This week's summary focuses on the Community Development Committee, the Legislation Committee, and the Finance Committee. The Community Development Committee focuses on matters pertaining to work or improvement using revenue from another government unit. The Finance Committee concerns all matters about the budget and issuance of bonds. The Legislation Committee focuses on local laws, ordinances, and general legislation—except for civil matters. The Finance Committee concerns all matters about the budget and issuance of bonds.

During the Community Development Committee Meeting, the committee addressed a request to reroute the Dyngus Day Parade to pass by more local businesses in the Fillmore District. Council Member Mitchell Nowakoski stated the request to reroute the parade would not be possible since a route has already been submitted. He will be working with organizers and community members to create a route that will mutually benefit business owners and the community in the future. 

Matt Kent, Director of New York Foundation for Fair Contracting (NYFFC), discussed firms in violation of Buffalo’s apprentice law. The apprentice law, reformed in 2021, is intended to not only give young workers job opportunities but also a chance to cultivate and master relevant job training skills. Under the reformed apprenticeship law, contractors that receive taxpayer funding for projects must have an apprenticeship program in place and at least 10% of their project employees must be apprentices. 

He goes on to discuss two contractors with current contracts violating the apprenticeship law. DMH Paving is currently working on two multimillion dollar projects and were recently awarded a third, however they have not been hiring enough apprentices. NYFFC recommended the third contract only be awarded under the condition DMH stays in compliance with the apprenticeship law. Amherst Paving was recently awarded another contract, but is under investigation by the Department of Labor. Kent shared that a worker originally earning $31/hour was terminated after the completion of a project; the worker was brought back as an apprentice earning $19/hour for a current project. 

Kent asked for accountability from the Committee and Common Council before awarding multimillion dollar projects. He asked what’s been thus far to address these concerns and was informed there is an ongoing audit. Council Member David Rivera commented that there are ramifications for non-compliance and reiterated contractors will not be awarded future contracts if they violate the apprenticeship law. Council Member Rivera called on the Department of Public Works (DPW) to improve auditing of contractors to ensure compliance. Michael Finn, Commissioner of the Department of Public Works, stated fines will be issued for noncompliance and the DPW is working on improving auditing practices. Finn also mentioned contractors are able to submit documentation explaining why they are unable to fulfill contract obligations, including those related to the apprenticeship law. Fines for violation start at 8% of the contract award.

Devin Zimmer, resident in University Heights, urged consideration of a law regarding lawn maintenance. Zimmer stated many empty lots have debris buildup and during stormy days, debris and trash often blows onto residential lawns. Zimmer suggested deposit areas where trash can be disposed of. Councilmember Rasheed Wyatt who represents the University District where Zimmer’s property is located, echoed these concerns. Councilmember Wyatt mentioned the 67 empty lots within the district and expressed hope that the lots can be transferred to homeowners who will be responsible for maintenance and upkeep, shifting responsibility and costs from the city. 

Michael Finn (Commissioner, DPW) discussed vacant lot maintenance which includes using a high lift machine and garbage truck at every lot. He stated it takes about 6 weeks to do an initial visit to all lots, but suggested the lots will be serviced more frequently in the summer months. This work is completed by the Department of Real Estate and the Mayor’s Impact Team when possible. Finn brought up the Department of Public Works’ residential waste-drop off services for owner-occupied properties at its East Side Transfer Station (793 South Ogden Street). The Department of Public Works also offers senior citizens appointment based pickups. There are 310 tons of e-waste being processed through the DPW’s e-waste collection program which costs the city around $120,000 per year. If the city were to expand the appointment-based pick up programs for e-waste and bulky waste items, it would require an additional $800,000 in funding, which would go toward additional staff, pickups, and waste disposal. 

During the Legislation Committee Meeting, Council Member Golombek introduced an ordinance amendment to the City Charter that increases the rates for taxicabs up to $36/hour and mileage up to $5.30 for the first 1/6 mile.  Rates have not been amended since 2008.  Due to inflation and increased gas prices, Golombek said these changes are necessary and overdue.  Frank Bona, from the Airport Taxi Service, told the Common Council that the taxi service has been at the airport for 53 years but since 2008 has been inundated by ride sharing competition and pandemic hardships.  The Council sent the amendment to the full Council for approval.

Mr. George Mack addressed the Common Council regarding his intention to open a used car dealership at 77 Sycamore Avenue in the Ellicott District.  Council President Pridgen outlined his expectation that the site be kept neat and tidy, especially because it is located in the African American Corridor.  He explained the following.  

• There is a limit of 12 cars maximum on display outside (can’t put 4-5 in a row)
• All cars that are on display in the first lot must be inspected, in working condition, and ready for sale.
• Sidewalks must be clear for pedestrians at all times.

The motion was approved with conditions.

This week’s Finance Committee meeting included updates on the city’s budget, options for people struggling to pay property taxes, and the Common Council’s requirements for approving the release of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding for individual organizations.

Donna Estrich, Commissioner of Administration and Finance for the City of Buffalo, reported that the city will receive $33 million in backpay in April after a multi-year court battle between New York State and the Seneca Nation over entitlements to a portion of casino revenues. The City is also actively determining a strategy for replenishing its fund balance. Commissioner Estrich was asked for an assessment of the overall city finances, and she said that the city is in a unique position to utilize temporary federal stimulus money to make strategic investments. She emphasized investing in addressing personnel issues (getting to appropriate staffing levels to fill critical job functions and to reduce costly overtime) and investing in equipment. 

Deputy Comptroller Delano Dowell shared that as of February 2022, the city has a positive cash balance of $2.1 million, compared with negative cash balances of -$31 million in February 2019, -$13 million in 2020, and -$21 million in 2021. This improvement is largely attributed to federal stimulus funding and increased sales taxes, as well as property taxes and tickets/fines.

The administration projects a $9.6 million budget surplus and the Comptroller’s office projects an $18 million budget surplus at the end of fiscal year 2022. The gap was not explained.

Jason Shell, Commissioner of Assessment and Taxation, shared that homeowners facing financial hardship can set up informal installment plans for paying property taxes by directly reaching out to the Department of Assessment and Taxation. Funds are held by the city in escrow until the full amount due is reached. Commissioner Shell also emphasized that many people who are eligible for exemptions that would lessen their property tax bill do not take advantage of this relief. He encouraged homeowners to pay attention to mailings and letters that include information on property tax exemptions.

Leadership from the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation (BUDC) briefly presented a request to the Common Council to approve the $1.2 million allocated to them from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to support small business development activities. Common Council members discussed the need to define their own expectations for the level of budget detail required for all organizations requesting approval of ARP funding, as well as the need to make funding contingent upon attainment of proposed deliverables. The BUDC request was tabled, and further internal discussions among Council members on ARP approval processes will continue.

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