DUNKIRK – City council members authorized a repayment Tuesday to the federal government of $153,520 as a result of an audit on the spending of grant funding.
A total of $126,346.52 will be paid from an account with the Dunkirk Local Development Corporation and the remaining balance is from the city’s general fund.
The amount was a loan given to S&K Hospitality Center, operators of the Clarion Hotel and Marina. The loan was authorized by the Dunkirk Local Development Corporation several years ago. The loan was provided through Community Development Block Grant funding the city received and was earmarked for economic development. S&K repaid the loan but the federal audit found that the application did not meet requirements for the creation of new jobs.
In other business, Mayor A.J. Dolce announced that $341,000 in a Western New York Regional Economic Development grant has been received for the seawall construction project.
The city received an announcement about the award in December and has been waiting for the formal “go ahead” to proceed. “This is a little later than we were hoping for, but good news,” said Dolce. He said bids will be sought within the next week. He said they hope to award a contract at the June 3 council meeting.
“We hope the whole seawall will be complete in 2015 and the parks portion of this lakefront project will be in 2015,” said the mayor.
In another matter, the “Complete Streets” policy was approved for a public hearing to become a part of the city’s local laws. Council members will include the new policy in the city code pertaining to sidewalks and streets. The new section will have guidelines for pedestrian, bicycle and motoring traffic. Members of the Revitalize Dunkirk Committee spoke in favor of including the new section in the city code. The final approval requires a public hearing set for May 20 at 5:30 p.m.
“Besides improving the look and safety for city residents, approval gives us an increased chance for grants,” said Steve Neratko, director of planning and development for the city.
Councilwoman Stacy Szukala reported that there have been complaints about construction vehicles using city streets on their way to the Millenium Parkway site. Dolce said he talked to the contractor and asked that the trucks use county roads, which are better equipped to handle heavy equipment.
The new parkway is under construction. Dolce said he also learned that the new parkway will have 100 trees planted along the side of the roadway as an enhancement.
A section of Roberts Road will be closed for about three weeks during the project. A section of Talcott Street is currently closed.
A total of $126,346.52 will be paid from an account with the Dunkirk Local Development Corporation and the remaining balance is from the city’s general fund.
The amount was a loan given to S&K Hospitality Center, operators of the Clarion Hotel and Marina. The loan was authorized by the Dunkirk Local Development Corporation several years ago. The loan was provided through Community Development Block Grant funding the city received and was earmarked for economic development. S&K repaid the loan but the federal audit found that the application did not meet requirements for the creation of new jobs.
In other business, Mayor A.J. Dolce announced that $341,000 in a Western New York Regional Economic Development grant has been received for the seawall construction project.
The city received an announcement about the award in December and has been waiting for the formal “go ahead” to proceed. “This is a little later than we were hoping for, but good news,” said Dolce. He said bids will be sought within the next week. He said they hope to award a contract at the June 3 council meeting.
“We hope the whole seawall will be complete in 2015 and the parks portion of this lakefront project will be in 2015,” said the mayor.
In another matter, the “Complete Streets” policy was approved for a public hearing to become a part of the city’s local laws. Council members will include the new policy in the city code pertaining to sidewalks and streets. The new section will have guidelines for pedestrian, bicycle and motoring traffic. Members of the Revitalize Dunkirk Committee spoke in favor of including the new section in the city code. The final approval requires a public hearing set for May 20 at 5:30 p.m.
“Besides improving the look and safety for city residents, approval gives us an increased chance for grants,” said Steve Neratko, director of planning and development for the city.
Councilwoman Stacy Szukala reported that there have been complaints about construction vehicles using city streets on their way to the Millenium Parkway site. Dolce said he talked to the contractor and asked that the trucks use county roads, which are better equipped to handle heavy equipment.
The new parkway is under construction. Dolce said he also learned that the new parkway will have 100 trees planted along the side of the roadway as an enhancement.
A section of Roberts Road will be closed for about three weeks during the project. A section of Talcott Street is currently closed.