Meeting Summary for June 28, 2011
 
The Council adopted a Resolution sponsored by Council Member Michael J. LoCurto requesting that the City Law Department provide the Council with a written opinion concerning the process and timeline that would need to be followed to reduce the total number of Council Districts to eight (8) and to return the position of President of the Council to an elected at-large, citywide four (4) year term of office.  Currently, the Council is comprised of nine (9) council districts, each represented by a District Council Member who is elected to a four (4) year term of office by the district's voters.  During the Council's Biennial Reorganization Meeting, the Members choose from within their ranks, a President, who serves for a two (2) year term of office.  This process would continue pending any legislative change by the Council that would also require citywide voter approval through a referendum.  If passed at referendum, the changes could take effect during the 2015 City of Buffalo election cycle for elected terms of office beginning on January 1, 2016.      
 
The Council adopted a resolution sponsored by Delaware District Council Member Michael J. LoCurto and co-sponsored by South District Council Member Michael P. Kearns banning the sale to minors, any items that could be used to vandalize public or private property, including aerosol spray paint cans, broad-tipped markers and etching acids. The vandalism at Delaware Park on May 21, 2011 left the park in need of thousands of dollars worth of repairs. Graffiti is the most common type of property vandalism and accounts for approximately 35 percent of all property vandalism according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Graffiti decreases the quality of life in a neighborhood and can make more obvious, the presence of gangs and crime. Graffiti decreases property values, frightens away businesses from neighborhoods, and often invites more crime into an area. Recently, anti-graffiti legislation has been passed in cities such as New York City, Toronto and Niagara Falls, NY. The Council maintains that severe punishment must be dealt to those who vandalize or destroy property with graffiti. The resolution calls for parents of minor children caught making graffiti or in possession of graffiti instruments, to be required to pay a fine of up to $250 and the costs associated with restitution payments to either the City or to the private property owners involved.

The Council adopted a resolution sponsored by Ellicott District Council Member Darius G. Pridgen requesting that all City of Buffalo departments and agencies appear before the Council on a bi-annual basis to discuss any pertinent changes, issues, and updates to their respective departments or agencies. The City of Buffalo is comprised of numerous departments and agencies that are responsible for the daily operations of the City. The Council, as the legislative branch of the City of Buffalo, has a duty to oversee these departments and protect the interests of City residents and business owners. The Council maintains that in order to create a more efficient and transparent government for the City, it would be beneficial for City departments and agencies to meet with the Council twice during the year specifically to discuss key changes in the department or agency's structure, the department's duties and responsibilities, key personnel whom Council Members should be familiar with, challenges and opportunities currently facing the department or agency, and any other important information that Council Members should be aware of.
 
The Council adopted a resolution sponsored by North District Council Member Joseph Golombek, Jr. requesting the City of Buffalo's Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning, the Acting Corporation Counsel, and the Commissioners of the Departments of Public Works ("DPW") and Permits and Inspection Services, to work together to conduct a thorough review of the advantages and disadvantages of allowing Light Emitting Diode ("LED") signage in the City. In 2007, the Council requested DPW to study the feasibility of changing the City's current lighting technology to LED bulbs, which are typically brighter, have a longer useful life, consume less energy, and are more cost efficient than traditional bulbs. For these reasons, businesses and commercial enterprises have increasingly looked to replace their traditional bulbs and lit signage with LED bulbs and signage. Although LED bulbs offers a number of advantages, the use of LED lighting in signage also has potential drawbacks including; distracting or blinding drivers, negatively impacting the quality of life in surrounding neighborhoods, and light pollution. The Council maintains that a comprehensive review of the City of Buffalo's laws, policies and procedures regarding use of LED signage is warranted at this time. The Council resolution also requested that the cited City Departments provide to the Council, suggestions for updating and strengthening where needed, the City's laws, policies and procedures relating to the use of LED bulbs and signage.
 
