This week's summary will focus on the Regular Meeting. The Regular Meeting is the Common Council's primary meeting, where they make official decisions on issues.

During the Regular Meeting, Council President Pridgen assured Council members the Douglas Development Corporation is meeting with Fruit Belt residents to discuss the purchase of 204, 206, and 208 High Street. A historic structure located at 204 High Street needs immediate stabilization and is a danger to the community. Douglas Development Corporation agreed to stabilize the building until redevelopment begins. The Council approved a designated developer agreement with Douglass Development. 

Council Member Rivera expressed concern about D&L Paving, LLC, the lowest bidder for the citywide mill and overlay project. He said this company's current work is 73% done but is not in compliance with Buffalo's apprenticeship law. He argued that contractors in noncompliance should not be allowed to make future work bids. Council President Pridgen agreed. He said he hears more complaints from his constituents over streets, sidewalks, and potholes than any other issue. Yet, the City accepts bids from the lowest bidders, often headquartered outside Buffalo. Pridgen favors hiring several smaller Buffalo contractors to do streets, sidewalks, and potholes.

The Council adopted a resolution to suspend Buffalo's Sister-City status with Trev, Russia, while Russian forces continue the invasion of Ukraine. Council Member Golombek explained, "We don't want to sever a relationship in Russia. The people should not suffer because they have a criminal government—but we need to send a strong message."  

The Council also adopted a resolution advocating for pedestrians and cyclists at risk of being hit by cars. Council Member Wingo said that speeding and reckless driving increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. The Crash Victim Rights & Safety Act (CVRSA) is a package of eight bills that will redesign streets with safety as a priority to protect all road users, address rampant speeding, educate drivers on bicycle and pedestrian safety, and provide support to those personally impacted.  

Council Member Wyatt called for continued dialogue regarding New York State bail reform. According to Wyatt, "bail reform had to be done," but "bail reform has to be tweaked." Wyatt said judges must be trained. "An individual with a gun charge can't be released just because a judge isn't using proper discretion. Individuals have been released to cause more crime." He explained that people in his district are very concerned. Council Member Golombek agreed. 

Council Members Rivera, Wingo, and Feroleto urged caution when discussing bail reform. "I heard from law enforcement," said Rivera, and "we don't have the data to make these determinations." Council Member Wingo reminded the Council that no other community is hurt more by mass incarceration than the Black community. "We need to be equitable," he explained. "Those of us who have first-hand knowledge and family members who have been affected by [bail reform] should have a seat at the table to talk about modifications." He added that "life sentences can occur because people are released." Council Member Feroleto said that the conversation about bail reform is complex. Recently, a carjacking turned violent in his district, which caused neighborhood stress and anxiety about bail reform.  However, he argued that a restraining order would have been helpful in that particular situation, not bail reform.  

Council President Pridgen emphasized that "bail reform is important." He reminded council members that guilty people could get out of jail in the old days just because they had cash, while innocent people were stuck in jail just because they didn't have cash. 

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