Projects progressing

DUNKIRK — One project is underway.

Another is working through the land purchase process.

Dunkirk City Council heard updates on various projects and purchases during its meeting Monday.

Mayor Jack Robbins told council members that demolition work is currently underway inside the Stewart Brothers building at 304 S. Main St. He said he expects windows to be installed next month.

The work is part of a partnership between Dunkirk Industrial Development Corporation, which owns the building, and private investors Rock Fuqua, Jesse Walter and Dr. Oakland Gaerke. The goal is to create apartments upstairs with retail space on the first floor. Fuqua, Walter and Gaerke would eventually take ownership of the building.

Robbins also said the purchase of about 10 acres on the south side of the city for a housing project is still in process. He has talked with consultant Ed Curtin of CWC Latitudes regarding creating a residential tax increment financing (TIF) district for the property.

Council president Jesse Bivens reported that the city’s new vacuum truck, the purchase of which was approved at the council’s Feb. 10 meeting, has already come in handy as it was used to fix a recent water leak at the intersection of Washington and Main streets. He said it has already saved the city money as it was not necessary to hire an outside firm to help with the repair.

Robbins also reported that the city needs to handle some paperwork for its existing street sweeper before it can be traded in. He shared documents with city attorney Wes Schemenaur.

In other business, council members Christy Curts, Dan Watson, Donna Revolt, Randy Murphy and Bivens:

•Heard questions from resident Gary Gillette regarding the cost of a recent stormwater project, the amount of funding brought in via the city’s stormwater utility fee and when the fee would be removed. Robbins answered Gillette’s questions and said the fee — $120 per year — is unlikely to be removed. “The stormwater fee is for the whole city,” said Robbins, listing several other projects that need to be completed.

•Agreed to make an additional appropriation of $39,900 for the purchase of a street sweeper.

•Learned from Curts that the city’s fire department is still looking to hire a full-time firefighter.

•Discussed taking bids to sell a 2015 police vehicle.

•Was introduced to new community coordinator Darlesia Lee.

•Approved the payment of $223,096.16 in claims.