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Tonawanda council approves property sale, grant application, surplus auction and traffic signage
Summary
The council approved a package of routine resolutions: a direct sale of 445 Ellicott Creek for $20,000, authorization for a surplus equipment auction (~$15,535), a canal-grant application for $7,725 (city match partly in-kind), a small budget transfer for animal-warden kennel costs, and installation of two traffic signs at a hazardous intersection.
The Tonawanda Common Council on Nov. 18 approved several routine but tangible measures affecting city property, parks and street safety.
Property sale: The council authorized a direct sale of a city-owned parcel at 445 Ellicott Creek to Luke Topolsky for $20,000 and directed Mayor John L. White to execute the purchase agreement. The resolution notes required publication under the city's code of ordinances was completed.
Surplus auction: Council approved the sale of 18 surplus items, vehicles and equipment through Auctions International (surplus auction #44897), with an approximate total value of $15,535 as reported to the clerk's office. Staff clarified some lots were already auction-closed and that final proceeds will be reported to the finance office.
Grant application for park restroom renovation: The council authorized the mayor to file an electronic grant application with the New York State Canal Corporation / Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor for restroom renovations at the East Niagara Athletic Field. The projected total project cost is $21,725; the city will provide an estimated $14,000 in in‑kind services and request $7,725 in grant funds for materials.
Animal warden budget transfer: Facing the closure of the city's prior kennel vendor, the council approved an $8,200 transfer from the police vehicle line to the animal warden salary and professional services lines to address unanticipated kennel and boarding costs. Staff reported the city had budgeted for roughly two seized dogs a month but had recently seen higher intake.
Traffic signage: After receiving a letter from residents Mark and Kim Cromwell documenting near-miss incidents, the council approved two informational "Cross traffic does not stop" signs at Highland Avenue intersections (Leffier Drive and Summit Street). The DPW signal division said the signs are compliant with the New York State Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and may be sourced from surplus stock at no net cost.
Votes: Each resolution was adopted by roll call with recorded ayes and nays where applicable; Resolution 7 recorded one Nay vote (Teasley) and the rest passed. Council asked staff to report back with final auction proceeds, grant filing confirmation and installation timing for the signage.
Next steps: Staff will finalize auction settlements, file the grant application, and implement the animal warden transfer and sign installations. Council requested follow-up reports so any revenue or service impacts can be tracked against the 2026 adopted budget.
Quotes from the meeting are drawn from the public transcript and staff statements filed into the meeting record.
