[0:03] 17 meeting of the Niagara Falls City Council. If you would please call the roll.

[0:11] Councilman.

[0:13] Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah.

[0:17] Thank you.

[0:18] Council member. Corley. Council member. Mills. Council member. Perry. Council member. Zajac. Here. Chair. Chairman.

[0:39] Oh, God. The father of us all. We humbly beseech thee, and thy wisdom and knowledge to guide and direct the deliberations of this council along the path of truth, justice, and righteousness, so that what it decides for the welfare of our citizens may also rebound to thy greater honor and glory.

[1:19] Right now, public hearing or presentations this evening, if we could please call up public speakers on legislative items.

[1:32] Our first speaker is going to be Tim. He's going to be speaking on six and 11.

[1:40] Is it Hugh there? Tim.

[1:42] Peter. Just like first.

[1:44] Peter.

[1:44] Thank you.

[1:47] Thanks for calling. Um. Good evening. I was just looking at number six for, uh, the sewer lateral lines. Uh, we had spoken about that, I wasn't sure how that was made aware to the residents. That's a program that was to help some of the people that maybe have issues with their sewer lateral line, because the residents are responsible from the box to their homes. And the city had that program. They're going to take the money out of that program. I was just wondering, um, in the future, can we make sure that people are aware of that? I'm not sure how this was advertised, made people, you know, through newspaper, social media, whatever. Um, I just asked that we could probably get the word out a little bit more to more citizens. I think more people would have probably taken advantage of that had they known about it. Um, number 11, um, restoring the time limit to five minutes. Look, I've been coming here for years. Uh, when I first started coming here, we were having five minutes to speak. I know there were some people that didn't like to to hear from the residents for five minutes, but I just want to remind you guys, you were elected to represent us, the residents. Um, when we come here and speak, we've gotten no kind of satisfaction through any other channels we've gone through. So I think that it would behoove you guys, especially if you plan on getting reelected, that you should probably listen to the people when they come up here to speak, because, again, we've gotten no satisfaction and no results from any other channels that we've gone through, whether it be 311 system, calling department heads, calling the mayor, the city administrator. Okay, this is basically our last resort, our last ditch effort that we can be heard. And I think you guys owe it to the residents to to listen. I'm not saying that you don't, but I'm saying if somebody needs more than three minutes, I think they should be given five minutes. But I think it should also be stressed that just because you have five minutes doesn't mean you got to use it up. I mean, if you're going to come up here and waste time, I get it. I hear you guys, we all want to get home at some point tonight. But in the interest of that, I'm going to leave a minute. About a minute left on there. Thank you.

[4:00] Thank you. Tim. Our next speaker is Tanya Barone.

[4:15] Good evening.

[4:18] Um, with agenda item number six. As Tim was mentioning about the sewer laterals. Um, I'm not sure if that is actually the same type of work that was being performed on West River shore. I know they were replacing a water line, but my concern with that was that they, you know, now have contamination on West River shore. And I was told that allegedly the water board was contacted when the company's meter went all the way to where it was going to alarm, so they were told to push underneath the road. I'm concerned with lateral work being done right now on the Cayuga Island. Any of those residents, like any road work right now, being that we're having such bad contamination. So with lateral work, any type of digging, I would suggest like really following up with that. It was on the news again today and I have to confirm, but I was told that five residents on both sides of that road, I'm assuming that they had their yards tested. Um, are told to like leave now. So if that's the case, and I was told that right before I left the house. So I haven't been able to confirm that. But I know that Marinello and McKinley were on the news again, um, at the end of West River shore. And I know that had to do with all of the water line that was being replaced and that they were told to, like, leave it in the ground and not dig it up. And that was only four feet down. So can you imagine what they're finding? They have known since October of last year, when the deck was told that there was a chemical smell coming out of the ground by the utility company. And why are we just finding out about that now? I think, like there's other contamination that we have to worry about at the boat docks and who knows where else in the city. So any sewer line work that's being done right now, we have to be highly cautious. Um, and as far as number 11, with listening to the residents for five minutes, most times we only have a handful of people here, which I'm really glad there's more people showing up, but I think five minutes is an adequate amount of time. Three minutes. We really have to push through. What we're trying to say in our points sometimes doesn't get across, and we're counting on you guys to be there to listen, to help us, because sometimes we don't have anybody else to turn to. And sometimes maybe you don't like what people are saying, but it's only five minutes of your time, and that's really all we ask every other week. So we appreciate a yes vote on that. Thank you.

[7:04] Thank you Tanya. Our next speaker is Patricia Tweed on taxes.

[7:18] Regarding my delinquent property taxes. Good evening. My name is Patricia Tweed, and I am a 74 year old widow and longtime resident of Niagara Falls. I am here tonight because I have fallen behind on my property taxes due to financial hardship since my husband's death. I live primarily on Social Security and a small pension. The increasing tax balance and penalties have become overwhelming. I want the councils to know that I am not ignoring this debt. I am actively working with my attorney and exploring every possible option to resolve it. My goal is to pay what I owe in taxes and remain in my home that I've been in for 46 years. I respectfully ask the city to consider any hardship assistance payment arrangements with a tier system, or other relief that may be available to help residents like me, who are now trying in good faith to address delinquent taxes. Thank you for your time and your any guidance you can provide. Thank you.

[8:27] Thank you, Miss Sweet. Our next speaker is Gerald. Is it? Is that a.

[8:38] Free speech?

[8:46] Go get him. Thank you.

[8:51] Hi, Gerald.

[9:27] Are we going to be leaders in free speech or will the City Council lose credibility? You know, reducing my opinion. Reducing from five minutes to three, three minutes. Come on. You're chastising us. You're punishing us. It's punishment. I'm tired of being beat with a stick. But, you know, I'm kind of used to it, so don't matter too much. All right. But you cannot stop the people from speaking. How can you stop people from speaking? From seeing what they want? Okay. Some people come along and they say the worst things to you, and. And you really get upset because your pride gets hurt. All that kind of stuff. Honest to God, I stopped speaking here for quite some time. I never heard all those problems. I never heard the people going crazy about the pit check and all that stuff. I didn't know who the pit chick was when I mentioned there once, but I see that none of this happening here can progress Without the five of you agreeing on something. And what do I come up here to say? I come up here to say. Yeah. Look, you know, I used to practice in front of the mirror three times for five minutes, trying to speak, speak before everybody. And now you through my clock work off. Now it's three minutes. Okay, give us a break. Get us back up to five, and I'll give you back 37, 35 seconds.

[11:22] Thank you. Our next speaker, Dante Miles.

