhibit I). The amount of $449,531
includes additional fees due in amount of $197,303, resulting
from the billing and collection of franchise fees and PEG costs
from subscribers in 1996 and 1997.
Should the City decide to enforce collection of the amount of
$197,303 of franchise fee pass-through revenue, TCI may be
entitled to collect this amount further from subscribers.
Resolution of the final amount to be repaid to the City is a
matter of discussion between the City and TCI. Mr. Steven
Shaye of our Municipal Assistance section is available to
assist you in negotiating a final settlement. I am available if
you have any questions with respect to the matters herein.
The System
TCI provided service to about 81,000 customers in the City as
of December 31, 1997. TCI operated a 450 MHZ system
providing about 95 channels of service (some compressed),
including basic (approx. 20 channels), expanded basic service
(about 32 channels), digital music, and premium channels at
the end of 1997. TCI or its affiliates also provide advertising
services over the cable system in the City. TCI houses its
facilities, records, and a customer service unit at 355 Chicago
Avenue, Buffalo.
Requirements
Franchise Section 18.1: This section (effective December
28, 1995) provides that "the Franchisee shall pay to the City
during the term of this Franchise a sum equal to five (516)
percent of the Franchisee's Gross Revenues for the preceding
year, as defined in this Franchise less any credits required to
comply with applicable federal and State laws and rules."
Franchise Section 10: This section provides that "Gross
Revenues" shall mean "all revenue derived directly or
indirectly by the Franchisee from Cable Service and any
additional service provided within the City via the Cable
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Communications System pursuant to the authority of this
Agreement and the Franchise granted hereby, in so far as
such additional services are regulated by the City, provided,
however, that Gross Revenues shall not include any deposits
received and held for converters or other equipment supplied
by Franchisee, refunds, receipts from sales, use or franchise
taxes or any other tax or fee that the Franchisee collects on
behalf of the City or any other tax authority or any reasonable
fees paid to collect past amounts due and owing from
subscribers."
Federal Ruling: The U. S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit (Case
No. 96-60427) on July 31, 1997 stipulated that 1) when
franchising agreements impose fees directly upon cable
operators, any money collected to pay those fees will be part
of the operator's gross revenue, and 2) all money collected
from subscribers, including funds used to pay franchise fees,
must be included in a cable operator's gross revenue.
Based on the definition of franchise fee subject revenue and
the Federal Court's decision, franchise fees were payable on
all revenues attributable to cable television operations within
the City of Buffalo, from both subscriber and non-subscriber
sources including revenues for the cost of TCI's franchise fee
expenses billed to and collected from subscribers, without
exclusion of any component type.
Description of Accounting System
Books and Records: TCI's fiscal year is December 31 and
books are maintained on the accrual basis. TCI's general
ledger and supporting records originate and are maintained at
TCI's centralized accounting department in Denver, Co. TCI's
Buffalo system office originates only minor journal entries as
noted with miscellaneous deposit detail. Subscriber billing
records were provided at 355 Chicago Avenue in Buffalo, to
support subscriber revenue which comprises over 90%- of the
total revenue stream from cable operations of TCI-Buffalo.
TCI provided advertising services, revenues from which are
not fully be recorded on TCI's books of account. This matter is
addressed below.
Franchise FPP Calculations
Franchise fee payments are calculated by the Buffalo system
financial staff, using general ledger reports and the profit and
loss statements. Subscriber revenue entries into the general
ledger are derived from Cable Data Reports A and E, by the
use of automated journal entries which originate in Denver.
Copies of the general ledger and Cable Data billing records
were available for the entire review period January 1, 1996
through December 31, 1997. Worksheets to reconcile
subscriber revenue amounts per Cable Data billings to the
general ledger were requested, but were not provided.
Methodology of Review
My review included the following steps:
Reviewed quarterly franchise fee payment reports, which were
provided by the City, I Inquired of the methodology and
records which were used by TCI in calculating franchise fees
payable, Surveyed TCI's accounting and billing system
records, Scanned the general ledger, chart of accounts, and
billing system for possible revenue accounts and categories,
which are included as franchise fee base revenues, Selected
revenue accounts or categories, Accumulated revenue
amounts for the review period from Cable Data billings and
general ledger, I Determined total franchise fee base revenues
per audit and compared the result with reported and previously
assessed amounts, . Determined recommended additional
franchise fee liability, as stated in this letter.
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Description of Exhibits
Three Exhibits are attached to this letter and detail my
findings. Exhibit I, Summary of Franchise Fee Audit Results
(1/1/96 through 12/31/97) indicates the calculation of the total
additional amount of unpaid fees, $449,531 due to the City.
Section A describes the total franchise fee revenues and
franchise fee payments as made to the City in this period.
Section B describes total franchise fee revenues and
payments due per audit, leaving the difference in franchise fee
liability as due to the City in Section C. Sections D and E of
Exhibit I show a breakout of total additional franchise fee base
revenue and the associated franchise fee liability, by year and
classification.
Exhibits II and III indicate by year and category how the
amount of $449,531 was determined. The amounts of
$229,079 and $220,452 were respectively determined to be
payable for 1996 and 1997 as shown in Col. 6, Line C. 6,
Exhibits II and III. Each of these Exhibits has the same
categories and the following columns which total to the result,
$449,531:
The Reason Code (Col. 1) indicates the code identifier which
identifies the exception noted during the course of the audit.
Revenues Reported per Filings (Col. 2) describes the
franchise fee base revenues as reported and included for
calculation of the franchise fee paid.
Revenues Received per Audit (Col. 3) shows the total amount
of franchise fee base revenues per my review.
Difference Audit Revenue Over (Under) Reported Revenue
(Col. 4) is the total amount of franchise fee revenue per audit,
less the reported amount by category. In total $4,581,586 and
$4,409,043 of franchise fee revenues (Col. 4, Line C.6) were
not included in calculation of franchise fees paid to the City in
1996 and 1997, respectively.
Franchise Fee Rate (Col. 5) shows the percentage rate of fees
payable to the City per the operative franchise agreement for
the period. This includes the amount of fee paid to the PSC
($77,820 for each of 1996 and 1997, as reported).
Adjustment of Fee Due To (From) City (Col. 6) shows the
amount of additional fee payable by category.
Summary of Findings by Type (Reason)
The following matters were noted in determining the proposed
underpaid total amount of franchise fees (see also Exhibits II
and III)
a)Unreported Subscriber Revenue (See Reason Code "A")
The amount of $117,841 of franchise fee payments are
additionally due for unreported subscriber revenues, including
$47,036 in 1996 and $70,806 in 1997. See Col. 6, Line A.12.
Of Exhibits II and III.
The audit amount" of revenues (Col. 3, Lines 1 to 11) are
derived from Exhibits A, B, and E of Cable Data billings. The
rate 5% was applied against revenues per audit to arrive at the
amount of Adjustment of Fee Due To (From) City (Col. 6).of
note in the compilation of the figures of unreported revenue in
first paragraph of this section are that
Late charge revenues are included in the definition of revenue
subject to franchise fee assessment. TCI correctly included
late charge revenues in the franchise fee base revenue in
1996; no adjustment for this category is necessary for this
period. However, TCI excluded late charge revenues
($698,568 of late charge revenues in 1997) from its calculation
of franchise fees payable to the City for 1997; the necessary
adjustment is included in Section A, Line 9 (Col. 3) of Exhibit
III. TCI1s response is that late charge revenue "is a fee
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charged to help recover costs involved with the recovery of
collecting past-due amounts." We have no basis to find that
late charge fees are not revenues; TCI did not provide us with
justification or documentary evidence to support their
exclusion of the revenue source in 1997.
Other Subscriber Revenues on Line 11 include miscellaneous
subscriber revenue categories such as Other Revenue (Cable
Data Reports A/B) and the following categories of revenue
from Reports E of Cable Data: returned check fees, off site
payments, trip charges, miscellaneous equipment adjustment
fees/revenues, and unreturned converter fees. TCI's response
is that the miscellaneous equipment adjustment fees and
unreturned converter fees are not fees assessed to
customers. I find no evidence in M's audit trail, rate cards or
customer notices that the two categories in the preceding
sentence are not revenue.
Expanded Basic Service Revenues are included on Line 2,
Section A of Exhibit II (1996) and Line 11, Section A of Exhibit
III (1997).
With respect to Section A of Exhibits II and III, Line 12 in Col.
4 (attached), the amounts of $940,716 and $1,146,112 for
1996 and 1997 comprise the total operating revenues not
reported for assessment, excluding pass-through revenue as
discussed below.
b)Bad Debts Expense (See Reason Code "B")
A provision for doubtful subscriber accounts or bad debts
expense is normally allowed as a deduction from subscriber
revenues, if proper, substantiated and claimed. TCI claimed
no bad debts offset against revenues subject to assessment in
1996 and the amount of $447,099 in 1997. There was a
discrepancy in the amount of bad debts expense between the
general ledger and subscriber billing records for both 1996 and
1997, which I could not reconcile from records made available
as illustrated below.
Amount Amount
1996 1997
Claimed on Reports to City$0 $ 447,099
General Ledger $1,035,474 $ 586,091
Subscriber Billings $1,987,361 $1,112,891
The amounts of bad debts which were claimed as offsets to
revenues, $0 in 1996 and $447,099 in 1997, were accepted in
amount claimed. TCI's response is that a deduction should
have been claimed in 1996. My response is that TCI made no
claim, and has yet to provide its calculations and analysis of
the proper amount, as well as substantiating explanation and
evidence. The City may wish to reconsider this matter if and
when TCI provides reasonable evidence to justify its claim.
c)Advertising Income (See Reason Code "C")
The amount of $61,389 of additional franchise fee payments
are due for unreported advertising income, including $34,651
in 1996 and $26,739 in 1997. See Col. 6, Line B.1. of Exhibits
II and III.
These additional fees result from TCI's receipt of total of
$1,227,785 of advertising income which was not included in its
prior calculations of franchise fees payable. The amount
$1,227,785 includes $693,014 in 1996 and $534,771 in 1997
(Col. 4, Line B.1.). These amounts were derived from the
following general ledger accounts: In 1996, Nos. 7651
(Reimbursement Coop Advertising) and 5070 (Advertising
Revenue - 3rd Party Intercompany) and in 1997, Nos. 3028
(Advertising Intercompany Content Revenue) and 5301
(Advertising and Promotions Various).
