COUNCIL MOVES FORWARD ON SLUMLORD LEGISLATION
The combined efforts of Lovejoy District Councilmember Richard Fontana and South District Councilmember Christopher Scanlon have yielded intriguing results, that Scanlon, himself, has called potentially, “game-changing.” The legislation goes after individuals that are not paying property fines. It suggests adding tickets cited, for infractions such as cutting grass or shoveling snow, to a property’s tax bill. If the taxes go unpaid, it could result in a change of hand on the property. The resolution was referred to the Legislation Committee for further work.
COUNCIL SEEKS FURTHER INVESTIGATION INTO PEACE BRIDGE RELATED PROJECTS
The Council moved to adopt one item and recommit another in an effort to further educate themselves and the public on the environmental, safety and health impacts of several future projects. Fillmore District Councilmember David A. Franczyk agreed that North District Councilmember Joseph Golombek’s motion to extend the public comment period for the New York Gateway Connection Project was a “no-brainer.” The Council expressed interest in inviting state and federal authorities to City Hall to update them on the progress of the Peace Bridge traffic reconfiguration; as well as to discuss reports related to increased levels of illness due to higher traffic activities, which is still a major concern of the community.
LOCAL SIXTH GRADER LEADS COUNCIL IN MLK CELEBRATION
Rahim Dunston is a music major at the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts. He recently made his stage debut in the theatrical production of Willy Wonka in the role of Charlie Bucket. At the top of Tuesday’s meeting of the Council, Rahim took center stage in Council Chambers to recite an excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, in honor of Dr. King’s birthday. For his rousing rendi- tion, Rahim received a standing ovation from all in attendance, as well as a certificate from the Council.
RESOLUTIONS
A resolution was adopted by the Council that will provide sexual harassment prevention training for employees at City Hall, following the allegations and resignation of former New York State Assemblyman, Dennis H. Gabryszak.
The Council also adopted a resolution that will assign a paid staffer to act as a liaison between Telecommunications and the Apollo Theater.
Waiver of Fees
Waive room usage fees for Kaisertown Coalition Block Club (Fontana)
Waive permit fees – Planning Bd., Pres Bd., and Bldg. Fees – Olmsted and City Parks Project (Golombek)
APPOINTMENTS
The Council approved the appointment of the following individuals to positions within the following City of Buffalo departments:
Public Works, Parks & Streets, Division of Parks Motor Equpment Maintenance Supervisor Herbert
SALE OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY
The Council approved transactions relating to the following City owned property:
– 1184 Bailey Avenue (Lovejoy) – 255 Reed (Fillmore) – 3074 Bailey Avenue (Masten) – 363 Connecticut Street (Niagara) – 130, 132, 134 Hawley (North)
POLICE
The Council approved permission to accept a number of grants for the Police Department:
– 2013-2014 Auto Theft Grant Funds – 2013-2014 IMPACT Grant Funds – 2014 DCJS IMPACT Supplemental License Reader Grant – 2013-2014 Operation Protect Kids – Youth Tobacco Grant – 2013-2014 Reimbursements Law Enforcement Partners – 2013 Stonegarden Grant Funds – 2014-2017 STOP DWI Funds – 2013 State Homeland Security Funds – Video Taping Interview Grant
PUBLIC WORKS
Permission to Engage Services of Consulting Engineer – Update for Water System Permission to Hire a Consultant and Enter Into an Agreement – Emergency Services
Permission to Re-Enter Agreement with NYS UCS – City Court Reimbursement For Medical Services