Meeting highlights include: Grassroots Gardens of Buffalo, Inc. to include additional City-owned vacant lots, create a system of parking permits for residential neighborhoods adjacent to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, developing several new planning/zoning documents that will ensure that new development in the City is guided by modern planning/zoning principles, permit to create a sit-in restaurant at property located at 149 Elmwood Avenue.
The Council adopted a resolution sponsored by Ellicott District Council Member Darius G. Pridgen requesting that the City of Buffalo Department of Parking review the need to create a system of parking permits for residential neighborhoods adjacent to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (“BNMC”). BNMC consists of more than nine major institutions and more than 40 public and private companies working together to increase the quality of life of their patients and society. Currently BNMC has invested $750 million into the development of 120 acres of premier medical care. BNMC neighbors have witnessed a significant increase in traffic in the past ten years, attributed to employees and visitors to BNMC seeking out free parking on residential streets. This has led to numerous complaints of from area residents that are unable to park close to their homes due to on-street parking constantly being taken by BNMC employees and visitors. The Council maintains that it is necessary to find a way to address this quality of life issue for area residents.
The Council adopted a resolution sponsored by Council President and Lovejoy District Council Member Richard A. Fontana stating its intent to serve as Lead Agency under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQR”) for the Buffalo Consolidated Development Framework (“BCDF”). The City of Buffalo is currently in the process of developing several new planning/zoning documents that will ensure that new development in the City is guided by modern planning/zoning principles. The BCDF consists of the following planning initiatives:
• A Unified Development Ordinance
• A Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan
• Revisions to Urban Renewal Areas; and
• Planning and zoning for the City’s South Buffalo, Buffalo River Corridor, Buffalo Harbor, and Tonawanda Street Corridor Brownfield Opportunity Areas including the River Bend Master Plan.
The Council adopted a resolution sponsored by Delaware District Council Member Michael J. LoCurto, Fillmore District Council Member David A. Franczyk, and Niagara District Council Member David A. Rivera encouraging City residents to take pride in the City of Buffalo’s diverse citizenry by participating in pride activities throughout the month of June. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (“LGBT”) residents are commemorating their community’s rich history of courage, spirit, achievement and activism by organizing the annual LGBT Pride Parade, Festival and Dyke March, for 2012 under the theme of “transformation”. The LGBT community has experienced an exceptional year of transformation, especially with the historic passage of Marriage Equality in New York State and the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy in the United States Military. The Council maintains that LGBT individuals have made valuable contributions to our community in areas that include business and commerce, arts and culture, the military, community volunteerism and leadership, religion, medicine, law, environmental protection, athletics, civil rights, and education, and they continue to lead the larger community in addressing and remedying problems posed by issues such as the HIV/AIDS pandemic, bullying and hate crimes, and discrimination.
The Council approved an amendment to Chapter 309, section 4 of the Code of the City of Buffalo, sponsored by North District Council Member Joseph Golombek, Jr. This legislation authorizes the Director of Parks to allow the operation of up to three tethered hot air balloon rides at LaSalle Park on Saturday, June 23, 2012 and Sunday, June 24, 2012 subject to the terms and conditions that the Director of Parks shall find necessary for the protection of the public, park and City property.
The Council approved a resolution sponsored by North District Council Member Joseph Golombek, Jr. to allow for the installation of trailblazing signs in honor of David M. Spinda at the intersection of Belmont and Roesch Avenues. David Spinda is a City of Buffalo resident who has set a positive example for his community through his tireless work ethic and dedication to family, community and country.
• The Council approved a resolution sponsored by Fillmore District Council Member David A. Franczyk giving permission to the Pride Center of Western New York, Inc. to hang flags on light poles along Allen Street between Main Street and Delaware Avenue. The flags will celebrate Buffalo’s Annual Pride Festival and Parade and will be displayed from May 28, 2012 through June 28, 2012.
• The Council approved a resolution sponsored by Ellicott District Council Member Darius G. Pridgen giving permission to the Blessed Sacrament Church to hang four vertical banners on the four street light poles closest to the church located at 1035 Delaware Avenue. The banners will celebrate the church’s 125th anniversary.
• The Council approved a resolution sponsored by Delaware District Council Member Michael J. LoCurto waiving all permit fees associated with the operation of the YMCA of Buffalo-Niagara‘s “Fitness in the Parks” Program in Delaware Park from June 25, 2012 through August 29, 2012.
• The Council approved a resolution sponsored by Delaware District Council Member Michael J. LoCurto waiving all fees associated with the use of a City-owned stage for the Italian Heritage Festival which will take place July 12-15, 2012.
• The Council waived all permit fees associated with the 2012 Active Veteran’s Parade on Delaware. The event is dedicated to honoring active Erie County service men and women and will be held on November 10, 2012 on Delaware Avenue (between North Street and Niagara Square).
Upon the recommendation of the Department of Permit & Inspection Services, the Council approved the following license and permit applications:
• Fillmore District
Permit to Create a Sit-In Restaurant
• M. Luchkevyeh, agent of the property located at 149 Elmwood Avenue
• Niagara District
Restaurant Dance License
• Rich Renaissance Niagara, located at 1200 Niagara Street (aka 1 West Ferry Street)
Second Hand Dealer License
•
Shiny Pennies, located at 195 Fourteenth Street
• North District
Food Store License
• Family Dollar Store, located at 333 Amherst Street
• South District
Used Car Dealer License
• South Buffalo Auto Sales LLC., located at 2170 South Park Avenue
• Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Office of Strategic Planning (“OSP”), the Council:
Authorized an amendment to the lease agreement between the City of Buffalo and Grassroots Gardens of Buffalo, Inc. to include additional City-owned vacant lots. All other terms and conditions of the original lease approved by the Council on October 3, 2006 will remain the same.
