By Legislative Assistant James N. Jackson
Revised FEMA digital flood insurance rate maps and flood insurance study:
The Council adopted two resolutions sponsored by Council Members David Franczyk, Richard Fontana, Michael Kearns, and Curtis Haynes, Jr. requesting the Mayor to file with the City Clerk, the current contact information for the City of Buffalo Flood Plain Administrator as well as requesting the Mayor to file with the City Clerk, all information supplied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency ("FEMA"), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation ("NYSDEC") and/or other government agencies regarding changes to Flood Insurance Rate Maps ("FIRMs") and Flood Insurance Study ("FIS") reports applicable to the City of Buffalo.
Currently the National Flood Insurance Program ("NFIP") is administered by FEMA who is in the process of revising the City FIRM and FIS to reflect new data. The new FIRMs and FIS will illustrate the extent of flood hazards in our community by depicting flood risk zones. The data will also be used to determine the property owners who will be legally required to purchase flood insurance to comply with NFIP requirements, and the floodplain development regulations that will apply to the City of Buffalo.
Under the NFIP, the City is required to designate a Flood Plain Administrator to act as a point of contact for communications with FEMA regarding the NFIP and to assist property owners with accessing and analyzing FIRMs and the FIS. Currently this individual is identified as the "Deputy Mayor". The Council maintains that it is critical that they be kept up to date on all information or changes relating to the City's involvement and participation in the NFIP because ultimately the Common Council action will be required to approve any changes needed to ensure the City's compliance with the NFIP.
In a second related resolution, sponsored by Council Members Franczyk, Kearns, and Fontana, the Council went on record opposing the inclusion of the Old First Ward and additional areas in the FEMA 100 Year Flood Plain Map. This resolution also calls on the City administration to outline its strategies for removing the Old First Ward and adjacent areas from the FIRM, and lastly requires that copies of the resolution be forwarded to the Federal and State Legislators representing the City of Buffalo, requesting this assistance with the City's efforts.
Council approved sale of the following properties:
Ellicott District:
- 236 Pershing Avenue was sold to Mrs. Rose Marie Smith for $800
- 112 and 116 Jersey Street were sold to Ms. Jennifer Gill for $3,300
Masten District:
- 79 and 83 Jewett Avenue and 11, 12, and 14 Brewster Street were sold to Market on Main, Inc. for $7,900
Appointments:
The Council approved the reappointment of the following individuals to the Commission on Citizens' Rights and Community Relations for a 3-year term, effective immediately and expiring January 31, 2013:
- John Calvin Davis - Chairperson
- Dana Bobinchek
- Bill Covington
The Council approved the appointment of the following individual to the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Board:
- Lynn Magdol
The Council approved the following appointments at a step above the base salary:
- Latifa Mack was appointed to the position of Senior Tax Administrator in the Department of Assessment and Taxation:
- Paul Stokely was appointed to the position of Greenskeeper in the Department of Public Works, Parks and Streets
- James Wojcik was appointed to the position of Park Supervisor I in the Department of Public Works, Parks and Streets
The Council approved the following appointments to the position of Intern VI in the Office of the City Clerk:
- Roxanne Chase
- Ashley Glichowski
License and Permit Approvals - Upon the recommendation of its Legislation Committee and the Department of Economic Development, Permit & Inspection Services, the Council approved the following license and permit applications:
Delaware District:
Food Store License
- Penzey's Spices located at 783 Elmwood Avenue
Ellicott District:
Food Store License:
- Hope Way Market located at 381 Busti Avenue
- Brothers Halal Market located at 580 Niagara Street
- 3 Brothers Market located at 464 Seventh Street
Restaurant Dance Class IV License:
- Barcelona On Pearl located at 414 Pearl Street
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 Clough Harbour & Associate for the Bailey Avenue Bridges Project was increased by $2,196,364 to replace and merge the two bridges that carry Bailey Avenue over Buffalo River and Cazenovia Creek into one longer bridge. Due to the close proximity of each bridge to the other, replacing the two bridges at the same time will have less impact on traffic and would be cost effective. The contract was initially awarded in the amount of $430,000 and with this change will increase to $2,626,364.
- The contract with South Buffalo Electric, Inc. for Repair of Streetlight Foundations and Poles Citywide was increased by $74,746 for the continued replacement of damaged street light standards during the remainder of the winter season. The contract was initially awarded in the amount of $298,986 and with this change will increase to $373,733.
Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Department of Fire, the Council:
- Authorized the department to accept the grant award from Federal Emergency Management Agency's ("FEMA") Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program. The grant will enable the Fire Department to upgrade firefighting equipment and increase firefighter safety. The grant will also be used to update the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus ("SCBA") which currently is over 10 years old.
The Council approved the reports of bids from the Department of Public Works for the following projects:
- Bailey Kensington Fire Station Traffic Signal & Controls Project. Of the bids that were received, South Buffalo Electric was the lowest with a bid of $69,954.
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
Curtis Haynes, Jr.
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
Any questions or concerns regarding the above can be sent to your District Council Member or the Common Council Legislative Staff Office
Buffalo is falling!
Hello Mayor Brown, where are you?
For iconic blues bar, the song has ended
http://www.buffalonews.com/2010/03/03/975206/for-iconic-blues-bar-the-song.html
Dick Manke, one of the Tap Room’s owners, said the legendary blues room has suffered since the street was closed for construction back in December.
Manke expressed frustrations in doing business within the city limits as a small operator.
“In December they told us it would be two weeks. All I’ve done is bang my head against the wall trying to get answers,” said Manke. “I rely on downtown traffic. It’s a drive-by destination, not a walk-by destination.”
In the meantime, owners of the Tap Room are scouring the suburbs for a new place to do business and a temporary kitchen in which to continue offering its catering services.
Sad, very sad. I'll miss The Lafayette Tap Room downtown. I guess I'll be spending more time and money at their new location in the suburbs.