City of Dunkirk

The council held a public hearing regarding a local law to amend the city charter and code to establish a combined city clerk, treasurer, and controller position. Public comments raised questions about the funding, accountability, and transparency of this proposed appointment. During the regular council meeting, members recognized retiring fire department personnel. Public speakers addressed concerns regarding property conditions at a local motel, the administrative delays and inaccuracies within the city clerk's office, and a vote of no confidence concerning public safety resource management.

The document details a public hearing conducted prior to the Common Council meeting concerning Local Law Number Two of 2026, which proposes rescinding and replacing a prior local law regarding a fringe benefit package for full-time elected officials. Public commentary focused heavily on the timing and legality of this local law in relation to the City Charter's provisions concerning elected official compensation, noting that compensation changes should occur in June prior to election, not afterward. Additional public comments addressed serious concerns regarding the consistency of administrative practices, including delays in insurance premium buyouts for the City Assessor, inconsistent application of administrative controls, and general lack of transparency. Another speaker expressed frustration over the lack of enforcement regarding dog waste cleanup at the public park and criticized the proposed local law for eliminating cash payments in lieu of health insurance for elected officials, which potentially removes cost savings for the city, while also noting concerns about animal welfare and licensing of breeding dogs.

The meeting commenced with an inauguration ceremony, including the pledge of allegiance and the national anthem. Following the invocation, newly elected officials and the assessor were sworn into office. The Common Council then proceeded to adopt several resolutions unanimously, including the appointment of the City Clerk/Treasurer, establishing payroll procedures, approving dates for January 2026 meetings, establishing official depositories, establishing cash management and investment policy, authorizing the designation of the official city newspaper and cable TV station, authorizing a bond payment, and authorizing the designation of an official radio station and internet news outlet. The council also addressed the establishment of standing committees, noting that the Community Advisory Committee would be reviewed prior to the next meeting. Finally, the council introduced local law number 1-2026 regarding the discontinuance and abandonment of a portion of Deer Street extension, tabling it to schedule a public hearing for January 13, 2026.

The meeting began with acknowledgements regarding the retirement of firefighter James Stern and the passing of former firefighter John Wallis, followed by a moment of silence. The council approved the minutes from the January 13, 2026 special/regular common council meeting. The Mayor delivered communications addressing the arrest of the former city treasurer, detailing the administration's actions to uncover financial mismanagement dating back to 2014, and advocating for a regional control board over a fiscal control board. Public comments included a request from the Dunkirk PBA 5K committee for approval to use the lakefront 5K route for their annual run/walk in June 2026, which was approved subject to conditions. Notices of claim regarding alleged snowplow damage to a driveway and an injury at City Hall were referred to the law department and public works. Committee reports included updates on the 2026 curbside collection schedule, the Hero Banner Program, the establishment of quarterly Public Safety Committee meetings, and economic development activities. Finally, resolutions were adopted authorizing an amendment to extend the border patrol augmentation program (including mileage rate increases), changing February and March 2026 meeting dates, and granting authority to the State of New York to perform adjustments on city-owned facilities along Route Five, which includes repaving and ADA ramp reconstruction at no expense to the city.

The proceedings included a public hearing regarding local law number one 2026, which concerns the discontinuance and abandonment of a portion of Deer Street extension near Savalot Plaza to improve parking and plowing capabilities for the adjacent shopping center and future apartment development. The Common Council meeting convened after the hearing. Key agenda items involved approving minutes from the January 1st meeting, discussing the replacement of the elected treasurer position following a voter decision, and addressing public concerns. Communications from the Mayor highlighted efforts to strengthen city finances, implement new GovSense software for better financial transparency, and manage the transition following the appointment of an interim clerk treasurer. Council also addressed several referrals, including a request from the Juneteenth Celebration Committee to use Memorial Park, a request from the Lakeshore Street Rod Association for park use, and the referral of two notices of claim (one for vehicle damage by a city plow and one for alleged physical injuries at a city park) to the law department. Committee reports noted upcoming meetings for Public Works and Finance, and discussions commenced regarding the timeline for reopening the brush and shrubbery drop-off access on Lucinets Avenue.