HomeMy WebLinkAbout92-0414
1No. 8
Common Council
Proceedings
of the
City of Buffalo
Regular Meeting, April 14, 1992
Special Session, April 21, 1992
MAYOR
Hon. James D. Griffin
COMPTROLLER
Joel A. Giambra
COMMON COUNCIL
PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL
George K. Arthur
PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE
David A. Franczyk
MAJORITY LEADER
Eugene M. Fahey
COUNCILMEMBERS-AT-LARGE
Clifford Bell
Eugene M. Fahey
Rosemarie LoTempio
DISTRICT COUNCIL MEMBERS
Alfred T. Coppola - Delaware
James W. Pitts - Ellicott
David A. Franczyk - Fillmore
Norman M. Bakos - Lovejoy
David A. Collins - Masten
Carl A. PerIa Jr. - Niagara
Dale Zuchlewski - North
Brian M. Higgins - South
Archie L. Amos, Jr. - University
REGULAR COMMITTEES
CIVIL SERVICE COMMITTEE
: James W. Pitts, Chairman,
George K. Arthur, Alfred T. Coppola, Eugene M. Fahey,
Carl A. Perla, Jr. Members
CLAIMS COMMITTEE:
Brian Higgins, Chairman, Archie L. Amos, David Franczyk,
Rosemarie LoTempio, Carl A. Perla, Jr., Members
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
: Clifford Bell, Chairman, Archie L Amos, Jr.,
David Collins, David A. Franczyk,
Alfred Coppola, James W. Pitts, Members.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
: David Collins, Chairman,
Clifford Bell, Eugene M. Fahey, David A. Franczyk,
Brian M. Higgins, Carl A. PerIa, Jr., Members.
LEGISLATION COMMITTEE:
Alfred Coppola, Chairman,
Archie L. Amos, Jr., Norman M. Bakos, Rosemarie LoTempio,
James Pitts, Dale Zuchlewski Members
RULES COMMITTEE
: George K. Arthur, Chairman, Eugene M. Fahey, James W. Pitts,
Members
URBAN RENEWAL:
Archie L. Amos, Jr., Chairman, David A. Franczyk., Brian M.
Higgins, Rosemarie Lotempio, Carl A. Perla, Jr.
SPECIAL COMMITTEES
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON BUDGET
: Hon. Archie L. Amos, Jr., Chairperson, Hon. Norman
M. Bakos, Hon. Eugene M. Fahey, Hon. James W. Pitts, Hon. Dale Zuchlewski, Hon.
Joel A. Giambra, Mr. Richard Planavsky.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON CATV
: Hon. James W. Pitts, Chairman, Hon. Archie L. Amos,
Hon. Brian M. Higgins, Hon. Rosemarie LoTempio, Dale Zuchlewski.
PARKS DEPARTMENT OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
: James W. Pitts, David A. Franczyk,
Rosemarie LoTempio, Joel A. Giambra/Designee, Samuel F. Houston/Designee, John
Scardino, Jr., Representative of the Friends of Olmstead Park, Representative
of Delaware Park Steering Committee Representative of Martin Luther King Park
Steering Committee, Representative of the Friends of Cazenovia Casino.
TASK FORCES
TASK FORCE- AUDITORIUM-STADIUM:
Hon. James W. Pitts, Chairman, Hon. Alfred T.
Coppola, Hon. Eugene M. Fahey, Hon. Dale Zuchlewski, Henry Nowak, Anthony
Masiello, Dennis Gorski, Roger Blackwell, Vincent Tese, Charles Rosenow, George
Gould, George Wessel, William Greely, Women for Downtown/Designee, Donald
Quinlan, Rev. Bennett Smith.
MEDICAL BENEFITS TASK FORCE:
Richard J. Piontek, Larry Insinna, Mary Ann
Sansone, Charles W. Pruet, M.D., Leo C. Welsh, David Donnelly, Thomas J.
Carella, John Walker, John D. Smith.
EDUCATION FUNDING FORMULA REVIEW TASK FORCE-
Hon. Brian M. Higgins, Chairman;
Hon. Archie L. Amos, Hon. Dale Zuchlewski, Judith Fisher, Mozella Richardson,
Dr. Oscar Smuckler.
POLICE REORGANIZATION TASK FORCE-
Hon. Eugene M. Fahey, Chairman; Hon. George
K. Arthur, Hon. Clifford Bell, Hon. Rosemarie LoTempio, Michael Trimboli, Ralph
Degenhart, Edward C. Hempling, Richard Donovan, Kenneth R. Kirby, Richard
Planavsky, George J. Panepinto, Martha Dippel, James J. McMahon, Craig Speers,
William Dunford, Levirn Hill, John V. Elmore.
STREETS DEPARTMENT OVERSIGHT TASK FORCE-
Hon. Alfred T. Coppola, Chairman; Hon.
Brian M. Higgins, Hon. Dale Zuchlewski, Bart Sumbrum/Designee, John Scardino.
CORPORATION PROCEEDINGS
COMMON COUNCIL
CITY HALL - BUFFALO
Tuesday, April 14, 1992
at 2:00 P.M.
PRESENT - George K. Arthur, President of the Council, and Council Members Amos,
Bakos, Bell, Collins, Coppola, Fahey, Franczyk, Higgins, LoTempio, Perla,
Pitts, and Zuchlewski - 13.
ABSENT - None.
On a motion by Mr. Fahey, seconded by Mr. Coppola, the minutes of the stated
meeting held on March 31, 1992, and the Special Meeting held April 7, 1992,
were approved.
FROM THE MAYOR
No. 1
Veto Message -
Freeze City Departmental Spending
Item No. 178, C.C.P., March 31, 1992
This resolution proposes that all unencumbered balances in certain
City accounts be "frozen" through the end of the fiscal year, except for
"emergency" expenditures approved by the Board of Review. While I agree with
the intent of the legislation which is to save as much money as possible in the
current fiscal emergency, I find this legislation to be unnecessary,
bureaucratic and illegal.
My administration currently is making only those expenditures that are
absolutely needed to conduct City business and provide necessary services.
This legislation would not help City departments to make further savings. On
the contrary, the delay and extra work caused by the need to have necessary
expenditures "unfrozen" could cost the City more in the long run.
Some accounts proposed to be "frozen" are postage, gasoline, maintenance
agreements, auto and clothing allowances. The postage account is needed to
mail out tax bills, for example: the need for gasoline is obvious; maintenance
agreements; auto and clothing allowances are contractual and cannot be
arbitrarily "frozen".
Finally, I have been advised by the Corporation Counsel that this
resolution is illegal. It infringes upon right and responsibilities of the
executive and comptroller branches of government under the Charter.
For all of the above reasons, I hereby veto this legislation.
Mr. Fahey moved to Override the Mayor's Veto of Item No. 178, C.C.P., March 31,
1992- Freeze City Department Spending.
Seconded by Mr. Bakos
ADOPTED.
AYES- ARTHUR, BAKOS, BELL, COLLINS, COPPOLA, FAHEY, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS,
LOTEMPIO, PERLA, PITTS, ZUCHLEWSKI- 12.
NOES- AMOS- 1.
No. 2
Appointments and Reappointments to
the Advisory Committee for People
With Handicapping Conditions
Pursuant to the powers vested in me by Section 91 of Article VI
of the Charter of the City of Buffalo, as amended, I hereby reappoint the below
listed persons as members of the Advisory Committee for People With
Handicapping Conditions for terms expiring March 31, 1995:
Nancy Siegel 235 South Union Road
Apartment 5
Williamsville, 14221
Donald Van Auken 442 Orchard Drive
Kenmore, 14223
Joseph Schmid 86 Rogers Avenue
Buffalo, 14211
James Lembeck 109 Greenwood Place
Buffalo, 14213
Steven Truesdale 505 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, 14222
In addition, I hereby appoint the below listed persons as members of the
Advisory Committee for People With Handicapping Conditions effective March 30,
1992 for terms expiring March 31, 1995:
Jack Farrell 78 St. John's Avenue
Buffalo, 14223
Thomas Roetzer 10 Deville Circle
Williamsville, 14221
Jack Farrell will succeed Judith Subject, Esq. who has resigned. Thomas
Roetzer will succeed Mark Niederpruem who has resigned.
I hereby certify that the above listed persons are fully qualified to
serve as members of the Advisory Board for People With Handicapping Conditions.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 3
Reappointment of member of Board of Directors of the Buffalo Cable Access Media
(BCAM)
Pursuant to the powers vested in me by Article 5, Section 5.2A
of the Buffalo Cable Access Media (BCAM) bylaws, I hereby reappoint Michael P.
McKeating, residing at 164 Tuscarora Road, Buffalo - 14220 as a member of the
Board of Directors of the Buffalo Cable Access Media (BCAM) for a term expiring
April 29, 1995.
I hereby certify that Michael P. McKeating is fully qualified to serve as
a member of the Board of Directors of the Buffalo Cable Access Media (BCAM).
RECEIVED AND FILED.
FROM THE MAYOR EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS
FROM THE CITY PLANNING BOARD
No. 4
J. Gimbrone - Request to erect a two-story masonry addition and permission to
encroach on the right-of-way
at 518-524 Niagara St.
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held Tuesday, April
7, 1992, considered the above request pursuant to Section 511-68 and 413-67 of
the Buffalo Code, the Niagara Coastal Special Review District and the review of
right-of-way encroachments.
The applicant seeks to expand a two-story masonry building by
constructing a masonry addition to the side of the subject property. This
proposed two-story addition will add 960 square feet to the existing structure.
The applicant also seeks to encroach on the city right-of-way of Niagara
Street by constructing a glass and masonry vestibule which will provide access
for people with handicapping conditions, pursuant to state law. The proposed
vestibule will measure 8 feet by 50 feet, or 400 square feet in area, and will
encroach 8 feet in the right-of-way.
The site is located in a C2 zone which permits such expansion. Although
in the Coastal Review District the intended use has no relationship to the
Niagara River. The proper vestibule encroachment will not impede pedestrian
traffic, since the structure will leave approximately 12 feet of clear sidewalk
between it and the curb. Under S.E.Q.R., the proposed development is
considered an unlisted action which may be studied through uncoordinated
review.
The Planning Board voted to approve the proposed work on the condition
that the Department of Public Works reviews the proposed encroachment pursuant
to local ordinances.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 5
Buffalo White G.M.C. Inc.
Request to place an accessory pole sign at 271 Dingens St.
Item No. 105, C.C.P., March 31, 1992.
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held Tuesday, April
7, 1992, considered the above application pursuant to Section 387-19 of the
Buffalo Code, the Review of Pole Signs.
The applicant seeks to erect an illuminated, accessory, pole sign which
will have a significant area of 137 square feet (11 feet 6 inches by 11 feet 6
inches) and an overall height of 35 feet.
The sign will be located in an HI zone which permits accessory signage of
this size and type. Under S.E.Q.R., the proposed sign is considered a Type II
action which does not require further environmental review.
The Planning Board voted to approve the sign as presented.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 6
Atlantic Richfield Co. -
Request to erect a pole sign at
1390 Delaware Ave.
Item No. 106, C.C.P., March 31, 1992.
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held Tuesday, April
7, 1992 considered the above application pursuant to Section 387-19 of the
Buffalo Code, Review of Pole Signs.
The applicant seeks to erect an illuminated, accessory, pole sign with a
sign face area of 109 square feet (8 feet 2 inches by 13 feet 7 inches). The
site is located in a C1 zone which permits such accessory signs (see Section
219, 4 of the Buffalo Code).
Under S.E.Q.R.
, the proposed sign is considered a Type II action which does not require further
environmental review.
The Planning Board voted to approve the proposed sign.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 7
Atlantic Richfield Co. - Request to place a pole sign
at 761 E. Delavan
Item No. 107, C.C.P., March 31, 1992
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held Tuesday, April
7, 1992, considered the above application pursuant to Section 387-19 of the
Buffalo Code, Review of Pole Signs.
The applicant seeks to erect an illuminated, accessory, pole sign with a
sign face area of 109 square feet (8 feet 2 inches by 13 feet 7 inches). The
site is located in a C1 zone which permits such accessory signs (see Section
219, 4 of the Buffalo Code).
Under S.E.Q.R., the proposed sign is considered a Type II action which
does not require further environmental review.
The Planning Board voted to approve the proposed sign.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 8
Atlantic Richfield Co. - Request
to place a pole sign at
1266 E. Delavan Avenue.
Item No. 108, CCP., March 31, 1992.
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held Tuesday, April
7, 1992, considered the above application pursuant to Section 387-19 of the
Buffalo Code, Review of Pole Signs.
The applicant seeks to erect an illuminated, accessory, pole sign with a
sign face area of 109 square feet (8 feet 2 inches by 13 feet 7 inches). The
site is located in a C2 zone which permits such accessory signs (see Section
217, 4 of the Buffalo Code).
Under S.E.Q.R., the proposed sign is considered a Type II action which
does not require further environmental review.
The Planning Board voted to approve the proposed sign.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 9
Atlantic Richfield Co. - Request to place a pole sign at
1490-1500 Fillmore Avenue.
Item No. 109, C.C.P., March 31, 1992.
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held Tuesday, April,
7, 1992, considered the above application pursuant to Section 387-19 of the
Buffalo Code, Review of Pole Signs
The applicant seeks to erect an illuminated, accessory, pole sign with a
sign face area of 109 square feet (8 feet 2 inches by 13 feet 7 inches). The
site is located in a C2 zone which permits such accessory signs (see Section
217, 4 of the Buffalo Code).
Under S.E.Q.R., the proposed sign is considered a Type II action which
does not require further environmental review.
The Planning Board voted to approve the proposed sign.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 10
Atlantic Richfield Co. - Request to place a pole sign at
1981 Fillmore Avenue.
Item No. 110, C.C.P., March 31, 1992.
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held Tuesday, April
7, 1992, considered the above application pursuant to Section 387-19 of the
Buffalo Code, Review of Pole Signs.
The applicant seeks to erect an illuminated accessory pole sign with a
sign face area of 109 square feet (8 feet 2 inches by 13 feet 7 inches). The
site is located in a C1 zone which permits such accessory signs (see Section
219, 4 of the Buffalo Code).
Under S.E.Q.R., the proposed sign is considered a Type II action which
does not require further environmental review.
The Planning Board voted to approve the proposed sign.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 11
Atlantic Richfield - Request to place a pole sign at
855 Sycamore Street.
Item No. 111, C.C.P., March 31, 1992.
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held Tuesday, April
7, 1992, considered the above application pursuant to Section 387-19 of the
Buffalo Code, Review of Pole Signs.
The applicant seeks to erect an illuminated accessory pole sign with a
sign face area of 109 square feet (8 feet 2 inches by 13 feet 7 inches). The
site is located in a C2 zone which permits such accessory signs (see Section
219, 4 of the Buffalo Code).
Under S.E.Q.R., the proposed sign is considered a Type II action which
does not require further environmental review.
The Planning Board voted to approve the proposed sign.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 12
F. O'Connell - Request to erect a one-story storage building
at an existing junk yard.
Item No. 90, C.C.P., March 3, 1992.
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held Tuesday, April
7, 1992, considered the above application pursuant to Section 511-67 of the
Buffalo Code, the Buffalo Coastal Special Review District.
The applicant seeks to construct a steel accessory building at the site
of an existing junk yard. The proposed one-story building would measure 24
feet by 51 feet (1224 square feet of gross floor area).
The site is underlain by M2 zoning which permits the expansion of such
uses . The Junk yard operation is not a water related use. Moreover, no part
of the proposed building or the existing yard has shoreline access.
Consequently, the provision of a 25-foot "yard" along the shoreline is not
applicable in this instance.
Concerns arose over the site's proximity to two inactive hazardous waste
sites (Mobile Oil and the McNaughton Brooks sites). Given this, the applicant
provided the Board with copies of a soil analysis of the building site which
concluded that the property was "free of contamination of the most commonly
found pollutants." Under S.E.Q.R., therefore, the matter may be considered an
unlisted action which may be studied through uncoordinated review.
The Planning Board voted to approve the proposed accessory building as
submitted.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 13
V. Buscemi - Request to place a sidewalk cafe awning and sign which will
encroach the right-of-way of Vest Chippewa St. (corner 206 S. Elmwood)
Item No. 39, C.C.P., March 31, 1992.
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held Tuesday, April
7, 1992, considered the above request pursuant to Sections 413-59 (sidewalk
Cafes) and 513-67 (Encroachments on the Right-of-Way).
The applicant seeks to place a 32 seat sidewalk cafe which will measure
42 feet in length and 9 1/2 feet at its widest point. The cafe will be
delineated by a metal railing and covered by an awning. An accessory sign is
also proposed for the building. The sign will be non illuminated and will
measure approximately 1 foot 3 inches by 2 feet (2.5 square feet) in an oval
configuration which will be mounted at a 90 degree angle to the building. All
of the cafe will encroach in the right-of-way at Vest Chippewa Street.
The site is located in the RR Downtown zone which encourages such uses
and is also in the West Village Historic Preservation District. In this vein,
the proposed cafe and sign have been approved by the Buffalo Preservation Board
which reviewed the cafe under S.E.Q.R. Moreover, the Department of Public Works
has also reviewed and approved the proposed cafe.
Consequently, the Planning Board voted to approve the proposed sidewalk
cafe, awning, and sign as presented herein with the following conditions:
1. that no trash receptacles be placed on the cafe,
2. that no music be played in the cafe area, and
3. that the cafe be opened no later than 11:00 pm. daily.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 14
H. Ngo - Request to encroach in right-of-way of
1059 Grant St. with a sign.
Item No. 40, C.C.P., March 31, 1992.
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held Tuesday, April
7, 1992, considered the above request pursuant to Section 413-67 of the Buffalo
Code, Review of Right-of-Way Encroachments.
The applicant seeks to place a 3 foot 6 inch by 2 foot 6 inch accessory
sign (8 square feet in area) which will be installed at right angles to the
building face. The proposed sign will encroach in the right-of-way by 3 bet 6
inches.
The site is located in a C2 zone which permits such signs. Under
S.E.Q.R., the proposed sign is considered a Type II Action which does not
require further environmental review.
The Department of Public Works has reviewed the sign and has no objection
to the issuance of a "mere license" for the sign. Consequently, the Planning
Board voted to approve the proposed encroachment.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 15
B.E.D.C.- Request to delete
properties from the purchase list.
Item No. 74, C.C.P., March 3, 1992.
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held Tuesday, April
7, 1992, considered the above request pursuant to Section 317.1 of the City
Charter, Referable Matters to the City Planning Board.
The Buffalo Enterprise Development Corporation has requested that Your
Honorable Body delete 85 of 209 vacant parcels earmarked for commercial
development. Their reason for this request is that in B.E.D.C.'s opinion, the
sites are not marketable for commercial development. B.E.D.C. further suggests
that the released sites should be considered for rezoning by Your Honorable
Body to "one family zoning" in order to protect new housing planned for the
future.
The Planning Board has no objection to the release of the 85 vacant lots,
but the Board recommends that no rezonings be undertaken at this time. Once a
clearer picture of the development scenario is known, Your Honorable Body would
be in a better position to determine the proper zoning for the sites in
question.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 16
Main Seneca Corp. - Request to place a non accessory sign at 270 Michigan.
Item No. 103, C.C.P., March 3, 1992.
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held Tuesday, April
7, 1992, considered the above application pursuant 'to Section 387-19 of the
Buffalo Code, the Review of Billboard Signs.
The applicant seeks to place a non illuminated billboard sign on the wall
of an existing five-story masonry office/factory building. The proposed sign
will have a face area of 669 square feet.
The site is located in the Sign Control Overlay Review District which
prohibits non accessory signs.
The Planning Board voted to deny the requested non accessory sign since
it is not permitted in the district.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
FROM THE BUFFALO PRESERVATION BOARD
No. 17
Environmental Impact Statement
Statement of Findings
Buffalo Zoological Gardens
Expanded Elephant Habitat
Olmsted Parks/Parkways Historic District
Pursuant to Article 8 (State Environmental Quality Review Act
- SEQR) of the Environmental Conservation Law and NYCRR Part 617, the Buffalo
Preservation Board, acting as lead agency, is filing the attached Findings
Statement with your office in accordance with Section 617.10(2) (iv), attached.
If you have any questions, please contact the Board Secretary at ext.
5071/5029.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
FROM THE COMPTROLLER
No. 18
CERTIFICATE OF NECESSITY
TRANSFER OF FUNDS
APPROPRIATION ALLOTMENTS - EXEMPT ITEMS
DIVISION OF BUILDINGS
We, James D. Griffin, Mayor and Joel A. Giambra, Comptroller,
do hereby certify, pursuant to Section 42 of the Charter, that it is necessary
that the sum of $2,695 be transferred and reappropriated from various accounts
in Appropriation Allotments - Exempt Items, as set forth below:
The amounts to be transferred are unexpended balances of items contained
in the budget for the current fiscal year and will not be needed at this time
for the purpose for which they were appropriated.
DATED: BUFFALO, NEW YORK, APRIL 9, 1992
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 19
CERTIFICATE OF NECESSITY
TRANSFER OF FUNDS
CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND
DIVISION OF BUDGET & MANAGEMENT
DIVISION OF BUILDINGS
We, James D. Griffin, Mayor and Joel A. Giambra, Comptroller,
do hereby certify, pursuant to Section 42 of the Charter, that it is necessary
that the sum of $19,700 be transferred and reappropriated from various accounts
in Capital Projects Fund - Division of Budget & Management, as set forth below:
The amounts to be transferred are unexpended balances of items contained
in the budget for the current fiscal year and will not be needed at this time
for the purpose for which they were appropriated.
DATED: BUFFALO, NEW YORK, APRIL 9, 1992
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 20
CERTIFICATE OF NECESSITY
TRANSFER OF FUNDS
CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND
DIVISION OF BUDGET & MANAGEMENT
DIVISION OF BUILDINGS
We, James D. Griffin, Mayor and Joel A. Giambra, Comptroller,
do hereby certify, pursuant to Section 42 of the Charter, that it is necessary
that the sum of $30,000 be transferred and reappropriated from various accounts
in Capital Projects Fund -Division of Budget & Management, as set forth below:
The amounts to be transferred are unexpended balances of items contained
in the budget for the current fiscal year and will not be needed at this time
for the purpose for which they were appropriated.
DATED: BUFFALO, NEW YORK, MARCH 27, 1992
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 21
INCREASED APPROPRIATION
APPROPRIATION ALLOTMENTS -
RESERVED FUND BALANCE
DEPARTMENT OF LAW
We, James D. Griffin, Mayor and Joel A. Giambra, Comptroller,
do hereby certify, pursuant to Section 41 of the Charter, that an increase in
the sum of $30,000 in the estimates for the fiscal year beginning July l, 1991
is necessary in Appropriation Allotments - Department of Law to meet a
contingency which could not have been reasonably foreseen when the budget was
adopted.
