Reorganizational Meeting - Welcome to City of Tonawanda, NY



Council Chambers

Tonawanda, New York

April 3, 2018

A Regular Meeting of the Common Council – 7:00 P.M

Present: Council President Koch

Present Councilmembers: Reece, Kammerdeiner, Young, Mileham

Pledge of Allegiance led by Council President Koch

Prayer led by Associate Chaplain Dorothea Schweitzer

Bid Openings: Phase 7 Sewer Rehabilitation

Friday, March 23, 2018

10:00 A.M.

Bidder Total Amount of Bid

Kenyon Pipeline Inspection, LLC. $1,187,625.00

National Water Main Cleaning Company $1,416,202.50

Arold Construction Company, Inc. $1,421,600.00

United Survey, Inc. $1,472,440.00

Kandey Company, Inc.* $1,658,130.00

MAYOR’S PUBLIC HEARING

Cable Franchise Renewal Agreement

Mayor Rick Davis- The purpose of this public meeting is to renew the cable franchise agreement that we have with Spectrum/ Charter Communications the period is for fifteen years. Those of you that don’t know the cable franchise fee that Spectrum/Charter Communications pays us is based on the cable usage here in the City set by the Public Service Commission. We get a certain amount from Spectrum\Charter every six months in form of a payment. Again, this is for a fifteen year deal. At this time I will take any questions or comments. Any questions or comments? Before I ask one more time I would like to thank Mark Meyerhofer for being here. I would like to thank him for working with my office, Lieutenant Scott Sheehan and former Councilman Sean Rautenstrauch in getting all of this put together. Any comments or questions? I hereby close this Public Hearing.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR

Communication from the Mayor’s Office regarding a meeting scheduled for April 4th with the School Superintendent and several community leaders to discuss opioid prevention.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY OFFICIALS AND CORRESPONDENCE

Communication from City Attorney regarding Sale of City Owned Lands

March Minutes of the Traffic and Safety Board

March Minutes of the Board of Appeals

March report of the City Clerk

Communication from Treasurer YTD Overtime Report thru April 5, 2018

Referred to the Committee of the Whole

Ordered filed

COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC ON RESOLUTIONS

No comments by the Public

The Tonawanda Common Council, in an effort to conduct business in a timely fashion and maintain an open line of communication with the public, welcomes comments on resolutions and other City business.

• Persons wishing to speak and be recognized by the President of the Common Council are to be courteous, respectful, non-repetitive and brief.

• All questions and/or comments should be addressed to the President of the Common Council.

• Please state your name and address clearly for inclusion in the Common Council minutes. In the event any person wishes a response outside the confines of the Common Council meeting, please leave all necessary contact information with the City Clerk after the meeting.

• Persons may address the Common Council during (2) separate sessions of the meeting for a total of 30 minutes per session. Once prior to the resolutions and also after the resolutions prior to Common Council comments.

• Individuals may speak a total of (3) minutes per speaker per session. The President of the Common Council will adhere to this (3) minute guideline in an effort to allow everyone an opportunity to speak who wishes to do so.

• The President of the Common Council reserves the Council’s right to limit or expand upon these limits as he/she may deem necessary and prudent.

• Usage of cell phones other than for emergency is prohibited during all Council Sessions.

MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

81. By Councilmember Reece seconded by Councilmember Kammerdeiner

Resolved, that the Common Council minutes from March 20, 2018 be accepted as filed.

Ayes: Reece, Kammerdeiner, Young, Mileham, Koch

Nays: None

Resolution declared adopted

82. By Council President Koch seconded by Councilmember Young

Council President Koch-I have a comment. We are just waiting for the condensed version to put it online as soon as we get that. It will be online as soon as we get it. So, hopefully soon. There are hard copies available in the Clerk’s Office.

