HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-1226-SS1221
01-1226-SS1221.txt
No. 24
COMMON COUNCIL
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
CITY OF BUFFALO
December 26, 2001
SPECIAL MEETING
December 21, 2001
MAYOR
Hon. Anthony M. Masiello
COMPTROLLER
Anthony Nanula
COMMON COUNCIL
PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL
James W. Pitts
PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE
Richard A. Fontana
MAJORITY LEADER
Rosemarie Lo Tempio
COUNCILMEMBERS-AT-LARGE
Beverly Gray
Charlie A. Fisher III
Rosemarie LoTempio
DISTRICT COUNCIL MEMBERS
MARC A. COPPOLA - DELAWARE
BARBARA MILLER-WILLIAMS - ELLICOTT
KAREN R. ELLINGTON - FILLMORE
RICHARD A. FONTANA - LOVEJOY
ANTOINE M. THOMPSON - MASTEN
DOMINIC BONIFACIO - NIAGARA
JOSEPH GOLOMBEK JR. - NORTH
MARY M. MARTINO - SOUTH
BETTY JEAN GRANT - UNIVERSITY
REGULAR COMMITTEES
CIVIL SERVICE COMMITTEE: Barbara Miller-
Williams, Chairman, Karen R. Ellington, Charley H. Fisher
III, Betty Jean Grant, Rosemarie LoTempio
CLAIMS COMMITTEE: Mary M. Martino, Chairman,
Marc A. Coppola, Richard Fontana, Betty Jean Grant and
Barbara Miller-Williams-Members
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: Beverly
Gray, Chairman, Joseph Golombek Jr., Rosemarie
LoTempio, , Karen Ellington, Charley H. Fisher III, Antoine
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Thompson-Members
FINANCE COMMITTEE: Betty Jean Grant, Chairman,
Marc A. Coppola, Karen R. Ellington, Charley H. Fisher III,
Mary M. Martino, Barbara Miller-Williams-Members.
LEGISLATION COMMITTEE: Richard A. Fontana,
Chairman, Rosemarie LoTempio, Beverly Gray, Dominic
Bonifacio Jr., Joseph Golombek Jr., Antoine Thompson,
Members
RULES COMMITTEE: James W. Pitts, Chairman
Beverly Gray, Rosemarie LoTempio , Members
EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Charley H. Fisher III,
Chairman, Dominic Bonifacio Jr., Beverly Gray, Joseph
Golombek Jr., Karen R. Ellington, Richard Fontana
SPECIAL COMMITTEES
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE: James W.
Pitts, Chairman, Beverly Gray, Rosemarie LoTempio, Betty
Jean Grant, Barbara Miller-Williams.
BUDGET COMMITTEE: Rosemarie LoTempio ,
Chairman, Byron Brown , Richard Fontana, Mary M. Martino,
James W. Pitts
ERIE BASIN MARINA LEASE COMMITTEE: James
W. Pitts, Chairman, Beverly Gray, Dominic Bonifacio, Jr.,
Charley H. Fisher III, Joseph Golombek Jr.
POLICE REORGANIZATION COMMITTEE: Dominic
Bonifacio Jr., Chairman, Karen R. Ellington, Richard
Fontana, Barbara Miller-Williams, Mary Martino, Charley
Fisher III.
CORPORATION PROCEEDINGS
COMMON COUNCIL
CITY HALL - BUFFALO
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2001
AT 2:00 P.M.
PRESENT - James W. Pitts President of the Council,
and Council Members Bonifacio, , Coppola, Ellington,
Fisher, Fontana, Golombek ,Grant, Gray, LoTempio,
Martino, Thompson and Williams - 13.
ABSENT - 0
On a motion by Mrs. LoTempio, seconded by
Mr.Fontana, the
minutes of the stated meeting held on December 11,
2001 were approved.
FROM THE MAYOR
FROM THE MAYOR - EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
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No. 1
Appointment of Member to the
Buffalo Board of Ethics
Pursuant to the powers vested in me by Section 12-19,
Article 11, Chapter 12 of the Buffalo Code, I hereby appoint
Gary L. Mucci, residing at 27 Tudor Place, Buffalo, New
York 14222, as a member of the Board of Ethics for a term
expiring September 4, 2003. Mr. Mucci is filling the
unexpired term of Lourdes T. Inglesias, who has resigned.
Gary L. Mucci 27 Tudor PlaceBuffalo, 14209
Mr. Mucci is an attorney and a Senior Partner with
Saperston & Day, P.C. He has been in practice since 1972
and was a Law Clerk for the Honorable John T. Curtain,
Chief Judge for US District Court of WNY. Mr. Mucci
received his Juris Doctor in 1972 from Catholic University
School of Law. He serves on various cultural boards and
was a recipient of the 1983 National Conference of
Christians and Jews Brotherhood Award and the William
Paca Society Man of the Year in 1984.
I hereby certify that the above named individual is fully
qualified to serve as a member of the Buffalo Board of
Ethics.
Mrs. LoTempio Moved: That the above communication from
the Mayor dated December 5, 2001, be received and filed;
and
That the appointment of Gary L. Mucci, residing at 27 Tudor
Place as a member of the Board of Ethics for a term expiring
September 4, 2003, be and it hereby is approved.
Passed
AYES - 13 - NOES - 0
No. 2
Request to carve inscription:
Spirit of Womanhood
The Buffalo Arts Commission has no objection to the
attached
inscription, proposed by the Women's Pavilion Pan Am
2001, Inc., to be carved on the rear of "Spirit of
Womanhood's" granite pedestal. Simon Griffis, son, of I
sculptor Larry Griffis, Jr~., has -also reviewed this proposal
and indicate the artist's family has no objection (see
attached). This work will be done at no cost to the City of
Buffalo.
Mrs. LoTempio Moved: That the above communication from
the Buffalo Arts Commission dated December 20, 2001, be
received and filed; and That the Common Council does
hereby grant permission for the "Spirit of Womanhood"
statue's granite pedestal to be inscripted as described in the
above communication.
Passed.
AYES - 13 - NOES - 0
FROM THE BUFFALO PRESERVATION BOARD
No. 3
ADOPTION OF FINDINGS STATEMENT
DARWIN D. MARTIN HOUSE STATE HISTORIC SITE
Please find enclosed a copy of the letter sent by the
Buffalo Preservation Board to NYS Office of Parks,
Recreation & Historic Preservation, the lead agency for this
project, stating that the Board unanimously adopted the
findings statement and the content of the Master
Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (MP/FEIS) for the
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above captioned property. Also enclosed is a copy of the
Findings Statement prepare( by the NYS Office of Parks,
Recreation & Historic Preservation.
If you have any questions regarding the attached, please
contact Thomas W. Marchese, Executive Secretary, at (716)
851-5029.
AYES - 13 - NOES - 0
FROM THE OFFICE OF CITIZEN SERVICES
No. 4
Response (Item #2, C.C.P. December
11, 2001)"Cit. Svs. - Monthly Report -
Division of Citizen Services - Nov.
2001"
1.Attached for your information is a draft brochure.
Please let me know if the district council members want
their names listed.
2.Addressed above
3.I have contacted Tom Tarapacki, and will pursue the
marketing of the "complaint line" on Public Access channels.
Thank you for your suggestions and interest in improving our
services to the citizens of Buffalo.
RECEIVED AND FILED
FROM THE CITY PLANNING BOARD
NO. 5
Benderson Development Co.
2730 Delaware Ave.
Accessory Pole Sign
Item No. 48, C.C.P. 12/11/2001
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held
Tuesday, December 18, 2001, considered the matter
captioned above pursuant to Section 387-19 of the Buffalo
Code, Application for billboard, ground or pole sign permits.
The applicant seeks to erect an illuminated 101x91911
ground monument "ID" sign, which includes six 11411x5l
multi-tenant panels to be located at 2730 Delaware Avenue.
Under SEQR the proposed sign is considered an unlisted
action which may be studied through uncoordinated review.
The Planning Board voted to recommend approval of the
proposed accessory ground monument sign conditioned on
the background color of the advertising panels to be an
off-white color or softer contrast than depicted on the
rendering. The Planning Board approval is also part of the
site plan approval.
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 6
D. Morgante
1116 Hertel Ave.
Restaurant Expansion
Item No. 51, C.C.P. 12/11/2001
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held
Tuesday, December 18, 2001, considered the matter
captioned above pursuant to Section 511-59 of the Buffalo
Code, Hertel Avenue District.
The applicant seeks to expand an existing restaurant with
the construction of a 101x151 addition and a 81x8l entrance
vestibule at 1116 Hertel Avenue.
The Planning Board voted to recommend approval of the
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proposed expansion of the restaurant conditioned on the
commitment from the applicant to create a landscaping area
along the front property line after completion of the public
works street and sidewalk reconstruction.
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 7
Tim Horton's Restaurant
2207 Niagara St.
Accessory ground Sign
Item No. 64, C.C.P. 11/30/2001
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held
Tuesday, December 18, 2001, considered the matter
captioned above pursuant to Section 387-19 of the Buffalo
Code, Application for billboard, ground or pole sign permits.
The applicant seeks to erect an illuminated 51811x81911
ground '"ID11 sign in addition to a 2' brick base to be located
at 2207 Niagara Street. Under SEQR the proposed sign is
considered an unlisted action which may be studied through
uncoordinated review.
The Planning Board voted to recommend approval of the
proposed accessory ground monument sign. The Planning
Board approval is also part of the site plan approval.
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 8
Benderson Development Co.
3470 Main St.
Accessory Monument Sign
Item No. 49, C.C.P. 12/11/2001
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held
Tuesday, December 18, 2001, considered the matter
captioned above pursuant to Section 387-19 of the Buffalo
Code, Application for billboard, ground or pole sign permits.
The applicant seeks to erect an illuminated 121x1119"
ground monument "ID" sign, which includes two 41x6l
multi-tenant panels to be located at 3470 Main Street. Under
SEQR the proposed sign is considered an unlisted action
which may be studied through uncoordinated review.
The Planning Board voted to recommend approval of the
proposed accessory ground monument sign conditioned on
the background color of the advertising panels to be an
off-white color or softer contrast than depicted on the
rendering. The Planning Board approval is also part of the
site plan approval.
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 9
Union Ship Canal
Draft GEIS
Item 191, C.C.P. 10/30/2001
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held
Tuesday, November 20, 2001, considered the matter
captioned above pursuant to Section 317.1 of the Buffalo
Code, Referable Matters to the City Planning Board.
The City Planning Board was is asked to comment on the
Draft Union Ship Canal Generic Environmental Impact
Statement. The following are excerpts from the Planning
Board edited draft meeting minutes from their November 7,
2001 and November 20, 2001 meetings along with
individual written comments from board member Cynthia
Schwartz: November 7, 2001, Item E-19 meeting minutes
excerpt;
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01-1226-SS1221.txt
Mr. Grillo noted the following: that the Common
Council referred the Union Ship Canal Draft Generic
Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) to the City
Planning Board and asked that the Board submit comments
on it; that the Board members were in receipt of the
document; that the Board's comments would be used as
part of the SEQR process to be incorporated into the final
draft and possible recommended changes in appropriate
city ordinances; that the Board members had received a
copy of the draft GEIS; and that Councilmember Martino,
the project sponsors-BERC, and Mr. Mark Tytka-a principal
of one of the consulting groups involved-were present to
speak on the matter. Mr. Tytka's consulting firm is one of
the firms that helped place some of the proposed zoning
changes along with a lot of the environmental work that had
gone into this process and the project, and one of the firms
working on the development of the street design, etc,
Mr. Grillo reported that he had hoped the Board
members had the opportunity to review the document, that
they had some of their comments already written, and that
would make it easier for staff to get the comments in a form
presentable to the Common Council as quickly as possible.
He reported also that the sponsors were looking for
comments rather than a question and answer period, since
those involved were trying to get the SEQR process
finalized by December so they could move on, and zoning
or subdivision language would subsequently follow. And
that there had been required public meetings held that were
more of a question and answer type period. He pointed out
that this was the Planning Board's chance to interject their
comments,
Mr. Bums asked for a statement as to what the
environmental impact study represented and what
conclusions were to be drawn, Mr. Peter Cammarata, of
BERC, informed the Board that the generic EIS, which the
project is currently engaged in, is part of the SEQR
process. He reported that the draft before the Board
included a zoning ordinance change for the 275-acre
boundary from Tifft Street on the north, the Lackawanna
City Line on the south, the railroad on the east, and Route 5
on the west. That they would like to have the draft generic
environmental impact statement completed by December,
the finding statement by the end of April of next year, and
then move forward to construction. Currently they are
gathering all the input they can to produce the final GEIS
document, They are working with the Common Council as
the lead agency in this process, which Mr. Cammarata
noted, was a little different for a project of this size. He
noted also that the Councilmember had worked well in
moving the process through; a unique example of what may
occur regarding the Peace Bridge process. Mr. Cammarate
informed the Board that the document looks at all the
conditions of how the project may affect the enviroment-
-noise, etc., and all the different issues that are involved in
an environmental review.
The Board asked what zoning the sponsors were
seeking to change the area to. Mr, Cammarata responded
that the zoning would not change on the entire area, but
they were proposing some restricted uses. As the
development moved forward to becoming a mixed-use
facility--flex office space, light industrial, they would like to
assure no more junkyards are added to the mix. Also, there
are housing issues that are involved in the entire South
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Buffalo Redevelopment Plan that they would like to make
sure did not get included in this project. The Board asked if
he had a list and Mr. Cammarata responded yes and that it
was in the document.
The Board noted that, in reading the document,
Recta was one of the subcontractors, and that Recra is now
out of business. The Board asked how that affected the
testing of certain material at the site, and what if in the
future there are questions and those involved is out of
business. The Board asked how that would be dealt with,
Mr. Cammarata noted that Recra was involved very early in
the process in 1988. He pointed out that there was a grid in
the document that indicated additional testing that was
performed.
Since the time that Recra was involved, three
different processes have taken place; there is a voluntary
clean-up program on parcel 1, a separate voluntary
clean-up program for parcel 2, and a bond act program for
parcel 3 and all of it is being covered through programs with
D,E.C.. Mr. Cammarata noted that his group has met with
D.E.C, on a monthly basis. Some of the Recra information
is being used as historical but the more recent contractors
have covered that grid over again.
Mr. Cammarata reiterated that the council had
set up a separate subcommittee to review the process for
Union Ship, to make sure that the SEQR process was
followed and that all the steps were being covered. The
subcomritittee was actually involved on a monthly basis in
meetings that Councilmember Martino chaired, The Board
asked if there are any members of the public who were part
of that committee, or if it was strictly a council committee.
Mr. Cammarata responded that the meetings were public
and open to anyone who wanted to attend. He noted that
those particular meetings were in addition to the regular
public hearing process that has taken place as part of the
regular SEQR process. The Board asked if there had been
any public meetings in addition to what was noted in the
document.
Some Board members considered the meetings listed in the
document as scoping sessions, noting that one list indicated
basically city officials in attendance and the second list
indicated at best a hand full of people. Mr. Cammarata
informed the Board that there had not been any additional
meetings held to this point but that there are approximately
three more on the schedule. Mr. Tytka further explained,
noting that a 10-day public review period will be held (which
follows the completion of the final GEIS before the finding
statements can be written and submitted). That period is
being extended for a 30-day period to allow for a longer
review period, and that will be coordinated with a review
period with the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation. Mr. Tytka indicated that they
would nin their final review period concur-rent with the
NYSDEC's 30-day review period for the voluntary clean-up
agreement. Both pieces will be on the table for the public to
consider. Mr. Tytka informed the Board that there have been
written statements received from the public from people who
did not attend the meeting. Some Board members
concluded that a real public review had not taken place,
since the sign-in sheets in the document indicated only an
approximate dozen people, The Board informed the
representatives that this was a big project for the city with
long-term ramifications.
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Mr. Cammarata reported that the public events
had been well advertised in the local neighborhood papers,
The Buffalo News and Business First. Councilmember
Martino added that she invited residents from South Buffalo
to attend the meetings. She pointed out that the project area
was segregated from the residential area. That it was an
area the residents think will never be redeveloped. And
because the project area is not close to the residential
sections of the district, the residents are not as concerned
and tend not to come out.
Board members had concerns about the proposed
access to the project area and wanted to know what would
be done about the access. Mr. Cammarata pointed out that
the access would be improved because of the project. They
will cut through the cul-de-sac located at the back of the
Lackawanna/Steelawanna facility and access to the project
area would be gained off Ridge Road, through the
cul-de-sac and into the development in question. Also,
access will be gained through Commerce Drive from two
directions.
The Board noted that the revised document before
it, was completed in July and that this was the first time the
City Planning Board had seen it, The Board asked if there
was a reason why there had been such a delay in the
finished document and the Board's review. Mr. Grillo replied
that it was something staff had tried to resolve much quicker
and that there had been an in-house discussion as to
whether it was ever referred to the Board in the past, and
with all of the investigation, it never came before the Board,
Councilmember Martino informed the Board that there had
been a number of these documents delivered over a period
of time that never made the Planning Board agenda, The
Board reiterated that this was one of those issues where this
is a huge project with long-term ramifications, that it is at the
I I'h hour, and that it was an unfortunate procedural glitch
that the Planning Board received the document at the end of
this process rather than at the belinning. It was noted by
Board members that review of the document and
commenting on it involved the undertaking of a fairly large
decision, a decision that has real impacts on this
redevelopment as well as perceptual plans in the future for
abuttino waterfront lands. The Board noted also that this
was something he Board should be able to give more time
than perhaps the process will allow for this project.
The Board questioned why a special development
plan was not sought, instead of leaving the land zoned M3
and narrowing the uses that would be allowed, so that the
area would not become the same as it was. Mr. Tytka
responded that a special development plan would be sought
as the tool for implementing new zoning. Some of the uses
that typically would be allowed in N43 would be kept, such
as, some of the light industrial uses. Three new sub-districts
would occur through a special development plan for this
project. One is for light industrial manufacturing-the outer
ring, bigger box type development; a closer in-ring which is
more of the commercial flex based product development;
and an open space area that will be around the Union Ship
Canal itself-approximately a 22-acre public space. The
document identifies the specifics of the plan, in terms of
where the zoning classifications are located on the site,
where the land use patterns would be based on the zoning,
page 2-42. Mr. Tytka gave the following information. The
generic environmental impact statement has the specific
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purposes of allowing the city to transfer property to DDI for
future development, and for the city to invest money in
public infrastructure-roads, water, sewer-to allow the
development to occur. Also, to allow the zoning ordinance to
be adopted by the common council. It is generic because
there are issues that are more long-term and that enough is
not known about, and those would be addressed as
supplemental environmental impact statements as the
project goes forward. information regarding issues on the
voluntary clean-up agreement and bond act and programs
for which there are some ideas direction will be part of final
generic EIS to the degree that the information is available.
As more information become available and is appropriate
there will be supplemental environmental impact statements.
There is a conceptual design for the road. As the voluntary
clean-up agreements move forward, and some of the
geo-technical issues in terms of where the old building
foundations are and the like, those road systems will be
designed and put into place. There is a conceptual plan of
how the road alignment will lay out but it may be modified as
to the types of development and where the smaller access
roads would go off the main spine roads and how the
geo-technical considerations will affect that, In terms of the
specific uses, Mr. Tytka informed the Board that there are
no tenants identified yet for the site but as they are they will
come before the Board for site plan approval as required
under the city ordinance.
Mr. Grillo asked if there would be a subdivision at some
point. Mr, Tytka reiterated that there would be. He informed
the Board that a subdivision plan would be premature at this
point, due to the road alignment, the geo-technical issues
that are currently being studied on-site that need to be
resolved, and the need to resolve the environmental testing,
which is hoped to be completed by the end of the year; at
which time a subdivision plan could be filed,
It was the consensus of the Board that a field trip to the site
would be worthwhile and fair to the Board with respect to
any comments the Board would make. Mr. Tytka agreed.
The Board pointed out that there were some interesting
floodplain and wetlands issues. The Board asked what
protections would be in place for the floodplain and the
wetlands, the hydrology in the area and the bordering
natural wildlife corridors if the plan and the zoning were
approved, Mr. Tytka responded that with respect to the
wetlands, the zoning ordinances establish a 100-foot buffer
and no development would be allowed within 100 feet of a
designated wetland. A number of the currently held wetlands
are on privately held property. Phase I of the project involves
property that is owned by the city, which is where the initial
road infrastructure would go, which is located at the south
end of the site. Most of the larger wetlands are at the north
end, Regarding the issue of floodplains, Mr. Tytka
responded that best management practices would be used
for working in the floodplains. Mr. Tytka noted that they have
to resolve an issue with the D.E.C. as they move forward
regarding the meshing of remedial work programs for the
environmental conditions on the site with the floodplain
issue. He noted also that there is a discussion about a cap
of clean fill being brought onto the site. To do that, the
grading of the site would be raised which means a couple of
the state agencies would have to coordinate it.
The wetlands group has to coordinate that with the remedial
group, Meetings are held monthly with the D,E.C., the
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Department of Health, the City of Buffalo, and Erie County to
work through these issues. The Board informed the agents
that there might also be some view-shed issues, Mr. Tytka
remarked that the zoning document did address views to the
water and to some of the scenic areas of the development
area. And that there were some specific details in the zoning
ordinance that address the treatments of the tops of building
roofs so that people riding over the elevated section of
Route 5 are not looking at large air handling units. The
Board asked if design standards for the buildings would be
in place so that there would be a coherent appearance. Mr.
Tytka replied yes and that they are included in the zoning
ordinance. Mr. Cammarata added that in addition, their
efforts are being coordinated with Erie County because Erie
County was preparing its I 00-acre development on the
Bethlehem Steel site and they want the two to be
complementary.