The franchise requires, in part, that all revenues received by
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TCI from Cable Service and any additional service provided
within the City via the Cable Communications System on its
cable system are franchise fee base revenues. Review of
TCI's financial records indicates receipt of advertising income
was, received from entities, including "Media Partners" and
`WNY Cable advertising." TCI appears to be recording such
revenues on a "net basis". Detail of the total amounts of
advertising income received was not available in Buffalo, since
entries originate from TCI1s centralized accounting office. I
was unable to if the full, gross amount of advertising revenues
attributable to the Buffalo system were recorded on the
general ledger. TCI's response is that advertising revenues
are subject to franchise fee assessment, but that the amount
on the general ledger "includes other systems in New York
and New Jersey." TCI did not substantiate that any part of the
additional advertising revenue shown on Line B.1 should be
excluded, because of the bifurcated record keeping and
franchise fee calculation system used by TCI.
d)Unreported Non-Subscriber Income (See Reason Code
"D")
The amount of $72,532 of additional franchise fees is payable
to the City due to unreported non-subscriber income (home
shopping revenue, etc) including $59,570 in 1996 and $12,962
in 1997. See Col. 6, Line B.2. of Exhibits II and III.
These additional fees result from TCI's receipt of $1,450,628
of non-subscriber income which was not reported for
assessment of franchise fees due. This amount includes
$1,191,394 of such revenue in 1996 and $259,234 in 1997
(Col. 4, Line B.1.). These amounts were derived, for most part,
from the following general ledger accounts: In 1996, Nos. 5090
(Other Income), 5026 (Sprint Subsidy - Pay Service)and
others and in 1997, No. 3029 (Commissions/Royalties Home
Shopping). TCI1s response appears to be that miscellaneous
revenues from home shopping etc. are subject to assessment.
I have reviewed TCI's responses with respect to this category,
and accepted their explanation that a relatively minor amount
of $104,046 was a credit against programming cost for adding
more pay television units to their revenue stream. TCI
provided no evidence to support further adjustment of the
revenue amount subject to franchise fee in this category.
e)Collections Costs Expense (Reason Code "E")
Collection costs are costs of collecting subscriber accounts
receivable including credit bureau charges. These amounts
are expenses and are not collected from subscribers as "pass-
through revenues."
TCI's treatment of collection cost expense was inconsistent.
In 1996 TCI treated collection cost expense ($159,089, Line
B.3. of Exhibit II) as revenue and added it to franchise fee
base revenue, although it was not collected from subscribers
or any other sources as a pass-through revenue. In 1997 TCI
deducted $168,410 of collection cost expense (Line B.3.,
Exhibit III) from franchise fee base revenues in calculating its
liability to the city.
My decision as to collection cost treatment was based on two
factors:
In my opinion, the franchise allows only collection cost fees
(i.e. revenues) directly billed to and collected from subscribers
(pass-through type) to be excluded from or deducted from
franchise fee base revenue and there were no such collections
from subscribers per my review, and
The policy of this Commission and predecessor Cable
Commission has been to disallow collection costs as
deductions against franchise fee base revenue (they are
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expenses, not revenue). See Line B.3. of Exhibit II and III for
detail of this effect on calculations per audit.
f)Fees Collected from Subscribers (pass-through basis) -
Reason Code "F"
My examination of subscriber billing records showed that a
total of $3,946,067 of revenues were collected directly from
subscribers, but were excluded wholly from franchise fee
revenue base in calculating fees to be paid to the City. I
recommend that the additional amount of $197,303 of
franchise fee payments is due to the City, to cure the effect of
exclusion of this source of revenue, as explained below. See
Exhibits II and III,
Lines C.1, C. 2, and C. 3 in Col. 3 for detail of amounts of said
revenues.
Pass-through fees collected from Buffalo subscribers include
franchise fees, FCC user fees, and PEG cost fees. The U. S.
Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit (Case No. 96-60427) on July 31,
1997 stipulated that 1) when franchising agreements impose
fees directly upon cable operators, any money collected to pay
those fees will be part of the operator's gross revenue, and 2)
all money collected from subscribers, including funds used to
pay franchise fees, must be included in a cable operator's
gross revenue. Recommended findings include the
applicability of this decision.
Time Value of Money
The franchise agreement at Section 18.3 provides in part that
"at the sole discretion of the City, the latter may collect interest
from the Franchisee on the underpayment at a rate equal to
the "Prime" rate plus three (3) percent." Our recommendations
do not take into account the time value of money due to
underpayment of portions of fees determined to be additionally
due. This matter is left to resolution between the City and TCI.
Reports
The franchise agreement at Section 18.2 indicates that the
franchisee is required to provide a quarterly report detailing
its franchise fee payments calculation. It is recommended that
the franchisee work with the City to develop a franchise fee
reporting form which provides greater detail of the sources of
subscriber and non-subscriber revenues in order to permit
easier verification by the City and franchisee in the future. I
am prepared to assist you, if needed.
In addition, I recommend that the company take steps to
ensure that the record keeping and reporting functions, for
purposes of determining franchise fee payments, be better
coordinated.
Timeliness of Payment
I found that TCI made its quarterly payments to the City on a
timely basis, per franchise requirements.
FINAL RESOLUTION
The findings herein are based on information made available
during the course of the audit. Should further information or
facts come to light, we may revisit our calculations. The
amounts indicated herein crystallize the amount of franchise
fees owed to the City for the years 1996 and 1997. However,
agreement on the final amount and payment terms are a
matter of discussion between the City and TCI, due to the
contractual nature of the franchise agreement. Please contact
the undersigned at phone (518) 473-5253 or Mr. John A.
Wright at phone (518) 473-5251 if there are questions with
respect to the matters herein.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON
TELECOMMUNICATIONS, OFFICE OF
TELECOMMUNICATIONS, AND CORPORATION
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COUNSEL.
NO. 78
NIAGARA MOHAWK
COMMITTEE TO STUDY MUNICIPALIZATION
Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation contracted the services of
Mr. Stephen R. Allen from Polestar Applied Technology, Inc.
to research and publish a report on Municipalization in the Era
of Deregulation - A Perspective for the Niagara Mohawk
Service Territory. As a member of the Committee to Study
Municipalization, I would like to have this report made
available for the Council and committee members. It is my
intention to ask the support of the committee members to
invite Mr. Allen to speak at a committee meeting.
Mr. Allen has over 15 years' experience in technical and
economic analysis. Most recently he has applied his analytical
experience to the topics of municipalization and deregulation
of the electric energy industry. Mr. Allen's report addresses
three questions:
1 .What were the characteristics and outcome of
municipalization prior to the restructuring of the
electric industry?
2.How has the legal and
business framework for municipalization changed since the
Energy Policy Act of 1992?
3. What is the likely impact of these changes on future
municipalization efforts?
By making the report available prior to his presentation,
members of the Council and committee will have the
opportunity to thoroughly review his analysis and be prepared
to address questions that are specific to the committee's
mission.
If you have any questions, please contact me at 857-4286.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON
MUNICIPALIZATION OF ELECTRICAL SERVICES.
NO. 79
G. WHITFIELD
CHIEF FIRE ADMINISTRATOR'S EXAM
I am Firefighter Gamell Whitfield Jr. of E-33, Ist
Platoon. I have been a firefighter for 14 years. This
letter is in reference to the Chief Fire Administrators' exam that
I took on May 2, 1998. I was notified by the Civil Service
Commission, on the 17th of September of my score, which
was 90.0, giving me a ranking of #1 on a list that was adopted
on September 16, 1998. There has been nothing done with
that list to my knowledge; which is in stark contrast to all of the
other promotional exams given, and consequent lists that were
adopted from them.
I am asking that you would look into this matter on my behalf
and contact me with any information that you might find as
to the status of this list.
RECOMMENDED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL
SERVICE AND CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION.
NO. 80
M. GOLDMANCALUMET EXPANSION ON ASBURY
ALLEY
I am writing you to let you know of our plans for expansion at
The Calumet and how they impact on Asbury Alley. AS you
know, The Alley is a City-owned street. As you also know, it
does nothing now but collect garbage, nurture rats and serve
as an illegal parking space for anybody who wants to leave
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their car there. For years I have thought of this Alley as a
wasted resource. Several years ago, I suggested that it be
made into a pedestrian access route, directly connecting
Chippewa to the Augsburger Ramp. People seemed to like
that idea, but nothing happened with it.
What I am now proposing is that we be allowed to build an
entrance off of the Alley into a new room that we are creating
out of the Irish Classical Theatre space. This will be a high-
class nightclub that will cater primarily to a downtown
constituency. In order to maximize this small space, we are
proposing to move the entrance from Chippewa Street onto
Asbury Alley. ( see illustrations of 1. the entrance on the Alley
and 2. the new glass facade on Chippewa Street.) We also
propose that we be allowed to construct a temporary fence
mid-way down the Alley so that the Bradford and others can
continue to keep their garbage cans there. Part of our plans
call for cleaning and repainting the brick walk-way that lies
between Chippewa Street and the proposed entrance about
15 feet down the Alley.
There is already a precedent for this use of the Alley in that we
were granted a variance to build two fire-exits from the Theatre
into the Alley.
We are planning on spending $150,000 on this improvement
and we believe it will greatly enhance the area. In the hope
that you will help us to achieve our goals on this project, I am
REFERRED TO THE COMMITFEE ON COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT, CORPORATION COUNSEL AND
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS.
PETITIONS
NO. 81
A. Sorrento, owner, Petition to use 367 Delaware for a drop in
center.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION, THE
CITY PLANNING BOARD AND THE COMMISSIONER OF
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
NO. 82
D. Manley & 0 - Req. Traffic Signal at Colgate Stand South
Park Ave.REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON
LEGISLATION AND COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS.
CIVIL SERVICE
(BEVERLY A.GRAY, CHAIRPERSON)
NO. 83
C. ZANE-MEDICAL BENEFITS RETIRED BLDG.
INSP.(ITEM# 104 C.C.P APRIL 28, 1998
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
referred to the Committee on Taylor Law Impasse.
ADOPTED.
