HomeMy WebLinkAbout92-1013
No. 19
1Common Council
Proceedings
of the
City of Buffalo
Regular Meeting, October 13, 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, October 13, 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. Pitts, the minutes of the stated
meeting held on September 29, 1992 were approved
FROM THE MAYOR
No. 1
Appointment and Reappointment of
members of Elevator Safety Review Board
Pursuant to the powers vested in me by Chapter 167.3 of the Buffalo
Code, I hereby reappoint the below listed persons as members of the Elevator
Safety Review Board for terms expiring on April 30, 1995:
Thomas Granville, President Representative of Elevator
Gallagher Elevator Servicing Company
135 South Division
Buffalo, 14203
Bernie Cryan Representative of Insurance
Lawley Service, Inc. Industry
120 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, 14202
Robert A. O'Hara, R.A., A.I.A. Representative of Architectural
Director of Buildings Design Field
Public Works - 502 City Hall
City of Buffalo
Buffalo, 14202
Steven D. Parks, Bldg. Mgr. Representative of Building Owners
Koll Management Services and Managers Assoc. (B.O.M.A.)
1 Marine Midland Center
Suite 3100
Buffalo, 14203
Donald H. Winkle, Business Rep. Rep. of Labor Involvement
International Union of Elevator
Constructors - Local # 4
3527 Harlem Road
Buffalo, 14225
Pursuant to the above listed authority, I hereby appoint Peter L. Hall,
Otis Elevator Company, 1175 Military Road, Buffalo, NY - 14217 as a member of
the Elevator Safety Review Board effective October 5, 1992 for a term expiring
on April 30, 1995.
Peter L. Hall will succeed Randell Lindgren who has resigned, as the
representative of a major elevator manufacturing company on the Elevator Safety
Review Board.
I hereby certify that the above appointed persons are fully qualified to
serve as members of the Elevator Safety Review Board.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION, BOARD OF ETHICS AND THE CORPORATION
COUNSEL.
FROM THE MAYOR EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS
FROM THE CITY PLANNING BOARD
No. 2
C. Piparo - Application to erect a gas pump canopy
at 1460 Niagara St.
Item No. 75, C.C.P., September 29, 1992
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held Tuesday, October
6, 1992 considered the above application pursuant to Section 511-68 of the
Buffalo Code, Niagara Coastal Special Review District.
The applicant seeks to erect a 24-foot by 30-foot lighted canopy over
existing gas pumps. No signage is anticipated for the canopy.
The site is located in an M1 zone which permits such uses. The site is
also overlain by the Niagara Coastal Review District but is not contiguous to
any body of water. Under S.E.Q.R., the proposed canopy is considered a Type II
action which does not require further environmental review.
The Planning Board voted to approve the proposed canopy.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 3
Grace English Evangelical Church Request to place a ground sign at 174
Cazenovia St.
Item No. 74, C.C.P., September 29, 1992
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held Tuesday, October
6, 1992 considered the above request pursuant to Section 387-19 of the Buffalo
Code, Review of Ground Signs.
The applicant seeks to erect an illuminated ground sign with an overall
height of 7 feet and a sign face area of 32 square feet. The new sign will
replace an existing sign.
The site is located in an R2 zone which allows such signs for places of
worship. 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. 4
F. Yartz - Request to encroach
the right-of-way at 517-519 Ellicott.
Item No. 36, C.C.P., September 29, 1992
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held Tuesday, October
6, 1992 considered the above matter pursuant to Section 317.1 of the City
Charter, Referable Matters for the City Planning Board.
The applicant seeks to place three doors which when opened will encroach
the right-of-way of 517-519 Ellicott Street. The doors will swing 3 feet 6
inches into the right-of-way.
The Planning Board voted to table the request since no one was present to
explain the need for the encroachment. The Board, however, feels that Your
Honorable Body should be made aware of the Planning Board's concern that the
encroaching doors should be made of transparent material in order to minimize
the danger of not seeing a pedestrian using the right-of-way.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 5
E J. Storm - Request to encroach
the right-of-way at 2495 Main St.
Item No. 37, C.C.P., September 29, 1992
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held Tuesday, October
6, 1992 considered the above request pursuant to Section 317.1 of the City
Charter, Referable Matters for the City Planning Board.
The applicant seeks to place a 9 foot by 20 foot handicapped access ramp
in the right-of-way. The proposed ramp will not be permanently attached to the
building.
The Planning Board voted to table the requested encroachment since no one
was present to discuss the matter. The Board took this action because it feels
that Your Honorable Body should be apprised of the precise location of the
ramp, and should see graphic representation of what the ramp will look like and
of what material it will be constructed from.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 6
D. Leone - Application to establish a take-out restaurant
at 976 Elmwood Ave.
Item No. 73, C.C.P., September 29, 1992.
The City Planning Board at its regular meeting held Tuesday, October
6, 1992 considered the above application pursuant to Section 511-56 of the
Buffalo Code, the Elmwood Business "EB" District.
The applicant seeks to establish a restaurant in a portion of an existing
masonry building. The proposed renovation will involve approximately 625
square feet of the first floor.
The site is located in the EB zone which requires a restricted use permit
for the establishment of an eating and drinking place. Under the Buffalo Code,
four off-street parking spaces are suggested. The applicant has off-street
parking to the rear of his property which would satisfy the parking needs.
Under S.E.Q.R., the proposed restaurant is considered an unlisted action which
may be studied through uncoordinated review.
The Planning Board voted to approve the proposed restaurant.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
FROM THE COMPTROLLER
No. 7
Certificate of Necessity
Transfer of Funds Appropriation Allotments
Exempt Items Capital Projects Fund
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 $23,000 be transferred and reappropriated from the Reserve for
Capital Improvements account 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, October 5, 1992.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 8
Certificate of Necessity
Increased Appropriation
Appropriation Allotments Reserved Fund Balance
Municipal Civil Service Commission
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 $4,700 in the estimates for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1992
is necessary in Appropriation Allotments - Division of Inventory & Stores 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, October 1, 1992.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 9
Certificate of Necessity Increased Appropriation
Appropriation Allotments Reserved Fund Balance
Division of Inventory & Stores
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 $1,900 in the estimates for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1992
is necessary in Appropriation Allotments - Division of Inventory & Stores 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, October 1, 1992.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 10
Interfund Cash Loan-Capital Projects
Due to changes in the Internal Revenue Code enacted in 1986, I
have had to develop new procedures to implement the financing of the Capital
Improvements Budget. One of these procedures is an interfund loan from the City
General Fund to the City, Board and Enterprise Capital Projects Funds. The
interfund loan will then be repaid when Bond Anticipation Notes or Bonds are
issued to finance these projects.
As of today, we have one request for money to finance various projects
and we will not reenter the bond market until more projects have requested
funding.
We are requesting that you approve an interfund cash loan from the
General Fund to the Capital Projects Fund in the amount of $125,000 Relocation
of LaSalle Park Concession Stand. The loan will be repaid when Bond
Anticipation Notes or Bonds are issued.
From To Account Repayment Date Total
100 Gen 200 Cap. Proj. 200-402-095 BAN/Bond Sale $125,000
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Comptroller dated October 7, 1992, be
received and filed; and
That the Comptroller be, and he hereby is authorized to make an inter
fund cash loan from the General Fund to the Capital Projects Fund in the amount
of $125,000 for Reallocation of LaSalle Park Concession Stand. The loan will
be repaid when Bond Anticipation Notes or Bonds are issued.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 11
Permission to Negotiate
345 Fulton, S 50' W Hamburg
Vacant Land: 29.71' x 100'
Assessed Valuation: $400
The Office of the Comptroller, Division of Real Estate, has received
a request from Mrs. Wigena Kendrick-Tirado of 347 Fulton Street, Buffalo, New
York to purchase the above captioned property.
Mrs. Kendrick-Tirado would like to purchase this property, which is
adjacent to her house, for extra yard space.
The Departments of Inspections and Community Revitalization and 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 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 October 1 1992, be
received and filed; and
That the Comptroller be, and he hereby is authorized to negotiate with
Mrs. Wigena Kendrick-Tirado residing at 347 Fulton Street for the private sale
of 345 Fulton Street and report to this Honorable Body the results of such
negotiations.
ADOPTED.
No. 12
Permission to Negotiate
0 Grape (S.B.L. 10073-2-11.2)
W 217.5 S Best
Vacant Land: 17.5 x 105'
Assessed Valuation: $600
The Office of the Comptroller, Division of Real Estate, has received
a request from Ms. Joyce Darden of 276 Grape, Buffalo, New York to purchase the
above captioned property.
Ms. Darden would like to purchase this property, which is adjacent to her
house, in order to square off her property and use for extra yard space.
The Departments of Inspections and Community Revitalization and 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 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 September 29, 1992, be
received and filed; and
That the Comptroller be, and he hereby is authorized to negotiate with
Joyce Darden residing at 276 Grape Street for the private sale of 0 Grape
(S.B.L. 10073-2-11.2) W 217.5 S Best and report to this Honorable Body the
results of such negotiations.
ADOPTED.
No. 13
Permission to Negotiate 45 Manitoba, S W Corner Scoville Vacant Land: 32.33' x
120'
Assessed Valuation: $1,800
The Office of the Comptroller, Division of Real Estate, has received
a request from Stanley Stankiewicz of 39 Manitoba Street, Buffalo, New York to
purchase the above captioned property.
Mr. Stankiewicz owns both 39 & 43 Manitoba, which are both single family
homes. He would like to purchase 45 Manitoba for extra yard space.
The Departments of Inspections and Community Revitalization and 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 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 October 7, 1992, be
received and filed; and
That the Comptroller be, and he hereby is authorized to negotiate with
Stanley Stankiewicz residing at 39 Manitoba Street for the private sale of 45
Manitoba and report to this Honorable Body the results of such negotiations.
ADOPTED.
No. 14
Results of Negotiations
154 Peabody, W 180' S Seneca
Vacant Lot: 30' x 107'
Assessed Valuation: $1,600
Item # 23, C.C.P. 7/21/92
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. Floyd Baron, 150 Peabody Street, Buffalo, New York to purchase the
above captioned property. Mr. Baron would like to purchase this property,
which is adjacent to his home, for extra yard space.
An independent appraisal of the property was conducted by Sean Larkin,
Arrow Appraisal Service, 3790 Broadway, Buffalo, New York 14227. He has
estimated the fair market value of the property to be Five Hundred Dollars
($500).
The Division of Real Estate has investigated the sales of similar
properties in the area. Similar lots in the area sold for between Eight
Hundred Dollars ($800) and Twenty-Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500). It should be
noted that 154 Peabody is adjoining Casey's Scrape Yard and has a negative
impact on the salability of this property. The Division of Real Estate concurs
with the appraisers estimate of value.
The results of our negotiations are that Mr. Baron has agreed and is
prepared to pay Five Hundred Dollars ($500) for the subject property. He will
also 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
154 Peabody Street to Mr. Floyd Baron in the amount of Five Hundred Dollars
($500). I am further recommending that Your Honorable Body authorize the Mayor
to sign the required documents for the transfer of title.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Comptroller, dated October 8, 1992, be
received and filed; and
That the offer of Mr. Floyd Baron, residing at 150 Peabody Street,
Buffalo, New York in the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) to purchase the
property described as 154 Peabody Street be and hereby is accepted; and
The appraisal report requested by the City of Buffalo will be paid by the
purchaser; and
That the transfer tax, recording fees, and cost of legal description will
be paid by the purchaser; and
That the Mayor be 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. 15
Demolition Cost Collection
Offer Of Compromise Settlement
136 Townsend
On or about 5/22/92, a structure at 136 Townsend was the subject
of an emergency demolition, at a cost to the City of $6,177.00 funded by
Special Assessment Fund.
The Office of Collections has negotiated with the owner of the property,
Anthony J. Bifano, for repayment of the demolition costs in the amount of
$6,177.00.
The Office of Collections has received and is holding in escrow a certified
bank check in the amount of $4,941.60, which represents 80% of the actual cost
expended by the City of Buffalo for this demolition. This check has been
offered by the owner as a compromise settlement of the demolition debt.
The Office of Collections recommends that this Honorable Body accept the
aforesaid sum of $4,941.60 as full and final settlement of the demolition debt
for the following reasons:
-- The funds offered represent a reasonable compromise settlement.
-- Acceptance of a compromise settlement brings an immediate return to the
City of a substantial portion (80%) of the funds expended, while eliminating
the time and cost of long-term collections activity by this Office (ie. a
promissory note which extends payments over a period of 18-24 months; as well
as possible Court costs associated with recovery of funds should a breach of
the payment contract occur.)
-- The owner has made special financial arrangements to obtain the funds for
this compromise settlement.
-- All taxes on the subject property are paid and current.
Upon acceptance of this compromise the Assessor's Office should be instructed
to remove the local assessment.
We ask that the Common Council notify the Office of Collections of its decision
to accept or reject this compromise settlement offer, so that we may either
retain the funds in our possession or return them to the property owner.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND THE CORPORATION COUNSEL.
No. 16
Delinquent P.I.L.O.T.S.
The Departments of Assessment, Audit and Control and Law, and
the Erie County Industrial Development Agency ("ECIDA") have entered into an
arrangement for handling delinquent PILOTS.
The Department of Assessment will continue to bill PILOTS by mid-July
with payment demanded by December 31st. Bills not paid by then will be
considered delinquent and turned over to the Department of Audit and Control.
The Department of Audit and Control together with the ECIDA will attempt to
collect the delinquencies through April 1st. PILOTS still in arrears after this
date will be turned over to the Department of Law to collect through legal
means.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
No. 17
Info- Appt Principal Auditor at Maximum Salary
We respectfully request that Margaret Burke, Principal Auditor,
be placed at the maximum salary of $41,822. This request is being made in an
effort to establish parity in the existing salaries between the Principal
Auditor and the Principal Accountant in the Department of Audit and Control.
Additionally, this request is being made to widen the interval in the existing
salaries between the three Supervising Auditors and the Principal Auditor which
is currently less than $500. We request that this be effective as of August 31,
1992.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF ASSESSMENT
No. 18
Temporary Board of Assessment Review
The 1993-94 Assessment Update Program has now reached the phase
where Your Honorable Body should consider the appointment of a temporary Board
of Assessment Review. The temporary Board would help the permanent Board of
Assessment Review to deal with an expected increase in requests for formal
assessment hearings. The New York State Real Property Tax Law allows the
legislative Body of an assessing jurisdiction to appoint a temporary Board of
Assessment Review during the years of an Assessment Update or Revaluation. The
temporary Board of Assessment Review can consist of anywhere between one and
five people depending upon Your Honorable Body's decision.
During the past Assessment Revaluation of 1987-88, Your Honorable Body
appointed a five member temporary Board of Assessment Review to deal with the
increase in requests for assessment hearings. At that time the temporary Board
and the permanent Board reformed into three mini boards. The three mini boards
conducted their own assessment hearings. In the Assessment Revaluation of
1987-88, a total of 6286 assessment hearings were conducted by the three mini
boards during the months of December, January and half of February. In order
to complete the 6286 assessment hearings in 1987-88, residential assessment
hearings had to be limited to five minutes each and commercial assessment
hearings had to be limited to ten minutes each.
At this time it is nearly impossible to forecast the actual number of
requests for formal assessment hearings for the 1993-94 Assessment Update or
determine if the number of requests will be at the same level as the 1987-88
Assessment Revaluation. However, the following information about the 1993-94
Assessment Update Program is available. In the months of August and September
of 1992 this department had requests for 8398 informal assessment hearings
which were held mostly before Assessors and Assessor Trainees, with some
assistance from Erie County's Real Property Information Services staff. Of the
8398 requests for informal assessment hearings, there were approximately 1793
no shows for appointments resulting in 6605 actual informal assessment hearings
being conducted. The 6605 informal assessment hearings conducted represents
about 6.8% of the total 97,793 assessment disclosure notices mailed.
The results of these informal assessment hearings will be mailed to the
property owners during the early part of November 1992. How many of these
property owners will be unsatisfied with their informal assessment hearing
results and then follow up with a request for a formal assessment hearing
before the Board of Assessment Review in December, January and February is
unknown at this time.
However, past experience gained from the 1987-88 Assessment Revaluation
has shown that at least 50% of the property owners who requested an informal
assessment hearing requested formal hearings before the Board of Assessment
Review. If this 50% figure holds true for the 1993-94 Assessment Update, this
department could expect 4199 requests for formal assessment hearings. Requests
could increase substantially beyond 4199 because many property owners do not
avail themselves of the opportunity of an informal assessment hearing.
Instead, they prefer a formal assessment hearing before the Board of Assessment
Review.
I have placed these facts before Your Honorable Body so that you can make
a decision about the number of the temporary Board of Assessment Review members
you may wish to appoint. The cost of appointing temporary Board members must
be weighed against the amount of time assigned to a formal assessment hearing
and the total amount of requests for formal assessment hearings.
If Your Honorable Body decides to appoint a temporary Board of Assessment
Review, it can consist of anywhere from one to five members as prescribed by
the New York State Real Property Tax Law. Depending upon the number of
temporary Board members you choose to appoint, the following options would
present themselves.
In the first option, Your Honorable Body can appoint one temporary member
which will allow the permanent Board of Assessment Review with its five members
to reform into two mini boards, each consisting of three members. Each mini
board would conduct its own formal assessment hearings.
The second option would require the appointment of at least four
temporary board members. These four temporary Board members, along with the
five member permanent Board of Assessment Review, could reform into three mini
boards, each consisting of three members. Each of these three mini boards
would conduct its own formal assessment hearings.
Your Honorable Body can appoint members to the temporary Board of
Assessment Review at an initial cost of one hundred dollars apiece which is the
City's per diem rate for temporary Board members. The initial cost would be
used to pay for the one day necessary to attend class room training for New
York State Certification. However, after receiving training and certification,
they could serve only on a need basis. The need for their services could be
determined by Your Honorable Body or the Chairperson of the permanent Board of
Assessment Review.
I will be available to discuss this matter further at your convenience.
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 19
Annual Reports
P.I.L.O.T. Agreements
Item No. 188, C.C.P. 09-15-92
I have reviewed the above resolution. The Department of Assessment
will comply with its directives. Therefore, commencing with January of 1993
and each new year thereafter, this department will file with Your Honorable
Body a status report on the City's P.I.L.O.T. program.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 20
Tax Cancellation 1992-1993
Adjustments on the General City Tax for 1992-1993 were made on
the following properties (list attached) to provide for changes due to omitted
or incorrect exemptions and assessment errors.
I, therefore, request that a warrant be drawn on 81-2 General City
Charges, 000-00-802 Tax Adjustment Fund, in favor of the City for the taxes
indicated on the attached list in the amount of $ 184,173.72.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS
No. 21
Cancelled Bond, Just Pasta
307-09 Bryant
It is hereby certified that the bond described below be cancelled:
Principal: Ronald Morga D/B/A/ Just Pasta, Inc.
Surety: United States Fidelity & Guarantee Insurance
Amount: $5,000.00
Dated: July 10, 1985
Structure: Sidewalk Cafe
Location: 307-09 Bryant Street
This bond is no longer required due to the fact a replacement bond has
been filed with this Department. The above captioned bond should be deemed
released and cancelled as to liability effective July 8, 1992, the date of the
replacement bond, in accordance with the provisions of the City of Buffalo
Ordinance.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 22
Notification Serial # 8261
NO PARKING ANY TIME
In conformity with Section 49 of Chapter 479 of the Ordinances of the
City of Buffalo, the City Engineer hereby notifies your Honorable Body of this
action supplementing, amending or repealing existing provisions of Chapter 479
of the Ordinances, as stated below, to be effective forty five days after the
first Council meeting at which they appear on the agenda as an item of
business.
