Common Council

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 7:00 PM PRESENT: Mayor Sandra Magiera Council Members: John Hill, Kylee Johnson, Barry Smith, Michael Reed, Janet Koch City Clerk: Tracy Chamberlain Youth Bureau Director: Markie Phillips Grant Administrator: Jay Bartoszek Police Captain: Adam Carlson Police Officer: William Hunt City Comptroller: Robert Earley Mayor Magiera called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. After the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Magiera asked for a moment of silence and read the attached in honor of 9-11. Moved by Smith and seconded by Koch: RESOLVED: That we hereby approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of the last regular meeting of August 14, 2024. Adopted Ayes: Hill, Johnson, Smith, Reed, Koch Nays: None Moved by Johnson and seconded by Smith: WHEREAS, local Non-for-Profit organization has requested to hold fundraiser in the intersection of Broad Street, Clinton Street and Main Street and intersection of Broad Street and Center Street, and WHEREAS, the Police Commission has reviewed and advised that these locations are acceptable to hold the fundraiser, with caution, and WHEREAS, the organization holding the fundraiser is required to use safety vests, have no children in the roadways, not unduly disrupt traffic and provide an insurance certificate naming the City as Additional Insured in the amount of $1,000,000.00, and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS: 1. The City of Salamanca Common Council authorizes the following fundraiser to be held, subject to the conditions set forth above: a. Salamanca Wrestling Club to hold a helmet drive September 8, 2024 between the hours of 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at the intersections of Broad Street, Clinton Street and Main Street and intersection of Broad Street and Center Street. Adopted Ayes: Hill, Johnson, Smith, Reed, Koch Nays: None  REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 PAGE TWO Moved by Reed and seconded by Smith: RESOLVED: That we hereby authorize Hannah Poling, Recreation Attendant for the Youth Center, to work additional hours (above the regular 15.5 hours) beginning September 9, 2024 for a maximum of 20.5 hours per week, at an hourly wage of $18.03. Adopted Ayes: Hill, Johnson, Smith, Reed, Koch Nays: None Moved by Hill and seconded by Koch: RESOLVED: That we hereby authorize the closing of certain streets for the Falling Leaves Festival help on October 4, 5 & 6, 2024. A copy of the list is attached and made a part of these minutes. Adopted Ayes: Hill, Johnson, Smith, Reed, Koch Nays: None Moved by Koch and seconded by Johnson: RESOLVED: That we hereby establish the hours for “Trick or Treat” in the City as 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, October 31, 2024, with residents wishing to participate leaving their porch lights on and holding “Trunk or Treat” at the Jefferson Street Park and further authorize the closing of Main Street for the Halloween parade from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Adopted Ayes: Hill, Johnson, Smith, Reed, Koch Nays: None Moved by Reed and seconded by Hill: RESOLVED: That we hereby waive the agenda rule to consider other items. Adopted Ayes: Hill, Johnson, Smith, Reed, Koch Nays: None Moved by Koch and seconded by Reed: RESOLVED: That we hereby authorize the Salamanca VFW Post 5296 to sell beer in Jefferson Street Park during the annual Salamanca-Seneca Falling Leaves Festival on October 4, 5 & 6, 2024 as requested by the VFW. It is noted such approval is contingent upon the VFW obtaining all necessary NYS Alcohol Board of Control permit and proof of insurance. Adopted Ayes: Hill, Johnson, Smith, Reed, Koch Nays: None  REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 PAGE THREE Moved by Hill and seconded by Johnson: RESOLVED: That we hereby approve the removal of Valorie Magara as Junior Accountant effective August 23, 2024, and authorize the benefit payout, attached to and made part of these minutes. Adopted Ayes: Hill, Johnson, Smith, Reed, Koch Nays: None Moved by Hill and seconded by Reed: RESOLVED: That we hereby approve the agreement between the Seneca Nation of Indians and the City of Salamanca for the Salamanca Board of Public Utilities to relocate utilities for the Broad Street and Iroquois Drive roundabout project. Such agreement is attached to and made part of these minutes. Adopted Ayes: Hill, Johnson, Smith, Reed, Koch Nays: None Moved by Hill and seconded by Smith: RESOLVED: That we hereby approve the lease agreement between the Gina Hill and the City of Salamanca for the first-floor office space at 123 Main Street, with rent of $350.00 per month, one month rent toward security deposit and the tenant responsible for utilities and any needed repairs, as prepared by the City Attorney. Council Member Koch stated it is nice to see a new business coming in. Adopted Ayes: Hill, Johnson, Smith, Reed, Koch Nays: None Moved by Johnson and seconded by Hill: RESOLVED: That the bills be paid as warranted and recommended by the appropriate Commissions and/or Department Heads, the City Comptroller and City Clerk and that the report of the Police Chief and Dog Control Officer for the month of July 2024 and Clerk, Comptroller, Police Chief, Fire Chief and Judge for the month of August 2024 are hereby accepted and filed. Vendor Vendor Name Payment Payment Number Number Date Amount 1003 CSEA, INC. 07/26/2024 1,181.65 3697 0429 VALPRO SANITARY SUPPLIES, INC. 07/26/2024 717.84 3698 0415 ADAM'S SERVICES, LLC 07/30/2024 139.73 3699 1244 ALICIA FISKE 07/30/2024 60.97 3700  REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 PAGE FOUR 1361 FIREMATIC SUPPLY CO. INC. 08/22/2024 175.57 3801 1088 FLEXLUME 08/22/2024 7,565.00 3802 1330 HOME DEPOT CREDIT CARD SERVICES 08/22/2024 855.99 3803 0307 JAMESTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE 08/22/2024 10,648.10 3804 1423 KAYLA TAYLOR 08/22/2024 25.00 3805 1134 PROFESSIONAL AMBULANCE BILLING LLC 08/22/2024 3,977.03 3806 0638 RANDOLPH VETERINARY CLINIC 08/22/2024 648.00 3807 1069 TIM HAYNOSKI 08/22/2024 460.38 3808 0285 TINA DARLING 08/26/2024 844.00 3809 0915 BLUE COLLAR WORKWEAR 08/27/2024 189.00 3810 1012 CATTARAUGUS COUNTY DPW 08/27/2024 205.09 3811 0625 ROCK-N-RESCUE/J.E. WEINEL, INC 08/27/2024 386.38 3812 TOLLS BY MAIL PAYMENT PROCESSING 1064 08/27/2024 7.50 3813 CENTER 1035 ULINE 08/27/2024 2,304.86 3814 0807 ZOLL MEDICAL CORPORATION 08/27/2024 118.00 3815 1238 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES 08/27/2024 396.31 3816 1097 BREEZELINE 08/27/2024 152.47 3817 1496 LEIGH WHITE 08/27/2024 25.00 3818 0831 METROPOLITAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS 08/27/2024 2,386.93 3819 0396 SALAMANCA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 08/27/2024 13,120.82 3820 0570 SCOTT J COLLINS 08/27/2024 1,459.00 3821 1069 TIM HAYNOSKI 08/27/2024 115.31 3822 1388 UBEO, LLC 08/27/2024 12.68 3823 0415 ADAM'S SERVICES, LLC 08/27/2024 181.13 3824 1482 CATTAUGUS COUNTY DPW - TIPPING FEES 08/27/2024 10.00 3825 0571 CYNCON EQUIPMENT, INC 08/27/2024 496.00 3826 0191 GERNATT ASPHALT 08/27/2024 977.87 3827 0164 GRAINGER 08/27/2024 65.15 3828 0277 JAMESTOWN MACADAM, INC 08/27/2024 7,740.14 3829 0175 JAMESTOWN SOAP & SOLVENT, INC. 08/27/2024 111.98 3830 0129 JOE JOHNSON EQUIPMENT LLC 08/27/2024 1,005.40 3831 1405 KISS MY GRASS LAWN CARE LLC 08/27/2024 6,000.00 3832 0683 LANDPRO EQUIPMENT LLC 08/27/2024 227.00 3833 0248 NATIONAL FUEL 08/27/2024 224.65 3834 0568 NEW ENTERPRISE STONE & LIME CO., INC 08/27/2024 808.81 3835 0515 NOCO ENERGY CORP. 08/27/2024 14,412.36 3836 0575 SHERWIN-WILLIAMS 08/27/2024 1,096.35 3837 1494 SHERWIN-WILLIAMS (ROAD PAINT) 08/27/2024 1,169.00 3838 0385 SOUTHERN TIER ELECTRIC SUPPLY INC 08/27/2024 44.58 3839 1244 ALICIA FISKE 08/30/2024 56.28 3840 0248 NATIONAL FUEL 08/30/2024 19.46 3841 1255 SHANNON SMITH 08/30/2024 25.00 3842 1205 HIGHMARK BCBSWNY (MEDICARE 286543) 08/29/2024 415.00 3843 0384 SALAMANCA PUBLIC LIBRARY 08/29/2024 2,500.00 3844 1281 LUIS CASTELLO 09/06/2024 25.00 3845  REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 PAGE FIVE 1143 SHAUNA GROFF 09/06/2024 25.00 3846 1069 TIM HAYNOSKI 09/06/2024 69.99 3847 0778 BRADFORD PUBLISHING COMPANY 09/13/2024 112.56 3848 0085 CATT CO DEPT OF HEALTH 09/13/2024 264.04 3849 0218 CITY OF SALAMANCA BPU 09/13/2024 11,671.43 3850 0709 HODGSON RUSS, LLP 09/13/2024 9,549.00 3851 1499 HOUSE OF PRAYER 09/13/2024 75.00 3852 0286 MICHAEL FOREMAN 09/13/2024 91.79 3853 1488 MORRIS MASONARY RESTORATION 09/13/2024 41,833.25 3854 1380 PITNEY BOWES BANK INC PURCHASE POWER 09/13/2024 2,024.75 3855 0638 RANDOLPH VETERINARY CLINIC 09/13/2024 50.00 3856 0776 RICOH USA, INC. (PO BOX 827577) 09/13/2024 104.63 3857 0414 SOUTHERN TIER WEST REGIONAL 09/13/2024 40.00 3858 1059 STAPLES 09/13/2024 634.45 3859 1497 SUNNYDALE FENCERY 09/13/2024 3,700.00 3860 1069 TIM HAYNOSKI 09/13/2024 