Tagged: Buffalo Common Council

The first phase of what is likely to be a long fight over a proposed scrap metal recycling operation near Hertel and Military ended Tuesday when the Buffalo Common Council voted against it.  WBFO'S Mike Desmond reports the issue is now off to the courts.

Buffalo City Comptroller Mark Schroeder says he will be doing an audit of the street lighting program, at the request of the Common Council.

Former Buffalo common councilmember and community leader David Rutecki has passed away. Rutecki died of a stroke overnight in New York City. 

What to do about the city's growing cat population was discussed Tuesday during a public hearing at City Hall.

Elliccott District Common Council member Darius Pridgen sought to clarify his proposal to license cats. Pridgen stressed that his resolution is simply to deal with the stray cat population, not to put any limits on the number of cats per household.

"We have been having a problem with people not wanting to pick up the cats, because some agencies say they don't know who they belong too," said Pridgen.

Some downtown bar owners are claiming they're losing thousands of dollars with the end to a commingling ordinance experiment. 

Eighteen to 20 year olds were allowed, over the last six months, to attend bars along the Chippewa strip every Thursday night.  That ruled hit its sunset last Thursday. 

Ellicott District Common Council member Darius Pridgen, who sponsored the ordinance, spoke out at a Common Council committee meeting Tuesday. 

Former Common Council member Brian Davis was sentenced to one year and one day in jail Wednesday for stealing money that was intended to benefit organizations in his council district.

Davis learned his sentence in an appearance before Federal Judge William Skretny.

"I totally accept responsibility" said Davis outside the courthouse to reporters. "I'm truly sorry, I apologize and I only aspired to be the best Ellciott District Council member that the city of Buffalo has ever seen."

Buffalo's South District may have a new Common Council representative as soon as tomorrow.

The Council is scheduled to interview 11 candidates starting today as it completes the process of replacing Mickey Kearns who moved to the state Assembly in a special election earlier this year.

Kearns' former aide Matthew Fisher was endorsed for the post this weekend by South Buffalo Democrats.

Another Council aide, Bryan Bollman, has also expressed interest in the seat.

Former County Legislator Timothy Whalen reportedly has withdrawn his name for consideration.

City lawmakers could fill Michael Kearns' former South District seat as early as Tuesday, according to Council President Richard Fontana. 

Kearns was elected to the State Assembly last month. 

And Fontana says he personally knows three of the seven applicants scheduled to appear before the full Council Monday.  

"This year it will be somewhat different. They (council candidates) won't be able to listen to each other's interviews. In the past, we had them all in the chambers at the same time," Fontana said.

With the possibility of spending at least $100 million on repairing Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, city lawmakers are pushing for another look at instead building a new stadium in the City of Buffalo.

Erie County and the Bills are involved in talks about a new lease, although no details are being released. The current stadium needs significant repairs, with the estimate of $100 million being used frequently, although an in-depth study apparently hasn't been completed for the Bills.

Three contestants have been added to the growing list of candidates seeking the South District seat on Buffalo's Common Council.

Former County Legislator Timothy Whalen joined bartender Patrick Burke and nurse Linda Bain in raising the number of candidates in the race to six.

The seat became available when Michael Kearns was elected to the state's 145th Assembly seat last week.

The Buffalo Common Council held a meeting Tuesday to discuss issues surrounding food trucks in  the city. 

Restaurant owners voiced concerns about food trucks taking up parking spaces they say could be used for customers. One local hot dog vender said he would like food trucks to have a designated spot. 

Attorney Michael Kooshoian represents some of the restaurant owners.  He says they're not saying they don't want the food trucks in the area.