The amount of increased appropriation will be met from 100-890-050 - Fund
Balance Reserve for Capital Budget Appropriations not otherwise appropriated
for any other purpose. The detail of the requirements are set forth below:
DATED: BUFFALO, NEW YORK, MARCH 26, 1992
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 22
Certificate of Necessity Increased Appropriation New York State Revenue
Division of Substance Abuse Services
We, James D. Griffin, Mayor and Joel A. Giambra, Comptroller,
do hereby certify, pursuant to Section 41 of the Charter, that an increase in
the sum of $42,465 in the estimates for the fiscal year beginning, July 1, 1991
is necessary in Appropriation Allotments - Division of Substance Services to
meet a contingency which could not have been reasonably foreseen when the
budget was adopted. The amount of increased appropriation will be met from an
increase in the General Fund - New York State Revenue account 100-504-403-85153
- Asset Forfeiture not otherwise appropriated for any other purpose. The detail
of the requirements are set forth below:
DATED: BUFFALO, NEW YORK, APRIL 9, 1992
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 23
Comptroller's Appointment
Board of Directors - B-CAM
Buffalo Cable Access Media
This communication will serve as my reappointment of Cheryl Jackson
to the Board of Directors of B-CAM (Buffalo Cable Access Media) for a three (3)
year term.
Ms. Jackson is currently the Executive Director of Squeaky Wheel/Buffalo
Media Resources, Inc., as well as a teaching artist in Video for the
Arts-in-Education Institute of Western New York, and a video artist. It is
because of Ms. Jackson's experience in the independent media field, both as an
administrator and an artist, that I feel she is qualified to accept a position
on the Board of B-CAM. The programs at Squeaky Wheel, such as workshop
instruction and equipment access, are very similar to the kinds of training and
access programs B-CAM will be setting up. I am confident that Ms. Jackson will
be able to assist greatly in the planning and implementation of these programs.
Furthermore, I feel that her experience and contacts relating to community
outreach will also be of help in formulating plans in that area.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 24
Comptroller's Appointments
Citizens Salary Review Commission
Pursuant to the powers vested in me by Article 24, Section 452-A
of the Charter of the City of Buffalo, as amended by Local Law No. 5 (1979), I
hereby appoint the below listed persons as members of the Citizens Salary
Review Commission:
NAME ADDRESS EXPIRATION DATE
Sergio Fornasiero 164 Rivermist Dr. December 31, 1993
Eunice A. Wozniak 508 Connecticut St. December 31, 1994
Lester G. Sconiers 1889 Hertel Avenue December 31, 1992
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 25
Lease Negotiations for
Cazenovia Park Casino
Item # 183, C.C.P. 3/17/92
The above item has been referred to the Office of the Comptroller
for review.
The resolution would authorize the Commissioner of Public Works to
negotiate a lease with Parker Bay Consultants at the renovated Casino in
Cazenovia Park. The terms of the lease should include: operation of a food and
beverage concession; fee schedules for rentals; guarantee available dates for
Friends of Cazenovia Casino and other non-profit organizations; and outline a
general operating plan.
The Casino is a public building and the Commissioner of Public Works is
authorized to' enter into a lease agreement for this facility.
I fully support and recommend that Your Honorable Body approve the
Resolution by Mr. Higgins.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 26
Advisory on Impending Cash Shortages
On Tuesday, April 7, 1992, at a special meeting, Your Honorable
Body failed to pass, and in fact tabled, the $17+ million Certificate of
Necessity and the respective Authorizing Budget Deficit Note Resolutions.
These resolutions would have provided the necessary appropriations to pay
salary and non-salary costs through June 30, 1992 for the respective
departments and divisions (DPT/DIVS) of the City of Buffalo.
Once again, I apprise Your Honorable Body that further delay will force
me to comply with City Charter sections 43, 44, and 45 (copy attached) by
returning "without action" any claim submitted for payment for which an
appropriation is insufficient.
I will be filing as an addendum an updated projection of when DPT/DIVS
will exhaust their salary appropriations. At that time, you will note that
some DPTS/DIVS will exhaust their appropriations as early as April, 1992, and
others at June 30, 1992.
If there is to be no disruption in vital City services such as Police and
Fire protection and support services, Your Honorable Body needs to immediately
implement one of the following:
1) Passage of both the Certificate of Necessity and Budget Deficit Note
resolutions presently before the Common Council
2) Direct the Budget Office to Reallocate/Transfer Funds presently contained
in the budget
3) Passage of alternative resolutions identifying other revenue sources or
expenditure cuts.
I cannot overemphasize the need for immediate action by Your Honorable
Body. Inaction will lead to employees not receiving their respective payroll
checks as a result of insufficient appropriations.
I trust that Your Honorable Body will undertake the prudent course of
action and approve one of the above alternatives. I and my staff will remain
available to meet with you and whomever else you deem advisable.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 27
Sale of Hurd Computer
As instructed by the City Auditor, l am informing you of the advertisement
and high bid for "used computer equipment" which the Comptroller office is
responsible for disposing of upon completion of the Hurd Payment Process.
Item 1
National ad was seen in Computerworld for the Prime computer and peripheral
hardware.
Item 2
High bid was received from Revacomp Inc., Houston Texas for $7,000. Three other
lower bids were received (see attached).
The equipment is not reusable for the City of Buffalo for the following
reasons:
(1) Maintenance cost for the system of $21,640 per year.
(2) Proprietary Operating System called "PICK" which is not known by City
employees and is not "Open" or user friendly as MSDOS.
(3) Software will have to be repurchased for transfer out of the city for
$35,800. to a outside vendor.
(Attachment)
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND THE CORPORATION COUNSEL.
No. 28
Renewal Option
Lease Agreement between
the City of Buffalo
and S. M. Flickinger Company, Inc.
Pursuant to Item # 153, C.C.P. October 4, 1983, Your Honorable
Body authorized the leasing of 416 Kenmore Avenue, 8' x 210' parcel, to S. M.
Flickinger Company, Inc. This lease agreement ran for a five year term
commencing October 1st, 1983 to September 30th, 1988, with one year renewal
options.
This office has received a request from Mr. William T. Bishop, President
of the Scrivner, Regional Office/Flickinger Group requesting to exercise their
option to renew said lease for an additional one year period as stated in
provision 9 of their lease agreement. The lessee has fully satisfied provision
9 and has complied with all other provisions and terms of the lease.
The renewal will commence on October 1st, 1992 and expire on September
30th, 1993.
This Office recommends Your Honorable Body's authorization to allow S.
M.. Flickinger Company, Inc. to exercise their option to renew for the property
known as 416 Kenmore Avenue and that the Mayor be authorized to execute such
lease renewal agreement upon its approval as to form by the Law Department.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Comptroller, dated April 1, 1992, be
received and filed; and
That the Comptroller be, and he hereby is authorized to prepare a lease
renewal agreement to allow S.M. Flickinger to exercise its' option to renew for
property known as 416 Kenmore Avenue; and
That the Mayor be, and he hereby is authorized to execute such lease
renewal agreement upon its approval as to form by the Law Department.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 29
Permission to Negotiate
86 Herman, W 537.25' S
Sycamore
Vacant Lot Size: 30' x 132'
Assessed Valuation: $900
The Office of the Comptroller, Division of Real Estate, has received
a request from Ms. Juanita Smith of 90 Herman Street, Buffalo, New York to
purchase the above captioned property.
Ms. Smith would like to purchase this property for gardening and extra
yard space. The Department of Inspections and Community Revitalization and the
the Department of Community Development have been contacted and they have no
objections to this sale. The Tax and Demolition Lien Offices were contacted
and there are no outstanding taxes and/or demolition liens owing to the City of
Buffalo.
This office, therefore, is requesting that we be permitted to negotiate a
private sale on the above mentioned property and report back to Your Honorable
Body the results of negotiations.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Comptroller dated April 2, 1992, be
received and filed; and
That the Comptroller be, and he hereby is authorized to negotiate with
Ms. Juanita Smith residing at 90 Herman Street, Buffalo, New York, for the
private sale of 86 Herman Street, Buffalo, New York, and report to this
Honorable Body the results of such negotiations.
ADOPTED.
No. 30
Permission to Negotiate
129 Ivy, E 145.22' S Genesee
Vacant Land: 31' x 109'
Assessed Valuation:
Land: $900
Total: $11,500
The Office of the Comptroller, Division of Real Estate, has received
a request from Mr. Paul J. O'Brien, 41 Woodview Avenue, Hamburg, New York to
purchase the above captioned property.
Mr. O'Brien would like to purchase this property in order to renovate and
use as rental income.
The Tax and Demolition Lien Offices were contacted and there are no
outstanding taxes and/or demolition liens owing to the City of Buffalo.
This office, therefore, is requesting that we be permitted to negotiate a
private sale for the above mentioned property and report back to Your Honorable
Body the results of negotiations.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 31
Permission to Negotiations
37 Marvin, E N Corner Fulton
Vacant Land: 30' x 50'
Assessed Valuation: $1,500
The Office of the Comptroller, Division of Real Estate, has received
a request from Mr. John Loughran of 69 Fulton Street, Buffalo, New York to
purchase the above captioned property.
Mr. Loughran would like to purchase this property, which is across the
street from his business, for off-street parking purposes.
The Departments of Inspections and Community Revitalization and Community
Development have been contacted and they have no objections to this sale.
This office, therefore, is requesting that we be permitted to negotiate a
private sale for the above mentioned property and report back to Your Honorable
Body the results of negotiations.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Comptroller dated April 6, 1992, be
received and filed; and
That the Comptroller be, and he hereby is authorized to negotiate with
John Loughran residing at 69 Fulton Street, Buffalo, New York, for the private
sale of 37 Marvin Street, Buffalo, New York, and report to this Honorable Body
the results of such negotiations.
ADOPTED.
No. 32
Permission to Negotiate
26 Moselle, W 277' N Walden
Vacant Lot Size: 30' x 106'
Assessed Valuation: $800
The Office of the Comptroller, Division of Real Estate, has received
a request from Mr. Robert Lee Prim of 24 Moselle Street, Buffalo, New York to
purchase the above captioned property.
Mr. Prim would like to purchase this property, which is next to his home,
in order to erect a garage and blacktop a driveway. The Department of
Inspections and Community Revitalization and the Department of Community
Development have been contacted and they have no objections to this sale,
providing the proper permit is obtained. The Tax and Demolition Lien Offices
were contacted and there are no outstanding taxes and/or demolition liens owing
to the City of Buffalo.
This office, therefore, is requesting that we be permitted to negotiate a
private sale on the above mentioned property and report back to Your Honorable
Body the results of negotiations.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Comptroller dated April 3, 1992, be
received and filed; and
That the Comptroller be, and he hereby is authorized to negotiate with
Robert Lee Prim residing at 24 Moselle Street, Buffalo, New York, for the
private sale of 26 Moselle Street, Buffalo, New York, and report to this
Honorable Body the results of such negotiations.
ADOPTED.
No. 33
Permission to Negotiate 102 Shumway, W 351.72' N William
Vacant Land: 30' x 105'
Assessed Valuation:
Land: $ 800
Total: $ 1,500
The Office of the Comptroller, Division of Real Estate, has received
a request from Mr. Frederick Jenkins of 48 Devonshire Road, Tonawanda, New York
to purchase the above captioned property.
Mr. Jenkins would like to purchase this property in order to renovate and
allow his two brothers to reside there.
The Tax and Demolition Lien Offices were contacted and there are no
outstanding taxes and/or demolition liens owing to the City of Buffalo.
This office, therefore, is requesting that we be permitted to negotiate a
private sale for the above mentioned property and report back to Your Honorable
Body the results of negotiations.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 34
Permission to Negotiate
69 Verplanck, E 220.50' S
Woodlawn
Vacant Lot : 26.25' x 100'
Assessed Valuation: $900
The Office of the Comptroller, Division of Real Estate, has received
a request from Mr. George Tyler of 57 Verplanck, Buffalo, New York to purchase
the above captioned property.
Mr. Tyler would like to purchase 69 Verplanck in order to combine this
vacant lot with his property at 73 Verplanck. The Department of Inspections
and Community Revitalization and the Department of Community Development have
been contacted and they have no objections to this sale. The Tax and
Demolition Lien Offices were contacted and there are no outstanding taxes
and/or demolition liens owing to the City of Buffalo.
This office, therefore, is requesting that we be permitted to negotiate a
private sale on the above mentioned property and report back to Your Honorable
Body the results of negotiations.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Comptroller dated April 2, 1992, be
received and filed; and
That the Comptroller be, and he hereby is authorized to negotiate with
George Tyler residing at 57 Verplanck, Buffalo, New York, for the private sale
of 69 Verplanck, Buffalo, New York, and report to this Honorable Body the
results of such negotiations.
ADOPTED.
No. 35
Results of Negotiations
833 Ferry East, S 173.30' W Kehr
Vacant Lot: 31' x 103'
Assessed Valuation: $900
The Office of the Comptroller, Division of Real Estate, received
an offer from Mr. John R. Jackson, 846 Woodlawn Avenue, Buffalo, New York
14211, to purchase the above captioned property. Mr. Jackson originally
requested 831 and 833 East Ferry which adjoins his property at the rear. Mr.
Jackson intends to improve this property with a one car garage.
We attempted to have the properties released for private sale from
various City Departments. Inspections & Community Revitalization requested
that the properties be held for new housing. Several weeks ago Mr. Jackson and
this office received a letter from Inspections & Community Revitalization
releasing 833 East Ferry. 831 East Ferry will be used, and developed along
with 825 and 829 East Ferry for new housing.
Mr. Jackson submitted an appraisal of the property from Dennis R. Walker,
Appraiser, Able Appraisal Associates, 2560 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo, New York
14215. They have estimated the property at Eleven Hundred Dollars ($1,100).
This represents approximately .33 a square foot. The Division of Real Estate
concurs with the appraisers estimate of value.
The results of our negotiations are that Mr. John R. Jackson has agreed
and is prepared to pay Eleven Hundred ($1,100) for the above captioned
property. He has also agreed to pay for the cost of appraisal, transfer tax,
recording fees and cost of the legal description.
Therefore, I am recommending that Your Honorable Body approve the offer
of Mr. John R. Jackson in the amount of Eleven Hundred Dollars ($1,100). I am
further recommending that Your Honorable Body authorize the Mayor to execute
the necessary documents for the transfer of title.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the above communication from the Comptroller, dated April 8, 1992,
be received and filed; and
That the offer of John R. Jackson of 846 Woodlawn Avenue, Buffalo, New
York, in the sum of Eleven Hundred Dollars ($1,100) to purchase: 833 Ferry
East, Buffalo, New York, be and hereby is accepted; and
That the recording fees, transfer tax, appraisal and cost of legal
description will be paid by the purchaser; and
That the Mayor be, and he hereby is, authorized to execute a deed, and
the Comptroller be authorized to deliver the same, in accordance with the terms
of sale upon which the bid was submitted.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 36
Results of Negotiations 235 Lord, E 25' N Pink
Vacant lot: 25' x 100' Assessed Valuation: $700
Item #13, C.C.P. 11/12/91
In the above referenced item Your Honorable Body authorized the
Office of the Comptroller, Division of Peal Estate, to negotiate a private sale
with Mr. Jesse Carmichael of 237 lord, Buffalo, New York, to purchase the above
captioned property. Mr. Carmichael intends to expend his yard area for the new
home that he has just constructed adjoining this property.
Incidentally, Mr. Carmichael is an employee of the City of Buffalo,
employed in the Division of Human Resources, and has followed all procedures
required for the purchase of property through a private sale.
An independent appraisal of the property was submitted by Dennis R.
Walker, Appraiser, Able Appraisal Associates, 43 St. Paul Street, Buffalo, New
York 14209.
He has estimated the fair market value of the property to be Seven Hundred
Dollars ($700). The sale price represents approximately .28 a square foot.
The Division of Peal Estate concurs with the appraisers estimate of value.
The results of our negotiations are that Mr. Carmichael has agreed and is
prepared to pay Seven Hundred Dollars ($700) for the subject property. He has
also agreed to pay for the cost of appraisal, transfer tax, recording fees and
cost of the legal description.
Therefore, I am recommending that Your Honorable Body approve the sale of
235 lord Street to Jesse J. Carmichael, 237 Lord Street, in the amount of Seven
Hundred Dollars ($700). I am further recommending that Your Honorable Body
authorize the Mayor to sign the necessary documents for the transfer of this
property.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the above communication from the Comptroller, dated April 9, 1992,
be received and filed; and
That the offer of Jesse Carmichael of 237 Lord, Buffalo, New York, in the
sum of Seven Hundred Dollars ($700) to purchase: 235 Lord, Buffalo, New York,
be and hereby is accepted; and
That the recording fees, transfer tax, appraisal and cost of legal
description will be paid by the purchaser; and
That the Mayor be, and he hereby is, authorized to execute a deed, and
the Comptroller be authorized to deliver the same, in accordance with the terms
of sale upon which the bid was submitted.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 37
Results of Negotiations
1405 Michigan, E 104' N Utica
Vacant Lot: 25' x 100'
Assessed Valuation: $900
Item # 10. C.C.P. 1/7/92
In the above referenced Item Your Honorable Body authorized the
Office of the Comptroller, Division of Real Estate, to negotiate a private sale
with Mr. David Adams, 1399 Michigan Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14209. Mr. Adams
intends to purchase and improve this vacant lot in order to construct a garage.
An independent appraisal of the property was conducted by Mr. Dennis
Walker, Able Appraisals Associates, 43 St. Paul Street, Buffalo, New York
14209. He has estimated the fair market value of the property to be Eleven
Hundred Dollars ($1,100). This represents about .45 a square foot. The
Division of Real Estate has investigated the sales of similar properties in the
area. Sales prices range from .19 a square foot to .77 a square foot. The
Division of Real Estate concurs with the appraisers estimate of value
The results of our negotiations are that Mr. Adams has agreed and is
prepared to pay One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) for the property. He has also
agreed to pay for the cost of appraisal, transfer tax, recording fees and cost
of the legal description.
Therefore, I am recommending that Your Honorable Body approve the sale of
1405 Michigan Avenue, to Mr. David Adams in the amount of One Thousand Dollars
($1,000). I further recommend that Your Honorable Body authorize the Mayor to
execute the deed for the transfer of the property.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 38
Report of Audit
Kleinhans Music Hall Management Inc.
In response to the directive requiring the Comptroller to file
audit reports with the Common Council, I hereby submit copies of the Kleinhans
Music Hall Management, Inc. audit report for the fiscal year ended June 30,
1991.
We recommend that Kleinhans Music Hall Management, Inc. maintain separate
ledgers and journals for the Operating and Capital Reserve Funds.
Our report has also noted that it is incumbent upon the City to budget an
annual appropriation to meet the funding requirements of Kleinhans Music Hall
Management, Inc, for the general support of operations and maintenance relative
to the conditional waiver of Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra rentals.
Please note that subsequent to the completion of our audit work, a claim, filed
by Kleinhans Music Hall Management, Inc., and totalling $140,975.00 for the
total rentals due from the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1991, remains in abeyance.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND KLEINHANS MUSIC HALL.
No. 39
Negotiate Sale 469 Parker
C.C.P. 3/17/92, Item # 151
The above item has been referred to the Comptroller's Office for
a response. The item is a resolution authorizing the Director of Real Estate to
enter into negotiations for the sale of a 9' x 30' portion of a City
Right-Of-Way.
The home at 469 Parker is located at the South East Corner of Parker and
Parkside. The City Right-Of-Way extends east and west along the south side of
Parkside Avenue. The former owner of the property erected a fence in the City
Right-Of-Way and now wishes to purchase this parcel in order to abate a title
problem.
As your Honorable Body is aware the City Charter states "the Common
Council may by 2/3-votes of all the members elected thereto authorize the sale
of 'real property acquired by the City for public use, which has not been
appropriated thereto, or the use of which for such purpose has been abandoned".
Since this is a request to purchase a City Right-Of-Way, which may
involve utility easements and/or future use by the City, recommendations as to
whether or not to abandon and sell should come from the Department of Public
Works and the City Planning Board.
Should Your Honorable Body authorize the abandonment this Office will
dispose of this property in accordance with Article 27, Section 514 of the City
Charter. The purchaser will be required to petition Supreme Court for the
appointment of two appraisers to establish the value of the City's interest in
the abandoned portion. After the value has been established and a report filed
by the appraisers with the County Clerk's Office, the results are then
transmitted to Your Honorable Body for approval.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF ASSESSMENT
No. 40
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment to become effective March 26, 1992 in the Department
of Assessment David J. Adamski, 703 Smith St., Buffalo NY 14206 to the Position
of Sr. Tax Clerk, Temporary at the starting salary of $21,042
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
No. 41
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment to become effective April 2, 1992 in the Department
of Assessment, Rachelle Malek. 147 Hartwell Rd., Buffalo, NY 14216 to the
position of Associate Tax Clerk, Permanent at the starting salary of $25,957.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
No. 42
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment to become effective March 26, 1992 in the Department
of Assessment, Robert J. Quinn, 723 McKinley Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14220 to the
position of Principal Assessor, Provisional at the starting salary of $37,029.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS
No. 43
Extension of Time on Contract New Electric service
Delaware Park Casino, Buffalo, New York
In accordance with the terms of the contract between the City
of Buffalo and Weydman Electric, Inc. the work should have been completed by
December 12, 1991.
Due to poor weather conditions this contractor could not complete the work of
this project on time. This is the first extension of time on this project.
I have granted an extension of time to May 30, 1992 to Weydman Electric, Inc.
to complete the work of their contract.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 44
Monthly Report of Licenses Issued March 1992
I am respectfully submitting the enclosed report of licenses issued
in the month of March 1992 by the Division of License.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 45
Elevator Safety Review Board Appointment--Bernard W. Cryan
On our April 6, 1992 Elevator Safety Review Board meeting, we
appointed Mr. Bernard W. Cryan to be a representative of the insurance
industry.
Mr. Cryan is an Insurance Broker for 22 years at Lawley Service, Inc., 120
Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 46
Elevator Review Board Member Appointment- Steven D. Parks
At our January 6, 1992 Elevator Review Board Meeting, Mr. Steven
D. Parks had been appointed as a Board Member to represent B.O.M.A. (Builders
and Owners Management Association).