NO. 84
A. PARLATO - MEDICAL DRUG RIDER - T.
PARLATO(ITEM# 85 C.C.P JUNE 9, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
referred to the Committee on Taylor Law Impasse.ADOPTED.
NO. 85
A. PARLATO-MED. DRUG RIDER-T. PARLATO (CS)
(ITEM# 73 C.C.P JUNE 23, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
referred to the Committee on Taylor Law Impasse.
ADOPTED.
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NO. 86
R. MARTIN - MED. COVERAGE OF RETIREE
(ITEM# 100 C.C.P.SEPTEMBER 22, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
referred to the Committee on Taylor Law Impasse.
ADOPTED.
NO. 87
S.MORREALE & 0 - RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS
(ITEM# 106 C.C.P SEPTEMBER 22, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
referred to the Committee on Taylor Law Impasse.
ADOPTED.
NO. 88
M. ZERA - BACK PAY (PW)(ITEM# 54 C.C.P.JULY 21,
1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.ADOPTED.
NO. 89
RETIREMENT INCENTIVE PROG. (A&F)(ITEM# 86
C.C.P.JULY 21, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
Adopted
NO. 90
CORR. EMPLOYMENT STATUS - E. BONADONNA
(PW)(ITEM# 45 C.C.P.OCTOBER 6, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED.
NO. 91APPOINTMENTCHIEF BUILDING INSPECTOR
That Communication 46, October 6, 1998 be received and
filed and the Permanent appointment of Richard L. Ogorek Jr.,
above at the Intermediate salary of $44,571.00 effective on
September 24, 1998 is hereby approved.
PASSED
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 92APPOINTMENTWATER METER MECHANIC
That Communication 47, October 6, 1998 be received and
filed and the Temporary appointment of Francis Marci III,
above at the Intermediate salary of $29,814.0 effective on
October 5, 1998 is hereby approved.
PASSED
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 93
APPOINTMENTEQUIPMENT OPERATOR
That Communication 64, October 6, 1998 be received and
filed and the Provisional appointments of Marcus Gorski and
Alan Majewski, above at the provisional salary of $28,425.00
effective on September 21, 1998 is hereby approved.
PASSED
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 94APPOINTMENTEQUIPMENT OPERATOR
That Communication 65, October 6, 1998 be received and
filed and the Provisional appointment of Vincent Muffoletto,
above at the provisional salary of $28,425.00 effective on
September 21, 1998 Is hereby approved.
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PASSED
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 95NOTICE OF APPT. - TEMP./PROV./PERM
(CCLK)(ITEM# 77 C.C.P.OCTOBER 6, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED.
NO. 96SALARY ORDINANCE AMENDMENT06-
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE 4-
DIVISION OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT 013-PARKING
METERS & ENFORCEMENT
(ITEM NO, 211, C.C.P., OCT. 6, 1998)
That the Salary Ordinance Amendment as contained in Item
No. 21 1, C.C.P., October 6, 1998, be and the same hereby is
approved.
PASSED.
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 97SALARY ORDINANCE AMENDMENTENTERPRISE
FUND70-1 DEPARTMENT OF SOLID WASTE &
RECYCLING011 -COLLECTION OF REFUSE &
RECYCLING
(ITEM NO. 213, C.C.P., OCT. 6, 1998)
That the Salary Ordinance Amendment as contained in Item
No. 213, C.C.P., October 6, 1998, be and the same hereby is
approved.
PASSED.
AYES-13. NOES-0.
FINANCE
(DAVID A. FRANCZYK, CHAIRMAN)
NO. 98
PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TAXES (PILOT) POLICY
(CD)ITEM# 78 C.C.P.JULY 21, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.ADOPTED.
NO. 99
PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TAXES PILOT POLICY
(ASMT)(ITEM# 46 C.C.P.-SEPTEMBER 8, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED.
NO. 100
PILOT POLICY REVISION(ITEM NO. 57, C.C.P., OCT. 6,
1998)THAT THE COMMON COUNCIL ACCEPT THE
DOCUMENT AS ATTACHED TO THE ABOVE
COMMUNICATION, AS THE CITY'S OFFICIAL PAYMENT
IN LIEU OF TAXES (PELOT) POLICY.
PASSED.
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 101NO DEMO FOR 923 WASHINGTON (CD)(ITEM#
127 C.C.P.SEPTEMBER 8, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED.
NO. 102
DONATION OF PRIV. PROP. TO CITY
(ITEM# 225 C.C.P SEPTEMBER 8, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
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98-1020.txt
ADOPTED.
NO. 103
DONATE PRIV. PROP. TO CITY _ 178 MORELAND
(COMPT)(ITEM# 21 C.C.P SEPTEMBER 22, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED.
NO. 104
DONATE PRIV. PROP. TO DEPT. COMM. DEV.
(CD)(ITEM# 58 C.C.P OCTOBER 6, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED.
NO. 105WAIVE TICKET SURCHARGE FOR
"HALLOWEEN WITH THE PROS"(ITEM NO. 244, C.C.P.,
SEPT. 8, 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 and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 106
BOND RESOLUTION - $500,000 TRAFFIC CALMING
PROJECTITEM NO. 278, C.C.P., SEPT. 22, 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. 107TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT (PW)(ITEM NO. 42,
C.C.P., OCT. 6, 1998)
That the above item be, and the same hereby is
returned to the Common Council without recommendation.
Mr. Franczyk moved
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED.
NO. 108TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT (PW)(ITEM NO. 41,
C.C.P., OCT. 6, 1998)
That the above item be, and the same hereby is
returned to the Common Council without recommendation.
Mr. Franczyk moved:
That the above mentioned item be and the same is
hereby received and filed.
ADOPTED.
NO. 109
ACQUISITION 543 SENECA(ITEM NO. 10, C.C.P., OCT. 6,
1998)
That the above item be, and the same hereby is
returned to the Common Council without recommendation.
Mr. Franczyk moved:
That the Comptroller negotiate a sale with Mr. Steve
Potycz of 568 Exchange Street for the acquisition of 543
Seneca Street, in the sum of Eleven Thousand Dollars ($1
1,000.00), with the stated contingencies as listed in the above
communication. That the Corporation Counsel be authorized
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to prepare the necessary documents for the acquisition of the
property and that the Mayor be authorized to execute the
same.
PASSED.
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 110
COMPROMISE DEMOLITION COSTS - 209
DUTTON(ITEM NO. 12, C.C.P., OCT. 6, 1998)
That the Comptroller be, and he hereby is authorized
to accept the sum of $2,140.00 as payment in full from
Richard Giardina for the demolition of 209 Dutton.
Mr. Franczyk moved that the above item be recommitted to
the Committee on Finance.
ADOPTED.
NO. 111
RESULT OF NEGOTIATIONS - 209 AND 215
DUTTON(ITEM NO. 60, C.C.P., OCT. 6, 1998)
That the offer from Mr. and Mrs. William Vesper and
Mrs. Karen Vesper, residing at 228 Sherdian Avenue, in the
sum of Two Thousand and Four Hundred Dollars ($2,400.00)
for the sale of 209 and 215 Dutton, be and they hereby are
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.
Mr. Franczyk moved that the above item be recommitted to
the Committee on Finance.
ADOPTED.
I
NO. 112
PERM. PLACE TOLL CALLING CARD DISPENSER
CITY HALL (PW)(ITEM# 37 C.C.P OCTOBER 6,1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.ADOPTED.
NO. 113INSTALLATION BICYCLE LANES - FILLMORE
AVENUE(ITEM NO. 38, C.C.P., OCT. 6, 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. 114
RESULT OF NEGOTIATIONS - 196 GLENWOOD
(ITEM NO. 58, C.C.P., JUNE 23, 1998)
(ITEM NO. 143, C.C.P., JULY 21, 1998)
(ITEM NO. 123, C.C.P., OCT. 6, 1998)
That the offer from State Tabernacle Church of God
in Christ, 234 Glenwood, in the sum of One Thousand Four
Hundred Dollars ($1,400.00) for the sale of 196 Glenwood
Avenue, be and hereby is accepted; and
That the appraisal requested by the City of Buffalo
shall be paid by the purchaser; and
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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.
Mr. Franczyk moved that the above item be recommitted to
the Committee on Finance.
ADOPTED.
NO. 115
RESULTS OF NEGOTIATIONS - 1590 FILLMORE
(ITEM NO. 62, C. C.P., APR. 28, 1998)
(ITEM NO. 11 8, C.C.P., JULY 7, 1998)
(ITEM NO. 156, C.C.P., JULY 21, 1998)
(ITEM NO. 124, C.C.P., OCT. 6, 1998)
That the offer from Moses and Ruby Graham, residing at 33
Richert Avenue, in the sum of One Thousand Dollars
($1,000.00) for the sale of a portion of 1590 Fillmore, 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.
Mr. Franczyk moved that the above item be recommitted to
the Committee on Finance.
ADOPTED.
NO. 116
RESULTS OF NEGOTIATIONS - 1482 JEFFERSON
AVENUE
(ITEM NO. 53, C.C.P., MAY 12, 1998)
(ITEM NO. 120, C.C.P., JULY 7, 1998)
(ITEM NO. 157, C.C.P., JULY 21, 1998)
(ITEM NO. 125, C.C.P., OCT. 6, 1998)
That the offer from Mr. Herbert Bellamy, Sr., in the sum of
Two Thousand and Two Hundred Dollars ($2,200.00) for the
safe of 1482 Jefferson 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 authorizes to execute the same, in accordance with
the terms of sale upon which the offer was submitted.
Mr. Franczyk moved that the above item be recommitted to
the Committee on Finance.
ADOPTED.
NO. 117
RESULTS OF NEGOTIATIONS - 387 WOODLAWN
(ITEM NO. 120, C.C.P., SEPT. 8, 1998)
(ITEM NO. 126, C.C.P., OCT. 6, 1998)
That the offer from Mrs. Susie M. Smith, of 395 Woodlawn
Avenue, in the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for the
sale of 387 Woodlawn, be and hereby is accepted; and
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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.
Mr. Franczyk moved that the above item be recommitted to
the Committee on Finance.
ADOPTED.