Referring to the South Buffalo Redevelopment
Plan map, Mr. Cammarata indicated the Union Ship Canal
area. He informed the Board that that particular plan
originally included 1400 to 1600 acres, including the entire
LTV site plus, coming cross the tracks to the Union Ship
Canal site. The Hydroponics facility was built. Between the
litigation with LTV and Hickory Woods, and everything on
the upper portion, and at the same time the city being able
to acquire the property immediate south of the canal, Mr.
Cammarata noted that it made sense to change the focus
from the bigger picture to something that was felt to be more
manageable--275 acres instead of 1400 acres; and
especially because of the land ownership issues. Mr.
Cammarata noted also that the GEIS is was for the 275
acres, but that they were concentrating on phase I-the first
80 acres immediately south of the canal.
Councilmember Martino commented that they
wanted to maintain some control over what would be
allowed on the site. She considered it a great opportunity for
the City of Buffalo and if done properly, she felt it would
jump start the economic growth in the area.
Mr. Cammarata informed the Board and staff that
they hope to start construction on the infrastructure around
July 1, 2002, Mr. Tytka noted that they were working also
with the Army Corp of Engineers. The Board asked what
was the funding source for the project. Mr. Cammarata
noted that the main funding was coming from the state,
$10,000,000 had been promised for the project from
Governor Pataki's Office, The first $4,000,000 of that would
be approached through the multi-modal funds. The second
portion--$3,000,000-would come in through when the
tenants start to come in through the Industrial Access
Program. The third piece-the next $3,000,000-has not been
identified as to what state source it would come from. Mr.
Cammarata added that DDI, BERC was funding a
considerable amount of the due diligence work that is
currently happening. The county so far as put $300,000 in
and they have promised $1.5 million towards the project.
Also, the -county monies have provided for some early
matches, such as the bond act for parcel 3. The Army Corp
of Engineers was at the site perfortiting some testing on the
walls and some sediment testing in the canal which afforded
the sponsors to get involved in the Corp's Public Assistance
Estates Program and the county provided the match for that,
50%. City capital funding is also involved. The Rebuild Now
New York Program has been applied for also, for parcel 2,
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and the state is funding a portion of the investigation for
parcel 2.
The Board asked what was being done to mitigate
the water contact around the stretch that is being defined as
potential recreation zone. Mr. Cammarata informed the
Board that it has changed from what was indicated on the
South Buffalo Redevelopment Plan map. The original
thought of doing a small marina in the area is no longer the
case, and the walls, as they are, would remain in tact. The
would like it to be more of a promenade as far as the open
space was concerned, with railings at the walls, a walkway,
a bikeway, benches, lighting, etc., and they are in the
preliminary design for the promenade. Direct access to the
water would not be encouraged.
When asked by the Board if there would be boating access,
Mr. Tytka explained the problem with boating access, noting
that, when the Father Baker Bridge was demolished, a
replacement bridge was constructed that limits the types of
boats that could be used in the canal. Powerboats can make
their way in. Also, the New York State Department of
Transportation constructed a bicycle bridge across the canal
connecting Buffalo and Lackawanna. That bridge has a
clearance of approximately 5 feet above water level. The
Board expressed concern that the applicants would not
re-mediate to the point where they could mitigate that issue.
The Board expressed that direct contact with the water
should not be encouraged because of the sediments in the
area. Councilmember Martino informed the Board that the
water was not easily accessible and that with interesting
fencing along the canal area direct contact could be
avoided. Councilmernber Martino encouraged the Board to
tour the area.
Mr. Grillo reminded the Board that the matter was referred to
the Board for the Board's comments, Mr. Catrimarata stated
that they were looking to wrap up the cornment summary so
they could move the GEIS from the draft stage to the final
GEIS stage as soon as possible. He planned to meet
tomorrow with their team to finish the process of bringing all
the comments together. He informed the Board also that
when the document came out in July, the Councilmember's
conunittee sent the document to all the different city
departments for review and it was their thought that the
document was being reviewed. Councilmember Martino
added that she hand delivered a second copy.
Discussion was held regarding touring the area, The Board
held a lengthy discussion regarding when the Board would
submit its comments. Some Board members stated issues
they considered not clear in the document and wanted to
visit the site prior to making continents. Some Board
members stated their desired for the Board to make
comments today and wanted the opportunity for the Board to
amend its comments after visiting the site. Ms. Schwartz
moved to table this item to give the Board an opportunity to
visit the site and to have comments at the Board's next
meeting, seconded by Mr. Bums. Ayes: Ms. Schwartz,
Messrs. Bums and Berg. Nays: Ms. Hoyt, Mr. Lyons. Motion
failed.
Ms. Schwartz informed the Board that the EMC had only
recently received the document also and still had to
comment. Ms. Schwartz offered a new motion to table the
matter, seconded by Mr. Bums. Mr. Cammarata,
commented that this was the first that he was aware they
would be receiving comments from the EMC, since they
Page 11
01-1226-SS1221.txt
were told that would not be the case, It was agreed that the
Board would tour the site next Friday, November 9, 2001,
that members of the EMC would be invited, and that Mr.
Camniarata and/or Mr. Tytka would meet those attending at
the information desk in City Hall at 3:00 p.m. The motion
was carried.
November 20, 2001, Item C-12 meeting minutes excerpt;
It was noted that Mr. Peter Cammarata, of BERC, and Mr.
Mark Tytka, of Parsons, were present. It was reported that
Mr. Bums and Ms. Hoyt had toured the site since the
Board's last meeting, They entered the site from the Buffalo
side; they stayed on the upper side of the canal and toured
the buildings and the entire area. Ms. Hoyt reported that it
was not clear to her still as to what was the easy access
from the site to Route 5. Mr. Cammarata explained that both
entrances to the site would be from Lackawanna. Coming off
the Ridge Road Ramp, one could proceed to the right
underneath the bridge and enter the site from Commerce
Drive, or one could make a left hand turn coming off the
ramp and proceed to the access road for the Lackawanna
developments and proceed to Commerce Drive at the other
end.
The Board asked if there had been any discussions with
Lackawanna regarding the city building something that
would require access through Lackawanna. Mr. Carnmarata
informed the Board that there have been discussions with
both the City of Lackawanna and Erie County as far as the
access. And that this particular site was one of only two
sites in the state to receive "Rebuild Now New York"
designation. One of the keys for that was accessibility. The
Board thanked the agents for their time and hospitality in
structuring the tour,
The Board was provided copies of comments from the
Environmental Management Commission by Ms. Schwartz.
She noted that the EMC's comments were primarily
procedural and that they expressed concerns about the lack
of notification of participation to the EMC at the initiation of
the EIS process. Ms. Schwartz reported that she had
reviewed the document in some detail and had a number of
questions and issues. She suggested that she could put
those questions and issues writing. Ms. Schwartz noted that,
in reading the document it was basically a cap and fill
approach to remediation and that it would be difficult for the
City Planning Board and the EMC to comment fully without a
remediation plan. Also, that the lack of such a plan made it
difficult to define use.
On page 326 of the document before the Board
(first paragraph), Ms. Schwartz made the editorial note that
the area discussing color and texture mentioned three color
texture and material changes, rather than or material
changes, which she stated clearly changed the mandate of
the zoning. She pointed out that in a later section it did state
"or". The concern was that the project clearly appeared to be
headed towards a remediation for industrial/light
manufacturing use when the document constantly
referenced public access, trail ways and fishing. Ms.
Schwartz reiterated that without a remediation plan it was
difficult to read something that included public contact and
usage in a plan that was headed towards a voluntary clean
up that was designed for manufacturing use, Ms. Schwartz
noted that the deed restrictions indicated there could be no
day care or residential. She suggested that schools and
playgrounds should be added to that list as well.
Page 12
01-1226-SS1221.txt
On page 15, under open space, Ms. Schwartz noted that
there appeared to be some contradictions in the terms,
since the document specifically cited parks and playgrounds
and fishing. Mr, Cammarata explained that, because there
are
three different parcels that are involved in three different
clean up programs, the open space parcel, which would be
the 200
feet immediate around the canal, will have specific criteria
as far as the clean up is concerned that would be different
from the others. Ms. Schwartz pointed out that the document
stated that parcel 1 and parcel 2 would be treated similarly.
She suggested that if parcel 2 is the Union Ship Canal and
parcel 1 is basically cap and fill, there needed to be a
definition that parcel 2 would be treated differently if it is to
be open space. Mr. Cammarata stated that parcel 3 would
be the open space and that parcels 1 and 2 combined would
be the development of the commercial district.
Mr, Tytka pointed out that the property owned by the city,
which is phase 1, had been broken into four parcels. Parcel I
is the old railroad yard; parcel 2 is the plant itself, which
constitutes phase 1. Parcel 3 is the 22 acres around the ship
canal-the 200 feet on the north side, the eastside and
approximately 250 feet on the south side, which is the public
space, the passive recreation. Parcel 4 is the remaining
parcel of land north of the ship canal and the open space; it
is not included in phase 1. Ms. Schwartz asked if parcel 3
was the land the county has noted is not open to voluntary
clean up but already is under the New York State Bond Act,
Mr. Tytka replied that the parcel is under a bond act program
for investigation at this point with the county, Mr.
Cammarata added that it was a city application funded by
the county. Ms. Schwartz asked if that should be a
correction to the document and the agents responded that
they would look at it to make sure it was addressed
correctly. The agents pointed out that there was a phasing
map and a parcel map.
Ms. Schwartz suggested that the wetlands should be
separately called out so that there is no confusion about
future use, Mr. Tytka advised and cautioned the Board that
this was a sensitive area, since one would get into the
potential ground of "taking" if an open space area was
applied to private property that has been called out and
divided into separate zoning classifications based on land
classifications. Ms. Schwartz asked if, when the Board
approached the review of the site plan, there would be the
possibility of the Board to call out the area on the site plans
as natural preserves, etc. The agents responded yes.
Discussion was held on design issues, Ms. Schwartz
suggested that if chain link fencing was used that the color
should be black, since it tends to disappear into the
landscape, instead of green. She suggested also that there
be a district standard in fencing to promote consistency and
to avoid variations of fencing on the site. Ms, Schwartz
suggested a mandate that dumpsters be inside loading
docks or in a built structure attached, to avoid screening in a
parking lot with random dumpsters. She noted that this was
all part of the zoning that is part of what was detailed in the
document before the
Board. The Chair reminded the Board and the agents that
the Board had previously suggested that the project be
developed under a special development plan rather than
have detailed zoning regulations into the document before it.
Page 13
01-1226-SS1221.txt
Mr. Grillo remarked that over time staff had conveyed that
sentiment to the consultants and representatives of BERC
and DDL Mr. Grillo suggested that the route to go would be
to ask for a rezoning from an M3 to perhaps a CM zone, and
add the uses wanted, taking out those not wanted within that
special development plan and attach specific design
guidelines to that particular area. Mr. Grillo noted that there
were other recommendations in the document that were
contrary to other existing city ordinances, He noted also that
the Board's comments would be part of the public comment
period with regard to the SEQR process and that the actual
final zoning amendment proposal would occur ftom the final
document. The document before the Board today is a
recommendation and a proposal but that it was not the final
document that has to go through the Common Council once
again and the Law Department and the Planning Board. Mr.
Grillo informed the Board that with a combination of a
special development plan, and a subdivision control
ordinance, along with whatever deed restrictions that would
be placed upon the property by the sellers of the
property-DD1, there would be ways of controlling the uses
and the design standards, rather than trying to recreate a
brand new zoning ordinance.
Mr. Grillo recommended that the Board communicate to the
Common Council and the developers that a cleanup plan be
approved by the DEC before any development occurred and
that the clean up plan match proposed uses that the
developers would like to see at the site. Ms. Schwartz stated
that she did not disagree with the conclusions and that she
agreed that the proposed use at the site was on target. She
reiterated her concerns about the process of how the project
was so deep and so close to actually starting work on the
site before the City Planning Board and the EMC Board had
an opportunity to review and comment as required. Ms.
Schwartz informed the Board and the agents that, as she
read the document and as she read what was being
proposed in the zoning, she saw a suburban industrial park
being put on the waterfront, Ms Schwartz suggested that
one of the things that could be done that would make the
site unusual and unique to Buffalo is to demand that the
landscaping and the siting be sensitive to where the project
site is located, which is next door to Tifft and across the
street from the beach. She suggested natural plantings and
features that are more compatible with a site on the
waterfront and sensitive to Buffalo's waterfront. Ms.
Schwartz stated that she would prefer to see the
landscaping plan revisited so that the site did not end up as
a suburban site, as what is being recommended in the
document, but rather a Buffalo site and one that is different
but Buffalo.
Ms. Schwartz noted that there was a list of other small
concerns that the Board would receive from her in writing.
She expressed a concerned that this huge development
plan was at this point with relatively no public input, even
though the effort was made and there had been
advertisement. She expressed a concern also, and made an
editorial comment, that when people finally realized some
development was going to take place at the site the
sponsors would get the laundry list of citizen complaints that
they were never aware of what was taking place and that
they never had the chance to comment. She preferred to
see the comprehensiveness and cohesiveness of the project
so that people would understand what was happening, and
Page 14
01-1226-SS1221.txt
to avoid a battle each time the Board would review a site
plan for the site. She agreed that a special development
zone would be appropriate.
Mr. Grillo informed the Board that he would edit the
transcribed draft of this item that was before the Board two
weeks ago and take that, in addition to the written
comments that will be coming from the Board members, and
the comments from today's meeting, edit them and put them
in the form of a communication to the Common Council as
part of the public record of the City Planning Board's
comments with regard to the SEQR process.
Mr. Bums moved to communicate to the Common Council
the Planning Board's comments, seconded by Mr. Lyons.
Motion carried. The following are specific written comments
from Cynthia Schwartz which arrived after the November 20,
2001 Planning Board Meeting Comments specific to the
GEIS document:
Public outreach efforts may achieve letter of law but
certainly not spirit. The dismal response to public notification
should have prompted an alternate effort to obtain
reasonable public input from interested parties, including
citizen based environmental/open space groups, the Buffalo
EMC, the Buffalo Planning Board, and related
research/planning departments at Buffalo State and UB -
this is not strictly a neighborhood issues for nearby So
Buffalo residents. Public meetings that discussed potential
use of this site as part of a larger, former conceptual
proposal for South Buffalo are totally inadequate to meet the
requirement for public input on this much more site specific
plan. The lack of a proposed remediation plan makes it
impossible to intelligently comment on the proposed zoning
changes. It also deprives the public of a fair comparison of
the real cost of a "complete" clean-up for desired uses such
as residential or recreational versus a less intense approach
for reuse as an industrial, manufacturing site, thus opening
the door to potential second guessing of the wisdom of any
and all future developments. There is also no discussion of
the varying levels of clean up required for the open
space/recreational site as opposed to the manufacturing
zone. Are these compatible? What mitigating efforts need to
be employed at the borders of these two areas? Does open
space mean water and/or soil contact activities? If yes, the
requirements for a "non-migration barrier or strategy" need
to be addressed. If no, what design criteria will be used to
prohibit/discourage such contact?
The GEIS calls for deed restrictions for day care centers and
residential development. Playgrounds and schools should
be added to this list. The GEIS finds no adverse
environmental impact based on air, noise, traffic impacts
compared to when the land was in active use as a foundry
and steel manufacturing facility. However, that use was
abandoned at least 25 years ago and therefore these issues
and others should be evaluated based on the decades long
status as abandoned land, While the proposed uses would
be less degrading than prior uses, they are definitely more
intrusive than the current conditions and should be assessed
as such, The protection of view sheds and compatibility with
adjoining uses is not as well defined as they should be -
wetlands neighboring Tifft Farm and near "Gallagher" beach
are an important feature to retain and protect. While DEC
regulations should provide wetland protection, it would be far
preferable to specifically callout the permanent protection of
these areas and the water table that feeds them. Page3- '16
Page 15
01-1226-SS1221.txt
- design criteria, line 11
... a repeating pattern with no less than three color, texture,
OR (not and) Proposed Zoning
Page 15 - includes parks, playgrounds and fishing -
completely incompatible with a plan that would exclude day
care centers and residential development due to
environmental concerns! But includes on Page 3 public
access trailways inviting the public and neighborhood
children into the site. (Anotherfailing of not having the
remediation plan detailed prior to developing the zoning
regulations) While the plan calls for significant set backs
from access roads, it allows building virtually to the property
line abutting open space (15'). A larger set back from the
open space boundary (which is truly the public space) to
allow for landscaping and/or fencing should be employed
with a slightly reduced set back from roads.
Page 23 - Reconsider allowing any chain link fence - but if
allowed black coated (not green) should be required. This is
an opportunity to define an esthetically acceptable,
consistent fence design for the district - compatible with both
the need for security and the waterfront environment even if
it means some level of subsidy for added cost.
Page 25 - Landscaping, as proposed, is suburban business
park. This is an opportunity to employ natural plantings that
can withstand winter winds and temperatures AND set the
district apart from every other business park in the region
and country. Let's make a statement that this is something
uniquely Buffalo - not Centerpoint South.
Page 35 - Dumpsters - Prohibit exterior (parking lot)
dumpsters. Require that buildings incorporate dumpster
space INSIDE loading docks or in structure built at rear of
building specifically for that reason. In an undeveloped, open
area with every design option open to us, fenced parking lot
dumpsters should be prohibited.
Page 43 - Standing water - while the intent is clear, as
worded it is contradictory to the desire for water features.
Needs to more clearly define the grading of parking lots and
landscaping to eliminate pooling/standing water from rain
and/or runoff. Height restrictions should not apply to
windmills - in addition to encouraging solar power,
companies should be encouraged to take advantage of wind
power in this location.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON UNION
SHIP CANAL
FROM THE OFFICE OF STRATEGIC PLANNING
NO. 10
Abandonment and Sale Dead End Portion of St.
Joseph's Alley Approximately 20'x 103'
The Office of Strategic Planning, Division of Real Estate,
has received a request from Keith Griffin of 69 Drexel,
Buffalo, New York 14214 to purchase the dead end portion
of St. Joseph's Alley (approx. 20' x 103). Mr. Griffin would
like to obtain ownership of this parcel of land for security
purposes and to prevent illegal dumping and loitering
The Division of Real Estate has contacted Land Use
Planning, Sewer Authority, Public Works and the City
Planning Board and they have indicated that they have no
objections and/or conditions to the abandonment and sale of
the dead-end portion of St. Joseph's Alley. The Buffalo
Board of Education has also been contacted since they own
the land to the south of the Alley and they have indicated
Page 16
01-1226-SS1221.txt
they have no objection to this sale. Mr. Griffin has also
obtained consent from the other adjoining property owner,
Mr. Samuel James, who owns the property to the east of the
alley at 73 Drexel and he has indicated that he has no
objection to the abandonment and sale of St. Joseph's Alley.
However, after the official closing, the abandonment of that
portion of St. Joseph's Alley does not become effective until
the deed conveying the property is filed in the Erie County
Clerk's Office.
Your Honorable Body may authorize the abandonment and
sale of the property in accordance with Article 27, Section
27-5 of the City Charter. Should you approve the
abandonment and sale the purchaser is required to retain a
real estate appraisal(s) at their own expense, for the
purpose of fixing the value of the interest of the City in such
property. The City will provide a list of appraisers
established by the Appraisal Review board of the City. They
results of our negotiations will be filed with Your Honorable
Body for final approval.
I am, therefore, recommending that Your Honorable Body
approve the abandonment and sale of the dead end portion
of St. Joseph's Alley (approx. 20' x 103').
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, CITY
PLANNING BOARD AND THE COMMISSIONER OF
PUBLIC WORKS
No. 11
Abandonment and Sale Booth Alley
Lot Size: 11'x300'Between
Michigan and Elm Streets
The Office of Strategic Planning, Division of Real Estate,
has received a request from Mr. Edward Flammer of Bates
Jackson, Inc. to purchase a portion of Booth Alley to
accommodate the expansion of their building and business
located at 133 South Division Street. The expansion of the
building will consist of the addition of a 1 -%-story structure
to the back end of their building to accommodate a new
printing press. The total area of Booth Alley to be acquired
by Bates Jackson is approximately 45'x 11'.
The Division of Real Estate has had preliminary discussions
with all three owners and will enter into a purchase
agreement with them to acquire the portion of Booth Alley
that abuts their respective properties. Mr. Karman and Mr.
Sandoro have agreed to the abandonment and sale of the
portion of the alley behind Battes Jackson's Building.
The remainder of the alley will be offered to the two
adjoining owners, Mr. Michael Karam who owns parking lots
at 138 Swan and 139 South Division Streets and Mr. James
Sandoro who owns the building and lot at 158 - 162 Swan
Street.
Therefore, I am recommending that Your Honorable Body
authorize the Division of Real Estate to enter into
negotiations with the above mentioned property owners to
finalize the abandonment/sale of Booth Alley. The results of
our negotiations/agreements will be filed with Your
Honorable Body before the final abandonment and closing
can take place.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, THE
CITY PLANNING BOARD AND THE COMMISSIONER OF
PUBLIC WORKS
No. 12
HUD REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO USE OF CDBG
Page 17
01-1226-SS1221.txt
TO FUND RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES AND/OR
ORGANIZATIONS
The following information is provided to inform Your
Honorable Body of the HUD regulations relating to use of
Community Development Block Grant funds. Please feel
free to contact this office if you need further information or
clarification.
570.200 General p9lici .
(j) Constitutional prohibition. In accordance with First
Amendment Church/State Principles, as a general rule,
CDBG assistance may not be used for religious activities or
provided to primarily religious entities for any activities,
including secular activities. The following restrictions and
limitations therefore apply to the use of CDBG funds.
(1) CDBG funds may not be used for the acquisition of
property or the construction or rehabilitation (including
historic preservation and removal of architectural barriers) of
structures to be used for religious purposes or which will
otherwise promote religious interests. This
limitation includes the acquisition of property for ownership
by primarily religious entities and the construction or
rehabilitation (including historic preservation and removal of
architectural barriers) of structures owned by such entities
(except as permitted under paragraph 6)(2) of this section
with respect to rehabilitation and under paragraph 0)(4) of
this section with respect to repairs undertaken in connection
with public services) regardless of the use to be made of the
property or structure. Property owned by primarily religious
entities may be acquired with CDBG funds at no more than
fair market value for a non-religious use.