Mr. Parks is a Building Manager at Koll Management Services, One Marine
Midland Center, Suite 3100, Buffalo, NY 14203.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 47
Rename a Portion of Bailey Avenue North of Seneca Street
Item # 29, CCP March 3, 1992
This is in reply to your letter of March 23, 1992 regarding the
above mentioned subject. Councilmember Norman Bakos has informed the district
assessor, Andy Satyshur, that he is in favor of renaming that portion of Bailey
Avenue In question as Mergenhagen Street.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 48
New York State Thruway Authority I-190 Niagara Thruway Reconstruction From M.P.
N 6.6 to M.P.N 10.8
The New York State Thruway Authority is requesting Your Honorable
Body to authorize the Authority to utilize the below listed City Streets to
facilitate traffic flow during the construction phase of the above mentioned
project:
A. Niagara Street from Carolina Street to Ontario Street
B. Porter Avenue from Niagara Street to Moore Drive
I have attached a copy of the Authority's suggested resolution for your
approval.
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND THE NEW
YORK THRUWAY AUTHORITY.
No. 49
Fees for Environmental Reviews
Item No. 165, C.C.P. 3/31/92
The above referenced item has been sent to this Department for
review and comment.
Please be advised that we look forward to the draft ordinance amendment from
the Law Department and will comment further after reviewing the draft.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON BUDGET.
No. 50
Emergency Repair of Sewer Broadway Market 999 Broadway
Please be advised that the Broadway Market Management Corp. declared
an emergency and called in Joseph Carino Plumbing & Heating Inc., 419 Auburn
Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14213, to excavate, clear, and repair a sewer which
was severely clogged with grease. This emergency was declared because sewer
water was backing up into the market area and creating an unhealthy and
unsanitary condition. Work commenced on 9/27/91 and was completed by 10/29/91.
Total time and material for this work was $3,638.20.
The aforementioned repair cost is fair and equitable and funds are available in
the Division of Buildings for this project.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND BUFFALO SEWER AUTHORITY.
No. 51
2133 Genesee St. requests permission to install awning
within city right of way
Mr. Richard Suchan of Buffalos Expert Service Technician Inc.
(B.E.S.T.), located at 2133 Genesee Street, has requested permission to install
an awning which would encroach city right of way at said address.
The proposed awning would measure thirty-three feet in length. four feet
in height. and project two feet from the building face into city right of way.
The Department of Public works has reviewed Mr. Suchan's application
pursuant to Chapter 413-56 (Awnings. Canopies and Marquees) of the City
Ordinances and has no objection to your Honorable Body authorizing the
Commissioner of Public Works to issue a "Mere License" for said installation
provided the following conditions are met:
1. That the applicant obtain any and all other City of Buffalo permits
necessary for said installation.
2. That the awning be installed exactly as shown oil plans submitted to and
approved by the Department of Public Works, Division of Buildings.
3. That the applicant supply the City of Buffalo with a five thousand dollar
construction in street bond which will indemnify and save harmless the City of
Buffalo against any and all loss and damage arising out of the construction,
maintenance, use and removal of said awning.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND THE CITY PLANNING BOARD.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF PARKS
No. 52
REPORT OF BIDS - LASALLE PARK CONCESSION
Item # 46, C.C.P. 1/21/92
As authorized by your Honorable Body, this department prepared
plans and specification for the LaSalle Park concession.
Advertisement for proposal was handled by the Division of Purchase.
The March 10, 1992 bids are as follows:
NAME OF BIDDER AMOUNT OF BID
Nelson Sargent $8,888.00
15 Spann Street
Buffalo, NY 14206
Lucian J. Miller $4,444.00
2568 Rte. 39
Collins, NY 14034
I hereby certify that Nelson Sargent was the high bidder for the LaSalle
concession in the amount of $8,888.00.
Attached are copies of the tabulations and bid proposals. Upon your
approval, we will request the Law Department to proceed with drawing up a
contract.
I respectfully request Your Honorable Body approve the awarding of this
concession to the highest responsible bidder.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 53
REPORT OF BIDS - SMALL CRAFT CONCESSION
AT BENNETT BEACH
Item # 38, C.C.P. 2/4/92
As authorized by your Honorable Body, this department prepared
plans and specification for the small craft concession at Bennett Beach.
Advertisement for proposal was handled by the Division of Purchase.
The March 10, 1992 bids are as follows:
NAME OF BIDDER AMOUNT OF BID
4 C's Sailing Center, Inc. $7,600.00
Bruce Cowe
286 Lakeside Avenue
Angola, NY 14006
I hereby certify that 4 C's Sailing Center was the high bidder for the
small craft concession at Bennett Beach in the amount of $7,600.00.
Attached are copies of the tabulations and bid proposals. Upon your
approval, we will request the Law Department to proceed with drawing up a
contract.
I respectfully request Your Honorable Body approve the awarding of this
concession to the highest responsible bidder.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 54
Report of Bids
Citywide Playground Renovations - Phase II
Item No. 69, C.C.P. 3/05/91
I have asked for and received the following proposals for the
Citywide Playground Renovations - Phase II on April 7, 1992.
CONTRACTOR BID
Gleason Nursery $113,597.55
Sicar Construction 123,599.90
Maplewood Construction 133,695.00
Odessa 135,655.00
Nichter 147,000.00
L.C.P. 156,250.00
Birchgrove Landscaping 163,362.00
American Paving 167,400.00
B.D.R., Inc. 176,214.00
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct statement of all bids
received and that Gleason Nursery,, Inc. 4780 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville,
New York 14221 is the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with the plans
and specifications.
I recommend that Your Honorable Body authorize the City to order the work on
the basis of the low bid. Funds for this work are available in a Bond Fund set
aside for this purpose.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND THE COMMISSIONER OF PARKS.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
No. 55
Checks received
Item No. 104, C.C.P. 2/2/88
Per C.C.P. # 104 of February 2,1988, attached hereto please find
copies of the following listed checks:
8155-00090224 $ 2550.00
8155-00090225 $15,045.00
8155-00090226 $13,859.25
8155-00090262 $ 988.55
8155-00090263 $ 1,253.75
8155-00090264 $ 4318.85
8155-00090228 $ 1,1331.18
TOTAL $ 49,346.58
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 56
1991 STOP DWI Program
Item No. 48, C.C.P. July 23, 1991
Please be advised that the 1991 STOP DWI Contract between the
City of Buffalo and the County of Erie has been fully executed. A copy of this
contract is on file with the Office of Administration and Finance, the Division
of Audit and the Division of Administration and Communications within the
Buffalo Police Department.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 57
"TRANSFER JURISDICTION OF M. L. KING PARK ROAD"
(C.C.P. # 42 MARCH 31, 1992)
The Buffalo Police Department has no objection to the turning
over of jurisdiction of the westerly park road/ parking area at Martin Luther
King Jr. Park located between the Science Museum and the Science Magnet school
on the east and the Kensington Expressway on the west.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 58
"IGNORANCE COSTS US MONEY"
(C.C.P. # 150 March 17, 1992)
In regards to Question 13, the following are suggested ways in
which the Police Department could raise revenue:
REPEATED FALSE ALARMS. An ordinance could be enacted requiring all alarms to
be licensed and a fee charged. An extra fee could be charged when Police
respond to an excessive number of alarms.
FINGERPRINTING (Civil). A fee could be charged to finger print persons for
pistol permits and other private purposes. This would require: additional
manpower to provide this service.
RECORDS SEARCH & CLEARANCE LETTERS. The Identification Section is charging
$5.00 and $1.00 fees for certification for record checks. There was no charge
for this service prior to January 28, 1992. From the January date to March 31,
1992, $4,527 has been collected for BPD services.
CALL BACKS FOR NOISY PARTIES, The usual practice is for the police to warn
people the first incident. On a second visit BPD Officers may make an arrest.
For the police to charge a person(s) due to a return call is actually fining
the person(s). The police in this circumstance would be finding a person(s)
guilty and making them pay a fine; an authority that the police do not have.
POLICE REPORTS FOR INSURANCE CLAIMS & OTHER POLICE REPORTS. Fees were and
currently are charged for this service. In 1991, the BPD collected $9,219.90.
From January l, 1992, and the increase in fees on January 28, 1991, $15,602.75
has been collected to March 31, 1992.
SPECIAL PATROL SERVICES. Presently, special patrol is provided by private
detective and private security firms. If the BPD were to engage in this
activity, they would be entering the private security field. The BPD,
situations warranted, do provide special patrols locations considered to be
likely targets for criminals- however this is done without charge.
REPRODUCTION OF POLICE CRIME SCENE PHOTOS & RECORDS IN CRIMINAL DISCOVERY
PROCEEDINGS.
Records in criminal discovery proceedings are almost always subpoenaed without
fee(s) charged. In civil cases, the records are usually under subpoena.
Whether fee(s) could be charged in subpoena civil cases is unknown; a
Corporation Counsel opinion is required. In 1991, The BPD Photography Lab
collected $3,902.00. From January l, 1992, and the increase in fees on January
28, 1992, $1,769.74 has been collected to March 31, 1992.
STRICTLY PRIVATE vs STRICTLY PUBLIC POLICE SERVICES. It can be very difficult
to make a distinction. Could calls regarding Domestic trouble, Harassment,
Check the Welfare, Stranded Motorist, Prowler in yard, Unwelcomed guest and the
like be construed to be "private" since it might be said that they only affect
the person who calls? Any violation of the State Penal Law could be said to be
a public service when investigated by police. These violations are prosecuted
in the name of the People of the State of New York.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND THE CORPORATION COUNSEL.
No. 59
RESPONSE TO 911 CALLS
[ITEM NO. 182, C.C.P, Item 31, 1992)
As per your request, enclosed are a tape of the subject calls
to 911 and a copy of the B.P.D. Manpower Report (Form P-61) for 2330-0730
hours, Wednesday, December 25, 1991.
The procedure is for the 911 Complaint Writer who answers the phone to make out
a complaint card (P-92). The card is then stamped and placed on a conveyor
belt which moves it to an adjoining room in which there are two radio
dispatchers.
Mr. Louis Oshier, the Erie County Coordinator at 911, said he talked to the two
complaint writers that answered the calls. Neither can remember the call in
question.
Every 24 hours, 800 to 1,000 complaint cards are tide out at 911. Many more
calls are answered where there is no card made out for calls for directions,
advice, or calls referred to another City or County agency.
Had the card reached a dispatcher, he presumably would have dispatched the call
to a car as soon as possible. One radio dispatcher noted that they have
children, and they would be very concerned about a call concerning the welfare
of a little child. Three radio dispatchers worked that night. All three have
been interviewed and have made written statements that they do not recall
anything about the calls in question.
At the present time, it has not been possible to determine what happened to the
complaint card and why the call was not dispatched.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
No. 60
"Abandon/Close Beckwith St."
(C.C.P. # 44 March 17, 1992)
The Buffalo Police Department has no objection to the abandonment/closure
of Beckwith Street between Madison Street and Sycamore Street.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE LEGISLATION.
No. 61
"I. Evans-Illegal Repair Shop-495 Hewitt"
(C.C.P. # 90 March 17,1992)
On March 17, 1992, this Department responded to a letter initiated
by Councilmember Archie L. Amos, with a copy furnished Charles Michaux, the
City Clerk. This letter read as follows:
In regards your February 23, 1992 letter concerning illegal car repairs at 495
Hewitt Avenue, I directed Inspector David Caruso to investigate and report on
the content of your letter.
I have been informed that our Police Community Service and Precinct 816
personnel looked into the alleged illegal activity. Officer Patrick Gray, of
Community Services, delivered a Kensington-Bailey Block Club letter to the
occupant of 497 Hewitt (Irving Evans) to assist him in resolving this alleged
problem with the occupant of 495 Hewitt (Mr. Waczkowski).
Officer Gray did not observe any signs of car repairs being done at 495 Hewitt.
Mr. Waczkowski, in a telephone conversation with Officer Gray, denied the
allegation and stated he was not willing to resolve this problem with his
neighbor Mr. Evans.
The City of Buffalo Housing Inspection office also looked into the alleged
activity and observed no sign of car repairs. As the Inspection office does not
work after 4PM, personnel of Precinct 816 were asked to assist in monitoring
this address in the evening hours; the alleged time of illegal activities.
Mr. Evans was advised to document his complaint by calling the 911 system
should this alleged activity continue.
This complaint has not been resolved between the neighbors involved however
Department personnel will continue to monitor this complaint as priorities and
manpower constraints permit.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF FIRE
No. 62
Jurisdiction of the westerly park road/ parking area at Martin Luther King Jr.
Park
Item 1142, C.C.P. 3-31-92
The above subject matter has been referred to this Department
for review and comment. The Fire Department has no objections to the proposal
in transferring jurisdiction of the westerly park road/ parking area at the
Martin Luther King Jr. Park to the Buffalo Board of Education on the following
conditions:
That the road and water/fire hydrants are maintained so as to be accessible to
the Fire Department apparatus for use.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
FROM THE CORPORATION COUNSEL
No. 63
Settlement of Collection Matter City of Buffalo v. Kimberly Buster and Wilson
Brown
On September 2, 1990 a vehicle owned by Kimberly Buster and driven
by Wilson Brown was involved in a traffic accident with a City of Buffalo
police vehicle at the intersection of Route 198 and Humboldt Pkwy. No claim
was filed by either Kimberly Buster or Wilson Brown pertaining to this
accident.
The amount of the City's claim in this matter is $2,239.05; $1,789.05 for
wages paid in excess of No-Fault insurance benefits under General Municipal Law
section 207C paid on behalf of Police Officer William Crawford who was injured
on-duty during the course of this accident. Additionally, police vehicle [1916
has been damaged in the amount of $450.00.
GEICO Insurance, the carrier for Ms. Buster, has offered to settle this
matter for the sum of $2,015.15 or 90% of the City's claim. The Law Department
recommends acceptance of this settlement for the following reasons: If this
settlement is not accepted, the City of Buffalo would have to commence its own
law suit. Furthermore, additional costs would be incurred in placing this case
on the trial calendar and in discovery costs.
Therefore, it is respectfully requested that Your Honorable Body
authorize the Corporation Counsel to settle this matter for the sum of
$2,015.15.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Corporation Counsel, dated March 26,
1992, be received and filed; and
That the Corporation Counsel be and he hereby is authorized to settle the
claim against GEICO Insurance, carrier for Kimberly Buster and Wilson Brown
resulting from an accident involving a City of Buffalo Police vehicle in the
sum of $2,015.15, representing 90% of the City's claim.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 64
REMOVAL OF A MEMBER OF
THE BOARD OF ASSESSMENT & REVIEW
Your request for an opinion and or recommendation regarding the
removal of a member of the Board of Assessment and Review has been received by
this Office. We are in the process of preparing a response and will provide it
in the near future.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 65
Result Private Sale - 764 Kensington
Item No. 166, C.C.P., 3/31/92
Council President Arthur has asked whether the Comptroller can
commence private negotiations for the sale of city-owned property without prior
Council approval, subsequent to an auction of such property which had prior
Council approval.
Item No. 198, C.C.P., May 16, 1978 establishes the procedures governing
city-owned property not acquired for municipal purposes. This item deals with
in-rem properties acquired by the City. The Kensington Avenue property which is
the subject of this opinion was acquired through in-rem and is thus, subject to
the procedures established by Your Honorable Body.
The aforesaid item is very lengthy, and ostensibly comprehensive, but it
does not specifically treat the issue in question. However, it generally
provides that the Comptroller indeed has general authority to entertain and
negotiate private sales without the Council's prior approval provided that the
results of such negotiations are then reported to the Council for its approval
or to receive and file the offer.
The only prohibition vis-a-vis an auction authorized by the Council is
that the Council is bound "to honor the high bid made at a public auction and
effect a sale of the property to the highest bidder. Informal bids of a higher
amount made for any parcel sold at a public auction, after the auction sale,
will not be recognized or considered."
That is not the case here: No bids were received at the auction which met
the opening bid price required by the Comptroller. Therefore, there was no
obligation to honor that bid.
The fact that the offer presently before the Council was made subsequent
to the auction does not fall within the purview of the prohibition. The
general authority of the Comptroller to receive and negotiate offers as per the
approved procedures then comes into play.
Your Honorable Body now has the power to approve the negotiated offer or
to receive and file it.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 66
Transfer jurisdiction of Martin Luther King Park Road
Item No. 42, C.C.P., 3/31/92
The Department of Law has reviewed this request and has no legal
objection to Your Honorable Body granting responsibility for the maintenance,
repair and improvement of the above-described area jointly to the Buffalo
Museum of Science and the Buffalo Board of Education.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 67
Consolidate Water Division and the Buffalo Sewer Authority
Item No. 184, C.C.P., 3/31/92
The Buffalo Sewer Authority was created by the New York State
Legislature by enactment of Chapter 870 of the Laws of 1939 as Title 8 of the
Public Authorities Law.
The Division of Water of the Department of Public Works of the City of
Buffalo is authorized by the City Charter, Article 10, Section 174)(c).
Section 189 provides for a Director of Water and Section 190 specifies the
duties and powers of this office.
Consolidation of the two entities would require amendments of the
aforesaid statute and charter.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
No. 68
INCREASE FEES FOR LOAD ZONE PERMITS
HOUSE MOVING PERMITS
Item No. 36, C.C.P., 3/31/92
Your request for an opinion and or recommendation regarding increasing
fees for load zone permits, hauling permits and house moving permits has been
received by this Office. We are in the process of preparing a response and will
provide it in the near future.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 69
Local 282 - Firefighters Arbitration Award
Item No. 43, C.C.P., 2/4/92
This is in response to your inquiry regarding legal fees paid
to the law firm of Flaherty, Cohen, Grande, Randazzo & Doren.
The legal bills were itemized for the work performed. The legal work
related to various labor issues involving the Fire Department. The firm
assisted the Department of Labor Relations with contract negotiations,
mediation and interest arbitration with the Firefighter's Union for the last
two years. This included reviewing data from other municipalities, preparing
for and handling the interest arbitration. The firm also handled a class
action arbitration involving out of title work and rank for rank replacements
when firefighters call in sick. The exposure in that case was estimated to be
approximately $1.5 million per year in extra salary costs if the City lost the
arbitration. Due to the excellent work of this firm, the City prevailed in
this class action grievance arbitration. The firm also handled a number of
PERB matters which related to issues which were the subject of negotiations.
The same law firm also assisted the Department of Labor Relations in
contract negotiations with the Buffalo Police Benevolent Association. A
portion of the bills referenced in the Council item related to negotiations
with the BPBA.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
No. 70
Privatization of Bulk Trash Pick Up
Item No. 181, C.C.P., March 31, 1992
The Common Council has requested the Corporation Counsel to look
into the possibilities of the privatization of bulk trash pick up that exceeds
the four (4) cubic yards limit as stated in the City Charter.
It should be noted at the outset that it is Section 216-15 (H) (1) of the
Code that limits to four (4) cubic yards the placement of trash and rubbish in
front of properties; there is no such limitation in the City Charter.
With respect to the possibilities of the privatization of bulk trash pick
up exceeding the four cubic yards limitation, consideration must be given to
any applicable contractual obligations contained in the Collective Bargaining
Agreement between the City and AFSCME Local 264. Under the provisions of said
agreement, contracting out or subcontracting of any public work performed by
bargaining unit employees is prohibited if it results in the displacement of
such employees. Thus, it would be necessary for the Streets Department to
determine whether pick up of bulk trash by a private enterprise would have the
effect of displacing bargaining unit employees.
Further consideration must be given to the potential that privatization
might violate the Taylor Law. Specifically, the question turns to whether the
subject duties have been performed exclusively by bargaining unit employees and
whether the tasks would be substantially similar to those previously performed
by the unit employees.
Irrespective of any potential contractual or Taylor Law obligation to
negotiate, the City could always initiate negotiations with the Union in an
attempt to achieve the desired privatization.
Finally, in the event privatization of bulk trash pick up is both
desirable and feasible, it would be advisable to amend the Code to make
provision for same so that the property owner could be properly charged.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON BUDGET.
No. 71
Privatization of the Streets Department
Item No. 180, C.C.P., March 31, 1992
The Council has requested that the Law Department comment regarding
the concept of privatization of the Streets Department as it relates to the
ability of said Department to keep the streets clear of snow, garbage and
debris.
The first comment raised by this Department would concern the impact
privatization would have on the current employees of the Streets Department.
Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City and AFSCME Local
264, contracting out or subcontracting of any public work performed by
bargaining unit employees is prohibited if it results in the displacement of
such employees.
Secondly, is the potential that any such privatization of the Streets
Department would violate the Taylor Law. The initial point of inquiry rests
with an examination of whether the subject duties had been performed
exclusively by bargaining unit employees and whether the reassigned tasks would
be substantially similar to those previously performed by the unit employees.
Input and discussion with representatives from the Streets Department would be
necessary before further comment can be issued on any potential Taylor Law
violation.
Lastly, irrespective of any potential contractual or Taylor Law
obligation to negotiate, the City could always initiate negotiations with the
Union in an attempt to achieve the desired privatization.
As further information concerning this concept is provided, this
Department would be able to elaborate upon the above-referenced comments.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON BUDGET.
No. 72
Freeze City Department Spending
Item No. 178, C.C.P., March 31. 1992
Please be advised that in my opinion the above-referenced item
is beyond the powers of the Common Council insofar as it mandates action by the
Comptroller or delegates authority to the Board of Review. If Your Honorable
Body wishes to look at those provisions of the Charter which deal with
amendments to the budget after its adoption, I would direct your attention to
Article 3, Sections 40, 41 and 42.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON BUDGET.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
No. 73
F. O'Connell - Request to erect a one-story storage building at an existing
junk yard.
Item No. 90, C.C.P., March 3, 1992.
Attached for your information is the Short Environmental Assessment
Form and attached soil analysis for the matter referenced above.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Commissioner of Community Development,
dated April 7, 1992, be received and filed; and
That "F. O'Connell - Request to erect a one-story storage building at an
existing junk yard" is an unlisted action as defined in 6 NYCRR Part 617.2.
The Common Council has approval power over this item, and is therefore an
involved agency as defined in 617.2. As part of an uncoordinated review, the
Common Council has evaluated an Environmental Assessment form (EAF) on this
item which has been completed by the applicant (Part l) and by the City
Planning Board (Part II); and
Having made an independent assessment of the information contained in the
EAF, the Common Council adopts the findings set forth in Part II and, as a
result, finds that this proposed action will not result in any significant
adverse environmental impacts. Therefore, this Common Council issues a negative
declaration.
ADOPTED.
