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As the year winds down the work doesn’t for the Dunkirk Common Council. It will have seven pre-filed resolutions, and likely some walkins, to consider during its regular session Tuesday. Three of those resolutions deal with local laws and will be tabled for public hearings. All are sponsored by the entire council. The two most important of the three deal with proposed raises in the water and sewer rates the city charges its customers. Both resolutions are necessary to have a balanced budget in the 2010 water and sewer funds, something the New York State Comptroller’s Office has highly recommended to council and Mayor Richard Frey. Under 76-2009, water rates for city residents would go from $18.50 to $22.50 for a minimum 5,000 gallons, or 21.6 percent. Rates for usage above the minimum also go up in the 20 percent range, depending on the usage amount. Non-city water users will pay some 75 percent higher rates than city users. Under 80-2009, the sewer rates would increase. Sewer rates are currently $2.40 per 1,000 gallons for less than 4 million gallons of water used; this would increase to $3.00 under the proposed change, a 25 percent increase. Water usage over 4 million gallons will see an increase in the sewer rate from $.81 per 1,000 gallons over the 4 million mark to $1.01; an almost 20 percent rise in that category. Non-city users will pay a rate 100 percent higher than city customers. Resolution 78-2009 introduces Local Law #2-2009, which would amend the makeup of the city’s Electric Board of Examiners. Currently, the board has five members, three of whom are appointed by the mayor. One member is to be the electrical inspector of the New York Board of Fire Underwriters for the city area and one member shall be the city’s fire chief. Under the current setup the building inspector is an ex-officio member of the board. Under the proposed change, the mayor would appoint four of the board’s five members and the building inspector and fire chief would switch positions with the fire chief becoming the ex-officio member and the building inspector automatically serving on the board. Three of the other positions would be filled the same as they are now; one electrical contractor, one journeyman electrician and a representative of the electrical utility serving the city area. Under the proposed change, the fifth spot would be filled by an electrical inspector. The appointees other than the building inspector would serve three-year terms or until a successor has been appointed, unless removed from office by the mayor for cause. First Ward Councilman A.J. Dolce has sponsored two resolutions dealing with the Southern Tier Task Force Drug Enforcement Program. Under 76-2009, the mayor is authorized to execute any and all agreements on behalf of the city to allow the city to participate in the program from April 1, 2008 to Dec. 31, 2009. The city would receive no more than $26,835.92 in reimbursement for the personnel services (salary only) of two city officers during the contract period. Under 77-2009, the city would receive a portion of no more than $16,604.45 as reimbursement for buy/informant money and telephone service used in task force operations. The city would split the money with the Chautauqua County Sheriff, Jamestown and Fredonia for that April 2008 to December 2009 period. An emergency water supply agreement with town of Portland Water Districts #1, #5 and #7 would be the result of 81-2009. Currently, Portland Water District #2 purchases its water from the city while the other three purchase their water from the village of Brocton. The city’s winter Rec Center will be ready to go with the approval of Resolution 75-2009, which opens the agenda. The resolution will authorize Frey to sign an agreement between the city and the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds Association for the use of the Agricultural and Expo Building from Dec. 1 to April 1, 2010 at a rate of $700 per month. There are two pre-filed communications from the public. Dunkirk High School Athletic Director Alan Gens is requesting police coverage for the 2009-10 wrestling and basketball seasons, beginning Dec. 2 and ending Feb. 12. A notice of claim for replacement of a mail box and post, allegedly due to the city removing leaves at 31 Crooked Brook Drive, was filed by Shirley Moore. Council’s work shop is set for 6:30 p.m. with the regular meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Council will meet today at 5 p.m. in a budget review session as it looks to have a budget ready to present at its meeting Tuesday. Send comments to gsnyder@observertoday.com

 

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