WHEREAS, the City of Tonawanda has prepared an update to the City of Tonawanda Comprehensive Plan pursuant to Section 28-a of the New York State General City Law; and

WHEREAS, the draft Comprehensive Plan update has been prepared under the review and guidance of the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, with planning assistance provided by Clark, Patterson and Lee (Project Consultant); and

WHEREAS, the Tonawanda City Council prepared an Environmental Assessment Form to identify and evaluate the potential impacts of adopting the Comprehensive Plan update and for the purposes of conducting a coordinated review, in accordance with the requirements of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and Part 617 of the implementing regulations of Article 8 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law (ECL); and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Part 617 of the ECL implementing regulations, the Tonawanda City Council wishes to designate themselves as the SEQR Lead Agency for this action.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Tonawanda City Council establishes SEQR Lead Agency status for the coordinated SEQR review of the draft Comprehensive Plan update, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council authorizes the Project Consultant to undertake the necessary notices and filings to commence the coordinated review for this action, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that two certified copies of this Lead Agency resolution be provided to the Project Consultant for the required distribution and filings.

Ayes: Reece, Kammerdeiner, Young, Mileham, Koch

Nays: None

Resolution declared adopted

83. By Council President Koch seconded by Councilmember Reece

Council President Koch- I have a comment. This sets the Public Hearing for May 1, 2018 at 7:00P.M. for our Comp Plan. Please spread the word to our residents. There will be a fourteen day comment period that will start on May 1. I would encourage you to send comments to the City Clerk. Any other comments or questions? Please call the roll.

WHEREAS, the City of Tonawanda has prepared an update to the City of Tonawanda Comprehensive Plan pursuant to Section 28-a of the New York State General City Law; and

WHEREAS, the draft Comprehensive Plan update has been prepared under the review and guidance of the City of Tonawanda Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, with planning assistance provided by Clark Patterson and Lee (Project Consultant); and

WHEREAS, the Tonawanda City Council, as Lead Agency, prepared an Environmental Assessment Form to identify and evaluate the potential impacts of adopting the Comprehensive Plan Update, in accordance with the requirements of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and Part 617 of the implementing regulations of Article 8 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law, and initiated a coordinated review; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Tonawanda City Council sets a Public Hearing to accept comments on the draft City of Tonawanda Comprehensive Plan update for May 1, 2018 at 7 p.m.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council authorizes the Project Consultant to prepare the necessary notices and filings on this action, and that a copy of the draft City of Tonawanda Comprehensive Plan update be made available at the City Clerk’s office and on the City’s website.

Ayes: Reece, Kammerdeiner, Young, Mileham, Koch

Nays: None

Resolution declared adopted

84. By Councilmember Mileham seconded by Councilmember Young

Council President Koch- I have a comment. Mayor Davis correct me if I’m wrong this will be 5% of the total gross sales not including internet and phone?

Mayor Davis- Correct.

Council President Koch- Perfect, thank-you.

WHEREAS, an application has been duly made to the Council of the City of Tonawanda, County of Erie, New York, by Time Warner Cable Northeast LLC, l/k/a Charter Communications, a limited liability company organized and existing in good standing under the laws of State of Delaware doing business at 2604 Seneca Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14305, for the approval of a renewal agreement for Time Warner Cable's cable television franchise for fifteen (15) years commencing with the date of approval by the Public Service Commission commencing with the date of approval by the Public Service Commission; and

WHEREAS, the Franchise Renewal Agreement would bring the franchise into conformity with certain provisions of the Federal Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, as amended, and certain court rulings; and

WHEREAS, a public hearing was held in the City of Tonawanda, New York on April 3, 2018 at 7 P.M. and notice of the hearing was published in the Buffalo News on March 26, 2018.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Council of the City of Tonawanda finds that:

1. Time Warner Cable Northeast LLC has substantially complied with the material terms and conditions of its existing franchise and with applicable law; and

2. Time Warner Cable Northeast LLC has the financial, legal and technical ability to provide these services, facilities and equipment as set forth in its proposal attached; and

3. Time Warner Cable Northeast LLC can reasonably meet the future cable-related community needs and interests, taking into account the cost of meeting such needs and interests.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Tonawanda hereby grants the cable television franchise of Time Warner Cable Northeast LLC and the City of Tonawanda for fifteen (15) years commencing with the date of approval by the Public Service Commission and expiring fifteen (15) years hence; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Tonawanda hereby confirms acceptance of this Franchise Renewal Agreement.