(2) CDBG funds may be used to rehabilitate buildings owned
by primarily religious entities to be used for a wholly secular
purpose under the following conditions:
(i) The building (or portion thereof) that is to be
improved with the CDBG assistance has been
leased to an existing or newly established wholly
secular entity (which may be an entity established
by the religious entity);
(ii) The CDBG assistance is provided to the lessee
(and not the lessor) to make the improvements;
(iii) The leased premises will be used exclusively for
secular purposes available to persons regardless
of religion;
(iv) The lease payments do not exceed the fair market
rent of the premises as they were before the
improvements are made;
(v) The portion of the cost of any improvements that
also serve a non-leased part of the building will be
allocated to and paid for by the lessor;
(vi) The lessor enters into a binding agreement that
unless the lessee, or a qualified successor lessee,
retains the use of the leased premises for a wholly
secular purpose for at least the useful life of the
improvements, the lessor will pay to the lessee an
amount equal to the residual value of the
improvements;
(vii) The lessee must remit the amount received from
the lessor under paragraph (j)(2)(vi) of this section
to the recipient or subrecipient from which the
CDBG funds were derived.
The lessee can also enter into a management contract
authorizing the lessor religious entity to use the building for
its intended secul purpose, e.g., homeless shelter, provision
Page 18
01-1226-SS1221.txt
of public services. In such case, the religious entity must
agree in the management contra to carry out the secular
purpose in a manner free from religious influences in
accordance with the principles set forth in paragraph 0)(3) of
this section.
(3) As a general rule, CDBG funds may be used for eligible
public services to be provided through a primarily religious
entity, where the religious entity enters into an agreement
with the recipient or subrecipient from which the CDBG
funds are derive that, in connection with the provision of
such services: (i) It will not discriminate against any
employee or applicant for employment on the basis of
religion and will not limit employment give preference in
employment to persons on the basis of religion; (ii) It will not
discriminate against any person applying for such public
services on the basis of religion and will not limit such
service. or give preference to persons on the basis of
religion; (iii) It will provide no religious instruction or
counseling, conduct no religious worship or services,
engage in no religious proselytizing, and exert no other
religious influence in the provision of such public services;
(4) Where the public services provided under paragraph
0)(3) of this section are carried out on property owned by the
primarily religious entity, CDBG funds may also be used for
minor repairs to such property which are directly related to
carrying o the public services where the cost constitutes in
dollar terms only an incidental portion of the CDBG
expenditure for the public services.
[53 FR 34439, Sept. 6, 1988, as amended at 54 FR 4703 1,
Nov. 8, 1989; 57 FR 27119, June 17, 1992; 60 FR 1943,
Jan. 5, 1995; 6( FR 17445, Apr. 6, 1995; 60 FR 569 10, Nov.
9, 1995; 61 FR 11476, Mar. 20, 1996]
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT AND THE CORPORATION COUNSEL
No. 13
Renew Lease Agreement between the City of Buffalo
and The Massachusetts Avenue Project, Inc. For Use of
378 Massachusetts Avenue
Item No. 2, C.C.P. 1/26/99
Pursuant to Item No. 2, C.C.P. 1/26/99 Your Honorable
Body authorized a lease agreement between the City of
Buffalo and the Massachusetts Avenue Project, Inc. for the
use of 378 Massachusetts, excluding the pool area and
dressing room. This lease commenced on January 1, 1999
and expires on December 31, 2001.
The Division of Real Estate has received a letter from the
Massachusetts Avenue Project, Inc., Ms. Tamara Rothaus,
Project Manager, requesting to renew their lease for an
additional two year period under the same terms and
conditions as their present lease.
This office recommends that Your Honorable Body renew
their present lease agreement for an additional two-year
period commencing on January 1, 2002 and terminating on
December 31, 2003. 1 am further recommending that Your
Honorable Body authorize the Corporation Counsel to
prepare the necessary documents to renew said lease and
that the Mayor be authorized to execute the same.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
NO. 14
Results of Negotiations
1721 Genesee, 63.60 Rapin Place
Page 19
01-1226-SS1221.txt
Vacant Lot: 63' x 115'
Assessed Valuation: Land $ 7,800
Improvement $38,200
Total $46,000
The Office of Strategic Planning, Division of Real Estate,
has received a request to purchase 1721 Genesee Street
from Pastor Nancie L. Gravely of St. Mark Full Gospel
Church, 908 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14204.
Pastor Gravely intends to rehabilitate the building and use
as a church.
The property consists of a 4,500 square foot building situate
on a lot 63' x 115'. The Church has provided the Division of
Real Estate with a plan to rehabilitate the building and proof
of their financial ability to complete the purchase and repair.
The office of Strategic Planning and the Division of
Collections have no objection to the sale. There are no
outstanding code violations, taxes or other liens owed to the
City of Buffalo by the purchaser.
An independent appraisal of the property was conducted by
Howard P. Schultz, appraiser, 360 Delaware Avenue,
Buffalo, New York 14202. He has estimated the value of the
parcel to be Three Thousand One Hundred Dollars ($3,100).
The Division of Real Estate concurs with the estimate of
value.
The results of our negotiations are that Pastor Nancie
Gravely has agreed and is prepared to pay Three Thousand
One Hundred Dollars ($3,100) for this parcel. She has also
agreed to pay for the cost of the appraisal, transfer tax,
recording fee's and cost of the legal description.
I am recommending that Your Honorable Body approve the
sale of 1721 Genesee Street to Pastor Nancie Gravely of St.
Mark Full Gospel Church in the amount of Three Thousand
One Hundred Dollars ($3,100). I am further recommending
that the Corporation Counsel prepare the necessary
documents for the transfer of title and that the Mayor be
authorized to execute the same.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEEE ON FINANCE
NO. 15
Transfer of Title, Urban Homestead Program
71 Drexel (City Owned-vacant lot,
dimensions V x 103')
The Office of Strategic Planning has surveyed the
city-owned vacant lot at 71 Drexel Road, Buffalo, New York
14210, parcel is 33' x 115' in dimension; and it has been
determined that this parcel is inappropriate for either the
construction of new housing or needed for public purposes.
Mr. Keith Griffin residing at 69 Drexel Road has indicated
that he will clean, improve and maintain the ( lot in the event
that he obtain title to the property under the Urban
Homestead Program.
The Division of Inspections and Division of Collections have
been contacted. There are no property code violations, taxes
or other liens owed to the City of Buffalo by the
homesteader.
We, therefore, recommend that the city-owned vacant lot to
be designated as a Homestead Property, and be transferred
to Mr. Keith Griffin on the condition that the property is
cleared and improved within (6 months and maintained in a
sanitary manner.
Mrs. LoTempio Moved:
That the above communication from the Office of Strategic
Planning dated December 18, 2001, be received and filed;
Page 20
01-1226-SS1221.txt
and
That the city-owned property commonly known as 71 Drexel
Road is hereby designated as Homestead Property, and that
the Mayor be, and he hereby is authorized to execute a
deed transferring said property to Mr. Keith Griffin, residing
at 69 Drexel Road, for the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) and
no more, and all costs of transfer, on the condition the
property is cleared and improved within six (6) months and
maintained in a sanitary manner.
Passed.
AYES - 13 - NOES - 0
No. 16
Transfer of Title, Urban Homestead Program
158 Ladner (City Owned-vacant lot, 30' x 113')
The Office of Strategic Planning has surveyed the
city-owned vacant lot at 158 Ladner Street, Buffalo, New
York 14220, parcel is 39' x 113' in dimension; and it has
been determined that this parcel is inappropriate for either
the construction of new housing or needed for public
purposes.
Mrs. Leanne J. Wagner residing at 156 Ladner Street
indicated that she will clean, improve and maintain the lot in
the event that she obtain title to the property under the
Urban Homestead Program.
The Division of Inspections and Division of Collections have
been contacted. There are no property code violations, taxes
or other liens owed to the City of Buffalo by the
homesteader.
We, therefore, recommend that the city-owned vacant lot to
be designated as a Homestead Property and be transferred
to Mrs. Wagner on the condition that the property is cleared
and improved within (6) month and maintained in a sanitary
manner.
Mrs. LoTempio Moved: That the City owned property
commonly known as 158 Ladner is hereby designated as
homestead property, and, that the Mayor be and he hereby
is authorized and execute a deed transferring said property
to Mrs. Leanne Wagner for the amount of one dollar ($1.00)
and no more, and all costs of transfer, on the condition that
the property is cleared and improved within (6) months and
maintained is a sanitary manner.
PASSED
13- AYES 0- NOES
NO. 17
TRANSFER OF TITLE, URBAN HOMESTEAD
PROGRAM
602 NIAGARA (CITY OWNED-VACANT LOT)
LOT SIZE: 26'X 132'
The Office of Strategic Planning has received a request to
homestead 602 Niagara Street, a City-owned vacant lot 26'
x 132' from Mr. Bogo1jub and Eleonora Jovanvic of 600
Niagara Street, Buffalo, New York 14201 and Mr. Michael
Size of 604 Niagara Street, Buffalo, New York 14201. They
would like to homestead the respective portion that adjoins
their property. Mr. and Mrs. Jovanvic would like to
homestead the southerly portion 13' x 132' of 602 Niagara
Street and Mr. Size would like to homestead the northerly
portion 13' x 132' of 602 Niagara Street. They intend to use
the property for extra yard space.
Page 21
01-1226-SS1221.txt
It has been determined that this property is not needed for
public purpose or development. Mr. and Mrs. Jovanvic and
Mr. Size have indicated they will clean, improve and
maintain the lot in the event that they obtain title to the
aforementioned portions.
The Division of Inspections and Division of Collections have
been contacted. There are no property code violations, taxes
or other liens owed to the City of Buffalo by the
homesteaders.
We, therefore, recommend that the city-owned vacant lot be
designated as a Homestead Property and the respective
portions of 602 Niagara Street be transferred to Mr. and Mrs.
Bogo1jub Jovanvic and
Mr. Michael Size on the condition that the property is
cleared and improved within six (6) months and maintained
in a sanitary manner.
Mrs. LoTempio Moved: That the city owned property
commonly known as 602 Niagara Street is hereby
designated as Homestead Property and that the Mayor be,
and he hereby is authorized to execute a deed transferring
said property to Mr.Pogoljub and Miss Jovanvic and Mr. Size
for the amount of one dollar ($1.00) and no more and all
costs of transfer on the conditiion that the property is cleared
and improved within six (6) months and maintained in a
sanitary manner.
PASSED
13 - AYES 0 - NOES
NO. 18
URBAN PARK AND RECREATION RECOVERY (UPARR)
PROGRAM GRANT AWARD -
MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE
PROJECT - PERMISSION TO ENTER
INTO
AGREEMENT
We are pleased to inform the Common Council that the
City of Buffalo has received an Urban Park and Recreation
Recovery (UPARR) Program grant in the amount of
$360,500 to assist in the rehabilitation of Massachusetts
Avenue Project, 382 Massachusetts Avenue. This is a
federal award through the Department of the Interior,
National Park Service.
The goal of this funding opportunity is to increase
recreational opportunities for underserved youth living within
walking distance of the urban location. The recreation
improvements to be undertaken at the MAP facility include
removal of the existing underutilized concrete swimming
pool with the void being backfilled and sodded as a playing
field. The playing surfaces for the existing basketball and
handball courts will be improved and remarked with new
hoops and standards being installed. outdoor lighting,
fencing and landscaping will also be included. The former
locker rooms will be reconstituted as multipurpose
recreation space.
We request that your Honorable Body authorize the mayor
of the City of Buffalo to execute this project agreement, and
any and all documents that may be necessary for the
receipt of the $360,500 in grant funds. Any questions
please call Bonnie Kane Lockwood at 851-5468. Thank you
for your assistance in this matter.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Office of Strategic
Page 22
01-1226-SS1221.txt
Planning dated December 20, 2001, be received and filed;
and
That the Mayor be and he hereby is authorized on behalf of
the City to accept the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery
(UPARR) Program grant in the amount of $360,500 and is
hereby authorized to execute the project agreement and any
and all documents necessary for the receipt of the grant
funds.
PASSED
AYES -13 NOES - 0
NO. 19
BOARD OF EDUCATION
REVIEW OF CASH FLOW
WITH BANKS
In an effort to keep the Council apprised, I am submitting
this letter between my office and the school district in
regards to the review of the state comptroller's cash flow
projections by a review committee comprised of the banks,
the Greater Partnership, the City and the School District.
Within the review committee, it was agreed upon that each
entity (that is, the City budget office, the Comptroller's
Office, and the School District) would review their respective
parts of the cash flow projections prepared by the state
comptroller's office in order to identify overstated or
understated revenues and expenditures before the review
committee would meet again. This review would result in the
reconciliation between the state comptroller's cash
projection and the current ongoing cash projection. At the
time of this letter, neither this office nor the review
committee have received any acknowledgement that the
School District has finished its review of its portion.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET
FROM THE COMPTROLLER
NO. 20
FIRST QUARTER GAP SHEET
I have reviewed the General Fund Gap Sheet for the first
quarter of the 2001-2002 Fiscal Year, and pursuant to the
City Charter I am required to make a statement concerning
my view of any substantial issue raised in the Gap Sheet
prepared by the Budget Office. In that regard, I would offer
the following comment:
The Budget Office Gap Sheet clearly identifies a continuing
inability of the city to structurally balance our budget without
taking further definitive action. This is the kind of information
that will be of particular interest to the credit rating agencies
that are monitoring our financial performance. We have a
responsibility to present fully balanced city and school
budgets, so it is imperative that we eliminate the more than
$15 million city gap projected for the current fiscal year. The
administration must present and implement a plan to
balance the current budget so that the next Gap report will
reflect that program.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET
NO. 21
WORKGROUP ON
FINANCES, ACCOUNTING AND
BUDGETING
I am submitting to the Council this memo and
attachments, compiled by City Accountant Anne
Forti-Sciarrino and Jeffrey Tooke from my Office, that were
Page 23
01-1226-SS1221.txt
submitted to the Joint Schools Construction Board on
December 17, 2001 as to the status of the activities of a
workgroup coordinated by my office. The workgroup has
been meeting over the past several months to put in place
the necessary procedures and processes for the JSCB
project and to address the areas of financial accounting and
reporting, and budgeting for the project. It has been a
workgroup consisting of JSCB administration, school district,
City Administration and Audit & Control staff.
I look forward to keeping this honorable body apprised of the
work group's future activities.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND
THE JOINT SCHOOL CONSTRUCTRION BOARD
NO. 22
CERTIFICATE OF DETERMINATION
Certificate of Determination by the Comptroller
determining the terms, form and details of issuance of
$34,000,000 School Serial Bonds 2001-D of the. City of
Buffalo, New York and providing for the private sale thereof
(see attached)
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Comptroller dated
December 20, 2001 be received and filed; and
That the Certificate of Determination submitted for the
issuance of $34,000,000 School Serial Bonds 2001-D is
hereby approved,
PASSED
AYES -13 NOES - 0
FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL
NO. 23
A. OSUORAH- SUPPLEMENTAL GRIEVANCE LETTER
Dear Mr. President,
This letter is a summation to my recently submitted
grievance Letter to your office on December 5, of 2001.
However, I am requesting your Honorable Council to review
my grievance letter and investigate on it, for I was laid off of
my job recently in retaliation to the past incident between me
and the Public Works Department which you all are away of.
I looked at it this as a racial bias, because I am the only
casualty of City of Buffalo's financial crisis and the World
Trade Center's Tragedy in the entire department of Public
Works and Street. I understand that I am a provisional
employee along with one other Engineer in the department
who was hired a month later after me and probably some
other lower level positions of temporary and seasonal
employ. The other employee had his second chance of
exam. because he was successful in the first civil service
exam just like me, while I wasn't given a second chance.
Therefore, Mr.. President, kindly use your good office along
with your Honorable Council members and look in to this
matter, for I have been treated unfairly and abused mentally
by this department of public works and streets.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE
NO. 24
INFO JOINT SCHOOL CONST BOARD
On behalf of the entire Erie County Legislature, I would
like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on the
creation of the Joint School Construction Board. Your
willingness and vision in implementing a board that is
inclusive and staffed with innovative thinkers is to be
Page 24
01-1226-SS1221.txt
commended.
Each year this Honorable Body works to strengthen Buffalo
Schools and our record of commitment speaks for itself.
This year alone we have contributed $5 million for school
construction and approximately $500,000 for school nurses.
Given the aforementioned and the almost certain potential
that this Honorable Body will be involved in some of the
future decisions of the Joint School Construction project, I
am respectfully requesting the Erie County Legislature be
afforded the privilege of being represented.
With a representative on the Joint School Construction
Board this Honorable Body Can add insight and support to
the process that will insure the long-term success of the
Buffalo Public Schools,
Thank you for considering this request. Please contact me in
my District Office (8773986) at your earliest convenience so
that we can discuss this matter.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
NO. 25
CONCERN-PUBLIC HRG. DRUG ELIM PROGRAM
Please accept this correspondence as notification that the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is no
longer funding the Public Housing Drug Elimination Program
effective 2002. PHDEP has been transferred to the
operating fund with Congress increasing the overall
operating find by 8. 1 %. Unfortunately, as of the date of this
correspondence, the BMHA (nor the local HUD office) is
unaware of how this appropriation will translate into dollars
for the BMHA or the restrictions/regulations that HUD may
place on those dollars.
Be advised that the current contract with the City of Buffalo
Division of Substance Abuse ends February 28, 2002.
I will keep you informed of any updates to this matter. If you
should have any questions, please feel free to contact my
office at 855-6711 ext. 203.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT AND THE COMMISSIONER OF
COMMUNITY SERVICES
NO. 26
GOVERNANCE IN ERIE COUNTY
Attached please find the following documents:
a) Governance in Erie County
b) State of the Region-Progress Report 2000-Bflo. Niag.
Region
c) State of the region-Performance Indicators for Bflo. Niag.
Region.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON
REGIONAL GOVERNANCE
NO. 27
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON REAPPORTIONMENT
The official 2000 Census population for the City of Buffalo
is 292,648. This figure is down from the official population of
328,128 in 1990 and 357,8.00 in 1980!
Statistically, the population for the major racial categories for
the 2000 census are, 159,300 -White 108,951-Black 22,076-
Hispanic As the-Common Council begins the mandatory
process to reapportion the City's Council Districts based
upon the 2000 census, the amount of population decline
within the City is indeed a key factor in any decision
regarding changing its size. While, it seems logical to
Page 25
01-1226-SS1221.txt
automatically assume a reduction in size is warranted solely
based upon the loss of population, the reapportionment
process is charged with a greater responsibility.
The United States Constitutional provision of one person
one vote and equal representation under the law relate to
the reapportionment. process as well. These considerations
have to be met by apportioning the same number of people
in each district within a 5% deviation. Additionally,
considerations have to be given to the preservation of
traditional and 6xisting neighborhoods both in terms of
geography, race and ethnicity. The recent controversy
involving the County Legislature's splitting of neighborhoods'
and the Hispanic community's criticism that the plan ignores
them is a clear example to support the importance of these
provisions.. In 1992, the Buffalo Branch of the NAACP filed
a suit against the City of Buffalo's then new redistricting plan
because it gerrymandered the Fillmore District by drawing
boundaries that stretched from the far eastside of the city to
downtown which was designed to water down the increasing
number of minorities moving into the district. This case is
still inexplicably undecided in Federal Court under
Magistrate Foschio. The strife created around the 1990
reapportionment process has. still left lingering tensions in
many neighborhoods throughout the city.
The one important goal that the Council should strive to
achieve through this current process is to avoid the kind of
confrontation and racial tensions that developed in 1990.
This can be achieved only with a collective mind set that is
based upon fairness and equity. The city charter provides for
the establishment of a Citizen's Advisory Commission On
Reapportionment with joint appointments from the Council
and the Mayor. This process begins in January 2002 and
every effort should be made to support this
community-based process to develop a redistricting plan
with extensive community input. As I have pointed out at the
last Council meeting, while this important Commission is
charged with the development of a plan, it has no resources
in the City of Buffalo budget. The Charter does stipulate that
the Council and City departments may provide technical
assistance to the Commission in order to carry out its
responsibilities.
In order to comply with this provision, as well as meet the
Common Council's legislative responsibility to redistrict itself
I am appointing a Special Reapportionment Committee
consisting strictly of council members.
This Special Committee will have as its main responsibility
to work with the Citizen's Commission to assist in identifying
technical resources with census data and professional
expertise in reapportionment. The Special Committee will
also provide Council input into the development of a plan to
be eventually submitted to the Common Council for its
consideration.
Council member Joe Golombek will be the Chair of this
Special Committee because he has expressed a strong
desire to provide leadership in the reapportionment process.
Additionally, I am appointing Council members, Dominic
Bonifaclo, Brian Davis, Antoine Thompson and Betty Grant
to serve on the Committee.
I have spoken with Chairman Golombek about the
management of his committee and am quite satisfied with
the leadership he will provide through this process.
RECEIVED AND FILED
Page 26
01-1226-SS1221.txt
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS,
PARKS AND STREETS
NO. 28
REPORT OF BIDS
BUFFALO CITY COURT
INTERIOR WATER DAMAGE REMOVALS &
REPAIRS
I received the following sealed informal proposals for
Emergency Work, Buffalo City Court, Interior Water Damage
Removals & Repairs, which were publicly opened and read
on December 11, 2001. This emergency work is necessary
due to potential environmental concerns.
Indoor Air Professionals$ 60,673.20
10 Sonwill Dr., Bflo, NY
A.A.C. Contracting, Inc.$107,981.00
8 Cairn St., Rochester, NY
Empire Building Diagnostics$160,322.60
P 0 Box 412, Depew, NY
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct
statement of all bids received and that Indoor Air
Professionals in the amount of Sixty Thousand Six Hundred
Seventy Three and 20/100 Dollars ($60,673.20) is the lowest
responsible bidder in accordance with the plans and
specifications.