NO. 118
CERTIORARI PROCEEDINGS - 22 OAKGROVE AVENUE
(ITEM NO. 26, C.C.P., SEPT. 22, 1998)
(ITEM NO. 137, C.C.P., SEPT. 22, 1998)
That the Corporation Counsel be, and he hereby is
authorized to settle the 1997-98 certiorari proceeding on 22
Oakgrove Avenue by reducing the assessment from $32,200
to $20,000 for each year.
Mr. Franczyk moved that the above item be recommitted to
the Committee on Finance.
ADOPTED.
LEGISLATION
(ALFRED T. COPPOLA, CHAIRMAN)
NO. 119
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT - CHAPTER 511 - ZONING
(511-95)
(ITEM NO. 241, C.C.P., SEPT. 22, 1998)
That the Ordinance Amendment as contained in Item No.
241, C. C.P., September 22, 1998, be and the same hereby is
approved.
Passed.
AYES-13, NOES-0
NO. 120
ORD. AMEND CH. 511 - ADULT USES (C.P. BD.)
(ITEM #6 C.C.P OCTOBER 6, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
Adopted
NO. 121
PETROLEUM SALES, PETITION TO USE 650
TONAWANDA - GAS STATION/STORE
(ITEM NO. 93, C.C.P., OCT. 6, 1998)
That after the public hearing before the Committee on
Legislation on October 13, 1998, the petition of Petroleum
Sales, owner, for permission to use 650 Tonawanda Street for
a gas station/store be, and hereby is approved with the
conditions that any pole sign on the property is no higher than
20 feet and that landscaping be provided at the base.
Passed.
AYES-13, NOES-0
NO. 122
PETROLEUM SALES, PETITION TO USE 595 ONTARIO -
POLE SIGN
(ITEM NO. 94, C.C.P., OCT. 6, 1998)
That after the public hearing before the Committee on
Legislation on October 13, 1998, the petition of Petroleum
Page 55
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Sales, owner, for permission to use 595 Ontario Street for a
pole sign be, and hereby is approved with the conditions that
the pole sign be no higher than 20 feet and landscaping be
provided.
Passed.
AYES-13, NOES-0
NO. 123
DAN CAMPIERI, PETITION TO USE 256 ALLEN -
TAVERN/1 FAMILY DWELLING
(ITEM NO. 95, C.C.P., OCT. 6, 1998)
That after the public hearing before the Committee on
Legislation on October 13, 1998, the petition of Dan Campieri,
owner, for permission to use 256 Allen Street for a tavern and
a one family dwelling be, and hereby is approved.
Passed.
AYES-13, NOES-0
NO. 124
FRANKLIN STREET ASSOCIATES, PETITION TO USE 45
ALLEN - TAVERN/STORES/OFFICES (ITEM NO. 96,
C.C.P., OCT. 6, 1998)
That after the public hearing before the Committee on
Legislation on October 13, 1998, the petition of Franklin Street
Associates, owner, for permission to use 45 Allen Street (503
Franklin Street) for a tavern, stores and offices be, and hereby
is approved.
Passed.
AYES-13, NOES-0
NO. 125
CANTALICIAN CENTER, PETITION TO USE 655 HERTEL
AVENUE - COMMUNITY RESIDENCE (ITEM NO. 97,
C.C.P., OCT. 6, 1998)
That after the public hearing before the Committee on
Legislation on October 13, 1998, the petition of Cantalician
Center, owner, for permission to use 655 Hertel Avenue for a
community residence be, and hereby is approved.
Passed.
AYES-13, NOES-0
NO. 126
BUFFALO STORAGE INC., PETITION TO USE 363
DINGENS - POLE SIGN
(ITEM NO. 98, C.C.P., OCT. 6, 1998)
That after the public hearing before the Committee on
Legislation on October 13, 1998, the petition of Buffalo
Storage Inc., owner, for permission to use 363 Dingens for a
pole sign be, and hereby is approved.
Passed.
AYES-13, NOES-0
NO. 127
ALI MOHAMED ALI AGGI, PETITION TO USE 1347
KENSINGTON, TAKE-OUT RESTAURANT
(ITEM NO. 121, C. C.P., JULY 21, 1998)
That after the public hearing before the Committee on
Legislation on October 13, 1998, the petition of Ali Mohamed
Ali Aggi, owner, for permission to use 1347 Kensington
Avenue for a take-out restaurant be, and hereby is approved.
Mr. Coppola made a motion to receive and file said item.
ADOPTED
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NO. 128
BUFFALO CHARTER REV. COMM. MTG. MINUTES 6/25
& 7/2
(ITEM #87 C.C.P JULY 7, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
referred to the Council President.
Adopted
NO. 129
ENCROACH 162 SWAN STREET - AWNING
(ITEM NO.39,C.C.P.,OCT. 6,1998)
That the above item be, and the same is hereby returned to
the Common Council without recommendation.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the Commissioner of Public Works be, and he hereby
is authorized to issue a 4cmere license" to Mr. Mark
McCloskey, owner of McGuido's Pizzeria, located at 162 Swan
Street, to install an 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 for said installation.
2. That the awning be installed exactly as shown on plans
submitted to and approved by the Department of Public
Works, Division of Buildings.
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 and damage arising
out of the construction, maintenance, use and removal of said
awning.
Passed.
AYES-13, NOES-0
NO. 130
E. SIDE TRANSFER STATION - SURB. WASTE ROUTING
(ST. SAN) (ITEM # 79 C. CY MAY 26, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
referred to the Committee on Budget
Adopted
NO. 131
B. FLOYD & O-PROBLEMS W/NATIONAL BUS CO. ON
FEDERAL AVE.
(ITEM 105 C.C.P JULY 7, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
Adopted
NO. 132
LAIDLAW TRANSIT - COMPLAINTS FR. FEDERAL AVE.
RESIDENTS
(ITEM # 190 C.C.P SEPTEMBER 8, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
Adopted
NO. 133
DORCHESTER RD. BLK. CLUB-REQ. OLD STYLE
LIGHT STANDARDS
(ITEM # 123 C.C.P JULY 21, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
Adopted
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NO. 134
RESP.-DORCHESTER RD. BLK CLUB-REQ. OLD STYLE
LIGHT STANDARDS (PW)
(ITEM # 43 C.C.P OCTOBER 6, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
Adopted
NO. 135
B. MILLER-WILLIAMS-HERMAN ST. BLOCK SIGNS,
ETC.
(ITEM #167 C.C.P OCTOBER 6, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
Adopted
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
(DALE ZUCHLEWSKI, CHAIRMAN)
NO. 136
B. KAVANAUGH-EAF - REVISED WATERFRONT
GREENWAY ORD.
(ITEM #51 C.C.P JANUARY 6, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
Adopted
NO. 137
ORD. AMEND CH. 493 - WATERFRONT GREENWAY
SYSTEM (#I 10, 1/6)
(ITEM # 187 C.C.P OCTOBER 6, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
Adopted
NO. 138
T. PETTIGREW-BNRC LOAN - 258 LEMON COMPLAINTS
(#104 4/14)
(ITEM # 168 C.C.P JULY 7, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
Adopted
NO. 139
T. PETTIGREW-BNRC LOAN - 258 LEMON COMPLAINTS
(954 6/9)
(ITEM #169 C.C.P JULY 7, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
Adopted
NO. 140
GRAPHIC CONTROLS-OFFER OF PURCHASE FROM
TYCO INTERNATIONAL
(ITEM #109 C.C.P SEPTEMBER 22, 1998)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
Adopted
NO. 141
LAMAR OUTDOOR ADVERTISING, INC.
(ITEM NO. 222, C.C.P., OCT. 6, 1998)
That the Common Council approve the relocation of Lamar
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Outdoor Advertising, Inc. from their present location at 295
Maryland Avenue to 289 Exchange Street, placing them into
the Economic Development Zone
Passed
Ayes-13, Noes-0
RESOLUTIONS
NO. 142
By: Al Coppola
RESPONSE FROM THE PSC
Whereas:On April 23, 1998, a letter was sent to
Chairman Helmer of the Public Service Commission (PSC)
notifying and expressing concern over the ethical violations,
especially the overcharging done by Niagara Mohawk; and
Whereas:On June 12, 1998, a second letter was
sent to Chairman Helmer expressing the anticipation of her
report concerning Niagara Mohawk's gross over billing to the
City of Buffalo; and
Whereas:Ms. Helmer's response of July 27, 1998
had no mention of any action by the Public Service
Commission; and
Whereas:On August 6, 1998, a third letter was sent
to Ms. Helmer expressing concern over the extreme
overcharging by Niagara Mohawk and the disappointment over
the lack of an accurate response from the PSC; and
Whereas:More and more evidence is surfacing on
a daily basic in regard to the severe overcharging by Niagara
Mohawk to the City of Buffalo everyday.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That a copy of this resolution be sent to the Public Service
Commission requesting them to file a response with this
Common Council by Thursday, November 12, 1998; and
Be It Further Resolved:
That the PSC include in that response what action they are
taking on the serious overcharging of the City by Niagara
Mohawk; and
Be It Finally Resolved:
That a copy of this resolution and the November 12, 1998
response from the PSC be forwarded to the Special
Committee on Municipalization.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON
MUNICIPALIZATION OF ELECTRICAL SERVICES AND
PUBLIC SERVICES COMMISSION.
NO. 143
By: Al Coppola
EMINENT DOMAIN
Whereas:The City of Buffalo is currently
experiencing high controversy surrounding the possible
moving of the Buffalo Zoo; and
Whereas:The Zoo Board of Directors are
anticipating that the Common Council will go ahead with
eminent domain proceedings in the near future; and
Whereas:The Buffalo Zoo is considered an
independent body with it's own Board of Directors, that makes
its own independent decisions.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That the Corporation Council provide a written statement to
this Common Council stating the right, if any, to go ahead with
eminent domain proceedings.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.-AND
CORPORATION COUNSEL.
Page 59
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NO. 144
By: Al Coppola
GRANT PERMISSION TO UJIMA TO ERECT BANNER
Whereas:Ujima is seeking permission to erect a
banner across Elmwood Avenue at Anderson; and
Whereas:The purpose of the banner is to
announce the extension of Ujima's Hit production of " In De
Beginnin' " through November 8, 1998, possibly longer; and
Whereas:The banner will extend from Jimmy Mac's
to the light pole on the opposite side of Elmwood.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That this Common Council grant permission to Ujima to
erect the banner announcing the extension of their production
pursuant to the conditions set forth by the Commissioner of
Public Works and the Corporation Counsel.
