[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6132896,"mediaKeyId","5714496-d2c053e2446b8ee8c6f96161174de3a2","parentId",5714496,"title","Council backs reinstating Joint School Construction Board to restore school capital project approvals","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",1012000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5714496-d2c053e2446b8ee8c6f96161174de3a2&start=1012&end=1012","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5714496-d2c053e2446b8ee8c6f96161174de3a2/thumbnail_1012000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6132896/Buffalo-City/Erie-County/New-York/Council-backs-reinstating-Joint-School-Construction-Board-to-restore-school-capital-project-approvals","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6132896-42c1229a3f1310c889b53be24cc967e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163124&Signature=Qf1N~DH89~BCjmMQ5MkKSbQVWqeRhAt8-Lgz~cPBf4J~DMlP-WmDtinyDRenCCLLvwU4RKE2XbdEFKEBemQK4AvoNnsRAnHPWOtW43uvKiQU1pK~72VCBv6RT7gNwyxqFzYo2ohVbKyC8VpS4UNxa6lEOvUx2mdljw-5p42PnOUC7~qZNkM2fZ3hUQUuB2V~H5o7DD9tzNF8JdAJb3XXt0LP9KPAsqOqNmws~Ak5G7U6~-0hB0ia9HQiVrp9wEMd6szQaG-ZxIjJIq5v19XkffzOWbgzCE0GYx9ttVjHMs244qMEz7PVI9MPpBIIl2VyIyCF3SS-mgianlXuDrb7EA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Buffalo City","date","2025-09-02T00:00:00Z","article","Buffalo Common Council members on Sept. 2 supported a resolution to reinstate the Joint School Construction Board, a body council members said could help resolve delays affecting Buffalo Public Schools capital projects tied to a dispute with the city controller's office.

A council member asked to be added to the resolution and said reinstating the Joint School Construction Board would restore a forum for coordination between the school district and the city and could reduce delays when proposed school capital requests exceed controller-recommended caps.

\"This is to allow us to have an open conversation, with the school board members, but also with one another to determine if this is the best path to go forward,\" the council member said. The sponsor said delays have held up capital projects and that reconstituting the board when the state reconvenes would help avoid similar delays in the future.

Supporters framed the measure as a way to protect the Buffalo Public Schools' ability to access capital funds and prevent potential negative financial impacts on the city if school capital work is delayed. One council member said reinstating the board would allow deliberation on appointments and the relationship between the board and Buffalo Public Schools.

The council adopted the resolution and directed related matters to the Finance Committee for further consideration. No immediate change to capital spending or bond authority was made during the meeting; the item was a request to reinstate the board and to begin the process of reconstituting it.

Background: Council members said the controller may have been limiting capital requests by Buffalo Public Schools, which has contributed to project delays. The resolution's backers said reinstating the Joint School Construction Board would clarify appointment processes and oversight and could be implemented when the state legislative and budget calendar resumes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Buffalo City Council 9/2/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council members supported a resolution to reinstate the Joint School Construction Board to help resolve delays in Buffalo Public Schools capital projects amid a dispute with the controller's office.","taxTitle","Buffalo City, Erie County, New York","taxId",7516,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6132900,"Buffalo council approves midterm budget hearings amid concerns over parking ramp revenue",391,1152000,1543000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5714496-d2c053e2446b8ee8c6f96161174de3a2&start=1152&end=1543","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5714496-d2c053e2446b8ee8c6f96161174de3a2/thumbnail_1152000.jpg","/articles/6132900/Buffalo-City/Erie-County/New-York/Buffalo-council-approves-midterm-budget-hearings-amid-concerns-over-parking-ramp-revenue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6132900-2c23dca17df6dd423d12474497bddb41/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163124&Signature=kpHWny-O2GbtelcBklTnVMsLkHiuN3V4FtY8~GQsKAxHH3aDL3V3MfIhJEVA7oIJFUcBe-LkWCSoYrasZ2tsB~cIjsfHdvZ3N-G2JGTw6DBnGFj3rid2a8qAumGtF3kJwjBU2oBkz310gWSA4-l~LUJLZKXEQ-2shbS4WPU8Y-wV2AQgWwck7FtzkRWpzo2qZEaCfeQX581-9o26vB7AlZUWffrcDp1~aVMxoz2eb4FgwKrK8je~DETgL51X50JNuHf5S0Q8a83x908zCGUcB2if~LnBZ76mAWw4tMP~cxIf7gOjAM~4Np--2XZwGpGmuw09~3HtvqW1sMvzHLQJkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Buffalo Common Council on Sept. 2 adopted a resolution requesting midterm budget hearings and asked that the hearings be used to give council members timely, department-level financial updates ahead of a change in administration.

Council members said earlier and more frequent reporting would let the council identify financial shortfalls and make informed decisions before the next administration proposes a budget in April. \"By asking for these budget hearings, it allows us to have real time information about where we stand at the halfway point,\" a council member sponsoring the request said.

Council member Nelkoski warned the council is heavily reliant on parking ramp revenue and urged caution. \"Our budget is relied on $28,000,000 of that revenue,\" he said, questioning whether the ramps could be sold quickly or for the anticipated amount and noting the timing could create a \"dangerous juncture\" if cash is not available.