AYES- AMOS, ARTHUR, BAKOS, BELL, COLLINS, COPPOLA, FAHEY, FRANCZYK, LOTEMPIO,
PERLA, PITTS, ZUCHLEWSKI- 13 NOES- HIGGINS-1.
No. 74
J. Gimbrone - Request to erect a two-story masonry addition and permission to
encroach in the right-of-way of
518-524 Niagara St.
Item No. 102, C.C.P., March 31, 1992.
Attached for your review is the Short Environmental Assessment
Form for the project captioned above.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Commissioner of Community Development, dated
April 7, 1992, be received and filed; and
That "J. Gimbrone - Request to erect a two-story masonry addition and
permission to encroach in the right-of-way of 518-524 Niagara Street" is an
unlisted action as defined in 6 NYCRR Part 617.2. The Common Council has
approval power over this item, and is therefore an involved agency as defined
in 617.2. As part of an uncoordinated review, the Common Council has evaluated
an Environmental Assessment form (EAF) on this item which has been completed by
the applicant (Part l) and by the City Planning Board (Part II); and
Having made an independent assessment of the information contained in the
EAF, the Common Council adopts the findings set forth in Part II and, as a
result, finds that this proposed action will not result in any significant
adverse environmental impacts. Therefore, this Common Council issues a negative
declaration.
ADOPTED.
No. 75
Abandonment and Sale of Piper Street
Item No. 15, C.C.P. 2/4/92
The Division of Planning certifies that the abandonment and sale
of Piper Street will have no effect on the proposed route of the Scajaquada
Pathway so long as the City retains a fifteen (15) foot wide non-exclusive
easement along the east property line of the Piper Street right-of-way. This
required easement is identified in the attached correspondence from the
Division of Planning to Tops Markets, Inc. dated March 18, 1992. Tops Markets,
Inc. has agreed to this condition (see attached letter dated March 27, 1992).
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 76
Authorize Acceptance of Erie County Funds - Scajaquada Pathway Phase B Project
The County of Erie has submitted a fund transfer agreement to
the City of Buffalo which will allow the County to transfer up to $100,000 to
the City for the design of the Scajaquada Pathway Phase B project. The County
will share the cost of project design on a 50% County-50% City ratio up to the
$100,000 cap. The County's share will be provided through 1990 and 1992 County
of Erie Budget appropriations. The City's matching share will be provided
through Capital Planning Project Reserve Fund No. 200-061001. A second
transfer agreement for construction funds will be negotiated with the County
upon completion of the schematic design phase.
We request your Honorable Body approve an appropriate resolution
authorizing acceptance of the County funds by the City, authorizing the Mayor
of the City of Buffalo to execute the fund transfer agreement tendered by the
County of Erie, authorizing the Mayor to execute whatever documents may be
necessary for the receipt of said funds, and directing the Comptroller of the
City of Buffalo to establish a Trust and Agency Account to account for these
funds. In addition, we request permission to retain the services of an
architectural/engineering/planning firm to design Phase B of the Scajaquada
Pathway project.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 77
Change Order Il (Increase $8,667.92)
C.V.M. Electric - Schiller Park
Senior Citizens Center - New Addition
1. Redesign to exterior electrical service and interior service
to facilitate and expedite electrical service to building and interior design
change to offset exterior service increase and Center's program changes.
a. Charge for exterior electric service change $10,277.24
b. Credit for interior electric service change -3,998.61
c. Credit for exterior trenching credit vs charge
for service pit and extra bollard posts as per
power company directive -39.00
d. Charge for interior lighting changes for redesign
of existing Mechanical Room 180.00
6,419.63
2. Kiln feeder circuit rewired 409.34
3. Saturday telephone service installation
828.25
4. Electrical office revisions in new addition
498.67
Subtotal $ 8,155.89
5. Emergency telephone repair 184.53
6. Alternate light fixture - upgrade 327.50
Grand Total $ 8,667.92
The original contract (86320005) amount was $77,990. The new contract
amount including this change order is $86,657.92. Funds are available in Bond
Fund Accounts 200-717-059 and 066.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Department of Community Development,
dated March 25, 1992, be received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Community Development be, and he hereby is,
authorized to issue a change order to C.V.M. Electric, in the amount of
$8,667.92 for additional work relating to the Schiller Park Senior Citizens
Center - New Addition, with said cost to be charged against the Bond Fund
Accounts 200-717-059 and 066.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 78
Change Order # 1 (Increase $4,315.06) H&M Plumbing - Schiller Park Senior
Citizens Center - New Addition
A. Provide and install 2" 909 backflow preventor, future meter
installation and 3" floor drain as per request of Buffalo Department of Water
and BURA $1,228.92
B. Provide and install 8" house trap with fresh air inlet on new storm sewer
as requested by Buffalo Department of Public Works inspector
594.78
C. Omit
D. Provide and install one exterior wall hydrant on south wall addition as
per BURA request. 373.00
E. Moving an 8" and 6" storm conductor. 1,793.36
F. Raising manhole cover. 325.00
Total $4,315.06
The original contract (86310005) amount was $55,468. The new contract
amount including this change order is $59,783. Funds are available in Bond Fund
Accounts 200-717-059 and 066 for this work.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Department of Community Development,
dated March 25, 1992, be received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Community Development be, and he hereby is,
authorized to issue a change order #1 to H&M Plumbing, in the amount of
$4,315.06 for additional work relating to the Schiller Park Senior Citizens
Center - New Addition, with said cost to be charged against the Bond Fund
Accounts 200-717-059 and 066.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 79
Increase in Contract 91547100
Pilot Field Interim Improvements Phase I - Electrical
I hereby submit to Your Honorable Body the following Change Order
on Contract 91547100 with Industrial Power and Lighting Corporation for the
electrical construction of the Pilot Field Interim Improvements Phase I:
1. Additional work on high voltage switch gear and recloser complete with
new ground buss and wiring harness and "S" switch on time and material basis.
ADD $1,150.53
SUMMARY:
Original Contract Amount $124,870.00
Change Order No.1 ADD 3,600.00
Change Order No.2 ADD 10,955.00
Change Order No.3 ADD 19,122.54
Change Order No.4 ADD 1,091.15
Amount of this
Change Order No.5 ADD 1,150.53
Revised Contract Amount $160,789.22
These changes could not be foreseen at the time the contract was let.
Costs have been reviewed by the Project Architect, Hellmuth, Obata and
Kassabaum, Inc., and the Department of Community Development and found to be
fair and equitable.
Funds for this additional work are available in Capital Enterprise
Account No. 415-717-101.
I, therefore, recommend that Your Honorable Body authorize the
Commissioner of Community Development to issue a Change Order to Industrial
Power and Lighting Corporation, as set forth above.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Department of Community Development,
dated April 7, 1992, be received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Community Development be, and he hereby is,
authorized to issue a change order to Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum, Inc., in
the amount of $1,150.53 for additional work relating to Pilot Field Interim
Improvements Phase I - Electrical, with said cost to be charged against the
Capital Enterprise Account 415-717-101.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 80
Fees for Environmental Quality Review
The Department of Community Development has reviewed the Council
resolution regarding "Fees for Environmental Quality Review work done by the
City," Item No. 165, C.C.P., March 31, 1992. The proposed ordinance amendment
adds to the administration's proposal introduced on February 5, 1991,
subsequently enacted on February 19, 1991. You will recall that ordinance
amendment placed a surcharge for SEQRA matters involving requests for
re-zonings and restricted use permits as well as many other fee changes.
With respect to the proposed ordinance amendment, we offer the following
comments. The imposition of fees by the City for reviews involving the
National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) has been discussed informally with
HUD staff who expressed various concerns. They have requested that we
officially present the question to them for their review.
The imposition of a fee for SEQRA reviews within the Department of
Community Development, since it involves many boards and responsibilities, must
be carefully structured. Capital budget projects involving city projects
require SEQRA reviews. We don't believe charging the City a fee for SEQRA
reviews accomplishes the intent of the ordinance. However, implementing a
SEQRA surcharge for the fees that are in place for the Buffalo Preservation
Board, and an increase for the present surcharge for the City Planning Board
would be appropriate.
It is the opinion of the Department that a flat fee be utilized rather
than a per page charge. The flat fee would be simpler to administer. A per
page charge does not accurately reflect the amount of time necessary to prepare
these reviews.
We would appreciate an opportunity to discuss this matter.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 81
Assisting City Centre Project
Item No. 194 C.C.P. March 17, 1992
Your Honorable Body authorized this Department to negotiate a
multi-party agreement to provide financial assistance to the City Centre
Project. The terms of the agreement have been negotiated, however, the final
draft of the agreement will not be available until later in the week.
In order to expedite this matter, I respectfully request you refer the matter
to Committee. Prior to the Committee meeting the final agreement will be
distributed to the entire Council.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF STREETS
No. 82
Status Report on Implementation of Bulk Trash Plan
Item # 196, C.C.P. March 17, 1992
At the present time we have mailed over 500 copies of the maps
and also the Bulk Trash Schedules to Block Clubs throughout the City in
addition to copies sent to 17 Community based organizations.
A Press conference was held by the Mayor on March 26th. at which time the Trash
Schedule was announced.
Copies of the maps and trash schedules were sent to all Councilmembers.
I will also be attending Block Club Meetings upon request.
We have also notified the Local newspapers of the 1992 Trash Schedule.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 83
TIME CLOCKS FOR STREETS DEPARTMENT
ITEM # 171, C.C.P., MARCH 3, 1992
At this time the Department of Street Sanitation has no recommendations
for the use of time clocks.
We presently are restructuring the department and consolidation of functions
are being considered After we have everything in place and the department
running in the right direction, I will forward all pertinent information in
this matter.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF INSPECTIONS AND COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION
No. 84
Removal of Additional Asbestos on the property known as 124 Edna Place aka
School No. 48
CCP Item # 108 dated 10/1/91
During the demolition of old School No. 48 aka 124 Edna Place,
additional asbestos was found between the exterior boiler plate and the fire
brick of two boilers at this location. During the wrecking procedure these
units were damaged causing the asbestos containing material to be exposed to
free air. Demolition activities were stopped on the area surrounding these
units and were temporarily sealed to avoid future contamination.
Due to the emergency condition on this site, an emergency proposal and
specifications were prepared by our department on or about March 13, 1992.
Bids were solicited from:
Zeon, Inc., Peerless Environmental, Integrated Waste Special Services, and
Asbestos Removal Services
Bid packages were made available to these contractors. On March 16, 1992
bids were opened in Room 304 City Hall at 10:00 am. The three responding
companies and their bids are:
Peerless Environmental $38,425.00
Integrated Waste $40,000.00
Asbestos Removal Services $51,421.00
Please be advised that we have accepted the low emergency bid from
Peerless Environmental Controls, Inc. A Notice to Proceed has been sent to
start work on or before April 6, 1992 and to be completed on or about May 5,
1992. Upon completion of this project Integrated Waste Special Services will
complete the demolition of the boilers and the final grading.
We therefore respectfully report this action to your honorable body and
state that the cost of the project be charged to this department's Capital
Outlay Account # 100-241-085-00-900.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 85
Cancellation of Demolition Bids
In reference to Common Council Proceedings No. 52 dated 11/12/91,
we wish to supply you with the following information.
On 10/18/91 bids were taken on various properties. The property being
addressed in this communication is 21-23-25 Box Avenue in the City of Buffalo.
The low bid to demolish this property by Lebis Contracting of $8700 was
accepted and reported to Council. ] Since this time we have received a show
cause order stopping this demolition. This matter has been cleared up Please
be advised that this bid is being cancel led and the property will be re-bid in
a different manner. On March 25, 1992 Mr. Phillip Hill applied for a Building
"Repair" permit for the masonry garage located at 23 Box Avenue. Also on this
date Mr. Hill applied for a zoning variance to leave the brick and block garage
on this parcel. In our new bid we will demolish the houses located at 21-23-25
Box. Mr. Hill is, going to make arrangements with the City of Buffalo to make
full restitution for the cost of this demolition. Mr. Hill will also be
responsible for the repair and maintenance of these parcels.
We therefore respectfully report to your honorable body and inspections made by
this department that this bid be cancel led and shall not be charged to the
Special Assessment Fund #500-000-002-00000.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 86
PROTEST DEMO CHARGES FOR 414 GLENWOOD
CCP DATED MARCH 17, 1992 ITEM No. 93
With regard to the above subject property, please be advised the
Fire Department deemed this property an emergency after a fire. It is our
obligation to demolish the property within 24 hours after it has been declared
an emergency. All State and city laws have been observed and followed with
regard to this demolition.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 87
REQUEST TO FORGIVE DEMO COSTS 501 GOODYEAR
CCP DATED MARCH 17, 1992 ITEM NO. 152
With regard to the above subject property, please be advised demolition
was completed on November 6, 1991.
All State and City laws have been observed and followed. Proper notification
of all parties have been delivered and all proper procedures were followed with
regard to this demolition.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 88
ILLEGAL REPAIR SHOP - 495 HEWITT
CCP DATED MARCH 17, 1992 ITEM NO. 90
With regard to the above subject property please be advised an
inspection was made on February 26, 1992; -at which time the inspector reported
no evidence of auto repairing. Unfortunately the complainant states this work
is being done in the evenings. We do not work in the evenings, therefore it has
been suggested this matter be handled by the Police Department.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
No. 89
Community Wide Urban Renewal Homestead Program Approval of amendment to Land
Disposition Agreement
Masten New Housing Project Phase IIB
BBZ Development Company
The City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency duly designated BBZ Development
Company, and/or a joint venture, partnership, corporation or other legal entity
to be formed as the qualified and eligible Redeveloper for the subject Project.
Please be advised that in accordance with the provision of Article 15A of
the General Municipal Law, it is now necessary for Your Honorable Body to set a
date for a public hearing, and to direct the publication of a notice of said
hearing. In the interest of time and anticipating that Your Honorable Body is
willing to expedite this matter, I have taken the liberty to prepare a
Resolution together with a Notice of Public Hearing for your action.
Forwarded herewith are the following documents:
1. Resolution setting Public Hearing
2. Notice of Public Hearing
3. Resolution approving amended Land Disposition Agreement
After the Public Hearing is held, your Honorable Body may adopt a resolution
authorizing the disposition of the land to the Redeveloper, which the Agency
has designated as being qualified and eligible.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
No. 90
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment to become effective April 7, 1992 in the Department
of Inspections & Community Revitalization, Division of Housing & Property
Inspections, David J. Pierowicz, 91 Radcliffe Rd., Buffalo, NY 14214 to the
position of Chief Electrical Inspector, permanent at the starting salary of
$32,380.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
No. 91
Comments on Benefits of NYHEALTH
Item # 169 ,C.C.P., 12/31/91
Item # 176 ,C.C.P., 3/17/92
In order to respond appropriately on the potential benefit of
NY HEALTH we have requested a copy of the proposed legislation from Council
Staff. They will forward this proposed legislation as soon as they obtain a
copy.
Once we receive this information we will review, analyze and provide
comments to the Council.
This response will be filed with the Common Council by Thursday April 23,
1992. This change in a response date from April 9, 1992 was recommended by
Council Staff.
REFERRED TO COUNCIL STAFF.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF HUMAN RESOURCES
No. 92
Ending Dates for Lighted Schoolhouse Programs
For your information, listed below you will find the closing dates
for this years Lighted Schoolhouse Program.
Should You wish to appropriate additional funds for the extension of these
programs, or for the creation of a summer youth program we would be willing to
meet at your convenience.
Ending Dates for 1991 - 92 LSHP
School Projected Closing Date
#28 Wednesday, May 20, 1992
#37 Wednesday, May 20, 1992
#38F Tuesday, May 26, 1992
#38Y Wednesday, May 27, 1992
#40 Wednesday, June 17, 1992
#44 Wednesday, April 8, 1992
#45 Monday, May 26, 1992
#54 Tuesday, April 28, 1992
#56 Thursday, May 7, 1992
#63 Wednesday, May 20, 1992
#68 Tuesday, May 26, 1992
#81 Wednesday, April 29, 1992
#91 McKinley Tuesday, May 19, 1992
#92 MLK Casino Thursday, June 25, 1992
#95 YMCA Saturday, April 25, 1992
#96 Campus East Monday, May 6, 1992
#97 MLK Monday, May 18, 1992
#98 BUILD Monday, April 6, 1992
#99 Traditional Thursday, March 26, 1992
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
No. 93
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment to become effective April 6, 1992 in the Department
of Human Resources, Division of Substance Abuse, Donald McReynolds 303 North
St. Apt. # 54 -Buffalo 14201 to the position of Counselor II, Temporary at the
starting salary of $22,237.00
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
No. 94
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment to become effective April 2, 1992 in the Department
of Human Resources, Division of Youth, Richard May, 33 Beatrice St., Buffalo,
NY 14207 to the position of Program Director YAAP, Temporary at the starting
salary of $32,607.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
FROM THE CITY CLERK
No. 95
Notice of Hearing
Renaming Delaware Park Lake as "William B. Hoyt Lake"
(Item No. 174, March 31, 1992)
I hereby inform you that a public hearing has been scheduled on
the above matter. This hearing is to be held before the Common Council at its
regular meeting of April 14, 1992, at 2:00 P.M., in the Council Chamber. The
notice of hearing was properly published, on April 3 and April 10 in the
Buffalo News, and a copy of said publications are attached hereto.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 96
Take from Table
Renaming Delaware Park Lake as "William B. Hoyt Lake"
(Item No. 174, C.C.P., March 31, 1992)
Mr. Fahey moved that the above Item (No. 174, C.C.P., March 31,
1992), which is the subject of a hearing scheduled for this day before the
Common Council, is hereby taken from the table, and is now before the Common
Council for its consideration.
Seconded by Mr. Bell.
ADOPTED.
No. 97
Hearing
Renaming Delaware Park Lake as "William B. Hoyt Lake"
(Com. 174, C.C.P., March 31, 1992)
Mr. Fahey moved that the above item is properly before the Common
Council and the hearing be opened.
Appearances -- In favor Sam Hoyt III, Susan Hoyt, Beth Blum
Opposed- None.
Mr. Fahey moved that the hearing be closed.
CARRIED.
Mr. Fahey now moved that the name of the Delaware Park Lake be changed to the
William B. Hoyt Lake, and the City Clerk is directed to send notifications of
said change pursuant to Section 286-5 of the Ordinances.
Seconded by Mr. Bell.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 98
Proposed Water Authority Reports
At the request of the Chairman of the subcommittee on the proposed
water authority, the following reports have been filed with the City Clerk:
City of Buffalo Department of Public Works
Division of Water
Comprehensive Water Study- June 1989
Financial Feasibility Report
City of Buffalo Water System June 1991
Copies of these previously filed reports are available to all
councilmembers.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 99
Authorization to Destroy Damaged Public Safety Records
As per our telephone conversation this dare, please be advised
that all the records of the now defunct department of Public Safety -from
1943-1956 (approximately 120 cubic feet)- are damaged beyond restoration due to
leaking sewer pipes and the City of Buffalo is requesting that these records be
destroyed immediately due to health reasons.
Your approval is greatly appreciated.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
On behalf of the Commissioner of Education, pursuant to Section 185.6 (b)
of 8NYCRR (Commissioner's Regulations), SARA grants the City of Buffalo consent
to dispose of certain public safety records damaged beyond restoration due to
leaking sewer pipes, as requested in your letter of March 31st. Region 8 RAO
James Tammaro has verified the gravity of the situation and agrees that these
records are beyond salvage. Please let me know if you have any questions or
need any additional information.
No. 100
Notification of Disposition of City Records
The following department(s) requested to dispose of city records
as indicated on the attached form(s). I have authorized the disposition of
these records in my capacity as City Records Management Officer.
Assessment
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 101
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
474 Abbott Rd. J. Jemiolo & S. Jemiolo
1241 Lovejoy Ganci's Ganci's Express Food
Mart
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 102
Leaves of Absences Without Pay
I transmit herewith communications received by me, reporting the
granting of leaves of absences without pay, in the various departments as
listed:
Assessment- David Adamski, Robert Quinn
Public Works- William Phillips, John Loffredo
Fire- Frank Weimer
Inspections and Community Revitalization- G. Hardwick Brown
Human Resources- Richard May
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 103
Reports of Attendance
Various Boards, Etc.
I transmit herewith communications received by me from various
Boards, Commissions, Agencies and Authorities, reporting the membership
attendance at their respective meetings:
Board of Stadium and Auditorium
City Planning Board
Emergency Medical Services Board
Municipal Housing Authority
Zoning Board of Appeals
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 104
Notices of Appointments - Council Interns
I transmit herewith appointments to the position of Council Intern.
Mr. Fahey moved approval of appointments to the position of Council Intern.
ADOPTED.
Appointment to become effective March 30, 1992 in the Department of the City
Clerk, Michele A. Graves, 116 Fairfield, Buffalo, N.Y. 14214 to the position of
Intern III, Seasonal at the starting salary of $5.00 per hour.
Appointment to become effective April 7, 1992 in the Department of the City
Clerk, Douglas E. Covell Jr., 43 Boyd St., Buffalo, NY 14213.
AYES- AMOS, ARTHUR, BAKOS, BELL, COLLINS, COPPOLA, FAHEY, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS,
PERLA, PITTS, ZUCHLEWSKI- 12.
NOES- LOTEMPIO- 1.*
* Mrs. Lotempio voted in the negative on the appointment of M. Graves only.
No. 105
Notices of Appointments
I transmit herewith communications received by me, reporting appointments
made in various departments. (Minimum, Flat Rate, Hourly, Etc.)
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF AUDIT AND CONTROL
Appointment to become effective April 8, 1992 in the Department
of Audit & Control, Division of Accounting, Roberta Coax, 60 Clayton St.,
Buffalo, NY 14207 to the position of Assistant Accountant, Temporary at the
starting salary of $24,020.
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Appointment to become effective April 8, 1992 in the Department
of Public Works, Division of Engineering to the position of Laborer I,
seasonal at the starting salary of $5.98 per hour.
Samuel Giancarlo, 89 Delsan Court, Buffalo, NY 14216
Donald R. Palmer, 202 Vermont, Buffalo, NY 14213.
Appointment to become effective March 30, 1992 in the Department of Public
Works, Division to the position of Bridge Operating Engineer, Seasonal at the
starting salary of $7.02 per hour.
William J. Patterson, 116 South St., Buffalo, NY 14204
Joseph M. Masi, 907 Niagara St., Buffalo, NY 14213.
Appointment to become effective March 31, 1992 in the Department of Public
Works, Division of Engineering, Donald J. Poleto, 88 Payne Ave., Buffalo, NY
14220 to the position of Bridge Operating Engineer, Seasonal at the starting
salary of $7.02 per hour.
