[{"_1":2,"_107":-5,"_108":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,97],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6464572,"mediaKeyId","5783549-c936aa4d2b95671f8413f8f256e50d6d","parentId",5783549,"title","Residents, council and mayor spar over charter revision timing, filings and public notice","audioSeconds",1200,"startMs",1200000,"endMs",-1,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5783549-c936aa4d2b95671f8413f8f256e50d6d&start=1200&end=0","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5783549-c936aa4d2b95671f8413f8f256e50d6d/thumbnail_1200000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6464572/Tonawanda/Erie-County/New-York/Residents-council-and-mayor-spar-over-charter-revision-timing-filings-and-public-notice","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6464572-2e1df30f41c24535d2c60a0ca78b2179/orig.mp4?Expires=1775698765&Signature=KLF7E4hRxPQIrOb8nD0ScwmEaq11BnzwT64RASw-fLmx~vOeEe0W54E5-IuH8frvhHjywePgIz7eKMwCTbnlxVrXG4HD8TbTeBbuzqZZeOQyaJjof8LNidtE2e2DttsAQfDF5x9iTzf6vhQIRnugKj1Sm7ZgbAtYtTDuNW8IqVptuhJr6OW349Ldx27HFoIochlJO2LR7DDEos~tOUQLFvLk7xIKlonExMuXA6rLR4YyyurW6ZIKZHwC-zISORr3okDX3N4-njIMmwF0gH5val1kPNOI1tOWm6WA9PQv9o01wLmpbh0WZSUBfEgfR3Ffk-2EAYLG5SLd88wArWwJBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Tonawanda, NY","date","2025-09-17T16:33:47Z","article","Public comment and council discussion on Sept. 16 focused heavily on the city's Charter Revision Commission and related filings for a possible November ballot referendum. Residents and council members raised concerns about the commission's public meetings, notice to the city clerk, whether draft language had been submitted to the New York Attorney General for review and whether the Board of Elections had been informed in time for the November filing deadline.

City officials—including the mayor and city clerk—responded that a memo announcing the commission's work had been circulated in July (the mayor said July 8) and that the commission had been working for approximately a year with attorneys on draft language. Council members and residents said they had not received all materials and flagged a July email that included a deceased member on the distribution list, which raised questions about the timeliness and accuracy of outreach.

Council and residents asked whether state filing requirements and the attorney general's review requirements were followed; the mayor acknowledged the city clerk had been contacted by the Board of Elections and said he was unaware of some timing changes that affected the filing window. The mayor accepted responsibility for communication lapses and apologized to the council for not ensuring the filings were handled in a way that met the revised deadlines; he said he would make sure future submissions are completed.

Why it matters: charter revisions determine the city's governing framework and a ballot question requires careful public notice, attorney-general review of ballot language and accurate coordination with the board of elections. Residents said they wanted more public hearings and clearer, accessible records of commission meetings. Council members discussed the need to post minutes and agenda supporting materials so the public can review proposed changes before a referendum.

What council asked for: one resident requested a list of commission members and copies of minutes; the mayor said he would provide the materials and reiterated that the city would improve communications to ensure required filings and reviews are completed ahead of deadlines.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","September 16, 2025 Common Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Public concern about the Charter Revision Commission's outreach and filing timeline dominated public comment at the City of Tonawanda Common Council's Sept. 16 meeting, with residents and council members asking for commission membership lists, minutes and confirmation that attorney-general and election-board filings were completed on schedule.","taxTitle","Tonawanda, Erie County, New York","taxId",56260,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":46,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6464567,"Council discusses surplus parcels, views split on direct sale; some members back $20,000 direct sale offer",1020,1020000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5783549-c936aa4d2b95671f8413f8f256e50d6d&start=1020&end=0","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5783549-c936aa4d2b95671f8413f8f256e50d6d/thumbnail_1020000.jpg","/articles/6464567/Tonawanda/Erie-County/New-York/Council-discusses-surplus-parcels-views-split-on-direct-sale-some-members-back-20000-direct-sale-offer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6464567-ebc15d97339229d9739433319866eff9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775698765&Signature=Fz0xCvJYfHwctx7plQrzM8bOyFMX88Wfwi0YllCTuoAZ-Vl8S4hTph-D1-rkuTqE5igE~4YAs25l-qBG07sAAopjM6vL8t8AEaQRJidrqK0KC6MArqQ2cmhpoTIOXqKhv8S8VMqiLzJfftUGsEiuydK2PjSGpYebwG~FVqJ0hzxu4j60Ifqa0oplooOBym8hnF~IUixB80EqTlfsahqAHwPXU-idQ5mrcy-i-BjBLmuBmFAqe4U~KXUYtPrCQVdsIiQhyoZE6dTbs5S8BfpsBg~NN8oEQlV8Bmohn1XoFd-8WnMpyfpXRFHtN5CtFJ7CnBMcmb4Jmjm~b-XlbzrVOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council members on Sept. 16 debated the disposition of a city-owned parcel near Ellicott Creek after an earlier auction drew a highest bid of $12,000 and a later letter offered $20,000. One councilmember said the city's initial asking price was $30,000 and favored taking the property to auction; another argued auctioning produced no acceptable bids and supported a direct sale at $20,000.