Authorized an Easement Agreement, along with a Utility Rider, between the Buffalo Board of Education and Niagara Mohawk for necessary electrical upgrades to School Number 61 located at 439 Leroy Avenue.
• Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Department of Law, the Council:
Authorized an agreement between the City of Buffalo and Buffalo Place, Inc. for services at Buffalo Place. The agreement consists of a three year term beginning July 1, 2012 and ending June 30, 2015; an annual City payment to Buffalo Place, Inc in the amount of $125,000; and continued provision of service by Buffalo Place, Inc.
Authorized the extension of the contract between the City of Buffalo and Kleinhans Music Hall Management, Inc. to continue management of Kleinhans Music Hall for the periods of July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012 and July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2012. The other terms and conditions of the City’s September 1, 2009 agreement will remain the same.
Authorized the City of Buffalo Comptroller to issue a property tax refund to the Buffalo Rehabilitation Action Company (“BRACO-I”) in the amount of $13,406 which is the City’s portion of the excess real property taxes paid on certain parcels of real property for the 2011-2012 tax year.
• Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Department of Permit and Inspection Services, the Council:
Authorized amendments to the Downtown Special Vending District to include the deletion and addition of sites located within the vending district area.
• Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Department of Administration, Finance, Policy & Urban Affairs, the Council:
Authorized a contract to sell City-owned used tires that can no longer be used by emergency vehicles to Fox Tire Co., Inc. The contract will begin immediately and will expire on June 30, 2013 with three one year options.
Authorized the City of Buffalo Division of Purchase to sell various vehicles and equipment by means of auction or scrap. All vehicles and equipment that are to be disposed of are no longer of use to the City.
Authorized the Division of Purchase to use Virtra System as the sole source provider for upgrading the Buffalo Police Department full simulator system. Virtra System is the only supplier that is capable of upgrading the system, and it will be done at a cost of $27,685.
• Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Department of Public Works (“DPW”), the Council approved the following contract change orders:
The contract, with Wilsandra Construction for the City Court Basement Detention Center Project, was increased by $2,389 for overtime work to finish the flooring, to furnish and install a privacy fence for judges and to furnish and install facebrick for elevations. The contract was initially awarded in the amount of $1,364,000 and with this and prior changes the contract will increase to $1,401,399.
The contract, with Man O’Trees, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Humboldt Basin Project, was increased by $35,725 to reconstruct the perimeter wall and to provide and install 12 Mystical Fun Valves/Nozzles in the above ground piers. The contract was initially awarded in the amount of $3,090,445 and with this change the contract will increase to $3,178,375.
The contract, with Belanger, Inc. for the Police Garage Carwash Replacement Project, was increased by $8,341 to furnish and install the electrical power and control wiring required for the Saber car wash. The contract was initially awarded in the amount of $155,500 and with this change the contract will increase to $163,841.
The contract, for the Erie Basin Marina Project, was increased by $22,700 for additional work required to complete the project. The contract was initially awarded in the amount of $247,600 and with this change the contract will increase to $270,300.
The contract, with Watts Architecture & Engineering, P.C. for the Porter Avenue Reconstruction Project – Phase II, was increased by $117,666 for additional services related to design and construction inspection services for the project. The contract was initially awarded in the amount of $422,047 and with this change the contract will increase to $539,713.
• Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Department of Public Works (“DPW”), the Council:
Authorized the Zoological Society of Buffalo, Inc. to accept a grant in the amount of $400,000 from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (Environmental Protection Fund) for the building/creation of an Arctic Exhibit at the Buffalo Zoo.
Authorized the extension of the contract between the City of Buffalo and Ball Toilet & Septic, Inc. for portable toilets in the City. The extended contract will be on a month to month basis from July 1, 2012 through September 30, 2012 at a monthly cost of $7,692 while a formal
procurement of a new contract is executed.
Authorized DPW to hire a consultant to provide architectural and engineering services for improvements to the City’s District Heat System.
Authorized DPW to hire a consultant to provide architectural and engineering services for structural improvements and reconstruction of the apparatus bay floor to support new fire trucks at Fire Engine 35.
Authorized DPW to hire a consultant to provide architectural and engineering services for a new interior elevator at Marcy Casino.
Authorized DPW to accept a donation of design and construction services from the North Buffalo Bisons Hockey Association, Inc. to be implemented in the Lafayette Ice Rink.
• Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Department of Public Works, the Council approved the following reports of bids:
Of the emergency bids that were received for the Broadway Garage Emergency Partial Roof Reconstruction Project, Jos. A. Sanders & Sons was the lowest, with a bid of $13,471.
Of the bids that were received for Guard Security of the City of Buffalo Pools, USA Pools of N.Y., Inc. was the lowest, with a bid of $95,760.
• The Council appointed the following individual as a marriage officer within the City of Buffalo:
Christopher P. Scanlon
• The Council appointed the following individual to the position of Legislative Aide within the South District Common Council Office:
o Matthew Fisher
• The Council accepted the appointment of the following individuals to the Buffalo Arts Commission:
David Granville
Susan Tejada
• The Council accepted the appointment of the following individual to the seasonal position of Laborer within the City of Buffalo Department of Public Works at the base salary:
o Gregory McCormick
• The Council accepted the appointment of the following individuals to positions within various City of Buffalo Departments at the base salary:
o Department of Community Services
• Director of Recreational Programming
• Kimberley C. Trent
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.
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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
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
James N. Jackson
Legislative Assistant
City of Buffalo Common Council
1413 City Hall
Buffalo, NY 14202