I recommend that Your Honorable Body authorize the
Commissioner of Public Works, Parks & Streets to order the
work on the basis of the low bids. Funds for this project are
available in CPF 35320806 445100 - Buildings.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Public Works, Parks and Streets dated December 17, 200 1,
be received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets,
be, and he hereby is authorized to award a contract for
Emergency Work, Buffalo City Court, Interior Water Damage
Removals & Repairs, to Indoor Air Professionals, the lowest
responsible bidder, in the amount of $60,673.20. Funds for
the project are available in CPF 35320806 445 100 -
Division of Buildings.
PASSED
AYES -13 NOES - 0
NO. 29
REPORT OF BIDS
TREE REMOVAL CITY WIDE
PHASE III
GROUP #578
This is to advise your Honorable Body that I have
advertised and received bids for Tree Removal - City Wide,
2001 - Phase 111, Group #578.
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 BidUnit Price
Increase
Schneck's Tree Removal, Inc.$136,534.00
$150,187.40
Kilts Enterprises, Inc.$136,878.83
$150,676.71
Page 27
01-1226-SS1221.txt
Eastwood, Inc.$165,900.00
$182,490.00
Scott Lawn Yard, Inc.$381,100.00
$419,210.00
*Adjusted Amount
I hereby certify that the lowest responsible bidder for the
above project is Schneck's Tree Removal, Inc. I respectfully
recommend that your Honorable Body authorize a contract
award in the amount of $150.187.40 ($136,534.00 Base Bid
+ 10% unit price increase $13,653.40 = Total Award
$150,187.40 Funds for this work are in Capital Project
Account #35310106-445 100. The engineer's estimate for
this work is $150,000.00. Attached is a list of proposed
locations.
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 February 2,
2002. Individual bid submissions are available in our office
for inspection and copies are available upon request.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Public Works, Parks and Streets dated December 19, 2001,
be received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets,
be, and he hereby is authorized to award a contract for Tree
Removal City Wide, Phase 111, Group 4578 to Schneck's
Tree Removal, Inc., the lowest responsible bidder, in the
amount of $150,187.40 ($136,534.00 Base Bid + 10% unit
price increase $13,653.40 = Total Award $150,187.40).
Funds for the project are available in Capital Project Account
#35310106445100.
PASSED
AYES -13 NOES - 0
No. 30
CHANGE IN CONTRACT
CHANGE ORDER NO. I
REPAIR TO CITY PAVEMENTS - 2001
GR. 9553
THOMANN ASPHALT, INC.
CONTRACT #92010406
I hereby submit to our Honorable Body the following
addition to the contract for the above named Project. This
change order was necessary for the improvement of City
owned facilities as follows:
Change Order No. I
#1 Delaware Park Lake Pathways$3,579.00
#2 Manhattan Park - Overlay Parking Lot$9,187.50
#3 Schiller Park - Overlay Parking Lot$8,493.15
Senior Center
Total Contract $21,259.65
Contract Summary
Original Contract Amount$187,838.75
Change Order No. 1
$21,259.65
Total Contract$209,098.40
Funds for this work are available in account
#30032106-445100. If you have any further questions
regarding the above, please contact Michael Zera of our
Construction Section.
I respectfully certify that this change order is fair and
Page 28
01-1226-SS1221.txt
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 Thomann Asphalt, Inc.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Public Works, Parks and Streets dated December 18, 2001,
be received and filed-, and
That the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets
be, and he hereby is authorized to issue change order No. 1,
to Thomann Asphalt, Inc., an increase in the amount of
$21,259.65, as more fully described in the above
communication, for work relating to Repair to City
Pavements - 2001, Group 553, Contract, C 992010406.
Funds for this project are available in #30032106-445100.
PASSED
AYES -13 NOES - 0
NO. 31
CHANGE IN CONTRACT
CHANGE ORDER NO. I
REPAIR TO CITY PAVEMENTS - 2001
GR. #553-B
THOMANN ASPHALT, INC.
CONTRACT #92010472
I hereby submit to our Honorable Body the following
addition to the contract for the above named Project. This
change order was necessary for the Division of Engineering
to perform emergency pavement restoration at the following
locations as a follow-up to work by the Division of Water.
Change Order No. I
#1 - Kenmore/Elmwood - Repair of pavement from
watermain break #2 - Abbott Road - Repair of hazardous
watercuts
Contract Summary
Original Contract Amount$179,396.25
Change Order No. 1$13,815.00
Total Contract$193,211.25
Funds for this work are available in account
413112006-443100. If you have any further questions
regarding the above, please contact Michael Zera of the
Division of Engineering or Peter Merlo of Division of Water.
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 Thomann Asphalt, Inc.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Public Works, Parks and Streets dated December 17, 2001,
be received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets
be, and he hereby is authorized to issue change order No. 1,
to Thomann Asphalt, Inc., an increase in the amount of
$13,815.00, as more fully described in the above
communication, for work relating to Repair to City
Pavements - 2001, Group 553-B, Contract, C #92010472.
Funds for this project are available in 413112006-443 100.
PASSED
AYES -13 NOES - 0
NO. 32
CHANGE ORDER # I
Page 29
01-1226-SS1221.txt
HEATER/SCARIFYING & COLD MILLING OF CITY
PAVEMENTS - 2001
GROUP #5
CONTRACT #92010443
ITEM 928, 5/15/01
I hereby submit to our Honorable Body the following unit
price additions to the above-mentioned contract for the
heater/scarifying of Seneca Street - Hamburg to Louisiana.
This paving will benefit new residential development on the
north side and Seneca & Graphic Controls on the south.
Item UnitEstimated
Estimated
NumberDescription PriceQuantityCost
04.3110Bituminous$2.007,657.51
$15,315.02
Asphalt Heater/
Scarifying
Contract Summary:
Original Contract Amount:$397,526.25
Change Order No. 1$ 15,315.02
Total Contract$412,841.27
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. Funds for this work are in Capital Project
Account #35310806-445 100.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Public Works, Parks and Streets dated December 6, 2001,
be received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets
be, and he hereby is authorized to issue change order No. I
for work relating to Heater/Scarifying and Cold Milling of City
Pavements - 2001, Group #555, Contract # 92010443).
Funds for this project are available in Capital Project
Account #35310806-445 100.
PASSED
AYES -13 NOES - 0
NO. 33
BUSTI AVE. SIGN POLE INSTALLATION
RE: PEACE BRIDGE EZ PASS SYSTEM
The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority (PB) is in
the process of installing an EZ Pass System to help move
traffic more efficiently across the Peace Bridge.
In conjunction with installing the EZ Pass System they (PB)
have requested permission to install an overhead sign
structure in the Busti Ave. right of way to direct traffic
approaching the bridge,
A map showing the proposed location and a diagram
indicating the type of signs are attached for your information.
Our department has no objection to the installation in
the Busti Ave. right of way as long as the following
conditions are satisfied:
1) PB shall obtain all necessary permits and approvals for
installation of the sign pole.
2) PB shall maintain structure and signs.
3) Final plans and pole type are subject to approval by the
Department of Public Works, Parks and Streets.
Mrs. LoTempio Moved: That the Communication from the
Department of Public Works, Parks and Streets dated
Page 30
01-1226-SS1221.txt
December 24, 2001 be received and filed and That the
Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority be and hereby
is authorized to install an overhead sign struction in the
Busti Avenue right of way to direct traffic approaching the
Peace Bridge with the following conditions 1. The Public
Bridge Authority shall obtain all necessary permits and
approval for installation of the sign pole 2. The Public Bridge
Authority shall maintain the structure and signs. 3. Final
plans and pole type are subject to approval by the
Department of Public Works, Parks and Streets
PASSED
13- AYES 0- NOES
NO. 34
CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION AND DESIGNATION
OF TRAILBLAZING SIGNS
ITEM #122, C.C.P. 12/11/01
The referenced item was sent to this department for
comment.
The naming of streets, including the designation of
trailblazing routes, is a very subjective process. I feet that
the City's Ordinance (Chapter 286) rightfully places this
responsibility and privilege with the Common Council. I feel
that it would be inappropriate for this department to make
any comment on the naming of any street unless such
naming or change of name would somehow negatively affect
the health or safety of the public.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
NO. 35
ESTABLISHING SPEED ZONES AROUND
SCHOOLS
ITEM #115, C.C.P. 12/11 /01
The referenced item was sent to this department for
comment.
Section 1643 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law
allows the City of Buffalo to establish a fifteen-mile per hour
speed limit within three hundred feet of a school building.
The best type of signage for this situation, as established by
the New York State Manual of Traffic Control Devices, is to
have a diamond shaped sign, in high intensity yellow, with
blinking yellow lights on top and bottom. The words "School
Zone 15 MPH" would be inscribed with black lettering.
We estimate that each sign would cost approximately $500
installed, with a minimum yearly electric service charge. At
this time, we cannot accurately estimate a total cost without
surveying each school location to determine the number of
sign locations to be addressed. We would also need some
direction on whether we would be doing only Buffalo public
schools or private and parochial schools as well.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ONLEGISLATION AND
THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
NO. 36
PAVING OF PRIVATE LOT
342 E. DELAVAN AVE.
ITEM #42, C.C.P. 12/11/01
The referenced item was sent to this department for
comment.
The Department of Public Works, Parks and Streets does
not have any jurisdiction over the paving of private lots
unless the lot encroaches onto City rights of way. The lot at
342 E. Delavan does not encroach. A permit from this
Page 31
01-1226-SS1221.txt
department may be required for a curb cut into our street.
I believe the jurisdiction in this matter may lie with the
Department of Permit and Inspection Service, and possibly
the City Planning Board.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
NO. 37
PERMISSION TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENT RETURN
OF VEHICULAR TRAFFIC ON MAIN ST.
We are seeking Common Council approval to enter into
an agreement with NFTA, the County of Erie, the New York
State Department of Transportation, and Buffalo Place to
conduct a feasibility study on returning vehicular traffic to
Main St. in the area of the pedestrian mall.
The agreement calls for the City to allocate $50,000 towards
the hiring of a consultant to conduct an environmental
assessment of the project. NFTA will provide $50,000, and
Buffalo Place will provide $40,000 towards this portion of the
project. In addition, the City will be increasing its contract
with Erdman Anthony Engineers for the reconstruction of
Main St. by $50,000 for the appropriate traffic studies. The
City will be reimbursed for 80% of this portion by the federal
government.
The City of Buffalo will be the lead agency for the
environmental reviews.
Funds for the environmental process review are available in
the Citywide Planning Account. Funds for the traffic study
are available in our existing account for the reconstruction of
Main St.
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Public Works, Parks and Streets dated December 7, 2001,
be received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets,
be, and he hereby is authorized to enter into an agreement
with the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, the
County of Erie, the New York State Department of
Transportation, and Buffalo Place to conduct a feasibility
study on returning traffic to Main Street in the area of the
pedestrian mall. Funds for the traffic study are available in
the Department of Public Works, Parks and Streets existing
account for the reconstruction of Main Street.
PASSED
AYES -13 NOES - 0
NO. 38
PERMISSION TO TRADE-IN SURPLUS EQUIPMENT
ITEM #50, C.C.P. 10/30/01
In the referenced item this department requested
authorization to trade-in thirteen surplus vehicles and
chassis from the Streets Division.
Our communication, and subsequently the Common
Council's approved resolution, listed the vehicle numbers of
only nine of these vehicles. We, therefore, request that
authorization be given to trade-in vehicles number S415,
416, 417, and 418 which are the aluminum and steel
transfer trailers noted in our previous communication.
Mrs. LoTempio moved
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Public Works, Parks and Streets dated December 17, 2001,
be received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets,
be, and he hereby is authorized to trade-in surplus vehicles
number S415, 416, 417 and 418 as previously approved in
Page 32
01-1226-SS1221.txt
Item No. 50, C.C.P., October 30, 2001.
PASSED
AYES -13 NOES - 0
NO. 39
SLIP RENTAL FEES FOR
ERIE BASIN MARINA
ITEM #117, C.C.P. 12/11/01
The referenced item was sent to this department for
comment.
For some time now this department has recommended that
slip rental fees at the Marina be increased. We, therefore,
would support any increase.
Currently, all revenue from the rental of non-transient slips
comes to the City. Thus, if fees were to be increased, 100%
of the increase would be deposited as revenue to the City.
We receive a small percentage of transient slip rentals, but
there are only ten such slips and revenue from this is very
negligible.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON MARINA
TASK FORCE
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF FIRE
NO. 40
FIRE COMPANY ROTATION
Per your request, attached are the response times survey's
which show the effects of the temporary closings and
manpower reports for November 3 0 - December 9, 200 1.
Respectfully submitted,
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET
FROM THE CORPORATION COUNSEL
NO. 41
BUFFALO PLACE OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT EXTENSION
Attached for your approval, please find a copy of the
contract extension to allow Buffalo Place, Inc. to manage,
maintain and promote downtown Buffalo from July 1, 2001
through June 30,2002.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Corporation
Counsel dated December 20, 2001, be received and filed;
and
That the Mayor, be, and he hereby is authorized execute the
contract extension to allow Buffalo Place, Inc. to manage,
maintain and promote downtown Buffalo from July 1, 2001
through June 30, 2002.
PASSED
AYES -13 NOES - 0
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF PERMIT & INSPECTION
SERVICES
NO. 42
C. FISHER-M. EDWARDS-REQ.
ASSISTANCE-DELI-WESTON/EASTON
ITEM NO. 70, C.C.P. 11/ 13/200 1
I am in receipt of the above stated Common Council
Communication and wish to supply your Honorable Body
with the following information. As a result of your Honorable
Body's inquiry into the conditions at 313 Weston Avenue,
Building Inspector Vincent Ferraraccio was dispatched to the
site. At the time of the inspection, a large amount of garbage
was found around the site and the dumpster was wide open.
Page 33
01-1226-SS1221.txt
To address the complainants concerns the following action
was taken. It appears that fire damage that occurred to the
property on September 17, 2001 was minimal and the owner
had obtained a repair permit for fire damage repairs. Loud
music, excessive noise and offending and illegal activity are
the Jurisdiction of the Buffalo Police Department. Building
Inspector Ferraraccio has encouraged the owner to try to
control the loitering issue by installing signage and
notification to the Buffalo Police Department Special
Services unit to patrol the area to discourage illegal activity.
Any and all appurtenances such as portable signs require a
permit. The Building Inspector will investigate and assure
that all permits that are required will be in place. We in the
Department of Permit and Inspection Services would like to
take this opportunity to inform you of a pending license for
"Retail; Sales" This license would be issued to
establishments such as these and would provide for an
enforcement tool to control these type of businesses. A
re-inspection is scheduled for November 29, 2001 to follow
up on the complaints received. If this situation has not been
rectified, a summons and complaint will be drawn for
prosecution by the Housing Court of the City of Buffalo. It is
my sincere hope that this response satisfies your inquiry.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
No. 43
Restaurant Dance Class III
391 Washington
Pursuant to Chapter 150 of the City of Buffalo Ordinances,
please be advised that I have examined the attach
application for a Restaurant Dance Class III License located
391 Washington and find that as to form it is correct have
caused an investigation into the premises for which said
application for a restaurant dance class license is being
sought and according to the attached reports from the
Zoning Office, Fire Department and Building Inspections,
find it complies with all regulations and other applicable
laws. I have caused and investigation by the Police
Department into the moral character of JoAnn Matteliano.
The attached thereto for JoAnn Matteliano d/b Lafayette Tap
Room. This request is submitted for your approval or
whatever action you deem appropriate.
Mrs. LoTempio Moved: That the Commissioner of Permits
and Inspection Services be and he hereby is authorized to
issue a Restaurant Dance Class III license to JoAnn
Matteliano d/b/a Lafayette Tap Room located at 391
Washington.
PASSED
13-AYES O-NOES
NO. 44
RESTAURANT DANCE CLASS IV
199 DELAWARE
Pursuant to Chapter 150 of the City of Buffalo Ordinances,
please be advised that I have examined the attach
application for a Restaurant Dance Class IV License located
199 Delaware and find that as to form it is correct. have
caused an investigation into the premises for which said
application for a restaurant dance class license is being
sought and according to the attached reports from the
Zoning Office, Fire Department and Building Inspections,
find it complies with all regulations and other applicable
laws. I have caused and investigation by the Police
Page 34
01-1226-SS1221.txt
Department into the moral character of Antonio Ferro. The
attached thereto for Antonio Ferro d/b/a Queen City Lounge.
This request is submitted for your approval or whatever
action you deem appropriate.
Mrs. LoTempio moved: That the Commissioner of Permits
and Inspection Services be and 1~) he hereby is authorized
to issue a Restaurant Dance Class IV license to Antonio
Ferro d/b/a Queen City Lounge at ñ99 Delaware Avenue.
PASSED
13 - AYES 0 - NOES
NO. 45
USED CAR DEALER
1300 FILLMORE
Pursuant to Chapter 254 of the City of Buffalo Ordinances,
please be advised that I have examined the attached
application for a Used Car Dealer License located 1300
Fillmore and find that as to form it is correct. I have caused
an investigation into the premises for which said application
for a used car dealer license is being sought and according
to the attached reports from the Zoning Office, Fire
Department and Building Inspections, I rind it complies with
all regulations and other applicable laws. I have caused and
investigation by the Police Department into the moral
character of Kenneth Mathews. The attached thereto for
Kenneth Mathews d/b/a Big "L" Used Cars. This request is
submitted for your approval or whatever action you deem
appropriate.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
NO. 46
USED CAR DEALER
430 HINMAN
Pursuant to Chapter 254 of the City of Buffalo Ordinances,
please be advised that I have examined the attached
application for a Used Car Dealer License located 430
Hinman and find that as to form it is correct. I have cause an
investigation into the premises for which said application for
a used car dealer license is being sought an according to
the attached reports from the Zoning Office, Fire
Department and Building Inspections, I find I complies with
all regulations and other applicable laws. I have caused and
investigation by the Police Department into the moral
character of Michael Vaccaro. The attached thereto for
Michael Vaccaro d1b/a Red Hyers Truck Auto Repair. This
request is submitted for your approval or whatever action
you deem appropriate.
Mrs. LoTempio moved:
That the above communication from the Commissioner of
Permit and Inspection Services dated December 18, 2001,
be received and filed, and
That pursuant to Chapter 2544 of the City Code, the
Commissioner of Permit & Inspection Services be, and he
hereby is authorized to grant a Used Car dealer license to
Michael Vaccaro, d/b/a Red Hyers Truck and Auto Repair,
located at 430 Hinman.
PASSED
AYES - 13 NOES - 0
NO. 47
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment Effective in the Department of Permit and
Inspection Services, Division of Inspections o the Position of
Page 35
01-1226-SS1221.txt
Building Inspector, Permanent Appointment effective
December 11, 2001, at the Intermediate (step 3) Starting
Salary of. S 40.838.
Ronald T. Collins, 153 Choate, Buffalo, NY 14220
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE
NO. 48
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment Effective in the Department of Permit and
Inspection Services, Division of Inspections o the Position of
Building Inspector, Permanent Appointment effective
December 11, 2001, at the maximum Starting Salary of. S
43,809
Steven Pieri, 104 Elmhurst Place, #8, Buffalo,NY 14216
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE
FROM THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
NO. 49
C. FISHER-Z.JACKSON-REQ. PAV.
PAV. PKG. LOT 342 E. DELAVAN
In response to your request, please be advised that there
are no pending applications with the ZBA for this property or
existing variances on file for the proposed use. Upon filing
for a use permit with the Permit Office, Room 301, the
applicant will be advised as to which bodies or boards will
need to approve the application.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
FROM THE COMMISSION ON CITIZENS RIGHTS AND
COMMUNITY
RELATIONS
NO. 50
SUBMISSION OF ANNUAL REPORT
In compliance with Section 18-22 (f) of the City Charter
which states:
Submit at least one each year, and as requested by the
Mayor or Common Council, a report on: (i) its activities; (ii)
the state of community relations in the city; (iii) the state of
equal opportunity and respect for cultural diversity within city
government and its services and programs; (iv) the state of
the police department's initial and ongoing training programs
in community relations and respect for citizens' rights and
standards and procedures for investigating and acting upon
complaints of police misconduct; and (v) significant issues
that have arisen concerning any of the foregoing matters;
The Commission on Citizens' Rights and Community
Relations is submitting its 2000/2001 Annual Report for
formal filing.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
NO. 51
W. JONES - CONCERNS - FIRE DEPARTMENT
ITEM #109
In response to your request for review of Item #109, CCP
March 20, 2001, "W. Jones - Concerns - Fire Department",
the Commission on Citizens' Rights and Community
Relations has prepared the following response:
Please be advised that Commissioner Keane of the Buffalo
Fire Department has not responded to the communication
sent dated October 15, 2001.
Therefore, the attached correspondence, dated December
14 th , 2001 has been sent to Commissioner Keane. The
Commission has requested a response from Commissioner
Page 36
01-1226-SS1221.txt
Keane before his retirement becomes effective.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
FROM THE CITY CLERK
NO. 52
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF ETHICS MEETINGS
Attached please find the minutes of the September 18,
2001, October 23, 2001 and November 20, 2001 Board of
Ethics Meetings
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 53
LIQUOR 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
371 Riverside Coconut Grove Coconut
Grove
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 54
LEAVES OF ABSENCE WITHOUT PAY
I transmit herewith notifications received by me, reporting
the granting of the leaves of absence without pay, in the
various departments as listed:
X Public Works, Streets & Parks- Raymond Canfield, John
Ort
X Police- ThomasWhelan, David Rodriguez
xFire Michael Lotocki, James Otwell
RECEIVED AND FILED.