PASSED
AYES-13, NOES-0
NO. 145
By: Al Coppola
GRANT PERMISSION TO MOUNT ST JOSEPH ACADEMY
TO ERECT BANNER
Whereas:Mount St. Joseph Academy is requesting
permission to erect a banner on Main Street from light pole #
S2354 to light pole # S23385; and
Whereas:The purpose of this banner is to
announce a school fundraiser, Harvest Craft Festival; and
Whereas: The banner will be put up on November 1st and
taken down on November 24th.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That this Common Council grant permission to Mount St.
Joseph Academy to erect a banner announcing their
fundraiser pursuant to the conditions set forth by the
Commissioner of Public Works and the Corporation Counsel.
Passed
Ayes-13, Noes-0
NO. 146
By: Mr. Fontana & Mr. Coppola
NIAGARA MOHAWK CUSTOMER PAYMENT FEES
Whereas:Local NYCE locations are charging a fee
to process Niagara Mohawk bills; and
Whereas:It is a violation of the NYCE agreement
with Niagara Mohawk to charge such a fee; and
Whereas:Our electric rates are 50-60 percent
higher on average then other U.S. Cities; and
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That the Common Council is asking that Niagara Mohawk
immediately contact all NYCE locations for them to stop
charging the fee to pay a bill; and
Be it Further Resolved:
That Niagara Mohawk file with the Council their plans to
reimburse customers who paid a fee; and
Be it Finally Resolved:
That the City Clerk Office send certified copies of this
resolution to Niagara Mohawk.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON
MUNICIPALIZATION OF ELECTRICAL SERVICES AND
NIMO
NO. 147
By: Mr. Franczyk:
Page 60
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BOND RESOLUTION
$100,000 BONDS
CONST. OF PARKING WHRD FACILITY
ACCOUNT 200-717
Bond Resolution of the City of Buffalo, New York,
authorizing the issuance of $100,000 General Improvement
Bonds of said City, to finance the cost of construction of a
public parking lot on land parcels located at 11, 17 & 21 Leroy
Avenue, in the City, at the estimated maximum cost of
$100,000.
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo, in the County of
Erie, New York, hereby resolves (by the favorable vote of not
less than two-thirds of all the members of said Common
Council) as follows:
Section 1. The Comptroller of the City of Buffalo, in the
County of Erie, New York (herein called "City"), is hereby
authorized and directed to issue General Improvement Bonds
of said City in the principal amount of One Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($100,000), pursuant to the provisions of the Charter of
said City and the Local Finance Law, constituting Chapter 33-a
of the Consolidated Laws of the State of New York (the "Law")
to finance the cost of construction of a public parking lot on
land parcels located at 11, 17 & 21 Leroy Avenue, in the City.
The estimated maximum cost of said specific object or
purpose for which the bonds authorized by this resolution are
to be issued, including preliminary costs and costs incidental
thereto and the financing thereof, is $100,000, as set forth in
the duly adopted Capital Improvements Budget of said City for
fiscal year 1998-99, as amended.
Section 2. The proceeds of the sale of the bonds authorized
by this resolution, or any bond anticipation notes issued in
anticipation of the sale of said bonds shall be deposited in the
Capital Projects Fund to the credit of the Department of
Community Development, Division of Development, "Parking
Acquisition (WHRD Facility), 1998-99", Bond Authorization
Account No. 200-717, and shall be used for the specific object
or purpose specified in Section 1 of this resolution.
Section 3. The City intends to finance, on an interim basis,
the costs or a portion of the costs of said improvements for
which bonds are herein authorized, which costs are
reasonably expected to be incurred by the City, pursuant to
this Bond Resolution, in the maximum amount of $100,000.
This Resolution is a declaration of Official Intent adopted
pursuant to the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section
1. 150-2.
Section 4. The following additional matters are hereby
determined and stated:.
(a)The period of probable usefulness applicable to the
specific object or purpose for which the bonds authorized by
this resolution are to be issued within the limitations of Section
11.00 a. 20. of the Law, is fifteen (15) years.
(b)Current funds are not required by the Law to be
provided as a down payment prior to the issuance of the
bonds authorized by this resolution or any bond anticipation
notes issued in anticipation thereof in accordance with Section
107.00 d. 9. of the Law.
Section 5. Each of the bonds authorized by this resolution
and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the
sale of said bonds and the renewals of said notes shall contain
the recital of validity prescribed by Section 52.00 of the Local
Finance Law. Said bonds and said notes shall be general
obligations of the City of Buffalo payable as to both principal
and interest by a general tax upon all the taxable real property
Page 61
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within said City without limitation as to rate or amount. The
faith and credit of said City are hereby irrevocably pledged for
the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on said
bonds and said notes. Provision shall be made annually by
appropriation by said City for the payment of interest on and
for the amounts required for the amortization and redemption
of said bonds and said notes.
Section 6. The validity of the bonds authorized by this
resolution or any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation
of the sale of said bonds may be contested only if.
(a)Such obligations are authorized for an object or
purpose for which the City of Buffalo is not authorized to
expend money, or
(b)The provisions of law which should be complied with
at the date of the publication of this resolution are not
substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding
contesting such validity, is commenced within twenty days
after the date of such publication, or
(c)Such obligations are authorized in violation of the
provisions of the constitution.
Introduced:October 20, 1998
Laid on the Table
NO. 148
By: Mr. Franczyk:
BOND RESOLUTION$75,000 BONDSLAND ACQUISITION
(WHRD FACILITY)ACCOUNT 200-717
Bond Resolution of the City of Buffalo, New York,
authorizing the issuance of $75,000 General Improvement
Bonds of said City, to finance the cost of acquisition of land
parcels located at 11, 17 & 21 Leroy Avenue, in the City, to
provide a public parking area, at the estimated maximum cost
of $75,000.
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo, in the County of
Erie, New York, hereby resolves (by the favorable vote of not
less than two-thirds of all the members of said Common
Council) as follows:
Section 1. The Comptroller of the City of Buffalo, in the
County of Erie, New York (herein called "City"), is hereby
authorized and directed to issue General Improvement Bonds
of said City in the principal amount of Seventy-Five Thousand
Dollars ($75,000), pursuant to the provisions of the Charter of
said City and the Local Finance Law, constituting Chapter 33-a
of the Consolidated Laws of the State of New York (the "Law")
to finance the cost of acquisition of land parcels located at 11,
17 & 21 Leroy Avenue, in the City, to provide a public parking
area . The estimated maximum cost of said specific object or
purpose for which the bonds authorized by this resolution are
to be issued, including preliminary costs and costs incidental
thereto and the financing thereof, is $75,000, as set forth in the
duly adopted Capital Improvements Budget of said City for
fiscal year 1998-99, as amended.
Section 2. The proceeds of the sale of the bonds authorized
by this resolution, or any bond anticipation notes issued in
anticipation of the sale of said bonds shall be deposited in the
Capital Projects Fund to the credit of the Department of
Community Development, Division of Development, "Parking
Acquisition (WHRD Facility), 1998-99", Bond Authorization
Account No. 200-717, and shall be used for the specific object
or purpose specified in Section 1 of this resolution.
Section 3. The City intends to finance, on an interim basis,
the costs or a portion of the costs of said improvements for
which bonds are herein authorized, which costs are
Page 62
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reasonably expected to be incurred by the City, pursuant to
this Bond Resolution, in the maximum amount of $75,000.
This Resolution is a declaration of Official Intent adopted
pursuant to the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section
1. 150-2.
Section 4. The following additional matters are hereby
determined and stated:.
(a)The period of probable usefulness applicable to the
specific object or purpose for which the bonds authorized by
this resolution are to be issued within the limitations of Section
11.00 a. 21. of the Law, is thirty (30) years.
(b)Current funds are not required by the Law to be
provided as a down payment prior to the issuance of the
bonds authorized by this resolution or any bond anticipation
notes issued in anticipation thereof in accordance with Section
107.00 d. 9. of the Law.
Section 5. Each of the bonds authorized by this resolution
and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the
sale of said bonds and the renewals of said notes shall contain
the recital of validity prescribed by Section 52.00 of the Local
Finance Law. Said bonds and said notes shall be general
obligations of the City of Buffalo payable as to both principal
and interest by a general tax upon all the taxable real property
within said City without limitation as to rate or amount. The
faith and credit of said City are hereby irrevocably pledged for
the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on said
bonds and said notes. Provision shall be made annually by
appropriation by said City for the payment of interest on and
for the amounts required for the amortization and redemption
of said bonds and said notes.
Section 6. The validity of the bonds authorized by this
resolution or any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation
of the sale of said bonds may be contested only if:
(a)Such obligations are authorized for an object or
purpose for which the City of Buffalo is not authorized to
expend money, or
(b)The provisions of law which should be complied with
at the date of the publication of this resolution are not
substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding
contesting such validity, is commenced within twenty days
after the date of such publication, or
(c)Such obligations are authorized in violation of the
provisions of the constitution.