That that part of Subdivision 22 of Section 15 of Chapter 479 of the
Ordinances of the City of Buffalo be supplemented by adding thereto the
following: NO PARKING ANY TIME
PUBLIC HIGHWAY LOCATION PROHIBITED PORTION
Illinois Street Between South Park Avenue and
west side Perry Street
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 23
Additional Information - Erie Basin Marina Phase III
Item # 29 - CCP 09-29-92
With reference to the above Item, the Department of Public Works
wishes to report the following additional information requested by Your
Honorable Body:
Under the Erie Basin Marina Project - Phase III Contract the following work is
to be performed: The removal of floating dock "A" and its replacement with a
new dock system, the rehabilitation of fixed dock B-E which includes
maintenance painting, new steel sub-structures at various locations, new wood
decking, new water service and electrical service, and also new deck lighting.
This contract also includes a new lighted sign at the entrance along with new
gates and fencing along with the widening of the entrance of the Marina. New
surfaces are to be placed on the boat launch along with alternate Item A of the
contract which is the installation of new gangways at the boat launch.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 24
Additional Information - Change In Contract
Change Order # 1
Louisiana Street Bridge Contract # 91656500
Item # 33, CCP 09-29-92
With reference to the above Item, the Department of Public Works
wishes to report the following additional information requested by Your
Honorable Body:
The original contract price for Item # 18, 570.86 xx -Maintenance
Painting of spans 2-11 was $10.00 per square foot bid on one thousand ($1,000)
square feet of structural steel. For this small quantity of painting (1-1/2%
of total structural steel) the ten dollar bid price was determined to be fair
and equitable by the Consulting Engineer.
As explained in the earlier communication, when the Contractor proceeded
to brush blast the spans, the surface of the existing paint was found to be
deteriorated to the point where it was necessary to clean the surface to bare
steel. The Engineer has determined that the additional required steel painting
to be 15,000 square feet, which represents 20% of the total structural steel.
With this increased quantity of painting we were able to negotiate a
lower price with the Contractor for this item of $6.45 per square foot. Again,
this was found to be fair and equitable by the Consulting Engineer.
As per the General conditions of the Contract documents, Article 115, we
have three (3) options for additional work that is, unit price, lump sum, or
time and material cost. Re-negotiating the unit price for the painting item
was chosen as the most cost-effective approach and affording us greater control
over total actual costs.
As we are fast approaching the end of the painting season, I respectfully
request a timely approval of the subject change order.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 25
650 Broadway; sign encroachment into city right of way
Mr. L. J. Hutchins, owner of Hutchins Automotive Supply Co., located
at 650 Broadway, has requested permission to install a sign which would
encroach city right of way at said address.
The proposed sign would be attached perpendicular to the building face
and measure two feet in width and twenty-one feet in height.
The Department of Public Works has reviewed Mr. Hutchins' application
pursuant to Chapter 413-67 (Encroachment regulations) of the City Ordinances
and has no objection to your Honorable Body authorizing the Commissioner of
Public Works 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 sign be installed exactly as shown on plans submitted to and
approved by the Department of Public Works, Division of Buildings.
3. That the applicant supply the City of Buffalo with a five thousand dollar
construction in street bond 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 sign.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND THE CITY PLANNING BOARD.
No. 26
1132 Lovejoy Street; Handicap Ramp within city right of way
Mr. & Mrs. Lou Bielli, owners of a Jeane's Beauty Salon located
at 1132 Lovejoy Street corner of Benzinger, have requested permission to
install a handicap ramp within city right of way at said address.
The proposed ramp would measure 18 feet in length, project a maximum of 5
feet from the building face into city right of way, and be constructed entirely
of wood.
The Department of Public Works has reviewed this application pursuant to
Chapter 413-59.1 (Handicapped access ramps) 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 all other City of Buffalo permits necessary for
said installation.
2. That the ramp be installed exactly as shown on plans submitted to and
approved by the Department of Public Works, Division of Buildings.
3. That the handicap ramp is not permanent in nature or permanently affixed
to the main building or public sidewalk.
4. 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 ramp.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND THE CITY PLANNING BOARD.
No. 27
245 Ontario Street; awning within city right of way
Dr. John Kapus, owner of Riverside Chiropractic Ass., located
at 245 Ontario Street, has requested permission to install an awning which
would encroach city right of way at said address.
The proposed awning would measure twenty-three feet in length, three feet
in height, and project two feet two inches from the building face into city
right of way.
The Department of Public Works has reviewed Mr. Kapus' 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 all other City of Buffalo permits necessary for
said installation.
2. That the awning be installed exactly as shown on plans submitted to and
approved by the Department of Public Works, Division of Buildings.
3. That the applicant supply the City of Buffalo with a five thousand dollar
construction in street bond 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.
No. 28
Request by New York Telephone Company for permanent easement - Scajaquada
Little League
The Department of Public Works has received a request from the
New York Telephone Company for a permanent easement over City-owned lands
presently used for park and recreation purposes by the Scajaquada Little
League. The parcel is identified on the assessor maps as SBL number 10115-1-7.
The easement is for the installation of a 5 foot by 7 foot concrete pad
and approximately 5 feet of underground cable.
The Department has reviewed the proposed easement document and has no
objection to the granting of the permanent easement. The New York Telephone
Company has offered $500.00 as payment for said easement. I am, therefore,
herein recommending that your Honorable Body approve the granting of the
requested easement in return for the $500.00 payment offered and to further
authorize Mayor James D. Griffin to sign the easement documents.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND THE CORPORATION COUNSEL.
No. 29
Resolution # 158, C.C.P. 9/29/92
Info Pay Phone Agreements
The City of Buffalo has an historic franchise agreement with the
Frontier Telephone Company, now the New York Telephone Company, dated
12/2/1901, pages 1941 thru 1949. This agreement is similar to our agreements
with the other public utilities operating within the City of Buffalo such as
National Fuel Gas and Niagara Mohawk. Within this agreement, New York
Telephone is given permission to "construct, install, operate and maintain a
system or line of telephones for public and private use in the City of
Buffalo," etc. This franchise allows New York Telephone to place public coin
phones on the public right-of-way in the City of Buffalo, subject, however, to
approval by the Commissioner of Public Works for each and every location.
The private communication companies are just that - private versus public
utility companies and therefore they can place public coin phones on City of
Buffalo right-of-way subject to approval by both the Commissioner of Public
Works and Your Honorable Body. Unfortunately for the City of Buffalo and as of
the date of this communication, only one private communication company has
requested permission from Your Honorable Body to place public coin phones on
City of Buffalo right-of-way. This particular private telephone company has
signed a contractual agreement which requires him to seek "prior approval of
such additional location(s)" as "has been granted by the Common Council." This
contractual agreement was reported to and approved by Your Honorable Body
pursuant to Item # 111, C.C.P. 06/09/92.
Lastly, the percentage of revenue paid by New York Telephone for 147 permitted
and licensed public coin phones as compared to the agreement with the one
private public coin phone vendor for one permitted and licensed location was
reported to Your Honorable Body pursuant to Item # 43, C.C.P. 02/18/92.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND THE CORPORATION COUNSEL.
No. 30
Report of Bids
HVAC Work
Kleinhans Music Hall
Item No. 32, C.C.P. 07/07/92
In CCP 7/7/92: Item # 32, Your Honorable Body authorized this
department to award a contract to Delta Environmental Sales in the amount of
$35,875.00 for the HVAC work at Kleinhans Music Hall. Due to the delay in
funding for this project, Delta Environmental Sales has withdrawn their bid.
The second bidder, The Kellner Company, has advised that they will continue to
honor their bid of $40,890.00.
I recommend that Your Honorable Body authorize the Commissioner of Public Works
to order the work on the basis of this bid.
Funds for this work are in B/F 200-402-068, Division of Buildings.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Department of Public Works, dated,
September 28, 1992, be received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Public Works be, and he hereby is authorized to
award contract to Kellner Company, in the amount of $40,890.00 for the HVAC
work at Kleinhans Music Hall.
Funds for this project are in B/F # 200-402-068.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 31
Request Permission to Pave the Border Streets:
Dorrance Avenue And South Park Avenue
Dorrance Avenue, Between McKinley Parkway and South Park Avenue,
is a border street with the City of Lackawanna. This section of Dorrance
Avenue is included in our 1992-93 Overlay Program and normally only one-half or
15 feet of the pavement (the City half) would be paved.
Officials of the City of Lackawanna have requested that the entire width
of Dorrance Avenue be paved by the City in the course of its' Overlay Program.
The City of Lackawanna is in the process of repaving South Park Avenue,
also a border street, from Nason Parkway to Dorrance Avenue, and if permitted
to do so, would in return, pave this section of South Park Avenue for its'
entire width including the City of Buffalo half.
We would advise Your Honorable Body that paving of such border streets,
completed by a single contractor, at the same time, is more cost effective and
results in a more workmanlike and durable pavement, to the mutual benefit of
both municipalities.
I hereby request that Your Honorable Body permit the paving of both
border sections of South Park Avenue and Dorrance Avenue as described herein.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Department of Public Works, dated,
October 7, 1992, be received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Public Works be, and he hereby is authorized to
contract for the paving of the entire width of Dorrance Avenue between McKinley
Parkway and South Park Avenue, with the condition that the City of Lackawanna
undertake the repaving of the entire width of South Park Avenue from Nason
Parkway to Dorrance Avenue.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 32
Restaurant/Dancing Class I
2609 Bailey Avenue
Pursuant to Chapter 150 of the City of Buffalo Ordinances, please
be advised as follows:
I have examined the attached application for Restaurant/Dancing Class l
located at 2609 Bailey Avenue and find that as to form it is correct.
I have caused an investigation into the premises for which said
application for Restaurant/Dancing Class I License is being sought and
according to the attached reports from the Fire Department and the Building
Inspector, I find that it complies with all regulations and other applicable
laws.
I have caused an investigation by the Police Department into the moral
character of James D. Gladden. The Police Department's approval is attached
hereto.
In consideration of the application of:
James D. Gladden, President
The New Cotton Club
2609 Bailey Avenue
Buffalo, New York
This request is submitted for your consideration and whatever action you
deem appropriate.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION, KEN-BAILEY BLOCK CLUB, KEN-BAILEY NHS
AND UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS NHS.
No. 33
Restaurant/Dancing Class IV
2897 Bailey Avenue
Pursuant to Chapter 150 of the City of Buffalo Ordinances, please
be advised as follows:
I have examined the attached application for Restaurant/Dancing Class IV
located at 2897 Bailey Avenue and find that as to form it is correct. I have
caused an investigation into the premises for which said application for
Restaurant/Dancing Class IV License is being sought and according to the
attached reports from the Fire Department, Zoning Department and the Building
Inspectors, I find it complies with all regulations and other applicable laws.
I have caused an investigation by the Police Department into the moral
character of Keith A. McFayden. The report from the Police recommending
approval is attached hereto.
In consideration of the application of:
Keith A. McFayden
Caribbean Experience
2897 Bailey Avenue
Buffalo, New York
This request is submitted for your consideration and whatever action you deem
appropriate.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION, KEN-BAILEY BLOCK CLUB, KEN-BAILEY NHS
AND UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS NHS.
No. 34
Certificate of Appointment
Appointment effective 09/28/92 in the Department of Public Works,
Division of Buildings, Dominic N. Macri, 11 Dallas Road Buffalo NY 14220 to the
Position of Building Superintendent, Permanent at the Intermediate starting
salary of $35,868.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
No. 35
Certificate of Appointment
Appointment effective 10/8/92 in the Department of Public Works,
Division of Buildings, Michael D. Cunningham, 49 Strathmore Avenue, Buffalo NY
14220 to the position of Carpenter, Permanent at the Intermediate starting
salary of $23,823.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
FROM THE CORPORATION COUNSEL
No. 36
Change in Contract
Change Order No. 1
Louisiana Street Bridge
Contract 91656500
(Item No. 23 C.C.P. 9/29/92)
The above item was referred to your Committee on Finance and to
this office. The Commissioner of Public Works asks for permission to execute a
change order which will increase the quantity of painting called for from 1000
square feet to 15000 square feet at a net additional cost of $86,750. The
original total contract amount for all work on the bridge was $716,988.50.
In the communication from the Commissioner it appears that the need for
the additional painting was unforeseen. This is a proper basis for the
requested change order. I would also note that the unit price was adjusted
downward to take into account the change in scale of the painting work.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 37
Compromise Demo. Claim
93 Fox St- J. McGill
John and Lorraine McGill are owners of property located at 93
Fox Street in the City of Buffalo. A fire caused damage to the property in
January, 1991. In June, 1991, the Department of Inspections sent a notice for
a demolition hearing to the McGills. In July, 1991, the property was
demolished. When the notices were mailed, Mr. McGill was on disability from
Ford and he and his wife were on an extended vacation in northern Canada. Upon
their return, they learned that the property was torn down.
Mr. & Mrs. McGill claim that they intended to repair and rehabilitate the
property upon receipt of the fire insurance proceedings. Negotiations were
extended with their fire insurance carrier and a settlement of the fire
insurance claim was not reached until December of 1991.
Mr. & Mrs. McGill have filed a claim against the City alleging wrongful
demolition of the property and seeking $10,000.00 in damages. They claim that
the property, although fire damaged, was not in demolishable condition. The
City of Buffalo has a claim in the amount of $4,131.00 against Mr. & Mrs.
McGill for the cost of demolition. The attorney for Mr.& Mrs. McGill has
proposed that the City compromise its demolition claim in half and that Mr. &
Mrs. McGill pay to the City of Buffalo the sum of $2,065.50. In return, Mr. &
Mrs. McGill will drop their claim for wrongful demolition.
If the case is sued, the City will incur significant costs in defending
the lawsuit in terms of depositions, transcripts, court time for City
employees, subpoenas, etc. In addition, it is possible that a judge or jury
could rule against the City of Buffalo. In light of the above, the Law
Department recommends that your Honorable Body authorize the settlement of this
matter for the sum of $2,065.50, payable to the City of Buffalo.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Department of Law, dated, October 6,
1992, be received and filed; and
That the Corporation Counsel be and he hereby is authorized to settle the
Claim against John and Lorraine McGill in the amount of $2,065.50 for half of
the demolition cost of 93 Fox Street.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 38
Settlement of Claim of Emmett Turner
Attached please find a settlement summary of the claim of Emmett
Turner for Your Honorable Body's immediate consideration and approval. Please
be advised that the material in the attachment involves a Confidential,
Attorney-Client matter and should not be included in the agenda. Our
department will distribute the summary to all Council Members.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Department of Law, dated, October 8,
1992, be received and filed; and
That the Corporation Counsel be and he hereby is authorized to settle the
Claim of Emmett Turner v. City of Buffalo in the amount of $150,000.00.
PASSED.
AYES- 13. NOES- 0.
No. 39
Request retroactive pay for Fiscal Year 1989-90 for
Edwin Hernandez and William Smith
Item No. 54, C.C.P., Sept. 29, 1992
The above Item will be reviewed and investigated by the Department
of Law, Claims Division and will be placed on the next Claims Committee Agenda
which will be held approximately December 1, 1992.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 40
Difference in Pay Mr. Vincent Marguccio
Item No. 26, C.C.P., Sept. 29, 1992
The above Item will be reviewed and investigated by the Department
of Law, Claims Division and will be placed on the next Claims Committee Agenda
which will be held approximately December 1, 1992.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS.
No. 41
Permits for 3405 Bailey Ave.
Item No. 184, C.C.P. 9/1/92
The above item was referred to this office for a response.
This involves a request by Your Honorable Body as to the necessary
licenses and permits required to operate the business located at 3405 Bailey
Avenue in the City of Buffalo.
Please be advised that the subject premises is located in a Special
Zoning District designated as the Kensington-Bailey Business District.
The business has operated at this location as a restaurant for over
twenty years. Thus if the business is going to continue operation as a
restaurant, warranting eating and drinking, then, the approval of Your
Honorable Body would not be required because of the location's prior use.
However, if the owner or the operator of the establishment wants to
expand the use of the premises, such as including a dance music area, then
Section 511-55 of the City's Code requires the issuance of a restricted use
permit by the Common Council.
Section 150-2 (c) provides in pertinent part, that upon the consent of
the Common Council, the Director of Licenses and Permits may issue a license to
any person owning or conducting a hotel or restaurant in the City to permit
dancing therein.
Section 150-3 (c) provides that the application for such a license shall
be made by the operator or the owner of the business.
Section 150-7 (c) of the Code of the City of Buffalo, also provides in
part that each license granted for restaurant and hotel dancing is personal and
cannot be directly or indirectly transferred or assigned.
Thus where a license or permit was issued to an establishment in the
past, the new owner or operator must apply for a new license and permit; if the
business is still under the old management, the license and permit upon
expiration may be renewed upon application and reinspection of the premises,
pursuant to Section 150-5 of the City's Code.
Furthermore, Section 370-2 of the Charter provides in part that no
person, firm or corporation shall continue or engage in the business of
conducting a restaurant in the City of Buffalo without a license issued by the
Director of Licenses and Permits.
In conclusion, it is the opinion of this department that the business
located at 3405 Bailey Avenue should obtain all the licenses and permits
mandated by the above-referenced Sections of the Code.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND THE CORPORATION COUNSEL.
No. 42
Info - Permit-124 Elmwood Avenue
Item No. 161, C.C.P., September 29, 1992
The above item was referred to this department for an opinion
on whether Common Council approval of a Restricted Use Permit, under Section
511-55 of the Zoning Ordinance, is necessary for premises at 124 Elmwood to be
used as a restaurant.
124 Elmwood, the subject property, is located in the Elmwood Business
District (EB district), a Special Zoning District under Section 511-56, of the
Zoning Ordinance. Section 511-56 provides that Restricted Use Permits are
necessary where certain uses, including restaurant use, are to be created or
expanded.
Please be advised that, based on an investigation by this department, we
are of the opinion that a Restricted Use Permit must be issued for the
restaurant use currently in operation at 124 Elmwood.
It is undisputed that restaurant use existed at the subject property
prior to enactment of the EB District Zoning. The restaurant then in operation
had a Class 3 Restaurant Dancing License. That license permitted restaurant
use in an area of 1,000 square feet with a capacity of 100 persons.
Just prior to the enactment of the EB district zoning, a zoning variance
was granted which variance permitted mixed use (residential/retail/restaurant)
at the subject premises. Plans were filed and a use permit issued for such
mixed use; however, the work and plans for such mixed use were never completed
and that use permit was revoked.
As is well-established in practice based upon prior legal opinions of
this department, that where questions of what use is controlling with respect
to a particular property arise, the last legal use is the one that governs.
Thus, in this case, after the failure to use and the revocation of the mixed
use permit the last legal use was the restaurant use, that preceded the
enactment of the EB District Zoning.
Based on the foregoing, it was determined that restaurant use of the
subject property was not a creation of a new use under Section 511-56 and,
consequently, a Restricted Use Permit was not necessary.
That determination, as a legal matter, is reasonable as far as the issue
of creation of restaurant use goes.
It appears currently that the area intended to be used for the
restaurant, as indicated to the Fire Prevention Bureau and to Erie County
Health Department, well exceeds the scope and area of the restaurant use as it
existed prior to the enactment of the EB Zoning District. Such expanded use
clearly triggers the need for a restricted use permit under Section 511-55 and
Section 511-56 of the Zoning Ordinance.
In conclusion, it is the opinion of this department that the use of the
sublevel at 124 Elmwood does not constitute the creation of a new use so as to
require issuance of a restricted use permit. However, the current actual use of
the premises does constitute an expansion of the prior existing use and does
require issuance of a restricted use permit.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
No. 43
Audit/Assessment Report -
In-Lieu-of-Tax Payments (PILOTS)
Item No. 18, C.C.P., Sept. 29, 1992
More than a year go the Department of Assessment called our attention
to outstanding PILOT accounts. Since PILOTS are payments in lieu of taxes and
not taxes, the city Is unable to proceed in rem. The amount of these payments
is set by contract between the ECIDA and the business involved. The City is not
a party to the contracts.