Ayes: Reece, Kammerdeiner, Young, Mileham, Koch

Nays: None

Resolution declared adopted

85. By Council President Koch seconded by Councilmember Reece

Council President Koch- I have a comment but I was looking for Mr. Gilbert because I wanted him to, I don’t mean to put you on the spot. I just wanted you to go on record about Resolution #5 Historic Landmarks and the App and touch on that.

City Administrator Charles Gilbert- Basically the Gateway’s Promotion Committee had come and had multiple meetings and they put together a pretty substantial history of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda. There will be a closing of the bridge obviously which both mayors will get to speak. Once that is kicked off there will be an interactive App that people can go to following the map along. We’re hoping to put one down at the Gateway or the Hub wherever we can find one to permanently put it. Then people will be able to see the history of each building on the map.

Council President Koch- Awesome. Thank- you Mr. Gilbert. I think this is absolutely fantastic! This is exciting!

WHEREAS, the Erie Canal is a vital part of the Twin Cities past; and

WHEREAS, the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas has put together a committee to highlight the historical landmarks of both the City of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda; and

WHEREAS, the committee has created an online narrative for people to follow along while touring the Twin Cities; and

WHEREAS, the Chamber of Commerce has arranged a special kick off date

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Tonawanda Common Council authorizes the closure of the Renaissance Bridge on May 19, 2018 from 3 PM to 5 PM for the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas to hold a kick off of the Heritage Tour of the Tonawandas.

Ayes: Reece, Kammerdeiner, Young, Mileham, Koch

Nays: None

Resolution declared adopted

86. By Councilmember Kammerdeiner seconded by Council President Koch

Resolved, that the 2018 General Fund Budget be amended within the Parks/Recreation Department to as follows:

Account Description Adjustment

1.7020.412 Recreation Trees, Flowers & Seed Subtract (18,000)

1.7020.100 Parks/Rec Salaries Add 18,000

Net Budget Effect $-0-

Ayes; Reece, Kammerdeiner, Young, Mileham, Koch

Nays: None

Resolution declared adopted

87. By Councilmember Young seconded by Councilmember Reece

Resolved, at the recommendation of the City Engineer, Jason J. LaMonaco, P.E., that award of the Phase 7 Sewer Rehabilitation Contract be made to Kenyon Pipeline Inspection, LLC, at a cost not to exceed $1,187,625.00.

Funding/Fiscal Impact: $1,187,625.00 from the Capital Budget

Ayes: Reece, Kammerdeiner, Young, Mileham, Koch

Nays: None

Resolution declared adopted

88. By Councilmember Reece seconded by Councilmember Kammerdeiner

Resolved, at the recommendation of the City Engineer, Jason LaMonaco, PE, that the award of the East Niagara Pedestrian Bridge Structural Analysis be made to C&S Engineers, Inc., at a cost not to exceed $18,000.00.

Funding/Fiscal Impact: $18,000.00 from the Capital Budget

Ayes: Reece, Kammerdeiner, Young, Mileham, Koch

Nays: None

Resolution declared adopted

89. By Councilmember Young seconded by Councilmember Mileham

Resolved, at the recommendation of the City Engineer, Jason LaMonaco, P.E. and Mayor Davis, that the City of Tonawanda Common Council authorizes and directs Mayor Davis to execute and submit the Niagara Street Corridor Study State incentive valued at $57,500.

Funding/Fiscal Impact: $92,750 from Capital Budget

$57,500 from Empire State Development incentive program

Ayes: Reece, Kammerdeiner, Young, Mileham, Koch

Nays: None

Resolution declared adopted

90. By the Council seconded by the Council

Council President Koch- I have a comment. This is a really great thing that is coming to our City. I want to thank Mr. Gilbert, the Mayor’s Office, the Council, everybody that had, the clerk who will have some additional duties that’s coming his way. I really think this is a great thing. Please help us spread the word to promote this. This is only going to get better and better. Any other comments? Please call the roll.