59.99 3861 0367 VERIZON WIRELESS 09/13/2024 1,598.50 3862 1060 W.B. MASON CO. INC 09/13/2024 214.09 3863 1238 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES 09/13/2024 293.74 3864 0432 BEICHNER WASTE SERVICES, INC. 09/13/2024 735.54 3865 0915 BLUE COLLAR WORKWEAR 09/13/2024 659.05 3866 0571 CYNCON EQUIPMENT, INC 09/13/2024 528.03 3867 0697 EMERLING CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM 09/13/2024 356.34 3868 0191 GERNATT ASPHALT 09/13/2024 175.10 3869 0164 GRAINGER 09/13/2024 119.78 3870 0277 JAMESTOWN MACADAM, INC 09/13/2024 1,665.00 3871 1405 KISS MY GRASS LAWN CARE LLC 09/13/2024 3,000.00 3872 0476 MAC TOOLS - PETER BOLDT 09/13/2024 69.99 3873 1033 MAC TRUCK PARTS 09/13/2024 102.40 3874 1023 RANDOLPH AUTO SUPPLY 09/13/2024 1,979.93 3875 1081 SUPERIOR AUTO SUPPLY INC 09/13/2024 548.18 3876 0833 U & S SERVICES INC 09/13/2024 7,705.00 3877 0491 UNIFIRST CORPORATION 09/13/2024 297.25 3878 1489 VALPRO SANITARY PRODUCTS INC. 09/13/2024 229.82 3879 0017 ACME BUSINESS MACHINES 09/13/2024 81.32 3880 0581 BOUND TREE MEDICAL, INC. 09/13/2024 414.89 3881 0092 CHAUTAUQUA BRICK CO., INC 09/13/2024 197.51 3882 1361 FIREMATIC SUPPLY CO. INC. 09/13/2024 1,191.05 3883 1261 TARGETSOLUTIONS LEARNING, LLC 09/13/2024 2,327.00 3884 0098 WORTH W SMITH 09/13/2024 554.62 3885 1029 10-75 EMERGENCY VEHICLES 09/13/2024 1,165.85 3886 1419 BLAIR TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS LLC 09/13/2024 26,912.88 3887 0193 GALLS PARENT HOLDINGS, LLC 09/13/2024 939.23 3888 1055 IDEMIA IDENTITY & SECURITY USA LLC 09/13/2024 3,119.00 3889 1498 JIM MURPHY CHEVROLET 09/13/2024 232.80 3890  REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 PAGE SIX 1178 LEXIPOL LLC 09/13/2024 13,406.59 3891 0526 PATROLPC 09/13/2024 412.35 3892 1333 PLYLER ENTRY SYSTEM 09/13/2024 661.00 3893 1023 RANDOLPH AUTO SUPPLY 09/13/2024 952.45 3894 0931 RICOH USA (PO BOX 41564) 09/13/2024 57.89 3895 0765 SEWING TECHNOLOGY UNIFORM INC 09/13/2024 2,575.32 3896 0300 SIRCHIE 09/13/2024 272.09 3897 0774 URBAN AUTO CENTER 09/13/2024 261.98 3898 Special Accounts – Private Purpose Vendor Name Payment Payment Number Date Amount FLF – BLITZ AGREEMENT 08/14/2024 900.00 1032 FLF – ELAN FINANCIAL (WPIX) 08/22/2024 432.00 1033 FLF – SCHUBERT ENTERPRISE 08/22/2024 510.44 1034 FLF – ELAN FINANCIAL (WPIX) 08/22/2024 34.56 1035 YOUTH CENTER SPECIAL ACTIVITIES – PESPI 08/28/2024 316.30 1036 Adopted Ayes: Hill, Johnson, Smith, Reed, Koch Nays: None Discussion on Public Safety:  Clerk Chamberlain stated documents were available for distribution. Such documents are attached to these minutes: 1. Addressing Community Safety and Stability Proposed Plan of Action Combating Homelessness, Drug-Related Activity, and Public Disorder 2. Sample letter and addresses for NYS Government Officials 3. Link to Change.org - Petition to Revise New York State Bail Reform Laws.  It was noted Brooke Skiba also started an online petition at Change.org regrading NYS Bail Reform. She noted that the petitions should be shared and signed by residents and non-residents for support.  Resident Lauren Law stated she is very upset with the number of strange walkers in her neighborhood and does not feel safe.  It was noted that residents attended the Town of Salamanca Council meeting regarding issues. The Mayor stated the Supervisor has requested to have street lights installed in the Town portion of Erie Street and Newton Street.  There was discussion regarding various issues throughout the City.  Mayor Magiera stated the Police Chief is working on the Neighborhood Watch program and the City has a shortage of Police Officers to cover the City.  It was noted the SNI received Tribal OPID Settlement funds.  REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 11,2024 PAGE SEVEN • Mayor Magiera stated she hopes to start care packages for the homeless in coordination with Community Action. There was discussion regarding assistance for the homeless. • Kathi Gimbrone asked questions regarding various code violations and the things in the City are affecting the sale of homes. • Council Member Hill stated if there is illegal activity call Police Department. • Lauren Law asked what the residents can do to support the police and help get funding. • Council Member Hill thanked everyone for coming and voices concems. The Council is as concerned and working on things. • There is concern with the new pawn shop in the City, which is being investigated to be closed down. • John Bach