By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
James Douglas Jr., an independent from Ward 6 has been nominated by Mayor Amy B. Sherburne to succeed Alderman Vernon Robinson Jr.
The appointment is effective upon a two-thirds vote of the Common Council, which is on the council’s agenda for its regular meeting Tuesday night.
The council currency consists of three Republicans and three Democrats. Robinson was not affiliated with any political party, although he was listed on the Democratic line in the 2025 election.
Douglas is also not affiliated with any political party. He is expected to be present for swearing-in Tuesday if he is confirmed as expected. It is the last item on the agenda.
In another issue aldermen are expected to address Tuesday are the first major labor contracts negotiated by the new mayor: Olean Police Command Unit Union Local 967C and Olean Police Patrol Unit Union Local 967.
No details on the settlement agreements were made available.
Three amendments to the City Code are also on Tuesday’s agenda. They would:
- Require a construction permit for sidewalks.
- Require a permit to plant trees and shrubs between the sidewalk and curb.
- Set rules for sidewalk maintenance.
Another resolution aims to revitalize small-scale manufacturing in downtown Olean. If approved, the city would hire a consultant, Recast City LLC, to write an action plan “to house and grow small scale manufacturing businesses, fill vacant storefronts and foster economic development and real estate development projects.
Also on the agenda is a resolution to ask the state Department of Transportation to study removal of the three-color traffic light at South Union and Henley streets, the only traffic device left on North or South Union streets.
The council will also vote on returning $34,600 to the state after deciding not to proceed with a Wayne Street project as part of Walkable Olean.
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