WHEREAS, the City of Tonawanda desires to establish a City of Tonawanda Community/Farmer’s Market, hereinafter referred to as the “Farmer’s Market”, for the benefit of the residents of the City and as a important community asset and resource to local farmers and other related agricultural vendors; and

WHEREAS, the Common Council desires to establish fees and implement rules and regulations for the safe, orderly and efficient operation of the Farmer’s Market; and

WHEREAS, a Farmer’s Market provides a unique opportunity for members of the community to gather and experience the historic environment of the canal area and special atmosphere of the City’s Inter-modal Hub.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Tonawanda hereby establishes a Farmer’s Market for the year 2018 located on Young Street between Main Street and Delaware Street in the Hub area to be held every Sunday, 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., from May 6, 2018 to October 14, 2018, excluding the Sundays of July 15th and July 22nd during the Canal Fest; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to establish rules and regulations for the operation of the market and applicant participation, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Common Council establishes the rates for the year 2018 as follows:

$250.00 rental deposit per space for Farmers and Hucksters, maximum of three spaces per scheduled date.

$240.00 rental fee per space for Vendors, maximum of three spaces per scheduled date.

$192.00 rental fee per space for Non-For-Profit Organizations, maximum of three spaces per scheduled date.

Farmer is defined as a person who actually grows and produces 100% of their sellable items on their own land.

Huckster is defined as a person who actually grows and produces over 50% of their sellable goods on their own land

Vendor is defined as a person who actually grows and produces less than 50% of their sellable goods and/or sells goods which are manufactured by themselves or others.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that for the year 2018 any Farmer or Huckster who participates in at least 70% of all scheduled market dates shall be entitled to a partial refund of the initial rental deposit for each space rented. Farmers shall receive a 100% refund per space and Hucksters shall receive a 70% refund per space if they comply with the above stated criteria. If a Farmer or huckster fails to participate in 70% of all scheduled dates there shall be no refund of the rental deposit. Upon conclusion of the 2018 selling season all deposits shall be retained by the City of Tonawanda as rent. There shall be no refund of the rental fees for Vendors or Not-For-Profit Organizations; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon conclusion of the 2018 selling season the Mayor shall provide the Common Council with a detailed financial report regarding the operation of the Farmer’s Market.

Ayes: Reece, Kammerdeiner, Young, Mileham, Koch

Nays: None

Resolution declared adopted

91. By Councilmember Reece seconded by Councilmember Young

WHEREAS, the City of Tonawanda intends to install a new LED message board in front of City Hall to replace the existing letter board marquee sign; and

WHEREAS, the City of Tonawanda has determined that the proposed action is classified as an unlisted action in accordance with the State Environmental Quality Review ACT (SEQR); and

WHEREAS, the City of Tonawanda prepared a short Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) for the project; and

WHEREAS, the EAF was submitted to Common Council for review;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Tonawanda Common Council, acting as lead agency, has familiarized itself with SEQRA and reviewed the proposed action and the associated EAF. The City of Tonawanda Common Council hereby issues a negative declaration for the above referenced project in accordance with Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law.

Funding/Fiscal Impact: None

.

Ayes: Reece, Kammerdeiner, Young, Mileham, Koch

Nays: None

Resolution declared adopted

COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC AFTER RESOLUTIONS

Dorothea Schweitzer, 154 McArthur Drive, Williamsville, NY- I would just like to bring to the attention of the council here of an opportunity that we have on May 2, all the way out in Clarence. That is where it is, Bender’s Christian Store. What this is, is this is a presentation by three physicians about addiction. The topics will be as follows; Understanding Addiction, The Brain Science of Addiction, Treatment Options that are Available, Spirituality and How to Remove Stigmas and Labels and a roundtable discussion about the churches and culture role in addiction. This is something that is on May 2 from 8:30 A.M. in the morning until 12:30 P.M. The initial registration is $25.00 but after that it is $15.00 each for each additional person. If you would like to go if you would call my church Bethany United Methodist Church you can join us for $15.00 instead of $25.00.

Council President Koch- Do you have a phone number?