NO. 55
REPORTS OF ATTENDANCE
transmit herewith communications received by me, from
the various boards, commissions, agencies and authorities
reporting the membership attendance at their respective
meetings:
XBuffalo Sewer Authority
xCity Planning Board
RECEIVED AND FILED
NO. 56
NOTICES OF APPOINTMENTS - SEASONAL/FLAT
transmit herewith certificates received by me, reporting
seasonal and flat salary appointments made in various
departments.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
(REV 10/99) CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment Effective: December 13, 2001 in the
Department of Public Works, Parks and Streets, Division of
Streets to the Position of Seasonal Laborer II, Seasonal,
Non-Competitive at the Flat Starting Salary of: $8.15
Arbey Hill, 139 proctor Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14215
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment Effective: December 12/ 2001 in the
Department of Public Works, Parks and Streets,
Division of Streets to the Position of Seasonal
Laborer II, Seasonal, Non-Competitive at the Flat
Starting Salary of: $8.15
Page 37
01-1226-SS1221.txt
Andre M. Gary, 224 Walnut Street, Buffalo, NY 14204
NO. 57
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.
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment Effective: December 11, 2001 in the
Department of Audit and Control, Division of Accounting to
the Position of Junior Accountant,
Permanent Appointment at the Minimum Starting Salary of
$27,385
Lisa R. Fehr, 229 Summit Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14214
Certificate of Appointment
Appointment Effective: December 10, 2001 in the
Department of: Police, to the Position of: Crossing Guard,
Temporary, Non-Competitive
at the Minimum Starting Salary of: $ 7.09/hr
Susan Moffett, 60 Tuscarora Rd., Buffalo, NY 14220
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE
NON-OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS AND
REMONSTRANCES
NON-OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS
NO. 58
C. CALABRESE-CONSOLIDATION OF CITY/COUNTY
SERVICES
Dear Ms. Hooper:
Thank you for sending a copy of the Council's resolution
regarding collaboration between the City of Buffalo and Erie
County in dealing with the delivery of services. The County
Executive asked that I respond on his behalf.
The County Executive firmly believes that the current
financial situation of the City or Buffalo affords both the City
and the County a very interesting opportunity to restructure a
number of service areas and substantially reduce costs to
the City and its taxpayers. County Executive Giambra has
long been an advocate for a new framework for defining and
designing the way we deliver services in Western New York.
This framework has come to be known as "No Handout, No
Bailout" and is characterized by contractual relationships
between municipal entities.
The County Executive is ready and willing to talk with the
City about Erie County providing any number of services to
the city provided it is indeed cheaper for the city and it is
structured under the framework of "No Handout, No Bailout"
philosophy. As you know, this philosophy is underpinned by
a service for fee contractual arrangement. County Executive
Giambra believes this framework offers a fair and equitable
way of balancing the concerns of all taxpayers throughout
Erie County.
I am enclosing a copy of the full "No Handout, No Bailout"
report and would be anxious to begin discussions with city
officials on any of the recommendations contained within its
pages.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON
Page 38
01-1226-SS1221.txt
REGIONAL GOVERNANCE
NO. 59
D. CHERNOFF- ON STREET PARKING STUDY
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS
PREPARED BY BUFFALO PLACE INC.'
Attached recommendations available for review in the City
Clerk's office
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
NO. 60
B. Grant-K. Young-Complaints-Animal shelter
Please file enclosed correspondence for Wednesday,
December 26, 2001 Common Council Meeting.
In late August I sent a letter to Mayor Masiello detailing my
concerns about the conditions at the City of Buffalo Animal
Shelter. As I have received no response from him, I am
writing to you and other council members in the hope that
improvements can be made. I have made frequent visits to
the shelter in my search for a dog and my concerns have
heightened after each visit. Following are some of the
concerns that I summarized in my letter to the mayor,
The physical plant is obviously dirty and ill-cared for.
Animal cages are not always regularly cleaned. I have
personally witnessed dogs sitting for hours among their
feces.
Animal water bowls are not kept filled and clean.
Hours of the shelter are hardly optimal for encouraging
adoption. Hours are weekdays from 9:00 to 3:00. Although
the advertised hours for Saturday are from 9:30 until 2:30,
the shelter has frequently not opened on Saturday or has
closed early.
The shelter does not employ a veterinary technician as
required by the City Charter (see attached). Treatment of
sick and injured animals is not always timely.
The shelter is, "a bureau of the division of streets" (City
Charter). This arrangement is antiquated.
The city charter also requires that the Director submit
recommendations to the City Council in an annual report
concerning measures or programs to reduce animal
euthanasia rates. Although the shelter has done some
things to encourage adoptions, I have to ask, what is the
point of trying to attract people to come to the shelter only to
have them find that the shelter is closed when the advertised
hours state differently. This is especially true for working
people who can only come on a weekend. At a minimum,
the shelter should be open regularly on Saturdays and at
least one night during the week.
I have to also ask why the City of Buffalo chooses to
stay in the business of operating an animal shelter when it is
unable to provide quality services. Would It not yield better
financial and humane results if the City diverted the
overhead and other resources to a private organization that
has the professional and management expertise to provide
high quality services? I appreciate your review of this matter.
I look forward to your response to address my concerns.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND
THE COMMISIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS
NO. 61
J. LAMB-SMART BORDER FOR THE 21 ST CENTURY
Canada and the United States have signed a Smart
Page 39
01-1226-SS1221.txt
Border Declaration which has potentially very positive
impacts on our Niagara border and specifically on the Peace
Bridge Expansion Project.
Copy of the News Release and Action Plan is attached. I
recommend you take the time to read this in its entirety.
I have not completely digested this document but on first
reading the following specific action items would positively
affect the definition and development of the Peace Bridge
Expansion Project Plan:
Secure Flow of People
1.Implement systems to identify security risks while
expediting flow of low risk travelers
Permanent Resident Cards which include a biometric
identifier
Resume/expand NEXUS
2.Identify threats prior to arrival in North America, manage
refugees and visa policy coordination.
Third-county agreement-common refugee policy
Sharing information thru common automated database
Secure Flow of Goods
1. Commercial Processing
Clearance away from the border-including inland pre-
clearance/post-clearance, international zones,
pre-processing centers at the border
Consider joint facilities-examine the legal and operational
issues associated with establishment of international zones
and joint facilities
Complementary systems for processing including
audit-based programs and partnerships with industry-to
develop and audit security standards at production and
distribution facilities
Secure Infrastructure
1.Relieve congestion at key crossings by investing in border
infrastructure and technology solutions to speed border
movements
Infrastructure Improvements-physical and technological
improvements to overcome traffic management and growth
challenges
Intelligent Transportation Systems-transponders, electronic
container seals, and systems such as ITDS
2. Critical Infrastructure Protection
Threat assessments
Identify protection measures
Coordination and Information Sharing
1. Integrated border enforcement teams
2. Joint enforcement
3. Integrated intelligence
4. Joint response to terrorism training and exercises
As you know shared border management is one of our
identified alternatives in the Draft Scoping Document.
Definition of how the U.S. and Canadian authorities are
going to manage the border is essential to defining,
analyzing, and implementation of this alternative-which
obviously would affect all alternatives to be considered. Our
Consultant Team will be working closely with the Bridge
Authority staff and associated U.S. and Canadian authorities
to shape a physical and operational Shared Border
Management Alternative consistent with the Smart Border
Action Plan. We may find that many of these envisioned
operational efficiency improvements can be made
independent of the Peace Bridge Expansion Project-and
thus be incorporated in the "No Build" alternative. Such a
determination obviously cannot be made at this time.
Page 40
01-1226-SS1221.txt
If you have any questions, suggestions or comments I would
be pleased to hear from you.
Attachment
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON
BI-NATIONAL BRIDGES
NO. 62
R. LARUSCG-REQ. APPROVAL CONTRACT AFCME
LOCAL 264-BMHA
We, the BMHA White Collar and Blue Collar Chapters of
Local 264, do not wish to diminish the tragedy of
September 11th or the fiscal hardship placed on the City of
Buffalo. However, we feel it is necessary to give you our
perspective as to why our contracts should approved as
ratified by the
Common Council.
First, the BMHA has reapportioned the funding structure
from 83% Federal funding and 17% State funding to 92%
Federal funding and 8%State funding. This BMHA action
has resulted in a partial year saving to the City in the amount
of $551,00 dollars.
Second, the above-indicated federal percentages are due to
increase shortly after the first of the year when the BMHA
completes its goal to become a federalized housing
authority.
Third, while the City has just recently instituted a hiring
freeze, the catch
phrase at the B M HA since 1998 has been "we must do
more with less. " During the period from 1998-2001 our work
force has been reduced by 22.78 percent across the board.
Furthermore, while the work force has decreased, the
workload has increased for the employees. Despite the
reduction in the number of employees, work continues to be
done in a timely and efficient manner due to the pride and
commitment of the BMHA employees.
Also, Local 264 has been very active in assisting the City in
its efforts to lobby the State Legislators for additional
financial aid. Recently we have collected over 25,000 signed
postcards in support of state funding. 10,000+ are presently
being delivered Western New York State legislators. The
other 15,000+ will be delivered to the New York State
Leadership as follows: 5,000 to Governor George Pataki,
5,000 to State Senator Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno and
5,000 to State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.
REPRESENTING:
Finally, we want to reiterate the point that we understand
the position you are in. However, these contracts were
negotiated in good faith, ratified by our members and should
be brought before the Common Council for approval. Please
understand that the contracts must still be approved by the
State and Federal government. These additional approvals
will also take time to process.
In closing, we would appreciate your support in approving
the BMHA contracts in a timely fashion. The affected
employees have been without a contract for 17 months and
have continued to diligently perform their duties with
dedication to the residents of the BMHA.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIIL SERVICE
NO. 63
M. MARTINO-
UNION SHIP CANAL REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Dear Mr. Coleman:
Page 41
01-1226-SS1221.txt
We would like to thank the Buffalo Environmental
Management Commission (EMC) for meeting with myself
and members of the Union Ship Canal redevelopment team
on December 12, 2001. We felt that the meeting was very
productive, and we sense that the members of the
Commission now have a much more thorough
understanding of the project.
To summarize some of the ideas that were covered and
questions that were answered:
A.) It appears that the information flow from the City's
Clerk's office to the EMC has failed on a few occasions, both
for this project and others. Hopefully, our discussions will
help the SEQR Task Force sort out the problem.
B.) We have been very conscientious in our efforts to work
with NYSDEC\ and NYSDOH on the EIS process over the
last year. We have made every attempt to coordinate our
communication with DEC, to also properly facilitate the
Voluntary Clean-up Programs and Bond Act Program for the
different parcels on the site. We're sure you could sense the
spirit of cooperation from the comments made by Mr. Doster
and Mr. Doleski at the meeting.
C.) We are very sensitive to the water related issues of the
project, and our preliminary design work reflects that. We
will continue to push these issues throughout the project,
and we hope you will also.
D.) We are encouraged that the EMC will be working with us
throughout the private and public meetings, which will be
part of the EIS process through April.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON
UNIONSHIP CANAL
NO. 64
R. ROMANOWICZ
SLIP RENTAL FEES FOR MARINA
This letter is being sent to you as an expression of
concern regarding 'Item #117, CCP December 11, 2001',
"Slip Rental Fees for marina".
Several years after the opening of the Erie Basin Marina our
association proposed to the city that the city run the marina.
It made no sense to us that the city was receiving only a
very small percentage of the marina's revenues, including
slip rentals. Smith Boys, RCR Yachts, the Aud Club - all ran
the marina and returned no more than twenty percent of its
revenue back to the city.
We, as an association, were happy when the city finally
decided to operate the marina and lease the restaurant and
tower.
Our relationship with Public Works, and especially Sam
Puglisi, has been one of cooperation and collaboration. We
work together closely and, as a result, have a wonderful
'jewel' to share with visitors from all areas of the country.
The fee schedule presently in place is a fair one. It provides
opportunities for many retirees, like me, on a fixed income,
to enjoy both the city and marina at a reasonable cost.
The rates at the Basin are not out of line with those charged
at other marinas and private yacht clubs. The Small Boat
Harbor is substantially costlier than the Basin. It is, however,
used as a 'cash ' cow by the NFTA.
We know that the city is experiencing financial difficulties but
do not feel that those difficulties will be substantially
improved, or go away, by raising the rates at the marina to
an excessive level.
There has been a glut of slips available over the past two
Page 42
01-1226-SS1221.txt
years. Keeping our marina at capacity has meant a
substantial return to the city.
Finally, I am requesting the opportunity to address either the
Council or Task Force to provide you with additional
information concerning the marina, its operation and its rate
schedules.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE 0N MARINA
TASK FORCE
NO. 65
A. THOMPSON- REASON; RESIDUAL PROPERTY
DAMAGE
Greetings and salutations from myself and my family. I
suspect you may not remember me but I am a resident of
your district, and I have been directed to your office in order
to resolve an Emergency situation.
During the construction period during which the NFTA
Buffalo Subway, several neighborhoods experienced violent
blast tremors far exceeding (8) eight square blocks on both
sides of the proximal blast Perimeter. These tremors, were
documented by both Municipal Authorities and Private
Property Owners and all other related parties, Agreed that
the intensity of these tremors, far exceeded the original
Projections by all perameters.
A welcome addition to my property had just been completed
and as the workman were applying their finishing touches
when the owners were Notified that a very substantial fissure
had just formed directly before their eyes, during the tremors
resulting from the tunnel blasting. In addition this damage,
the entire foundation of the entire dwelling had Sustained
substantial damage from those same tremors.
I can not reiterate enough that within the next (7) seven
calendar days this issue must be resolved. I have been
informed that with the coming Winter Season the entire
structure of our home is subject to "Collapse"!! Today's date
is 10/04/01.
I continue to have full confidence in your administration to
resolve this Long standing issue to our mutual satisfaction. I
would like to continue to extend my warmest congratulations
to you and your administration, and continue my humble
open door policy to provide any assistance I can.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATTON
AND THE NFTA
NO. 66
CYNTHIA VAN NESS-OPPOSITION OF HURST BLDG-
HURON ST
Dear Mr. Pitts,
Because I can't take time off from work to attend
tomorrow's Common Council meeting, I wanted to take this
opportunity to register my opposition to the proposed
demolition of the Hurst building on Huron St. to make room
for more parking. Please share my letter with your
colleagues on the Council.
The fact is, no one goes downtown for parking. People go to
destinations: government offices. law offices, the library.. the
ball field, the mail, Chippewa Street, and in my case, my job,
dentist, my hair cutter, my pharmacy. and my bank. Every
time you replace a building with a parking facility, you
eliminate destinations and reasons to come downtown.
The Hurst building is more handsome than pretty. It is not
pedigreed like the Guaranty Building. But it is exactly the
sturdy, flexible, well-made pre-war commercial building that
Page 43
01-1226-SS1221.txt
has become an endangered species in downtowns across
the USA. At present, I'll wager that the rents are low enough
to be affordable for start-tip business people. If commercial
users cannot be found, it would make wonderful loft
apartments. (We do want people to live downtown, right?) Its
proximity to Chippewa Street makes it a potentially good
renovation and reuse candidate.
The problem with the proposed ramp garage expansion is
that there are already two ramp garages within spitting
distance. A third has the potential to deaden the intersection
and counterproductively form a lifeless barrier beyond which
the Chippewa energy cannot spread. Blank ramp garage
walls are a hostile, damaging thing to do to a street and its
pedestrians, especially within yards of the part of downtown
showing the healthiest vital signs.
It bears repeating, since City Hall doesn't seem to
understand it: every building replaced by parking eliminates
destinations. Eventually, if you demolish enough of them,
you will eliminate enough reasons to come downtown that
there will be no demand For parking at all.
Please help withdraw this foolish, anti-urban proposal.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
NO. 67
B. WILLIAMS-F. RENEE BELLAMY-CONCERNS LIGHTS
OUT TOT LOTS-205 CAROLINA/35 WHITNEY PLACE
Please file the attached item on behalf of F. Renee
Bellamy, Property Manage , Belmont Management Co., Inc.
and the Lower West side Residents for inclusion on the
Common Council Agenda for discussion at the upcoming
Session for further action. Should you have concerns
regarding this request, please contact me at 851-4980.
I am writing to inform you that the lights are out in the tot
lots located at 205 Carolina Street and 35 Whitney Place,
and to request your assistance in getting the necessary
replacements/repairs done expeditiously.
I called on October 16, 2001 and spoke to a Kathy @ a
number of 851-5623, and I also spoke to a Glenn Smith @ a
number of 851-5681 and both informed me that these lights
should be repaired/replaced within a weeks time at the most.
I then called both numbers again on November 16, 2001
and was told once again that these lights would be repaired
within a couple of days and as of today's date these lights
are still out.
The neighborhood has taken on an unfavorable "character"
if I may, which is not safe after dark. Therefore, I am
requesting that the lights at these aforementioned properties
be repaired/replaced as soon as possible to deter any
criminal activity from occurring. We do not which to be
responsible for any liability associated with these lights
being out, if you know what I mean.
If there are any questions or concerns please feel free to
contact me.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND
THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS
PETITIONS
NO. 68
L. BLAND, AGENT, USE 692 E. UTICA FOR A POLE
SIGN.
(HRG. 1/03)
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION,
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PLANNING, CITY PLANNING
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BOARD AND CORPORATION COUNSEL.
NO. 69
G. SMITH, AGENT, USE 363 DINGENS FOR WALL &
POLE
SIGNS.
(HRG. 1/03)
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION,
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PLANNING, CITY PLANNING
BOARD AND CORPORATION COUNSEL.
NO. 70
J. ZUGFLE, AGENT, USE 260 ALLEN FOR A
NIGHTCLUB.
(HRG. 1/03)
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION,
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PLANNING, CITY PLANNING
BOARD AND CORPORATION COUNSEL.
NO. 71
T. RIVERS, OWNER, USE 900 KENSINGTON-ALTER USE
TO USED CAR SALES.
(HRG. 1/03)
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION,
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PLANNING, CITY PLANNING
BOARD AND CORPORATION COUNSEL.
NO. 72
M. MATUSICK, AGENT, USE 500 FUHRMANN FOR AN
ILLUMINATED BILLBOARD SIGN.
(HRG. 1/03)
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION,
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PLANNING, CITY PLANNING
BOARD AND CORPORATION COUNSEL.
NO. 73
R. SANTORO, AGENT, USE 199 DELAWARE FOR AN
ILLUMINATED WALL SIGN.
(HRG. 1/03)
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION,
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PLANNING, CITY PLANNING
BOARD AND CORPORATION COUNSEL.
NO. 74
L. RIVERS & O-PETITION-COMPLAINTS ELLICOTT
TOWER CENTER
Dear Mr. Michaux:
Please file the attached Petition on behalf of the Residents
of The Ellicott Tower Center for inclusion on the Common
Council Agenda for discussion at the upcoming Session for
further action. Should you have concerns regarding this
request, please contact me at 851-4980.
FROM THE RESIDENTS OF The Ellicott Tower Center
233 East Eagle Center
September 30, 2001
We, the occupants of the Ellicott Tower Center have brought
various complaints, as well as, concerns to the attention of
the past manager, Ms. Gloria Barlow, and current manager,
Teri Colt. We are in full agreement that all of the concerns
listed below, old and new, are of great importance to
maintaining our residence and community, as it should be.
WE WANT AND NEED ALL COMPLAINTS LISTED
BELOW RESOLVED A.S.A.P!!!!!!!!
Page 45
01-1226-SS1221.txt
1. A reliable surveillance camera and monitor need to be
installed at the front entrance.
2. The door buzzer of the entrance door resident needs to
be repaired, so guests can be "buzzed" into the building.
3. Some entry doors will not lock properly
4. Security outside and around the buildings is needed to
prevent auto theft and vandalism
5. Adequate, working lights are needed outside of the
building
6. An adequate number of custodial personnel needs to be
assigned per building
7. The outward appearance of the building needs to be
maintained by cleaning the building, surrounding areas,
outward windows, hallways, stairwells, and elevators.
8. Individual units and hallways need to be repainted.
The Residents of Ellicott Tower Center
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT AND THE ELLICOTT TOWERS
REGULAR COMMITTEES
CIVIL SERVICE
(BARBARA A. MILLER-WILLIAMS, CHAIRPERSON)
NO. 75
EMERGENCY SERVICES FIRE DISPATCHERS (CP)
(CCP#40-MAY 29, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 76
EMERGENCY SERVICES-FIRE DISPATCHER (HR)
(CCP#60-OCT. 2, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 77
HR MESS. S3756, A7475,20 YR. RET. PLAN-POL.
OFFICERS
(CCP#156-JULY 20, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 78
HR MESS. S3756, A7475,20 YR. RET. PLAN-POL.
OFFICERS (POL)
(CCP#71 -JULY 24, 0 1)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 79
HR MESS. S3756, A7475,20 YR. RET. PLAN-POL.
OFFICERS (A&F)
(CCP#54 -OCT. 16,, 0 1)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 80
NOTICES OF APPTS.-SEASONAL (C. CLK.)
(CCP#67-NOV. 13,01)
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Mrs. Miller-Williams moved that the above item be
recommitted to the Committee on Civil Service.
ADOPTED
NO. 81
NOTICES OF APPTS.-SEASONAL (C. CLK.)
(CCP#52-NOV. 27, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 82
NOTICES OF APPTS. -TEMP. /PROV. /PERM. (C. CLK.)
(CCP#34-DEC. 11, 0 1)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 83
APPOINTMENT DISPATCHER(INTER)(PW)
(ITEM# 23 CCP DEC 11, 2001)
That the Communication 23, Dec 11, 2001, be received
and filed and the promotion of John E. Ort stated above at
the intermediate salary of $30,923 effective on November
30, 2001 is hereby approved.