Introduced: October 20, 1998
Laid on the Table
NO. 149
By: Mr. FranczykCapital Budget
AmendmentAddition to Capital Program -
1998-99
That pursuant to section 359 of the Charter and the
Certificate of the Mayor and the Comptroller submitted to the
Common Council, the Capital Program for the fiscal year
1998-99 be and the same is hereby amended by adding the
following item under the heading:
200 Capital Projects
401 Division of Engineering
Elmwood Avenue Parking Lots $1,000,000
PASSED
AYES-12, NOES-0
NO. 150
By: Mr. Franczyk
Page 63
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TRANSFER OF FUNDSDIVISION OF BUDGET AND
MANAGEMENTDIVISION OF BUILDINGS
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 $13,745.51 be and the same is
hereby transferred from the Reserve for Capital Improvements
account and said sum is hereby reappropriated as set forth
below:
From:
100 General Fund
81-9 - Exempt Items
842 - Reserve for Capital Improvements $13,745.51
To:
81-8 Interfund Transfers
010 - Transfer to Capital Projects Fund $13,745.51
From:
81-8 Interfund Transfers
010 - Transfer to Capital Projects Fund $13,745.51
To:
201 Capital Project Fund
402 - Division of Buildings
005 - City Hall Masonry Reconstruction $13,745.51
PASSED
Ayes-13, Noes-0
NO. 151
By: Mr. Franczyk
TRANSFER OF FUNDSCOMMON COUNCIL - CITY
CLERK
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 $2,500 be and the same is
hereby transferred within the Division of City Clerk and said
sum is hereby reappropriated as set forth below:
From:
100 General Fund
01 - Common Council
1 - City Clerk
002 - Office of Telecommunications
110 - Salaries - Regular $2,500
To:
100 General Fund
01 - Common Council
1 - City Clerk
001 - City Clerk
302 - Transportation $1,000
305 - Meals & Lodging $1,000
306 - Registration Fees & Dues
$500PASSEDAyes-13, Noes-0
NO. 152
By: Mr. Franczyk
TRANSFER OF FUNDSPARKING
ENFORCEMENTTREASURY
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 $25,000 be and the same is
hereby transferred from Parking Enforcement and said sum is
hereby reappropriated as set forth below:
From:
100 General Fund
06 - Department of Administration & Finance
4 - Division of Parking Enforcement
Page 64
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013 - Parking Meters & Enforcement112 - Temporary
Services $25,000
To:
100 General Fund06 - Department of Administration &
Finance
5 - Division of Treasury
001 - Treasury
112 - Temporary Services $25,000
PASSED
AYES-13, NOES-0
NO. 153
By: Mr. Franczyk
TRANSFER OF FUNDSFRINGE BENEFITS - RESERVE
FOR AGREEMENTS WITH CITY UNIONSCOMMON
COUNCIL, MAYOR AND COMPTROLLER
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 $128,700 be and the same is
hereby transferred from the Fringe Benefits - Reserve for
Agreements with City Unions and said sum is hereby
reappropriated as set forth below:
From:
100 - General Fund
813 - Fringe Benefits
176 - Reserve for Agreements with City Unions $128,700
To:
100 General Fund
01 - Common Council
1 - Legislative
002 - Councilmernber 2 $ 7,937
003 - Councilmember 3 $ 7,937
004 - Legislation Committee Chairman $ 0
005 - Civil Service Committee Chairman $ 7,937
006 - Councilmernber 6 $ 7,937
007 - Education Committee Chairman $ 7,937
008 - Minority Leader $ 7,937
009 - Finance Committee Chairman $ 7,937
010 - Claims Committee Chairman $ 7,937
ú011 - Councilmember II $ 7,937
ú012 - Majority Leader $ 7,937
013 - Community Development Committee Chairman
$7,937
02 - President of Common Council 0 - Legislative001 -
Legislative $21,27003 -
Mayor and Executive Department0 - Executive
00 1 - Executive Function $20,123
04 - Department of Audit and Control
0 - Comptroller
01 - Comptroller $ 0
PASSED
AYES-13, NOES-0
NO. 154
By: Mr. Franczyk
INCREASED APPROPRIATIONFUND BALANCEPOLICE
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
Police be and the same hereby is increased in the sum of
$391,000.
FROM:
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That the comptroller be and hereby is authorized and
directed to transfer the sum of $391,000 from the Unreserved
Fund Balance 100-890-060 to meet this increased
appropriation as set forth below:
100-890-060 - General Fund - Unreserved Fund Balance
To:
100 General Fund
20 - Department of Police
1 - Police Administration
085 - Exempt Items
981 - Passenger Cars & Other Vehicles
Police Cars $341,000
Adaptation of Cars $50,000
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
NO. 155
By: Mr. Franczyk
INCREASED APPROPRIATIONDEPARTMENT OF
POLICETHAT, 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 POLICE - CLOTHING
AND UNIFORMS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS BE AND THE
SAME HEREBY ARE INCREASED IN THE SUMS OF
$12,000, $5,000 AND $5,000.
That, the comptroller be and hereby is authorized and
directed to increase the revenue estimate of account:
From:
100 - General Fund
200 - Department of Police General City Revenue
402 - City Revenues62032 - Deposit of Unclaimed
Property $22,000
To meet the increased appropriation as set forth below:
To:
100 General Fund
20 - Department of Police1 - Police Administration
021 - Administration and Communications427 -
Clothing and Uniforms $12,000
100 General Fund
20 - Department of Police
1 - Police Administration
012 - Patrol Services
427 - Clothing and Uniforms $5,000
100 General Fund
20 - Department of Police
1 - Police Administration
001 - Office of the Police Commissioner
586 - Public Relations $5,000
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
NO. 156
By: Mr. Franczyk
TRANSFER OF FUNDSCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT -
BOND FUNDSPUBLIC WORKS - BOND FUNDS
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 $736,691 be and the same is
hereby transferred from the Department of Community
Development - Capital Projects Fund and said sum is hereby
reappropriated as set forth below:
From:
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203 Capital Projects Fund
717 - Department of Community Development
001- Demolitions $736,691
To:
203 Capital Projects Fund
402 - Division of Buildings
500 - City Demolitions $736,691
PASSED
AYES-12, NOES-0
NO. 157
By: Mr. Franczyk
GRANT TAX EXEMPT STATUS FOR CENTRAL
TERMINAL
WHEREAS:The former Central Terminal building at
495 Paderewski Drive, once a symbol of Buffalo's great
economic vitality, has in recent decades become a massive
reminder of Buffalo's economic decline; and,
WHEREAS:The 17-story 1929 Art Deco structure
remains one of the most popular preservation projects in the
region, enjoying wide support from many segments of the
public; and,
WHEREAS:A group dedicated to the building's
preservation and restoration, the Not for-Profit Central
Terminal Restoration Corporation, has been working for the
last year to slowly begin the structure's healing process,
devastated as it was by rapacious private owners; and,
WHEREAS. The depredations visited on the Central
Terminal resulted in an eyesore for the City of Buffalo, sapping
hope and generally contributing to the decline of the East Side
and the city at large; and,
WHEREAS:The Central Terminal Restoration Corp. is
comprised of preservationists and dedicated community
leaders who already improved the climate at the site, including
organizing a massive volunteer clean-up with the help of the
Preservation Coalition in April 1998. The Corporation has
worked to repair the roof and has boarded up broken doors
and windows. The company also obtained funds to repair the
damaged clocks, and a myriad of other productive activities;
and,
WHEREAS:In all, almost $400,000 in city, state and
federal funds have been committed to the Central Terminal
project in the last two years, but it will take many more years
and dollars to realize a fully useful building; and,
WHEREAS:The negligent previous private owners of
the Central Terminal let the building deteriorate, and not
surprisingly, did not pay their taxes to the city; and,
WHEREAS:The Central Terminal Restoration
Corporation, a not-for-profit, already paid a portion of the more
than $50,000 in taxes owed by the previous owner, and will
pay more this year; and,
WHEREAS:It is ludicrous and self-defeating for the
Central Terminal Restoration Corp. to continue to pay future
taxes on a building that should be declared tax exempt; and,
WHEREAS:The Central Terminal is a structure on the
National Historic Registry, and is used by the Corp. as an
historic resource to promote and protect historic preservation
in Buffalo for the benefit of the public; and,
WHEREAS: There are no profits to be derived from this
building, it is a development project structured to benefit a
struggling, very low income neighborhood and the entire city;
and,
WHEREAS:It is absurd to give the Corp. CDBG and
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other funds, only to see them poured back into city taxes; and,
WHEREAS: Although the Corp. went to the Assessment
Review Board and won a reduction in taxes, it is ridiculous that
the building is not currently totally tax exempt; and,
WHEREAS:When the city wants to develop a huge,
decayed building, it does so eagerly, as demonstrated by the
city taking title to the Richardson Bldg.; and,
WHEREAS:All efforts should be expended to help
develop the Central Terminal, rather than foment its continued
neglect in a "less desirable" neighborhood; and,
WHEREAS:If the Terminal ever became a
commercial enterprise with responsible private ownership, its
tax status could easily be re-visited, but in the meantime we
are "robbing Peter to pay Paul" by siphoning away dollars from
the Terminal, only to turn it back to the city; and
WHEREAS:The Central Terminal is a building used
for the promotion and benefit of historic preservation in and for
the people and City of Buffalo, thereby clearly meriting tax
exempt status;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That this Common Council supports exemption of city taxes
for the Central Terminal
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:That the
Assessment Department grant tax exempt status to 495
Paderewski Street,Buffalo, a.k.a. former New York Central
Terminal on behalf of the Central Terminal Restoration
Corporation.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE,ON FINANCE,
COMMISSIONER OF ASSESSMENT AND CORPORATION
COUNSEL.
NO. 158
By: Mr. Franczyk
BOND RESOLUTION $500,000 BONDS TRAFFIC
CALMING PROJECTSACCOUNT 200-401
Bond Resolution of the City of Buffalo, New York,
authorizing the issuance of $500,000 General Improvement
Bonds of said City, to finance the cost of traffic calming
improvements along various commercial thoroughfares in the
City, at the estimated maximum cost of $500,000.
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo, in the County of
Erie, New York, hereby resolves (by the favorable vote of not
less than two-thirds of all the members of said Common
Council) as follows:
Section 1. The Comptroller of the City of Buffalo, in the
County of Erie, New York (herein called "City"), is hereby
authorized and directed to issue General Improvement Bonds
of said City in the principal amount of Five Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($500,000), pursuant to the provisions of the Charter of
said City and the Local Finance Law, constituting Chapter 33-a
of the Consolidated Laws of the State of New York (the "Law")
to finance the cost of traffic calming improvements along
various commercial thoroughfares in the City, but excluding
the proposed West Side Gating Project. The estimated
maximum cost of said class of objects or purposes for which
the bonds authorized by this resolution are to be issued,
including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and
the financing thereof, is $500,000, as set forth in the duly
adopted Capital Improvements Budget of said City for fiscal
year 1998-99, as amended.
Section 2. The proceeds of the sale of the bonds authorized
by this resolution, or any bond anticipation notes issued in
anticipation of the sale of said bonds shall be deposited in the
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Capital Projects Fund to the credit of the Department of Public
Works, Division of Engineering, "Elmwood Ave and Traffic
Calming Projects, 1998-99", Bond Authorization Account No.
200-401, and shall be used for the class of objects or
purposes specified in Section I of this resolution.
