Controversy smoldering

DUNKIRK - Controversy continues to swirl over council assignments and other issues here.

Councilman Tom Johnson questioned who was going to supervise the city parks and pool since he was relieved of that assignment by Mayor Ron Hunt earlier this month. Johnson said that he had been told that the mayor's appointee, Councilman Eric Bowler, had declined the position.

But the mayor insisted he wanted Bowler in charge of the parks and pool, and not Johnson. Bowler said Monday he would accept the assignment.

But that was not the case with Johnson and Councilman Craig Faulkner who was also recently reassigned by the mayor from the fire department to the street department.

Faulkner announced he was declining the street department post, shortly after Johnson said he declined to accept the fire department supervisory post.

"Why are you doing this to us?" Johnson asked the mayor. "I decline the fire department. You can run it all as far as I'm concerned," Johnson told Hunt.

Although not covered by state law, traditionally Dunkirk council members have each supervised one city department - up until now that is.

After listening to Johnson's outburst, Hunt re-emphasized that Bowler would be in charge of the parks and pool, and added - everything will "get taken care of."

The mayor then banged down his gavel and ended the meeting, even though several audience members still had more to say.

"Let Tom Johnson handle the parks," Dunkirk resident Rick Davis said.

Dunkirk resident Dorothy Mock-Bonshire suggested "an open forum" was needed to try to solve the city's problems.

Earlier Monday night, Bonshire was allowed to read a four-page, typed, single-spaced statement, strongly criticizing Hunt and the recent purchase by the city of an SUV for the police department.

"I would like an understanding of how much thought is put into your decisions to spend taxpayers' money. I am aware that much of the money spent requires little to no thought because you have no choice. But I don't believe that was the case when you decided to spend $31,339.80 of taxpayers' money for the SUV in such a hasty manner," Bonshire said.

Dunkirk Police Chief Dane Mumbower was not present at the council meeting.

Hunt sat quietly as Bonshire read, looking stern and offering only a few short comments.

"In regards to the police department budget," Bonshire continued, "How did they end the fiscal year with that much money left over? Was their budget set too high to begin with or what? Did any other budgets have similar balances?"

Bonshire also said she felt Johnson should be left in charge of the parks department. "If something's not broke, why are we scrambling it up?" she asked the mayor.

She asked the mayor if he felt there is a conflict of interest on his part in having his son-in-law, Bobby Johnson, on the police department and also being the council representative in charge of the police department. She suggested that Johnson or Faulkner supervise the police department.

Also she said that in her opinion the actions of a mayor should be above reproach at all times.

"Unfortunately, Mayor Hunt, in my opinion, that is not what I see. Can you honestly say to us that while serving as mayor, you base every decision and action you take on what is best for our community? I seriously doubt you can."

Nearing the conclusion of her prepared statement, Bonshire said, "I would like each of you (council representatives and mayor) to look into your hearts and minds and decide why you are sitting in those chairs. Are you there to serve Dunkirk or are you there for your own personal agenda? ... Your silence or frustrations, regarding the controversies that have evolved in our community, is of no help. ... If you care about Dunkirk, as I am sure some of you do, now is the time to take an active role to put a stop to some of the nonsense that we are seeing."

In other business, council members:

•Tabled for study and review a proposal to renew the city's annual employee health insurance policy with a proposed premium increase of 8 percent.

•Tabled discussion about increasing the charge to residents and businesses for trash collection from $8.75 a unit per month to $9.65 in order to bring the charges in line with current contract figures from BestWay Disposal.

•Approved an ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space near the Dunkirk City Public Library, 127 W. Washington St. The handicapped space will be located on the north side of West Washington Street, 48 feet east of Franklin Street.

•Listened to several questions from Councilman Chuck Rife regarding costs relating to the mayor's plans to put a drug-sniffing dog on the city police department. Rife tried to point out some of the hidden costs with this venture. In response Hunt asked city attorney Bill Hinkle to draw up an ordinance establishing a police canine fund. Hunt said he planned to take some travel expenses related to acquiring the dog "out of his own pocket."

Garr said she thought there needed to be better communication between city officials regarding the mayor and police department's plans to acquire the police dog.

•Heard complaints from audience members that city officials "mumble" during the council meetings and perhaps speakers or a public address system was needed. Rife said that the clerk-treasurer's tape recordings of the proceedings could not be understood sometimes either, as portions of them were practically inaudible.

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