[11:34] Good evening. Council. So of course, um, I'm definitely an advocate for the free speech for the, um, space of us not basing our public speaking on the school district, because I know that was one of the things o the school district does three minutes and they can get things through. The school district doesn't, um, deal with the quality of life issues that we deal with here, that you guys vote on the different things that we have to deal with on a day to day basis. Some people don't have any kids in school. So that three minute that we're kind of basing that idea that we should use that here when it has been culture here and it has been tradition here in the city of Niagara Falls for decades, that we've been able to speak for five minutes. Um, I it's it will speak deafening volumes for you to not vote yes on this. So I'm gonna digress off of that, and I'm going to speak on the idea of expanding our homeless population. So, um, thankfully for the, um, for two, for the two council members that actually put this through, we've spent millions on projects. We found money for consultants. We've we've we've we've basically, um, we've given subsidies to places that really don't pour anything back into the city. And I think that I it's baffling to me that we would attack the residents as if we haven't lost half of our population density over the years anyway. Um, and then to say that we're not going to give the well for the administration and for City Hall to tell the members that we're not going to give you any, um, opportunity to make any type of payment arrangement that speaks volumes as well. Um, we find money for a lot of things. I think the thing that I'm asking is, and I think that's what you guys are asking for as well, is to practice empathy. To practice compassion. Now, I'm not saying anyone should be exempt from paying their taxes, but we have to have a better way of going about doing business here in the city of Niagara Falls, especially when we're dealing with the residents directly, sending out a 3000 to 3000 letters to 3000, as if we are willing to pretty much put people out on the streets, not understanding that this is treated like you would treat your grandparents, your parents, your kids, because they gotta make more sense. You can't. That's not fair. And I if I had two more minutes, I'd definitely go deeper into it.

[14:34] Thank you.

[14:37] Our next speaker is Jeanine Gallo.

[14:48] Um. Good evening. I'm going to go with Mr. Miles there with the taxes. I've been here two years watching you forgive taxes for every large company. Probably the same ones, the hand fed ones. Waiving first, first, giving it for a couple bucks, then turning around and then adding. You just did it last meeting or two meetings ago then now taking the school taxes off and everything else. I've also been driving around the city. You can't even see the fire hydrants. You don't care. So who cares if there's three little kids in that house? Because we don't care. You cannot see the fire hydrants. I took photos all over the city. I know I don't live in the city because I live. Guess what? In the town that you could see every fire hall, every fire hydrant everywhere. And if the people don't cut the grass our town goes and make sure that fire hydrant at least is clear. Okay, that is really important in this city to clear out these fire hydrants. Maybe, you know, again that city property there. Take care of city property. Clear those fire hydrants. That's pride. Give the people a break on their taxes like you do business. People that don't even live here. They don't even live here. Properties are sitting and sitting and sitting. And you don't care. You don't care. Five minutes. It's so funny. I don't even have to read the agenda. I'll walk in here and when I see the police, something on that agenda ain't right. It's as simple as that. Something on that agenda is not right for the people. It's not good for the people. You had $57 million for Covid money, and I don't see it anywhere. Anywhere. But you have a $30,000 washer and dryer that they can't fit through the door. of the facility. I mean, how embarrassing, how embarrassing. And again, I always say my washer and dryer. The complex is still working strong. At $1,200. Okay. Um, it's just a it's just a joke all the way around. Again, five minutes is not a lot in. The difference is if you go to other council meetings, they have an attorney for the people. They have news people that have an IQ better than 30. Okay. And that aren't the mayor's hand-picked media okay. Clown and clown. It's just different. And they have councilmen and women that answer the people. The million dollar question is, why do we still have the same council people up there? We've asked the same questions. You've never answered them. We still have people that don't live in the city working here, but we just continue every couple of weeks and just go through everything. I met Mr. Perry the first time. He told me to call the FBI, call everybody on the mayor. He's corrupt. Call. I have him on tape. Anybody wants to listen to him do this? He was out to get the mayor. Now you can't even see his head when he walks out of this building because it's up his ass.

[17:53] Thank you.

[18:32] Thank you.

[18:34] It's still me.

[18:35] I know we went over it the other day.

[18:37] Hi, my name is Anita Hart. In Niagara Falls. President. I'm speaking on agenda number 11 because it's very important, um, to everybody that attends here. And, um, from my perspective, we should implement progressive leadership, promote empathy and compassion for individuals. It replaces rigid transactional management with transformative influence. By doing so, it promotes engagement, increases resilience, ensures goals remain with modern ethical and collaborative collaborative standards. Let's implement dynamic forward thinking also. I know this was put in place April 2025, and maybe it was, um, as a result of a few individuals. People. Decorative language. Aggressiveness. What have you. But still, we shouldn't shy away from the people that really want to speak. I'm not the smartest person in the world by far, but I can't think in three minutes effectively enough to have my ideas come across an effective manner, even with notes. It's still difficult for me and as well as others to express my ideas and concerns in a well. Um, well, thinking, you know, c I can't even think how you think. How do you think others feel? And I can't think in three minutes enough to get their point across. That was my point. Um, I'm sure one of you up there will vote no and we'll just have to live with that. But hopefully overall it will be a yes. And thank you, Mr. Colley, for the support and the resolution. Much appreciated. Mhm. Let's see. So we should be people centered. It emphasizes individual development and as a whole promotes unity. So with that we can do a lot more than being divided. And if you guys have any questions I'm sure it'll come up and go to the community. And that's all I got for now. Thank you.

[21:19] Thank you Anita. That was our last speaker.

[21:26] Any administrative.

[21:30] Now this evening. Thank you.

[21:33] Community happenings. Um, tomorrow at 11 a.m., we'll have the Juneteenth flag raising in front of City Hall. Um, June 18th as well. From 6 to 8 p.m.. Niagara Falls Book Circle taking place at the Underground Heritage Center. Um, free and open to the public. Or is this one? July 18th. I'll just announce it now because it's in front of me. Falls and the falls. Dead lifting meet. It's a benefit. Janine Cyr can give more information on that. Registration deadline is July 11th. Monday, June 22nd. Um, there is a blood drive in memory of Brian Archie Jr at Packer Court Community Center. From 1 to 5 p.m., there's a flyer on the table if you'd like to register to participate. Anything for y'all?

[22:37] Yes. Monday, June 22nd at 530 here at City Hall. Our program. We are selecting two students from each school to represent and just to be knowledgeable and coming into the meetings.

[22:56] Um, June 22nd Monday is our youth ambassador program here at City Hall at 530. Thank you.

[23:05] Here we go.

[23:07] Okay. All right. Council. We've had agenda packets since Friday. Do we have any motions to amend the agenda by roll call vote.

[23:22] A motion to amend. All right. Can I get a second to accept the agenda as presented?

[23:29] Oh.

[23:30] I got a motion. Second. I provide.

[23:35] A.

[23:37] Yes.

[23:37] Thank you.

[23:39] Yes. Can you call the roll to accept the agenda? What?

[23:44] Oh, wait a second.

[23:46] Yeah. And I'll make the motion. I made the motion. Any second.

[23:54] Council member.

[23:57] Council member. Miles. Yes. Council member.

[24:00] Council members. Yes. Chairman.

[24:13] The clerk is, uh.

[24:19] Giving a report for licenses issued and collected for the month of May 2010 so far.

[24:27] All right. Okay. Do I have a motion for item number one?