Our assessment of the situation last year was similar to that of the
Comptroller (see Item No. 18, C.C.P., September 29, 1992). We wrote to ECIDA
and requested the ECIDA to notify the delinquent accounts that their failure to
abide by the PILOT agreements would jeopardize their entire ECIDA lease
agreements (see attached). The ECIDA was very cooperative and contacted the
companies in question.
Several companies eventually responded and the City collected well over
$100,000 because of these efforts. Please note that the list of delinquent
accounts provided by the Comptroller was as of June 30. At least one of the
accounts listed, Elmwood Warehousing, is now current.
The Comptroller's Audit was totally lacking in any reference to this
procedure and apparently failed to adequately review the matter. Had the
auditors looked into the matter more carefully they would have been less
critical of others.
The best hope for collection of delinquent PILOT accounts is through
cooperation with the ECIDA. There should be immediate and direct communication
between the Department of Assessment and the ECIDA so that the ECIDA is aware
of which companies are delinquent and by how much. The ECIDA will have to be
willing, in some cases, to take steps toward a declaration of default under the
bond documents.
The Law Department remains willing to assist in any way we can.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
No. 44
Apollo Theater
Item No. 175, C.C.P., 9/1/92
I have reviewed your resolution and would direct your inquiry
to the City Division of ideal Estate since you state the building is owned by
the City of Buffalo.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 45
Change Order # 3 CVM Electric
Schiller Park Senior Center
2057 Genesee Street
The original drawings for the existing building were incorrect.
As a result after removal of an existing wall, the electrical system had to be
reworked and relocated to conform to code. The additional work required the
installation of floor boxes which also required extensive concrete removal.
Additional work increases the contract by $1,383.39 for a new total
contract amount of $91,248.79. Money is available in Bond Fund Accounts
200-717-059 and 200-717-066.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Department of Community Development,
dated October l, 1992, be received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Community Development be, and he hereby is,
authorized to issue a change order # 3 to CVM Electric, changes resulting in a
net increase in the amount of $1,383.39, as more fully described in the above
communication, for additional work relating to installation of floor boxes and
extensive concrete removal at Schiller Park Senior Center, 2057 Genesee Street.
Funds to be charged against the Bond Fund Accounts No. 200-717-059 and
200-717-066.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 46
Change Order # 3 - General Construction War Memorial Stadium Site Redevelopment
I herewith submit to Your Honorable Body the following change
in contract for general construction associated with the site redevelopment of
War Memorial Stadium Contract # 91633500 with Nichter Utility Construction
Company, Inc.:
1. Credit for substitution of pre-cast concrete panel system in place of
formed-poured concrete at Best Street sheet piling wall. DEDUCT
$23,040.00
2. Credit for reduction of sub base stone from 12" depth to 6" depth in
selected sidewalk areas where minimum loading is anticipated.
DEDUCT $ 9,050.30
3. Credit for revised roof system on existing entrances deletion of sawcut
reglet. DEDUCT $ 984.28
4. Credit for revised roof system on new service building - deletion of chamfer
strip reglet. DEDUCT $ 1,423.29
5. Credit for reduced concrete used in lighting caissons # 1, # 2, # 3.
DEDUCT $465.50
6. Footer removals in football-soccer field underdrain areas and at east
bleacher wall, 112.42 cubic yards at a unit bid price of $125.00 per cubic
yard. ADD $14,052.50
7. Additional undercut and select backfill at west bleacher wall due to
wet-unstable soil conditions, 240 cubic yards at a unit bid price of $35.00 per
cubic yard. ADD $ 8,400.00
8. Installation of french drain system at southern perimeter of running track -
370' 8" PVC pipe, filter fabric and select backfill to drain excess groundwater
on site. ADD $10,801.61
9. Installation of french drain system at base of Best
Street piling wall to stabilize soil conditions - 240' of 4" perforated PVC
pipe, filter fabric and select backfill to drain excess groundwater.
ADD $ 5,682.00
10. Construction of new concrete foundation walls at east elevations of
Jefferson Avenue entrances to support pre-cast panels.
- excavation 152.54 cubic yards at a unit bid
price of $25.00 per cubic yard = $ 3,813.50
- earth backfill 75.40 cubic yards at a unit
bid price of $10.00 per cubic yard = $754.00
- stone backfill placed and compacted, 38.69 cubic
yards at a unit bid price of $30.00
per cubic yard = $ 1,160.70
- formed, poured reinforced concrete, 54.07 cubic
yards at a unit bid price of $350.00
per cubic yard = $18,924.50
ADD $24,652.70
11. Supply and install roof hatches (2) through concrete decks at existing
rehabilitated Jefferson Avenue entrances for access.
ADD$ 7,596.16
12. Repair of cracked - sagged concrete beams at Jefferson/Dodge entrance with
pressure injected epoxy. Install 5" and 4" diameter steel post pipe columns as
specified by project architect. ADD$ 7,200.52
13. Excavation and removal of steel "H" piling beams uncovered during
excavation of Dodge Street Parking Lot.
ADD $ 624.58
14. Additional time and material necessary to relocate soccer football field
drainage due to the presence of old concrete foundations. ADD$
2,088.14
15. Supply and install concrete to -level roof deck at Jefferson/Dodge
entrance to allow for proper roof installation.
ADD $136.50
TOTAL ADD TO CONTRACT $46,271.34
All of the preceding items whether deducts or adds were deemed necessary
to properly complete general construction work in conjunction with the site
redevelopment of War Memorial Stadium. Associated costs of all items listed
were either contract unit bid prices, negotiated lump sums or time and material
rates reviewed and approved by Community Development and the project architect,
Robert Traynham Coles, Architect, P.C. Funds for this work are available in
Bond Fund # 200-717-094. A contract summary is as follows:
Original Contract Sum $4,992,000.00
Change Order # 1 - Deduct 221,000.00
Change Order # 2 - Add 134,928.00
Amount This Change - Add 46,271.34
Revised Contract Amount $4,952,199.34
I therefore, recommend that Your Honorable Body authorize the
Commissioner of Community Development to issue a change order to Nichter
Utility Construction Company, Inc., as set forth above.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Department of Community Development dated
October 7, 1992, be received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Community Development be, and he hereby is,
authorized to issue a change order # 3 to Nichter Utility Construction Company,
Inc., changes resulting in a net increase in the amount of $46,271.34, as more
fully described in the above communication, for additional work relating to
general construction associated with site redevelopment of War Memorial
Stadium, Contract No. 91633500. Funds to be charged against the Bond Fund
Account No. 200-717-094.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 47
Report of Bids, Pre-Demolition Salvage -
Clean Out of 1021-1027 Broadway
(Item No. 72, C.C.P. 7/21/92)
As authorized by Your Honorable Body per item # 72 of CCP 7/21/92
the Department of Community Development advertised for and received the
following sealed bids for the Pre-Demolition Salvage - Clean Out of 1021-1027
Broadway which were opened and publicly read aloud on 10/6/92:
Contractor Bid
1) Maplewood Construction Corp. $ 34,000.00
6440 Omphalius Rd.
Colden, New York 14033
2) Cedar Wrecking & Salvage, Inc. $ 48,900.00
29 South Ellicott Street
Williamsville, New York 14221
3) Integrated Waste Special Services $ 63,000.00
131 Industrial Drive
Grand Island, New York 14072
4) Mainline Contracting Corp. $ 65,812.00
P.O. Box 933
Ellicott Station
Buffalo, New York 14205
5) Gerald T. Stay Co., Inc. $ 73,600.00
255 Great Arrow Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14207
6) Great Lakes Dismantling, Inc. $ 97,698.00
69 Cemetery Rd.
Lancaster, New York 14086
7) Lebis Contracting, Inc. $399,995.00
P.O. Box 505, 261 Massachusetts
Buffalo, New York 14213
1021-1027 Broadway was formerly known as the Sattlers Annex and is located on
the south side of Broadway in the vicinity of the new K-mart store. It is
anticipated that this salvage-clean out contract will be followed by asbestos
removal and demolition of the structure to produce a vacant parcel for
development. Funds for the proposed salvage-clean out will be available in
Bond Fund # 200-717-046.
I therefore recommend that your Honorable Body authorize the Commissioner
of Community Development to order the salvage-clean out of 1021-1027 Broadway
to Maplewood Construction Corporation in accordance with their low bid of
10/6/92.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Department of Community Development,
dated, October 7, 1992, be received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Community Development be, and he hereby is
authorized to award contract for Pre-Demolition Salvage - Clean Out of
1021-1027 Broadway to Maplewood Construction Corporation, the lowest
responsible bidder, in the amount of $34,000.00. Funds for this project are in
Bond Fund # 200-717-046.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 48
Emergency Repairs- Water Service
1166-1170 Broadway Buffalo, New York
On August 13, 1992 the Division of Real Estate was notified of
a water service leak at the city owned premises of 1168-1170 Broadway.
A subsequent investigation by the Department of Public Works, Mechanical
Services Division revealed that the entire service had to be replaced from the
main to the meter located in the basement. The necessary work was performed by
the firm of Joseph Carino Plumbing and Heating, Inc. of 419 Auburn Avenue,
Buffalo, New York in accordance with their low bid emergency repair rates
quoted to the Department of Public Works. Total charges for installation of a
new 1" copper water service amounts to $4,485.15.
As of this date the Department of Community Development is handling asbestos
removal and eventual rehabilitation of the first floor for occupation by the
Neighborhood Information Center (NIC) currently located at 1081 Broadway. It is
therefore recommended that Your Honorable Body authorize payment of $4,485.15
to Joseph Carino Plumbing and Heating, Inc. for emergency repair work at
1168-1170 Broadway. Funds for this work are available in Bond Fund #
200-717-068.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Department of Community Development,
dated, October 6, 1992, be received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Community Development be, and he hereby is
authorized to make payment to Joseph Carino Plumbing and Heating, Inc., in the
amount of $4,485.15 for Emergency Repairs - Water Service Leak at 1168-1170
Broadway. Funds for this project are in Bond Fund # 200-717-068.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 49
Authorization to Continue Utility Payment Broadway Market
As you are aware the lease agreement with the Broadway Market
Management Corporation (BMMC) expired in January 1992.
The request for the extension of the lease, by the BMMC, at my request,
was received and filed by Your Honorable Body.
My "receive and file" request was in order to provide this office time to
review and evaluate the operation and management structure of the market. This
process is still on-going.
However, while the process continues, the assistance that the City
provides in the way of utility payment is very important to the operation of
the market.
In this latter regard I am advised that until a new continuance lease
takes place, the Common Council must authorize the continued payment of
one-half of the net utility cost. (The same terms were contained in the
original lease.) Funds for the utility payments have been budgeted in the
City's 1992-1993 budget.
Therefore, based on the above, I am hereby requesting that Your Honorable
Body authorize the continued payment of one-half of the net utility cost for
the Broadway Market.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Department of Community Development,
dated, October 7, 1992, be received and filed; and
That the Commissioner of Community Development be, and hereby is
authorized to continue to pay one-half of the net utility cost for the Broadway
Market, as provided in the now expired lease agreement with the Broadway Market
Management Corporation, until such time as an extension of the lease agreement
is finalized.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 50
D. Leone - Application to Establish A Take-Out Restaurant at 976 Elmwood Ave.
Item No. 73, C.C.P., September 29, 1992
Attached for your information is the Short Environmental Assessment
Form for the matter referenced above.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
No. 51
Certificate of Appointment
Appointment effective October 5,1992 in the Department of Community
Development, Division of Planning, David J. DiSalvo, 128 Hinman Buffalo, NY
14207 to the position of Project Coordinator, Provisional at the starting
salary of $ 38,089.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF STREETS
No. 52
Change Parking Regulations on Linwood Terrace
Item # 157, C.C.P. September 29, 1992
Upon further review it is my recommendation that parking regulations
on Linwood Terrace remain Alternate I. The reasons for my decision are as
follows:
1. Trash and garbage pickup would be, literally impossible.
2. Snow removal would also be another problem.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF INSPECTIONS AND COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION
No. 53
Clinton-Emslie New Housing Phase II Amendment to Land Disposition Agreement
Burke Brothers Construction, Inc.
The City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency duly designated Burke
Brothers Construction, Inc., 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 proposed Land Disposition
Agreement
4. Proposed Land Disposition Agreement
After the Public Hearing is held, your Honorable Body may adopt a
resolution authorizing the disposition of the land to the Redeveloper, which
the Agency has designated as being qualified and eligible.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
No. 54
Emslie NDP New Housing Project Amendment to Land Disposition Agreement MJ
Ogiony Builders, Inc.
The City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency duly designated MJ Ogiony
Builders Inc., 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 ore-are a
Resolution together with a Notice of Public Hearing for your action.
Forwarded herewith are the following documents:
1. Resolution setting Public Hearing
2. Notice of Public Hearing
3. Resolution approving proposed Land Disposition
Agreement
4. Proposed Land Disposition Agreement
After the Public Hearing is held, your Honorable Body may adopt a
resolution authorizing the disposition of the land to the Redeveloper, which
the Agency has designated as being qualified and eligible.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
No. 55
Masten New Housing Phase I Amendment to Land Disposition Agreement Omega Homes,
Inc.
The City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency duly designated Omega
Homes, Inc., 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 proposed Land Disposition
Agreement
4. Proposed Land Disposition Agreement
After the Public Hearing is held, your Honorable Body may adopt a
resolution authorizing the disposition of the land to the Redeveloper, which
the Agency has designated as being qualified and eligible.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
No. 56
Masten New Housing Phase 11A Amendment to Land Disposition Agreement
Bellweather Builders, Inc.
The City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency duly designated Bellweather
Builders, Inc., 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 proposed Land Disposition
Agreement
4. Proposed Land Disposition Agreement
After the Public Hearing is held, your Honorable Body may adopt a
resolution authorizing the disposition of the land to the Redeveloper, which
the Agency has designated as being qualified and eligible.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
No. 57
Clinton Park II New Housing Project Approval of Land Disposition Agreement
James Management Co., Inc.
The City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency duly designated James
Management Co., Inc., 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 ore-are a
Resolution together with a Notice of Public Hearing for your action.
Forwarded herewith are the following documents:
1. Resolution setting Public Hearing
2. Notice of Public Hearing
3. Resolution approving proposed Land Disposition
Agreement
4. Proposed Land Disposition Agreement
After the Public Hearing is held, your Honorable Body may adopt a
resolution authorizing the disposition of the land to the Redeveloper, which
the Agency has designated as being qualified and eligible.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
No. 58
Winslow Park New Housing Project Approval of Land Disposition Agreement- Aicha
Construction Company, Inc.
The City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency duly designated Aicha
Construction Company, Inc., 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 proposed Land Disposition
Agreement
4. Proposed Land Disposition Agreement
After the Public Hearing is held, your Honorable Body may adopt a
resolution authorizing the disposition of the land to the Redeveloper, which
the Agency has designated as being qualified and eligible.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
No. 59
Proposed RFP - Evaluate Housing Conditions
Item # 181, C.C.P., September 1, 1992
Upon review of the request for proposal to evaluate housing conditions
in the city of Buffalo, I wish to supply your Honorable Body with the following
information:
As you are all aware the Buffalo Financial Planning Commission has volunteered
their services to examine each city of Buffalo Department operation. During
the survey of the Division of Housing and Property Inspections the Buffalo
Financial Planning Commission representative investigated and researched the
operation of our department.
Through interviewing both supervisory and inspectional staff members, items and
concerns of the following nature were discussed:
Systematic Inspections
Enhancing revenues
Establishing employee standards
Data Processing Techniques
Public Relations
Management Controls
Policies and Procedures
Housing Code Enforcement
Upon review of the goals of the proposed request for proposal we feel that this
may be a duplication of the study performed by the Buffalo Financial Planning
Commission. During a time when we all must endure fiscal conservatism your
Honorable Body may be well advised to review the report submitted to the city
of Buffalo Planning Commission prior to your awarding the contract for this
request for proposal.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
No. 60
HOME Program Projects
Item No. 184, C.C.P. 9/15/92
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has approved
the attached application for $5,084,000 funding for the HOME program.
It was not possible to predict in advance which specific projects HOME
would ultimately assist. It was therefore agreed that HOME funded projects
would be presented to BURA and reported to the Common Council at a future date
when viable development and community investment opportunities were
established.
At this time we cannot contract for, nor proceed with any HOME activity
until an Environmental Review is complete and a release off funds is obtained
from H.U.D. We expect release of funds within thirty to sixty days.
HOME regulations dictate two principal standards for projects. Foremost
among strategy HOME standards is that all projects assisted must be for very
low income persons and families (HOME Income guidelines for Buffalo, New York
are attached for reference) secondly, C.H.O.D.O.'s (H.U.D. acronym for
Community Housing Development Corporations) must be provided the opportunity to
receive a minimum of 15% (or $762,600) of HOME funds for the development of
projects which they will sponsor.
The Buffalo, New York HOME program is designed to support four principal
activities, all of which are 100% for Low Income Benefiting.
HOME Rental Rehabilitation Program $1,800,000
HOME New Housing Development 1,684,000
HOME Urban Homesteading 900,000
HOME Owner Assistance Program 700,000
The status of each project area is reported below:
HOME Rental Rehabilitation - Public promotion by the City and Community Based
Organizations have stimulated complete applications for 12 Rental
Rehabilitation Projects for a total funding request of $286,094.00. These
funds will result in the development of 48 very low income rental housing units
throughout the City.
The Department of Inspections and Community Revitalization anticipates seeking
approval from BURA to contract with the owners of those projects reflected on
the attached listing on 2/22/92.
HOME New Housing Development Program - This activity is extremely complicated
under HOME regulation and at this time national standards for resale and
related restrictions have not been clarified. We await further H.U.D. guidance
in this regard.
Additionally, we have a pending grant application with New York State which is
intended to assist the construction of new homes for low income
families...essentially the same activity and client income standards as
required under HOME. If we succeed in obtaining New York State funds, the HOME
New Housing Development Program funding of $1.6 million allocated to this
activity will likely be transferred to another eligible HOME activity.
HOME Urban Homestead - Here again, we are awaiting HUD release of funds and
clarification on resale restrictions. We are, however; working with the City
Comptroller and the City Real Estate Division to identify properties that are
in City Ownership. Those which may be suitable for renovation and resale to low
income families under the HOME Program will be scheduled for inclusion in the
program and presented to BURA for approval at a future date.
HOME Owner Assistance - Pending release of funds this activity will match CDBG
low income rehab funds providing a combined total of up to $17,500 per home.
BURA approved this activity on 8/27/92 as a program.
The consideration and review of each homeowner rehab before BURA will not be
required due to the nature of repairs that will occur. Re-renovation of
standard building elements and components on 1-4 family owner occupied
structures has been approved by BURA to allow this HOME component to be
implemented on a consistent and on-going basis.
Ultimately all assisted properties will be reported at years end through the
Annual Grantee Performance Report.
The only specific project which has been approved by BURA to proceed to
contract is the Phase II School Conversion Project sponsored by
Broadway-Fillmore N.H.S.
This obligation of funding will contribute to the 15% ".H.O.D.O." set
aside standard for HOME whereby non-profit sponsors are required by statute to
be given the opportunity to utilize HOME funds for projects sponsored at the
community level. Item 11A from BURA proceedings of 08/13/92 attached for
reference.
As future projects emerge and as the HOME program gets underway, I will
periodically update the Common Council on the program progress which we intend
to achieve via the utilization of HOME monies.
Mr. Fahey moved to separate the above item and take action on School 62 only
and the remainder of the item be referred to the Committee on Economic
Development and the Corporation Counsel.
