Donna L Braun

The Waterfront Commission discussed several projects including the Canal Cleanup, bike path extension, and signage installation for Gateway Park. Issues regarding the damaged docks at Gratwick Park were addressed, including the review of a quote for repairs. Updates were provided on the fire tower property clearing and construction on Tonawanda Island, as well as shoreline restoration efforts funded by grants. Commission membership changes were noted, and management responsibilities for the commission's webpage were updated.

Key discussions during this regular session included receiving and filing the Proof of Publication for a Public Hearing regarding Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications for the 2025 program year. The Council approved the establishment of the "Zoning Code Update Steering Committee" to guide the city through updating its zoning code, funded by a New York State Environmental Protection Fund Smart Growth Program award. The City Attorney's request to amend the previous meeting minutes to correctly identify the addresses for the proposed sale of city real property at 78 & 96 Bridge Street to VisoneCo Site Development, LLC (for Bridge Street Landing, LLC) was approved. The Council also approved a resolution to revise North Tonawanda City Code Chapter 63 concerning Drones in Parks and Recreation Areas. Bids resulting from a Public Auction of 35 City-owned parcels conducted between May 12 and May 27, 2025, were accepted. The Council approved rate changes for the Treasurer's Office fees (Return Checks, Tax Searches, and Summary fees), effective January 1, 2026. Additionally, authorization was granted for the Mayor to sign a Utility Easement agreement with National Grid related to Project No. 2017-04 Payne and Meadow Intersection Improvements. The Council approved the abstract sheet for claims totaling $1,585,151.60 and authorized a $26,000 budgetary transfer between Youth Center Personal Services and Sports & Recreation Personal Services appropriations for fiscal year 2025 staffing. A resolution regarding the SEQRA Determination for the Erie Water Tower Improvements project, classifying it as a "Type II" Action, was adopted, as well as a Bond Resolution authorizing the issuance of $2,000,000 in Serial Bonds to finance these improvements. The Traffic Safety Committee minutes from August 2025 were received and filed, addressing speed complaints and traffic signal maintenance. Finally, approval was granted to the American Legion Tonawanda's Post 264 to conduct their annual "Fill the Helmet at the Market" fundraiser on September 27, 2025.

The Special Session addressed several official items. The body approved the minutes of the regular session held on September 2, 2025. Key agenda items included a request from the Superintendent of Water/Wastewater to transfer $100,000.00 from the unrestricted water reserve to the water treatment plant operations budget to facilitate emergency repairs, inspection, and necessary seal replacement on the Erie Water Tower. Additionally, the Council authorized the Mayor to submit a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application, not to exceed $100,000, to the New York State Office of Community Renewal to support the expansion of the Niagara Climbing Center, involving a partnership with the Lumber City Development Corporation.

The meeting included several key actions and discussions. The Common Council approved a resolution to sell city real property located at 78 and 98 Bridge Street to VisoneCo Site Development, LLC (Bridge Street Landing, LLC), authorizing the Mayor to execute the necessary documents. The Council awarded the contract for the City Parks Paving Improvements Project to D&H Paving LLC for $177,401.60 (Base Bid + Add Alternate 1 + Add Alternate 2). The body authorized payment for the Abstract of Claims totaling $849,965.42. A resolution was approved to adopt Local Law #3 of 2025, overriding the Tax Levy Limit established in General Municipal Law Section 3-c for Fiscal Year 2026. Amendments to city code were approved regarding penalties for parking in handicapped spots in shopping centers and establishing restrictions and penalties for parking unregistered or uninspected vehicles on public roadways. The Council also approved the reappointment of Yanni N. Malamas as Commissioner of Deeds and set a date for a public hearing concerning a Community Development Block Grant application. Permission was granted for street closures on Vandervoort and Ganson Street for a Halloween/Fall Fest Party. Audience participation included concerns about water bills, traffic enforcement, street paving decisions, bullying incidents at the Youth Center, shrubbery pickup procedures, water main breaks, and HOA issues.

The Common Council meeting addressed several administrative and project-related matters. Key actions included receiving and filing proof of publication for an RFP concerning City Parks Paving Improvements. The council approved the reappointment of Lauren Gately and Donna Braun as Commissioners of Deeds for a two-year term, effective August 6, 2025. Significant financial actions involved authorizing payment for the current Warrant of Claims totaling $1,614,553.38 across various funds, and adopting a SEQR Resolution classifying the 2025 Community Center Project as a "Type II" Action. Furthermore, a Bond Resolution was adopted authorizing the issuance of $15,000,000 in serial bonds to finance construction and reconstruction improvements to the City's Community Center. Personnel actions included approving the promotion of Detective Timothy Bakula to Police Lieutenant, Officer Marco Santiago to Police Detective, and the hiring of three new Police Officers (Jordan Fox-Stoddard, Nicholas Castile, and Ethan Cress). The council also approved a lease agreement with Buffalo Tiki Tours Inc. (DBA TNT Tiki Tours) for commercial dock space use. Additionally, recommendations from the Traffic Safety Committee were approved, specifically concerning the installation of autistic signage at 1690 Eddy and stop signs at 16th and Carr following a serious accident. Permission was granted for Oliver Street and Vandervoort Street closures for a Porch Fest event, and for the closure of Wurlitzer Court for a block party. Finally, an agreement for additional design services related to the Downtown Revitalization Initiative Oliver Street Walkability Project with LaBella Associates was approved.