Dorothea Schweitzer- Let me give you the registration number. It is 464-3681 if you want to register on your own. If you want to register with us it’s 491-8350. There has just been so much in the news lately about addiction and we know from the way that the first responders are working so hard that it has touched the City as well. I just wanted to make you a where of it and please if you are interested in addiction at all these doctors are really wonderful and so I would like you to join us. Thank-you.

Council President Koch- I see you have a flyer, by chance can we post this up at City Hall?

Dorothea Schweitzer- Absolutely.

Norma Kitzmiller, 96 Cleveland Avenue- One of my pet projects is the water bill. The $4.81 doesn’t sound like a lot but it is called the Water District Surcharge. I was told that comes back to the City of Tonawanda. That your in a position with Erie County Water Authority that you impose upon us in addition to the sewer tax we have to pay.

Council President Koch- It is a surcharge that does come back to the City, yes.

Norma Kitzmiller- What is it earmarked for? It’s almost like we are getting a double whammy.

Council President- I’m going to bring up our City Treasurer.

Treasurer Joseph Hogenkamp- That surcharge was put into place in 2004 when we went to the Water Authority. I have had many conversations with many people about it. It raises about $200,000 a year. When we got into this deal with the Water Authority we had bonds we had to pay that were water related debts. That was about $200,000 a year. We also have expenses in the General Fund that are water related that are probably about $200,000 as well that the property taxpayers pay for. We pay a hydrant fee to the Water Authority for approximately a $140,000 annually for the hydrants in the City of Tonawanda that Erie County maintains. We probably have water bills that we pay for city buildings which is probably another $50,000, $60,000 and also the cost of retirees on health insurance that worked in the Water Fund for many years. So, in the near future the City is going to be confronted with do you want to continue to use that surcharge to offset the water related costs that the property taxpayers are paying for or not? Because the bonds are almost paid off. The debt services are almost paid off. I’ve had this conversation many times and what Norma is referring to raises about $200, 000. Now, we can use that to offset $200,000 in your General Fund Operating Budget if the Water Board continues to assess that or not. I’ve been upfront with everybody about that for many years.

Council President Koch- Thank-you Joe. Any more comments or questions?

Denny D’Angelo, 72 Clark Street- Earlier in the year you appointed or created a new position for Charlie Rech downstairs, is that a paid position?

Mayor Rick Davis- Right now it is volunteer.

Denny D’Angelo- Is it going to be a paid position?

Mayor Rick Davis- It potentially could be.

Denny D’Angelo- Where’s the money going to be coming from for that?

Mayor Rick Davis- Out of Economic Development monies.

Denny D’Angelo- Is that grant money?

Mayor Rick Davis- It was a grant a long time ago.

Denny D’Angelo- And that’s budgeted for that, that that grant will pay for that salary?

Mayor Rick Davis- That’s what we are waiting to hear back from the powers that be on whether or not we are allowed to use it for that purpose.

Denny D’Angelo- Alright, so say the City can for this year what about next year how does he get paid?

Mayor Rick Davis- That would be decided in next year’s budget.

Denny D’Angelo- Thank-you.

Carol Ann Rowley, 181 Utica Street- When overnight parking was brought into play a few people from Scott Street wanted overnight parking only at the end of Scott Street and now it is fenced off. They weren’t supposed to be parking there anyhow. These people are most likely renters and renters don’t pay taxes like we do. They still have to find a place to park in the winter so let them do it in the summer. Then the street cleaning can be done in the way it should be. The street sweeper guy gets paid whether he does part of the curbs or all of the curbs. I’m wondering if anything is being done to address this situation.

Council President Koch- Not at this time, no.

Carol Ann Rowley- When will it be addressed?

Council President Koch- Any councilmember can submit a resolution regarding overnight parking. It hasn’t been discussed.