Seconded by Mr. Franczyk.
ADOPTED.
Mr. Fahey now moved:
That the funding in the amount of $600,000 for the completion of Phase 2
of School 62 be and the same is hereby approved.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
No. 61
1989-1993 Labor Agreement between the City Buffalo and Local 71-71A-71B,
International
Union of Operating Engineers.
Item No. 4, C.C.P., February 18, 1992
As your Honorable Body is aware, the City of Buffalo and Local
71-71A-71B, International Union of Operating Engineers, had reached a tentative
agreement on a four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement last Spring. The
Agreement covered the years 1989-90, 1990-91, 1991-92 and 1992-93.
Unfortunately, full execution of the Agreement was held up by the City's
worsening deficit, and the subsequent creation of the Buffalo Financial
Commission. The Agreement then became the subject of litigation before the New
York State Public Employment Relations Board (PERB). We have now received a
Decision and Order from PERB that directs the City of Buffalo to execute and
implement the Agreement. Therefore, the Agreement is hereby forwarded to your
Honorable Body for ratification, and we recommend its approval.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Department of Administration and Finance,
dated September 24, 1992, be received and filed; and
That the 1989-1993 Labor Agreement between the City of Buffalo and Local
71-71A-71B, international Union of Operating Engineers, be ratified and
approved.
ADOPTED.
No. 62
Ordinance Amendment - Increase Fees for Load Zone Permits, Hauling Permits and
House Moving Permits
A recent review of revenue projections revealed that the fee schedule
relating to the traffic ordinance was not amended as it had been intended to at
the May 28, 1992 Common Council meeting. (See attached item # 36, C.C.P.
3/31/92).
The intent was to increase revenues in the Division of Engineering by
$24,000, mainly by increasing the fee for load zone permits from $1.00 per
lineal foot ($.50 per lineal foot for renewal) to $3.00 per lineal foot for
both original permits and renewals. It was also contemplated there would be
increased fees for hauling permits.
This anticipated increase was included in the Mayor's budget message. The
legislation to effectuate the increase is being submitted for Common Council
approval now. Since most of these load zone permits are issued in May the
estimated revenues can still be realized if this legislation is passed now.
I am asking Your Honorable Body to approve the increase in fees that had
already been anticipated to avoid a $24,000 revenue shortfall in the 1992-93
budget.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 63
Lease Agreement Addendum
189 Tonawanda Street Corporation
We are submitting to Your Honorable Body an addendum to our lease
agreement dated January 9, 1992 between the City of Buffalo and 189 Tonawanda
Street Corporation.
The Addendum provides an additional one-time rental payment of $50,000 to
relocate to 189 Tonawanda Street the parking enforcement officers, laborers,
meter mechanics, office staff, motor equipment mechanic and tow truck operators
currently working out of the Delavan Armory and the Seneca Street Garage. This
move will consolidate the entire parking meters and enforcement and towing and
storage functions at the 189 Tonawanda Street location. The funds are
available in function 031-Towing and Storage Operations account number
551-Rentals of Land and Buildings.
Mr. Fahey moved:
That the communication from the Department of Administration and Finance
dated October 8, 1992, be received and filed; and
That the amendment to the lease agreement between the City of Buffalo and
189 Tonawanda Street Corporation as contained in the above communication be,
and hereby is approved, subject to approval as to form by the Law Department.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF HUMAN RESOURCES
No. 64
Retro Pay E. Hernandez/W. Smith
Item # 54 C.C.P. 9/29/92
As per your request, my recommendation is that Mr. Edwin Hernandez
and Mr. William Smith are entitled to the retroactive pay for Fiscal Year
1989-90 in that Local # 650 received a five percent (5%) retroactive pay raise
for that period. They were inadvertently omitted as they were incorrectly
classified as non-designated employees from their time of hire until pay period
26 of Fiscal Year 1989-90, when they were determined to be eligible for
membership in A.F.S.C.M.E. Local # 650.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
FROM THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
No. 65
Appointment Of B. Sumbrum as Firefighter
Item # 63, C.C.P., 9/15/92
At a meeting held on September 30, 1992 the Commission considered
a communication dated September 16, 1992 from Ana Salas, Legislative Assistant,
on behalf of the Committee on Finance, requesting the Commission to comment on
Mr. Sumbrum's appointment to the position of Firefighter.
In addition, you requested this Commission's opinion as to whether Mr. Sumbrum
has to be re-confirmed as Commissioner of Street Sanitation if he decides to
return to his position of Commissioner of Street Sanitation.
Be advised Mr. Sumbrum's name was certified for appointment to the position of
Firefighter on September 4, 1992. Mr. Sumbrum was appointed to said position
on September 8, 1992.
The Commission suggests you consult with the Corporation Counsel relative to
Mr. Sumbrum's return to the position of Commissioner of Street Sanitation, if
he chooses to do so.
I trust this satisfies your inquiry.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
No. 66
Residency Status - R. Heftka
Item # 168, CCP 12/23/91
This is in response to an inquiry dated September 22, 1992 from
Ana Salas, Legislative Assistant, on behalf of the Civil Service Committee.
This will confirm that at a meeting held on January 29, 1992 the Commission
waived the residency requirement for Robert V. Heftka's appointment to the
position of Assistant Corporation Counsel. Attached please find a copy of the
excerpt from said meeting.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
No. 67
Dedicated Funds-Bd. of Education
This is in response to your letter of September 16th regarding
Council resolutions # 193 and # 194.
Re: # 193: I agree there should be a dedicated group of revenues for
school support. Those revenues should come from sources that have at least
these characteristics: they should be growth revenues that will produce more
income over the years, they should be progressive in nature rather than
regressive and should be supplementary to property tax revenues rather than a
revenue that would or could be used as an offset.
1. Growth revenues provide natural increasing returns over time which
mitigates the erosion of their value as a resource. In a period of economic
growth that averages three to four percent a fixed source declines in value as
the years go by. An example is the State Magnet School grant which has been
fixed at $10,525,000. Every year the personnel and program that the grant
supports are decreased.
2. Progressive taxes fall heavier on those able to pay them, i.e, as a
proportion of income, than regressive taxes which fall too heavily on those
less able to afford them. Sales taxes on common consumer goods are an example
of a regressive tax because the rich and poor alike pay the same tax rate on a
body of goods that everybody must buy.
3. Resources like the lottery proceeds, which once were dedicated
additions to general fund aid for schools, can and are often substituted for
general fund aid which is then reduced. When the lottery was first initiated
its revenues were an addition to general fund revenue for schools. For several
years lottery funds have been offset by reductions in general fund revenue for
schools.
The best of these characteristics should be components of a dedicated
school revenue. The graduated income tax comes closest to ideal while property
and sales taxes are less if not least ideal. Does the utility tax have any or
all of these desirable characteristics and none or few of the undesirable
characteristics?
Re: # 194: A fixed portion of a tax that is not levied in response to
school district needs at a rate that is not respective of school district needs
is destined to be inadequate both at the beginning and in the future. Its
implementation would be futile.
Another analysis of the local funding situation of school districts will
show the 56 small cities to have legal access to up to 2% of a city's average
full value for property taxes for operation and maintenance purposes while the
cities have the same access. The limit there is four percent of the average
full value. The school districts have, in those cases access to one-half of the
city's property tax ability.
In large cities, except New York, the maximum access is two percent. The
cities in addition may have access to income, sales and utility taxes as well
as charges and fees for support. Independent school districts have access only
to property tax. If all of New York State's cities were treated alike the
Buffalo City School District would have the same access to local resources: 50%
of the property tax limitation. That would leave 50% of the property tax
limitation available to the City plus the revenues raised by the City for City
purposes from other sources (fees, charges, utility taxes, etc.)
This access would allow the school district to have flexibility under the
limit of city taxes to vary its access to its need up to a real cap. The
attached tables show the potential impact of both the here proposed 50% sharing
and the resolutions 38% sharing. Table 1 shows that the 50% share would have
provided the potential of more revenue for schools over the last seven years,
while the 38% would have resulted in less revenue for each of the last eleven
years.
I would recommend that the agreement provide up to 50% of the City's
property tax limitation for operating purposes be made available to the City
School District as a budget revenue source.
The whereas clauses cite the Business First article which proposes to
grade the schools. In the grading business I would rate the article an "F" for
its effort and an "F" for accuracy in measurement:
1. Its selection of the ten criteria on which to grade schools doesn't
make any sense. Five of them are essentially the same measure-the percentage of
all high school children who pass selected regents examinations or get regents
diplomas. Not the percentage of children who took regents courses and passed
the examinations or who were successful in regents diploma programs. This base
includes, for example, the 40.4 percent of Buffalo high school students who are
in vocational programs that lead directly to occupations and do not typically
take regents courses. This base includes the pupils with handicapping
conditions whose programs often do not include regents courses or regents
diplomas as a goal. No matter how well Buffalo students actually perform, the
percentage in vocational school and special education programs means that 50%
of the indicators for the grade are going to be low.
2. Its selection of expenditure per pupil as a measure is misleading as a
way to grade the quality of a school district. In all of the ten or twelve
county area reported there is only one large city, Buffalo, one fiscally
dependent district that has historically been locally underfunded, Buffalo, one
district with a mix of cultures, languages, ethnic groups and social problems
on a large scale, Buffalo, and only one district which provides services to
children from many of those other districts, and ought to be spending many more
dollars because of the unique problems, Buffalo.
3. Its use of pupil teacher ratio as a measure of school district quality
is directly related to the measure of funding, and at least as misleading.
Buffalo for example serves over 5,000 handicapped children, many in classes
with a maximum size of six pupils, none in classes larger than fifteen, and
these services when combined in overall statistics make the pupil teacher ratio
appear different than it actually is in the average classroom. In addition
these pupils often receive supplementary support services form other teachers,
psychologists or social workers.
4. Its use of grade six pupil evaluation program (PEP) test results to
rank school districts on a 100 point scale is interesting. The results of those
tests are reported in percentages of children scoring above a state reference
point (SRP) on the tests. In Buffalo several schools had 100 percent of the
pupils score above the SRP. Almost all of the schools had over 95% of the
pupils in grade six above the math SRP and most at 90% in reading. How many of
the 100 points do you get for that?
5. In the same publication a table of the top spending districts lists
Buffalo as number 16, but does not bother to explore the reasons, some
discussed above, for that rate. The services for handicapped children, for
children with limited English speaking ability, for children in vocational
programs, for pregnant teens, and for non-public schools and resident children
attending nonpublic schools away from the district are provided by Buffalo, and
other large cities, in proportions that are larger than in other non large city
districts.
For these and other reasons the State Education Department does not even
suggest that these criteria or the others in the full report, can or should be
used to rank, rate or grade school districts. I would not give the Business
First article more attention than it deserves, none, by citing it as a source
of any significance.
My staff and I will be happy to discuss these matters with you or the
committee.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
FROM THE CITY CLERK
No. 68
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.
Police
Internal Affairs Division
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 69
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
389 Main St. Yankee Doodle Room Marriott Mgmt. Serv Corp.
581 Delaware Ave. J.F.B. Enterprises Inc.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 70
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:
Comptroller- Michael R. Szukala
Public Works- Juli-Lyn Colpoys
Parks- Colleen Sumbrum , John Atwell
Administration and Finance- Ronald N. Lunghino
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 71
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
Buffalo Sewer Authority
City Planning Board
Civil Service Commission
Emergency Medical Services Board
Municipal Housing Authority
RECEIVED AND FILED.
No. 72
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 effective Sept. 29, 1992 in the Department of the Common Council,
Division of City Clerk, John F. Foschio 46 Woodley Rd., Buffalo, N.Y. 14215, to
the position of Intern V Seasonal, at the starting salary of $ 7.00 per hr.
Appointment effective Oct. 2, 1992 in the Department of City Clerk Garrett P.
Murphy, 69 Densmore, Buffalo, 14220, to the position of Intern III, Seasonal,
at the starting salary of $5.00 per hr.
No. 73
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 STADIUM & AUDITORIUM
Appointment effective Oct. 1, 1992 in the Department of Stadium
& Auditorium, Division of Memorial Auditorium, Thomas Lizak Jr. 226 Columbus
Ave., Buffalo, 14221, to the position of Sr. First Class Stat. Engineer,
Seasonal at the starting salary of $7.05 per hr.
Appointment effective Sept. 28, 1992 in the Department of Stadium & Auditorium,
Division of Memorial Auditorium, to the position of Laborer II, Seasonal, at
the starting salary of $6.65 per hr.
Joyce Baginski, 170 Titus St., Buffalo, 14212
Frank Bell, 26 Dodge St., Buffalo, 14209
Margaret Bugaj, 31 Parkview St., Buffalo, 14210
Sharon Campbell, 205 Marine Dr., Buffalo, 14202
Ann DiStefano, 2096 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, 14216
Salvatore Dobrowolski, 119 Arbour La., Buffalo, 14220
M.T. McNeal, 791 Sycamore St., Buffalo, 14212
Charles Mims, 74 Harmonia St., Buffalo, 14211
Joan Mutka, 146 Lewis St., Buffalo, 14206
Arlene Simpson, 42 Riverside Ave., Buffalo, 14207
John Thiry Sr., 158 Montgomery St., Buffalo, 14206
James Toms, 82 Rosedale St., Buffalo, 14207
Appointment effective Sept. 28, 1992, in the Department of Stadium &
Auditorium, Division of Memorial Auditorium to the position of Laborer I,
Seasonal, at the starting salary of $ 5.98 per hr.
Willie Anderson, 116 Shumway St., Buffalo, 14206
Elaine Bushen, 152 Whitfield, Buffalo, 14220
Guy Cammarano, 56 Folger St., Buffalo, 14212
John Conrad, 108 Woodside Ave., Buffalo, 14220
Jacob Craddock, 32 Hoffman St., Buffalo, 14207
James Cummings, 58 Good Ave. Buffalo, 14220
Patrick Farry, 26 Regent St., Buffalo, 14206
Michael Glavey, 7 Britt St., Buffalo, 14220
Timothy Gozdan, 39 Edson St., Buffalo, 14210
Walter Griffin, 1039 Smith St., Buffalo, 14212
Edward Hackbush, 173 Heath St., Buffalo, 14214
Thomas Halbert, 117 Stevenson St., Buffalo, 14220
Gerald Hayes, 28 Cazenovia St., Buffalo, 14220
Richard Hehir, 140 Kenefick St., Buffalo, 14220
Kevin Horrigan, 68 Lockwood Ave., Buffalo, 14220
Denise Jones, 973 Ellicott St., Buffalo, 14203
Matthew Lalley, 21 Edgewood Ave., Buffalo, 14220
Kevin Lalley, 81 Densmore Ave., Buffalo, 14220
Leonard Laufer, 148 Brinkman St., Buffalo, 14211
William Laufer, 148 Brinkman St., Buffalo, 14211
Albert Maloney, 51 Trowbridge, Buffalo, 14220
David Maloney Jr., 16 Lakewood Ave., Buffalo, 14220
Norris Mays, 416 Winslow Ave., Buffalo, 14211
Kurt McGowan, 8 Fields Ave., Buffalo, 14210
Kevin McNamara, 214 Tuscarora Rd., Buffalo, 14220
Peter Niagrelli, 160 Bloomfield Ave., Buffalo, 14220
Thomas O'Leary, 100 Ryan St., Buffalo, 14210
Terrence O'Rourke, 712 McKinley Pkwy., Buffalo, 14220
Michael Parot, 10 South St., Buffalo, 14204
Maurice Perry, 100 Parkview St., Buffalo, 14210
James Quinn, 723 McKinley Pkwy., Buffalo, 14220
Kellie Safford, 284 Grape St., Buffalo, 14204
Rebekah Safford, 284 Grape St., Buffalo, 14204
Timothy Safford, 70 Butler St., Buffalo, 14208
Randolph Schuster 77 Melrose St. Buffalo, 14220
Gerard Seltz, 192 Whitfield Ave., Buffalo, 14220
Daniel Summers, 33 Buffum St., Buffalo, 14210
Darlene Swenton, 42 Philadelphia St., Buffalo, 14207
David Wilds, 181 Choate Ave., Buffalo, 14220
Daniel Wilson, 49 Carlyle St., Buffalo, 14220
Mark Zimmer, 87 Juniata Pl., Buffalo, 14210
Wayne J. Lickfeld Jr., 21 Choate Ave., Buffalo, 14220
Toni Gallagher, 26 Carlyle Ave., Buffalo, 14220
Appointment effective Sept. 25, 1992 in the Department of Stadium and
Auditorium, Division of Memorial Auditorium, to the position of Sr. First Class
Sta. Engineer, Seasonal at the starting salary of $7.05 per hr.
Thomas A. Evans, 142 Bloomfield Ave., Buffalo, 14220
Paul Wiles, 70 Crystal Ave., Buffalo, 14220
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF AUDIT & CONTROL
Appointment effective Sept. 28, 1992, in the Department of Audit
and Control Division of Audit, Ronald N. Lunghino 126 Eller Avenue, Buffalo, NY
14211, to the position of Assistant Auditor, Temporary, at the starting salary
of $24,020.
Appointment effective Sept. 28, 1992 in the Department of Audit and Control,
Division of Audit, Christine M. Petschke, 18 Progressive, Buffalo, NY 14207 to
the position of Assistant Auditor, Temporary, at the starting salary of
$24,020.
Appointment effective Sept. 24, 1992 in the Department of Audit & Control,
Division of Accounting, Michael R. Szukala, 15 Stewart Street, Buffalo, NY
14211, to the position of Senior Accountant, Temporary at the starting salary
of $28,054.
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Appointment effective Sept. 28, 1992 in the Department of Public
Works, Division of Buildings, Salvatore Canazzi, 193 St. Lawrence Avenue,
Buffalo 14216, to the position of Administrative Assistant, Provisional, at the
starting salary of $ 24,816.
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF FIRE
Appointment effective Sept. 30, 1992 in the Department of Fire
Carl Hoepfinger, 70 Coolidge Road, Buffalo, New York 14220 to the position of
Fire Lieutenant, Permanent, at the starting salary of $39,228.
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
Appointment effective Oct. 5, 1992 in the Department of Parks,
Division of Recreation, to the position of Refrigeration Plant Engineer,
Seasonal, at the starting salary of $6.64 per hour.
Vincent Miranda, 130 Ridgewood Road, Buffalo 14220
Edward Standish, 117 Imson, Buffalo 14210
Joseph Trillizio, 3 Condon, Buffalo 14207
Michael Barren, 29 Wheelock, Buffalo 14206
Patrick McNamara, 359 Abby St., Buffalo 14220
Walter Burshtynski, 126 Bird Ave., Buffalo 14213
Daniel Griffin, 24 Robins St., Buffalo 14220
Timothy Higgins, 101 Ridgewood, Buffalo 14220
John Kubala, 25 Bridgeman, Buffalo 14207
John Mann, 222 Mackinaw St., Buffalo 14204
John Marchitte, 430 14th St., Buffalo 14213
Greg Morcio, 296 Willett St., Buffalo 14206
Howard Melcher, 210 Riverside, Buffalo 14207
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES
Appointment effective Oct. 5, 1992 in the Department of General
Services, Division of Inventory & Stores, Robert F. Seifert 183 Lisbon Ave.,
Buffalo, 14214, to the position of Laborer II, Seasonal, at the starting salary
of $ 6.65 per hr.
NON-OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS AND REMONSTRANCES
NON-OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS
No. 74
ERIE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS
Request Information- Charter Revision Provisions
In regard to the 1991-92 City of Buffalo Charter Revision that
will appear on the ballot in the November 3, 1992 General Election, the Erie
County Board of Elections must be advised as to what documentation the City of
Buffalo will be providing to educate the voting public of the provisions of the
Charter Revision. It should be understood that the language and total cost will
be the responsibility of the City of Buffalo.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT.