[24:31] Mr. chairman, I move the council vote to approve and authorize the mayor to enter into the agreement with the successful bidder, New Enterprises Stone and Line Company, Inc., for the annual purchase of concrete needed by the Department of Public Works and Parks as more fully outlined in the mayor's recommendation memo dated June 10th, 2026.

[24:54] Is there a second? Second.

[24:57] I will not restate the motion unless a member requests any information.

[25:03] Opposition. Please call the roll.

[25:09] Council member. Corley. Yes. Council member. Yes. Council member.

[25:14] Council member. Zaza. Yes. Chairman.

[25:22] Mr. chairman, I move the council vote to approve and authorize the mayor to enter into the agreement with the successful bidder, PVS Knollwood Chemicals, Inc., for the purchase and pool chemicals needed for the Department of Public Works and Parks as more fully outlined and recommended. Memo dated June 10th, 2026.

[25:42] You're a second.

[25:52] Opposition. Please call the roll.

[25:57] Council member.

[25:58] Council member.

[26:01] Council member. Perry. Yes. Councilmember.

[26:05] Chairman.

[26:07] Motion adopted. Item three.

[26:11] Mr. chairman, I moved the council vote to approve the contract award to RFP number 2026. Dash 14 to Skylight of New York, LLC for the provisions of fireworks display and related services to be provided to the City of Niagara Falls on July 4th, 2026 for rain date and authorize the mayor to execute an agreement with the successful vendor as more fully outlined in the recommendation dated June 10th, 2026.

[26:42] Is there a second? Second?

[26:45] Again, we will not restate the motion unless a member requests information. Opposition. Please call the roll.

[26:56] Councilmember Kelly. Yes. Councilmember. Mills. Yes. Councilmember.

[27:01] Council members. Aja. Yes. Chairman.

[27:05] Motion adopted. Item four.

[27:09] Mr. chairman, I move the council vote to approve the 2026 2027 Annual Action Plan to implement various federal grants, programs and related to grant award recommendations therein, and authorize the mayor to execute any documents necessary to effectuate the same. All more fully outlined in the Mayor's Mayor's recommended Memo recommendation memo dated June 10th, 2026.

[27:36] Second.

[27:44] Opposition. Please call the roll.

[27:50] Councilmember calling.

[27:52] Just to make a note. You know, calling on the community to help us, you know, keep an eye on where where the dollars are going. Make sure that the goals that they're achieving will be achieved and are being achieved to help the community, to help the people. But I'm a yes.

[28:07] Thank you.

[28:09] Council member.

[28:11] Council member.

[28:12] Council members.

[28:14] Yes.

[28:14] Chairman Archie.

[28:16] Steyn. Conflict of interest.

[28:21] Four days. One abstain.

[28:23] Motion adopted.

[28:26] 85.

[28:29] Mr. chairman, I moved to vote for the council. To vote to approve and adopt the proposed amended Citizens Participation Plan recommended by the Department of Community Development and authorize the mayor to execute any documents necessary to effectuate the same, all as more fully outlined in the Mayor's recommendation memo dated June 10th, 2026.

[28:51] There a second.

[29:01] Opposition.

[29:03] Please call the roll.

[29:07] Council member.

[29:09] Council member. Mills. Yes. Council member.

[29:12] Council members. Yes. Chairman.

[29:21] Out of seven.

[29:22] Six, six.

[29:23] Six. Excuse me.

[29:28] Mr. chairperson, I move the council vote to adopt and approve proposed substantial amendment to the 2020 Annual Action Plan recommendation recommended by the Department of Community Development, and authorize the mayor to execute any documents necessary to effectuate the same as more fully outlined in the mayor's recommendation memo dated June 10th, 2026.

[29:53] Second. Second.

[30:02] Opposition.

[30:06] Please call the roll.

[30:08] Councilmember Kiley.

[30:10] Not opposed. And I support the Clean Neighborhood program. Um, but but I think from what we've heard and experience, I think is a, there should be a chance to really let the public try to tap in to this sewer lateral program if possible. So I'll make a motion to postpone until we see how many people can let people know to apply for the sewer lateral program. And then the remaining funds can be given to the Clean Neighborhood program. So I'll make a motion to postpone.

[30:43] The motion on the.

[30:44] Table is.

[30:44] To postpone. I have a question.

[30:48] Mr..

[30:49] Tom.

[30:52] Go ahead.

[30:53] When? When do the funds expire? When do the funds expire?

[31:12] I don't see an answer to that. The is no, I'm not aware of it.

[31:17] Motion on the table is to postpone the second. I'll second call the roll.

[31:30] This vote is to postpone number six.

[31:32] Yes. Pending information.

[31:35] Council member.

[31:38] Council member.

[31:40] Council member.

[31:42] Council member.

[31:45] Chairman.

[31:47] Fourier's to postpone.

[31:50] Thank you.

[31:51] Item seven.

[31:58] Mr. chairperson, I move that. I move the council vote to approve and authorize the mayor to negotiate and enter into an agreement with the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to provide mandatory training and certification to our city firefighters in 2026 as more fully outlined in the mayor's recommendation memo dated June 10th, 2026. Is there a second? Second.

[32:21] We'll have a statement. Motion unless a member request any information. Opposition. Please call the roll.

[32:32] Council member.

[32:34] Council member.

[32:36] Council member. Perry. Yes. Council member.

[32:39] Chairman.

[32:41] Bagley's motion adopted. Item eight.

[32:45] Mr. chairperson, I moved the council vote to approve the waiver of city parking fees on June 18th, 2026 for 30 parking spots at the surface lot located at 238 third Street to benefit the Niagara Falls High School. Chaperones and students attending the senior class prom at the Convention Center as more fully outlined in the mayor's recommendation memo dated June 10th, 2026.

[33:07] Is there a second? Second or not? Restate the motion unless the member requests any information.

[33:16] Opposition.

[33:21] Please call the roll.

[33:23] Thank you.

[33:24] Council member Colley.

[33:26] Congratulations to the seniors. I hope they wish them well, whether it's college or going into the workaday world. I'm a yes.

[33:32] Yes. My grandson. Woo woo woo woo!

[33:36] Council member.

[33:38] Council member. Perry. Yes. Council members. Yes. Yes. Chairman. Andre. Yes. Thank you.

[33:43] All right.

[33:45] Item nine.

[33:49] Mr. chairperson, I move the council vote to approve second hand dealers license for Joshua Lopez, DBA toys from low. As more fully outlined in the clerk's recommendation memo dated May 29th, 2026.

[34:03] Is there a second?

[34:04] Move it.

[34:05] We'll now restate the motion. Unless the member requests any Information.

[34:10] Yes.

[34:10] I'm not sure if this is a question for the clerk. Or maybe Mr. Dubois, but is this something that a pawn shop, you know, a secondhand dealer have to apply to every year? Or it's something that is that.

[34:25] It is an annual license.

[34:29] So.

[34:30] So not as.

[34:32] So so so so we have one individual, right, um, who's come before us before. And to my understanding, there's another, uh, similar operator in the city that has not been here in some time. And so hold on. And so is that are we we're just trying to understand why he's back here. Not that there's an issue with with what we're about to do, but like just trying to understand the equity across. Yeah. Oh, no. Did they do do you know what. You understand what we're saying? He's here again this year. We have.

