Police Lt. Craig Jefferson summits resignation

The City Council held their March meeting at the Senior Center on Monday evening. After an executive session late in the meeting, they voted to accept a letter of resignation of Lt. Craig Jefferson from the Buffalo Police Department. Councilmember Dianne Ryder abstained from the voting.

The meeting began with Chamber President Reitha Hullum and committee chairman Glenn St. John outlining plans for the upcoming Springfest. The Chamber intends to promote more participation in the event within the city . They are expanding the activities with a chili cook-off with entertainment on Friday night, and kids' activities in addition to the Fiddler's Contest on Saturday.

A group of recently-organized small business owners were present and took advantage of the opportunity for pubic comments to make suggestions for ways to more cohesively unite Buffalo's City Council, BEDC, Chamber of Commerce and businesses. Organizer Jan Ramsey described the group as "kind of the Booster Club for Buffalo... hoping to lend their talents to make Buffalo what it can be."

BEDC Executive Director Ken Jones added his endorsement of any plans to enliven downtown, bring tournaments to town or create events that would bring tourism to the City. In that vein, he requested the Council's approval for the Buffalo Economic Development Corporation to give $50,783 to the Tri-County Horseshoe Club, addressing Phase I of the TCHC plans for improvements and repairs to their facility and parking area. After confirming that TCHC had provided proof of non-profit status (501c3) the Council approved the request. Jones also announced that BEDCowned property across from the retail strip in downtown will be put on the market for sale and development.

Ron Murphy and Paul Kennedy, representing the horseshoe club, thanked the Council for approving the BEDC donation, then asked for additional money for Phase II of their planned improvements. The council voted to table that request until Phase I is near completion. The delay will also give Council members Dianne Ryder and Bob Winn time to attend a conference on Hotel/ Motel Tax Funds, and get a firm grasp on exactly what type of projects qualify for those specially-designated funds.

Gayle Ray came before the Council again on behalf of her daughter, Kayla, with a request that the City reimburse the teenager for the loss of two valuable show goats. Ray had called City Hall to report a pack of stray dogs on her property, but the City's animal control officer went off-duty for the weekend before responding to the message. During the night dogs dug into the pen and killed the goats. Ray presented a request for the City to cover the cost of the animals and their expenses, as well as projected income from the sale of the animals at the upcoming Youth Livestock Show. After extensive discussion including concerns about "opening a can of worms" by setting a precedent for similar requests, the Council did vote to reimburse only the actual cost of the project animals. Dorothy Farmer and Bob Winn cast opposing votes, but the motion passed, 3-2.

Routine housekeeping matters filled the rest of the agenda.