Appointment to become effective March 30, 1992 in the Department of Public
Works, Division of Buildings Heather M. Mills, 120 No. Ogden St., Buffalo, NY
14206 to the position of Typist, Temporary at the starting salary of $17,630.
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF STREET SANITATION
Appointment to become effective March 30, 1992 in the Department
of Street Sanitation to the position of Laborer II, Seasonal at the starting
salary of $6.65 per hour.
Kevin G. Banes, 3 Indian Orchard Place, Buffalo, NY 14210
Aaron Bell, 55 Purdy Street, Buffalo, NY 14208
Shannon V. Long, 134 Ramsdell Ave., Buffalo, NY 14216
Leonard J. Merlo, 332 Grant Street, Buffalo, NY 14213
Hubert W. O'Connor, 1553 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14216
William J. Rieman, 143 Ramona Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14220
Jules A. Stover, 254 Watson Street, Buffalo, NY 14206
Gregory R. Wagner, 47 VanRensselaer St., Buffalo, NY 14210
Appointment to become effective April 6, 1992 in the Department of Street
Sanitation, Wilson B. Vasquez, 101 Lakeview, Buffalo, N.Y. 14201 to the
position of Laborer II, Seasonal at the starting salary of $6.65 per hour.
Appointment to become effective April 8, 1992 in the Department of Street
Sanitation to the position of Laborer II, Seasonal at the starting salary of
$6.65 per hour.
Mark J. Bonadonna, 135 Stratford, Buffalo, New York 14216
James C. Cavanaugh, 96 St. Joseph Ave., Buffalo, NY 14211.
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Appointment to become effective March 26, 1992 in the Department
of Human Resources, Division of Youth, Wayne D. Smith, 45 Dart St.,
Buffalo, NY 14213 to the position of Attendant, Temporary at the starting
salary of $4.25 per hour.
NON-OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS AND REMONSTRANCE
NON-OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS
No. 106
BAILEY/AMHERST DISTRICT MGMT. ASSOC., INC.
Bailey-Amherst Business Improvement District
1992 - 1993 Budget
Attached for your review and consideration, is the proposed budget
for the continued operation of the Bailey Amherst Business Improvement
District.
The budget approved by the Board of Directors of the Bailey Amherst
District Management Association, Inc., at its meeting of March 17, 1992, is
submitted to you for inclusion in the 1992 - 1993 City Budget. The funds will
be raised by special assessment on the properties within the District in
accordance with the procedures of the City Business Improvement District Law, a
part of the General City Law of the State of New York.
Representatives of the Management Association are available to discuss
the program with you if you so desire.
1992 - 1993 Operating Budget
Bailey Amherst Business Improvement District
I. Maintenance
a) Pavement maintenance including, but not limited to, sweeping
sidewalks, picking up litter, emptying litter receptacles, etc.
b) Landscape maintenance including, but not limited to, maintaining tree
grates, care of shrubs and flowers in planters etc.
All services to be provided by independent contractors. $7,335
II. Snow Removal Services
a) Annual contract with private snow removal
firm. 3,900
III. Security
a) Security guard on foot (up to 60 hours
weekly.) 10,536
IV. Advertising and Promotion
a) General advertising to promote district
identity, using a variety of media. 1,722
V. Administration
a) Legal services, at hourly rates 1,500
b) Accounting/Audit 750
c) Insurance 228
d) Supplies/Postage 93
e) Administrative Support 3,000
VI. Other
a) Installation and removal of
seasonal decorations 2,500
b) Miscellaneous 1,046
VII. Budget/Collection Contingency
a) Contingency for unclassified expenses
and reserve for slow payments of
assessments 2.500
$35,110
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Bailey-Amherst District Management
Association, Inc. dated April l, 1992, be received and filed; and
That the proposed budget for the continued operation of the
Bailey-Amherst Business Improvement District attached thereto, and approved by
the Board of Directors of the Management Association be, and hereby is approved
for inclusion in the 1992-93 City Budget, provided the funds therefor will be
raised by special assessment on the properties within the District in
accordance with the procedures of the City Business Improvement District Law.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 107
BOARD OF ETHICS
Opinion - Conflict of Interest M. Timboli
Reference is made to your letter to me dated February 24, 1992
which requests an opinion of the City of Buffalo Board of Ethics as to the
propriety of your conduct as a member of the Police Reorganization Commission
in connection with matters involving property owned by your clients.
The Board carefully review your action as outlined in the letter,
beginning at the time when you first discovered a possible conflict between
your interest as a Commission member on the one hand and as an attorney for
parties interested in the matter before the Commission on the other. We
unanimously agreed that you acted with complete propriety. The Board further
wishes to commend you not only on your conduct as a member of the Commission
but, also, in seeking our review and our opinion in respect thereof. We
believe that this incident exemplifies the ideal operation of the Code of
Ethics.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 108
BRYANT & STRATTON
Change in School Curriculum
We are taking this opportunity to respond to the concerns raised
in resolution # 172 C.C.P. March 3, 1992. We would have appreciated the
opportunity to respond prior to passing this resolution, however, you did not
provide us that opportunity. Bryant & Stratton employs more than 400 people in
the Buffalo area and contributes significantly to the economic base of this
community and has done so for 138 years. We think you should have taken this
into account before adopting the resolution.
Before responding to the specific questions raised, we feel it necessary to
share with you the Mission of Bryant & Stratton. This mission is communicated
in several forms most notably in our college catalog (see attached).
Our mission is as follows
"Bryant & Stratton serves the needs of students, employers, and its communities
by providing quality career education, training and developmental skills which
enable individuals to assume meaningful positions in the marketplace."
This statement reflects what Bryant & Stratton represents and our actions are
driven by this mission. Implied in this mission statement is the need to
maintain a contemporary, relevant curriculum as dictated by a dynamic work
place.
In meeting employer demands, Bryant & Stratton maximizes the job placement and
salary opportunities for our graduates commencing careers.
The dynamics of the job market require Bryant & Stratton to maintain a constant
awareness of shifting employer requirements. Bryant & Stratton maintains an
awareness through our Placement Departments, Advisory Boards and Industry data.
The recent changes in our Commercial Art Program reflect changing employer
demand.
To continue to teach skills no longer deemed the most needed in the "world of
work" would be a disservice to our students and employers alike. In fact; by
doing so your issue of "ethics" truly emerges.
Attached is a letter, dated January 13, 1992, from the State Education
Department granting approval for us to enhance our curriculum. This is the
process all degree-granting colleges must follow to change curriculum in New
York State. Obviously, these curriculum changes were proposed and approved
after a great deal of work and coordination on the part of Bryant & Stratton
and the State Education Department. The Common Council of the City of Buffalo
needs to know that our decisions were made with the full support and approval
of our regulators. The changes were both ethical and legal.
In closing, I would like to request that the Common Council not take a position
in a labor dispute which can more efficiently be handled by UAW representation
and management. As changes have been made to upgrade our programs, a number of
complaints have been registered through various political and regulatory bodies
to protect the interests of those resistant to market demand. We believe those
issues should be addressed through labor negotiation. In the future, if you
have any questions or concerns regarding Bryant & Stratton, please contact me
directly.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
No. 109
Buffalo Cable Access Media
Common Council Appointment Board of Directors - BCAM Buffalo Cable Access Media
Buffalo Cable Access Media (BCAM), the public access operator
for the City of Buffalo, is requesting the Colon Council to reappoint Jan
Peters, Executive director, Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers and Mel
Netshammer, Assistant Professor, Department of Communications at State
University College at Buffalo to BCAM's board of directors for a three (3) year
term.
Ms. Peters' has been active on BCAM's board by serving on the
refranchisement committee and grant development. Mr. Netzhammer, is currently
chair of the Nominating committee and has been extremely active in providing
input into start-up procedures for the public access facility.
For review I have attached a copy of BCAM' s current board of directors.
If any additional information and/or clarification is needed, please do not
hesitate to contact me.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON CATV.
No. 110
BUFFALO ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT CORP.
Ignorance Costs Us Money
Resolution # 150 C.C.P. 3/17/92
This is to advise that, after reviewing the referenced resolution,
we have determined that there are "no appropriate areas of responsibility" that
are directly applicable to the BEDC/DDI for response.
Pilot Field and the Aud are operated as a separate "Enterprise Fund" much
like the Water Division. This allows the Common Council and the Administration
to readily determine what annual subsidy is required from the General Fund to
operate these activities.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 111
HELEN GOURDIN
Oppose Grass Cutting Charge-67 Alexander
After contacting you on this matter, I am sending you a copy of
this letter from Amana Capital Corporation, 6245 Sheridan Drive, Buffalo, NY
14221.
I am very upset about this, because last spring I cleaned my own lot off
at 67 Alexander Place. When the City Sanitation Department came around mine
was done-grass cut and rubbish removed.
Later I received a bill for $50.00 and I called the Buffalo Sanitation
Department right away and told them I had cleaned and cut my grass myself. She
told me to disregard the bill and she would notify the supervisor. Now here,
almost a year later, I am receiving a bill of $50.00 from a collecting agency.
I have proof my tenant- Mrs. Janet Peach, neighbori- Mr. and Mrs., J. B.
Brown, the Craigs across the street can verify this. All the lots are vacant
between Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Brown at 83 Alexander Place and mine at 67-63
Alexander.
It is so much walking traffic between these streets Jefferson and
Alexander Place that you just can not wait on the City to do this. A lot of
rubbish, cans, bottles, papers and etc are thrown. With the help of my husband,
nephew, we cleaned up the lot and cut the grass. Please give this your
immediate attention:
Thank you, Mrs. Helen M. Gourdin. My telephone # is 823-4889. I will be
going on vacation early 4/10/92 for 2 weeks.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, THE COMMISSIONER OF STREET SANITATION AND
THE COMMISSIONER OF ASSESSMENT.
No. 112
BRIAN M. HIGGINS
Council Study Group Report
On February 8, 1992, members of this Common Council met informally
at the Buffalo Hilton to discuss strategies for alleviating the severity of the
budget crisis. We agreed to create several budget study groups comprised of
Common Councilmembers, representatives of specific city departments, and
representatives of the unions. I was asked to and accepted the responsibility
of chairing the study group charged with examining the operation of the Fire
Department to determine if there were ways to save money. Assigned to this
study group in addition to me, were Councilmembers LoTempio, Franczyk and
Collins, Fire Commissioner Paul Shanks, and Fire Union President David
Donnelly.
The study group first met on Monday, March 2nd with the focus of the
responsibilities of the group outlined in my opening statements that we
generally discuss plans for restructuring or consolidating the Fire Department
with the major emphasis on the protection of the community and no less
important, the safety of the firefighters. I further stated that I did not
feel it would be beneficial to discuss the closings of any Fire Companies at
the preliminary meeting, but that it was our responsibility to look at the
entire department with an eye toward making department resources more
efficient. The Union representative wanted a commitment at the preliminary
meeting that 4 men would be assigned to each rig. While not objecting to that
proposal, it was agreed the most prudent course would be to gather all
pertinent information, provide objective analysis, and draw conclusions that
would be made part of a final report to this body.
The Union representative from Local 282 excused himself from the process
of meeting with the study group after the Initial session, however, the group
agreed to carry out its responsibility and continued to meet.
During the information gathering process, Fire Commissioner Shanks
proposed a plan for closing three (3) Fire companies and relocating a fourth.
In response to the media attention this discussion drew, several Councilmembers
tried to subvert the process In which the study group was involved before any
formal proposal was introduced. In my opinion, this subversive action
undermined the responsibility of the committee and the integrity of the process
agreed to by this Council. The actions of some Councilmembers misrepresenting
the facts about the study group, and branding other Councilmembers in print as
"voting against us," created senseless hysteria, promoted an "us against them"
attitude, and did nothing more than pit councilmember against councilmember and
neighborhood against neighborhood. AT NO TIME DID THE STUDY GROUP ENDORSE,
SUPPORT, OR APPROVE THE COMMISSIONER'S OR ANY OTHER PROPOSAL, NOR DID IT MAKE
ANY RECOMMENDATION TO CLOSE ANY FIRE HOUSE. The group felt that it was
important to consider every proposal or recommendation that was brought before
it in an objective, rational manner. I commend Councilmember Franczyk, who as
part of the study group, raised his very serious concerns about the proposal
which the commissioner had presented. He, however, was willing to listen to
the proposal and discuss the possible effects of this plan within the confines
of the study group until he was forced to join the movement to oppose the plan
before It actually was formally presented.
The study group to date has considered the administration's proposal to
close three companies. The option of closing Rescue Squads was stated by the
commissioner as a measure he may exercise absent Council approval for closing
fire companies. The committee outlined several alternatives to redistribute
manpower within the department while retaining all engine and ladder companies
and making more efficient use of resources within the department.
The point of the matter Is that the study group was poised to consider
any and all plans referred to it before drawing any conclusions. That process
has been circumvented. Consequently, I recommend that the study group be
dissolved.
It is clear this Council can not come to an agreement on any of the
difficult decisions for either developing a process or for making
recommendations for resolving the budget crisis. As stated earlier, the
Council assumed the responsibility of studying specific Issues which were
determined to be key areas in dealing with the budget crisis. The Council has
proven its inability to address these certain areas evidenced by the fact that
some groups have not even met, others have been poorly attended, and this group
not afforded the opportunity to fully explore every option, complete its study,
and allow it to come to a rational conclusion.
People were lead to believe that I, as chairman of this study group, and
the study group itself, were endorsing and approving the closing of fire
companies, when in fact, we were just carrying out the wishes of the Council in
a process that It created. It is unfortunate that the Council did not give the
study group the necessary time to complete its work. It Is even more
unfortunate that some members of the Council saw fit to undermine the efforts
of this committee, and thus, separate themselves from the very process whose
formation they supported and endorsed.
Attached for your information are copies of the minutes of the study
sessions and Information presented to the group through the course of our
discussions.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 113
LOCAL 264
Private Trash Pick-up
Item # 181, C.C.P. March 31, 1992
The cost of privatization of bulk trash that exceeds four cubic
yards is not going to be cheaper than paying City employees overtime. For the
short period of time that trash will be on the street, it would be cheaper to
pay controlled overtime than to privatize.
The Union does not nor did create the policy for trash pickup. We only follow
the directions that have been outlined for our workers by the City.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON BUDGET.
No. 114
LOCAL 264
Privatization of Streets. Dept.
Item # 180, C.C.P. March 31, 1992
Since the Streets Sanitation Department has been through mismanagement
for the last two years, it appears that the blame has been put on the workers.
Today, the Department Head has cut the overtime by over 80% and has been trying
to consolidate the Department for a more efficient workforce. This April 20th,
the Department Head will put into effect changes in the districts for trash
pickups and the method for trash pickup. I believe that, given the
opportunity, this Department will again provide the citizens of Buffalo the
service they need and expect.
It was the City and the Common Council who approved budgets with less
employees, and we now find ourselves with more work and fewer workers.
Contracting out will only cost the citizens of Buffalo more since, by contract,
the current employees in the department would not be laid off just assigned to
other City agencies.
As long as the department is willing to keep the lines of communication open
with its employees so that any problems can be discussed and worked out
together, the Streets Department will be able to work efficiently and to
everyone s satisfaction.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON BUDGET.
No. 115
LOCAL 264
Investigate Lag Time-Financial Flexibility
Item # 170, C.C.P. March 31, 1992
We have been asked for our opinion to the above mentioned Common
Council resolution. This is to advise you that our Local will not support lag
time for any of our members. Times are tough enough now to make ends meet. I
also believe that it is illegal to hold back paychecks of employees.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON BUDGET.
No. 116
CHARLES L. MICHAUX
Offer to Purchase Surplus Chairs
I am requesting to purchase three wooden chairs which are all
in need of repair. The chairs are located in the subbasement of City Hall. I
am offering $5.00 each as the purchase price. These chairs were originally
offered for sale last year but there were no bidders.
REFERRED TO THE COMMISSIONER OF GENERAL SERVICES.
AYES- AMOS, ARTHUR, BAKOS, BELL, COLLINS, COPPOLA, FAHEY, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS,
LOTEMPIO, PERLA, ZUCHLEWSKI- 12.
NOES- PITTS- 1.
No. 117
CHARLES MITSCHOW
Chamber City Budget Task Force
Task Force Report # 1: Analysis of City of Buffalo
Financial Performance
Attached for your official review' and reaction is the first product
of the intensive work of our task force, an analysis of the sources of and
trends underlying the city's budget deficit, including projections through
FY'94 (before any gap closing measures are taken).
The task force has found that the deficits projected by the city's budget
office are well founded. Excluding the $12 million in undesignated financial
resources from the prior year, the task force found a $30 million general fund
projected deficit for FY'92; a $53 million projected deficit for FY93; and a
$69 million deficit forecast for FY'94.
These deficits simultaneously are recent and enormous fiscal problems for this
city to address. Thus, we recognize there are no simple, painless solutions to
them. Both immediate and more fundamental, long term solutions will require
everyone's attention and participation very quickly.
In this context, the task force is working to develop a "menu" of gap closing
options proposed to address both the city's immediate and long term fiscal
problems. We expect to provide you officially with the outcome of that work in
about 10 days. In the meantime, if you have questions about our initial report
or any other facet of the task forces work, please do not hesitate to call
either of us.
REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON BUDGET.
No. 118
NYS DEPARTMENT OF LAW
Investigate ADT Security Systems
We have not received any complaints regarding the subject of the
above resolution. If you could forward to us copies of the complaints referred
to in the resolution we could better decide whether this is a matter that falls
within our authority.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 119
NYS DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION
Clean-Up of Litter
This is in response to your March 18, 1992 letter to the Department
wherein you request comments regarding the letter of Sally Danton dated
3/10/92.
Most of the locations of litter mentioned in Ms. Danton's letter are not within
the New York State Department of Transportation's jurisdiction, but rather
belong to the City of Buffalo. The one exception is the Kensington Expressway
which is the Department's jurisdiction. However, while it is our jurisdiction,
the litter cleanup is the responsibility of the City of Buffalo. Article XII B
of the Highway Law states that the cleaning and sweeping of state arterial
highways passing through a city are the responsibility of such city. With this
in mind we would request that the City of Buffalo should better fulfill it's
responsibility. We are aware of the fact that there are crews, apparently part
of The Mayor's Summer Youth Program, that pick up litter on the Expressway on
an occasional basis.
In the spirit of cooperation, our crews do provide litter pickup on the
Kensington Expressway on a limited basis with an emphasis on larger items
(mufflers, tires, etc.), found on the pavement or shoulders, which could be a
hazard to traffic. Also, last year our South Erie Residency Maintenance crews
initiated a joint effort with City crews to provide a regularly scheduled
sweeping of the Expressway. It is their intention that monthly sweeping take
place with the City providing the sweeper and our crews providing the work zone
safety. Since the work zone safety is the major effort and since we are
realizing cutbacks in maintenance personnel, it is certainly desirable and
probably necessary that the City accept full responsibility for this effort as
required by the Highway Law.
In conclusion, the Department certainly realizes the importance of keeping the
City of Buffalo clean and to the extent our resources allow, we are certainly
willing to work with the city. Any efforts to coordinate this may be pursued
with our South Erie Resident Engineer, Al Taylor (649-2157) and our North Erie
Resident Engineer, Norm Winkler (683-3476). Mr. Taylor has jurisdiction on the
Kensington Expressway west of Route 198 and Mr. Winkler has jurisdiction of the
Expressway east of Route 198.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
No. 120
WILLIAM NOWAK
Offer to Purchase File Cabinets
I would like to replace my bid for the purchase of two grey, five-drawer
metal filing cabinets with a $10 bid for two dark green file cabinets which are
currently stored as surplus in the City Hall sub-basement. One of the cabinets
has three drawers and the other has five drawers. The cabinets need a good
deal of work. My earlier bid was for cabinets which I subsequently learned were
being stored for the Comptroller
Thank you for your consideration of this bid.
REFERRED TO THE COMMISSIONER OF GENERAL SERVICES.
No. 121
JAMES ROBINSON
Cancel Erroneous Trash Removal Charge
I am writing to protest a charge of $157.38 that has been assessed
against me for the removal of trash/refuse from my property at 164 Eaton
Street.
I have contacted the Department of Assessment concerning this charge, and
I thought the problem had been resolved since I showed the city that the
property in question is not owned by me but rather, is owned by the City. The
trash that the City removed from this site was on the back portion of the
property, which I do not own. I only own the front 70 feet of the property and
there was never any trash or refuse on that section.
I am in receipt of a bill for $157.38 from Amana Capital Corporation, a
collection agency, that is threating to attach this bill to my credit history,
and thus I am in danger of having my credit harmed for something that should
have never been charged to me in the first place.
I am requesting that the Council investigate this matter, and have these
charges removed from my hill and further, to inform the collection agency that
I am not responsible for this for bill, so that my credit rating can be
preserved.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Your prompt consideration of
this matter will be much appreciated since I have been dealing with this matter
for several months on my own without results.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, THE COMMISSIONER OF STREET SANITATION AND
THE COMMISSIONER OF ASSESSMENT.
No. 122
ANA SALAS
Offer to Purchase Surplus Furniture
I would like to propose a bid of $25.00 for the purchase of one
narrow filing cabinet, one chair, a small narrow table, and two periodical
literature file boxes. The chair and table must be refinished and the legs
leveled to be utilized. The file cabinet has some structural damage and the
hardware, such as handles have been removed. The City Clerk considers these
items as surplus.
Thank you for your consideration.
REFERRED TO THE COMMISSIONER OF GENERAL SERVICES.
AYES- AMOS, ARTHUR, BAKOS, BELL, COLLINS, COPPOLA, FAHEY, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS,
LOTEMPIO, PERLA, ZUCHLEWSKI- 12.
NOES- PITTS-1.
No. 123
EVELYN WHITEHEAD
Purchase Vacant Lot next to 954 Glenwood Ave.
I own my home at 954 Glenwood Ave. There is a vacant lot next
to my home. I would like some information on how to purchase this property.
The owner does not keep the property lean. I always have to call the city to
get the grass cut. If there is anything you can do please let me know.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, THE COMPTROLLER AND THE CORPORATION
COUNSEL.
No. 124
MARY WIESZALA
Oppose Closing Engine 28
I am requesting this letter be clocked in and put on the agenda
for the next Council Meeting.
I am writing this letter due to the anticipated closing of Engine 28 in
the Lovejoy Community. If in fact Engine 28 closes, the response time for
assistance be it for a fire, heart attack victim or some other emergency, would
be considerably longer than from Engine 28. If any of these emergencies should
occur during the winter months when the snow is extremely bad or during a time
when there is flooding in our area (which does occur), the response time would
be even greater. Then, the possibility does exist, that due to weather
conditions another Engine may not be able to respond. In actuality,
Commissioner Shanks, Mayor Griffin and the Council Members are putting the
lives and property of the Lovejoy Community in jeopardy if they close Engine
28.