asked that the sidewalk be looked at for repair on Broad Street across for Park Avenue near the stairs. Moved by Johnson and seconded by Hill: RESOLVED: That the Mayor and Council enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining negotiations under the provisions of the State's Open Meetings Law. Adopted Ayes: Hill, Johnson, Smith, Reed, Koch Nays: None Moved by Smith and seconded by Koch: RESOLVED: That the Mayor and Council reconvene after approximately forty minutes in executive session. Adopted Ayes: Hill, Johnson, Smith, Reed, Koch Nays: None No formal action was taken. Moved by Koch and seconded by Reed: RESOLVED: That we hereby adjourn- 9:10 PM. c~~ed. ~\9:~ N()l~~- .. Tracy Chamberlain, City Clerk Dated: September 16, 2024  REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 11,2024 PAGE EIGHT THE ABOVE RESOLUTIONS, AS ADOPTED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL, ARE HEREBY APPROVED. So, ""-"W•" 'fli\e," tsu. ,~ Sandra Magiera, Mayor 0 Dated: September Ji, 2024 Here are the roads that we need closed for the Salamanca-Seneca Falling Leaves Festival 2024: Friday October 41h - Sunday October 61h -the following roads will need to be closed all day and night: Jefferson Street from South Main Street to Park A venue The left side of Park Avenue- the right side will remain open for Emergency Vehicles only. Sunday October 61h- The parade will begin at 1:00 PM. The streets will need to be closed at 11:30 AM until after the parade has ended to allow for pedestrian safety. Main Street fi·om Rochester Street to Broad Street Atlantic Street fi·om Main Sh·eet to Chestnut Street Church Sh·eet from Main Street Broad Street from Main Street to High Street ... , ~ ROBERT EARLEY 225 WILDWOOD AVE CITY COMPTROLLER SALAMANCA, NY 14779 Valcrie M3gara SeparatimType Teminatim D:!te d Separatim 8/23/2JJ2.q Separation Payouts are as followed as of: Hours Allowed Rate Payment Sick lime 60% $0.00 Vacation lime 68.75 100% 26.90 $1,849.38 Complime 100% $0.00 Holiday lime 100% $0.00 Total Separation Payment $1,849.38 Date q/'1!?:-t Date Date *Signature means that there is an agreement with these amounts.  AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT made on the _day of September, in the year 2024, by and between Seneca Nation of Indians 12837 Route 438 Irving, New York 14081 (Hereinafter referred to as "Nation") -and- City of Salamanca Board of Public Utilities · 225 Wildwood Avenue Salamanca, New York 14779 (Hereinafter referred to as "City") WHEREAS, the Nation's Department of Transportation is undertaking a capital project on its Allegany Territory to install a roundabout at Broad Street and Iroquois Street within a portion of the City of Salamanca that lies within the Nation's Allegany Territory (the "Project''); and WHEREAS, to facilitate the Project, the Nation requests that the City Board of Public Utilities ("BPU'') assist by modifying the current approach in order to feed Iroquois Dr. from Front Ave., allowing the BPU to eliminate the feed from Broad St. pole #53 (Phase One); and WHEREAS, representatives of the Nation and the City have discussed this matter, and the Nation has agreed to reimburse the City BPU for the work necessary to relocate such primary feed; and WHEREAS, the Nation and City wish to memorialize their agreement herein; NOW, THEREFORE, the Nation and City, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein set · forth, agree as follows: 1. The City BPU is hereby authorized to relocate the utility pole(s) at issue. The City BPU shall be fully responsible for providing whatever labor and materials are necessary for the relocation of the utility pole(s), and the Nation shall have no responsibility whatsoever for the completion of this work. 2. The Nation shall pay the City BPU for phase one not to exceed the amount of $14,189.69 no later than 30 days following completion of the relocation of the utility pole(s), as reimbursement for the time and materials necessary for the BPU to complete such work. 3. The CityBPU shall complete phase one of the utilitypole(s) no later than 90 days following full execution of this Agreement. 4. The City BPU shall relocate the entirety of phase one in full compliance with all applicable  laws and regulations, and shall be fully responsible for any permits, other governmental approvals and costs associated with this work. 5. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the City shall defend, indelllilifY and hold harmless the Nation (to include the Nation's subsidiaries, directors, officers, agents, representatives and employee), from and against all claims, damages, liabilities, losses and expenses, including but · not limited to attorneys' fees, arising out of or in any way connected with City's perfonnance under this Agreement, provided jhat any such claim, damage, l!ab!lity, loss or expense is attributable to bodily injmy, sickness, disease or death, or physical injury to tangible property including loss of use of that property, and arise out of any actual or alleged: " Act or omission of the City m· anyone directly or indirectly retained or engaged by it or anyone for whose acts it may be liable (including acts or omissions based on negligence); or '" Violation of any statutory duzy, regulation, ordinance, rule or obligation by the City provided ·that the violation arises out of or is in any way connected with City's performance under this Agreement. 6. The City shall maintain insurance coverage in no less than the types and amounts set forth in the attached certificate of insurance, and shall name the Nation as an additional insured on a ·primary and non-contl'ibutary basis. 7 .. By entering into this Agreement, the Nation does not intend to waive its sovereign innnunitY, and nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as a waiver of any kind of the Nation's sovereign immunity. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have hereunto made and executed this Agreement on the day and year first written above. FOR THE CITY: FOR THE NATION: By: _________________ By:~· . -"~ · r~~ Sandra Magiera, Mayor 'Rickey ;·Armstrong, Sr. Presiden Date_ _ __ Date q} 4 /2-+ By: -:-c'--- ',·; Dennis P. Hensel, Board of Public Utilities General Manager · Date_ -----'-------  City of Salamanca: Addressing Community Safety and Stability Proposed Plan of Action: Combating Homelessness, Drug-Related Activity, and Public Disorder The City is committed to restoring the safety, dignity, and well-being of our community. Below is a detailed action plan outlining the steps we will take to address these critical issues. 1. Collaborate with the Seneca Nation We will work closely with the Seneca Nation to resolve issues that fall within their legal jurisdiction and affect our community. This partnership will explore collaborative solutions to maintain safety and address shared concerns. 2. Strengthen Code Enforcement We will intensify our enforcement of local code violations, focusing on illegal dumping, unkempt properties, and housing infractions. This will improve neighborhood safety by holding property owners accountable. 3. Demolish Problem Properties The City and Seneca Nation will identify and demolish abandoned or unsafe homes that have become hotspots for illegal activity. This step will eliminate opportunities for crime and improve neighborhood appearance. 4. Community Solidarity Events We will encourage residents to organize events, vigils, and rallies to bring the community together, showing a united front against these challenges. These gatherings will build community strength and engagement. For example, a National Night Out event, bringing community members together with Salamanca Police, Fire Department, and the Seneca Nation Marshalls to foster trust and cooperation. 5. Launch a Community Neighborhood Watch Program In coordination with the Salamanca Police Department, we will launch a Community Neighborhood Watch program. This initiative will empower residents to actively monitor and report suspicious activity. 6. Youth Engagement and Activities We will work with the Salamanca Youth Bureau and school district to expand opportunities for youth engagement by offering more activities that connect young people with positive community outlets, reducing the likelihood of exposure to illegal behavior. 7. Increase Police Presence in Problem Areas We will increase police patrols in known problem areas, such as Hogan's Alley, to deter crime and ensure quicker responses to incidents. 8. Encourage Private Property Protection We will encourage residents to increase “No Trespassing” signs on their properties, helping to deter unlawful entry and assist law enforcement in taking swift action. 9. Monitor and Enforce Electric Bike Regulations We will monitor and enforce local ordinances regarding electric bike use, issuing tickets for violations to curb improper use linked to criminal activities. 