Carol Ann Rowley- I didn’t know that. Also, our taxes keep going up every year. The group homes like I think there are about eight of them here in the City of Tonawanda don’t pay a dime. We pay for them. They get off “scott free”. The governing bodies need to change this like I know they’re State Funded. But, the State needs to do something to take a little burden off of the City and everything else. Because,even if they paid half it would be better than nothing. Which we eat the whole thing. The guys that run them just sit back and laugh and say “Hey, I got it made”. Their pensions and everything go up. Because the one behind me was bought for right around $180,000. They put $270,000 into it. So, approximately that’s about $450,000. It’s almost about a $500,000 house that could be partially taxed into the City of Tonawanda instead of like it is now nothing. Thank-you.

Council President Koch- Thank-you for your comment. Any other comments or questions?

Jeff DiVirgilio, 56 Main Street – I’m here to hopefully not hear that the City, are we going to discuss the sale of any property in the City like City parking lots? Because I have a business at 56 Main Street. Ann Kwitchoff couldn’t be here tonight. We’ve been hearing that the City is considering selling part of the parking lot behind our building between Broad and Adam to the new adult daycare business that just opened. Our only problem with that is if you start selling pieces of that lot off piece meal and what’s to prevent Hamp from buying part of the lot, the Laundromat on the corner and if they get that end and he’s gets the other driveway on Broad we have no lot for people to park in as well as I’m not sure about the (Inaudible). When Mueller Services bought the old Grant building I thought part of their deal was to not park on Main Street and to use the city lots behind our building and behind their building and between them and Walgreens. It has been a continuing issue with our businesses on Main Street. We have no parking because they take it up. The City I know having talked to someone last week, is supposed to, Police are supposed to start enforcing the two hour parking ban. But, if the parking behind our building gets sold out piece meal on both ends we’re landlocked and we have nowhere to park for our customers. So, is that something that is going to be addressed? Is the City even contemplating?

Council President Koch- So the City is looking at opportunities to possibly sell any City owned property that we own. We are always looking at that. There was a proposal that the Mayor’s Office received. The Council has yet to discuss that. However, there is processes in place where that property in that area would have to be auctioned off. It can’t just be sold.

Jeff DiVirgilio- Right, so it would be public auction and there would be a notice?

Council President Koch- Yes, there would be a public auction.

Jeff DiVirgilio- But do you understand our concerns? Ann’s been there fifty, whatever since 1963 I think or something like that. We’re just afraid that if people have private parcels in the parking lot their not going to let us go on private property because is someone falls they’re going to have a lawsuit. And then we’re landlocked and the whole City lot now is unavailable if it’s in the middle of both entrances on Adam and Broad are bought by someone.

Council President Koch- If that section was auctioned off the public would know about it and it would be a public auction. Right now, the council has not discussed the proposal that the Mayor’s Office has received. I hope that answers your question.

Jeff DiVirgilio- It does. So I can tell Ann that at least the proposal has been submitted to the Mayor’s Office.

Council President Koch- It was a very informal inquirement. I would use it as an inquirement.

Jeff DiVirgilio- That’s not a huge lot. If all the entrances are sold off the middle of the parking lot doesn’t do us any good.

COMMENTS BY THE COUNCILMEMBERS AFTER RESOLUTIONS

Councilmember Reece- I would like to thank the City Fire Department and the City Police Department for all the work they have done in the past weeks. It’s great what they do. I would like to remind people that we are having a meeting on April 19 at 6:00P.M. regarding the Young Street construction. I know it is going to affect my ward. I will be making sure that everyone has a chance to get there. It should be a good meeting to find out the detours and such will be and any other rules. Keep that in mind.

Councilmember Kammerdeiner- I have nothing to report.

Councilmember Young- Unfortunately, we had another shooting in California today. Please keep your thoughts and prayers for all the people in California. That’s it. Thank-you Madam President.

Councilmember Mileham- Nothing to report, thank-you.

Mayor Rick Davis- I have nothing further to add. Thank-you Madam President.