Therefore, I am putting the City of Buffalo on notice, if any emergencies
should occur as mentioned above and we cannot get assistance immediately, I
will hold Commissioner Shanks, Mayor Griffin and all Council Members
responsible.
It is my understanding, that as long as the City of Buffalo has had prior
notification, anyone in the community can hold the City liable. Therefore, the
community will be apprised of the fact that this letter has been written.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
AYES- AMOS, BAKOS, BELL, COLLINS, COPPOLA, FAHEY, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS, LOTEMPIO,
PERLA, PITTS, ZUCHLEWSKI- 12.
NOES- ARTHUR- 1.
PETITIONS
No. 125
Thomas D. Tigilio, owner, petition to use 2931-2939 Bailey Avenue to erect an
addition to the rear & side of an existing used car sales bldg. for
shop/office.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION, THE CITY PLANNING BOARD
AND THE COMMISSIONER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
No. 126
Ganci's Express Food Mart Ltd., owner, petition to use 1241 Lovejoy for a pole
sign.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION, THE CITY PLANNING BOARD
AND THE COMMISSIONER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
No. 127
The Hop Inc, owner, petition to use 325 Fuhrmann for a sit-in restaurant.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the petition of The Hop Inc., 4225 Genesee St., owner, requesting to
erect a one story frame outdoor bar area (26' x 13'), install a drink rail,
make interior renovations and to relocate a handicap ramp at 325 Fuhrmann Blvd.
be and hereby is approved subject to conditions to be established by the
Department of Community Development and Public Works and the City Planning
Board.
PASSED.
AYES- AMOS, BAKOS, COPPOLA, FAHEY, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS, LOTEMPIO, PERLA,
ZUCHLEWSKI- 9.
NOES- ARTHUR, BELL, COLLINS, PITTS- 4.
No. 128
Donald Petrucci and Others oppose closing of Engine 28.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
AYES- AMOS, BAKOS, BELL, COLLINS, COPPOLA, FAHEY, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS, LOTEMPIO,
PERLA, PITTS, ZUCHLEWSKI- 12
NOES- ARTHUR- 1.
No. 129
M. DEVINE AND OTHERS - OPPOSE ABANDONMENT AND SALE OF SEATTLE STREET.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND THE CORPORATION COUNSEL.
REGULAR COMMITTEES
CIVIL SERVICE
HON JAMES W. PITTS
CHAIRMAN
No. 130
Report Of Audit (Compt)
(Item # 127 CCP Mar 31 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 131
Reply To Audit (CSC)
(Item # 60 CCP Mar 3, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 132
Appointment
Audit And Control/Associate Accountant
That The above item is hereby returned to the Common Council without
Recommendation.
Mr. Pitts now moved to recommit the above item to the Committee on Civil
Service.
ADOPTED.
No. 133
Appointment
Audit And Control/Systems Support Analyst
That the above item is hereby returned to the Common Council Without
Recommendation.
Mr. Pitts now moved to recommit the above item to the Committee on Civil
Service.
ADOPTED.
AYES- AMOS, ARTHUR, BAKOS, BELL, COLLINS, COPPOLA, FAHEY, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS,
LOTEMPIO, PERLA, PITTS- 12 NOES- ZUCHLEWSKI- 1.
No. 134
Information/Systems Support Analyst (Compt)
(Item # 29 CCP Mar 17, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 135
Information/Systems support Analyst
(Item # 72 CCP Mar 31, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 136
Appointment
Accounting/Supervising Accountant
That Communication No 30 CCP Mar 17, 1992 be received and filed
and the Temporary appointment of William P. Murphy stated above at the
Intermediate salary $33,596.00 effective on Feb 27, 1992 is hereby approved.
Mr. Pitts now moved to recommit the above to the Committee on Civil
Service.
ADOPTED.
AYES- AMOS, ARTHUR, BAKOS, BELL, COLLINS, COPPOLA, FAHEY, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS,
LOTEMPIO, PERLA, PITTS- 12 NOES- ZUCHLEWSKI- 1
No. 137
Appointment
Public Works/Pumping Plant Operator
That Communication No 48 CCP Mar 17, 1992 be received and filed
and the Temporary appointment of Rocco DellaNeve stated above at the Maximum
salary $28,495 +200 LG effective on Mar 2,1992 is hereby approved.
PASSED.
AYES-13 NOES-0
No. 138
Appointment/Superintendent Of
Traffic Signs/Markings (Max)(PW)
(Item # 49 CCP Mar 17, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 139
Appointment
Public Works/Senior Administrative Assistant
That Communication No 44 CCP Mar 31, 1992 be received and filed
and the Permanent appointment of Kathleen A. Frawley stated above at the
Maximum salary $34,041+ 1200 LG effective on Mar 23, 1992 is hereby approved.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 140
Appointment
Street Sanitation/Truckdriver
That communication No. 64, CCP, March 31, 1992 be received and
filed and the permanent appointment of Michael Alessi stated above at the
intermediate salary of $20,570 effective on March 16, 1992 is hereby approved.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 141
Appointment
Street Sanitation/Permanent
That communication No. 65, CCP, March 31, 1992 be received and
filed and the permanent appointment of William T. Schultz stated above at the
intermediate salary of $21,150 effective March 24, 1992 is hereby approved.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 142
Appointment
Street Sanitation/Truckdriver
That communication No. 66, CCP, March 31, 1992 be received and
filed and the permanent appointment of Richard A. Brimm and Ronald A. McGregor
stated above at the maximum salary of $21,729 effective on March 16, 1992 is
hereby approved.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 143
Appointment
Street Sanitation/Truckdriver
That communication No. 67, CCP March 31, 1992 be received and
filed and the permanent appointment of David Filipski state above at the
maximum salary of $21,729 effective on Mar 16, 1992 is hereby approved.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 144
Appointment
Street Sanitation/Truckdriver
That communication No. 68, CCP, March 31, 1992 be received and
filed and the permanent appointment of Robert J. Battaglia stated above at the
maximum salary of $21,729 effective on March 23, 1992 is hereby approved.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 145
Notices of Appointments (City Clerk)
(Item #85, C.C.P., March 31, 1992)
That the above mentioned item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
FINANCE
HON. DAVID A. COLLINS
CHAIRMAN
No. 146
Information/Budget Note Resolution (CC)
(Item # 53 CCP Mar 31, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 147
Information/Certificate Of Necessity/Fringe Benefits (CC)
(Item # 54 CCP Mar 31, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 148
Establish Fees For Event Permit
(Item # 55 CCP Mar 31, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 149
Buffalo State/Assist PVB/Parking Enforcement
(Item # 89 CCP Mar 31, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 150
Canisius College/Deny Assistance To PVB
(Item # 90 CCP Mar 31, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 151
REPORT OF BIDS TELEPHONE
SYSTEM AT DELAWARE PARK CASINO
(ITEM NO. 29, C.C.P., MAR. 31, 1992)
That the commissioner of Public Works be, and he hereby is authorized
to award a contract for installation of a telephone system at the Delaware Park
Casino in the amount of $6,955.00 to ICS/Executone Telecom, Inc., 300 Essjay
Road, Williamsville, New York, the lowest responsible bidder, with said costs
to be charged to the B/F 200-402-092 Division of Buildings.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 152
RESULT OF SALE
764 KENSINGTON FORMER
SWEET KLEAN LAUNDRY
LAND ASSESSMENT: $48,100
TOTAL: $49,100
768 KENSINGTON
VACANT LOT SIZE: 34.60' X 100'
ASSESSED VALUATION: $900
(ITEM NO. 15, C.C.P. MARCH 31, 1992)
That the above item be, and the same hereby is, returned to the
Common Council without recommendation.
Mr. Collins moved:
That the offer of Anthony Occhino, residing at 1900 Transit Road, West
Seneca, New York 14224, in the sum of TwentyFive Thousand Dollars ($25,000) to
purchase: 764 and 768 Kensington Avenue, Buffalo, New York, be and hereby is
accepted; and
That the recording fees, transfer tax, and cost of legal description will
be paid by the purchaser; and
That the Mayor be, and he hereby is, authorized to execute a deed, and
the Comptroller be authorized to deliver the same, in accordance with the terms
of sale upon which the bid was submitted.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 153
CERTIORARI PROCEEDINGS
FISCAL YEARS 1987-88, 1988-89
1989-90, 1990-91, 1991-92
191 NORTH STREET ASSOCIATES
191 NORTH STREET
(ITEM NO. 18, C.C.P. MARCH 31, 1992)
That the Corporation Counsel be, and he hereby is, authorized
and directed to settle the 1987-88 through 1991-92 certiorari proceedings on
191 North Street, Buffalo, New York by reducing the assessment for 1987-88 from
$664,200 to $610,600; for 1988-89 from $664,200 to $613,600; for 1989-90 from
$664,200 to $623,600; for 1990-91 from $664,200 to $632,100, and for 1991- 92
from $664,200 to $646,100.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 154
INCREASES IN RATE STRUCTURE
ITEM NO. 12, C.C.P., MAR. 17, 1992
That the above item be, and the same hereby is, returned to the
Common Council without recommendation.
Mr. Collins now moved to recommit the above item to the Committee on Finance.
ADOPTED.
No. 155
Report Of Audit/Substance Abuse (Compt)
(Item # 27 CCP Mar 17, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 156
Reply To Audit/Substance Abuse (HR)
(Item # 70 CCP Mar 31, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
LEGISLATION
HON. ALFRED T. COPPOLA
CHAIRMAN
No. 157
JOHN P. GIAMBRONE, PETITION TO USE
518-524 NIAGARA STREET FOR SIT-IN RESTAURANT, ETC.
(ITEM NO. 102, C.C.P., 3/31/92)
That after a public hearing held before the Committee on Legislation
on April 7, 1992, the petition of Mr. John P. Giambrone, owner, to use 518-524
Niagara Street for a sit-in restaurant/stores/three apartments subject to the
condition that the Department of Public Works reviews the proposed encroachment
pursuant to local ordinances, be and the same hereby is approved.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 158
BUFFALO WHITE GMG, INC., PETITION TO USE
271 DINGENS STREET FOR POLE SIGN
(ITEM NO. 105, C.C.P., 3/31/92)
That after a public hearing held before the Committee on Legislation
on April 7, 1992, the petition of Buffalo White GMG, Inc., owner, to use 271
Dingens Street for a pole sign be and the same hereby is approved.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES-0.
No. 159
ATLANTIC REFINING, PETITION TO USE
1390 DELAWARE AVENUE FOR POLE SIGN
(ITEM NO. 106, C.C.P., 3/31/92)
That after a public hearing held before the Committee on Legislation
on April 7, 1992, the petition of Atlantic Refining, owner, to use 1390
Delaware Avenue for a pole sign not to exceed 109 square feet, be and the same
hereby is approved.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 160
ATLANTIC REFINING, PETITION TO USE
761 E. DELAVAN AVENUE FOR POLE SIGN
(ITEM NO. 107, C.C.P., 3/31/92)
That after a public hearing held before the Committee on Legislation
on April 7, 1992, the petition of Atlantic Refining, owner, to use 761 E.
Delavan Avenue for a pole sign be and the same hereby is approved.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 161
ATLANTIC REFINING, PETITION TO USE
1266 E. DELAVAN AVENUE FOR POLE SIGN
(ITEM NO. 108, C.C.P., 3/31/92)
That after a public hearing held before the Committee on Legislation
on April 7, 1992, the petition of Atlantic Refining, owner, to use 1266 E.
Delavan Avenue for a pole sign be and the same hereby is approved.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 162
ATLANTIC REFINING, PETITION TO USE
1490 FILLMORE AVENUE FOR POLE SIGN
(ITEM NO. 109, C.C.P., 3/31/92)
That after a public hearing held before the Committee on Legislation
on April 7, 1992, the petition of Atlantic Refining, owner, to use 1490
Fillmore Avenue for a pole sign be and the same hereby is approved.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 163
ATLANTIC REFINING, PETITION TO USE
1981 FILLMORE AVENUE FOR POLE SIGN
(ITEM NO. 110, C.C.P., 3/31/92)
That after a public hearing held before the Committee on Legislation
on April 7, 1992, the petition of Atlantic Refining, owner, to use 1981
Fillmore Avenue for a pole sign be and the same hereby is approved.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 164
ATLANTIC REFINING, PETITION TO USE
855 SYCAMORE STREET FOR POLE SIGN
(ITEM NO. 111, C.C.P., 3/31/92)
That after a public hearing held before the Committee on Legislation
on April 7, 1992, the petition of Atlantic Refining, owner, to use 855 Sycamore
Street for a pole sign be and the same hereby is approved.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 165
FRANCIS S. O'CONNELL, PETITION TO USE
139 PRENATT (A/K/A 612 OLD BAILEY AVENUE)
(ITEM NO. 90, C.C.P., 3/3/92)
That after a public hearing held before the Committee on Legislation
on April 7, 1992, the petition of Francis S. O'Connell, owner, to use 139
Prenatt (a/k/a 612 Old Bailey Avenue) to erect a one story frame and steel
sided storage building at an existing junk yard be and the same hereby is
approved.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 166
N. Costantino/Of fer To Purchase Vernon Triangle Park (Compt)
(Item # 17 CCP Feb 18, 1991)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 167
Vernon Triangle Block Club/Favors Sale Of Triangle Park
(Item # 89 CCP Feb 18, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 168
Purchase Of Vernon Triangle Park (PW)
(Item # 31 CCP Mar 3, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 169
Purchase Of Vernon Triangle Park (CC)
(Item # 42 CCP Mar 3, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 170
ABANDONMENT/SALE OF PIPER STREET
TO TOPS MARKETS, INC.
(ITEM NO. 15, C.C.P., FEB. 4, 1992)
That the offer of Top's Markets, Inc., 60 Dingens Street, P.O.
Box 1027, Buffalo, New York 14240 in the sum of $5,000.00 (Five Thousand
Dollars) to purchase the abandoned portion of Piper Street, as more
particularly described in Exhibit A, attached to the referenced item be and
hereby is accepted, subject to an Easement Agreement between the City of
Buffalo and Tops Markets, Inc. providing for a 15' (fifteen feet) non-exclusive
easement along the easterly line of such property for the Scajaquada Pathway
Project, and
That the Mayor be, and he hereby is authorized to execute a deed and the
Comptroller be, and he hereby is, authorized to deliver the same, in accordance
with the terms of sale, provided that as part of the consideration for such
property Tops Markets, Inc. tenders to the Comptroller a deed conveying to the
City of Buffalo a parcel of land, 5' (five feet) wide by 120' (one hundred and
twenty feet) along Amherst Street, as more particularly described in Exhibit B
attached to the referenced item.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 171
STUDIO ARENA THEATRE REQUESTS
PERMISSION TO INSTALL AWNING ON PEARL STREET
(ITEM NO. 38, C.C.P., MAR. 31, 1992)
That the Commissioner of Public Works be and he hereby is, authorized
to issue a "mere license" to Mr. Johnathan White, Operations Manager for the
Studio Arena Theatre, located at 710 Main Street, to install an awning which
would encroach city right-of-way at said address, subject to the conditions as
stated in the communication from the Department of Public Works, Item No. 38,
C.C.P., March 31, 1992.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 172
206 SOUTH ELMWOOD REQUESTS PERMISSION
TO INSTALL SIDEWALK CAFE, AWNING AND SIGN
(ITEM NO. 39, C.C.P., MAR. 31, 1992)
That the Commissioner of Public Works be and he hereby is, authorized
to issue a "mere license" to Mr. Vito Buscemi, owner of Vito's Gourmet Market,
located at 206 South Elmwood Avenue, to install a sidewalk cafe, awning and
sign which would encroach city right-of-way at said address, subject to the
conditions as stated in the communication from the Department of Public Works,
Item No. 39, C.C.P., March 31, 1992 and conditions from the Planning Board,
Item No. C.C.P., April 14, 1992.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 173
1059 GRANT STREET REQUESTS PERMISSION
TO INSTALL SIGN WITHIN CITY RIGHT-OF-WAY
(ITEM NO. 40, C.C.P., MAR. 31, 1992)
That the commissioner of Public Works be and he hereby is, authorized
to issue a "mere license" to Mr. Hien Ngo, owner of DHNP Card City, a card shop
located at 1059 Grant Street, to install a sign which would encroach city
right-of-way at said address, subject to the conditions as stated in the
communication from the Department of Public Works, Item No. 40, C.C.P., March
31, 1992.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 174
CITGO GASOLINE STATION LOCATED AT
1241 EAST LOVEJOY
REQUESTS PERMISSION TO INSTALL A POLE SIGN
(ITEM NO. 41, C.C.P., MAR. 31, 1992)
That the Commissioner of Public Works be and he hereby is, authorized
to issue a "mere license" to Mr. Michael McCarthy, owner of Citgo Gasoline
Station, located at 1241 East Lovejoy Street, to install a pole sign which
would encroach city right-of-way at said address, subject to the conditions as
stated in the communication from the Department of Public Works, Item No. 41,
C.C.P., March 31, 1992.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 175
RENAMING OF A PORTION OF BAILEY AVENUE
NORTH OF SENECA STREET
(Item No. 29, C.C.P. March 3, 1992)
That pursuant to Section 286-3 of the Code of the City of Buffalo,
this Common council requests to change the name of the westerly portion of
Bailey Avenue north of Seneca Street to Mergenhagen Street; and
That the City Clerk is hereby directed to prepare and submit to the
Common Council for its consideration a notice of intention to change the name
of such portion of Bailey Avenue. Such notice of intention shall contain the
change of name, the existing name and the date, time and place for a public
hearing to be held with regard to such change of name.
ADOPTED.
No. 176
JURISDICTION OF THE WESTERLY PARK ROAD/
PARKING AREA AT MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PARK
(ITEM NO. 42, C.C.P., MAR. 31, 1992)
That the westerly park road/parking area at Martin Luther King,
Jr. Park, located between the Science Museum and the Science Magnet School on
the east and the Kensington Expressway on the west and as that parcel of land
is more particularly described in the referenced item, be and hereby is
conveyed jointly to the Museum of Science and the Buffalo Board of Education
for the purpose of jurisdiction, maintenance and liability, on the condition
that the road and water/fire hydrants are maintained so as to be accessible to
the Fire Department apparatus for use.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 177
Ordinance Amendment/Ch. 133/Maintain Outdoor Advertising
(Item # 163 CCP Mar 3, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby referred
to the Committee on Finance.
ADOPTED.
No. 178
Ordinance Amendment/Licensing Of
Rental Housing/Business (ICR)
(Item # 65 CCP Feb 18, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
AYES- AMOS, ARTHUR, BAKOS, BELL, COLLINS, COPPOLA, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS,
LOTEMPIO, PERLA, PITTS, ZUCHLEWSKI- 12
NOES- FAHEY- 1.
No. 179
Ordinance Amendment/Ch. 294/Nuisance Abatement
(Item # 167 CCP Mar 3, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby referred
to the Committee on Finance.
ADOPTED.
No. 180
Information/Recent Fish Die Off/Delaware Park Lake (PKS)
(Item # 46 CCP Mar 31, 1991)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 181
Use Of City Vehicles (CC)
(Item # 53 CCP Feb 18, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 182
Use Of City Vehicles (CD)
(Item # 56 CCP Feb 18, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 183
Recycling Analysis (PW)
(Item # 41 CCP Feb 18, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
HON. CLIFFORD BELL
CHAIRMAN
No. 184
BUFFALO PLACE CONTRACT WITH
CITY OF BUFFALO
(Item No. 27, C.C.P. March 31, 1992)
That the Commissioner of Public Works be and he hereby is authorized
to execute two contracts, for and on behalf of the City of Buffalo with Buffalo
Place, Inc. for the years April 1, 1990 to March 31, 1991, and April 1, 1991 to
March 31, 1992, for the provision of services performed by Buffalo Place, Inc.
on behalf of the City of Buffalo.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 185
Snowden Development/Negotiate Sale Of Nevilly Courts
(Item # 88 CCP Feb 18, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 186
Purchase Of Nevilly Courts/E&W(Compt)
(Item # 15 CCP Mar 3, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 187
Development On Nevilly Courts (PW)
(Item # 47 CCP Mar 17, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 188
Development On Nevilly Courts (CD)
(Item # 62 CCP Mar 17,1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 189
Development On Nevilly Courts (ICR)
(Item # 67 CCP Mar 17, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 190
Sale Of Nevilly Courts (EMC)
(Item # 6 CCP Mar 31, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 191
BEDC/Revised Land Bank Parcel List
(Item # 84 CCP Feb 18, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 192
BEDC Revised Parcel List/Commercial Land Bank
(Item # 74 CCP Mar 3, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 193
Neighborhood Land Bank Parcel Update (CC)
(Item # 55 CCP Mar 17, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 194
Afro/American Business Association/Minority Participation
(Item # 126 CCP Sep 3, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
CATV
HON JAMES W. PITTS
CHAIRMAN
No. 195
PAPB/Amend Board Rules/Regulations
(Item # 58 CCP Dec 10, 1991)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 196
BCAM/Comments Policy Board Rules/Regulations
(Item # 87 CCP Mar 31, 1990)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
RESOLUTIONS
No. 197
BY: MR. BAKOS
Drawing a "Line in the Sand" For
Maintaining Firefighting Manpower Levels in the
1992/1993 Budget
WHEREAS: Mayor Griffin is preparing his 92/93 budged for presentation
to this Council on May 1st. (2 1/2 weeks away) and
WHEREAS: The City of Buffalo has received substantial cuts from the State,
sales tax and other revenue sources, and
WHEREAS: There has been a substantial increase in the cost of delivering
public service, and
WHEREAS: It will be necessary to make substantial service cuts and
substantial increases in new revenue sources to balance the budget, and
WHEREAS: The manpower levels of the Fire Department has been systematically
cut, year after year, from a funded level of 1020 men in 1982/83 to a present
filled level of 914 men in 91/92 (funded men), and
WHEREAS: The Mayor is presently considering, at the recommendation of his
Fire Commissioner, the closing of 3 companies as a method of balancing the
budget, ( originally single house Companies at Engine 18, Engine 28 and Ladder
1 were targeted, now, Engine 30, from a triple house at Seneca and Southside is
also under consideration), and
WHEREAS: It has been clearly and indisputably documented that any fire
company closing will increase response time to life threatening fires and also
responses to medical emergencies., and
WHEREAS: Any additional cuts in the Fire Department manpower and/or
reduction in Fire companies would without question affect the health, safety
and lives of the tax paying public and create a further danger to our brave
firefighters, and
WHEREAS: Fire death opportunities increase substantially with the reduction
of manpower and longer response time, and
WHEREAS: There have been 13 firefighter deaths in the past years, and 194
victim deaths in 12 years, and
WHEREAS: The taxpaying public will no longer accept the continued erosion of
Fire Department manpower nor the closing of any Fire companies, and
WHEREAS: The protection life must be our highest priority, and
WHEREAS: The taxpaying public will reluctantly accept some service cuts or
revenue increases more readily than other cuts and increases, but further cuts
in Fire manpower or companies is a no-no!!