A motion to pursue a direct sale was discussed and the clerk called the roll. The transcript records affirmative responses from several council members when the matter was put to a vote. Council members debated whether a direct sale would reduce potential revenue but also said auction outcomes can be unpredictable; some members urged moving surplus property to the tax rolls by completing a sale.

Why it matters: selling municipal property converts underused parcels into taxable private property and can provide revenue to the city. Council members asked that any sale follow advertising and legal requirements and discussed paying typical realtor commissions and the effect of reserves and auction procedures.

What remains unclear from the public record: the transcript records an affirmative roll call on a direct-sale motion and statements supporting a $20,000 direct sale, but the parcel identifier and the formal resolution number (if any) were not specified in the portion of the record available at the meeting.","Council members debated selling a city-owned parcel near Ellicott Creek after an auction drew a $12,000 high bid and a later letter offered $20,000; some members supported a direct sale at $20,000, while others preferred holding for a higher price or following auction procedures.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":90,"_47":91,"_49":92,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6464577,"Council extends Tonawanda assessor's term to Oct. 31 while mayor and assessor continue negotiations",0,3060000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5783549-c936aa4d2b95671f8413f8f256e50d6d&start=3060&end=3060","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5783549-c936aa4d2b95671f8413f8f256e50d6d/thumbnail_3060000.jpg","/articles/6464577/Tonawanda/Erie-County/New-York/Council-extends-Tonawanda-assessors-term-to-Oct-31-while-mayor-and-assessor-continue-negotiations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6464577-db87fed3b09b3195ec0a077b3bd0e7f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775698765&Signature=jfjkepzt5Vd5X3giUesfw3csQwVqQFa6Jby59SGjH5k~PpOpYT6C9OSSa48h74tHPtfM29v9xQcyMp-~CCafYVlEPEv~R74j1Di2ludXPpX~EwH4Eu00q1CuJBW3i40R4gyuSyv4IrtAV0p~wIVbKVdKB63IOHH~XOLSsDT0hs-MotZdy7Cw1T1Ys5d6gTUEG2tR4T3kSAgJAiWEpICHwU3BhbNp4SpR1~XaJSiTyioQiB5CuQrWAOMlVMAs~TVkS5cm19kuWMwU5NHZm8TUG6zl6kiwPV17KEVIZM5ZLYRA0ADnPZIOCmFaAsw8R88Dxno9V-TAabYEY8KU8qlhig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Tonawanda Common Council on Sept. 16 confirmed the mayor's extension of City Assessor Katie Schultz's appointment to expire Oct. 31, 2025, saying the additional month will allow Mayor John L. White time to complete negotiations on a new employment agreement.

The extension, approved by roll call vote, grew out of questions from council members about the status of negotiations and whether the assessor would prefer discussion of personnel matters in executive session. Councilmembers pressed for clarity about whether the assessor would remain as a part-time holdover if the extension were not approved; the record shows Schultz remains a part-time assessor supported through the CSCA while negotiations continue.

At the meeting, council members asked whether the mayor could reappoint Schultz to a six-year term separate from benefit negotiations; discussion noted that contract and benefit terms are negotiated by the mayor and ratified by council. Schultz was present during the discussion and was asked by the mayor and council whether she would be willing to waive privacy rights so some questions could be addressed in public; she answered that she had seen the extension resolution and that it was not acceptable to her in its current form, then later indicated she believed the additional time would allow completion of the negotiations and that Oct. 31 could be revisited.

Councilmember Kevin Fisher, sponsor of the extension resolution, characterized the action as a pragmatic step to keep assessor services in place while further conversations continue. The resolution states the extension keeps the assessor on the same terms and conditions as her original appointment (effective Sept. 21, 2022 through Sept. 30, 2025, per the resolution language), with the new expiration date of Oct. 31, 2025.

Why it matters: the assessor's office performs statutory property-assessment duties that affect tax bills and municipal revenue. Council members said they wanted sufficient time to review and ratify any new employment agreement once the mayor completes negotiations. The extension does not itself change compensation or duties; it preserves continuity in the office pending final agreement.