[35:09] Something.

[35:10] Okay, but I don't have enough information. Okay? So. Okay, give me the name of the, uh, the company that allegedly doesn't have a license. No, sir. Not allegedly. I do have a license for the robot. He's asking.

[35:27] He's asking you about the the people you talk to.

[35:30] You're telling me that there's another business that is in the same line of work as you that has not applied for a license? No, sir. They've applied. Uh, they said they never had to come in front of the board. They did. Fine. Okay. What's the name of the company? I don't want to put the business on. Well, then I then I can't help you.

[35:48] Hold on, hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up.

[35:53] Hold up. We talked about a year. We talked about a year ago. No, you didn't talk to me I got the email. I got an Eagle business for 13 years. So you don't have to like me. You don't. But that should not affect my business for me. You made your business legal by applying for the license and getting it. So that problem was resolved last year with a license. I have a minor county license. That wasn't sufficient. I'm sorry. What would you say? As I told you in the email over a year ago, the Niagara County license, now county on license is good in Niagara County excessively. But I was told by you and this evening that Niagara Falls is its own municipality. Correct. And they don't consider themselves part of Niagara County? No, that's not it. That is correct. I'm okay with that, sir. I got this. We got you. I came here from Lockport, New York, right after 12 years of a successful business. Right? I moved down to 87, and for four years, I was transported back and forth to Lockport to run my very successful business. I brought it here, and I have $185,000 in debt in one year. Wow. There's no support here. This man told me prior to last year via email, if I opened my illegal business without a license, he would have it shut down. Not wording it if you open up your business illegally, he said. If you open up your illegal business, that's two different statements by a man that clearly, clearly does not like them for whatever reason. Okay, I don't know. Okay? I never gotten respect from this man. And now I'm in front of five of you again, begging. Begging to say yay! Yay! Yay! Yay! So I can feed my family. Do you understand? That's frustrating.

[37:47] So so so so I do, and I get it. But as we as we talked before, I told you, everybody, everybody has discussed this and it's all it's we just trying to get clarity for you.

[37:57] But that's happening out of business. Now the business didn't say they don't have a license. They said they never.

[38:03] Had to come back.

[38:04] The board to be accepted for their quiet process. Now there are only three palm licenses issued in the city of Niagara Falls. He should know that, right? That's the city's lawyer. But he denies it because he was going to deny me and falsely accused me of opening up the legal business. It's not illegal, sir.

[38:25] Not anymore. Not not anymore, not anymore.

[38:28] So I'm speaking.

[38:30] Out of positions that I've learned a legal business.

[38:33] Understand?

[38:33] Okay. Hold up, hold up, hold up.

[38:35] Hold up.

[38:36] The question posed to me. Mister. Mister chairperson, the question posed to me was one of equity. Why is this gentleman asked?

[38:43] And that. And that is annually.

[38:45] He knew his license versus some other. And again, I can't I can't help anyone out with improving equity on that front unless I know the name of the company that we're talking about. So maybe, mister, maybe this gentleman would like to privately tell you, Mister Archie? And you can relate to me. And then I can do something about it.

[39:05] Oh. You do? Okay.

[39:07] We got you. We got.

[39:09] You. Yeah.

[39:14] Wait wait wait wait wait wait wait. Wait wait wait.

[39:16] Hold up. Nobody. We're not even. We're not talking about his license. We're asking a question about another business. Slow down. Slow down. Janine, welcome back. And chill out. Please. Can you please. Okay.

[39:37] Call the roll.

[39:44] There is no real quick.

[39:46] For the record, I don't want to have him try to shut down my business or anything negative to come from this, because his ego and pride is in front of anything professional right now.

[39:56] You're interrupting the vote. That's for your benefit. The chairman called the role, which means everyone quiet. Its time for voting.

[40:04] Yes, sir.

[40:05] What is he doing here?

[40:06] Here we.

[40:07] Stop. Can we stop like. You can't have.

[40:09] That.

[40:10] Happen. This really, literally can't happen.

[40:13] Chairman, he's. He's interrupted the meeting.

[40:15] Listen.

[40:16] And he's not supposed to be standing here.

[40:18] Wait, wait, wait.

[40:18] I'm talking to two grown people right now, though. This. This literally can't happen. Like we gotta stop. I'm going, I'm going, I'm going. Call the roll, please. That's it.

[40:27] Second time.

[40:28] Thank you. Council member colleagues.

[40:30] Yes.

[40:31] Council member.

[40:33] Council member.

[40:35] Council members.

[40:36] Yes.

[40:37] Chairman.

[40:39] Five years.

[40:40] Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. No no no, no.

[40:47] That's. The city's.

[40:50] All.

[40:51] Right.

[40:52] That's chairman. You should allow him to talk to people.

[41:21] Item ten please.

[41:25] Mr.

[41:28] Resolution.

[41:29] 2020 635. Relative to honoring the legacy of Juneteenth.

[41:34] Second. Second.

[41:44] Opposition.

[41:47] Let's call the roll.

[41:55] Council member Kelly.

[41:57] Definitely a great honor in terms of history. I hope we all, you know, all learn to also follow the 13th, 14th and 15th amendment that really codified freedom, citizenship in these United States of America. I'm a yes.

[42:15] Council member.

[42:18] Council member.

[42:20] Council member. Zack. Yes. Chairman.

[42:26] Five years.

[42:26] Motion adopted. Item 11.

[42:31] Mr. chairperson, I move the council vote to approve resolution 2020 632. Relative to restoring the public comment time limit to five minutes at city council meetings.

[42:46] Is there a second?

[42:48] Second.

[42:49] Colin.

[42:52] Will now restate the motion unless the member requests any information.

[42:58] Opposition.

[42:59] Yes, Mr. chairman, I wish to acknowledge my opposition to this resolution. The speaking has been three minutes. We revised it two years ago. And for the reason that if people have legitimate complaints or they need problems solved, we are all available by either email or telephone at any time, and more if they come and state their problem within three minutes. You know as well as I know, and many of us know that we do follow up on legitimate complaints. Therefore, I see no reason to have to move back to five minutes.

[43:41] Oh.

[43:42] This is this is what I'm talking about, though, right here. This this is why. This is why, right? No it's not. Well, this is why. Let's let's just be respectful. Let's just. Please, please, please.

[43:57] I

[44:00] opposition noted. Anyone else?

[44:05] Call the roll.

[44:08] Council member call.

[44:09] I love. I love hearing the complaints. I want to know what's on your heart. I want to know what's on your mind. I wish I could give you more time. That's actually why I'm having a town hall on June 29th at LaSalle library. So I'm all about free speech. I'm not about basing. I'm basing on what was tradition here. And it was five minutes. So I was trying to give you all ten minutes, as much time as you want, because I want to hear what you have to say. And that's why I love talking to you. So I'm a yes.

[44:32] Thank you. Council member.

[44:43] Council member.

[44:46] Council member.

[44:50] Council member.