Section 3. The City intends to finance, on an interim basis,
the costs or a portion of the costs of said improvements for
which bonds are herein authorized, which costs are
reasonably expected to be incurred by the City, pursuant to
this Bond Resolution, in the maximum amount of $500,000.
This Resolution is a declaration of Official Intent adopted
pursuant to the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section
1. 150-2.
Section 4. The following additional matters are hereby
determined and stated:
(a)The period of probable usefulness applicable to the
class of objects or purposes for which the bonds authorized by
this resolution are to be issued within the limitations of Section
11.00 a. 72 2nd (a) of the Law, is twenty (20) years.
(b)Current funds are not required by the Law to be
provided as a down payment prior to the issuance of the
bonds authorized by this resolution or any bond anticipation
notes issued in anticipation thereof in accordance with Section
107.00 d. 9. of the Law.
Section 5. Each of the bonds authorized by this resolution
and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the
sale of said bonds and the renewals of said notes shall contain
the recital of validity prescribed by Section 52.00 of the Local
Finance Law. Said bonds and said notes shall be general
obligations of the City of Buffalo payable as to both principal
and interest by a general tax upon all the taxable real property
within said City without limitation as to rate or amount. The
faith and credit of said City are hereby irrevocably pledged for
the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on said
bonds and said notes. Provision shall be made annually by
appropriation by said City for the payment of interest on and
for the amounts required for the amortization and redemption
of said bonds and said notes.
Section 6. The validity of the bonds authorized by this
resolution or any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation
of the sale of said bonds may be contested only if:
(a)Such obligations are authorized for an object or
purpose for which the City of Buffalo is not authorized to
expend money, or
(b)The provisions of law which should be complied with
at the date of the publication of this resolution are not
substantially complied with,
and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity, is
commenced within twenty days after the date of such
publication, or
(c)Such obligations are authorized in violation of the
provisions of the constitution.
Introduced:
Laid on the Table
NO. 159
By: Mr. Franczyk
ELIMINATE USER FEE FOR CENTRAL TERMINAL
WHEREAS:The former New York Central Railroad
Terminal at 495 Paderewski Drive is a great Western New
York landmark, but has suffered decline through the
negligence of several private owners in recent decades; and,
WHEREAS:Currently, the Central Terminal
Restoration Corporation, a not-for-profit organization
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comprised of preservationists and community leaders, is
struggling to save the 1929 Art Deco masterpiece; and,
WHEREAS:The Central Terminal remains one of the
best-known preservation projects in the region, the ultimate
fate of which is a parallel to Buffalo's rise or fall as a city; and,
WHEREAS:The Central Terminal Restoration Corp.
has attracted some local, state and federal funds to begin the
long process of revitalization; and,
WHEREAS:The Central Terminal Restoration Corp.
organized a massive volunteer clean-up of the Terminal
involving hundreds of people from throughout W.N.Y., repaired
the roof and boarded up doors and windows;
WHEREAS:The efforts of the Central Terminal
Restoration Corp. to turn around this structure in a very low
income community is hamstrung by unnecessary city charges,
to whit, a $78,242.66 User Fee bill; and,
WHEREAS:The user fee bill lists the Central Terminal
as an "office building," but it has been vacant as an office
building for twenty years; and,
WHEREAS:The Central Terminal Restoration Corp.
has had private volunteer haulers pick up trash and debris,
and except for illegal dumpers apprehended by the city
recently, there is no garbage or debris picked up by city crews;
and,
WHEREAS:A $78,242.66 user fee would totally bleed
away funds for the redevelopment of the building; and,
WHEREAS:It would be a case of "robbing Peter to
pay Paul" to foot this huge user fee bill, as all of the monies for
the Terminal are from government; and,
WHEREAS:Private haulers have been removing the
Terminal trash and garbage at no cost; and,
WHEREAS:When the Terminal is developed and
generating income it would be possible to revisit the user fee
issue, but in the meantime the building is vacant and in need
of millions of dollars of repair work; and,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That this Common Council abate the $78,242.66 user fee
bill for 495 Paderewski Drive, the former New York Central
Terminal on behalf of the Central Terminal Restoration
Corporation; and,
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That the Common Council request that the Central Terminal
Restoration Corporation file information with the Council on
who they will privately contract with to pick up their garbage,
trash and debris (which now is minimal) in lieu of the user fee.
David A. Franczyk
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FIN ANCE AND
COMMISSINOER. OF STREET SANITATION.
NO. 160
BY: MS. GRAY
SALARY ORDINANCE AMENDMENT50 - DEPARTMENT
OF HUMAN SERVICES, PARKS & REC2 - DIVISION FOR
SENIOR CITIZENS11 RECREATION PROGRAM FOR THE
ELDERLY
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does ordain as
follows:
That part of Section 1 of Chapter 35 of the Ordinances of the
City of Buffalo, relating to 50 - Department of Human Services,
Parks & Recreation - 2 Division for Senior Citizens - 011
Recreation Program for the Elderly, which reads:
7 Senior Citizen Aide $ 21,917 - $ 24,256
Is hereby amended to read:
Page 70
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6 Senior Citizen Aide $ 21,917 - $ 24,256
1 Typist $ 21,917 - $ 24,256
WE, DANIEL T. DURAWA, Commissioner of Human
Services, Parks & Recreation , and JAMES B. MILROY,
Director of the Budget, hereby certify that the above change
is necessary for the proper conduct, administration and
performance of essential services of that department. We
recommend that the compensation for said position be fixed at
the respective amount set forth in the foregoing ordinance.
That a personnel requisition incident to the creation of the
above-mentioned position, containing a statement of the
duties for such position, has been filed with the Municipal Civil
Service Commission, and said Commission has approved and
certified the position title set forth in the foregoing ordinance as
being the appropriate Civil Service title for the proposed
position
Daniel Durawa
Commissioner of Human Services, Parks and Recreation
JAMES MILROY
Director of the Budget
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Michael Risman
Corporation CounselREFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON
CIVIL SERVICE
NO 161
BY: MS. GRAY
SALARY ORDINANCE AMENDMENT20 -I DEPARTMENT
OF POLICE011 DETECTIVE DIVISION
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does ordain as
follows:
That part of Section I of Chapter 35 of the Ordinances of the
City of Buffalo, relating to 20 - 1 Department of Police - 011
Detective Bureau, which reads:
30Report Technician 23,705 - $ 26,317
Is hereby amended to read:
31Report Technician $ 23,705 - $ 26,317
WE, ROCCO J. DIINA, Commissioner of Police, and
JAMES B. MILROY, Director of the Budget, hereby certify
that the above change is necessary for the proper conduct,
administration and performance of essential services of that
department. We recommend that the compensation for said
position be fixed at the respective amount set forth in the
foregoing ordinance.
That a personnel requisition incident to the creation of the
above-mentioned position, containing a statement of the
duties for such position, has been filed with the Municipal Civil
Service Commission, and said Commission has approved and
certified the position title set forth in the foregoing ordinance as
being the appropriate Civil Service title for the proposed
position
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Michael Risman
Corporation CounselREFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON
CIVIL SERVICE
NO. 162
By: Mr. Helfer
ERECT BANNER ACROSS MAIN STREET-UNIVERSITY
HEIGHTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
INC. ANNUAL HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL
Whereas: The University Heights Community Development
Association is sponsoring its Annual Halloween Carnival on
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Friday, October 30, 1998 and Saturday, October 31,1998;and
Whereas: The carnival, which will benefit the youth and
athletic departments of the University Heights Community
Development Association, will be held at the Gloria J. Parks
Community Center; and
Whereas: Organizers of the carnival request that they be
allowed to hang a promotional banner across Main Street, in
front of the Gloria J. Parks Community Center, from October
22, 1998 through November 2, 1998. and
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That this Common Council grants permission to the
University Heights Community Development Association to
erect a banner pursuant to the conditions set forth by the
Commissioner of Public Works and the Corporation
Counsel.
PASSED
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 163
By: Mr. Helfer and Ms. Gray
STUDY WAYS TO REDUCE COSTS THROUGH
TOMASELLO CONTRACTING CORPORATION
Whereas: Although revenue from the user fee is a
necessary component of the City of Buffalo budget, it is
desirable to reduce the user fee as much as possible for the
benefit of our citizens; and
Whereas: Increasing recycling revenue while simultaneously
reducing disposal costs is one possible way to reduce the
user fee; and
Whereas: University District Councilmember Kevin J. Helfer
and Councilmember-At-Large Beverly A. Gray recently met
with Mr. David Tomasello, owner of Tomasello Contracting
Corporation; and
Whereas: Mr. Tomasello presented numerous proposals
regarding possible cost-cutting measures, including
proposals to reduce costs for disposing various materials;
and
Whereas: Certain City of Buffalo departments must dispose
of various building materials, debris, and other waste on a
regular basis; in addition, they must dispose of recyclable
materials in a proper manner; and
Whereas: For example, the Department of Public Works is
currently conducting a pilot program which involves
assigning a City of Buffalo crew to demolish structures
rather than awarding demolition contracts to outside
agencies; and
Whereas: Demolitions result in a great deal of recyclable
and non-recyclable waste. Mr. Tomasello offered options
that would allow the City of Buffalo to dispose of building
materials and other waste resulting from demolitions at
extremely low costs. In fact, Mr. Tomasello will accept
concrete free of charge; and
Whereas: In addition, the City of Buffalo Department of
Human Services, Parks, and Recreation annually produces
more than 7,000 tons of mulch and other debris as a result of
tree removal and tree trimming; and
Whereas: The Department of Street Sanitation sweeps
thousands of tons of garbage and debris annually;
subsequently, the City of Buffalo must pay to dispose of these
materials; and
Whereas: The City of Buffalo currently pays varying sums of
money to dispose of these various materials; if the City paid a
lower rate, we could pass these savings along to our
residents;
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Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That the Departments of Street Sanitation, Human Services,
Parks, and Recreation, and Public Works provide information
regarding the current costs for disposing of various materials,
including, but not limited to, leaves, concrete, tree branches,
mulch, and building materials; and
Be It Further Resolved:
That Mr. Edward Marr, Director of the Office of Refuse and
Recycling, convene a meeting with a representative from each
of the following departments: Street Sanitation, Human
Services, Parks, and Recreation, and Public Works, along with
Mr. David Tomasello of Tomasello Contracting Corporation, to
discuss rates for disposing of both recyclable and non-
recyclable materials.