No. 75
REGINA D. HUTCHINS
African Culture and Consciousness Weekend
I am requesting that October 30, 1992 through November 1, 1992
be designated African Culture and Consciousness weekend. During this weekend
Buffalo, N.Y. will be the host city for the Eastern Region's A.S.C.A.C.
(Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations) conference. The
citizens of Buffalo will have the honor of being taught by internationally
known and respected scholars, including Dr. John Henrik Clark and Dr. Jacob
Carruthers. I look forward to discussing this item with the members of the
Council in committee as well as in general session. I thank you in advance for
your cooperation and commitment.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT.
No. 76
KLEINHANS MUSIC HALL MANAGEMENT. INC.
Council Request for
Venue Submitted "Ticket User Fee Plan"
In a Resolution introduced by David A. Franczyk adopted by the
Common Council on May 26, 1992 (C.C.P. No. 157), it was requested that
Kleinhans Music Hall submit a ticket user fee plan to the Council no later than
October l, 1992.
The Board of Directors of Kleinhans Music Hall, following a lengthy and
thorough discussion at its Meeting of September 22, 1992, respectfully submits
the following:
Kleinhans Management wholeheartedly agrees with Councilman David Franczyk
that the burden of maintaining the facilities mentioned in his proposal should
not be solely that of the residents of the City of Buffalo. The burden should
be spread equally among all residents of Western New York who utilize these
venues.
However, we feel that this proposal should at this time be partially
deferred due to the following:
Kleinhans, being the most utilized facility in Buffalo, with 334 usages
during the past year, unlike Memorial Auditorium, Sheas and Pilot Field,
caters, almost exclusively, to non-profit organizations. In addition to the
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, ninety-five percent of Kleinhans' other lessees
are non-profit groups, who stage one or two events annually and who, to keep
expenses at a minimum, handle their own ticket sales through members of their
organizations.
These small non-profit groups, along with the Buffalo Philharmonic
Orchestra, which, as you know, is the Music Hall's major tenant, are currently
fighting for their very existence. All, recently, have either had their outside
funding drastically reduced or totally eliminated.
The addition of a ticket surcharge, at this point in time, we feel could
be devastating to them, perhaps being the proverbial "straw that broke the
camel's back".
Commercial events are a totally different situation. The sole purpose of
a commercial venture is to make a profit and we believe this type of event
should have a ticket surcharge attached to its ticket price.
Therefore, Kleinhans Music Hall recommends that:
1. Subject to the adoption of such a plan by the other venues (such as
Pilot Field and War Memorial Auditorium), for commercial events that there be a
ticket surcharge of fifty cents ($.50) a ticket, or more on a sliding scale
basis, be put into effect as soon as the Common Council sees fit.
2. The ticket surcharge for non-profit organizations and events be
deferred until such time as their financial picture improves.
I, our Executive Director Douglas J. Lengyel, and others on our Board,
would be pleased to meet with you, or a Committee of the Council, to discuss
this further with you should you wish to do so.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 77
NYS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Program Changes- Bryant & Stratton
This letter is in reference to the Buffalo Common Council resolution
about program changes in Commercial Art programs offered by Bryant & Stratton
Business Institute, brought to your attention by concerned students. In April,
l wrote to advise you that I was contacting the institution for comment. The
Institute's response, dated April 30, was apparently lost, and the State
Education Department has only recently received a copy.
I would like to share with you the substance of the information provided
by Bryant & Stratton Vice President for Educational Services, Ms. Maritza
Samoorian. The Institute established the Commercial Art program at both the
downtown Buffalo and suburban Eastern Hills campus. In December 1991, the
Institute decided to consolidate the programs at one Buffalo-area campus. The
downtown Buffalo students were notified at that time that they could complete
their programs at Buffalo as part of a program teach-out that is scheduled to
be completed by March 1993. Ms. Samoorian stated that the downtown Buffalo
students were never requested to move to the Eastern Hills campus as the
Council's document implied.
Ms. Samoorian also indicated that at the same time the Common Council
passed its resolution, campus personnel were discussing expected changes with
students. The Institute scheduled a meeting with the Buffalo campus art
students attended by the Director and Dean of the campus, a Corporate
Curriculum Coordinator, and a member of the Buffalo Commercial Art Advisory
Board. Ms. Samoorian reported that the Institute received positive feedback
from the students who, after the meeting, seemed to have a better understanding
and appreciation of the changes that were being made.
In the Department's view, the information Ms. Samoorian provided is
responsive to the Common Council's concerns and suggests that the Institute was
cognizant of its responsibilities to enrolled students.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
No. 78
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
Hartwell Street Landfill, Site ID # 915030
Under provisions of the New York State Environmental Conservation
Law, the Department of Environmental Conservation maintains a Registry of sites
which have been used for the disposal of hazardous waste. property located at
1963 Elmwood Avenue in the City of Buffalo and County of Erie and designated as
Tax Map Number 078-53-2 was recently deleted from the Registry. This notice of
this recent action is being sent to you pursuant to the regulations governing
the management of this program. Notice must be given to clerks of the county,
the town or city (as the case may be), and (where located in one) the village,
within which the site is located, and adjacent property owners.
The reason for this recent Department action is as follows:
- There has been no documented disposal of hazardous waste at this site.
To help you better understand the significance of the site
classification, enclosed is a brief description of each classification code and
a two page summary of the subject site, as it appears in the Registry. For more
information about this site or general information about the Inactive Hazardous
Waste Site Remediation Program, please call 1-800-342-9296 toll free.
Attention Property Owners: If the property you own has been leased to someone
else, Please pass this notice on to the lessee. If you no longer own the
property near the subject site, please provide this notice to the new owner and
provide this office with the name and address of the new owner so that we can
correct our records.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND THE BUFFALO ENVIRONMENTAL
COMMISSION.
No. 79
TOWN OF WALES
Request County Establish Hot Line for Rabies Information
At a regularly scheduled meeting of the Town Board of the Town
of Wales, held at the Wales Community Center, 12345 Big Tree Road, Wales
Center, New York, on the 8th day of September, 1992, there were
PRESENT- Robert Kowalewski, Supervisor
Edmund Bogucki, Councilperson
Mary Weinman, Councilperson
Adrian Keem, Councilperson
Robert Bragg, Councilperson
Councilperson Weinman moved and Councilperson Keem seconded to adopt the
following resolution:
WHEREAS, there has been increasing concern of rabies by the residents of
the County of Erie, and
WHEREAS, there is no system or an inadequate system whereby citizens can
receive immediate direction and guidance in the event of potential infection of
rabies resulting to and from animal bites, and
WHEREAS, the Erie County Department of Health has the responsibility to
safeguard the health and well being of the residents of the County of Erie,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Wales does hereby
request the Erie County Executive, the Erie County Department of Health and the
Erie County Legislature to consider the establishment of an effective 24 hour
hot line to provide immediate and necessary information regarding the
safeguarding and treatment of potential rabid infected animals and persons, and
the proper publication of same, and further
RESOLVED, copies of this Resolution shall be bent to the Erie County
Executive, Erie County Commissioner of Health, Clerk of the Erie County
Legislature and all towns within the County of Erie.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
PETITIONS
No. 80
Donald Krusczk and Others - Favor Dance Permit for Adventure Club, 124 Elmwood.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
No. 81
John N. Lipsitz and Others - Opp. Permits for Adventure Club, 124 Elmwood.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
REGULAR COMMITTEES
CIVIL SERVICE
HON. JAMES W. PITTS
CHAIRMAN
No. 82
Appointment
Street Sanitation//Laborer II
That The Above Item Is Hereby Returned To The Common Council without
Recommendation
Mr. Pitts Moved:
That Communication No 75 Jul 21, 1992 be received and filed and the
temporary appointment of Michael W. Schmitt stated above at the Maximum salary
$10.26 P/H effective on Jul 1, 1992 is hereby approved.
PASSED.
AYES- AMOS, ARTHUR, BAKOS, BELL, COLLINS, COPPOLA, FAHEY, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS,
PERLA, PITTS, ZUCHLEWSKI- 12.
NOES- LOTEMPIO- 1.
No. 83
Appointment
Street Sanitation//Truckdriver
That The Above Item Is Hereby Returned to the Common Council Without
Recommendation.
Mr. Pitts Moved:
That Communication No 96 Sep 1, 1992 be received and filed and the
Permanent appointment of Daniel E. Lewandowski stated above at the Maximum
salary $22,815.00 effective on Jul 27, 1992 is hereby approved.
PASSED.
AYES- AMOS, ARTHUR, BAKOS, BELL, COLLINS, COPPOLA, FAHEY, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS,
PERLA, PITTS, ZUCHLEWSKI- 12.
NOES- LOTEMPIO- 1.
No. 84
Appointment
Street Sanitation/Supervisor I
That The Above Item is Hereby Returned to the Common Council without
Recommendation
Mr. Pitts Moved:
That Communication No 97 Sep 1, 1992 be received and filed and the
Permanent appointment of Richard T. Leverentz stated above at the Maximum
salary $23,368.00 effective on Jul 22, 1992 is hereby approved.
PASSED.
AYES- AMOS, ARTHUR, BAKOS, BELL, COLLINS, COPPOLA, FAHEY, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS,
PERLA, PITTS, ZUCHLEWSKI- 12.
NOES- LOTEMPIO- 1.
No. 85
Appointment Of Sanitation Worker (Inter)(STS)
(Item # 81 CCP Sep 15, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 86
Appointment
Street Sanitation/Laborer II
That Communication No 85 Sep 15, 1992 be received and filed and
the Permanent appointment of Andrew J. Kleinfelder stated above at the Maximum
salary $21,875.00 effective on Aug 24, 1992 is hereby approved.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 87
Notices of Appointments (C.Clerk)
(Item # 63 CCP Sep 29, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
FINANCE
HON. DAVID A. COLLINS
CHAIRMAN
No. 88
Results Of Negotiations
418 Northampton
Item No. 24, C.C.P., Sept. 15, 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. 89
E. McLaughlin/Cancel Water Bill 1510 Michigan
(Item # 124 CCP Sep 1 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 90
E. Mclaughlin/Cancel Water Bill 1510 Michigan (CC)
(Item # 44 CCP Sep 15, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 91
E. McLaughlin/Cancel Water Bill 1510 Michigan (PW)
(Item # 34 CCP Sep 29, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 92
Request Audit Reports (BD Pkg)
(Item # 10 CCP Sep 15, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 93
Certiorari Proceedings 33-37 Franklin Street
Fiscal Years 1991-92 & 1992-93
Item No. 21, C.C.P., Sept. 29, 1992
That the Corporation Counsel be, and he hereby is authorized and
directed to settle the 1991-92 certiorari proceeding on 33-37 Franklin Street,
Buffalo, New York by reducing the assessment from $230,000 to $160,000 and the
1992-93 certiorari proceeding by reducing the assessment from $230,000 to
$140,000.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 94
Report Of Bids Erie Basin Marina - Phase III
Item No. 29, C.C.P., Sept. 29, 1992
That the Commissioner of Public Works be, and he hereby is authorized
to award the contract for Erie Basin Marina Phase III to Herbert F. Darling,
Inc. with Alternate "A", the cost thereof to be charged to the CPF Account #
200-401-088-00-000 in an amount not to exceed $966,129.00, plus approved unit
prices not to exceed an additional amount of $96,612.90.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 95
Report Of Bids - Emergency Repair Of Buffer System
At The Ohio Street Lift Bridge
Item No. 30, C.C.P., Sept. 29, 1992)
That the Commissioner of Public Works be, and he hereby is authorized
to award the contract for Emergency Repair of the Buffer System at the Ohio
Street Lift Bridge to Nichols, Longe & More, with Alternate Number One, the
cost thereof to be charged to the CPF Account #200-401-084-00-000 in an amount
not to exceed $133,380.00, plus approved unit prices not to exceed an
additional amount of $13,338.00.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 96
Emergency Rehabilitation To Bearings On The
South Park Lift Bridge
Item No. 31, C.C.P., Sept. 29, 1992
That the Commissioner of Public Works be, and he hereby is authorized
to enter into a contract for Emergency Rehabilitation to Bearings on the South
Park Lift Bridge. Funds for this work are in the Bond Fund Account #CPF
200-401-075-00-000
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 97
Change In Contract Change Order # 1
Louisiana Street Bridge
Item No. 33, C.C.P., Sept. 29, 1992
That the above item be, and the same hereby is, returned to the
Common Council without recommendation.
Mr. Collins moved:
That the Commissioner of Public Works be, and he hereby is, authorized to
issue a change order to Oakgrove Construction Company, Inc. in the amount of
$86,750.00 for additional work under contract # 91656500 for work relating to
the Louisiana Street Bridge, with said cost to be charged against the Division
of Engineering Bond Fund Accounts # 200-401-003 and # 200-401-507.
PASSED.
AYES- AMOS, ARTHUR, BAKOS, BELL, COLLINS, COPPOLA, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS, LOTEMPIO,
PERLA, PITTS, ZUCHLEWSKI- 12.
NOES- FAHEY- 1.
No. 98
Compensation Claim Edward French
Item No. 88, C.C.P., Sept. 29, 1992
That the Corporation Counsel be, and he hereby is authorized to
settle a lump sum settlement for $35,000 to Edward French, a Caulker with the
Division of Water.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
LEGISLATION
HON. ALFRED T. COPPOLA
CHAIRMAN
No. 99
Grace English Evangelical, Owner, Petition To Use
174 Cazenovia For A Pole Sign
Item No. 74, C.C.P. June 29, 1992
That after a public hearing before the Committee on Legislation
on October 6, 1992, the petition of Grace English Evangelical, owner, for
permission to use 174 Cazenovia for a pole sign be and hereby is approved.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 100
Carmelo Piparo, Owner, Petition To Use
1460 Niagara Street For A Canopy Over Existing Gas Pumps
Item No. 75, C.C.P. Sept. 29, 1992)
That after a public hearing before the Committee on Legislation
on October 6, 1992, the petition of Carmelo Piparo, owner, for permission to
use a canopy over existing gas pumps on the front of 1460 Niagara Street be and
hereby is approved.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 101
American Red Cross, Owner, Petition To Use
Front Of 768 Delaware Avenue For Parking
(Item No. 141, C.C.P. Sept. 1, 1992)
That after a public hearing before the Committee on Legislation
on September 8, 1992, the petition of American Red Cross, owner, for permission
to use 768 Delaware Avenue for parking be and hereby is approved.
PASSED.
AYES- AMOS, BAKOS, BELL, COLLINS, COPPOLA, FAHEY, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS, LOTEMPIO,
PERLA, ZUCHLEWSKI- 11.
NOES- ARTHUR, PITTS- 2.
No. 102
768 Delaware Ave./Screening Of Parking Lot (CPBD)
(Item # 8 CCP Sep 15, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 103
Restaurant-Dancing Class IV 1671 Seneca Street
Item No. 32, C.C.P., Sept. 15, 1992
That the above item be, and the same hereby is, returned to the
Common Council without recommendation.
Mr. Coppola moved:
That pursuant to Chapter 150 of the Ordinances of the City of Buffalo,
the Director of Licenses and Permits is hereby authorized to issue a
Restaurant/Dancing Class IV License to Michael Monile d/b/a Dreamers Party Bar,
1671 Seneca Street, and the same be, and hereby is approved.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 104
L. Zurek & Others Favor Dance License 124 Elmwood
(Item # 77 CCP Sep 29, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 105
M. Turgeon/Re-instate Licenses 3405 Bailey
(Item # 72 CCP Sep 29, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 106
Solicitation Of Funds Application CCE -
Citizens Campaign For The Environment
Item No. 132, C.C.P., Sept. 15, 1992
That the Commissioner of Public Works be and hereby is authorized
to issue an exemption from the licensing requirement of Chapter 316, Article VI
of the Buffalo Code for soliciting funds to CCE (Citizens Campaign for the
Environment) for the month of August, 1992.
PASSED.
AYES- BAKOS, BELL, COLLINS, COPPOLA, FAHEY, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS, LOTEMPIO, PERLA,
PITTS, ZUCHLEWSKI- 11.
NOES- AMOS, ARTHUR- 2.
No. 107
Charter Amendment - Citizen Complaint And Commendation Process - Buffalo Police
Department
Item No. 151, C.C.P., June 23, 1992
That the Common Council endorse "A Proposal to Improve the Citizen
Complaint and Commendation Process of the Buffalo Police Department," the
proposal submitted by the Council of Churches and others; and
That this Honorable Body request the Corporation Counsel to draft a new
section or an amendment to the appropriate section of Article 12, Department of
Police, of the Charter of the City of Buffalo to define a citizen complaint
process as outlined in the proposal submitted by the Council of Churches.
ADOPTED.
No. 108
Amendments/Charter Revision Report (C. Clerk)
(Item # 58 CCP Sep 15, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 109
Ordinance Amendment Amend Chapter 216
Garbage, Rubbish And Refuse
By Adding A New Article X -
Source Separation Of Recyclables
(Item No. 216, C.C.P. July 21, 1992)
That the Ordinance Amendment as contained in Item No. 216, C.C.P.
July 21, 1992, be and the same hereby is approved.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 110
Ordinance Amendment/Ch. 309/Park Hours (NIP)
(Item # 181 CCP Sep 15, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 111
Public Parking At Ellicott Mall (BMHA)
(Item # 55 CCP Sep 15, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 112
J. Sandoro/Oppose Lease Ellicott Mall For Parking
(Item # 144 CCP Sep 1, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 113
Incomplete Work By National Fuel Gas On Fillmore
(Item # 178 CCP Sep 15, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 114
Expand Recycling Program
(Item # 145 CCP Jun 23, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 115
Expand Recycling Program (CC)
(Item # 59 CCP Jul 7, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 116
New York Health (Assembly Bill # A-8912) (A&F)
(Item # 57 CCP Apr 28, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 117
Local 264 Favors New York Health Bill (# A8912)
(Item # 108 CCP Jul 21, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 118
S. Radford/BMHA Homeless
(Item # 67 CCP Sep 15, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 119
S. Radford/BMHA/Homeless
(Item # 57 CCP Sep 29, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
No. 120
Permission To Install Three Doors
Encroach 517-19 Ellicott Street
(Item No. 36, C.C.P., Sept. 29, 1992)
That the Commissioner of Public Works be and he hereby is, authorized
to issue a "mere license" to Mr. Franklin H. Yartz, owner of the Ellicott Small
Animal Hospital at 517-19 Ellicott Street, to install three doors which, when
opened, would encroach city right-of-way at said address, subject to the
following conditions:
1. That the applicant obtain any and all other City of Buffalo permits
necessary for said installation.
2. That the doors be installed exactly as shown on plans submitted to and
approved by the Department of Public Works, Division of Buildings.
3. That the applicant supply the City of Buffalo with a five thousand dollar
($5,000) 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 doors.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 121
Permission To Install Handicap Ramp Encroach
2495 Main Street
(Item No. 37, C.C.P., Sept. 29, 1992)
That the Commissioner of Public Works be and he hereby is, authorized
to issue a "mere license" to
Mr. John Storm, owner of Trench Mfg. Co., at 2495 Main Street, to install a
handicap ramp which would encroach city right-of-way at said address, subject
to the following conditions:
1. That the applicant obtain any and all other City of Buffalo permits
necessary for said installation.
2. That the handicap ramp be installed exactly as shown on plans submitted
to and approved by the Department of Public Works, Division of Buildings.
3. That the handicap ramp is not permanent in nature or permanently affixed
to the main building or public sidewalk.
4. That the applicant supply the City of Buffalo with a five thousand dollar
($5,000) 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 handicap ramp.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 122
F. Davis & Others Request Restore Teaches Aide Positions
(Item # 78 CCP Sep 29, 1992)
That the above mentioned Item be and the same is hereby received
and filed.