10. Expand the Police Force We have/will hire more police officers to enhance our ability to address crime and maintain public safety more effectively, dependent on funding. 11. Public Safety Notifications The City will publish more frequent public safety notifications to keep residents informed about ongoing issues and the steps being taken to address them. We will increase the use of our website and social media platforms to keep residents informed about public safety and upcoming community events. 12. Child Protective Services Involvement We will collaborate closely with Child Protective Services to ensure the safety of children involved or impacted by drug abuse. 13. Advocate for Bail Reform Changes We will advocate for changes to NYS Bail Reform laws by working with state politicians to implement reforms that better protect our community. 14. Anonymous Reporting Hotline We will explore the possibility of establishing an anonymous hotline for residents to report violators without fear of retaliation. 15. Establish New City Ordinances We will evaluate and establish new ordinances to give law enforcement more tools to address the specific problems facing our community. 16. Ongoing Problem-Solving Meetings We will continue to hold regular community meetings focused on problem-solving and working together to create meaningful change. Dear [Official's Name], We, the concerned citizens of the City of Salamanca, are writing to you out of a deep sense of frustration, alarm, and disillusionment over a growing problem that has profoundly affected our community. Over the past several years, our city has experienced an influx of transient individuals, many of whom are homeless, addicted to drugs, and engaging in illegal and disruptive behaviors that threaten the safety and well-being of our community. This is a problem that was virtually nonexistent 20 years ago, yet it has become an ever-present issue today, causing serious concern among long-term residents and those who have called this city home for generations. The Problem The number of transient individuals in Salamanca has risen dramatically. These individuals, many of whom are not from our community, have banded together and engaged in dangerous, illegal activities such as:  Drug trafficking and public drug use  Vandalism and destruction of property  Theft, breaking and entering, and other property-related crimes  Violent incidents, including assaults  Excessive noise and rowdy gatherings that disturb the peace  Illegal encampments within and just outside the city, contributing to unsightly and unsafe environments The effect on our community has been devastating. Long-time residents, particularly our elderly population, feel unsafe as these individuals traverse private properties without permission, using them as thoroughfares for criminal activities. Local businesses and families are also impacted as the environment created by these transient groups deters customers, affects property values, and leaves families afraid to let their children walk around the neighborhood. This is not the Salamanca we know and love. Attempts to Address the Issue Despite the best efforts of our city officials and the Salamanca Police Department, little has changed. Law enforcement’s hands are tied due to state-level policies that make it nearly impossible to effectively address these individuals and their actions. Too often, police officers arrest people involved in criminal activities, only for them to be released almost immediately due to existing judicial policies. This revolving door emboldens criminal behavior and undermines any progress our local officials attempt to make. The policies that were meant to provide compassion for those who are struggling have inadvertently created an environment that allows criminal activity to flourish. Our citizens are compassionate toward those genuinely in need, but Salamanca cannot continue to be a haven for individuals whose actions degrade the quality of life for everyone else. Impact on Public Services This crisis has also placed an immense strain on our local emergency services. Overdose incidents have skyrocketed, forcing our first responders to spend a disproportionate amount of time dealing with drug- related emergencies. This diverts their attention from their primary mission of keeping the community safe, leaving other critical needs unaddressed. Effect on the Local Economy and Quality of Life Salamanca, a small and beautiful community on the banks of the