Council President Koch- Quiet group tonight. I have a couple things. I know Mr. Reece touched up on it. The informational meeting on April 19 at 6:00 P.M.. I would encourage everyone to attend. I wanted to welcome Orchid Adult Daycare. Thank-you for opening up your doors to the City of Tonawanda. It’s reading time. I’m a member of the Historical Society of The Tonawandas so I get these lovely newsletters once a month. I see Mrs. Syposs sitting in the back she is hiding behind Mr. Hardwick. There was a very interesting piece and I just wanted to read it and Skip Johnson who is also here was the one that wrote this and its titled The Valentine’s Gift from Tonawanda City Hall.

“No it wasn’t’ chocolate or it wasn’t even flowers. But our Valentine’s Day was made memorable this year by the arrival or a multitude of old ledgers and records books some dating all the way back to 1920 and beyond courtesy of the Tonawanda City Clerk’s Office and Public Works Department employees. We have grown accustomed to receiving calls from Tonawanda City Hall from time to time asking us for help in researching an old address, business or event from long ago that as escaped their good recordkeeping over the years. So, when my I-phone rang with the City Hall number showing as the source of the call I instantly concluded that another such request was forthcoming. I was soon proved wrong by a voice on the other end that of outgoing City Clerk and former longtime alderwoman Gayle Syposs still busy at work with less than a month to go on the job. It’s seems she had just discovered these ledgers and record books inside the vault down in the basement, some might say dungeon at 200 Niagara Street. The record books contained old property records and other pertinent City data from days long past. The question from Gayle, “Would you be interested in them?” Our answer was of course. So, after an arranged meeting to look over what she had found we coordinated a time for the DPW to bring these volumes over via one of their vehicles. The old, tired, aching backs of the Historical Society of the Tonawandas staff appreciated this delivery especially after the truck arrived and we saw the volume of materials that were involved. The photo showing the issue of “The Lumber Shover” does not do justice to the fine effort put forth by DPW employees, Dave Fronzcak, Brian Haskill, and Marty McGuire to carefully bring each volume into the resource center for safekeeping into the future. Thanks guys! It was indeed a Valentine’s Day to remember even without chocolate or flowers. Any chance one of them could bring chocolate or flowers? We want to express our sincere appreciation and best wishes for a wonderful retirement to Gayle Syposs for thinking of the society and arranging for these records to come to our doorstep and enter into these archives. He goes onto to say that remembering a couple of firsts. The retirement of Gayle Syposs is mentioned in the above article to mind a chilly Friday evening January 2, 1976 when I sat in Council Chambers at 200 Niagara Street and watched Gayle take her seat as the first woman ever elected to the Common Council. Of course, the key word here is elected. The first woman to sit on Tonawanda’s Council actually occurred 37 years earlier in 1939. No, I wasn’t around to witness that one! But, sadly on December 30, 1938 Alderman John Welch died and left a vacancy on the council. On Monday, January 16, 1939 the Common Council unanimously appointed his widow, Mrs. Artie Welch to fulfill his term. The next day the Tonawanda News proclaimed “Mrs. Welch gets Portfolio as First Woman Alderman”. Returning to the seventies, a decade I can actually recall just two years after Gayle’s achievement North Tonawanda followed suit and elected its first woman to the Common Council. Many members will no doubt recall Betty Hoffmann who was elected as Alderwoman from the First Ward in November of 1977 and then became North Tonawanda’s Mayor in 1979.

Then, not to be out done followed suit ten years later by electing our very own Alice Roth who is now serving as the President here at the Society. As its first woman Mayor Alice like Betty Hoffmann had served a previous term on the Common Council as Second Ward Alderman”.

Now, I’m reading that because Skip I just showed you that yes, I do read these newsletters and I’m sure that others do as well. It’s just a tribute to Gayle going out of her way and reaching out to the Historical Society, to our DPW delivering those and I wanted to extend my appreciation to the DPW and Mrs. Syposs and to the Historical Society so those records are kept forever. So, with that said, that is all I have and thank-you very much.

ADJOURNMENT

92. By Council President Koch seconded by Councilmember Reece

Resolved, that this Common Council adjourn until April 17, 2018.

Ayes: Reece, Kammerdeiner, Young, Mileham, Koch

Nays: None

Resolution declared adopted

_______________________________

City Clerk

_______________________________

Mayor

_______________________________

Date Filed

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download