PASSED
AYES - 13 NOES - 0
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
BETTY JEAN GRANT
CHAIRPERSON
NO. 84
CONDEMNATION - EXPANSION OF AUGSPURGER
RAMP - 43 WEST HURON (ITEM NO. 22, C. C.P., NOV.
13, 200 1) (ITEM NO. 62, C.C.P., DEC. 11, 2001)
That the above item be, and the same hereby is returned
to the Common Council without recommendation.
Mrs. Grant moved that the above item be recommitted to the
Committee on Finance.
ADOPTED
NO. 85
CONDEMNATION - EXPANSION OF AUGSPURGER
RAMP - 3 5 2 PEARL STREET (ITEM NO. 23, C.C.P., NOV.
13, 2001) (ITEM NO. 63, C.C.P., DEC. 11, 2001)
That the above item be, and the same hereby is returned
to the Common Council without recommendation.
Mrs. Grant moved that the above item be recommitted to the
Committee on Finance.
ADOPTED
NO. 86
SELLING OF CAP. BONDS - MASTEN DISTRICT
PROPERTY
(ITEM NO. 22 1, C. C.P., SEPT. 19, 2000)
(ITEM NO. 16 1, C. C.P., DEC. 26, 2000)
(ITEM NO. 10 1, C. C.P., NOV. 13, 200 1)
That the above item be, and the same hereby is returned
to the Common Council without recommendation.
Mrs. Grant moved that the above item be recommitted to
the Committee on Finance.
ADOPTED
Page 47
01-1226-SS1221.txt
NO. 87
COMPT. RESPONSE - SELLING OF CAP. BONDS -
MASTEN DISTRICT PROPERTY(ITEM NO. 223, C. C.P.,
SEPT. 19, 2000)
(ITEM NO. 20, C.C.P., JAN. 23, 2001)
(ITEM NO. 102, C. C.P., NOV. 13, 200 1)
That the above item be, and the same hereby is returned
to the Common Council without recommendation.
Mrs. Grant Moved:
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 88
COMPTROLLER'S RESPONSE TO PROPERTY BOND
RESOLUTION (COMPT)
(CCP#16-JULY 24, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed,
ADOPTED
NO. 89
REQ. IND./ENT. LOC. OUTSIDE COB PURCHASE CITY
OWNED PROP.-SECURE BOND
(CCP#151-JULY 10, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 90
REQ. IND./ENT. LOC. OUT. COB WHO PURCH. CITY
OWNED PROP.-SEC. BD. (ASSESS)
(CCP#39-SEPT. 4, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 91
REQ. IND./ENT. LOC. OUT. COB WHO PURCH. CITY
OWNED PROP.-SEC. BD. (PERMITS)
(CCP#91-SEPT. 4, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 92
FEASIBILITY OF PROPERTY BOND FOR OUT-OF-STATE
BUYERS OF CITY-OWNED PROP. (LAW)
(CCP#28-DEC. 11, 0 1)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 93
MASTEN PARK FIELD HOUSE
(ITEM NO. 53, C.C.P., OCT. 30, 200 1)
That the above item be, and the same hereby is returned
to the Common Council without recommendation.
Mrs. Grant moved that the above item be recommitted to the
Committee on Finance.
ADOPTED
NO. 94
Page 48
01-1226-SS1221.txt
L. JACKSON - REQUEST MINUTES - KENSINGTON
BAILEY AREA PLANNING
(ITEM NO. 56, C.C.P., NOV. 27, 200 1)
That the above item be, and the same hereby is returned to
the Common Council without recommendation
Mrs. Grant moved that the above item be recommitted to the
Committee on Finance.
ADOPTED
NO. 95
CITY ACQUISITION OF THE COMMUNITY
SPRINGBOARD FACILITY
(ITEM NO. 179, C.C.P., DEC. 12, 2000)
(ITEM NO. 105, C.C.P., NOV. 13, 2001)
That the above item be, and the same hereby is returned to
the Common Council without recommendation.
Mrs. Grant moved:
That this Common Council supports and endorses the City
of Buffalo acquisition of the Community Springboard
building, located at 1415 Fillmore, at fair market value; and
That upon the acquisition of Community Springboard by the
City of Buffalo, the City of Buffalo will become responsible
for all utilities and maintenance of the facility; and
That upon acquisition, Community Springboard will become
a part of the Masten District Central City Development
Corporation which is in formation and continue to operate as
a Community based organization and will continue to service
the Fillmore, Kehr and Ferry area Youth; and
That Mrs. Mary Jackson will remain Executive Director of the
Community Springboard site and will receive administrative
and technical support from the Masten District Central City
Development Corporation; and
That after acquisition of the Community Springboard facility,
it will remain open for no less than ten years to continue to
serve the needs of area youth.
ADOPTED
NO. 96
BUFFALO PLACE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
AGREEMENT
(ITEM NO. 27, C.C.P., DEC. 11, 200 1)
That the above item be, and the same hereby is returned to
the Common Council Without recommendation.
Mrs. Grant moved:
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby
received and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 97
PERMISSION TO HIRE A CONSTRUCTION MANAGER -
NORTH JEFFERSON LIBRARY
(ITEM NO. 22, C.C.P., NOV. 27, 200 1) (ITEM NO. 80,
C.C.P., DEC. 11, 2001)
That the above item be, and the same hereby is returned
to the Common Council without recommendation.
Mrs. Grant moved that the above item be recommitted to the
Committee on Finance.
ADOPTED
NO. 98
INCREASED APPROPRIATION - SOLID WASTE
ENTERPRISE FUND
(ITEM NO. 124, C.C.P., DEC. 11, 2001)
Page 49
01-1226-SS1221.txt
That the Comptroller be, and he hereby is authorized and
directed to increase the revenue estimate in the sum of
$131,481.95 from Solid Waste - Sale of Land, Buildings &
Equipment 52510030-3 92101 to meet the increased
appropriation to Solid Waste -Refuse & Recycling,
52002606 - Leasing of Equipment & Vehicles, 444202 as
set forth in the above communication.
PASSED
AYES - 13 NOES - 0
NO. 99
TRANSFER OF FUNDS - PLANNING FOR CAPITAL
PROJECTS - PUBLIC WORKS
(ITEM NO. 126, C.C.P., DEC. 11, 2001)
That pursuant to 20-12 of the Charter and the Certificate
of the Mayor and the Comptroller, the sum of $332,500 be
transferred from Planning for Capital Projects,
30000106-445 100 the sum of $50,000 in the following
manner: Jefferson Renovations/Masten District
Infrastructure, 36310206-445100, the sum of $100,000 to
Signal Improvements (CMAQ), the sum of $7,500 to
Broadway Garage Study, the sum of $175,000 to Buffalo
Intermodal Transportation Center, 32447006-445 100.
PASSED
AYES - 13 NOES - 0
LEGISLATION
(RICHARD A. FONTANA, CHAIRMAN)
NO. 100
D. MORGANTE, JR., PETITION TO USE 1116 HERTEL
AVENUE - BUILDING ADDITION
(ITEM NO. 5 1, C. C.P., DEC. 11, 2 00 1 )
That after the public hearing before the Committee on
Legislation on December 18, 2001, the petition of D.
Morgante, Jr., owner, for permission to use 1116 Hertel
Avenue for a building addition be, and hereby is approved.
PASSED
AYES - 13 NOES - 0
No. 101
D. Watts, Petition to Use 2730 Delaware Avenue Illuminated
Ground Sign
(Item No. 48, C. C.P., Dec. 11, 200 1)
That the petition of D. Watts, for permission to use 2730
Delaware Avenue for an illuminated ground sign be, and
hereby is approved with the conditions the sign be no higher
than 9.9 feet in height and the panels are to be off-white.
PASSED
AYES - 13 NOES - 0
NO. 102
D. WATTS, PETITION TO USE 3470 MAIN STREET -
ILLUMINATED GROUND SIGN
(ITEM NO. 49, C.C.P., DEC. 11, 2001)
That the above item be, and the same hereby is returned
to the Common Council without recommendation.
Mr. Fontana moved:
That the petition of D. Watts, for permission to use 3470
Main Street for an illuminated ground sign be, and hereby is
approved.
PASSED
AYES - 13 NOES - 0
Page 50
01-1226-SS1221.txt
NO. 103
D. MIKA, PETITION TO USE 2207 NIAGARA STREET -
ILLUMINATED MONUMENT SIGN
(ITEM NO. 64, C. C.P., NOV. 27, 200 1)
That the petition of D. Mika, agent, for permission to use
2207 Niagara Street for an illuminated monument sign be,
and hereby is approved.
PASSED
AYES - 13 NOES - 0
NO. 104
T. CLEMENTS, AGT., USE 29 KAIL FOR A TELECOMM.
TOWER (HRG. 11/7)
(CCP#97-OCT. 30, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 105
I FEGGANS & OTHERS-OPP. RE-ESTABLISHING
DELI-278 E. DELAVAN
(CCP#100-OCT. 30, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 106
I FEGGANS & O-OPP. RE-ESTABLISHING DELI-278 E.
DELAVAN (ZONING)
(CCP#58-NOV. 13, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 107
C. FISHER-M. EDWARDS-REQ. ASSIST.
-DELI-WESTON/EASTON
(CCP#70-NOV. 13, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 108
C. FISHER-M. EDWARDS-REQ. ASSIST.
-DELI-WESTON/EASTON(POL)
(CCP#24-DEC. 11, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 109
LOC. LAW INTRO #9(2001) BFLO CREATIVITY/CIVIC
SOLUTIONS COMM.
(CCP# 156-NOV. 13, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 110
AMEND TRAFFIC ORD. TO REMOVE FREE PKG FOR
DISABLED(PW)
(CCP# 35 OCT. 2, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
Page 51
01-1226-SS1221.txt
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 111
NOTIFICATION SERIAL #9362-9368
(ITEM NO. 38, C.C.P., OCT. 30, 2001)
That the above item be, and the same hereby is returned
to the Common Council without recommendation.
Mr. Fontana moved that the above item be recommitted to
the Committee on Legislati6n.
ADOPTED.
NO. 112
NOTIFICATION SERIAL #9376-9385
(ITEM NO. 37, C.C.P., NOV. 13, 200 1)
That the above item be, and the same hereby is returned to
the Common Council Without recommendation.
Mr. Fontana moved that the above item be recommitted to
the Committee on Legislati6n.
ADOPTED.
NO. 113
USED CAR DEALER LICENSE - 12 KNOX AVENUE
(ITEM NO. 29, C.C.P., DEC. 11, 2001)
That pursuant to Chapter 254 of the City Code, the
Commissioner of Permit & Inspection Services be, and he
hereby is authorized to grant a Used Car Dealer license to
Joseph Chimento, d/b/a Pro Collision, located at 12 Knox
Avenue.
PASSED
AYES - 13 NOES - 0
NO. 114
WIDENING OF SCATHERED PLACE ENTRANCE -
BATTAGLIA RECYCLING FACILITY
(ITEM NO. 37, C.C.P., SEPT. 18, 2001)
That the Director of Real Estate and Commissioner of
Public Works, Parks & Streets be, and they hereby are
authorized to negotiate a purchase of Scathered Street by
Battaglia Demolition, Inc. and to report back to the Common
Council the results of those negotiations, which shall be
subject to the recommendations outlined above.
PASSED
AYES - 13 NOES - 0
NO. 115
HAMPTON INN/SUITES - REQ. PERM TO OCCUPY -
CARY STREET ROW (P.W.)
(ITEM NO. 40, C.C.P., NOV. 13, 200 1)
(ITEM NO. 10 1, C.C.P., NOV. 13, 200 1)
That the above item be, and the same hereby is returned to
the Common Council without recommendation
Mr. Fontana moved that the above item be recommitted to
the Committee on Legislation.
ADOPTED.
NO. 116
CANOPIES - 655 MAIN STREET
(ITEM NO. 4 1, C. C.P., OCT. 3 0, 200 1)
(ITEM NO. 96, C. C.P., NOV. 27, 200 1)
(ITEM NO. 92, C.C.P., DEC. 11, 2001)
That the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and
Streets be, and he hereby is authorized to issue a "mere
Page 52
01-1226-SS1221.txt
license" to Larry Quinn of 655 Main Partners, LLP, located
at 655 Main Street, to install two (2) canopies, which would
encroach city right-of-way at said address, subject to the
following conditions:
1.That the applicant obtains any and all other
required permits, including a building permit from room 301
City Hall, necessary for said installation.
2.That the City Planning Board reviews and
approves the proposed canopies.
3.That the canopies be installed exactly as shown
on plans submitted to and approved by the Department of
Permit and Inspection Services.
4.That the applicant supply the Department of
Public Works, Parks and Streets with a certificate of
insurance, in an amount deemed sufficient by the
Corporation Counsel, which will indemnify and save
harmless the City of Buffalo against any and all loss or
damage arising out of the construction, maintenance, use
and removal of said canopies.
PASSED
AYES - 13 NOES - 0
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
(BEVERLY A. GRAY, CHAIRPERSON)
NO. 117
C. FISHER & B GRANT-M ALSTON-CONCERNS
LASALLE AVE
(CCP# 36-DEC 11, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 118
REV. LOAN FUND CONTRACT-UPDATE (CP)
(CCP#21 -JULY 24, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 119
C. FISHER-K. PRATT- SEBASTIAN'S-COMPLAINT
AGAINST INSPECTIONS DEPT.
(CCP#82-APR. 3, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
SPECIAL COMMITTEES
POLICE REORGANIZATION & OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
(DOMINIC J. BONIFACIO, JR., CHAIRMAN)
NO. 120
ESTABLISH SCARED STRAIGHT PROGRAM
(CCP#162-MAY 15, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 121
EST. SCARED STRAIGHT PROGRAM (POL)
(CCP#56-JUNE 12, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
Page 53
01-1226-SS1221.txt
NO. 122
P. DUFFY, CONCERNS, 911 RESPONSE TIME (CP)
(CCP#33-JUNE 26, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 123
P. DUFFY, CONCERNS-911 RESPONSE TIME (POL)
(CCP#45-JULY 10, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 124
C. FISHER, WAKEFIELD AVE.
RESIDENTS-CONCERNS-REQ. INCR. POL. PATROL
(CCP#101-JULY 24, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 105
C. FISHER, WAKEFIELD AVE. RESIDENT
S-CONCERNS-REQ. INCR. POL. PATROLS (POL)
(CCP#51-OCT. 2, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
(JAMES W. PITTS, CHAIRMAN)
NO. 126
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT - CHAPTER 440 -
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
(ITEM NO. 223, C.C.P., MAY 1, 2001)
That after a public hearing, the Ordinance Amendment as
contained in Item No. 223, C.C.P., May 1, 2001, be and the
same hereby is approved.
PASSED
AYES - 13 NOES - 0
NO. 127
ORD. AMEND. CH. 440-TELECOMMUNICATIONS
(CCP#261-DEC. 23, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 128
ORD. AMEND. CH. 440-TELECOMMUNICATIONS (HRG.
10/7)
(CCP#234-JULY 27, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
ENERGY/CO-GENERATION COMMITTEE
(MARC A. COPPOLA, CHAIRMAN)
NO. 129
INFO.-DISTRICT HTG. & COOLING SYSTFTK~ IN US
Page 54
01-1226-SS1221.txt
(CCP#195-MAY 1, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 130
G. ADKINS-COMPLAINT-FLIGH UTILITY BILLS
(CCP#89-JUNE 26, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 131
M. COPPOLA-HIGH ENERGY PRICES AND EFFECTS ON
COB
(CCP#94-JUNE 26, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
NO. 132
D. VANINI-NIMO-"UNDERGROUNDING ELECTRIC SVS."
(CCP#105-JUNE 26, 01)
That the above item be and the same hereby is received
and filed.
ADOPTED
RESOLUTIONS
NO. 133
BY: MR. COPPOLA
CITY'S FLEET OF OWNED OR LEASED VEHICLES
Whereas: Some employees of the City of Buffalo are
given city owned or leased vehicles-,
and
Whereas: These vehicles are to be used for purposes
pertaining to city business; and
Whereas: Each vehicle does add to the City of Buffalo's
budget appropriations; and
Whereas: Such appropriations include, but are not limited to,
the cost to purchase or lease the vehicle, gasoline, and
maintenance; and
Whereas: Said city owned and leased vehicles should be
clearly marked with the City of Buffalo's official seal, so they
can be clearly identified as a city vehicle; and
Whereas-. The marking should be of permanent nature,
either painted or a applied decal, so it can not be removed easily; and
Whereas: Due to the city's current financial situation, as well
as, the above-mentioned concerns, a thorough evaluation of
city owned and leased vehicles and their necessity as it
pertains to performing city business.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That the Commissioner of Administration and Finance report
to this Common Council as to the specific policies pertaining
to the use of City owned or leased vehicles, as well as, a
detailed list, by title, of who is given these vehicles on a
twenty-four (24) hour basis; and
Be It Further Resolved:
That the Commissioner of Administration and Finance also
supply a listing of all city owned or leased vehicles that do
not bear the official seal of the City of Buffalo, and for what
reason they are not marked; and
Be It Further Resolved:
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That the above mentioned list includes the gasoline costs in
total, as well as, for each individual vehicle.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND
THE COMMISSIONER OF ADMINISTRATION AND
FINANCE
NO. 134
BY: MR. GOLOMBEK
NEGOTIATE LEASE WITH NORTHWEST BUFFALO
COMMUNITY CENTER
Whereas: The Northwest Buffalo Community Center
(NWBCC) together with the Holy Cross Head Start program,
that operates within the community center, have secured
grant money to build a playground; and
Whereas: The playground is to be built near the community
center and will be open to the public. The site selected is
located adjacent to the NWBCC and is owned by the City of
Buffalo; and
Whereas: There will be no City of Buffalo funds needed for
this playground. However, in order to build the playground
the NWBCC and Holy Cross Head Start will need to secure
a lease agreement for the land with the City of Buffalo; and
Whereas: Currently, there are no other playgrounds in the
area for the local children to utilize.
Be It Resolved:
That this Honorable Body commends the organizations for
creating an enhancement to the local community that does
not call for the use of public dollars. Therefore, this Common
Council authorizes the Department of Real Estate to
negotiate a lease for the location that the Northwest Buffalo
Community Center and the Holy Cross Head Start have
selected for the playground; and
Be it Finally Resolved:
That the Division of Real Estate files with this Common
Council the result of the lease negotiations for approval.
PASSED
AYES -13 NOES - 0
NO. 135
BY- MS. GRANT:
BOND RESOLUTION
$2,800,000 BONDS
CONVERSION-FREDERICK DOUGLAS TOWERS
ACCOUNT 3000-60
Bond Resolution of the City of Buffalo, New York,
authorizing the issuance of $2,800,000 General
Improvement Bonds of said City, to finance an additional
portion of the City's funding commitment for the conversion
of the Frederick Douglas Towers into a new housing
development, pursuant to the Stipulation of Settlement and
Amended Consent Decree in the case of Comer v. Cuomo,
et. a]., as approved by the United States District Court,
Western District of New York, at the estimated maximum
cost of $2,800,000.
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, is hereby authorized and directed
to issue General Improvement Bonds of said City in the
principal amount of Two Million Eight Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($2,800,000), pursuant to the provisions of the
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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 an additional portion of the City's
funding commitment for the conversion of the Frederick
Douglas Towers into a new housing development, pursuant
to the Stipulation of Settlement and Amended Consent
Decree in the case of Comer v. Cuomo, et. al., as approved
by the United States District Court, Western District of New
York. 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 $2,800,000 as
set forth in the duly adopted 2001 Capital Improvement
Budget of said City, 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,
"Frederick Douglas Conversion, 2001 ", Bond Authorization
Account No. 3000-60, and shall be used for the specific
object or purpose 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
$2,800,000. 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) 33 (a) of the Local Finance Law, is five (5)
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
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(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.
Section 7. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
Message of Necessity
That pursuant to law, we do hereby certify that immediate
passage of the attached bond resolution is necessary for the
efficient conduct of City business.
Message of Necessity
That pursuant to law, we hereby certify that the immediate
passage of the attached bond resolution is necessary for the
efficient conduct of City business.
Introduced:
LAID ON THE TABLE
NO. 136
BY: MS. ROSEMARIE LOTEMPIO
DISPLAY BANNER FOR FIRST NIGHT
Whereas: Independent Health, Inc. plans to hold the
above event on December 31, 2001; and
Whereas: To promote this new event, Independent Health.
Inc. has requested permission to display a banner on
Elmwood Ave. at Bidwell Parkway, and
Whereas: The organizers would like to display the banner
during December of 2001:
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That this Common Council grants permission to
Independent Health. Inc. to display the banner, pursuant to
the conditions established by the Commissioner of Public
Works, the Corporation Counsel and the Special Events
Advisory Committee.
PASSED
AYES -13 NOES - 0
NO. 137
BY: MRS. LOTEMPIO
REQUESTING THE CITY OF BUFFALO COMPTROLLER
TO AUDIT THE BUFFALO MUNICIPAL HOUSING
AUTHORITY
Whereas: The City of Buffalo Charter, Article 7, Section 4
gives the City Comptroller the power to examine, audit and
settle the accounts of all officers, departments, board,
commissions and other agencies of the city; and
Whereas: The City Comptroller also has the power to
conduct performance audits of all bureaus, offices,
department, boards, commissions, activities, functions,
programs, agencies and other entities or services of the city
to determine whether their activities and programs are
conducted in compliance with applicable law and
regulations; and
Whereas: Annually the City of Buffalo makes budget
appropriations to the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority for
its program operations; and
Whereas: Given the City of Buffalo's current fiscal
problems, the City must begin to review all departments,
programs, Boards and Authorities in an effort to ensure that
all City entities are being run in the most efficient and cost
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effective manner;
Now, Therefore Be It Resolved That:
This Common Council requests that the City Comptroller
audit the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority to determine
the efficiency of BMHA and to make recommendations on
what changes could be made to improve the operation of
BMHA; and
Be It Further Resolved That:
The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority provide all
necessary documentation to the City Comptroller; and
Be It Finally Resolved That:
The City Comptroller shall file a written report with the
council and the city clerk upon the completion of the audit of
the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority.