Supporters said midterm hearings would bring departments back to answer questions, permit follow-up workshops if needed and could be written into the city charter as a permanent requirement. The sponsor said the charter requires departments to report their fiscal standing by Feb. 1, and midterm hearings would improve oversight before the April 8 proposed budget submission by a new administration.

The council adopted the resolution and referred remaining related items to the Finance Committee for follow-up. Members said they expect departments to provide the requested financial information in advance of the hearings so the council can review and ask substantive questions.

Background provided at the meeting noted prior years included multiple rounds of workshops during the budget cycle; council members said those processes yielded insufficient real-time information and that the midterm hearings would be another oversight tool.

No specific cuts or revenue measures were adopted at the Sept. 2 session; the resolution requests hearings and additional reporting and sends follow-up items to the Finance Committee for further work.","The council adopted a resolution to hold midterm budget hearings; members voiced concern that the city relies on $28 million in parking ramp revenue and urged earlier, more frequent financial reporting ahead of a new administration.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6132904,"Buffalo council presses for police transparency, discusses subpoenas and independent review",917,128000,1045000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5714496-d2c053e2446b8ee8c6f96161174de3a2&start=128&end=1045","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5714496-d2c053e2446b8ee8c6f96161174de3a2/thumbnail_128000.jpg","/articles/6132904/Buffalo-City/Erie-County/New-York/Buffalo-council-presses-for-police-transparency-discusses-subpoenas-and-independent-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6132904-0d15d17853352eec60ecf71174539518/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163124&Signature=HVYxhSP~64GKr7fXrG1q9T40d-UQdvMGU6g2V3JhlPV-gzutaji2EQJjPu~aVwC-BuuVivT6iZUrUOk~GxIXIMu3qWvOjuMeohp5f8uXj6b2LS1VGK3XmKkpxWTII~N77sElv3TPC20EwPCI1f~gqdSAfpCyMY3SBN4fT-9Qrk9-qyRcaYlbCMyIdPTQ7eUC3KkAVYMhrjyt0yWJAhHlHTdr5TbF-rF2VyASpS-3Mgy~i9dkmfZ45GDZNuMeMIn2IMlNXUIcEZLZ4LcCW2~bsR-U5T2vmf6Ghb5aoAvjYXWXtgWsZDlAxAEOzAAA9JZwovgTqQ9oWJHOHugFG8urdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Sept. 2 Buffalo Common Council meeting, several council members pressed for faster and broader review of a police response that critics described as a “travesty of justice,” and discussed using the council's subpoena and investigative powers and seeking an independent review by the state attorney general.

The dispute centers on an incident in which a driver damaged multiple vehicles; the Niagara County district attorney handled the criminal case and the driver pled to a misdemeanor, council members said, and five officers who responded were placed on administrative leave. Council members said they remain concerned about who in the chain of command knew what and when.

\"We need police, but we need good police,\" said Council member Hawaii, criticizing slow or incomplete disclosures about the incident and saying the community's trust has been undermined. \"I'm not the nice one. I'm the one that's demanding people to come in and do your job and answer to the people because that's who we answer to.\"

Assistant Corporation Counsel Lisa Yeager told the council the body does have subpoena power. \"It doesn't have carte blanche,\" she said, but added that the council's subpoena authority is not limited to current city employees and \"it could be anyone.\" Yeager also said she would provide a definitive answer about the scope of subpoena power within 48 hours.

One council member said she had asked the state attorney general's office to \"take a second look\" and had sent a letter to the governor asking that office to refer the matter to the attorney general. That same council member said she supports an independent investigation and that it could \"go as far up the chain as they possibly can,\" including whoever knew about the matter and when.

Council members discussed bringing in current or previous officials for testimony. One council member asked whether the council could subpoena a former commissioner; Yeager replied the council has subpoena power but cautioned there are limits for \"purposes of gatherings in this chamber.\" The transcript record indicates a separate legal determination would be required to compel testimony in some contexts.

No formal subpoena was issued at the meeting. Actions taken during the session included notification on the record that Commissioner Wright had been contacted on Aug. 26 and, according to a council speaker, responded within two days; and that at least one council member had requested the state attorney general's office review and had written to the governor asking for a referral.

Council members said they want command staff or other officials to appear sooner than October and indicated they would consider formal subpoenas if voluntary cooperation is not forthcoming. Several members framed the issue as one of transparency and accountability needed to rebuild public trust.

Background: The criminal case was handled by the Niagara County district attorney and resulted in a misdemeanor plea, according to council statements at the meeting. Separately, five officers who were involved in the response were reported to be on administrative leave. The council's discussion focused on fact-finding and whether to seek testimony or evidence from current and past city officials and police command staff.

The council did not adopt a resolution or vote on issuing subpoenas during the meeting; members said staff and counsel would provide clarifying legal guidance and logistics in the days following the session.","Council members urged quicker answers about a police incident, discussed subpoena authority and referred requests for an independent probe to the state attorney general and governor.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council backs reinstating Joint School Construction Board to restore school capital project approvals

Buffalo council approves midterm budget hearings amid concerns over parking ramp revenue

Buffalo council presses for police transparency, discusses subpoenas and independent review