[46:24] Thank you.

[46:27] Item 123.

[46:29] A.

[46:30] Motion to doctor 12.

[46:33] Mr. chairperson, I move the council vote to approve resolution 2020 636 relative to request.

[46:40] Hold on. Here we go. Hold on.

[46:44] Wait. Can you. Can you see this? But somebody. You need you to hold on. Mr.

[46:50] Item 12. He's reading. He's reading the motion. Item 12. Item 12. Yes.

[47:15] Is there a second.

[47:17] Second or not? Restate the motion unless the member request. Is there any information?

[47:25] Opposition.

[47:26] Yes.

[47:27] Mr. chairperson stated in the counsel of the whole when we spoke, I object to this a resolution for the reason that there are plenty of there are plenty of avenues for people if they are not making their tax payments for us to take them. And you yourself had mentioned even in your email that you wrote to the editors of the Gazette. That there are. There are various ways. If the person is in good faith and they're trying to do the right thing by paying their taxes. They're not going to be their property is not going to be taken away from them. The resolution as it stands, I think is just political pandering, and I won't be part of it. So I object to it.

[48:14] Opposition noted.

[48:15] May I ask you a question, please?

[48:18] So as soon as we're as soon as we're dead, slow it as soon as we're done. Absolutely. Okay. Um, yeah. So as soon as we're. As soon as we're done. As soon as we're done. As soon as we're done, she can come up.

[48:37] Please call the roll.

[48:39] Council member.

[48:41] Council member.

[48:43] Council member.

[48:48] Council members say.

[48:52] Chairman.

[48:54] I would strongly encourage anyone that has received a notice regarding taxes to contact the Building and Collections office. Newspapers. Cool. Facebook is cool. Call the people that can actually help you find a resolution to pay your bill. That's that's the billing and collection. That's that. That's how that works. And I understand that it may be a scary thing, but folks will help walk you through a process so that you are not losing your home. This is not something that's happening at the end of the month, regardless of what that letter says. This is just really putting people on notice that the moratorium on evictions, which ended last fall, is now starting to happen. Every other municipality around Niagara Falls has done the same and we should be no different. So please contact them. If you received a letter.

[49:43] Yes yes.

[49:46] Yes.

[49:47] Fourier's.

[49:51] Legislative session is now done. Please come up. Any public speakers for good of the community.

[50:00] All right. Yeah. Yeah. You guys.

[50:03] I didn't know I was waiting for that other person.

[50:05] Yeah, just like she.

[50:06] Yeah.

[50:06] Yeah. Just give her three months. Give her three.

[50:09] Minutes.

[50:13] Thank you. I had a stroke. No worries.

[50:16] Take your.

[50:16] Time. Thank you. No, this is not okay. I know my feet. I know, I know. Thank you.

[50:27] Thank you.

[50:30] I'm here to address the extra cost amongst these taxes.

[50:37] On the properties. Okay. Cleaning up the yard. $7,000. This man has been charged twice. Twice. And I have to poof! $14,000.

[50:56] Okay.

[50:56] All right. 27,000, $3. 6000, $7,000. Okay. And not only that, you say, Paul city Hall. They got someone answering the phone saying we're not answering any legal questions right now. Like all the upstairs, the legal department just, you know. Please give me a call back. I don't hear anything. So here we are, scrambling to get money so I don't get thrown out of my freaking house. All right. And let me say it's it's not going to happen.

[51:26] It might not be answered.

[51:28] I mean, you know.

[51:30] My other.

[51:31] Hundred.

[51:31] Dollars is a freaking lawyer.

[51:33] So if you have an individual situation, we can talk to you right after the meeting is over and get your information and help figure it out.

[51:40] All right.

[51:41] Thank you for hearing me.

[51:42] You're welcome.

[51:43] I didn't expect this. Okay. My cat saved my life. I'm going to walk him out. My other concern is for our elderly, our disabled, our veterans, the animals that are serving the animal. Right. And the regular animals have been with the resident mailman in the home for 30 years. Okay. And then sometimes I believe we should be notified more ahead where they can get. Maybe other family members do help or people in the community. Okay. Did the Don look bad? Okay. I came back here from Louisiana.

[52:43] Can you, can you, ma'am, address that?

[52:45] What I'm saying is, I think it's fair. Especially if you have a property with handicapped or veteran. You know what I'm saying? And that to be notified ahead of time. They do have a special meeting with even attorneys involved so that the residents are aware of the laws. You know what I'm saying? You know, we are humans and Niagara Falls, and it used to boom.

[53:24] I grew up here. I used to run all over. You know, I'm just saying. Niagara falls had a lot of good history, and we should have built downtown up because we knew. By sending our companies overseas. We lost. Then come drop after two years. Thieving and killing. Abandonment of elders and children. I have to put the animals in. I'm allright. You see? You see my saying?

[54:07] God. Yes, ma'am.

[54:09] You see, now I'm really affected by my paintings. Matter of fact, I was moving back to Louisiana. Guess it's cheaper. I wasn't taught in Louisiana for that time. Okay. It's cheaper down there, and people are moving. You know, we said we have to build Industry of tourism. Is that what we are? That's what we named for is tourism.

[54:48] There is a deal that will be for generation. Generation and my kids are going to worship. Young people

[55:01] and my grandkids.

[55:05] So.

[55:15] Thank you.

[55:19] Can I please have your name?

[55:21] My name is Jim Khoury.

[55:24] Thank you.

[55:34] We're going to start the good of the community off the list. Um. Number one. Uh, Tim heater.

[55:42] Yeah.

[55:47] That's nice.

[55:47] Seeing that five minutes back out there, I want to say thank you.

[55:49] Guys.

[55:50] Very much. It's much.

[55:51] Appreciated.

[55:53] Um, I did have one question, though. I didn't bring it up before. I was watching news earlier. Uh, North Tonawanda is doing, uh, a drone show rather than fireworks. So I'm just kind of spitballing here. I know there was an issue about where we shoot the fireworks off after the city near the dog shelter and things like that, and how it's going to affect us. Maybe we could explore looking into a drum. So I'm sure they're quiet. There's no noise, no boom from from fireworks. That might be something that we should explore possibly next year. I know this year it's too late, but I maybe we should talk to Mayor Tyler about it. I thought that was a pretty good idea, but I just wanted to say thank you guys for what you did. I appreciate it.

[56:36] Thank you. Our next speaker for the good of the community is Tanya Barron.

[56:53] It's crazy to see the five.

[56:55] Minutes back up on the board. I'm almost speechless. Can you believe it? What am I going to talk about for five minutes?

[57:01] Of course.

[57:03] Anyway, thank you for that. Thank you for that. Um, as far as Mr. Lopez, I am really taken aback by. I feel like he was being discriminated against last year when he was here. And I'm really upset over that because I feel like there is a pawnbroker on Pine Avenue.

[57:26] Yeah.