ADOPTED.
RESOLUTIONS
No. 123
BY: MR. ARTHUR
OPPOSE CUTS BY ERIE COUNTY IN LIBRARY AND
BOOKMOBILE SERVICES IN THE CITY OF BUFFALO
WHEREAS: Erie County's expenditure plans for 1993 envision cutting
funds for the Buffalo and Erie County Public Libraries; and
WHEREAS: The cuts that are being contemplated will affect all aspects of
library services, resulting in: (1) the cutting of library hours by 50 percent
for many branches and the permanent closing of others; (2) the elimination of
the Bookmobile; (3) the reduction of book, magazine and media purchases by 40 -
50 percent; and (4) the curtailment of services and programs for children; and
WHEREAS: The County of Erie, the City of Buffalo, the City of Lackawanna and
the City of Tonawanda entered into a Sales Tax Revenue Distribution Agreement
on the 30th day of December, 1977, which provided that 35.3055 percent of Sales
Tax Revenue be allocated to the County of Erie; and
WHEREAS: The intent of this provision was to enable the County of Erie to
appropriate 11.4 percent of the annual yield from Sales Tax Revenues for the
support of the Buffalo and Erie Public Library system, as well as various
cultural and public benefit organizations; and
WHEREAS: It has been calculated by the Department of Administration and
Finance that the County failed to live up to this commitment, falling $6.7
million short in 1991 and $6.1 million short in 1992; and
WHEREAS: Despite the County's failure to keep its part of this agreement,
this Common Council last year appropriated funds from the City's Community
Development Block Grant allocation to purchase a new bookmobile for the County.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That this Common Council does hereby go on record as being strongly and
vigorously opposed to any cuts in library and/or bookmobile services in the
City of Buffalo; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That certified copies of this resolution be forwarded to the Erie County
Executive and Legislature along with our strong admonition against this course
of fiscal action, and a certified copy should be sent to the Board of Directors
of the Buffalo and Erie County Libraries.
ADOPTED.
No. 124
BY: MR. ARTHUR
REQUEST REPORT FROM THE CORPORATION COUNSEL-- AVAILABLE LEGAL
REMEDIES TO PROTECT LIBRARY SERVICES.
WHEREAS: Erie County's expenditure plans for 1993 envision
cutting
funds for the Buffalo and Erie County Public Libraries; and
WHEREAS: The cuts that are being contemplated will affect all aspects of
library services, resulting in: (l) the cutting of library hours by 50 percent
for many branches and the permanent closing of others; (2) the elimination of
the Bookmobile; (3) the reduction of book, - magazine and media purchases by 40
- 50 percent; and (4) the curtailment of services and programs for children;
and
WHEREAS: The County of Erie, the City of Buffalo, the City of Lackawanna and
the City of Tonawanda entered into a Sales Tax Revenue Distribution Agreement
on the 30th day of December, 1977, which provided that 35.3055 percent of Sales
Tax Revenue be allocated to the County of Erie; and
WHEREAS: The intent of this provision was to enable the County of Erie to
appropriate 11.4 percent of the annual yield from Sales Tax Revenues for the
support of the Buffalo and Erie Public Library system, as well as various
cultural and public benefit organizations; and
WHEREAS: It has been calculated by the Department of Administration and
Finance that the County failed to live up to this commitment, falling $6.7
million short in 1991 and $6.1 million short in 1992; and
WHEREAS: In 1953, as part of the agreement transferring the City'S interest
in the library system to the County, there was-contained therein a
hold-harmless clause that guaranteed that funding for the library system would
not fall below the 1953 level; and
WHEREAS: It seems evident that Erie County has violated the intent of the
Sales Tax Distribution agreement, and the 1953 hold-harmless agreement, and
that it plans to continue and accelerate this practice by cutting further
library services, one of the few remaining services provided to the City by
Erie County.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That this Common Council requests the Corporation Counsel to investigate
the possibility of the City suing the County for its failure to live up to the
provisions of the Sales Tax Distribution Agreement and the 1953 hold-harmless
agreement. Specifically, the Corporation Counsel should address the following
question: Does the City of Buffalo have any redress for the County's failure to
fund branch libraries and bookmobile services in the City of Buffalo at a level
sufficient to keep them open on a full-time basis?
ADOPTED.
No. 125
BY: MR. ARTHUR
DISCHARGE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON
TAYLOR LAW IMPASSE
FACT FINDER REPORT - LOCAL 71
(NO. 117, C.C.P., JULY 7, 1992)
Whereas: The above items were Tabled in the Special Committee
on Taylor Law Impasse meeting held on Sept. 10, 1992, and
Whereas: It is no longer necessary for this item to be considered by that
Committee;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that this Common Council does hereby
Discharge the Special Committee on Taylor Law Impasse from further
consideration of the above item.
Seconded by Mr. Bell.
CARRIED.
Mr. Fahey moved that the Fact Finder Report is properly before the Common
Council, and
That the above item be received and filed.
Seconded by Mr. Bell.
ADOPTED.
No. 126
BY: MR. ARTHUR
REMOVAL OF ROBERT HEFTKA FROM POSITION OF ASSISTANT CORPORATION
COUNSEL
WHEREAS: Chapter 35, Article I, Subsection 35-6 of the City Charter
states, "On and after July 1, 1939, it shall be the duty of each employee of
the City of Buffalo, during the period of his employment by said city, to be a
domiciled resident of the city and to maintain his permanent residence within
the corporate limits of said city..." Furthermore, "Any employee who fails to
comply with the provision of this section,...shall forfeit his employment and
shall be removed therefrom"; and
WHEREAS: On April 24, 1991, the Civil Service Commission approved the
appointment of Robert Heftka as Assistant Corporation Counsel; and
WHEREAS: At the time of his appointment, Robert Heftka was not a resident of
the City of Buffalo. The Civil Service Commission's approval was conditional
in that he move into the City of Buffalo by October 24, 1991; and
WHEREAS: The Common Council's approval of Mr. Heftka's appointment, which
took place on June 25, 1991, was also conditional on Mr. Heftka's moving into
the city by October 24, 1991; and
WHEREAS: Upon a request from acting Corporation Counsel R. Peter Morrow III,
the Civil Service Commission agreed to extend the conditional approval of Mr.
Heftka's appointment to January 31, 1992; and
WHEREAS: To date, Mr. Heftka has not relocated into the City of Buffalo,
clearly violating the original conditions of his appointment; NOW, THEREFORE BE
IT RESOLVED:
That this Common Council directs the Civil Service Commission and the
Corporation Counsel to initiate the appropriate action necessary to remove
Robert Heftka from the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE, THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION AND
THE CORPORATION COUNSEL.
No. 127
BY: MR. ARTHUR
OPERATION "WEED AND SEED"
WHEREAS: Operation "Weed and Seed" is a community-based multi-agency
strategy
designed to "weed out" crime from targeted neighborhoods and then "seed" the
areas with a wide range of crime and drug prevention programs and other human
service initiatives; and
WHEREAS: Under this new program, the federal government is now able to turn
over real property seized through federal forfeiture laws to municipalities and
not-for-profit community organizations; and
WHEREAS: This would allow the City of Buffalo to play a more active role in
helping to rebuild areas ravaged by crime and drugs, and would promote greater
cooperation between law enforcement and the community; and
WHEREAS: For the past six months, the office of the United States Attorney
for the Western District of New York has been attempting to reach an agreement
with the City of Buffalo that would facilitate this program; and
WHEREAS: Although a Memorandum of Understanding was to have been presented
to this Common Council by September 1992, no such document has been submitted;
and
WHEREAS: The U.S. Attorney has indicated that, if the Memorandum of
Understanding is not approved by October 13, 1992, he will withdraw his
proposal; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That this Common Council requests the Corporation Counsel to report to
this Common Council on the status of the Memorandum of Understanding regarding
Operation "Weed and Seed;" and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That this Honorable Body also requests the United States Attorney for the
Western District of New York to consider an
extension of his deadline for the ratification of this Memorandum of
Understanding.
ADOPTED.
No. 128
BY: MR. ARTHUR
TAX STATUS- 1235 HERTEL AVE.
Whereas: On July 14, 1990, 1235 Hertel Ave., was purchased by the
Trustees of Faith Good Shepherd Chapel; from Emmanuel Joseph Diena, Daniel
David Diena, Benito Baruch Diena, and Moshe Eli Janowski, of 1111 Flint Road,
Downsville, Ontario.; and
Whereas: The property was occupied and used for religious purposes and
activities only, and
Whereas: When the Trustees of Good Shepherd Chapel applied for exemption
status for the 91-92 tax year, with the department of assessment, they were
notified that the property had to be register in the name of the church, and
not the name of the trustees; and
Whereas: While working on the transfer of property, the date for filing the
property for tax exemption status for the fiscal year 91- 92 expired; and
Whereas: Faith Good Shepard Chapel is requesting that this Honorable Body
grant tax exempt status for the 91-92 fiscal year; and
Now therefore let it be resolved that:
This Honorable Body request that the Commissioner of Assessment grant tax
exempt status for Faith Good Shepherd Chapel, at 1235 Hertel Ave., Buffalo,
N.Y. for the 91-92 fiscal year; and
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, THE COMMISSIONER OF ASSESSMENT AND THE
CORPORATION COUNSEL.
No. 129
BY: MESSRS. ARTHUR AND PERLA
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT- CHAPTER 511- ZONING
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby ordain as
follows:
That Section 511-95 of Chapter 511 of the Code of the City of Buffalo be
amended to read as follows:
511-95. Uses subject to special regulation.
It is recognized that there are some uses which, because of their very
nature, have serious objectionable operational characteristics when several of
them are concentrated under certain circumstances, [which produce] producing a
deleterious effect upon adjacent areas. Special regulation of these uses is
necessary to ensure that adverse effects will not contribute to the blighting
or downgrading of the surrounding neighborhood. The primary reason for
regulation is to prevent a concentration of these uses in any one (1) area
which could create adverse neighborhood effects. To enforce the restrictions
upon the location of new uses, it is necessary for the city to require permits
for all existing and new uses covered by this section. It is recognized that
many of the uses regulated by this section involve potentially large profits
which entice owners of buildings within the city to ignore the provisions of
this chapter and disregard the adverse effects upon the neighborhood when
leasing their property. It is necessary, therefore, to regulate owners as well
as operators of these special regulated uses. Uses subject to these controls
are as follows:
A. Adult uses: adult bookstores- [and] adult motion picture theaters,
including adult video stores, as defined in 511-4 of this chapter, and exotic
cabarets as defined in 511-4 of this chapter.
(1) It shall be unlawful to hereafter establish any adult bookstore,
adult motion-picture theater, including adult video store, or exotic cabaret in
any C, CM or M Zoned District if the proposed location is within [five hundred
(500) feet] one thousand five hundred (1500) feet of an R District or if the
proposed location is within one thousand (1,000) feet of another adult use
(i.e. adult bookstore, adult motion-picture theater including adult video
store, or exotic cabaret). These prohibitions shall be waived upon presentment
to the City Planning Board of a validated petition requesting such waiver[, ]-.
Applications for waivers of these locational requirements of this section shall
be made upon verified petitions on a form supplied by the City Planning Board,
and containing the signatures of [signed by] fifty-one percent (51%) or more of
those persons [having their residence within five hundred (500) feet] owning
property within one thousand five hundred (1500) feet of the proposed location.
The word "establish" means to operate such an adult use as the owner of
premises wherein such use is contained or as the lessee of premises wherein
such use is contained or as an employee of the owner or operator of an adult
use so established.
(2) The City Planning Board shall waive this locational provision for
adult bookstores- [and] adult motion-picture theaters, including adult video
stores if the following findings are made:
(a) That the proposed use will not be contrary to the public interest or
injurious to nearby properties and that the spirit and intent of this chapter
will be observed;
(b) That the proposed use will not [enlarge or encourage the development
of a skid row area;] result in blighting or diminishing property values of the
surrounding neighborhood;
(c) That the establishment of an additional regulated use in the area
will not be contrary to any program of neighborhood conservation nor will it
interfere with any program of urban renewal; and
(d) That all applicable regulations of this chapter have been and will be
observed.
(3) For exotic cabarets, the Common Council shall waive the locational
requirements if the findings required under Subsection A(2) (a) through (d) can
be made and after receiving a report and recommendation from the City Planning
Board.
(4) Petition of consent. The Commissioner of the Department of
Inspections and [Licenses] Community Revitalization shall adopt rules and
regulations for securing a petition of consent required in Subsection A(2) and
(3). The rules shall provide that the circulator of the petition requesting a
waiver shall subscribe to an affidavit attesting to the fact that the petition
was circulated in accordance with such rules and that the circulator personally
witnessed the signatures on the petition and that the same were affixed to the
petition by the person whose name appeared thereon. The City Planning Board
shall not consider a waiver of locational requirements until the
above-described petition shall have been filed and verified.
(5) Adult use permit. No person, firm or corporation shall continue or
engage in the business of operating an adult bookstore, adult motion-picture
theater, including adult video store or exotic cabaret in the City of Buffalo
without an adult use permit issued by the Director of Licenses [and Permits]
after written application, duly verified, has been made therefore upon a form
provided by said Director. Said application shall give the name and address of
said applicant, the location of the premises whereon said adult use is or is to
be operated and such other information as the Director of Licenses [and
Permits] shall require. All permit applications submitted for new adult uses
not previously operated in said location shall comply with all provisions set
forth in Subsection A(1), (2), (3) and (4) above.
IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED, pursuant to Section 34 of the Charter, that the
immediate passage of the foregoing ordinance is necessary.
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Laurence K. Rubin
Corporation Counsel
NOTE Matter in brackets to be deleted;; matter underlined is new.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0
No. 130
BY: MR. ARTHUR
APPOINT MR. ZIELINSKI TO THE
BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW
WHEREAS: Many City of Buffalo Residents have challenged this year's
new assessments of their properties; and
WHEREAS: Due to the increase in hearings the Board of Assessment Review must
conduct because of the challenges, more work will be required of the Board; and
WHEREAS: It is in the City's and in the Board of Assessment Review's best
interest to appoint additional qualified individuals to this board; and
Whereas: Mr. Robert J. Zielinski, a life-long resident of the City of
Buffalo, is considered an expert in the field of property assessment, having 27
years of experience in the Assessors Office. He served as the City's Principal
Assessor before his retirement this year;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That this Common Council appoint Mr. Robert J. Zielinski to the Board of
Assessment Review.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
No. 131
BY: MR. BAKOS
REMOVE 2037 CLINTON STREET FROM GRASS CUTTING ASSESSMENT
WHEREAS: Mrs. Irene Bartoszek of 264 South Ogden Street is the
owner of a vacant lot at 2037 Clinton Street; and
WHEREAS: Mrs. Bartoszek has been assessed for grass cutting service at 2037
Clinton Street in fiscal years 91-92 and 92-93; and
WHEREAS: 2037 Clinton Street is a fenced in lot maintained by its owner,
Mrs. Bartoszek; and
WHEREAS: The City of Buffalo never provided the grass cutting service that
Mrs. Bartoszek has been billed for;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the property located at 2037 Clinton Street owned by Mrs. Irene Bartoszek
of 264 South Ogden Street be removed from the grass cutting assessment roll.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND THE COMMISSIONER OF ASSESSMENT.
No. 132
BY: MR. BELL
DISCHARGE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
LDA- BURKE BROS. - VALLEY HOUSING
(ITEM 50, C.C.P., SEPT. 29, 1992)
Whereas: The above items were Tabled in the Committee on Economic
Development meeting held on Oct. 7, 1992, and
Whereas: It is no longer necessary for this item to be considered by that
Committee;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that this Common Council does hereby Discharge
the Committee on Economic Development from further consideration of the above
item.
Seconded by Mr. Higgins.
CARRIED.
On a motion by Mr. Fahey, Seconded by Mr. Bell the item is Properly
before the Common Council and the hearing be opened.
CARRIED.
Appearances : Louis Malucci
Mr. Fahey moved that the hearing be closed. Seconded by Mr. Bell.
CARRIED.
Mr. Bell moved that:
WHEREAS, the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (herein referred to as the
"Agency") has duly designated Burke Brothers Construction and/or other legal
entity to be formed as qualified and eligible Redeveloper in accordance with
rules and procedures duly adopted by the Agency; and
WHEREAS, the City Clerk has published a Notice of Public Hearing, as
required by Section 507, Subdivision 2 (d) of the "General Municipal Law"; and
WHEREAS, The proposed amendment to the Land Disposition Agreement has
been duly submitted to the Common Council by the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency;
and
WHEREAS, The Agency and the Redeveloper have requested to amend the LDA
to include 834 South Park to Schedule A of said LDA for the construction of two
(2) additional units of residential new housing known as the Valley New Housing
Project in the Community Wide Urban Renewal Demonstration Program Area bringing
the total number of units to three;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
(1) That the Land Disposition Agreement by and between The City of
Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency and Burke Brothers Construction, Inc. shall be
amended as follows:
a.) Amend Schedule "A" as attached hereto to include the following 834 South
Park and to delete 865 South Park.
b.) Amend Section 4 of the LDA to increase the number of residential dwelling
units to three (3).
c.) All terms and provisions not included in this Amendment shall remain
unchanged and shall remain in full effect.
(2) That Burke Brothers Construction, Inc. and/or other legal entity to
be formed was duly designated as qualified and eligible Redeveloper by the
Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, is hereby approved as the Redeveloper for
Community Wide Urban Renewal Homestead Program.
(3) That the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Buffalo Urban Renewal
Agency is hereby authorized to execute any and all deeds or other legal
documents necessary to convey the land described in the proposed amended "Land
Disposition Agreement" to the Redeveloper and/or other legal entity to be
formed in accordance with the terms of said Agreement and for the consideration
recited therein and that the Mayor of the City of Buffalo is hereby authorized
to execute any and all deeds or other legal documents necessary to convey said
land so described in the subject LDA to said Redeveloper.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0
No. 133
BY: MR. BELL
DISCHARGE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
LDA - GAL-VAN - CLINTON-EMSLIE HOUSING
(COM. 51, C.C.P., SEPT. 29, 1992)
Whereas: The above items were Tabled in the Committee on Economic
Development meeting held on Oct. 7, 1992, and
Whereas: It is no longer necessary for this item to be considered by that
Committee;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that this Common Council does hereby
Discharge the Committee on Economic Development from further consideration of
the above item.
Seconded by Mr. Fahey.
CARRIED.
On a motion by Mr. Fahey, Seconded by Mr. Bell the item is properly before the
Common Council and the hearing be opened.
CARRIED.
Appearances: Louis Malucci
Rocco Termini
Mr. Fahey moved that the hearing be closed. Seconded by Mr. Bell.
CARRIED.
Mr. Bell moved that:
WHEREAS, the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (herein referred to as the
"Agency") has duly designated Gal/Van Developers, Inc. and/or other legal
entity to be formed as qualified and eligible Redeveloper in accordance with
rules and procedures duly adopted by the Agency; and
WHEREAS, the City Clerk has published a Notice of Public Hearing, as
required by Section 507, Subdivision 2 (d) of the "General Municipal Law"; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
(1) That and/or other legal entity to be formed was duly designated as
qualified and eligible Redeveloper by the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, is
hereby approved as the Redeveloper for the Clinton-Emslie New Housing Project
Phase IC in the Community Wide Urban Renewal Demonstration Program Area.
(2) That the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Buffalo Urban Renewal
Agency is hereby authorized to execute any and all deeds or other legal
documents necessary to convey the land described in the proposed "Land
Disposition Agreement" to the Redeveloper and/or other legal entity to be
formed in accordance with the terms of said Agreement and for the consideration
recited therein and that the Mayor of the City of Buffalo is hereby authorized
to execute a any and all deeds or other legal documents necessary to convey the
property from the.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0
No. 134
BY: MR. BELL
DISCHARGE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORIZATION- RFP FOR CITY HOUSING
(RES 181, C.C.P., SEPT. 1, 1992)
Whereas: The above item was Tabled in the Committee on Economic
Development meeting held on Oct. 7, 1992, and
Whereas: It is no longer necessary for this item to be considered by that
Committee;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that this Common Council does hereby
Discharge the Committee on Economic Development from further consideration of
the above item.