Following a public hearing held today, Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in Common Council Chambers, the Council approved a resolution sponsored by South District Council Member Michael P. Kearns naming the Mulroy Park Playground area the "George Herrmann Playground". The City of Buffalo parks and playgrounds have played a vital role in providing wholesome recreational and athletic activities for the City's youth. The City's playgrounds were made even more vital, vibrant and responsive to community needs because of recreation instructors like George Herrmann. After the City acquired land along Tifft Street for a playground in 1928, Mulroy Park was dedicated in 1930 and named for South Buffalo resident John E. Mulroy. George Herrmann managed and maintained Mulroy Park playground in South Buffalo for more than a quarter century. Under George Herrmann's steady hand, Mulroy Park captured an impressive string of seven consecutive citywide basketball championships. Beyond his coaching expertise, George Herrmann was a mentor, guiding hand, and a friend to thousands of young people in South Buffalo and he epitomizes the quality of individuals who toiled in Buffalo playgrounds in the 1950's, 1960's and 1970's.
 
Banners to be Hung in the City of Buffalo

The Council adopted a resolution sponsored by Fillmore District Council Member David A. Franczyk giving permission to Buffalo Place to hang banners on Prime and Hanover Streets at the Erie Canal Harbor. The banners will celebrate the 25th year of Thursday in the Square and will be displayed from June 29, 2011 through August 29, 2011.

The Council adopted a resolution sponsored by South District Council Member Michael P. Kearns giving permission to The Seneca Street Car Show Association to hang a banner across Seneca Street. The banner will promote the 3rd Annual South Buffalo Car Show and will be displayed from July 14, 2011 through August 14, 2011.

The Council adopted a resolution sponsored by Ellicott District Council Member Darius G. Pridgen giving permission to RPM Entertainment Productions to hang a banner in front of 64 West Chippewa Street. The banner will promote the 4th Annual Mercedes-Benz of Buffalo Fashion Week.

The Council adopted a resolution sponsored by South District Council Member Michael P. Kearns giving permission to The National Garden Festival and the Western New York Nursery & Landscaping Association to hang an informational banner across Newman Place. The banner will promote the 1st Annual South Buffalo Front Yard Contest and will be displayed from July 11, 2011 through July 16, 2011.
 
Sale of City Owned Property--The Council approved the sale of the following City owned properties:

Ellicott District
35 Tenth Street was sold to Ms. Tiffany Durilla for $2,400

Fillmore District
56 and 58 Empire Street were sold to Mr. Ronald and Mrs. Amy Jones for $3,000
604, 610, and 616 North Division Street was sold to Harvest House for $4,500

South District
1566 South Park Avenue was sold to Mr. Donald Smukall for $3,800
 
Appointments

The Council appointed the following individuals to positions within various District Common Council Offices:

Kelly Krug was appointed to the position of Legislative Aide in the South District Common Council Office.
Tashares Banks was appointed to the position of Assistant Legislative Aide in the Masten District Common Council Office.

The Council appointed the following individual to a one year term commencing July 1, 2011 and ending on June 30, 2012 on the Rental Assistance Corporation ("RAC") Board of Directors:
Fred Heinle

The Council appointed the following individuals as Commissioner of Deeds for the term ending December 31, 2012:
Josette Kleotzer
Charles LaMonte
Ryan Markajani
Miguel Reyes Mariano
Peter Runfola

The Council approved the appointment of the following individuals to a position within a City of Buffalo Department at a step above the base salary:
Department of Audit and Control
Senior Accountant
Ronald Wachowski

The Council accepted the appointment of the following individuals to positions within various City of Buffalo Departments at the base salary:
Office of the Mayor
Intern IX
Abram Miller

Department of Administration, Finance, Policy & Urban Affairs
Buyer

Adrian Guadalupe
Marilyn Fazio
Department of Public Works
Filtration Plant Maintenance Supervisor I
Shaun McCleary
Laborer II - Seasonal
Robert Palmer
Timothy Connors
James Wojcik
James Francis
Water Service Worker - Seasonal
Mark Romanini

License and Permit Approvals--Upon the recommendation of the Department Permit & Inspection Services, the Council approved the following license and permit applications:

Delaware District

Sidewalk Café License
Mel's Tavern located at 1318 Hertel Avenue
Allegro Café located at 1607 Hertel Avenue