WHEREAS: The taxpayers are madder than hell and they are not going to take
it anymore!! and
Mr. Bakos moved to amend the above item by adding:
Now Therefore Be It Resolved
That this Common Council "draws a line in the sand" and sends a clear
message to the Mayor that they will not accept the closing of any fire
companies in the 1992/1993 budget; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,
That the maintenance of Fire Department manpower will be one of the
Common Council's highest priorities in the 1992/1993 budget.
ADOPTED
AYES- AMOS, ARTHUR, BAKOS, COLLINS, COPPOLA, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS, LOTEMPIO,
PERLA, PITTS, ZUCHLEWSKI-11
NOES- BELL, FAHEY-2.
No. 198
BY: MR. BELL
U.S. PRIVATE INVESTMENT CORP.
WHEREAS: The United States of America has an agency named Overseas
Private Investment Corporation (O.P.I.C.) which promotes economic growth in
developing countries by encouraging U.S. private investment in those nations;
and
WHEREAS: O.P.I.C. assists U.S. investors in this effort through two
principal programs: 1. the insurance of investments against certain political
risks, and 2. the financing of such enterprises through direct loans and/or
loan guarantees; and
WHEREAS: All of O.P.I.C.'s insurance and guaranty obligations are backed by
the full faith and credit of the United States of America as well as O.P.I.C.'s
own substantial cash reserve; and
WHEREAS: Some of our own communities within these United States have been
devastated by the loss of business and industry to foreign countries creating
extreme economic hardship for our older industrial cities such as Buffalo; and
WHEREAS: This exodus of business and industry to other countries has also
eroded employment opportunities for people in the United States leaving many
unemployed or underemployed, some homeless, and others with no alternative
other than public assistance; and
WHEREAS: Efforts should be made in our own country to create investment
opportunities to spur economic growth and combat the escalating unemployment
and the deteriorating economic foundations of the older American cities; and
WHEREAS: Congress should redirect monies proposed to be cut from the defense
budget to fund an investment program to rebuild the harder hit communities in
this country;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Common Council of the City of Buffalo memorializes the President and
the Congress of the United States of America to establish investment programs
in this country similar to the Overseas Private Investment Corporation to
rebuild the economic opportunities in this country and as a hedge against the
escalating unemployment; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the City Clerk be directed to forward a certified copy of this resolution
to the President and the Congress of the United States and to the Western New
York Congressional delegation.
ADOPTED.
No. 199
BY MESSRS. BELL, ZUCHLEWSKI, AMOS, COLLINS, & PERLA
INVESTIGATE DEPUTY OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE DIRECTOR POSITION
WHEREAS: On December 23, 1991, under the threat of losing substance
abuse funding from New York State, this Common Council voted to create the
position of Deputy Director of Substance Abuse services; and
WHEREAS: The new Deputy Director position became necessary when the State
Division of Substance Abuse Services would not approve the city's Substance
Abuse Director because of his lack of clinical and professional experience; and
WHEREAS: A majority of the Council agreed to establish this new position
only after they reached a good-faith understanding that Jesse Carmichael would
be the individual selected for the Deputy Director post; and
WHEREAS: Mr. Carmichael graduated from Medaille College with a B.S. in Human
Services, and from SUNY College at Buffalo with a master's degree in Student
Personnel Public Administration and Counseling; and
WHEREAS: First hired as a counselor for the division in 1989, Mr. Carmichael
was later named assistant director of the Housing Authority Substance Abuse
Program, and served as acting director of the division for four months after
Andres Garcia resigned in November 1990; and
WHEREAS: Since the substance abuse problem is a critical concern in the
minority community, the fact that Mr. Carmichael is an African-American would
help enhance the division's rapport with that significant segment of the
population, as well as serve as a positive role model for young minorities; and
WHEREAS: It has now come to the attention of this honorable body that the
name of another individual for the Deputy Director of Substance Abuse Services
has been submitted to the state for approval, and that approval has not yet
been submitted; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Commissioner of Human Resources and the Director of Substance Abuse
Services be requested to explain to the Common
Council:
1. Who were all of the individuals considered for the position of Deputy
Director of Substance Abuse Services?
2. Why Jesse Carmichael's name was not submitted to the state for approval?
3. Why was there a violation of the good-faith understanding with the Council
to appoint Mr. Carmichael to the Deputy Director position?
4. Why was there no discussion with the Council after the decision was made not
to submit Mr. Carmichael's name to the state for approval?
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE AND THE COMMISSIONER OF HUMAN
RESOURCES
AYES, AMOS, BAKOS, BELL, COLLINS, COPPOLA, FAHEY, HIGGINS, LOTEMPIO, PERLA,
PITTS, ZUCHLEWSKI-11
NOES- ARTHUR, FRANCZYK-2.
No. 200
BY:MR. COLLINS
TRANSFER OF FUNDS APPROPRIATION ALLOTMENTS - EXEMPT ITEMS DIVISION
OF BUILDINGS
That, pursuant to section 42 of the Charter and the Certificate
of the Mayor and the Comptroller submitted to the Common Council, the sum of
$2,695 be and the same is hereby transferred from various accounts in
Appropriation Allotments - Exempt Items and said sum is hereby reappropriated
as set forth below:
FROM:
100 General Fund
81-9 - Exempt Items
842 - Reserve for Capital Improvements $2.695
TO:
81-8 - Interfund Transfers
010 - Transfer to Capital Projects Fund $2.695
FROM:
81-8 - Interfund Transfers
010 - Transfer to Capital Projects Fund $2,695
TO:
200 Capital Projects Fund
40-2 - Division of Buildings
091 Reconstruction of CAO Headquarters $ 121
520 Construction of Central Booking at City Court 2.574
Total $2,695
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 201
BY:MR. COLLINS
TRANSFER OF FUNDS CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND
DIVISION OF BUDGET & MANAGEMENT DIVISION OF BUILDINGS
That, pursuant to section 42 of the Charter and the Certificate
of the Mayor and the Comptroller submitted to the Common Council, the sum of
$19,700 be and the same is hereby transferred from various accounts in Capital
Projects Fund - Division of Budget & Management and said sum is hereby
reappropriated as set forth below:
FROM:
200 Capital Projects Fund
06-1 - Division of Budget & Management
001 - Planning for Capital Projects $19.700
TO:
200 Capital Projects Fund
40-2 - Division of Buildings
513 - Reconstruction of Police Headquarters $19.700
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 202
BY:MR. COLLINS
TRANSFER OF FUNDS CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND
DIVISION OF BUDGET & MANAGEMENT-DIVISION OF BUILDINGS
That, pursuant to section 42 of the Charter and the Certificate
of the Mayor and the Comptroller submitted to the Common Council, the sum of
$30,000 be and the same is hereby transferred from various accounts in Capital
Projects Fund -Division of Budget & Management and said sum is hereby
reappropriated as set forth below:
FROM:
200 Capital Projects Fund
06-1 - Division of Budget & Management
001 - Planning for Capital Projects $30.000
TO:
200 Capital Projects Fund
40-2 - Division of Buildings
070 - Construction of Buffalo Zoo Entrance $30,000
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 203
BY: MR. COLLINS
INCREASED APPROPRIATION RESERVED FUND BALANCE
APPROPRIATION ALLOTMENTS - DEPARTMENT OF LAW
That, pursuant to Section 41 of the Charter and the Certificate
of the Mayor and the Comptroller submitted to the Common Council, the
appropriation in the budget for the current fiscal year for Appropriation
Allotments - Department of Law be and the same hereby is increased in the sum
of $30,000.
That, the Comptroller be and hereby is authorized and directed to
transfer the sum of $30,000 from 100-890-050 - Reserved Fund Balance for
Capital Budget Appropriations to meet this increased appropriation as set forth
below:
TO:
100 General Fund
08-0 Department of Law
085 - Capital Outlay
982 - Operating Equipment
Computer Equipment $ 30.000
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 204
BY: MR. COLLINS
Increased Appropriation New York State Revenue
Division of Substance Services
That, pursuant to Section 41 of the Charter and the Certificate
of the Mayor and the Comptroller submitted to the Common Council, the
appropriation in the budget for the current fiscal year for Appropriation
Allotments - Division of Substance Services be and the same is hereby increased
in the sum of $42,465.
That, the Comptroller be and hereby is authorized and directed to
increase the revenue estimate of account:
Revenue
100 General Fund
50-4 - Division of Substance Services
403 - State
85153 - Asset Forfeiture $42,465
To meet this increased appropriation as set forth below:
TO:
100 General Fund
50-4 Division of Substance Abuse Services
012 - BMHA/HUD Substance Abuse Program
Materials & Supplies
449 - Miscellaneous $10,015
Purchase of Services
583 - Unclassified 30,000
085 - Capital Outlay
982 - Operating Equipment
Video Equipment 2.450
Total $42,465
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 205
BY:MR. COLLINS
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT- CHAPTER 103-24-RECORDS
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby ordain as
follows:
That Chapter 103-24 of the Code of the City of Buffalo be amended to read
as follows:
103-24. Records[.] of Fire Department.
A. The Commissioner of Fire shall keep, in the office of the Bureau of Fire
Prevention, a record of all fires and of all the facts concerning the same,
including statistics as to the extent of such fires and the damage caused
thereby and whether such losses were covered by insurance and, if so, the name
of the company that issued the policy and the amount thereof. Such records
shall be made daily from reports made by the officers and members of the Fire
Department. All such reports and records shall be public documents. A copy of
such report shall be filed within twenty-four (24) hours with the Corporation
Counsel. If the Corporation Counsel shall determine that the City of Buffalo
has the future right to collect any demolition costs incurred or to be
incurred, he shall file suit against all interested parties and shall file
notice of the pendency of the action with the County Clerk to impress a lien
upon the fire insurance proceeds which may accrue to the property owner or
other claimant.
B. There shall be a charge for search of Fire Department files as provided
for in Chapter 175, Fees.
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Laurence K. Rubin
Corporation Counsel
NOTE: Matter in brackets [ ] to be deleted; matter underlined is new.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 206
BY: MESSRS. COLLINS & PITTS
SET PUBLIC HEARING:
Community Wide Urban Renewal Homestead Program
Approval of amendment to Land Disposition Agreement
Masten New Housing Project Phase IIB
BBZ Development Company
WHEREAS, BBZ Development Company and/or other legal entity to
be formed (herein referred to -as the "Redeveloper") has been duly designated
as qualified and eligible Redeveloper in accordance with the rules and
procedures prescribed by the City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (herein
referred to as the "Agency"); and
WHEREAS, The Agency and the Redeveloper have negotiated an amendment to
the Land Disposition Agreement which will add 161 East Utica Street located in
the Masten Councilmanic District and 1008-1010 Smith Street located in the
Ellicott Councilmanic District to Schedule A of said contract.
WHEREAS, 161 East Utica Street and 1008-1010 Smith Street shall be used
for the construction of two additional dwelling units included in said LDA; and
WHEREAS, said Land Disposition Agreement has been forwarded by the Agency
to this Common Council for action, pursuant to Section 507, subdivision 2 (d)
of the General Municipal Law; and
WHEREAS, Article 15A of the "General Municipal Law" requires that the
disposition of land in an Urban Renewal Project may be approved only after a
public hearing on due notice.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. That the City Clerk is hereby directed to publish the notice attached
hereto and marked "Notice of Hearing" in the Buffalo News, no later than the
17th day of April 1992.
2. That this Common Council will conduct a Public Hearing on the matters
stated in said "Notice of Hearing" at 2:00 o'clock pm. in the Council Chambers
on the 28th day of April 1992.
ADOPTED.
No. 207
BY: MR. COLLINS
SUPPORT OF WIC EXPANSION FOR NEW YORK STATE RESIDENTS
WHEREAS: The fight against childhood hunger across the U.S. faces
two powerful obstacles: Federal spending constraints relating to the 1990
budget accord, and skewed budget priorities that reward defense spending over
programs targeted to benefit the nation's poorest children; and
WHEREAS: At risk Is the five year commitment in a five-year campaign by the
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) and other groups to ensure full
funding for the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program by 1996; and
WHEREAS: We are faced with the fact that employment and homeless statistics
account for a major part in the way government dispenses federal funds to fight
problems that relate generally toward low to moderate income families; and
WHEREAS: In order to maintain continual funding, City, State and Federal
government officials must work together for legislative action to take effect.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
This Honorable Body support the efforts of:
1. Legislation sponsored by the UUSC In their dedication to fight childhood
hunger.
2. Full funding for the WIC program by Federal and State representatives.
3. Transferring of federal defense spending to domestic spending in revised
budget rules.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT:
The City Clerk forward certified copies of this resolution to the Clerk of the
Assembly, the Secretary of the Senate, and members of the Western New York
Delegation to the New York State Legislature.
ADOPTED.
No. 208
BY MESSRS. COLLINS & ARTHUR
USE GOVERNMENTAL CONFISCATED FUNDS
WHEREAS: The City of Buffalo has been plagued with an Increase
In crime, drastically raising awareness among residents that we as a community
have a serious problem we must address; and
WHEREAS: Governmental officials Community leaders, Block club
representatives & residents have been meeting on an ongoing basis to address
this crime wave and to collectively take all steps that are available in order
to resolve this problem; and
WHEREAS: The Crime Control Act of 1990 (the Gun-Free School Zones Act of
1990) and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 In association with
the enhanced penalty statute, Section 860 of the Federal Controlled Substances
Act, can be used as tools to keep drug transactions and gang-related violence
out of our school yards; and
WHEREAS: Crime Watch Alert, Fugitive Task Force, and Property Forfeiture
programs have been established in other cities such as Rochester, N.Y. and
Brooklyn, N.Y. to address their rising crime rate; and
WHEREAS: Programs such as the Weapons Surrender enables law enforcement
officials to purchase unloaded guns from people in the community for a specific
price during a specified period of time;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
This Buffalo Common Council requests the Department of Administration and
Finance and the Commissioner of the Buffalo Police to file a report on the
usage of funds confiscated from illegal activities to establish a "Weapons
Surrender Program" within the City of Buffalo
ADOPTED.
No. 209
BY: MR. COPPOLA
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT-CHAPTER 175 - FEES
(CHAPTER 103)
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby ordain as
follows:
That Chapter 175 - Fees pertaining to Chapter 103 of the Code of the City
of Buffalo, be amended to read as follows:
Chapter 103, Building Construction and Demolition; Fire
Prevention
103-24, search of Fire Department files:
Fire Reports $10.00
Employment or salary verification $10.00
Certification or authentication
of any report or record $ 1.00
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Laurence K. Rubin
Corporation Counsel
NOTE: Matter underlined is new.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 210
BY: MR. COPPOLA
REQUEST INSPECTION AT 95 WEST HUMBOLDT PKWY.
WHEREAS: Medaille College has just purchased its second home at
121 West Humboldt Parkway for student housing; and
WHEREAS: Medaille's first home which was purchased for student housing, 95
West Humboldt Parkway, has been used as a residence for ten students since last
fall; and
WHEREAS: Article V, Section 511-12. Permitted Uses (R2 Dwelling District,
Zoning Ordinances), Subsection K, 1(b) Accessory Uses, deals with the "keeping
of not more than two (2) roomers, boarders or lodgers in any building"; and
WHEREAS: Medaille refers to 95 West Humboldt as a residence facility and
with ten students in residence, it appears that a zoning variance is necessary;
and
WHEREAS: Medaille also owns 24 Agassiz Circle, which is used for
administrative purposes.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT
This Common Council requests that the Department of Housing & Inspections
initiate inspections of the premises at 95 and 121 West Humboldt Parkway and
forward a written report to this body by the next full Council meeting; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT
This Common Council be supplied with copies of all permits issued to Medaille
College for 95 and 121 West Humboldt Parkway and 24 Agassiz Circle; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT
This item also be referred to the Corporation Counsel and the Zoning Board of
Appeals for a written opinion to be filed for the next full Council meeting.
ADOPTED.
No. 211
BY: MR. COPPOLA
FUEL MANAGEMENT
WHEREAS: The City of Buffalo is currently using the self-service
honor system for fueling its 900 registered vehicles; and
WHEREAS: The self-service honor system is not the best system for conserving
gasoline and saving money; and
WHEREAS: Effective solutions to fuel management problems do exist and are
currently being used in many other cities, as well as many agencies; and
WHEREAS: There is evidence that when a system is installed to monitor fuel
consumption, there is a substantial decrease in the amount of fuel used.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT
This Common Council requests that the Department of Administration and Finance
take a serious look into the installation of an electronic monitoring system
for the monitoring of fuel consumption for all City of Buffalo vehicles and
machinery.
ADOPTED.
No. 212
BY: MR. COPPOLA
Request Information- Park Utility Worker
WHEREAS: For approximately the last three years, the Civil Service
Commission has been filling vacancies and making promotions for the position of
Park Utility Worker from an open competitive eligible list; and
WHEREAS: Kevin Dellapenta, first on the list, and Paul Maranca, sixth on the
list, have been overlooked from the open competitive list; and
WHEREAS: Although both men would be deemed highly qualified because they
placed so high on the open competitive list, neither has been called and less
than three names remain.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT
This Common Council requests that the Civil Service Commission report to this
body the status of Kevin DellaPenta and Paul Maranca, first and sixth
respectively on the open competitive eligible list.
ADOPTED.
No. 213
BY: MR. COPPOLA
Request Bikeway Striping For Richmond
WHEREAS: Richmond Avenue is a designated bikeway; and
WHEREAS: Neighborhood residents have repeatedly requested that Richmond
Avenue be properly striped for the bikeway designation; and
WHEREAS: McKinley Parkway in South Buffalo is also a designated bikeway and
has been striped; and
WHEREAS: McKinley Parkway was striped even though parking regulations allow
parking on both sides of the street all the time; and
WHEREAS: The parking regulations on Richmond Avenue are Alternate II which
restricts parking on one side from Monday through Wednesday and the opposite
side Thursday and Friday, and allows parking on both sides after 4:00 PM and on
weekends.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT
This Common Council requests that the Department of Public Works Division of
Traffic Engineering take the necessary steps to initiate striping for a
designated bikeway on Richmond Avenue.
ADOPTED.
No. 214
BY: MR. COPPOLA
Request Local Law-Refusal Salary Increases
WHEREAS: The present salary rate for elected officials was determined,
voted upon, and approved by this Common Council in 1990, a year when the City
of Buffalo enjoyed a budget surplus; and
WHEREAS: The present salary increase for elected officials took effect on
January 1, 1992; and
WHEREAS: The City of Buffalo is facing a $22 million deficit for budget year
1991-92; and
WHEREAS: Elected officials should have the right to refuse a salary increase
when poor fiscal times warrant.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT
This Common Council requests that the Corporation Counsel prepare the necessary
amendment to Sec. 451 of the City Charter, Salaries of Elected Officials,
allowing elected officials the right to refuse salary increases when poor
fiscal times warrant.
ADOPTED.
No. 215
BY: MR. COPPOLA
Request Interim Financial Report From BSA
WHEREAS: The Buffalo Sewer Authority (BSA) has announced a 12%
increase in rates for the coming fiscal year; and
WHEREAS: At the end of the last fiscal year, the BSA had a $10 million
surplus; and
WHEREAS: On top of the $10 million surplus, there was a substantial increase
in general administration costs with an overall increase of 141% over the past
nine years in this particular budget line.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT
This Common Council requests an interim financial report from the Buffalo Sewer
Authority specifying the present number of employees and the balances in
individual fund accounts through December, 1991.
ADOPTED.
No. 216
BY: MR. COPPOLA
Request Parking For Annual Hellenic Festival
WHEREAS: The Hellenic Orthodox Church of the Annunciation will
host its Annual Hellenic Festival this year on May 15 through May 17; and
WHEREAS: Because of the increase in attendance and the need to accommodate
their patrons, festival organizers have made arrangements with AAA of Western
New York to place a large tent in the AAA parking lot adjacent to the church;
and
WHEREAS: The tent will be erected on May 12 and will be removed on May 18,
thus the parking lot will not be available to AAA employees for that period of
time; and
WHEREAS: Festival organizers have requested restricted parking on West Utica
Street, between Delaware and Atlantic, to accommodate AAA employees,
WHEREAS: In addition, the organizers have also requested that the no parking
zone on the south side of Utica Street be temporarily waived for the duration
of the festival; and
WHEREAS: During other special events in the City of Buffalo, temporary
parking regulations are imposed to accommodate those impacted by the events.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT
This Common Council requests that the Department of Public Works Division of
Traffic Engineering evaluate the above requests in anticipation of approval of
the special regulations for parking during this year's Greek Festival.
ADOPTED.
No. 217
BY: MR. FAHEY
MEMORIALIZE GOVERNOR, AND NYS LEGISLATURE -INCREASE SALES TAX
TO 8% PERMANENTLY FOR ERIE COUNTY - WITH DISTRIBUTION OF REVENUES TO ALL SCHOOL
BOARDS AND LOCALITIES
WHEREAS: The New York State Legislature has granted permission
annually since 1984 to increase the Sales Tax collected in Erie County from 7%
to 8% with revenues from the additional 1% distributed exclusively to Erie
County; and
WHEREAS: The action by the State Legislature was necessary to assist Erie
County in resolving its serious fiscal problems in 1984; and
WHEREAS: Each of the participating cities, towns, villages and school
districts agreed, in a spirit of cooperation, to waive their share of the extra
1% revenue so that Erie County could settle its financial matters; and
WHEREAS: The increase in sales tax from 7% to 8% was intended to be a one
year agreement which would revert back to the original 7% sales tax; and
WHEREAS: In each of the subsequent years from the time of the original
agreement, Erie County has requested the State Legislature to extend the 8%
sales tax in one year increments without distributing to cities, villages,
towns, and school districts any of the additional revenues generated by the
extra 1%; and
WHEREAS: At this time of severe financial strain on all municipalities and
school districts due to a decrease in funding from New York State, it is very
clear that other sources of revenues must be identified to resolve the
financial hardships that all levels of government are experiencing; and
WHEREAS: Since the original increase of sales tax in Erie County was
intended to be a temporary measure, and each municipality and school district,
in a cooperative effort, allowed Erie County to benefit fully from the
additional revenue in its time of need, the New York State Legislature should
approve a permanent increase in sales tax from 7% to 8% for Erie County to be
disbursed equitably to all municipalities and school districts so that the
additional 1% is distributed using the same formula employed for disbursement
of revenues generated by the original 7% tax;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Common Council of the City of Buffalo memorializes the Governor and
the New York State Legislature to permanently raise the Sales Tax collected in
Erie County from 7% to 8%; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the distribution formula for disbursement of revenues to Erie County, all
cities, towns, villages, and school districts be used for the entire 8% tax;
and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That the City Clerk be directed to forward certified copies of this resolution
to the Governor of New York State, the Secretary to the Senate, the Clerk of
the Assembly, and the Western New York delegation.