Seconded by Mr. Coppola.
CARRIED.
Mr. Fahey moved that the above Item is properly before the Common Council, and
That the above item be and the same is hereby approved.
Seconded by Mr. Coppola.
ADOPTED.
No. 135
BY: MR. COLLINS
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT CHAPTERS 107, 169 AND 479
OF CHAPTER 175 - FEES
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby ordain as
follows:
That Chapters 107, 169 and 479 of Chapter 175, Fees of the Code of the
City of Buffalo amended to read as follows:
Chapter 107, Buildings, Moving of
Sec.107-1, Permits
Moving building upon petition to
Common Council [$105.00] $200.00
Moving building on wheeled vehicle
without consent of Common Council [$ 10.50) $ 50.00
Chapter 169, Excavations and Quarries
S169-6, permit for hauling
excavated material [$ 5.25] $ 10.00
Chapter 479, Vehicles and Traffic
Sec.479-15. load zone hermits
Load Zone Permits
Per lineal foot $ 3.00
Renewal
Per lineal foot $ 3.00
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. 136
BY: MR. COLLINS
TRANSFER OF FUNDS APPROPRIATION ALLOTMENTS -EXEMPT ITEMS CAPITAL
PROJECTS FUND 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
$23,000 be and the same is hereby transferred from the Reserve for Capital
Improvement account 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 $23,000
To:
81-8 - Interfund Transfers
010 - Transfer to Capital Projects Fund $23,000
From:
81-8 - Interfund Transfers
010 - Transfer to Capital Projects Fund $23,000
To:
200 Capital Projects Fund
40-2 Division of Buildings
024 - Construction of Old First Ward Community Ctr. $23,000
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 137
BY: MR. COLLINS
INCREASED APPROPRIATION
APPROPRIATION ALLOTMENTS
RESERVED FUND BALANCE
DIVISION OF INVENTORY & STORES
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 Inventory & Stores be and the same hereby is increased
in the sum of $1,900.
That the Comptroller be and hereby is authorized and directed to transfer
the sum of $1,900 from 100-890-050 - Reserved Fund Balance for Capital Budget
Appropriations to meet this increased appropriation as set forth below:
To:
100 General Fund
10-4 - Division of Inventory & Stores
085 - Capital Outlay
982 - Operating Equipment
Purchase of tire repair machine $1,900
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0
No. 138
BY: MR. COLLINS
INCREASED APPROPRIATION
APPROPRIATION ALLOTMENTS
RESERVED FUND BALANCE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
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 - Civil Service Commission be and the same hereby is increased in
the sum of $4,700.
That the Comptroller be and hereby is authorized and directed to transfer
the sum of $4,700 from 100-890-050 - Reserved Fund Balance for Capital Budget
Appropriations to meet this increased appropriation as set forth below:
To:
100 General Fund
05-0 - Municipal Civil Service Commission
085 - Capital Outlay
982 - Operating Equipment
Purchase computer equipment $3,900
983 -Office Equipment
Purchase a card file cabinet $800
Total $4,700
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0.
No. 139
BY: MR. COLLINS
SET PUBLIC HEARING
MASTEN NEW HOUSING PHASE I AMENDMENT TO LAND DISPOSITION AGREEMENT OMEGA HOMES,
INC.
WHEREAS, Omega Homes, Inc. 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 include 75 and 120 Northland to
Schedule A of said LDA for the construction of two (2) additional units of
residential new housing known as the Masten New Housing Project Phase I in the
Community Wide Urban Renewal Demonstration Program Area; 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
16th day of October 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 p.m. in the Council Chambers
on the 27th day of October 1992.
ADOPTED.
No. 140
BY: MR. COLLINS
SET PUBLIC HEARING
MASTEN NEW HOUSING PHASE 11A AMENDMENT TO LAND DISPOSITION AGREEMENT
BELLWEATHER BUILDERS, INC.
WHEREAS Bellweather Builders, Inc. 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 include 32-38 Elsie, 42-46 Alexander
and 31 Elsie to schedule A of said LDA for the Masten New Housing Project Phase
11A in the Community Wide Urban Renewal Demonstration Program Area; 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
16th day of October 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 p.m. in the
Council Chambers on the 27th day of October 1992.
ADOPTED.
No. 141
BY: MR. COLLINS
SET PUBLIC HEARING
CLINTON PARK II NEW HOUSING PROJECT
APPROVAL OF LAND DISPOSITION AGREEMENT JAMES MANAGEMENT CO., INC.
WHEREAS, James Management Co., Inc. 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 a Land
Disposition Agreement for the construction of six (6) residential units of new
housing known as the Clinton Park II New Housing Project in the Community Wide
Urban Renewal Demonstration Program Area and Emslie Neighborhood Development
Program Area; 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
16th day of October 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 p.m. in the Council
Chambers on the 27th day of October 1992.
ADOPTED.
No. 142
BY: MR. COLLINS
SET PUBLIC HEARING
WINSLOW PARK NEW HOUSING PROJECT APPROVAL OF LAND DISPOSITION AGREEMENT AICHA
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC.
WHEREAS, Aicha Construction Company, Inc. 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 a Land
Disposition Agreement for the construction of five (5) residential units of new
housing known as the Winslow Park New Housing Project in the Community Wide
Urban Renewal Demonstration Program Area; 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 bay 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
16th day of October 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 p.m. in the Council Chambers
on the 27th day of October 1992.
ADOPTED.
No. 143
BY: MR. COPPOLA
AMEND BUFFALO CODE ON PORTABLE SIGNS
WHEREAS: Over the past several months, a dramatic increase in the
placement of portable signs has occurred on the sidewalks of the City of
Buffalo; and
WHEREAS: In many instances, these signs have been improperly installed, and
the proper permits and Common Council approval has not been obtained; and
WHEREAS: In most cases, the business owners are not aware of the City Code
requiring permits and Common Council approval, and the sign companies do not
inform them of the necessity; and
WHEREAS: The permit fee for a portable sign without electrical hookup is
$105.00, and the fee for electrical hookup is $131.25, but with the current
proliferation of signs, the city is losing much needed revenue; and
WHEREAS: Chapter 387, Article II, Portable Signs clearly places the burden
of securing permits and Council approval on the business owner or lessee of the
signs; and
WHEREAS: Rather than placing the burden upon the business owner, the burden
should be placed upon the sign companies with the permit fee included in the
rental fee.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT
The intent of this legislation is not to penalize but to control illegally
placed signs and to recoup lost revenue; therefore, this Common Council
requests that the Corporation Counsel amend the present City Code on Portable
Signs to place the burden of securing the necessary permits and Common Council
approval on the sign companies rather than the business owners.
ADOPTED.
AYES- AMOS, ARTHUR, BAKOS, BELL, COLLINS, COPPOLA, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS, LOTEMPIO,
PERLA, PITTS, ZUCHLEWSKI- 12.
NOES- FAHEY- 1.
No. 144
BY: MR. COPPOLA
SECURITY CONCERNS CITY PARKING RAMPS
WHEREAS: There have been reports on an increased amount of assaults,
attacks and robberies in city-owned, downtown parking ramps; and
WHEREAS: This increase in criminal activity seems to be directly related to
the decrease in security personnel patrolling the six downtown city ramps and
the lack of police foot patrols in the areas adjacent to the ramps; and
WHEREAS: A lack of visible security personnel can only have an adverse
affect on deterring crime; and
WHEREAS: According to representatives of the firms who oversee the
day-to-day parking and security operations at the ramps, funding cutbacks from
the city Board of Parking are the cause for the reduction in security; and
WHEREAS: Public safety is of paramount importance, and as owner of the
ramps, it is the responsibility of the City of Buffalo to provide adequate
security;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That this Common Council request that the city Board of Parking and the Buffalo
Police Department take the necessary measures to provide increased security for
the downtown parking ramps; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That a representative of the Board of Parking and a representative of the
Police Department attend the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Common
Council's Finance Committee to address the concerns related to the provision of
security at parking ramps under the Board's jurisdiction; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That this Common Council requests that the City Clerk forward certified copies
of this resolution to the Board of Parking, Allright Parking, and RJD Security
requesting information from them regarding the security cutbacks.
ADOPTED.
No. 145
BY: MR. COPPOLA
REQUEST UPDATE FROM BMHA ON PRESENCE OF LEAD IN WATER
WHEREAS: The presence of lead in the drinking water of municipal
buildings is of great concern because of the potential of adverse health
effects; and
WHEREAS: It is of special great concern in housing provided by the Buffalo
Municipal Housing Authority because of the many children who reside there.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT
This Common Council requests an update from the Buffalo Municipal Housing
Authority concerning improvements to rectify the problem of lead in the
drinking water in municipal housing.
ADOPTED.
No. 146
BY: MR. COPPOLA
REQUEST UPDATE FROM BOARD OF EDUCATION REGARDING HANDICAPPED ACCESS
WHEREAS: Accessibility to the city's public buildings is of utmost
importance, especially our public schools; and
WHEREAS: Of particular importance, public schools should be accessible to
disabled individuals.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT
This Common Council requests an update from the Board of Education regarding
handicapped accessibility in the Buffalo public schools; and of particular
interest are the schools which remain to be made accessible to the disabled.
ADOPTED.
No. 147
BY: MR. COPPOLA
FORGIVE INTEREST ON WATER BILL
71 VERNON PLACE
WHEREAS: On July 2, 1991, Kevin D. and Joan Tedesco Blair purchased
71 Vernon Place having moved to Buffalo from Chicago, Illinois; and
WHEREAS: Prior to closing, Mr. Blair paid his portion of the existing water
bill and notified the Division of Water of the change in ownership; and
WHEREAS: Since that time, the Blairs had received no communication from the
Division of Water until Friday, October 2, 1992, when they received a final
notice and the unpaid bill including interest for one year addressed to the
former owner; and
WHEREAS: Apparently, the water bills were forwarded by the Post Office to
the prior owner, who now resides in the Seattle, Washington, area; and
WHEREAS: The Division of Water readily admitted that at least two previous
bills had been sent to the prior owner, who finally notified the department of
the error in billing; and
WHEREAS: The Division of Water has adjusted the bill, and a payment schedule
had been agreed to; however, the Blairs dispute the interest charges because
the department was clearly at fault and have requested forgiveness of the
interest charges.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT
Because of the circumstances involved in this case, this Common Council
requests that the interest for one year charged to the owners of 71 Vernon
Place be forgiven.
PASSED.
AYES- 13 NOES- 0
No. 148
BY: MR. FAHEY
DISCHARGE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AUTHORIZE RFP-OPERATION OF FIRE
DEPT.
(RES. 180, C.C.P., SEPT. 1, 1992)
Whereas: The above items were Tabled in the Committee on Finance
meeting held on Oct. 6, 1992, and
Whereas: It is no longer necessary for this item to be considered by that
Committee;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that this Common Council does hereby
Discharge the Committee on Finance from further consideration of the above
item.
Seconded by Mrs. LoTempio.
CARRIED.
Mr. Fahey moved that the above Item is properly before the Common Council, and
That the above item be and the same is hereby approved.
Seconded by Mr. Bell.
ADOPTED.
No. 149
BY: MR. FAHEY
SECURITY IN CITY HALL
WHEREAS: There has been an increase in the number of complaints
from City Hall offices regarding security; and
WHEREAS: A number of wallets and purses have been taken or attempts have
been made; and
WHEREAS: There are people roaming aimlessly in the hallways and
staircases; and
WHEREAS: City Hall is a public building and it is not the intention of this
resolution to restrict access to City Hall; and
WHEREAS: While not restricting access, employees and visitors to City Hall
must feel secure; and
WHEREAS: Aside from calling 911, there is no phone number to call if a
problem exists in the building; and
WHEREAS: There currently is no security plan for City Hall during business
hours.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That this Common Council requests that the Commissioner of Police report to the
Council on the feasibility of assigning a police officer to City Hall during
working hours;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That this Honorable Body also requests that the Police Commissioner advise the
Council on setting up a security plan.
ADOPTED.
No. 150
BY: MR. FAHEY
REQUEST STREET SANITATION DEPARTMENT TO START
DISPOSAL OF REFRIGERATORS
WHEREAS: Recently passed federal Clean Air Act amendments related
to protecting stratospheric ozone require the recycling of refrigerants such as
Freon which contain ozone depleting compounds such as CFCs; and
WHEREAS: Preventing the release of ozone depleting compounds is of critical
importance because ozone filters harmful types of solar radiation which can
cause skin cancers in people and wreak havoc on other species of animals and
plants; and
WHEREAS: Because of the recent amendments, Street Sanitation crews have
stopped picking up refrigerators, leading to a situation where scavengers can
take refrigerators, surreptitiously release the Freon, and sell the metal for
scrap; and
WHEREAS: Integrated Waste, the company which runs the East Side Transfer
station, has purchased CFC recycling equipment and has secured a permit
alteration which allows them to legally decommission refrigerators by removing
the Freon and recycling it; and
WHEREAS: The City has yet to make use of the equipment at the East Side
Transfer Station, a situation which needs to be rectified immediately given
the critical nature of worldwide efforts to stop the depletion of the ozone
layer;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
This Common Council requests reports from the Departments of Public Works and
Street Sanitation detailing plans to begin picking up refrigerators in the City
of Buffalo and legally decommissioning them before disposal or recycling.
ADOPTED.
No. 151
BY: MR. FAHEY
FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
WHEREAS: The City of Buffalo is in the process of laying the ground
work for a new arena; and
WHEREAS: Memorial Auditorium has served the City of Buffalo as the home of
major league hockey, basketball, soccer and numerous other sporting events; and
WHEREAS: The structural integrity and other amenities of the arena still
make the Aud a potential venue for other uses; and
WHEREAS: Any opportunities to utilize the Aud should be fully explored; and
WHEREAS: The need has been expressed for additional convention facilities
within the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
The Department of Community Development undertake a feasibility
study exploring the conversion of Memorial Auditorium into a convention and
visitors center.
REFERRED TO THE STADIUM/AUDITORIUM TASK FORCE AND THE COMMISSIONER OF COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT.
No. 152
BY: MR. FAHEY
ESTABLISH A 24 HOUR TELEPHONE HOT LINE FOR
EMERGENCY PUBLIC GUIDANCE AND INFORMATION FOR RABIES INFECTION
WHEREAS: There has been increasing concern of rabies infection
by residents of the City of Buffalo and Erie County; and
WHEREAS: There is no system available whereby the citizenry can access
emergency guidance and direction in the event of potential infection of rabies
from animal bites; and
WHEREAS: With exposure to wild animals an always present threat to the
citizenry and their domestic animals, it Is the responsibility of the Erie
County Department of Health to safeguard the health and well being of the
residence of Erie County.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
This Common Council does hereby request the Erie County Executive, The Erie
County Department of Health and the Erie County Legislature to establish an
effective "24 Hour Hot-Line" to provide emergency and necessary information
regarding the safeguarding and treatment of potential rabid infected animals
and persons, and the proper publication of the same; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT:
The City Clerk forward copies of this resolution to the Erie County Executive,
the Erie County Commissioner of Health, the Clerk of the Erie County
Legislature and the Council of the Town of Wales.
ADOPTED.
No. 153
BY: MESSRS. FAHEY AND BAKOS
SET HEARING ON TOXIC AIR EMISSIONS IN THE SENECA-BABCOCK AREA
WHEREAS: This Common Council adopted Item 224 C.C.P. July 23,
1991 which requested a written report from the NYS Departments of Health and
Environmental Conservation detailing the potential health effects of toxic air
emissions in the Seneca Babcock neighborhood and the symptoms which residents
should watch for to determine if they are being affected by toxic air
pollutants; and
WHEREAS: This report was requested in the wake of a well publicized sulphur
dioxide release which highlighted the concerns of residents in the
Seneca-Babcock area about polluted air; and
WHEREAS: According to Toxic Release Inventory data from 1990, local
industries had the following toxic air releases: PVS Chemicals Inc. released:
20,000 pounds of sulfuric acid and
170 pounds of hydrochloric acid
Buffalo Color Corp. released:
304 pounds of formaldehyde,
15,068 pounds of aniline,
218,532 pounds of methanol,
2,224 pounds of butadiene,
3,952 pounds of maleic anhydride,
17,022 pounds of dimethylaniline,
174,351 pounds of ammonia, and
223 pounds of sulfuric acid,
205 pounds of cyanide compounds,
1 pound of nickel compounds; and
Allied Signal Inc. released:
122 pounds of methanol,
932 pounds of 1,1 dichloroethene,
225 pounds of toluene,
40 pounds of Hydrofluoric Acid
WHEREAS: According to an analysis of TRI data done by Citizen Action of NY,
zip code 14210, which includes the Seneca Babcock area, is ranked 8th in New
York State for releases of cancer causing chemicals and Buffalo Color ranks 6th
statewide among companies releasing carcinogens; and
WHEREAS: In December of 1991, local officials with the Department of Health
(DOH) indicated to Council Staff that the DOH in Albany was preparing a health
effects report as requested but that the research and peer review process would
be a lengthy one and that patience was in order; and
WHEREAS: In early August of 1992, a letter was sent to the DOH Bureau of
Toxic Substance Assessment inquiring as to the status of the health effects
report; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
This Common Council requests Edward G. Horn, Ph.D., Director of the NYSDOH
Bureau of Toxic Substance Assessment, to attend a Council Legislation Committee
hearing on this issue to which Seneca-Babcock neighborhood residents and local
environmental organizations will be invited; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT:
The City Clerk be directed to send certified copies of this resolution to Dr.
Horn at the NYSDOH Center for Environmental Health, 2 University Place, Albany,
NY 12203-3399, NYSDOH Commissioner Mark R. Chassin, M.D., M.P.P., M.P.H. at the
same address, NYSDOH Regional Director, Dr. Olivia Smith-Blackwell at 584
Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202, and Marie Grable of the Seneca Babcock
Community Center c/o 207 Maurice Street, Buffalo, NY 14210; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT:
Council staff be directed to contact Dr. Horn and arrange an appropriate
Legislation Committee date for him to address the Committee regarding this
issue.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
No. 154
BY: MR. HIGGINS
PAYMENT OF CERTAIN SMALL CLAIMS
WHEREAS, the Common Council, by Item No. 184, C.C.P., June 26,
1979, established a specific procedure for payment of claims of $100.00 or less
and Claims under Section 207 (a) and (c) of the General Municipal Law, which
pertain to medical bills of Policemen and Firemen in any amount; and
WHEREAS, the subject claims are eligible for consideration under the said
procedure; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Law has verified the validity of the claims
and recommend payment thereof;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Comptroller be, and hereby is authorized to make payment of the
following claims, and that said payment be charged against the "Judgment and
Claims Account" in the Department of Law:
1. Ralph W. Baker Claim for loss of garbage can. $11.00
2. Judith M. Halladay Claim for personal property damaged while performing
duties with the Buffalo Police Department. $72.00
3. Pat Kozakiewicz Claim for loss of garbage cans. $20.00
4. Parts Plus Autostore Claim for prior fiscal year invoice for services
rendered to Inventory and Stores. $36.57
5. Gaetano Sicignano Claim for loss of garbage can. $ 8.00
6. Charlene A. Vitale Claim for personal property of City employee damaged as
the result of a defective condition of City property.
$72.78
7. Geraldine Wayman Claim for loss of garbage can. $ 8.00
Investigation by the Department of Law reveals that the above claims are
valid and payment is hereby recommended.
