The Council approved a resolution sponsored by Majority Leader and Masten District Council Member Demone A. Smith endorsing the application of the Buffalo Museum of Science to obtain grant funding under New York State's Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Environmental Protection Fund. This money would be used to fund a park project known as the Buffalo Museum of Science Front Entrance Renovation Project, located at 1020 Humboldt Parkway. Photo 2008: Mark Mortenson, President and CEO of the Buffalo Museum of Science stands in front of what will one day be the front entrance of the museum - as it was back in the day! (see full story)
The Council adopted a resolution, sponsored by Majority Leader and Masten District Council Member Demone A. Smith, directing the City of Buffalo Department of Law to draft an amendment to the City Charter that would prevent employers operating within the City of Buffalo from asking questions regarding an applicant's prior criminal conviction(s) on preliminary employment applications. Unemployment rates for people with criminal convictions are at an all time high; as a result, many people return to crime as an alternative and become repeat offenders. Studies have revealed a direct correlation between high unemployment rates and high recidivism rates for those with a prior criminal conviction. By removing questions regarding prior criminal history from preliminary employment applications, there is a greater chance that applicants with a prior conviction will advance to the interview stage where they would at least have an opportunity to explain the circumstances and nature of any convictions. By increasing opportunities for those with a prior conviction to find employment, it is anticipated that this ordinance amendment will decrease recidivism rates thereby increasing public safety, decreasing public spending on incarceration and keeping families and communities together.
The Council approved two resolutions, one sponsored by Majority Leader and Masten District Council Member Demone A. Smith and the other by South District Council Member Christopher P. Scanlon, declaring its support for and endorsement of applications of the Community Action Organization of Erie County, Inc. and the Old First Ward Community Association for funding through the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal's Main Street Program. The Main Street Program funds community grants for the purpose of revitalizing urban areas and stabilizing neighborhoods to attract residents and businesses.
The Council approved two resolutions, one sponsored by Majority Leader and Masten District Council Member Demone A. Smith and the other by Fillmore District Council Member David A. Franczyk, declaring its support for and endorsement of applications of The Community Action Organization of Erie County, Inc. and Broadway Fillmore Neighborhood Housing Services ("NHS") Inc. for grants under New York State's Division of Housing and Community Renewal Urban Initiative Program. The Urban Initiative Program is a community grant program created to provide financial and technical resources to urban communities for the restoration and improvement of housing, commercial areas and public/community facilities.
The Council approved a resolution sponsored by Ellicott District Council Member Darius G. Pridgen giving permission to The Buffalo Transportation Pierce--Arrow Museum to hang a total of six banners at the following locations: 273, 290, 192, 201 and 212 Seneca St., and the corner of Seneca St. and Michigan St. These banners will be in place for three months and will promote the Great Race Event that will stop in Buffalo on June 28, 2012.
The Council approved a resolution sponsored by Delaware District Council Member Michael J. LoCurto waiving the Special Event Garbage Pick-up fees for the Shakespeare in Delaware Park event. Shakespeare in Delaware Park began on June 21, 2012 and will end on August 20, 2012.
The Council approved a resolution sponsored by Niagara District Council Member David A. Rivera waiving the Special Events fees associated with a two day event celebrating the opening of the new Burmese Win Shwe-Min Temple at 356 Plymouth St. The event is being held at a City-owned vacant lot located at 212 Vermont Street and will occur from June 30, 2012 to July 1, 2012.
The Council approved a resolution sponsored by Majority Leader and Masten District Council Member Demone A. Smith waiving the park fees associated with the use of Glenwood-Box Park for the Glenwood-Fillmore-Kehr Block Club Party on Thursday, July 12, 2012.
The Council approved transactions relating to the following City owned properties:
• Niagara District
31 Shields Ave., 33 Shields Ave. and 114 Brayton St. were sold to the Massachusetts Avenue Project for $11,500.
Upon the recommendation of the Department of Permit & Inspection Services, the Council approved the following license and permit applications:
• Delaware District
Lodging House License
• Joseph Lettieri, owner of the property located at 619 Lafayette Avenue.
Sidewalk Café License
• Newroz Market and Grill, located at 1175 Hertel Avenue.
• Masten District
Restaurant Dance License
• New Golden Nugget, located at 2046 Fillmore Avenue.
• Wall Street, located at 35 East Ferry Street
• Niagara District
Food Store License
• Rania Mini Market, located at 163 West Ferry Street.
• South District
Permit to Erect a Tall Ground Sign
• J. Jarnot, owner of the property located at 514 North Legion St.
• Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Office of Strategic Planning ("OSP"), the Council:
Authorized the abandonment and sale of small portions of several City streets to the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation ("ECHDC") for the amount of $48,752. The parcels include a portion of Hanover Street, Pearl Street and Lower Terrace.
Authorized an access agreement between the City of Buffalo and the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority ("BMHA") to use 308 Rother Avenue for staging purposes related to parking lot excavation and reconstruction.
Authorized a Standstill Agreement regarding Quit Claim Deed with Right of Reverter between the City of Buffalo and Northwest Savings Bank for the purpose of facilitating Elmwood Village Charter School's ("EVCS") preparation of former School 36 for classes this fall.
• Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Department of Human Resources ("HR"), the Council:
Authorized an agreement between the City of Buffalo and First Niagara Risk Management Inc. for the administration of City Workers' Compensation benefits.
• Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Department of Public Works ("DPW"), the Council approved the following contract change orders:
The contract, with STC Construction, Inc. for the Colonel Ward South Basin Improvement Project, was increased by $390,000 for increased costs of materials due to unanticipated project delays. The contract was initially awarded in the amount of $1,312,651 and with this change the contract will increase to $1,702,651.
The contract, with Watts Architecture & Engineering, P.C. for Water Distribution Improvements at various locations in the South District, was increased by $165,500 for additional professional services required to complete administration and inspection of the project. The contract was initially awarded in the amount of $508,221 and with this change the contract will increase to $673,721.
The contract, with TVGA Consultants for Water Distribution Improvements at various locations in the Niagara District, was increased by $77,200 for additional professional services required to complete administration and inspection observation of the project. The contract was initially awarded in the amount of $293,910 and with this change the contract will increase to $371,110.
The contract, with Wendel Duchscherer Architects & Engineering for the City-wide Street Cut Repairs contract, was increased by $11,950 to enable final close-out of the project. The contract was initially awarded in the amount of $335,356 and with this change the contract will increase to $34
• Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Department of Public Works ("DPW"), the Council:
Authorized DPW to enter into necessary access agreements with QLT Buffalo, LLC and/or WSP Engineering of New York, P.C. and/or their contractor(s) and/or subcontractor(s), in order to facilitate the environmental clean-up of approximately 2,500 tons of soil and material from the area of Buffalo's Waterfront School.
Authorized DPW to issue a Mere License to the Parkside Community Association ("PCA") to install granite markers outlining Parkside's role in the history and development of Buffalo. PCA will install the 30 granite markers, which are to be flush with the sidewalk, within the City right-of-way on Main Street between Florence and Leroy Avenues.
Authorized DPW to hire a consultant for the data collection and mapping of critical infrastructure to enhance the City of Buffalo Fire and Police Departments' Quick Action Plans.
Authorized DPW to hire a consultant to provide architectural and engineering services for partial reconstruction of Buffalo Police Headquarters and various precinct buildings throughout the City.
Authorized DPW to hire a consultant to provide architectural services, including historic preservation services, for the Parkside Lodge Window Reconstruction Project.
Authorized DPW to purchase one 10' Dump Body with Plow Frame and Hydraulics to be installed on an existing truck chassis for the amount of $38,049.
• Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Department of Public Works, the Council approved the following reports of bids:
Of the bids that were received for the Delaware Park Lake Shoreline and Well Rehabilitation Project, Nova Site Company, LLC. was the lowest, with a bid of $403,177.
Of the bids that were received for the Cazenovia Park Casino Plumbing Reconstruction Project, Carino Plumbing & Heating was the lowest, with a bid of $26,440.
Of the bids that were received for Splash Pad Improvements at Various Park Facilities, Titan Development was the lowest, with a bid of $567,220.
• The Council appointed the following individual to the Rental Assistance Corporation of Buffalo's Board of Directors:
Lashawn M. Chinn
• The Council appointed the following individual to the Buffalo Naval Park Committee, Inc.:
Aniela Baj
• The Council accepted the appointment of the following individual as City of Buffalo Special Events Coordinator:
Kimberly C. Trent
• The Council appointed the following individual to the position of Legislative Assistant within the Ellicott District Common Council Office:
Felicia C. Williams
• The Council the approved appointment of the following individual to the position of Associate Accountant within the Department of Audit and Control:
Richard J. Fanton
• The Council appointed the following individual as a Marriage Officer within the City of Buffalo, commencing August 1, 2012 and expiring September 1, 2012:
Jethro Soudant
• The Council accepted the appointment of the following individuals to the City of Buffalo Arts Commission:
Gerald Mead
James Pappas
Catherine Linder Spencer
Joanna Angie
Ted Pietrzak
• The Council accepted the appointment of the following individuals to seasonal positions within the City of Buffalo Department of Public Works at the base salary:
Laborer II
• Timothy J. Connors
• Stephan Harrison
• LaQuin Gibson
• Freddie Walker
• Samuel Stover
• James Richardson
• Kevin Briggs
• The Council accepted the appointment of the following individual to the position of Principal Engineer within the Department of Public Works:
Michael Finn
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.
To view the live streaming of Common Council meetings on a personal computing device with internet access, please insert the following address into the device web-browser:
Instant Live Stream Replays are available at:
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.
Photos from taken from this meeting can be viewed at:
To view the final Common Council Meeting agenda and/or supporting communications, please visit the City of Buffalo website at
BUFFALO COMMON COUNCIL
David A. Franczyk
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
David A. Franczyk
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
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
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
James N. Jackson
Legislative Assistant
City of Buffalo Common Council
1413 City Hall
Buffalo, NY 14202
Anyone have more info on these two?
- Abandonment and sale of small portions of several City streets to the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation ("ECHDC") ... The parcels include a portion of Hanover Street, Pearl Street and Lower Terrace.
- Delaware Park Lake Shoreline and Well Rehabilitation Project