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Officials seek marine-architecture hire for ship salvage; Naval Park involved in planning
Summary
Councilors discussed item 37, a request to hire professional marine-architecture services for ship work; staff said the Buffalo Naval Park was engaged in the RFP and survey process and that grant applications remain.
City staff asked the council to move forward with permission to hire professional marine‑architecture services connected to the city’s ship salvage and survey work, saying staff lacks in‑house marine architects and that partner engagement is already in place.
Why it matters: The work ties to maritime assets near Buffalo and involves coordination with the Buffalo Naval Park and multiple regulatory agencies; staff said hiring is needed to develop detailed work plans and complete grant applications.
What staff said Deputy commissioners and department staff said item 37 — permission to hire (listed on the agenda as a permission-to-hire request) — should be advanced at the council meeting so the procurement can proceed. “Item 37, the permission to hire, TNT Salvage is, if possible, we'd like that move along for approval this afternoon if we can,” a deputy commissioner said.
Public‑works and parks staff described prior coordination: they said the Naval Park participated in the RFP review and interview process and has been included in prior salvage operations and surveys for the ships. “We received funds both from Erie County and city funds that were allocated to do the ship surveys,” a Public Works representative said, adding the city needs professional marine architecture firms because “we don't have marine architects on staff in the parks department.”
Regulatory and funding context Staff said the salvage work involved coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation as work plans were developed. Officials said grants remain to be applied for and that scheduling, work planning and permitting remain before the city moves into on‑water work.
Naval Park relationship Councilors asked about the Naval Park’s operating agreement and board participation. Staff said the Naval Park is operating on a month‑to‑month agreement with the city and that the Naval Park adopted a 2018 master plan that identified boundaries and needs; staff said the operating agreement needs updating and that the parties are at the table to finalize terms. Staff also noted disagreement between city and Naval Park on utility costs and boundary responsibilities had complicated a longer‑term lease or agreement.
Ending Council members agreed to advance discussion about hiring authority and related agreements; staff urged committee movement for item 37 so procurement and grant work can continue.