What happened next: the council voted to revisit the matter on or before Oct. 31, 2025, and asked the mayor and assessor to continue negotiations and provide any clarifications the council requests.","Council approved a one-month extension of City Assessor Katie Schultz's term to Oct. 31, 2025, to allow the mayor time to finish negotiating a new employment agreement; the extension prompted questions from council members about timing, personnel process and whether the assessor would waive privacy rights for discussion in open session.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":89,"_43":100,"_45":100,"_47":101,"_49":102,"_51":103,"_53":104,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":105,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":106,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6464582,"Council adopts eight resolutions including fire chief appointment and public events permits",2890000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5783549-c936aa4d2b95671f8413f8f256e50d6d&start=2890&end=2890","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5783549-c936aa4d2b95671f8413f8f256e50d6d/thumbnail_2890000.jpg","/articles/6464582/Tonawanda/Erie-County/New-York/Council-adopts-eight-resolutions-including-fire-chief-appointment-and-public-events-permits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6464582-40acac0c6f8cad34fd9c7d84c5893483/orig.mp4?Expires=1775698765&Signature=Ai~vGhkzXuv-70V0Dp~XhOWhDYQ~yjAq9VaAhxlTHgUovxM~odP5GEhzaLsV7ucwDwW12v-nO6y~v6KtP8TCEdHRTVSCMVquXyOylotKZWKfpK0Vrnao8CtupdB9CisL8qZ1Z0xePn4s8m4RVHsd1YKzEL1xR-bPg0VvzXxxCfgV6axEguVIl0wiZ~mhxmL97BDBmn279-CpJX6jiXw9JawdF1LCCnl2zG4v6UKopLA8NhzKmjWGXHvRISEgGX6gvIC5lQBVKr8fY2fZAS0STWJwfFmt1TwOHe5SEXEdHQBz6XHaO8eaLl0OQa6rvupTGl6ywx~DWZQPsGRTz69zEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Tonawanda Common Council on Sept. 16 voted to adopt eight resolutions covering routine minutes and bills, personnel confirmations and several special-event permits.

The council approved the minutes from its Sept. 2 meeting and allowed audited bills. It adopted a resolution to pay a one-time $2,500 stipend to the superintendent of public works to cover increased duties while the parks and recreation director post is vacant. The council confirmed Mayor John L. White’s appointment of Joseph Briggs as fire chief, effective Sept. 17, 2025, at an annual salary of $110,000. The council also approved a short extension of the city assessor’s appointment through Oct. 31, 2025, while the mayor finalizes a new employment agreement.

Council members additionally approved three special-event permits: the Historical Society bicentennial event at the Benjamin Long Homestead (Oct. 25, 2025), a concert by Buffalo Suburban Seventh-day Adventist Church at David Miller Band Shell (Sept. 27, 2025), and the Murchie family Christmas lighting on Fletcher and Wheeler (Nov. 29, 2025). All permits were conditioned on coordination with the appropriate department heads and, where required, filing a certificate of insurance.

Council president called the roll for each resolution; each recorded resolution was adopted with unanimous “aye” votes from the five council members present. The meeting included public comments on the charter revision commission, ethics oversight, open-records availability and other community items.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 1 (accept minutes from 09/02/2025): Sponsor — Milam; Outcome — adopted; Vote — 5–0 yes.
- Resolution 2 (allow bills as audited): Sponsor — Sheasley; Outcome — adopted; Vote — 5–0 yes.
- Resolution 3 (one-time $2,500 stipend to superintendent of public works): Sponsor — Raubstrow; Outcome — adopted; Vote — 5–0 yes; Funding: salaries highway office account A00501000100000.
- Resolution 4 (confirm Joseph Briggs as fire chief, effective 09/17/2025, salary $110,000): Sponsor — Raubstrow; Outcome — adopted; Vote — 5–0 yes; Authority citation in resolution: City Charter sections 2.025 and 3.051.
- Resolution 5 (extend city assessor Katie Schultz’s term to expire 10/31/2025): Sponsor — Fisher; Outcome — adopted; Vote — 5–0 yes.
- Resolution 6 (special event: Historical Society, Benjamin Long Homestead, 10/25/2025): Sponsor — Milam; Outcome — adopted; Vote — 5–0 yes; Requirement: coordinate with superintendent Fronczak.
- Resolution 7 (special event: Buffalo Suburban Seventh-day Adventist Church concert, David Miller Band Shell, 09/27/2025): Sponsor — Fisher; Outcome — adopted; Vote — 5–0 yes; Condition: certificate of insurance naming City of Tonawanda due by 09/19/2025.
- Resolution 8 (special event: Lick and Murchie family Christmas lighting, Fletcher & Wheeler, 11/29/2025): Sponsor — Raubstrow; Outcome — adopted; Vote — 5–0 yes; Coordinate with Captain Kiersitz.

Context: Several items (the fire chief appointment and the assessor-term extension) generated discussion on personnel negotiation and process; the assessor extension prompted the most extended council discussion and questions from the council and from the assessor herself about the terms and timing. The meeting also included public-comment concerns about charter revision timing, ethics oversight and records availability.","At its Sept. 16 meeting the City of Tonawanda Common Council unanimously adopted eight resolutions ranging from approving meeting minutes and audited bills to confirming a new fire chief, extending the city assessor’s appointment, approving special-event permits and a one-time stipend for the superintendent of public works.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents, council and mayor spar over charter revision timing, filings and public notice

Council discusses surplus parcels, views split on direct sale; some members back $20,000 direct sale offer

Council extends Tonawanda assessor's term to Oct. 31 while mayor and assessor continue negotiations

Council adopts eight resolutions including fire chief appointment and public events permits