[57:27] There's a real and I'm not sure where the third one would be, but I just I've I've been coming here a long time and I've never seen anyone have to come before you guys for a vote for a pawnbroker license. So I would ask that you really look into that, because I know they gave them a really hard time last year. Um, and that's kind of all how we own that him and sympathized with him as a business owner. Um, the dog shelter. It's not open. We don't have to worry about 4th of July fireworks, but we do. We have to worry about a $4 million project sitting there with washer and dryer that can't fit through an opening and concrete issues. Do we know anything about why it's there's no RFP yet, even to give people a larger, like a longer notice, to try to get a really good vendor in there and give everybody a chance. Um, because that was supposed to be open a long time ago. So we're concerned about where that all that money that was poured into that building? No RFP. Who was in charge over there? Why didn't they see that the concrete wasn't poured correctly until it's after all done. And now we have to start ripping things apart. That's not how we should be doing business. Um, again, a Cayuga Island, um, contamination issue. I'm concerned, as a homeowner on the island, um, of my investment in what?

[59:00] This contamination is not only going to do and has been doing to the health in our community, um, but the values of our homes. Now, I know I'm kind of jumping ahead, but, um, people like to say I was a conspiracy theorist, but I hate to say, but all the conspiracies that I've had have come true, and people really need to start advocating for themselves, for each other. Um, because there's literally cancer all the way around my house. And my one neighbor just got diagnosed with fourth stage prostate cancer. Um, and just started radiation. And my next door neighbor died from it. And my other neighbor on the side had a double mastectomy at 50. And then my other neighbor just died from bladder cancer. Um, and I could go on, but, like, if you just kind of play roulette and go every other house around my house, and I just feel like it's closing in and I'm terrified. The boat docks, I tried. I seen a video a few weeks ago, um, of the leeching bubbling up from the ground. That's not from boats. That's the groundwater bubbling up onto the sidewalk. I went down there and I looked, and it's actually underneath the parking lot coming out of the crack, and it destroyed all of the. It looks like rust, but, um, I was actually looking into my own private sampling and testing because I just don't trust any lettered agencies to determine what's good for our health and what's good for the health of our community. They did find three contaminants in the Griffin Park site from the testing from 2022, and I have the results. They only look for specific chemicals, not a whole bunch of chemicals, so they don't check for phenols or anything like that. So if you don't test for it, of course you're not going to find it. But any level, whether it's below their standards, is still a chemical that the way the ground is sloped is going to mix in with that water that's pulling there. It's going to go down into the river, um, along with all of the sludge that's forming there, the bacteria, the iron oxidizing bacteria that they say that is is very it's a health hazard regardless. Um, there were people biking through it, standing in it, fishing. Um, there was a baby that almost fell face first into it when someone was down there. Um, so I asked DPW to rope it off. I don't know if they have yet. Just while we confirm what it is and for the residents to be safe. I was told people vandalize things will try. That's not acceptable. So we really need to start advocating and listening to people. And like I said, all of that road was dug up. I'd really like to know if the water board actually.

[1:01:55] Thank you, Miss Barone.

[1:01:57] If they knew and they didn't tell people. Thank you.

[1:02:02] Our third speaker is going to be Patricia Tweed on taxes for the good of the community.

[1:02:11] And how are you?

[1:02:13] Hello again. Okay. As Councilman Perry said, there are many options when you have delinquent taxes, such as another 20 year mortgage, a home equity loan Or bankruptcy, but who would want to do that at my age? I'm 74 years old, so I'd like to make a proposal for a tax repayment plan to have an arrangement, such as a tier system, where rather than the generalized payment plan that they have now, we have to have 25% down of what you owe and then you pay for two years. So, for example, if you owe $5,000 and you got to take 25% of that, and then the remaining you pay every month for two years. So instead of just being two years, they should expand it according to how much you owe. So you're able to make each payment without going bankrupt yourself. And, um, the average any amount of tax monies would be helpful for the revenue of the city. And I just want to tell you my experience. I went to the clerk's office, the billing and collection tried to pay a bill. I asked if they would take partial payments and she said, no, we are not a bank. Well, then I said maybe they should become a bank so they can take partial payments so they get the revenue that they need to keep the city afloat. Right? Okay. And also, as far as the Q Island problem, I hope you look into that and research it because I don't want another love canal. I lived through it once. Thank you.

[1:03:47] Thank you.

[1:03:50] Our next speaker is Ronnie Rose.

[1:04:02] Good evening. Tonight I'm speaking for the community specifically for the residents of Niagara Falls who live with the consequences of decisions made without full transparency. What I keep hearing from people is simple. We feel like decisions are being made first, and we, the people, are informed. After the last city Council meeting, a major settlement litigation matter was already decided, one tied to NFR the land a terrible development to in fact and the future of our city. And now after all of that, we're hearing about town hall meetings. Town hall should not come after huge decisions were made. It's giving damage control, not public engagement. The city has a long history of development coming here using our land, our infrastructure and our power and our water, while we the people are left with broken roads, contaminated sites, failing systems, unanswered questions and dealing with the health consequences with your approval, we're seeing that happen yet again. The concerns we have about the data center are simple questions. What does it demand from our electric grid, our water supply, and our already strained infrastructure? Four of you couldn't answer those before voting. The Public Service Commission has an open case and is asking the right questions about the proposed data center. Questions that about power, demand, infrastructure. Capacity, cost to the public. Environmental impact and who actually benefits. So now I'm asking four out of five of you. Why didn't you ask those same questions before proving such a large deal? Why did it take residents raising concerns? Public pressure and now PSC stepping in just for you to hold town hall meetings. At the same time, we're dealing with serious environmental concerns across the city. 102nd Street boat docks. Cayuga Island radioactive fill known as slag. All over our city streets. Millions of gallons of raw sewage released into the Niagara River because our infrastructure is failing. These are not separate issues. It's all interconnected, poor decisions made to benefit the few and not the many. And that's been the common narrative inside of the City Hall for decades. We the people deserve more than announcements after the fact. We deserve documents before votes. We deserve testing before reassurances. We deserve to know what's being negotiated in our name, what is being paid for with our money, and what risks are being placed inside of our neighborhoods. I am not against development. I am against development. When it comes without disclosure. I'm against settlements without public understanding. I am against calling something community engagement. Only after the community has been cut out. I'm asking the council, the mayor and anyone else in power to remember that political interest over community interest will only get you so far, and it's starting to look like you all have reached the end of the road. Our city is no longer a dumping ground. It's not a bargaining chip and it's not a sacrifice zone. This is our home and we are going to start taking it back. And also the common narrative has been how did you not know on my post about the radioactivity, the slag. Are we all aware of what that is? I am just finding out about this. This is about the scariest thing I think I have ever heard. Which is now bringing me back to the potholes. Which makes sense why? Nothing actually gets fixed. And it's everywhere. It is everywhere. That is terrifying. So we want to go ahead and vote on a data centre, another unregulated industry that can harm and pollute the environment in the place we live. Yet again, this is not good. It is putting industry before people. This city has been a sacrifice zone for so long. Our health. I am 31 and I have health concerns since I moved to the neighbourhood and I just discovered it is wrapped in slag. It is insane and I really hope that we start taking the environment more seriously, because I'm starting to think Love Canal and Cayuga Island are not the only places with chemicals buried under it. I have done extensive research the past week and it has become overwhelmingly scary. So please think about this all before continuing the process of this data center. Thank you.