ADOPTED
NO. 138
BY: MRS. LOTEMPIO, MR. THOMPSON, MR. PITTS, MS.
GRAY, MR. FISHER, MR.
COPPOLA, MS. MILLER-WILLIAMS, MS.
ELLINGTON, MR. FONTANA, MR. BONIFACIO,
MR. GOLOMBEK, MRS. MARTINO, AND MS. GRANT
SUPPORT A7222 - AMENDING THE SALES TAX-
FORMULA FOR ERIE COUNTY
Whereas: NYS Deputy Speaker Arthur 0. Eve has
introduced Assembly bill A7222 which would extend the 81h
percent of the sales tax in Erie County through 2004, and
which provides for the County sharing the 81h penny in
small incremental steps; and
Whereas: Under A7222, Erie County would receive 95% of
the proceeds of the 8th penny in the first year, 90% in the
second year, 85% the third year, etc., with the rest of the
proceeds split among Erie County's cities, towns and school
districts; and
Whereas: In 1986, in the midst of a fiscal crisis, the County
of Erie approached the City of Buffalo for support in asking
the NYS Legislature to impose an additional one percent
(I%) sales tax, with the revenues from the tax to be used to
pay down the County's debt; and
Whereas: The City of Buffalo supported Erie County at that
time and the County has since made final payments on the
$75 million debt; and
Whereas: This Council has consistently made the argument
that since the County's crisis has passed, the 81h penny of
the sales tax should be shared on the same basis as the
other locally designated portion of the sales tax; and
Whereas: The City of Buffalo is now facing its own fiscal
crisis that threatens to force horrific and untenable cuts in
City services - already, hundreds of teachers and other City
employees have been laid off, and
Whereas: If the City of Buffalo were to receive its rightful
share of the 81h penny,as much as $1, 8 million per year
could be available to the City and $9 million to the School
Board to address the current crisis and support the
reestablishment of fiscal stability for Buffalo; and
Whereas: In the short term A7222 would provide only a
fraction of the revenues of a full sharing of the 8 th penny,
but it would start a long term process for 8th sharing this
crucial revenue stream and establish the principle that the
penny does not belong to the County forever; and
Whereas: It Is important to establish this principle because
Erie County is treating a temporary tax that has outlived its
original purpose as an entitlement, and has become more
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and more dependent on this source of revenue;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That:
While this Council continues to support the sharing of the
81h penny under the same formula that governs the sharing
of the rest of the sales tax, it also supports A7222 as a
progressive and pragmatic first step in establishing a more
equitable compact regarding the 8 th penny; and
Be it Further Resolved That:
The City Clerk be directed to forward certified copies of this
memorialization. to Governor Pataki, to the Clerk of the
Assembly, the Secretary of the Senate and to the members
of the Western New York Legislature delegation.
ADOPTED
NO. 139
BY: MRS. MARTINO
DISCHARGE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS -
CENTRAL TERMINAL RESTORATION CORP.
(ITEM 113 CCP 6/12/01)
Whereas: The above item is currently in the Committee
on Claims; and
Whereas: It is no longer necessary for this item to be
considered by that committee;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That this Common Council does hereby discharge the
Committee on Claims from further consideration of this item,
and said item is now before the Council.
Seconded by Mr. Fontana
Mrs. LoTempio moved to adopt the discharge
Mrs. Martino moved to recommit the above item to the
Committee on Claims.
ADOPTED
NO. 140
BY: MR. THOMPSON
CONCERNS REGARDING THE E-RATE PROGRAM AND
SCHOOL RENOVATION PROJECT
Whereas: The Common Council, the Joint School
Construction Board, the Buffalo School Board, and the City
Administration have worked together to establish goals for
minority and women participation for workers and business
owners on the school renovation and construction project;
and
Whereas: The first phase of the E-Rate plan and several
other initiatives are not included in the goals for MWBE
participation for the rest of the school renovation and new
school construction project; and
Whereas: it is important that the Joint School Construction
Board, the School Board/Board of Education adopt the
minority
business goal of 25% and 5% women business goal, and
the 40% workforce goal for the first phase of the E-Rate
project and other renovations that do not have MWBE and
workforce requirements at said levels; and
Whereas: This would be a tragedy if construction were to
begin in January 2002 with inadequate participation goals-,
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That the Buffalo School Board and the Joint School
Construction Board establish MBE goal of 25% and WBE
goal of 5%, and a minority and women workforce goal of
40% on the first phase of the E Rate/technology upgrade
portion of the school renovation project and that the federal
Section 3 policy be enforced too; and
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Be it Finally Resolved:
That the Joint School Construction Board file with this
Common Council before 2 p.m. January 3, 2002, an MWBE
and minority and women workforce utilization report for the
companies that have been awarded contracts to provide
legal, accounting, architecture, and engineering work for the
JSCB and the Buffalo Public Schools.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND
THE JOINT SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION BOARD
NO. 141
BY: MR. THOMPSON
EXTENSION OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS
Whereas: The City Charter puts into effect the provisions
of the New York Real Property Tax Law providing for the
annual assessment challenge process; and
Whereas: Several events have effected the city causing a
diversion of attention from the assessment process; and
Whereas: It is speculated that a large majority of houses in
the Masten
District are over assessed due to vacancies, arsons, illegal
activity
and absentee owners among other property factors; and
Whereas: The Masten District Council Office has received
various requests from block clubs, residents and community
activists for an extension of the Assessment Appeal Process
Now Therefore Be It Resolved: That the City of Buffalo
extends its assessment appeal process until January 31,
2002
ADOPTED
NO. 142
BY: MS. BARBARA MILLER-WILLIAMS
MICHIGAN AVENUE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Whereas: Michigan Avenue, also known as Harriet
Tubman Way, has experienced substantial economic growth
with the influx of several new businesses in the vicinity of
William Street and Seneca Street during the past several
years; and
Whereas: In 1993, the Ellicott Town Center redevelopment
project by Norstar USA and the Ellicott Mall Partnership,
began construction on the multimillion dollar project with
financing, in part, with local, state and federal funds; and
Whereas: This historic community is surrounded by rows of
newer homes built over the last decade and only blocks
away from the Town Gardens Plaza and Apartment
Complex; and
Whereas: In 1996, representatives from Norstar
Development USA committed to several commercial
ventures to be located in the fon-ner mall area as part of the
overall redevelopment plan; and
Whereas: To date, with the exception of one commercial
entity, the lots remain vacant eyesores which discourages
viable business entities from considering the area for
commercial expansion; and
Whereas: Numerous residents, religious leaders, and area
business owners have expressed the need to fulfill the
original commitment to include a Taco Bell Restaurant,
Wilson Farms, and an anchor store for the complex.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That this Common Council requests the Office of Strategic
Planning file a response outlining what specific efforts have
been taken to assist Norstar Development USA to redevelop
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the area; and
Be It Further Resolved:
That representatives from Norstar Development USA be
requested to appear before this Honorable Body to provide
an update on plans to complete the Ellicott Town Center
Complex.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT AND THE DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC
PLANNING
NO. 143
BY: MS. BARBARA MILLER-WILLIAMS
RENAME JOHNSON PLAYGROUND TO "REV. JAMES
ECKRIDGE PARK"
Whereas: The late Reverend James Eckridge dedicated
the majority of his life to the improvement of his community,
encompassing the Ellicott District; and
Whereas: The Reverend Eckridge served as Pastor of the
True Faith Missionary Baptist Church on Broadway Street
and worked diligently with the former B.U.I.L.D.
Organization, assisted with organizing the Fox Street Block
Club and devoted numerous hours working with community
youth; and
Whereas: Reverend Eckridge continuously advocated for
community youth and was an avid supporter of the Johnson
Street Playground. His entire life has proven to be a display
of selfless journey to inspire youth to become better leaders
for tomorrow;
and
Whereas: Reverend Eckridge was also involved in many
other worthwhile community endeavors and received various
deserved awards in recognition of his tireless efforts and
dedication to this community; and
Whereas: Naming a public facility after Reverend Eckridge
would be an appropriate way for the City of Buffalo to
recognize a community leader whose selfless dedication
throughout his life left a memorable mark in our community;
and
Whereas: Renaming Johnson Street Playground, on the
eastside of the Ellicott District, to recognize one of its
community leaders is a fitting way for the City of Buffalo to
honor Reverend Eckridge in his own community; and
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That this Common Council, after an appropriate Public
Hearing set by the City Clerk, redesignates the Johnson
Street Playground as James Eckridge Playground in honor
of Reverend James Eckridge.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND
THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS
NO. 144
BY: MS. MILLER-WILLIAMS
RECONSTRUCTION OF THE FRUITBELT COMMUNITY
CENTER
Whereas: Funds to reconstruct the Fruitbelt Community
Center have been in place for over 10 years; and
Whereas: Strategic Planning and other departments have
stated that the money was not there or was possibly
re-allocated to other projects; and
Whereas: After further research it was determined that
$235,000 was authorized by the Common Council on June
11, 1991 for reconstruction of the Fruitbelt Community
Center; and
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Whereas: These funds were never put in use for the
Fruitbelt project; and
Whereas: The Fruitbelt Community Center is in dire need of
repairs. The re-allocation of this money will ensure that the
Center remains open to serve the residents of the
community for many years to come;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That the $235,000 bond resolution passed in 1991 be used
for its intended purpose of reconstructing the Fruitbelt
Community Center; and
Be It Further Resolved:
That the Common Council authorizes the Department of
Administration and Finance to release the funds for this very
important project that is long overdue.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND THE
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PLANNING
NO. 145
BY: COUNCILMEMBER BARBARA MILLER-WILLIAMS
TRAILBLAZING SIGNAGE "DR. JOHN W. WILLIAMS
Whereas: On May 2, 1944 in Holy Grove, Arkansas;
Reverend S.W. Sr. & Sally Williams welcomed their 12'b
child, John W. Williams into the world; and
Whereas: Dr. Williams received his M.B.A. in Education in
1970 from A.M. & N. College of Arkansas (University of
Arkansas); and
Whereas: On September 22, 1968, John Williams married
Wanda Ann Wilson and they were later blessed with a baby
girl named Yolanda Cheles; and
Whereas: Following his father's, brother's and grandfather's
footsteps-John Williams accepted his call to the ministry and
served faithfully for two years as a Co-Pastor of the Greater
Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana;
and
Whereas: Dr. Williams began his "Vision for the Future"
which entailed building a new church Edifice and a new
Church Parsonage ... a 5 V2million dollar mission; which
were completed in 1997 as scheduled; and
Whereas: Dr. Williams, currently pastors two churches,
Eastern Star Missionary Baptist Church in Toledo, Ohio and
New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Buffalo; and
Whereas: Not limiting his work to these parishes, Dr.
Williams travels extensively to various cities conducting
numerous workshops and revivals and has outreach
ministries via television, radio, tapes and newsletters; and
Whereas: Dr. Williams has been elected President of the
Baptist Ministers Conference of Buffalo, New York and
Vicinity, and has been selected to serve on the Mayoral
Transition Committee of Toledo, Ohio.
Now Therefore Be It Resolved:
That this Honorable Body respectfully requests the
Department of Public Works to install Trailblazing Signs that
reads, "Dr. John W. Williams Way" on High Street between
Peach Street and Orange Street.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND
THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS
NO. 146
BY: MS. BARBARA MILLER-WILLIAMS
WAIVE PERMIT FEES-ST. LOUIS RC CHURCH
Whereas: The Saint Louis Roman Catholic Church has
been a long-standing pillar of the Ellicott District in the City
of Buffalo; and
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Whereas: In preparation of their 175 th Anniversary in the
year 2004, Saint Louis Roman Catholic Church, the Mother
Church of the Diocese of Buffalo is planning a complete
restoration of the church located at 35 Edward Street; and
Whereas: This historic Parish sits at the gateway to our
downtown Buffalo, New York, sharing the comers of Main,
Goodell and Edward Streets, with the Chancery of the
Diocese; the Cyclorama and the Sidwell Buildings; and
Whereas: The first phase of the project will be cleaning,
repainting and restoring the exterior of the Church; and
Whereas: A Certificate of Exception: from the Buffalo
Preservation Board as well as approvals from the New York
State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
has been secured.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That this Common Council grants a waiver of fees for all
required permits associated with restoration of the Saint
Louis Roman Catholic Church located at 35 Edward Street.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
NO. 147
BY. MRS. WILLIAMS
FELICITATIONS/IN MEMORIAM
Attached hereto are Felicitation and In Memoriam
Resolutions sponsored by Members of the Common Council
as indicated:
Felicitation for Reverennd Robert L. Graham
By Councilmember Pitts, Michaux
Felicitation for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
By Councilmember Brown, Michaux, Pitts
ADOPTED.
NO. 148
BY: BARBARA A. WILLIAMS
APPOINTMENTS COMMISSIONER OF DEEDS
That the following persons are hereby appointed as
Commissioner of Deeds for the term ending December 31 st
2002 , conditional upon the person so appointed certifying
under oath to their qualifications and filing same with the
City Clerk:
DANIELLE SAWYER
NINA LITTLEJOHN
SHARI WOODS
HELEN CONTEH
ANTHONY MOSES
TERRELL D. JACKSON
BRIAN K. LEWIS
MAUREEN M. GEOGHEN
SHARON GRIFFIN
ADOPTED.
NO. 149
BY: BARBARA A. WILLIAMS
APPOINTMENTS
COMMISSIONERS OF-DEEDS
REQUIRED FOR THE PROPER PERFORMANCE OF
PUBLIC DUTIES
That the following. persons are hereby appointed-as
Commissioner of Deeds for the term ending , December 31,
2 0 0 2, 'conditional - upon the persons so appointed
certifying under oath to their qualifications and filing same
with the City
DANA MARCINIAK
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GERALD T. SKINNER
ADOPTED
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NO. 150
BOND RESOLUTION-$1,500,000-PLANNING IMPR.-JSCB
NEW SCH. CONST.
(CCP# 122-12/11 /0 1)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from
the table.
Seconded by Mr. Fontana
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved approval of the above item.
Seconded by Mr. Fontana
PASSED
AYES -13 NOES - 0
NO. 151
LOCAL LAW INTRO. 414 (2001) RESIDENCY
REQUIREMENTS-MAYOR/COMPT.
(CCP# 131-12/11 /0 1)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from the
table.
Seconded by. Mr. Fontana
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved approval of the above item
.Seconded by Mr. Fontana
PASSED
AYES- 13 . NOES- 0
NO. 152
MAYOR FISCAL REFORM PLAN
(CCP# 2, 12/21/2001)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from
the table. Seconded by Mr. Fontana
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved to send the above item to the
Committee on Budget
ADOPTED
NO. 153
PUBLIC WORKS AMEND. PKG. METERS
(CCP# 3, 12/21/2001)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from
the table. Seconded by Mr. Fontana
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved approval of the above item.
Seconded by Mr. Fontana
PASSED
AYES -13 NOES - 0
NO. 154
ORD. AMEND. CH. 75 AMUSEMENTS
(CCP# 4, 12/21/2001)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from
the table. Seconded by Mr. Fontana
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved approval of the above item.
Seconded by Mr. Fontana
PASSED
AYES -13 NOES - 0
NO. 155
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ORD. AMEND. CH. 175 FEES CONTRACTORS
(CCP# 5, 12/21/2001)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from the
table.
Seconded by Mr. Fontana
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved approval of the above item.
Seconded by Mr. Fontana
PASSED
AYES -13 NOES - 0
No. 156
Ord. Amend. Ch. 175 Fees Flammable Liquids
(CCP# 6, 12/21/2001)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from
the table, Seconded by Fontana
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved approval of the above
item. Seconded by Fontana
PASSED
AYES - 13 - NOES - 0
No. 157
Ord. Amend. Ch. 175 Fees Golf Course Etc.
(CCP# 7, 12/21/2001)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken
from the table. Seconded by Fontana
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved approval of the above
item.
Seconded by Fontana
PASSED
AYES - 13 - NOES - 0
No. 158
Ord. Amend. Ch. 175 Fees Insp. Public Assemblage
(CCP# 8,12/21/2001)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from
the table. Seconded by Fontana
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved approval of the above
item. Seconded by Fontana
PASSED
AYES - 13 - NOES - 0
No. 159
Ord. Amend. Ch. 175 Fees Insp. Public Utility Holding
Franchise
(CCP# 9, 12/21/2001)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be
taken from the table. Seconded by Fontana
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved approval of the above
item. Seconded by Fontana
PASSED
AYES - 13 - NOES - 0
No. 160
Ord. Amend. Ch. 175 Fees Junk Dealers, Etc.
(CCP# 10, 12/21/2001)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken
from the table. Seconded by Fontana
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved approval of the above
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item.
Seconded by Fontana
PASSED
AYES - 13 - NOES - 0
No. 161
Ord. Amend. Ch. 175 Fees Lodging House.
(CCP# 11, 12/21/2001)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from
the table. Seconded by Fontana
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved approval of the above
item.
Seconded by Fontana
PASSED
AYES - 13 - NOES - 0
No. 162
Ord. Amend. Ch. 175 Fees Residential User Fees
(CCP# 12, 12/21/2001)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken from
the table. Seconded by Fontona CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved approval of the above
item.
Seconded by Fontanar
PASSED
AYES - 13 - NOES - 0
No. 163
Ord. Amend. Ch. 175 Fees Restaurants
(CCP# 13, 12/21/2001)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be
taken from the table.
Seconded by Fontana
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved approval of the above
item.
Seconded by Fontana
PASSED
AYES - 13 - NOES - 0
No. 164
Ord. Amend. Ch. 175 Fees Taxicabs/Liveries
(CCP# 14, 12/21/2001)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken
from the table. Seconded by Fontana CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved approval of the above
item. Seconded by Fontana
PASSED
AYES - 13 - NOES - 0
No. 165
Ord. Amend. Ch. 175 Fees Telephone Facilities
(CCP# 15, 12/21/2001)
Mrs. LoTempio moved that the above item be taken
from the table. Seconded by Fontana
CARRIED
Mrs. LoTempio now moved approval of the above item.
Seconded by Fontana
PASSED
AYES - 13 - NOES - 0
No. 166
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ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS
The following meetings are scheduled. All meetings are
held in Room 1417 City Hall, Buffalo, New York, unless
otherwise noted.
Regular Committees
Committee on Civil Service Thursday, January 3, 2002 at
9:30 o'clock A.M.
Committee on FinanceThursday,
January 3, 2002 at 10:00 o'clock A.M.
following Civil Service
Committee on Comm. Dev.Thursday,
January 3, 2002 at 1:00 o'clock P.M.
Committee on LegislationThursday,
January 3, 2002 at 2:00 o'clock P.M.
Committee on EducationThursday,
January 3, 2002 at 3:00 o'clock P.M.
Special Committees
Minority Business Enterprise Monday, January 7, 2002 at
10:00 o'clock A.M. Committee
Erie Basin Marina T.F. Thursday Jan. 3,
2002
At 2:00 pm
Inauguration Wednesday Jan. 2,
2002
At 2:00 pm
Reorg Meeting Wednesday
Jan. 2, 2002
At 2:00 pm
(Public Disclaime ): All meetings are subject to change and
cancellation by the respective Chairmen of Council
Committees. In the event that there is sufficient time given
for notification, it will be provided. In addition, there may be
meetings set up where by the City Clerk's Office is not made
aware, therefore, unless we receive notice from the
respective Chairmen, we can only make notification of what
we are made aware,
No. 167
Adjournment
On a motion by Mrs. LoTempio, Seconded by Mr. Fisher, the
Council adjourned at 4:10 pm
No. 1
CALL FOR SPECIAL SESSION
Pursuant to Section 3.9 of the Charter of the City of
Buffalo, upon the written request of Seven Councilmembers,
dated December 21, 2001, presented to you herewith, I
hereby call a Special Meeting of the Common Council, to be
held in the Council Chambers, City Hall, Buffalo, New York,
on, December 21, 200 1, at 11: 00 P.M., for the following
purposes:
To receive and take appropriate action on:
1. All Items Relating To Fiscal Reform Plan
RECEIVED AND FILED
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that, pursuant to Section 3.9
of the Charter of the City of Buffalo, upon the written request
of seven Councilmembers, dated November 15, 2001,
JAMES W. PITTS, President of the Common Council, has
called a Special Meeting of the Common Council, to be held
in the Council Chambers, City Hall, Buffalo, New York, on
December 212001 at 11: 00 A.M. for the following purpose:
Page 68
01-1226-SS1221.txt
To receive and take appropriate action on
1. All Items Relating To Fiscal Reform Plan
WE, the undersigned, members of the Common Council,
hereby request that you call a Special Meeting of the
Common Council, pursuant to Section 30 of the Charter of
the City of Buffalo, for the following purpose:
To receive and take appropriate action on
1. All items pertaining to Fiscal Reform Plan
We request that this Special Meeting be held on December
21, 2001 at 11:00 A.M.
Pursuant to Rule 2 of the Rules of Order of the Common
Council of the City of Buffalo, each of the following named
members of the Common Council, to wit:
DOMINIC BONIFACIO KAREN
ELLINGTON
RICHARD FONTANA BETTY JEAN
GRANT
ROSEMARIE LOTEMPIO ANTOINE
THOMPSON
MARC COPPOLA CHARLEY FISHER
III
JOSEPH GOLOMBEK BEVERLY GRAY
MARY MARTINO BARBARA
MILLER-WILLIAMS
hereby agrees that twenty-four (24) hours' notice be waived
of the time and purpose of the Special Meeting of the
Common Council duly called to be held on Friday,
December 21, 2001 at 11:00 A.M.
appeared On this 20th day of December 200 1, before me,
the subscribers, personally To me known to be the same
persons described in and who executed the foregoing
instrument, and they duly and severally acknowledged to me
that they executed the same.