Ellicott District

Permit to Erect a Free Standing Sign
B. Bernatovicz, agent of property located at 639 Michigan Avenue

Food Store License
Lin Asian Market located at 428 Niagara Street

Masten District

Second Hand Dealer License
Dirt Cheap located at 301 East Utica Street

Niagara District

Sidewalk Café License
EPIC located at 427 Elmwood Avenue

North District

Permit for a Food Pantry
M. Guzowski, agent of property located at 357 Ontario Street

University District

Permit for Placement of Three Storage Pods for Temporary Storage
T. Goodson, owner of the property located at 3223 Bailey Avenue
 
Claims, Contracts, Change orders & Agreements

The Council approved the following contract change orders submitted by the City of Buffalo Department of Public Works ("DPW"):

The contract with Wendel Duchscherer, Architects & Engineers, P.C. for the Porter Avenue Resurfacing Project Phase I was increased by $80,200 for additional design, construction, and inspection services. The contract was initially awarded in the amount of $1,142,294 and with this change the contract will increase to $1,222,494.

Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Office of Strategic Planning ("OSP"), the Council:

Authorized OSP to change the City of Buffalo's status, with respect to the New York State Assistance Contract, for the South Buffalo Brownfield Opportunity Area ("BOA") Step 3 Implementation Strategy, from lead contractor to non-lead contractor, thereby allowing the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation ("BUDC") to assume lead contractor status.

Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Department of Police ("BPD"), the Council:

Authorized BPD to accept $426,851 in funds from the Justice Assistance Grant ("JAG") Program. The Police Department will distribute these funds to the City of Buffalo, County of Erie, and Town of Cheektowaga. The City of Buffalo's JAG allocation of $391,295 will be used to help fund the Office of Citizen Services, enhancement of the City's 311 Program, the Department of Community Services, Drug Court, and intervention and prevention programs.

Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Department of Community Services & Recreational Programming, the Council:

Authorized the Department of Community Services to enter into a contract with the Buffalo and Erie County Workforce Development Consortium, Inc. ("WDC") to administer the payroll functions of the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program with assistance from the Workforce Corporation of Buffalo and Erie County ("WCBE"). The Department of Community Services will allocate up to $950,000 to WDC for the salaries of participating youth.

Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Department of Human Resources, the Council:

Authorized the Department of Human Resources to enter into a contract with First Niagara Risk Management for the administration of Medicare Mandatory Insurer Reporting services as required by the federal government. First Niagara Risk Management will report the City's self-insured workers' compensation medical, Police and Firefighters injured on duty, and general liability risks. This contract will consist of reporting all claims involving medical beneficiaries where ongoing responsibility for medical treatment exists. The contract will be effective immediately and will expire after a period of 36 months.

Authorized the Department of Human Resources to enter into a contract with Law Enforcement Psychological Associates to conduct and administer psychological assessments in conjunction with the entry-level Police Officer selection process. The contract will be awarded in the amount of $144,770 and will include the processing of 250 candidates for the psychological assessment.

Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Department of Public Works ("DPW"), the Council:

Authorized DPW to purchase a new tire truck for use by the DPW tire room for the servicing and repair of tires on City vehicles. The tire truck currently in use is outdated and has outlived its usefulness. The cost of the new tire truck is expected not to exceed $60,000.

Authorized DPW to extend on a monthly basis beginning July 1, 2011 for a period of up to six months under the same terms and conditions, the contract between the City of Buffalo and Allied Waste Services for the curbside collection of recyclable goods and materials.

Authorized DPW to extend on a monthly basis beginning July 1, 2011 for a period of up to six months under the same terms and conditions, the contract between the City of Buffalo and Allied Waste Services for the sale and disposal of collected recyclables. Currently, the City receives $10 per ton from the sale of recyclable goods.

Authorized an agreement between the City of Buffalo and The Dominik Hasek Youth Hockey League, Inc., to provide professional ice rink management services for two City-owned ice rinks, the Timothy J. Burvid and Bud Bakewell Rinks.