PASSED.
AYES - 13 NOES - 0.
No. 155
BY: MESSRS. HIGGINS, BAKOS AND FAHEY FRANCZYK, AMOS, BELL AND
MRS. LOTEMPIO
DECLARING THE BUFFALO RIVER A TOXIC FREE ZONE AND REQUESTING NEGOTIATIONS
WITH BUFFALO
COLOR CORPORATION
WHEREAS: The remediation of the Buffalo River is a matter of international
concern and the recent River Dredging Conference organized by the Erie County
Department of Environment and Planning has spotlighted the rebirth and
forthcoming cleanup of the Buffalo River within the scientific community; and
WHEREAS: At this historic juncture, further industrial discharges of toxic
chemicals into the Buffalo River are detrimental to, and in fundamental
conflict with, the considerable efforts and resources committed toward the
remediation of the River; and
WHEREAS: Among the industrial discharges to the Buffalo River recorded for
the 1990 Federal Toxic Release Inventory were:
From the Buffalo Color Corporation:
22,941 pounds of aniline
4,401 pounds of ammonia
2,353 pounds of cyanide compounds
13,522 pounds of dimethylaniline
1,802 pounds of formaldehyde
192 pounds of nickel compounds
From PVS Chemicals Inc.:
1,400 pounds of sulfuric acid
From Airco Industrial Gases:
45 pounds of ammonia; and
WHEREAS: In addition, industrial discharges of "non-contact cooling water"
are currently allowed on the theory that these discharges contain no toxins and
don't impact the river temperature to a harmful degree;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
This Common Council hereby declares the Buffalo River to be a Toxic Free Zone
and pledges to work with companies on the River to reduce their use of toxic
substances so that before the year 2,000 there will be no further discharges of
harmful substances into local waterways by these companies; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT:
This Common Council requests Buffalo Color Corporation to enter into
negotiations aimed at producing a "Good Neighbor Pact" with a committee to be
appointed by the Council; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT:
While Buffalo Color will be the focus of the Good Neighbor Committee, PVS
Chemicals Inc. and Airco Inc. will also be invited to participate with the
understanding that they will be the subject of future Committee efforts if they
don't participate now; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT:
The Committee will work to build a consensus Good Neighbor Pact which will
specify toxic use reduction goals for participating companies along with an
effective verification program which will include annual reports to the Common
Council; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT:
This Council requests the Department of Environmental Conservation to provide a
report on the impact of "non-contact cooling water" to the Buffalo River; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT:
The City Clerk be directed to send certified copies of this resolution to the
Buffalo Color Corporation, PVS Chemicals Inc., Airco Inc., the NYS Department
of Environmental Conservation, the Buffalo Sewer Authority, the Buffalo
Environmental Management Commission, Great Lakes United, The Buffalo River
Remedial Action Committee and the Friends of the Buffalo River.
ADOPTED.
No. 156
BY: MR. PITTS
SALARY ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS
LOCAL #71 - OPERATING ENGINEERS
(1989-1990)
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby ordain as
follows:
That Section 1 of Chapter 35 of the Ordinances of the City of Buffalo,
relating to the various departments listed below, relating to positions covered
by the Local 71 bargaining agreement, is hereby amended to read as follows:
(Note: Old salaries are in brackets)
This ordinance shall be effective retroactive to July 1, 1989.
IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED, pursuant to Section 34 of the Charter, that the
immediate passage of the foregoing ordinance Is necessary.
WE, JOSEPH V. SCHOLLARD, Commissioner of Inspections and Community
Revitalization, DAVID P. COMERFORD, Commissioner of Public Works, JOHN P.
SCANLON, Chairman, Board of Stadium and Memorial Auditorium and THOMAS F.
KEENAN, Director of the Budget recommend that the compensation for said
positions be raised and fixed at the respective amounts set forth in the
foregoing ordinance.
WE, JAMES D. GRIFFIN, Mayor and JOEL A. GIAMBRA, Comptroller, pursuant to
Section 454 of the Charter of the City of Buffalo, hereby certify that the
interests of the City will be subserved by the increase in compensation
provided for the positions set forth in the foregoing ordinance.
APPROVED AS TO FORM
LAURENCE K. RUBIN
Corporation Counsel
PASSED.
AYES - 13 NOES - 0.
No. 157
BY: MR. PITTS
SALARY ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS
LOCAL #71 - OPERATING ENGINEERS
(1990-1991)
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby ordain as
follows:
That Section 1 of Chapter 35 of the Ordinances of the City of Buffalo,
relating to the various departments listed below, relating to positions covered
by the Local 71 bargaining agreement, is hereby amended to read as follows:
(Note: Old salaries are in brackets)
This ordinance shall be effective retroactive to July 1, 1990.
IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED, pursuant to Section 34 of the Charter, that the
immediate passage of the foregoing ordinance is necessary.
WE, JOSEPH V. SCHOLLARD, Commissioner of Inspections and Community
Revitalization, DAVID P. COMERFORD, Commissioner of Public Works, JOHN P.
SCANLON, Chairman, Board of Stadium and Memorial Auditorium and THOMAS F.
KEENAN, Director of the Budget recommend that the compensation for said
positions be raised and fixed at the respective amounts set forth in the
foregoing ordinance.
WE, JAMES D. GRIFFIN, Mayor and JOEL A. GIAMBRA, Comptroller, pursuant to
Section 454 of the Charter of the City of Buffalo, hereby certify that the
interests of the City will be subserved by the increase in compensation
provided for the positions set forth in the foregoing ordinance.
APPROVED AS TO FORM
LAURENCE K. RUBIN
Corporation Counsel
PASSED.
AYES - 13 NOES - 0.
No. 158
BY: MR. PITTS
SALARY ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS
LOCAL #71 - OPERATING ENGINEERS
(1992-1993)
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo does hereby ordain as
follows:
That Section 1 of Chapter 35 of the Ordinances of the City of Buffalo,
relating to the various departments listed below, relating to positions covered
by the Local 71 bargaining agreement, is hereby amended to read as follows:
(Note: Old salaries are in brackets)
This ordinance shall be effective retroactive to July 1, 1992.
IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED, pursuant to Section 34 of the Charter, that the
immediate passage of the foregoing ordinance is necessary.
WE, JOSEPH V. SCHOLLARD, Commissioner of Inspections and Community
Revitalization, DAVID P. COMERFORD, Commissioner of Public Works, JOHN P.
SCANLON, Chairman, Board of Stadium and Memorial Auditorium and THOMAS F.
KEENAN, Director of the Budget recommend that the compensation for said
positions be raised and fixed at the respective amounts set forth in the
foregoing ordinance.
WE, JAMES D. GRIFFIN, Mayor and JOEL A. GIAMBRA, Comptroller, pursuant to
Section 454 of the Charter of the City of Buffalo, hereby certify that the
interests of the City will be subserved by the increase in compensation
provided for the positions set forth in the foregoing ordinance.
APPROVED AS TO FORM.
LAURENCE K. RUBIN
Corporation Counsel
PASSED.
AYES - 13 NOES - 0.
No. 159
BY: MR. PITTS
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
SECTION 9 OF CHAPTER 35
SALARY AND WAGE SCHEDULE "E"
INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS, LOCAL # 71 1989-1990, 1990-1991 AND
1992-1993
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo do ordain as follows:
That Subdivision (A) of Section 9 of Chapter 35 of the Ordinances of the
City of Buffalo, relating to Salary and Wage Schedule "E", Local #71 of the
International Union of Operating Engineers, is hereby amended to read as
follows on the attached schedules:
and
That the salaries shall take effect as of the effective dates on the
attached schedules.
APPROVED AS TO FORM.
LAURENCE K. RUBIN
Corporation Counsel
PASSED.
AYES - 13 NOES - 0.
SALARY AND WAGE SCHEDULE "E"
1989-90
GRADE STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 STEP 5
1 18,999 19,743 20,485 21,228 21,972
2 19,653 20,436 21,221 22,002 22,786
3 22,168 23,129 24,096 25,056 26,018
4 23,545 24,657 25,766 26,876 27,986
5 24,711 25,942 27,172 28,403 29,635
6 25,760 27,035 28,311 29,584 30,861
7 28,604 30,015 31,425 32,856 34,339
8 36,524 38,361 40,200 42,123 44,046
This Schedule "E" shall be effective retroactive to July 1,1989.
This schedule is applicable to members of Local #71 of the International Union
of Operating Engineers.
SALARY AND WAGE SCHEDULE "E"
1990-91
GRADE STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 STEP 5
1 19,949 20,730 21,509 22,289 23,071
2 20,636 21,458 22,282 23,102 23,925
3 23,276 24,285 25,301 26,309 27,319
4 24,722 25,890 27,054 28,220 29,385
5 25,947 27,239 28,531 29,823 31,117
6 27,048 28,387 29,727 31,063 32,404
7 30,034 31,516 32,996 34,499 36,056
8 38,350 40,279 42,210 44,229 46,248
This Schedule "E" shall be effective retroactive to July 1,1990.
This schedule is applicable to members of Local #71 of the International Union
of Operating Engineers.
SALARY AND WAGE SCHEDULE "E"
1992-93
GRADE STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 STEP 5
1 20,547 21,352 22,154 22,958 23,763
2 21,255 22,102 22,950 23,795 24,643
3 23,974 25,014 26,060 27,098 28,139
4 25,464 26,667 27,866 29,067 30,267
5 26,725 28,056 29,387 30,718 32,051
6 27,859 29,239 30,619 31,995 33,376
7 30,935 32,461 33,986 35,534 37,138
8 39,501 41,487 43,476 45,556 47,635
This Schedule "E" shall be effective retroactive to July 1,1992.
This schedule is applicable to members of Local #71 of the International Union
of Operating Engineers.
No. 160
BY: MR. PITTS
SALARY ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
70-0 DEPARTMENT OF STREET SANITATION
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo do ordain as follows:
That part of Section 1 of Chapter 35 of the Ordinances of the City of
Buffalo, relating to 70-0 Department of Street Sanitation, under the subheading
"011 - Collection of Refuse & Street Cleaning" which reads:
7 Tractor Trailer operator 22,602- 25,736
9 Heavy Equipment operator $21,717- 24,536
is hereby amended to read:
6 Tractor Trailer operator $22,602- 25,736
10 Heavy Equipment operator $21,717- 24,536
WE, WILLIAM COMELLO, Acting Commissioner of Street Sanitation and THOMAS
F. KEENAN, Director of the Budget, hereby certify that the deletion of one (1)
Tractor Trailer Operator position and the creation of one (1) Heavy Equipment
Operator position in the Department of Street Sanitation is necessary for the
proper conduct, administration and performance of essential services of that
department. We recommend that the compensation for said position be fixed at
the respective amount set forth in the foregoing ordinance.
That a personnel requisition incident to the creation of the
above-mentioned position, containing a statement of the duties of said
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. 161
BY: MR. PITTS
PUBLIC HEARING ON REFRANCHISING
WHEREAS: The City of Buffalo and TCI of New York are in the process
of negotiating a new franchise agreement that could benefit both the City of
Buffalo and Cable subscribers; and
WHEREAS: It is important that this Common Council, as the franchising
authority, begin the refranchising process as soon as possible in order to
ensure that the new contract will be beneficial to both parties; and
WHEREAS: (An integral part of this process is the assessment of the
performance of the current franchisee over the term of the contract; and
WHEREAS: The Common Council has the responsibility to provide knowledgable
and technical assistance to educate the public and thoroughly evaluate the
cable system; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
The Common Council hold a series of public hearings to enable the public to
voice their concerns; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT:
The City Clerk publish notice of these public hearings to be held in Council
Chambers at 7:00 p.m. on November 17, & 19, 1992.
ADOPTED.
No. 162
BY: MR. PITTS
SET PUBLIC HEARING:
CLINTON-EMSLIE NEW HOUSING PHASE II AMENDMENT OF LAND DISPOSITION AGREEMENT
BURKE BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION, INC.
WHEREAS, Burke Brothers Construction, Inc. 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 include part of 338 South Park (two
building lots 58 x 143 each) to Schedule A of said LDA for the construction of
two (2) additional units of residential new housing known as the Clinton-Emslie
New Housing Project Phase II in the Community Wide Urban Renewal Demonstration
Program Area; 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:
l. 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
16th day of October 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 p.m. in the Council Chambers
on the 27th day of October 1992.
ADOPTED.
No. 163
BY: MR. PITTS
SET PUBLIC HEARING:
EMSLIE NDP NEW HOUSING PROJECT AMENDMENT TO LAND DISPOSITION AGREEMENT MG
OGIONY BUILDERS, INC.
WHEREAS, MJ Ogiony Builders, Inc. 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 include part of 338 Katherine Street
(one building lot 58 x 134) to Schedule A of said LDA for the Emslie NDP New
Housing Project in the Community Wide Urban Renewal Demonstration Program Area;
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
16th day of October 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 p.m. in the Council Chambers
on the 27th day of October 1992.
ADOPTED.
No. 164
BY: MR. PITTS
DISCHARGE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS
REQUEST RETROACTIVE PAY FY 1989-90
EDWIN HERNANDEZ & WILLIAM SMITH
(COM. 54, C.C.P. SEPT. 29, 1992)
WHEREAS: The above item was referred to the Committee on Claims
at the Common Council meeting held September 29, 1992; and
WHEREAS: It is no longer necessary for this item to be considered by the
Committee on Claims;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That this Common Council does hereby Discharge the Committee on Claims from
further consideration of the above item.
Seconded by Mr. Higgins
CARRIED
Mr. Fahey now moved that the communication from the Department of Human
Resources dated September 17, 1992 and Item 54, C.C.P., September 29, 1992 be
received and filed; and
That the retroactive pay for fiscal year 1989-90 be and hereby is authorized
for Mr. Edwin Hernandez in the amount of $199.03 and for Mr. William Smith in
the amount of $173.70.
PASSED.
AYES - 13 NOES - 0.
No. 165
BY: MR. ZUCHLEWSKI
REQUEST PUBLIC WORKS AND STREET SANITATION TO REPORT ON THE FEASIBILITY
OF CITY DISTRIBUTION OF BACKYARD COMPOSTING UNITS
WHEREAS: As solid waste costs skyrocket nationally, local governments
have been turning to the composting of yard wastes as an economical way to cut
costs and promote ecological values; and
WHEREAS: Several jurisdictions have banned yard wastes from landfills
altogether; and
WHEREAS: On December 10, 1991 this Common Council adopted a resolution (Item
#178 C.C.P. October 1, 1991 "Request Ordinance Amendment Requiring Separation
of Yard Wastes from Garbage") which called for the creation of an ordinance
amendment to regulate the disposal of yard waste; and
WHEREAS: The resolution requested the City to provide education on backyard
composting and to make home composting units available "in order to lower the
city's solid waste costs and enrich the city's soils while encouraging the
environmental empowerment of the citizenry"; and
WHEREAS: The Law Department never produced such an ordinance amendment,
although the proposed Source Separation of Recyclables ordinance requires that
"vegetative yard waste" be placed at curbside as a recyclable "in accordance
with regulations promulgated by the Commissioner"; and
WHEREAS: In Section 216-44, the Source Separation ordinance also reserves
the right of citizens to practice backyard composting but makes no provisions
for fostering the practice of backyard composting; and
WHEREAS: While a city yard waste composting program is desirable because it
saves the cost of disposing of yard waste in a landfill, backyard home
composting is even better because it costs the city nothing while improving
soils in the city and promoting self reliance and ecological consciousness; and
WHEREAS: The Town of Fort Erie has an exemplary program under which the Town
has sold nearly 2,000 rodent-proof backyard composting units and distributed a
free composting video cassette with each unit ; and
WHEREAS: Fort Erie sells the composting units for $15 after a subsidy from
the Province of Ontario and the Town; and
WHEREAS: Town surveys have shown that households there produce an average of
18 pounds a week in compostable waste, a figure which adds up to almost half a
ton per year per family; and
WHEREAS: Ontario's Minister of the Environment has said that she would like
to see two million backyard composting bins in operation before the province
jumps into centralized composting;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
This Common Council requests the Departments of Public Works and Street
Sanitation to investigate sources of home composting units; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT:
The Departments are also requested to design and price a modest educational
program which would promote backyard composting through community events,
seminars, pamphlets and advertising; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT:
The Departments are requested to estimate the cost at which backyard composting
units could be made available to Buffalo residents if they are bought in bulk
by the City and subsidized to the degree that solid waste pickup and disposal
costs are avoided through their use (minus the cost of the educational
program);
ADOPTED.
No. 166
BY: MR. ZUCHLEWSKI
RESIDENTIAL PARKING
WHEREAS: Parking is at a premium on many streets in the City of
Buffalo; and
WHEREAS: The situation is at its worst along the Elmwood Avenue strip and
the neighborhood surrounding the Buffalo State College campus; and
WHEREAS: The residents of these city streets are plagued by a lack of
parking spaces near their residences, forcing them either to park illegally or
a long distance from their homes; and
WHEREAS: The needs of the residents should take precedent over the patrons
of the establishments along Elmwood; and
WHEREAS: Residential Parking Permits may be a logical approach to help
alleviate this unfair situation;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Department of Public Works and the Director of Parking Enforcement
along with the Elmwood Avenue Task Force and the Hawley Street Block Club,
study the possibility of residential parking zones along the Elmwood Avenue
Strip and the surrounding area; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That this report be filed with this Council by December 15, 1992.
ADOPTED.
NO. 167
BY: MR. ZUCHLEWSKI
FELICITATION AND/OR IN MEMORIAMS
Attached hereto are Felicitations or In Memoriams sponsored by
members of the common council:
Felicitation for En Vogue
By Councilmember Collins
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.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NO. 168
PROPOSAL TO REDUCE SALARIES OF ELECTED OFFICIALS
(ITEM NO. 18, C.C.P., JUNE 10, 1991)
(ITEM NO. 6, C.C.P., APRIL 2, 1991)
Mr. Fahey moved that Item No. 18, C.C.P., June 10, 1991, be taken
from the table. Seconded by Mr. Collins.
CARRIED.
Mr. Fahey moved that the above item be received and filed. Seconded by
Mr. Collins.
ADOPTED.
AYES- ARTHUR, BAKOS, BELL, COLLINS, FAHEY, FRANCZYK, HIGGINS, LOTEMPIO, PERLA,
ZUCHLEWSKI - 10
NOES- AMOS, COPPOLA, PITTS- 3.
No. 169
VETO-ORD. AMEND.- CH. 511-ADULT VIDEOS
(ITEM NO. 2, C.C.P., SEPT. 1, 1992)
Mr. Fahey moved that Item No. 2, C.C.P., Sept. 1, 1992 be taken
from the table; Seconded by Mr. Higgins.
CARRIED.
Mr. Fahey now moved that the above item be received and filed. Seconded by Mr.
Coppola.
ADOPTED.
No. 170
VETO-RESTAURANT DANCING LICENSE 2987 BAILEY
(ITEM NO. 3, C.C.P. SEPT. 1, 1992)
Mr. Fahey moved that Item No. 3, C.C.P., Sept. 1, 1992 be taken
from the table. Seconded by Mr. Higgins.
CARRIED.
Mr. Fahey now moved that the above item be received and filed. Seconded by Mr.
Higgins.
ADOPTED.
NO. 171
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, OCT 20, 1992 9:30 AM
FINANCE Tuesday, OCT 20, 1992
Immediately Following Civil Service
LEGISLATION Tuesday, OCT 20, 1992 2:00 PM
ECON DEV. Wednesday, OCT 21, 1992, 10:00 AM
NO. 172
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Mr. Fahey, Seconded by Mrs. LoTempio , the Council
adjourned at 4:05 p.m.
Charles L. Michaux III
City Clerk
Meeting reported by Leonard G. Sciolino, Council and Committee Reporter.