[1:08:37] Thank you Ronnie. Our next speaker is Susan DeLong.

[1:08:47] Thank you. I'm Susan DeLong. Can I ask you? I'm here to discuss my city parking pass. I received a $50 parking ticket after parking in the rainbow lot, which is allowed per the terms and conditions of the pass. The police said I'm not allowed to park there as my pass is not valid at metered parking. Where can I park with my city parking pass? Can you tell me?

[1:09:18] They can't respond.

[1:09:20] Oh, we can't respond. Well, that's my question. If someone can respond or let me know how I can find an answer, I'd appreciate it. Thank you.

[1:09:34] That is.

[1:09:49] Hello. Good evening. Robert Venture of Niagara Falls. Uh, another year, and we are dealing with the same issue that happens year after year after year. Uh, high grass is growing all over the city. Some of the city radius are so overgrown, you can't see what's coming or what's going. It's a very dangerous situation. Uh, that's not just neglect. That's a safety hazard. Some examples are, uh, 18th and south. You can't see what's coming. Uh, 18th and Niagara Avenue and 13th and Pierce. They're all bad. They should be addressed tomorrow, not next month. I caught 311 on one a few years ago. It didn't address it three months later, so hopefully it won't be this long because something that could happen. Uh, vacant lots already pushing six, uh, five and six feet high. And we are not even into July yet. People who take care of their properties. But next door, there's a vacant house or empty lot with grass growing up to their shoulders. That's not fair to the residents who actually maintain maintain their homes. These are mostly in the downtown area. For some reason. I don't see them in LaSalle or Duval. It's only downtown. It's like a pattern over the years, I'm not sure why. And while we are talking about appearance, Main Street could use attention to it's not looking good and it reflects the whole city. I'm hoping we can find solutions to these problems soon. Soon. Because, uh, these issues keep repeating every year, year after year, and the community deserves better. Thank you.

[1:11:09] Thank you, Mr. Vento. Our next speaker is Dante Miles.

[1:11:18] And meet Pete.

[1:11:22] Okay, so, um, this was a really good night. Um, and I, for the most of you, I appreciate you really practicing empathy and putting yourself in the shoes of others who may have different experiences. Everyone's issue isn't a cookie cutter issue. When it came down to this whole idea of, you know, this the foreclosure and the taxes and whatnot. But you guys, uh, for the most part, made the right decision. You're on the right side of history. So let me just give you, um, my take as it pertains to and thank you for being on the other side of the right side of history as well, with the five minutes, the level of frustration that took place because I sat in the same seat. Um, of an individual who actually went on podcast and who went on publicly on social media and literally dogged out people who actually sat at this podium and spoke. And that person was the leader of the of the was the chairman. So when a chairman see now I can appreciate someone with integrity if you're going to lead, lead with integrity because when a chairman goes on a yes, goes on a podcast, and literally as you're supposed to be representing these people here, you go on a podcast and you begin to like, really demean and dog people out online. What do you expect to get when you get back here on that Wednesday night? You're not going to get pleasantries. You're not going to get niceties. People are not going to be happy. People are not going to sit back and play nice in the sandbox. When you go and do this that you lose a level of professionalism. You were voted into this space to take care of the people. You were voted into the space to be able to be a representative of the people. So therefore, that's why the frustration of the three minutes, because it seemed like we were getting kicked in the face twice, because I sat up there in that same seat. And guess what I said on this side too? And I've been I'm talking about that. I've gotten that same work that y'all get. I've gotten it. I had four years up there, so I understand how it feels. But at the end of the day, this is something that I signed up for, just like all five of you. So the whole idea of us having this time to be able to express, especially when we don't have these seats that should be filled with our mayor and the administration and all of the people that he dedicated to these department heads to answer any questions that we have. Because most of the time you guys don't have those answers. And I'm not even placing blame on you because guess what? I didn't have them either when I was up there. He never has the answers, we know that. So when we don't have the specific people that should be able to answer the questions that you guys, you are you're you're our representative. Our frustration is only because your hands are all often, often tied. You can't really give us any real solutions, but yet you guys become the beating board. I understand that I was there. All but all we're saying is, is that once you begin to hold the administration accountable, once we begin to, you know, operate in a space of, listen here, this is our council, this is our meeting. And so what we need to have a successful meeting where if you guys have to go back into the charter because you guys have that to do. You can't do that. You don't have to have a vote from the people. There's that's another way you can, but you don't. You guys can call the charter commission. You can go back and you can change all of that to make this to give watch this back to power, because right now in City Hall is in balance. It's in balance. One branch has more power in just holding the key, holding basically the ranks to all most of the decisions that's being made. And he knows as if all he has to have is two. He doesn't need he doesn't really need three. You guys understand that, especially when it comes down to the budget. Or he needs his two people that's going to agree with him and stay in his pocket.

[1:15:55] Because he'll veto and he no he can't he can he. You guys won't give him a super majority. So that's the thing. So overall not that I gave you all of that. I want to say thank you guys for the decisions that you made tonight, especially on agenda item number 11 and number 12. That was very appreciated and I'm quite sure the residents appreciate it as well. Appreciate you.

[1:16:16] Thank you, Mr.

[1:16:34] I can I can do more than that. More than I planned with five minutes. Uh, first off, on a positive side, uh, was driving by again today. Saw them flags from the field of flags waving in the wind. And that's a beautiful thing. It's a shame that it has to end on July 5th. Is there any way that we can extend it eventually from Memorial Day to Veterans Day? Because they deserve it. But at least if we have to do it in stages, let's go to Labor Day and then the following year to Veteran's Day and then on with that.

[1:17:21] We know there's two seasons in this area. They're called construction and winter. And and I mentioned that because, uh, there was something that was put before the, uh, Urban Renewal Agency and something that was made there for the designation of Hanan, the fire hall over to a ministry that does a wonderful job.

[1:17:45] I don't know what the delay is, but I'd just like to get an update on that and and find out why it keeps getting delayed. Also, uh.

[1:17:59] As you addressed it with the with the weeds and everything. Uh, thanks. And I don't know if it was the fact that when I called in, I also said that I was going to bring it up at the council meeting tonight, but they did cut the ones on 24th and Whitney. But there is an address, 3625 Highland, that is now owned by the Urban Renewal Agency, which is you guys. And in order there's a there's a line of dead trees that's bordering the property that I was talking on. City hasn't done this guy any favors whatsoever yet, but yet he has taken a lot of those trees down on his own for the safety of the kids. And if you expect the citizens to do it when you have your own property, maybe you ought to do it also. Last but not least, uh, a lot of you guys were gone after the last meeting. But, uh, at the end of that meeting I had brought up and it was brought up this this evening as well, this residency requirement. And one councilman did come up to me and give me some information on that with the grandfathering clause, but I'm unsure about it. And I asked about that for the attorney that you guys could make a presentation so that we can either fix this or put it to rest.