No. 2
ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS
Attached hereto is the Mayor's Fiscal Reform Plan for
fiscal year 2001 2002 and 2002 -2003 and proposed
Ordinance amendments relative to the plan.
COPY AVAILABLE IN CITY CLERKS OFFICE
LAID ON TABLE
NO. 3
Amendment of Parking Meters
Subsection 7 of Section 33 of
Chapter 479 Traffic Ordinances
The following action is being submitted at the request of
the Downtown Buffalo Parking Infrastructure Task Force as
outlined in Common Council Item #5 of April 4, 2000. It is
supported by the Department of Administration and Finance
and this Department.
Therefore, the Department of Public Works, Parks & Streets
and the Department of Administration and Finance requests
Your Honorable Body's approval of the following
amendments to the Traffic Ordinances of the City of Buffalo,
Chapter 479.
I. That Subsection 7 of Section 33 of Article I be amended to
read as follows:
[(7)Coin to be deposited. It shall be unlawful to deposit or
cause to be deposited in any parking meter any slug device
or substitute for a proper coin of the United States. The rate
on one-hour meters providing 12/24/36/48/60 minutes of
Page 69
01-1226-SS1221.txt
parking time shall be 5 cents for a period not exceeding 12
minutes and 10 cents for a period not exceeding 24 minutes,
15 cents for a period not exceeding 36 minutes, 20 cents for
a period not exceeding 48 minutes, 25 cents for a period not
exceeding 60 minutes, 30 cents for a period not exceeding
72 minutes, 35 cents for a period not exceeding 84 minutes,
40 cents for a period not exceeding 96 minutes, 45 cents for
a period not exceeding 108 minutes and 50 cents for a
period not exceeding 120 minutes. Each meter shall have
legibly printed thereon the amount of money to be deposited
therein.]
(7) Funds to be deposited
It shall be unlawful to deposit or cause to be deposited in
any parking meter any slug, device or substitute for a proper
coin of the United States. The rates for metered parking,
shall be as follows:
Rate A - $0.25 / 15 minute maximum
Rate B - $0.50 per hour / 2 hour maximum
Rate C - $1.00 12er hour / 2 hour maximum
Rate D - $2.00 per day
Rate E - $3.00 per day
* () [material to be deleted.
? __material to be added.
LAID ON THE TABLE
NO. 4
Ordinance Amendment
Chapter 75 - Amusements
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby
ordain as follows:
That Section 75-14 of Chapter 75 of the Code of the City of
Buffalo be amended to read as follows:
75-14. Indoor public assemblage.
A. No public assemblage, as hereinafter defined, shall be
held in any building or structure in the City of Buffalo unless
the owner or the lessee of said building or structure shall
have posted
in a conspicuous place upon one (1) of the walls of said
building or structure at the entrance thereof an inspection
certificate as herein provided.
B. Such inspection certificate shall be required and issued
annually by the [Director] Supervisor of Licenses [and
Permits] upon the payment by the applicant therefor of the
fee as provided in Chapter 175, Fees. Said certificate shall
bear the approval of the Director of Inspections and
Licenses and the Commissioner of Fire. The signature of the
heads of said Departments upon the certificate shall indicate
their respective approvals as of the date of said approvals
and shall be to the following effect:
(1) The signature of the Commissioner of [Inspections and
Licenses] Permit and Inspection Services upon said
certificate shall mean that a building permit was theretofore
issued by the City of Buffalo as
provided by the building ordinances and that plans of said
building or structure have theretofore been filed in the
Division of New Construction. Before said certificate is
signed by the Commissioner of [Inspections and Licenses]
Permit and Inspection Services, there shall be on file in his
office a plan or plans showing the structural details of said
building or structure, together with a verified statement of the
owner or lessee of said building or structure designating
past uses of said building or structure, showing whether the
same has ever been structurally altered and showing that
Page 70
01-1226-SS1221.txt
the plans on file are correct plans of said building as the
same now exist.
(2) The signature of the Commissioner of Fire upon said
certificate shall mean that the laws relating to elimination of
fire hazards, provision for fire escapes and proper means of
exit and affecting motion-picture booths have been complied
with by the
applicant.
C. Inspections shall be made from time to time by each of
the aforesaid Departments. The [Director] Supervisor of
Licenses [and Permits] may revoke said certificate at any
time for a good cause after a hearing upon notice to the
applicant. All certificates shall expire on August 1 next after
issuance.
D. A "public assemblage," within the meaning of this section,
shall include any gathering in any [room where the floor area
exceeds two thousand (2,000) square feet in any] building or
structure for civic, political, social, religious, educational,
fraternal, entertainment, recreational, theatrical or
amusement purposes.
E. Necessary placards indicating the capacity of any place
of assembly in number of occupants, other than employees,
shall be permanently displayed in a conspicuous place
designated by the Commissioner of Fire in the room or
rooms of public assemblage. Such placards shall be
attested by the Commissioner of Fire. To permit any room or
rooms to be occupied by a number of persons in excess of
the stated capacity shall constitute a violation of this
chapter. The placards are not to be less than fourteen (14)
inches in width and seven (7) inches in height, with boldface
black lettering three-fourths (3/4) inch in height, on white
background, to read as follows: "THE TOTAL CAPACITY IN
THIS ROOM IS LIMITED TO
PERSONS."
It is hereby certified, pursuant to Section 3-19 of the Charter,
that the immediate passage of the foregoing ordinance is
necessary.
APPROVED AS TO FORM
LAID ON THE TABLE
NOTE: Matter in brackets to be deleted; matter underlined is
new.
NO. 5
Ordinance Amendment
Chapter 175 - Fees
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby
ordain as follows:
That Chapter 175 of the Code of the City of Buffalo be
amended to read as follows:
Chapter 144, Contractors
144-8G, home-improvement licenses
Handyman $200.00
Home-improvement contractor [$300.00]
$400.00
Specialty contractor $400.00
Light commercial contractor $400.00
New housing contractor $450.00
General contractor [$525.00]
$750.00
Subcontractor$300.00
Construction management $300.00
Salesman's license or renewal $60.00
Duplicate license $10.50
Page 71
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144-12, demolition contractor's license
Grade 1 [$210.00] $250.00
Grade 2 [$315.00] $350.00
Grade 3 [$420.001 $500.00
Grade 4 [$525.00] $750.00
It is hereby certified, pursuant to Section 3-19 of the Charter,
that the immediate passage of the foregoing ordinance is
necessary.
APPROVED AS TO FORM
LAID ON THE TABLE
NOTE: Matter in brackets to be deleted, matter underlined is
new.
NO. 6
Re: Ordinance Amendment
Chapter 175-Fees - Flammable Liquids
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby
ordain as follows:
That Chapter 175 of the Code of the City of Buffalo be
amended to read as follows:
Chapter 186, Flammable Liquids
186-5, licenses (biennial)
Repair garages
[Up to 3,000 square feet floor area] New License
[$31.50) $88.00
[Over 3,000 square feet floor area] License Renewal
[$73.50] $74.00
It is hereby certified, pursuant to Section 3-19 of the Charter,
that the immediate passage of the foregoing ordinance is
necessary.
APPROVED AS TO FORM
LAID ON THE TABLE
NOTE: Matter in brackets to be deleted, matter underlined is
new.
NO. 7
Re: Ordinance Amendment
Chapter 175 - Fees
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby
ordain as follows:
That Chapter 309 of Chapter 175, Fees, of the Code of the
City of Buffalo be amended to read as follows:
309-28, use of facilities
With the exception of designated private ice time at skating
rinks, City of Buffalo handicapped persons (classified as
such by the United States Department of Health, Education
and Welfare) may use any of the hereinafter mentioned
recreational facilities free of all charges and fees.
City Resident Noncity
Resident
GOLF COURSES
Seasonal fee for South Park, [$125.00] $160.00
[$250.00] $310.00
Park, Cazenovia and
Delaware Golf Courses
Senior citizens with city [$65.00] $80.00
[$200.00] $250.00
city identification cards
Youths under 16 with city [$65.00] $80.00
[$125.00] $160.00
identification cards
Junior Program [$50.00] $60.00
[$100.00] $125.00
Page 72
01-1226-SS1221.txt
(12: 00 noon to closing,
July to August only)
Daily fee for South Park, Cazenovia and Delaware Golf
Course (each)
18 holes on Saturday, [$9,00] $12.00
[$13.00] $18.00
Sunday or holiday
Seniors and youths under 16 [$6.00] $8.00
[$13.00) $18.00
on Saturday, Sunday or holiday
IS holes on other days [$7.00] $9.00
[$12.00] $16.00
Seniors and youths under 16 [$5.00] $7.00
[$10.00] $13.00
on regular weekdays
Twilight rate (starts after 6:00 p.m.)[$5.00] $7.00
[$7.00] $9.00
Reserve tee time, per reserved hour $50.00$50.00
New York State access pass Free
Applicable rate
LAWN BOWLING
Seasonal
Per person for $45.00
$65.00
Delaware Park
BENNETT BEACH
Daily parking
Per automobile $3.00
$4.00
Per van $4.00
$5.00
Per bus $7.00
$7.00
DUPLICATE PERMITS
Each permit $5.00
$10.00
BOAT TRAILER LAUNCHING PERMITS
Seasonal $25.00
$50.00
ICE SKATING
Youths under 18 and seniors $0.75
$2.50
18 years and over $1.50
$2.50
Designated private ice time:
Outdoor rink:
All groups, per hour $40.00
$40.00
Indoor rink:
All groups other than [$85.00] $110.00
[$140.00] $180.00
developmental league, per hour
Developmental league, [$55.00] $80.00
[$140.00] $200.00
(including Explorer League,
Timon and Canisius High
Page 73
01-1226-SS1221.txt
School), per hour
Nonresident participating with$55.00
resident or developmental league
or high school, per individual/per season
Skating lessons, per session $10.00
$10.00
INDOOR NATATORIUM
Daily sessions (except for the months of July and August)
City of Buffalo residents with identification cards
Under 18 years and seniors $0.75
$2.50
18 years and over $1.50
$2.50
July and August
Under I8 years and seniors
$2.50
18 years and over
$2.50
Seasonal
Under 18 and seniors $50.00
$150.00
(with city identification cards)
18 years and older $100.00
$150.00
(with city identification cards)
Designated private swimming time
Half pool rental per $85.00
$140.00
group, per hour
Exclusive use of pool,$170.00
$280.00
per hour
Swimming lessons, per $10.00
$10.00
session
CITY IDENTIFICATION CARDS
Issued to city residents with valid $3.00
proof of residence, each
[Parkside Lodge and Cazenovia Casino [$35.00]
only; evenings, weekends and holidays,
per hour]
[Minimum fee [$125.00]
[$125.00]
DAILY RENTALS
Special Events $200.00
$200.00
LaSalle Pavilion $250.00
$250.00
Parkside Lodge $125.00
$125.00
Marcy Casino $125.00
$125.00
Cazenovia Casino $125.00
$125.00
bucks and platforms $100.00
$100.00
Japanese Garden $35.00
$35.00
Park Permit $25.00
Page 74
01-1226-SS1221.txt
$25.00
Park Shelter Permit $25.00
$25.00
Wedding Receptions $100.00
$100.00
Wedding Ceremony in Park $35.00
$35.00
Community Center Room $25.00
$25.00
BAND SHELL RENTAL
Mobile band shell $400.00
$400.00
rental, per day
DIAMONDS AND FIELDS
Team permit, per season $75.00
$75.00
(grammar schools, high schools, volleyball leagues and little
leagues excluded)
It is hereby certified, pursuant to Section 3-19 of the Charter,
that the immediate passage of the foregoing ordinance is
necessary.
APPROVED AS TO FORM
LAID ON THE TABLE
NOTE: Matter in brackets to be deleted; matter underlined is
new.
NO. 8
Re: Ordinance Amendment
Chapter 175 - Fees - INSPECTION PUBLIC
ASSEMBLAGE
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby
ordain as follows:
That Chapter 175 of the Code of the City of Buffalo be
amended to read as follows:
75-14, inspection certificate for public assemblage,
[$31.50]
[annual feel original certificate
$56.00
certificate renewal
$42.00
It is hereby certified, pursuant to Section 3-19 of the Charter,
that the immediate passage of the foregoing ordinance is
necessary.
APPROVED AS TO FORM
LAID ON THE TABLE
Matter in brackets to be deleted, matter underlined is new.
NO. 9
Re: Ordinance Amendment
Chapter 175 -Fees -
INSPECTION PUBLIC UTILITY HOLDING FRANCHISE
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby
ordain as follows:
That Chapter 413 of Chapter 175, Fees, of the Code of the
City of Buffalo be amended to read as follows:
413-62,
inspection of work done by public utility holding [$66.00]
$82.50
franchise from city per hour for each inspector required, with
minimum of 1 hour per inspection
It is hereby certified, pursuant to Section 3-19 of the Charter,
that the immediate passage of the foregoing ordinance is
necessary.
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Page 75
01-1226-SS1221.txt
LAID ON THE TABLE
Matter in brackets to be deleted; matter underlined is new.
NO. 10
Re: Ordinance Amendment
Chapter 175 - Fees - JUNK DEALERS, ETC
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby
ordain as follows:
That Chapter 175 of the Code of the City of Buffalo be
amended to read as follows:
Chapter 254, Junk Dealers and Pawnbrokers
254-6, scrap processor license
Place of business in city is principal place of business
$78.75
Other
$52.50
254-8, permit for garage sale,
if more than 3 sales per calendar year
$10.50
254-21, licenses
For collecting, buying or selling in, upon or from the streets
with motor vehicle, per year
$94.50
Pawnbrokers, per year
$400.00
[Retail dealers in any of the materials heretofore specified
and who have a fixed place for
doing business, per year]
[$63.00)
Secondhand dealers, per yea
new license
$118.00
license renewal
$104.00
It is hereby certified, pursuant to Section 3-19 of the Charter,
that the immediate passage of the foregoing ordinance is
necessary.
APPROVED AS TO FORM
LAID ON THE TABLE
NOTE: Matter in brackets to be deleted, matter underlined is
new.
NO. 11
Re: Ordinance Amendment
Chapter 175 - Fees - LODGING HOUSE
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby
ordain as follows:
That Chapter 175 of the Code of the City of Buffalo be
amended to read as follows:
Chapter 269, Lodging Houses
269-13, license
[For 3 to 6 beds or cots] [$26.25]
[For 7 to 15 beds or cots] [$47.25]
[For 16 to 25 beds or cots] [$68.25]
[For more than 25 beds or cots] [$68.25,
plus]
[For each bed or cot in excess of 25] [$1.60]
For 3 to 14 beds or cots
(new license)$71.00
(license renewal) $57.00
Page 76
01-1226-SS1221.txt
For 15 to 25 beds or cots
(new license) $118.00
(license renewal) $104.00
For more than 25 beds or cots(new license)
$118.00, plus
$2.50
For each bed or cot in excess of 2 (license renewal)
$104.00, plus
$2.50
It is hereby certified, pursuant to Section 3-19 of the Charter,
that the immediate passage of the foregoing ordinance is
necessary.
APPROVED AS TO FORM
LAID ON THE TABLE
NOTE: Matter in brackets to be! deleted, matter underlined
is new.
NO. 12
Re: Ordinance Amendment
Chapter 175 - Fees .- RESIDENTIAL USER FEES
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby
ordain as follows:
That Chapter 216 of Chapter 175, Fees, of the Code of the
City of Buffalo be amended to read as follows:
216-55, residential user fees
Annual Fee
Fixed Cost [$70.98]
$81.63
plus;
Variable Cost
35 gallon tote [$17.14]
$19.71
65 gallon tote [$28.42]
$32.68
95 gallon tote [$33.24)
$38.23
residential vacant lot [$8.57]
$9.86
Late charge, per quarter [$5.00]
$5.75
216-56, commercial user fees. The minimum rate the
Commissioner may charge covering the cost of collection
shall be fixed cost plus variable rate per square foot.
Annual Fee
Fixed cost [$103.44]
$118.96
User category (variable per 100 sq. ft.)
I low user (0 to 40 lbs. per 100 sq. ft.) [$0.39]
$O.45
H medium-low user (40 to 80 lbs. per 100 sq. ft.)[$1.19]
$1.39
IH medium user (80 to 120 lbs. per 100 sq. ft.) [$1.97]
$2.27
IV medium-high user (120 to 160 lbs. per 100 sq. ft.)[$2.761
$3.17
V high user (over 160 lbs. per 100 sq. ft.)[$3.54]
$4.07
It is hereby certified, pursuant to Section 3-19 of the Charter,
that the immediate passage of the foregoing ordinance is
necessary.
APPROVED AS TO FORM
LAID ON THE TABLE
NOTE: Matter underlined is new. Matter in brackets to be
Page 77
01-1226-SS1221.txt
deleted.
NO. 13
Re: Ordinance Amendment
Chapter 175 - Fees - Restaurants
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby
ordain as follows:
That Chapter 175 of the Code of the City of Buffalo be
amended to read as follows:
Chapter 370, Restaurants
370-4, annual licenses
Catering service
[$31.50]
New License $88.00
Renewal License $74.00
Restaurant, takeout
[$31.50]
New License $88.00
Renewal License $74.00
Temporary stand$31.50
[25 persons or fewer]
[$31.50
[More than 25 persons and not more than 50 persons]
[$36.75]
[More than 50 persons and not more than 100 persons]
[$47.25
[More than 100 persons and not more than 200 persons]
[$63.00]
[More than 200 persons and not more than 300 persons]
[$84.00]
[More than 300 persons and not more than 500 persons]
[$100.00]
[More than 500 persons]
[$115.50]
Restaurant, Sit In
Seating Capacity
Up to 200 New License $174.00
Renewal License $74.00
201-400 New License $250.00
Renewal License $t50.OO
Over4OO New License $325.00
Renewal License $215.00
It is hereby certified, pursuant to Section 3-19 of the Charter,
that the immediate passage of the foregoing ordinance is
necessary.
APPROVED AS TO FORM
LAID ON THE TABLE
NOTE: Matter in brackets to be deleted, matter underlined is
new.
NO. 14
Re: Ordinance Amendment
Chapter175-Fees -TAXICABS/LIVERIES
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby
ordain as follows:
That Chapter 175 of the Code of the City of Buffalo be
amended to read as follows:
Chapter 437, Taxicabs and Liveries
437-8, transfer and registration
Transfer of license
$21.00
Registration of persons desiring taxicab or livery license,
annually $5.25
Page 78
01-1226-SS1221.txt
437-12, licenses
Taxicab license, for each vehicle, [$78.75]
$115. 00
Taxicab driver's license, including identification card,
biennial
[$15.75]
$40.00
Livery license, for each vehicle [$52.50]
$75.00
[Livery driver's license, including identification card
$15.75]
Duplicate identification card $1.00
It is hereby certified, pursuant to Section 3-19 of the Charter,
that the immediate passage of the foregoing ordinance is
necessary.
APPROVED AS TO FORM
NOTE: Matter in brackets to be deleted, matter underlined is
new.
LAID ON THE TABLE
NO. 15
Re: Ordinance Amendment
Chapter 175 - Fees - Telephone Facilities
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby
ordain as follows:
That Chapter 175 of the Code of the City of Buffalo be
amended to read as follows:
Chapter 441, Telephone Facilities
441-2, licenses
[Annual] Biennial license granted after July 1 1989, for each
telephone per facility location [$131.25] $262.50
It is hereby certified, pursuant to Section 3-19 of the Charter,
that the immediate passage of the foregoing ordinance is
necessary.
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Laid on the table
NOTE: Matter in brackets to be deleted, matter underlined is
new.
No. 16
Re: Ordinance Amendment
Chapter 175 - Fees - Wharves, Harbors and Bridges
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby
ordain as follows:
That Chapter 175 of the Code of the City of Buffalo be
amended to read as follows:
Chapter 495, Wharves, Harbors and Bridges
495-7,lifting of bridges, per lift $60.00
495-34,docking at city-owned properties $1.30 per
foot/per day
(excluding Erie Basin Marina)
slip rental at Erie Basin Marina Resident
Non-Resident
based on boat size for the season
Up to and including 20 ft $750.00
$825.00
Over 20 ft up to and including 30 ft $1,075.00
$1,190.00
Over 30 ft up to and including 38 $1,450.00
$1,580.00
It is hereby certified, pursuant to Section 3-19 of the Charter,
that the immediate passage of the foregoing ordinance is
Page 79
01-1226-SS1221.txt
necessary.
APPROVED AS TO FORM
LAID ON THE TABLE
NOTE: Matter in brackets to be deleted, matter underlined is
new.
NO. 17
RE: ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
CHAPTER 495 - WHARVES, HARBORS AND BRIDGES
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby
ordain as follows:
That Chapter 495 of the Code of the City of Buffalo be
amended to read as follows:
Section 495-34 Docking at City-owned Properties
A. Unless the vessel is owned or being operated by the
United States of America, the State of New York, the County
of Erie or the City of Buffalo, all vessels shall be charged a
docking fee
at City-owned properties ([excluding] including Erie Basin
Marina) as outlined in Chapter 175,
Fees.
B. Any person, firm, entity or corporation docking at a
City-owned property (including Erie Basin Marina) without
the permission of the Commissioner of Public Works shall
be punishable by a Class E fine in the amount of $105. The
Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner of Public
Works shall possess concurrent jurisdiction in the
enforcement of this provision.
C. Any vessel docked at a City-owned property without
permission shall be towed away by the Commissioner of
Public Works and the cost of such towing shall be charged
to the owner of the vessel.
It is hereby certified, pursuant to Section 3-19 of the Charter,
that the immediate passage of the foregoing ordinance is
necessary.
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Laid on the table
NOTE: Matter in brackets to be deleted; matter underlined is
new.
No. 18
Adjournment
At 12:25 P.M., Mrs. LoTempio moved to Adjourn.
Seconded by Mr. Fontana
ADOPTED.
Page 80