Dunkirk outlines seagull control, streetlight repairs and sidewalk-plow status

Dunkirk city staff and council members gave updates on a seagull control program, residential streetlight repairs, and sidewalk plowing after winter storms.

Council member Laskowiak said the city’s property maintenance department is starting a yearlong seagull-control effort in the business district in collaboration with USDA Wildlife Services; she said the program is paid for by business owners and uses a $2,000 surplus available this year, and that last year’s effort produced noticeably fewer gull problems. A council member also linked the program to concerns about avian influenza and public sanitation.

Separately, council members and staff discussed unresolved issues with LED streetlight installations. A speaker named Randy raised concerns that some promised 10-year guarantees from an LED solutions company did not make it into the contract and suggested exploring other remedies, including acquiring a bucket truck certified to work under electrical lines. Staff said two existing bucket trucks are not certified for working under electrical lines and that the city has an outstanding purchase order with Beck Electric to begin repairs; they have reached out to National Grid about buying a certifiable used truck.

On sidewalks, a staff member reported that sidewalk plowing began yesterday but the front blade on the sidewalk plow broke and is being repaired; the speaker said the blade was with a welder and the department expects to return to clearing sidewalks. The council noted heavy snow and freeze-thaw cycles as complicating factors.

No formal council actions were taken at this portion of the meeting beyond reporting and committee updates.