[1:19:20] If there is something that's on the law books. You can disagree with the law, but until it's changed, you're required to obey it, as are we. And I would like that to be taken care of. I would like a statement, and I would like that to be investigated as to exactly what and how any kind of grandfathering comes in. And if that is legitimate. And I guess that's about all more time than I thought. Thank you kindly.

[1:19:54] Thank you John. Our next speaker is Jeanine Gallo.

[1:20:05] Okay, I just want to start off with just mentioning when Mr. Miles was up there as as a councilman, he was always timed and no one else was. It was kind of feel like the guy that owns the arcade singled out no one else's time. Um, also, when we had the other chairman, he let him run the show and and fight with people and bicker with people and egg people on. And I applaud our new chairman for getting control and trying to at least make him stop taunting the people up here. His job is just to answer your questions, not to argue with us. Even if we say something, he's got to control himself because it only upsets everybody. Not just myself, everybody. The guy that walked away, he purposely stood away from the mic to say something to him. It's just wrong. And I'm going to end it with that. Um, as far as things going on, as the dog shelter, the company that was hired to build the dog shelter, um, changed their names twice during it. I don't ever remember when they changed their name. Coming back here as a new company with a different name. Um, they also offered some of the companies cash, and I have backup cash to work weekends and holidays to finish the project by October 1st. Okay. Wow. If you recall when that opened, when they started that construction, the first thing I said is because I own commercial property. The first thing when you have work done, I had gas tanks taken out, the company fences your area up and posts. Who's working on the site. That was never done there. It was odd. Who is this company that you hired that was willing to pay union workers cash to finish. And what was the rush to finish by October 1st of last year? Wow. And again, when I come up here, I back up anything I say. The lights you paid for lights. These crossing signs, $100,000. I just happened to be going to the DMV, and I was like, wait, isn't that the site that you're paying their existing poles? You pay $20,000 for these guys to use maybe 30, 40ft of wire and strap it around existing poles? You know, he was crucified for talking about a fence, just getting an estimate for a fence. Bright lights yelled at me after one of the council meetings that the picket fence. We own, those fences. We paid for them. And when we go, we take those fences. They're still in Grand Island and they were there before. They were never Niagara Falls as fences that you paid for. But again, when you ask for foils, you don't get them. It's ridiculous. So let's go there. So he gets crucified for mentioning a fence. We paid $7,000 for a fence that we never even owed, and it didn't matter. Um huh. The data center. Okay, if you look in the town of Tonawanda, we have a new town supervisor. Okay. Boom! As soon as he came in, stop that data center. Because he wanted to know more information. Because he wanted to know more information. You got a clown in there that doesn't care. Whoever fills his pockets up, you win. Okay, you guys up here? At least some of you asked for more time to know. And that's a big vote. Big vote? He's a happy man in there. He's happy they got what they wanted. And now you're going to battle to get control of it back. Town supervisor, town of Tonawanda. Brand new boom stop. I want more information. That's a leader. That's a leader.

[1:23:57] Everybody here. Every attorney here is related to the mayor. They're related to the merits. His brother, his son, who's married to who's now an attorney. I mean, follow the trail. Every attorney here, the mayor has a they're related. They don't live here, but they're running the city. The city's money. Do we have a city comptroller of the I mean, no, my God, I want to be it. Um. You again. You say follow the rules, Mr. Chairman. Follow the rules. You hold it up. Follow the rules. What's one of the rules in Niagara Falls? You have to live in Niagara Falls to work here. So why don't you start following the rules and get it on the agenda? Get it on the agenda. Get it on the agenda to get rid of the people that don't live in Niagara Falls. Or I'm going to ask for a job.

[1:25:03] Thank you. Jeanine. Our last speaker for the evening is Anita Hart. Even better.

[1:25:18] Hi, I'm Anita again. Still, um, so I want to thank you guys. I'm so excited. I didn't think I'd have five minutes, and now I just added something else to my list to talk about. But, um, so you guys and us, we.

[1:25:34] Got a match.

[1:25:36] If you guys know the reference, you know, if you don't, you don't. Anyway, so happy that we could get a match there. You know.

[1:25:44] That.

[1:25:45] Reference. Okay. So talking about leadership. All right, I'm speaking of Sergeant Hart, Union, US Army. Okay. I served for 12 years and in a combat zone. Um, let's implement effective, dynamic, dynamic, forward thinking leadership. Effective leadership promotes a feeling that the community feels seen and heard as well as part of the process. It fosters continual growth and creates an adaptable environment that drives sustainable, long term challenges. The core principles of progressive leadership include. It can be implemented and also in community or implemented in the workplace, as well as in the community in community engagement. People centered ensuring the community feels valued and supported. Open mindedness promotes innovative solutions. The big one transparency promotes open communication. psychological safety, clear communication and expectation to build community trust as well as with all relationships. If we don't have trust, we cannot progress in a healthy manner. And I hope you guys agree. Um, we need to work more on our leadership skills. Brush up on that as a community. The next area that I want to speak about, Velma, okay, is fireworks. As combat veteran fireworks and neighborhoods, and especially in the summertime around the 4th of July, are disruptive to others and people that, um, have babies, shift workers, dogs and other animals. The week, especially the 4th of July, there's fireworks and neighborhoods and until the wee hours of the morning, One, two, three, 4 a.m.. That's too late for fireworks. If y'all want to know what it and understand what it sounds like to be in a combat zone, listen to fireworks from inside and outside and then you'll know and you'll understand. To start addressing this issue, I'm open to ideas. Um, I'm hoping that we can maybe put together a think tank of solutions, maybe ban fireworks in residential neighborhoods. Um, so this is from the American Lung Association. In residential neighborhoods, fireworks can cause significant disruption, posing immediate dangers such as structure fires, scorch marks, and property damage. They also generate intense noise that severely impact or severely impact a special, especially vulnerable populations. Neighbor fireworks are a source of considerable conflict, bringing negative impacts to the community. So okay, in saying that, um, I hope that we can get together and come up with something before the 4th of July, before the week leading up to the 4th of July, because it's very disruptive. Um, our animals too. Yeah. Ah, especially the stray animals. Cats, dogs outside. Um. Or they're run away. Yeah. And for people, it poses significant amount of anxiety, especially for those special populations. And, um, that's all I have. And oh, the dog shelter. If it does go in Hyde Park eventually. How do you think those dogs are going to react to the fireworks? I know somebody somebody said it's only one day out of the year, but to the dogs, it's one trauma after one trauma after one trauma for the rest of their life.

[1:30:07] Same for veterans. Thank you Janine. Same for veterans. I was traumatized in the combat zone. Wasn't pretty. It wasn't pretty. And coming and coming 24 over seven for a whole year wasn't pretty. It affects veterans just as just the same. Okay. I'm done. Thank you. Have a good night.

[1:30:27] Thank you. Anita. Anita, thank you for your service to our country. And that's it for tonight.

[1:30:36] What time do we get? Thank you.

Niagara Falls City Council Meeting 6-17-2026

Transcript