REFERRED To THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET,
COMMISSIONER OF STREET SANITATION,
COMMISSIONER OF HUMAN SERVICES, PARKS AND
RECREATION AND COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS.
NO. 164
By: Ms. Kavanaugh
INCREASED PENALTIES FOR DEMOLITIONS WITHOUT
A PERMIT
Whereas: Buffalo is well-known around the world for its rich
architectural heritage and is justly proud of its historic
buildings; and
Whereas: Unfortunately, many of Buffalo's older buildings
might be demolished before the City could attempt to save
them because the penalty for demolition without a permit is
not prohibitive; and
Whereas: If a contractor or owner fails to obtain a permit
prior to demolishing a building the penalty is simply a
doubling of the normal permit fee; and
Whereas: Some building owners might find it an acceptable
cost of doing business to pay the double fee if they are
caught without a permit, since they could save money if they
are not caught; and
Whereas: In order to provide an effective deterrence to
prevent the unscrupulous demolition of older buildings, the
penalty for demolition without a permit should be increased,
thus insuring that the City receives adequate notice before
any demolition occurs and has the opportunity to attempt the
preservation of historically or architecturally significant
structures;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That this Common Council requests the Corporation Counsel
to file an Ordinance Amendment increasing the penalty for
demolition without a permit to a minimum of $5,000.00, with
an additional penalty of $2,500 if the building is more than 100
years old.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION,
CORPORATION COUNSEL, AND COMMISSIONER OF
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
NO. 165
By: Ms. Kavanaugh, Mr. Helfer and Mr. Manley
PREVENTION OF CABLE TV THEFT
Whereas: The theft of cable TV services costs the City of
Buffalo thousands of dollars a year in lost franchise fees;
and
Whereas: Technology exists to prevent thieves from splicing
into cable TV lines; and
Whereas: A local entrepreneurial company, Brownstone
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98-1020.txt
Enterprises, has developed a device and a plan that would
greatly reduce cable TV theft in the City of Buffalo; and
Whereas: The requirement for implementing an anti-theft
campaign, including enforcement by the Bureau of
Administrative Adjudication, should be included in the City's
contract with its cable TV provider, Pamassos, L.P.;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That this Common Council requests representatives of
Brownstone Enterprises, Parnassos, L.P., the City's Office
of Telecommunications and the Bureau of Administrative
Adjudication to appear before the Council's
Telecommunications Committee to discuss the prevention of
cable TV theft.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON
TELECOMMUNICATIONS, OFFICE OF
TELECOMMUNICATIONS, DIVISION OF
ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUDICATION, PUBLIC SERVICE
COMMISSION AND CORPORATION COUNSEL.
NO. 166
By: Mr. Pitts
CITY DEMOLITION OF QUEENO POP FACTORY
WHEREAS: The old Queeno Pop Factory at the corner of
Genesee Street and Galveston Place off Jefferson Avenue
has been an eyesore since the late sixties when it was
abandoned; and
WHEREAS: Galveston Place, a cobblestone street runs
adjacent along the back of the factory building. This street
was once residential running from Jefferson Avenue to Grey
Street; and
WHEREAS: The dilapidated factory building and old
abandoned collision garages next to it have been a constant
attraction for dumping. Galveston Place has had to be
barricaded in order to stem the tide; and
WHEREAS: The blight of the abandoned Pop Factory has
spread along Genesee Street. This literal urban mess
provides the worst view along Genesee and Jefferson Avenue
thoroughfares and from the Kensington Expressway; and
WHEREAS: It is about time to clean up this area especially
after thirty years! Additionally, this area is adjacent to the
proposed Homeownership Zone where hundreds of new
houses are proposed; and
WHEREAS: To leave this terribly blighted area proximate to
such a positive and important redevelopment initiative is
irresponsible. Besides, by clearing this site, the area along
Galveston Place, Genesee Street to Grey Street can be used
for a neat residential project.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The
Common Council requests the Commissioner of Community
Development to demolish and clear Old Queeno Pop Factory
and adjacent buildings along Galveston Place on an
emergency basis.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: The
Commissioner of Community Develop submit a report
stipulating the cost and timetable.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT AND COMMISSIONER OF COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT.
NO. 167
By: Mr. Quintana
DAMAGE TO WEST AVENUE PROPERTY OWNERS BY
NIAGARA MOHAWK]
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98-1020.txt
Whereas: Recently, Niagara Mohawk was performing
construction work on West Avenue in the City of Buffalo,
during which time damage was done to several properties on
the street; and
Whereas: Property owners complained to Niagara Mohawk
and were informed to file a claim with Niagara Mohawk for
damages; and
Whereas: Niagara Mohawk proceeded to deny all claims
and informed the residents to file claims with their insurance
companies for damages; and
Whereas: Residents of West Avenue are unhappy and
dissatisfied with the way Niagara Mohawk handled the
situation by refusing to reimburse any claims for damages
caused by their company;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That the Common Council requests representatives from
Niagara Mohawk to meet with residents of West Avenue to
discuss the situation; and
Be It Further Resolved:
That this resolution be referred to the Committee on
Legislation so that said meeting may be convened in a
public forum.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION,
CORPORATION COUNSEL AND NIAGARA MOHAWK.
NO. 168BY MR. ZUCHLEWSKIFELICITATIONS/IN
MEMORIAM
Attached hereto are Felicitation and In Memoriam
Resolutions sponsored by Members of the Common Council
as indicated:
Felicitation for Newton-Abbott Volunteer Fire Company
By Councilmember s Manley and Brown
Felicitation for Educational Opportunity Center
By Councilmember Pitts
Felicitation for Emmanuel Commandery #21
By Councilmember Pitts
ADOPTED.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NO. 169
VETO CLAIM - T. SCIOLI
(NO. 1, C.C.P., SEPT. 8,1998)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from
the table.
Seconded by Mr. Coppola
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved the above item be received
and filed.
Seconded by Mr. Quintana
ADOPTED
NO. 170VETO CLAIM - T. SCIOLI (CC)(NO. 106, C.C.P.,
SEPT. 8, 1998)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from the
table.Seconded by Mr. Coppola
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved the above item be received and
filed.
Seconded by Mr. Quintana
ADOPTED
NO. 171
BOND RES - $1,000,000 - RECONST. MACHNICA
Page 75
98-1020.txt
CTR.(NO. 201, C.C.P., OCT. 6, 1998)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from the
table.
Seconded by Mr. Coppola
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved approval of the above item.
Seconded by Mr. Quintana
PASSED
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 172BOND RES - $500,000 - COMMON COUNCIL
CHAMBERS(NO. 202, C.C. P., OCT. 6, 1998)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from the
table.
Seconded by Mr. Coppola
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved approval of the above item.
Seconded by Mr. Quintana
PASSED
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 173BOND RES - $500,000 - TOSH COLLINS
CTR.(NO. 203, C.C.P., OCT. 6, 1998)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from the
table.
Seconded by Mr. Coppola
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved approval of the above item.
Seconded by Mr. Quintana
PASSED
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 174BOND RES - $365,000 - PCT. #11 RENOVATIONS
(NO. 204, C.C.P., OCT. 6, 1998)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from the
table.
Seconded by Mr. Coppola
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved approval of the above item.
Seconded by Mr. Quintana
PASSED
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 175BOND RES - $250,000 - OLD 1ST WARD COMM.
CTR.(NO. 205, C.C.P., OCT. 6, 1998)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from the
table.Seconded by Mr. CoppolaCARRIEDMrs. LoTempio
now moved approval of the above item.Seconded by Mr.
Quintana
PASSED
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 176BOND RES - $150,000 - LAND ACQ. PUBLIC
PKG.(NO. 206, C.C.P., OCT. 6,1998)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from the
table.Seconded by Mr. CoppolaCARRIEDMrs. LoTempio
now moved approval of the above item.
Seconded by Mr. Quintana
PASSED
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 177BOND RES - $150,000 - CONST. PUBLIC
PKG.(NO. 207, C.C.P., OCT. 6, 1998)
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Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from the
table.Seconded by Mr. Coppola
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved approval of the above item.
Seconded by Mr. Quintana
PASSED
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 178BOND RES - $50,000 - CAZ. PK. CASINO(NO.
208, C.C.P., OCT. 6,1998)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from the
table.
Seconded by Mr. Coppola
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved approval of the above item.
Seconded by Mr. Quintana
PASSED
AYES-13. NOES-0.
NO. 179L.L. INTRO. #12 (1998) CREATE JOINT
SCHOOLS CONSTRCTION BD.(NO. 217, C.C.P., OCT. 6,
1998)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from the
table.
Seconded by Mr. Coppola
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved approval of the above item.
Seconded by Mr. Quintana
PASSED
NO. 180
ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS
The following meetings are scheduled. All meetings are
held in the Council Chambers, 13th floor, City Hall, Buffalo,
New York, unless otherwise noted.
Regular Committees
Civil Service Committee Tuesday, October 27, 1998 at
9:30 o'clock A.M.
Finance Committee Tuesday, October 27, 1998
following Civil Service
Legislation Comittee Tuesday, October, 27, 1998 at
2:00 o'cleek P.M.
Community Development Wednesday, October 28, 1998
at 10:00 o'clock A.M.Committee on Education Wednesday
October 28, 1998 at 2:00 o'clock P.M. in
Room 1417.
Ancillary Meetings
Special Committee on Municipalization of Electrical Services
will be meeting on Wednesday, October 21, 1998 at 2:00
o'clock P.M. in Room 1417.
Special Committee on Budget will be meeting on
Wedneday, October 21, 1998, at 9:00 A.M. 'in
Room 1417 City Hall.
Claims Committee Meeting will be held on Wednesday,
October 21, 1998 at 1:00 P.M. in Council Chambers.
Special Committee on Taylor Law Impasse will be meeting
on Friday, October 30, 1998 at 2:00 PM in Room 1417
NO. 181
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mrs. LoTempio, Seconded by Ms.
Kavanaugh
the Council adjourned at 3:51 PMCHARLES L. MICHAUX,
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IIICITY CLERK
Page 78