Allegheny River, is known for its proximity to beloved landmarks such as Allegany State Park, Holiday Valley Ski Resort, and the Seneca Allegany Casino. We regularly welcome visitors who contribute to our local economy, but the current state of our city is embarrassing and alarming to those passing through. We are witnessing fewer visitors and reduced local spending as people avoid our city, fearing the criminal element now so prevalent here. The sight of transients riding electric bicycles through town, often more visibly present than local residents, contributes to a negative perception that impacts both tourism and business. Other Communities Facing Similar Problems Our concerns are not unique. Many communities across New York State and beyond are grappling with the same issues:  Increased homelessness and substance abuse: Many small towns and cities across the state are witnessing a surge in homelessness and drug use, fueled by opioids and other substances. The prevalence of drug overdoses and associated crime is overwhelming local healthcare and law enforcement resources.  Housing instability: The lack of affordable housing options and mental health services exacerbates these problems, leading to greater instability. Housing is often a root cause, as the transient population struggles to find stable living conditions.  Strained social services: Public resources, including food banks, shelters, and community clinics, are stretched beyond capacity in communities like ours. Without state-level intervention, these services will continue to buckle under the pressure.  Lack of sufficient mental health and addiction services: Many individuals caught in this cycle of homelessness and addiction are left without proper care. While local charities and services do their best to help, they lack the funding and infrastructure to address the problem comprehensively. Our Request We believe that the time for action is now. The citizens of Salamanca are mobilizing. Community groups are forming, and there is a growing sense that we must work together to demand change from our government. We are asking for the State of New York to take immediate action to help our community in the following ways:  Increased law enforcement resources: We need more funding and resources for our local police to better address criminal activity. Furthermore, the state needs to re-evaluate policies that prevent police from keeping dangerous individuals off the streets.  Strengthened judicial measures: Local courts need the authority to detain individuals engaging in repeated criminal activity. Loopholes in the legal system that allow these offenders to be released immediately must be addressed.  Mental health and addiction services: There is a dire need for increased access to mental health and addiction recovery services in our community. More facilities, more specialists, and more outreach programs are necessary to curb the root causes of these issues.  Support for local businesses and tourism: Our economy is suffering as a direct result of this crisis. We request economic support programs aimed at revitalizing our local economy and promoting tourism that highlights the positive aspects of our community. We love Salamanca. We want to see it thrive again. But we cannot do it alone. We need the State of New York to step up, fulfill its obligations to its citizens, and work with us to find real, lasting solutions to the problems we are facing. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. We trust that you will give this serious issue the consideration it deserves. The future of our community depends on it. Sincerely, This is the list of names and addresses that people should write to and ask that Bail Reform be looked at and changed. Unless this happens we have no way of keeping people in JAIL when they are arrested. Police officers can only give appearance tickets in many circumstances and then most of the time no one shows up at court. Please reach out to these officials and ask for CHANGE N.Y.S. Governor N.Y.S. Assembly Kathleen C. Hochul Joseph M. Giglio State Capital Executive Chamber 700 W. State Street Albany, N.Y. 12224 Olean, N.Y. 14760 Phone -585-474-8390 Phone 518-455-5241 N.Y.S. Attorney General N.Y.S. Senate Letitia James George M. Borrello N.Y.S. Dept. Of Law 700 W. State Street State Capital Executive Chamber Olean, N.Y. 14760 Albany, N.Y. 12224 Phone 716-372-4901 1-800-707-0058 Phone 518-474-7330 1-800-771-7755 change.org