The city of Niagara Falls has been under a state of emergency since July 20; however, at least one member of the city council was not aware of the declaration.
Citing New York Executive Law, Section 20(2)(a), Mayor Rob Restaino issued the state of emergency declaration last month based on public safety issues, such as uncut grass and deteriorating road conditions.
“All of the above conditions threaten a disaster,” Restaino said in the proclamation. “The above impending dangers have been further exacerbated by the city council's failure, if not outright, refusal to award contracts that were properly bid out and resulted in the identification of two lowest responsible bidders who have the capability to provide immediate mitigation of the above described dangers.”
Restaino did not respond to requests for comment.
Council member Bridgette Myles disagreed with the mayor’s characterization that the Niagara Falls city council refused to act or does not care about providing basic services.
“I am still requesting documentation from the administration regarding the declaration, contracts, payments, and actions taken under the State of Emergency,” Myles told NTD.
The state of emergency alleges that private property owners across the city have neglected to cut tall grass, weeds, and brush for weeks or months. The document also notes the risk of widespread fires during dry summer months, pest infestations, disease outbreak, and blocked sightlines for drivers and pedestrians.
In a letter obtained by NTD, Myles asks the city administrator and acting city clerk for information about the emergency declaration as well as an update on union status.
“I was not previously aware of the July 20 emergency declaration, and I am requesting information so that I can better understand the circumstances, actions taken, and current status,” Myles wrote. “Please provide an update regarding the union-related disputes concerning work on the resurfacing project, including whether those matters have been resolved and how they relate to the State of Emergency.”
Neither the city administrator nor the acting city clerk of Niagara Falls responded to requests for comment by the time of publication.
Myles further requests meeting minutes from a July 29 city council meeting, a certified copy of the July 20 emergency declaration, final fully executed contracts, as well as copies of invoices submitted and payments under the contracts, and funding sources for each contract.
Restaino based the emergency declaration on memos submitted by the city police and fire chiefs emphasizing public safety hazards.
Prior to being elected mayor, Restaino was a judge who was removed from the bench in 2005 based on an alleged judicial misconduct incident.