Authorized an agreement between the City of Buffalo and the North Buffalo Bison Hockey Association, Inc., to provide professional ice rink management services for the City-owned Lafayette Ice Rink.

Authorized DPW to accept funds for grants awarded to and to be administered by the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy for various projects at City of Buffalo parks. The funds will be used for five City parks projects and total in the amount of $1,164,000.

The Council approved the reports of bids from the City of Buffalo Department of Public Works for the following project:

The Cazenovia Park Casino HVAC Reconstruction Project. Of the bids that were received, D V Brown & Associates Inc. was the lowest with a bid of $103,000.

The City-Wide Sidewalk Replacement - 2011 Project. Of the bids that were received, Master's Edge, Inc. was the lowest with a bid of $1,115,950.

The Crosswalk Marking - 2011 Project. Of the bids that were received, Accent Stripe was the lowest with a bid of $138,941.

The Resurfacing of City Pavements - 2011 Project. Of the bids that were received, Destro & Brothers Concrete Co., Inc. was the lowest with a bid of $3,186,177.

The Striping of City Pavements  - 2011 Project. Of the bids that were received, Accent Stripe was the lowest with a bid of $142,065.
 
PHOTO: View from the floor on June 28th.  (L-R) Council Members Richard Fontana, Michael LoCurto, and Demone Smith (Back to camera)

For any questions, concerns, or further information regarding the above, please contact your District Council Member, the Common Council Legislative Staff Office, or the respective City Department.
 
View the live streaming of Common Council meetings
 
To view replays of a Common Council Meeting please visit the City of Buffalo Government Television website at www.city-buffalo.com/Home/Government_TV.
 
To view the final Common Council Meeting agenda and/or supporting communications, please visit the City of Buffalo website at www.city-buffalo.com/Home/Leadership/CommonCouncil.

BUFFALO COMMON COUNCIL

David A. Franczyk
Council President
Fillmore District
1315 City Hall
851-4138

David A. Rivera
President Pro Tempore
Niagara District
1504 City Hall
851-5125

Richard A. Fontana
Majority Leader
Lovejoy District
1414 City Hall
851-5151

Michael J. LoCurto
Delaware District
1405 City Hall
851-5155

Darius G. Pridgen
Ellicott District
1408 City Hall
851-4980

Demone A. Smith
Masten District
1316-A City Hall
851-5145

Joseph Golombek, Jr.
North District
1502 City Hall
851-5116

Michael P. Kearns
South District
1401 City Hall
851-5169

Bonnie E. Russell
University District
1508 City Hall
851-5165

Common Council Legislative Staff Office
1413 City Hall
851-5105
 
Rich Wall
Senior Legislative Assistant
City of Buffalo
Common Council Staff
1413 City Hall
Buffalo, NY 14202
716-851-5158
 

Buffalo opts not to play waiting game for Brad Richards, signs former Flyers forward to six-year, $27 million deal to cap busy week.

Attorney Sean M. Ryan has become the leading Democratic contender to fill Sam Hoyt's seat in the Assembly in a Sept. 13 special election.

A little old place where we can get together

A gaggle of politicians from WNY turned out for the Friday unveiling of the new food shack down at the Central Wharf in downtown Buffalo. Slideshow follows…

Joining Tom Dee (the President of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp) at the unveiling of the new food shack were Assemblymember Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Congressman Brian Higgins, Mayor Byron W. Brown and Erie County Executive Chris Collins. Tom Dee’s speech had to compete with the guy from WBFO who was late to the “set up your microphone at the podium before we start talking” event, struggling to set up his mic and knocking off WKBW’s mic to the ground in the process, and probably earning the wrath of Keith Radford or someone…

The "In" Crowd

The shack itself is made from wood that came from the tree that George Washington allegedly chopped down as a boy. In addition to the shack (of which the winning name in the “Name That Shack” contest is “Clinton’s Dish”, which is a reference to the codeword used by Arkansas State Police for whatever woman they brought to then Governor Bill Clinton for him to drop his pants in front of) a cobblestone-surrounded patch of sand called the Sandy Beach Memorial (named after the late Buffalo radio personality Sandy Beach) and a host of colorfully painted Adirondack chairs (perfect for passing out drunk in!) have been added to the newly extended Central Wharf.