ADOPTED.
No. 218
BY MR. HIGGINS
REQUEST FOR CORPORATION COUNSEL OPINION AS TO COUNCIL AUTHORITY
IN ESTABLISHING ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSMENT
REVIEW
WHEREAS: Pursuant to New York State Real Property Tax Law, the
Board of Assessment Review was created in 1971 composed of members appointed by
the Common Council; and
WHEREAS: As stated in the Common Council Resolution (C.C.P. # 164,
11-30-71) which created the Board of Assessment Review, "In the case of a
vacancy resulting from the death, resignation or removal of any member during
his term in office, his successor shall be appointed by the Common Council; and
WHEREAS: Throughout its 20 years of existence, the Board of Assessment
Review members have been charged with the responsibility to get all the facts,
and apply appropriate laws and reasoning in a fair and judicious manner; and
WHEREAS: To meet their responsibilities, it is vital that the Board of
Assessment Review members regularly attend meetings and be well-advised and
familiar with the facts before them; and
WHEREAS: In accordance with New York State Real Property Tax Law, a member
of a Board of Assessment Review may be removed pursuant to Public Officers Law
Section 36 and Civil Service Law Section 75.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
This Common Council requests an opinion from the Corporation Counsel as to
whether the Council, as the appointing authority, also has the authority to
introduce legislation, whether local law or state memorialization, authorizing
removal of any member of the Board of Assessment Review due to three unexcused
absences from meetings.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the Corporation Counsel also review and offer an opinion as to whether
Public Officers Law Section 36 and Civil Service Law Section 75 includes any
provision for the removal of a member of the Board of Assessment Review due to
unexcused absences.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the City Clerk forward a certified copy to the New York State Division of
Equalization and Assessment for their opinion as to the establishment of
Council legislation authorizing removal of a board member for three unexcused
absences.
ADOPTED.
No. 219
BY MR. HIGGINS
FISCAL INDEPENDENCE FOR THE BUFFALO
BOARD OF EDUCATION
WHEREAS: The Commission on Quality Education, established by the
Common Council, issued its report in January, 1991 recommending a phased
approach leading to fiscal independence for the Buffalo Board of Education.
The phased approach included: 1. A negotiated five year agreement between the
Administration, Board of Education and Common Council dedicating a specific
percentage of local property tax revenues exclusively for educational purposes.
2. The agreement would include a provision that if fiscal independence is not
achieved by the end of the five year period, the agreement would then convert
to a division of the constitutional taxing limit of 2% of full value between
the Board and the City, thus giving the Board limited taxing authority; and
WHEREAS: The Common Council established the Funding Formula Review Panel, to
be composed of three Board of Education members, Mayoral appointees, and
Council members to review, discuss and implement the recommendations; and
WHEREAS: The Funding Formula Review Panel met in January, 1992 with
appointed Board of Education members and Council Members and found any funding
agreement would need the support of the Administration, Board and Council.
While the Mayor did not appoint representatives to the panel, he did respond to
the Council's request for his position on the Commission's recommendations
stating, I, favor the pursuit of fiscal independence for the Board of
Education but I oppose the interim steps included in the Commission's
recommendations. (C.C.P. #7, April 2, 1991); and
WHEREAS: It is essential the Funding Formula Review Panel have all available
information and opinions as to the merit and possible impact of fiscal
independence.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That this Common Council support the pursuit of
fiscal independence for the Board of Education; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Board of Education provide this Council with
their position on fiscal independence; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Department of Administration and Finance
provide this Council with cost comparisons specifically addressing the current
constitutional taxing limit as it applies to the City of Buffalo and the
fiscally dependent Board of Education, the impact on the constitutional taxing
limit for a fiscally independent Board of Education and the amount of tax
limitations to be separately apportioned for municipal and school needs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Corporation Counsel prepare a report on the
process, procedure, and general timetable for fiscal independence, and
specifically address the language of the formal request needed to ask New York
State to commence the constitutional amendment process to confer fiscal
independence upon the Buffalo Board of Education; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: All responses be referred to the Funding Formula Review
Panel.
ADOPTED.
AYES- AMOS, BAKOS, COPPOLA, FAHEY, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS, LOTEMPIO, PERLA,
ZUCHLEWSKI- 9.
NOES- ARTHUR, BELL, COLLINS, PITTS- 4.
No. 220
BY: MESSRS. HIGGINS & FRANCZYK
Keep Edward M. Cotter Fireboat
WHEREAS: The Edward M. Cotter is the nation's oldest fireboat,
and played an integral role in Buffalo's development ever since it began
operating in 1900; and
WHEREAS: The Cotter provided essential fire protection to the waterfront
when Buffalo boasted a thriving array of flour mills, grain elevators, and
warehouses along the water's edge; and
WHEREAS: With the decrease in commerce on the Great Lakes and the
development of new technology, the (otter's functional value as a firefighting
apparatus has declined dramatically; and
WHEREAS: Although it is still in relatively good condition, the (otter is no
longer cost-effective as a day-to-day firefighting and icebreaking vessel; and
WHEREAS: The Cotter could still be used on an sporadic basis, but has even
greater potential as a tourist attraction and an educational tool; and
WHEREAS: A meaningful historic link to the rich past of Buffalo's
waterfront, the Cotter is recognized by historians and preservationists across
the country as one of a small number of fireboats that has played an important
role in the history of America; and
WHEREAS: Selling the Cotter to help alleviate the current fiscal crisis
would be a shortsighted move that would have little impact upon the budget
deficit, but would have a significant long-term detrimental effect upon the
City of Buffalo; and
WHEREAS: Representatives of the 300-member Buffalo Fire Historical Society
have expressed a willingness to preserve and operate the Cotter, as is being
done in Seattle with the country's second-oldest fireboat; and
WHEREAS: As we continue our efforts to redevelop Buffalo's waterfront, it is
important to maintain this link to the area's rich historic past as "the Queen
City of the Great Lakes;"
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That this Common Council strongly urge that the Edward S. Cotter Fireboat be
kept in Buffalo as part of a permanent waterfront exhibit, and for possible
duties as a firefighting and icebreaking vessel; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That this honorable body encourages and supports efforts to pursue landmark
status for the Cotter, and to make it a centerpiece of a Buffalo Firefighting
Museum.
ADOPTED.
AYES- AMOS, BAKOS, BELL, COLLINS, COPPOLA, FAHEY, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS, LOTEMPIO,
PERLA, PITTS, ZUCHLEWSKI-12.
NOES- ARTHUR- 1.
No. 221
BY: MR. HIGGINS
Home Rule Message-Legislation 5.4064-A, A6611-A to Amend Penal
Law of the State of New York in Relation to Assaults Upon Parking Enforcement
Officers
WHEREAS: There has been introduced in the Senate, Bill #4064-A
and the Assembly, Bill #A6671-A legislation to amend subdivision 3 of section
120.05 of the penal law of the State of New York to classify an assault against
a Parking Enforcement Officer as a Class D felony; and
WHEREAS: Currently, those arrested for assaulting a parking violations
officers face only a charge of misdemeanor assault; and
WHEREAS: As acts of violence against parking enforcement officers occur too
frequently, it is necessary to amend the State penal law to make such assaults
a Class D felony.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That this Common Council hereby request the State Legislature to enact into law
Senate Bill 5.4064-A and Assembly Bill A6671-A to amend section 120.05
subdivision 3 of the penal law of the State of New York to classify an assault
against a Parking Enforcement Officer as a Class D felony; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the City Clerk be, and he hereby is directed to forward certified copies
of this Home Rule Message to the Home Rule Counsel of the Senate, to the Clerk
of the Assembly and to members of the Western New York Delegation.
ADOPTED.
No. 222
BY: MR. PERLA
CRIME WATCH SIGNS FOR DAYS PARK BLOCK CLUB
WHEREAS: Residents of Days Park Block Club located between Cottage
and Wadsworth/Allen, have submitted a petition to the Buffalo Police Department
requesting that Crime Watch Signs be installed on their street; and
WHEREAS: The block club is asking that these signs be erected at the
following locations: on Cottage Street at Days Park facing Cottage; in front of
School No. 33 at Days Park; and in Days Park near Allen Street; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
That this Common Council grants permission to have neighborhood Crime Watch
Signs installed at the location mentioned above by the City of Buffalo
Department of Public Works.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 223
BY MESSRS. PERLA, COPPOLA & ZUCHLEWSKI
ELM LEAF BEETLE PILOT PROGRAM OF THE RICHMOND AVENUE NEIGHBORHOOD
ASSOCIATION
WHEREAS: The Richmond Avenue Neighborhood Association has experienced
severe problems with the Elm Leaf Beetle affecting the trees located on
Richmond Avenue for many years; and
WHEREAS: The Elm Leaf Beetle population has reached high levels, and the
City of Buffalo has also experienced similar problems with the Elm Leaf Beetle
throughout the city for several years; and
WHEREAS: The Parks Department has used the pesticide Sevin (active
ingredient: carbaryl) from 1970 to 1989 in an attempt to control the Elm Leaf
Beetle problem; and
WHEREAS: The Pest Management Board has concluded that agent Sevin is highly
toxic, hazardous, and could be detrimental to the health of residents; and
WHEREAS: The life cycle of the Elm Leaf Beetle includes a period when larvae
climb down the trunk of the tree to pupate on the ground before becoming
adults; and
WHEREAS: The Buffalo Pest Management Board has developed a program for the
Elm trees which includes
monitoring, worker training, public education, and a treatment plan which
includes spraying a band of insecticide around the trunks of trees to intercept
larvae as well as aerial spraying of trees with a low toxicity narrow spectrum
insecticide such as Bacillus Thuringiensis; and
WHEREAS: The Board has further noted that when the trunks of Elm trees are
wrapped with burlap in early May the burlap can effectively capture Elm Beetle
larvae which can then be shaken into water and drowned at appropriate
intervals, resulting in a considerable reduction in the infestation of the
beetles;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
The Common Council requests that the Parks Department allow the Richmond
Neighborhood Community Association to act as a pilot program for the City of
Buffalo in attempting to alleviate the Elm Leaf Beetle problem; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the members of the association, paying for the expenses of the burlap,
would wrap each tree trunk in burlap in early May on each side of Richmond
Avenue from Forest Avenue to Symphony Circle; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the pesticide Sevin be forbidden to be used by the Parks Department on the
trees along Richmond Avenue and this Common Council requests Parks to use the
treatment methods developed by the Pest Management Board for the trees on
Richmond Avenue;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the Common Council requests that the Parks Department submit a report of
the results of this pilot program to the Common Council by March 1, 1993 and
using the results of this program, initiate a similar program for the entire
City of Buffalo in the future in an effort to protect the environment and the
health of the citizens of the City of Buffalo.
ADOPTED
AYES- AMOS, BAKOS, BELL, COLLINS, COPPOLA, FAHEY, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS, LOTEMPIO,
PERLA, PITTS, ZUCHLEWSKI- 12
NOES- ARTHUR- 1.
No. 224
BY: MR. PITTS
SALARY ORDINANCE AMENDMENT - 50 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
50-4 DIVISION OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo do ordain as follows:
That part of Section l of Chapter 35 of the Ordinances of the City of
Buffalo, relating to 50-4 Division of Substance Abuse Services under the
subheading "011 YDA-DACC Narcotic Control Program" which reads:
1 Account Clerk-Stenographer $19,919 - 22,237
1 Account Clerk-Typist $19,346 - 21,601
is hereby amended to read:
2 Account Clerk-Typist $19,346 - 21,601
IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED, pursuant to Section 34 of the Charter, that the
immediate passage of the foregoing ordinance is necessary.
WE, DONALD O. ALLEN, Commissioner of Human Resources and THOMAS F.
KEENAN, Director of the Budget, hereby certify that the deletion of one (1)
Account-Clerk Stenographer position and the creation of one (1) Account
Clerk-Typist position is necessary for the proper conduct, administration and
performance of essential services of that department. We recommend that the
compensation for said positions be fixed at the respective amount set forth in
the foregoing ordinance.
That a personnel requisition incident to the creation of the
above-mentioned position containing a statement of the duties for such
position, has been filed with the Municipal Civil Service Commission, and said
Commission has approved and certified the position title set forth in the
foregoing ordinance as being the appropriate Civil Service title for the
proposed position.
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Laurence K. Rubin
Corporation Counsel
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
No. 225
BY: MR. ZUCHLEWSKI
Authorize Acceptance of Erie County Funds - Scajaquada Pathway
Phase B Project
Whereas, the County of Erie has appropriated approximately $251,000
for the design and construction of the Scajaquada Pathway Phase B project; and
Whereas, the County will make up to $100,000 available for the design of
the project on a 50% County-50% City cost sharing ratio; and
Whereas, the City's share of design funds is available in the Capital
Planning Project Reserve Fund No. 200-061001; and
Whereas, Common Council authorization is required to accept County funds
and to retain the services of a design firm for the Pathway project.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Common Council of the City of
Buffalo that:
The Mayor be, and he hereby is, authorized on behalf of the City of
Buffalo to accept the funds tendered by the County of Erie;
The Mayor is authorized to enter into all necessary agreements and
contracts to assure the prompt and expeditious implementation of the Scajaquada
Pathway Phase B Project;
The Mayor is further authorized to execute such other action as may be
necessary to effectuate the purpose of the transfer agreement and this
resolution;
The Comptroller be, and he hereby is, directed to establish a Trust and
Agency Account to account for said funds;
The Department of Community Development be, and hereby is, authorized to
retain the services of an architectural/engineering/planning firm to design the
Scajaquada Pathway Phase B Project.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 226
BY:MR. ZUCHLEWSKI
SUPPORT COST RECOVERY SYSTEM
WHEREAS: Elected officials and their constituents around the country
have promoted the premise that government should be "run more like a business,"
and
WHEREAS: This premise can very well be applied to the City of Buffalo
especially in these troubled financial times, and
WHEREAS: Councilmember Archie Amos has arranged for a presentation from
Management Services Institute to develop a Municipal Business System for the
City of Buffalo, and
WHEREAS: One of the criticisms of this approach has been that it does little
to solve this year's budget dilemma, and
WHEREAS: One of the criticisms of this Common Council and Mayor is that we
have done little to look beyond our present problems and plan for the future,
and
WHEREAS: If we are to spend our most precious tax revenues to provide for
basic city services such as police protection, fire protection, garbage and
trash pickup, then we have no alternative than to make other services pay for
themselves,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
that this Common Council request Management Services Institute for a breakdown
of their proposed $985,000 fee over 24 months, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
that this Common Council authorize the Special Committee on the Budget to
negotiate a fee schedule and time table for services.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
that if the Mayor is opposed to this budget approach that the Common Council
contract directly with Management Services Institute through its budget.
Mr. Fahey moved to adopt the first resolve to request Management Services
Institute for a breakdown of their proposed $985,000 fee over 24 months; and
that the balance of the item be referred to the Special Committee on Budget.
ADOPTED.
AYES- AMOS, BAKOS, BELL, COLLINS, COPPOLA, FAHEY, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS, LOTEMPIO,
PERLA, PITTS, ZUCHLEWSKI- 12
NOES- ARTHUR - 1.
No. 227
BY: MR. ZUCHLEWSKI
INSTALLATION FEES FOR WHEELCHAIR LIFT, INCLUDING VERTICAL WHEELCHAIR
LIFTS, INCLINED WHEELCHAIR LIFTS AND INCLINED STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS
WHEREAS: At its regular meeting of November 12, 1991, this Common
Council introduced an ordinance amendment to Charter 167, Section 167-1 of the
Code of the City Buffalo regarding elevator installations. Subsequently, this
ordinance amendment was approved at a later date; and
WHEREAS: Upon the adoption of this ordinance amendment, Charter 167 now
reads that anyone wishing to install any of the aforementioned residential
handicapped lift units must pay for the necessary elevator construction permits
as required for the installation of any elevator, dumbwaiter, escalator, or
moving sidewalk; and
WHEREAS: These fees are not covered by handicapped programs and must
therefore, be paid by the private homeowner or handicapped resident; and
WHEREAS: It is my belief that by imposing these costly permit fees for the
installation of a residential handicapped lift, we are imposing a hardship on
our handicapped population; and
WHEREAS: Presently, with this ordinance amendment intact, it would cost a
handicapped individual or their family in excess of $450.00 alone for permit
fees for the installation of a wheelchair lift;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Common Council understands that a request has been submitted to the
Law Department for a lower flat fee to be imposed for the installation of such
handicapped units; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the Common Council requests that the Law Department approve this change
before the next Council meeting of April 28th so that handicapped individuals
will not have to suffer additional undue expenses; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That the City Clerk be directed to forward certified copies of this resolution
to the Law Department, Members of the Elevator Safety Review Board and the
Office for People with Handicapped Conditions.
ADOPTED.
No. 228
BY: MR. ZUCHLEWSKI
REAFFIRM COMMITMENT TO STUDY RELOCATION OF NIAGARA SECTION OF
THE NEW YORK STATE THRUWAY
WHEREAS: Last year, a group of citizens in the Riverside area of
the city proposed the idea of relocating the Niagara section of the Thruway
from the edge of the Niagara River inland to a railroad right of way; and
WHEREAS: The idea gained support from the federal government when
Congressman Henry Nowak obtained $240,000 to conduct a feasibility study on
relocation of the highway; and
WHEREAS: Residents In Riverside, as well as others throughout the city, have
complained since the Thruway was constructed in the 1950's that they have been
cut off from the beauty and splendor of our beloved waterfront; and
WHEREAS: The development of our waterfront is the key element In the
expected resurgence of Buffalo and relocation of the Thruway from the water's
edge will only enhance recreational waterfront development; and
WHEREAS: Any project of this magnitude will undoubtedly encounter some
obstacles and opposition, but the potential to be realized is too great to give
up the fight before it has been thoroughly studied; and
WHEREAS: Moving forward with a comprehensive feasibility study to explore
all options for relocating the Thruway is the only wise thing to do, but the
primary focus of the study should be to utilize the railroad right of way as
has been suggested by the community;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Common Council reaffirms its support for the relocation of the Niagara
section of the New York State Thruway the Conrail right of way; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That this Honorable Body states its opinion that the feasibility study should,
as its first priority, determine if relocating the Thruway is possible; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That other options for waterfront access be studied only after a determination
is made on relocating the Thruway.
ADOPTED.
No. 229
BY:MR. ZUCHLEWSKI
Felicitations and/or In Memoriams
Attached hereto are Felicitations or In Memoriams sponsored by
members of the Common Council:
Felicitation for Ronald Katz
By Councilmember Amos
Felicitation for Jessica Rainey
By Councilmember Collins
In Memoriam for Peter J. Crotty
By Councilmember Arthur
In Memoriam for William B. Hoyt
By Councilmember Fahey
and the City Clerk is hereby directed to have the above resolutions framed at a
cost not to exceed Seven Dollars and Fifty Cents ($7.50) each.
ADOPTED.
No. 230
BY: MR. ZUCHLEWSKI
Appointments Commissioners of Deeds
That the following persons are hereby appointed as Commissioner
of Deeds for the term ending December 31, 1992, conditional upon the persons so
appointed certifying under oath to their qualifications and filing same with
the City Clerk:
Richard E. McFail
TOTAL-1
ADOPTED.
No. 231
BY: MR. ZUCHLEWSKI
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, 1992, conditional upon the persons so
appointed certifying under oath to their qualifications and filing same with
the City Clerk:
Luke Cybulski
Frederick E. Evert
Marianne DeMarco
Samuel F. Houston
TOTAL: 4
ADOPTED.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
No. 232
INCREASE APPROPRIATION - FRINGE BENEFITS
(ITEM NO. 162, C.C.P., MARCH 17, 1992)
(ITEM NO. 4, C.C.P., APRIL 7, 1992)
Mr. Fahey moved that Item No. 4, C.C.P., APRIL 7, 1992, be taken
from the table. Seconded by Mr. Amos
CARRIED.
Mr. Fahey moved that the above item be approved. Seconded Mr. Amos.
PASSED.
AYES- AMOS, BAKOS, BELL, FAHEY, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS, LOTEMPIO, PERLA,
ZUCHLEWSKI-9
NOES- ARTHUR, COLLINS, COPPOLA, PITTS-4.
No. 233
BUDGET NOTE RES. - $17,077,871
(ITEM NO. 171, C.C.P., MARCH 17, 1992)
(ITEM NO. 5, C.C.P., APRIL 7, 1992)
Mr. Fahey moved that Item No. 5, C.C.P., April 7, 1992, be taken
from the table. Seconded by Mr. Amos
CARRIED.
Mr. Fahey moved that the above item be approved. Seconded by Mr. Amos.
PASSED.
AYES- AMOS, BAKOS, BELL, FAHEY, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS, LOTEMPIO, PERLA, ZUCHLEWSKI-
9.
NOES- ARTHUR, COLLINS, COPPOLA, PITTS-4.
No. 234
ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS
The following meetings are scheduled. All meetings are held in
the Council Chambers, 13th floor, City Hall, Buffalo, New York, unless
otherwise noted.
REGULAR COMMITTEES
CIVIL SERVICE Tuesday, APRIL 21, 1992 9:30 AM
FINANCE Tuesday, APRIL 21, 1992
Immediately Following Civil Service
LEGISLATION Tuesday, APRIL 21, 1992 2:00 PM
ECONOMIC DEV. Wednesday, APRIL 22, 1992, 10:00 AM
ANCILLARY COMMITTEES
BUDGET COMM. Thursday, April 16, 1992, 9:00 AM
No. 235
Adjournment
On motion by Mr. Fahey, Seconded by Mr. PerIa, the Council adjourned
at 5:10 P.M.
Charles L. Michaux III
City Clerk
Meeting reported by Leonard G Sciolino, Council and Committee Reporter.