Foods such as hot dogs, hamburgers, wraps and more are served there. And Perry’s Ice Cream is one of the frozen treats to beat the heat, which includes flavors to appeal to the geriatric set such as Butterscotch and Maple Walnut.

Check out the slide-show above, (or follow this link to Flickr) and toggle on the comments for more info on each photo.

I’ve kept the snark to a minimum here; it was nice to be there. But to paraphrase a tweet that I read about the unveiling: “Never have so many politicians gathered to launch so little.”

But, this is only the beginning. So get out there and check it out for yourself. For Real…

lawnchairs

YOUNGSTOWN — Bonnie Wysocki likes working outdoors as a landscape artist. It brings her a lot more satisfaction than her role a few years ago as a “desk jockey” in the U. S. Coast Guard.

The Toronto sports doctor accused of smuggling human growth hormone into the United States is expected in Buffalo next week to accept a possible plea deal.

It’s Carbon Motors’ E7, a police car — and nothing but a police car. Not a family sedan with a black and white paint job and menacing lights. Available soon. Read about it here. — Jim Corbran, You Auto Know

International crossings delayed as long weekend begins

A quick look at what's happening today in Western New York

July 1st 2011 :: Watkins Glen, NY   Setlist at http://phish.net No related posts.

A Buffalo man, shot in the back about 3 a.m. Friday near St. Paul Mall and Ellicott Street, died later in Erie County Medical Center.

(WECK 1230) — When I consider my ideal NFL franchise, one that’s being run with the right mix of savvy risk and safety, that nebulous term “character” comes to mind.

Is this the right move for the character of our team? Does this player have real character issues, or was he just young? Are the pratfalls of the risks too low when compared with the apex of a reward?

When it comes to Chan Gailey’s Buffalo Bills and embattled Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor, it’s not a matter of “better to beg forgiveness than ask permission,” it’s a matter of “better to beg forgiveness for Terrelle Pryor being a gigantic screw-up than beg forgiveness when Terrelle Pryor wins his third Super Bowl with Miami.”

On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being deplorable failure and 10 being bonus parades, the risk with Pryor is no worse than a four. If he’s a garbage pile, it’s not entirely unexpected (After all, Bill Walsh didn’t endorse him). If he’s a success… well, awesome.

Pryor fancies himself a quarterback, which is more than fine. Anyone who watched the kid on “Jon Gruden’s QB Camp” can see the swagger is there and — scripted as it may be — he came off as football intelligent at the least. Consider it similar to when Naaman Roosevelt was promised a chance to play quarterback by Turner Gill. If it turns out Pryor is an absolutely horrendous quarterback prospect, even for Chan Gailey’s tastes, will it be a bummer for you as a Bills fan to welcome a 6’6″, 240-pound athlete’s attempts to learn a new position… with 4.4 40 speed?

Pryor’s accuracy is a major issue, but his stats made similar jumps to what Troy Smith did between his junior and senior years at Ohio State. Keeping in mind that Pat White also had brilliant numbers at West Virginia in a similar-enough story and failed in the NFL, what round pick would you wager in a supplemental draft?

I’m going fourth-round pick. If someone wants to wager a third-round pick on the kid, be my guest, but the fact of the matter is that Antonio Gates figured out how to catch a football despite being a hoopster at Kent State. Isn’t the wager that Pryor can run-and-catch — let alone throw — a better risk?

I dislike Ohio State. I dislike Pryor at Ohio State.

I like the Bills. I can love nearly anyone on the Bills.

So, what’s the plan, Chan… and Buddy? Do you believe Pryor is more guilty and slovenly than any of the other Buckeyes to be caught cheating? Does he sound like Mo Clarett? Does he sound like Donte Whitner? In the latter’s case, he seems to think Pryor shouldn’t have gone on the air with Gruden. Isn’t that enough to root for him?

Email: nickonweck@gmail.com

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