Confirmation of Douglas’ appointment by mayor to Ward 6 vacancy on Council’s Agenda Tuesday

By RICK MILLER

Olean Star

The Olean Common Council will get a second chance Tuesday at confirming Mayor Amy B. Sherburne’s nomination of James Douglas Jr. to fill the Ward 6 alderman vacancy.

The mayor’s nomination failed to get a second at the Oct. 13 meeting largely because members of the Common Council had not had an opportunity to speak with Douglas.

The Ward 6 seat has been vacant since July 28 when former Common Council President Vernon Robinson Jr., resigned. Robinson was the first African American to be seated on the Common Council and to be elected council president.

At least four of the aldermen have spoken with Douglas. Ward 2 Republican Joseph Keary spoke with Douglas prior to when the first confirmation vote was scheduled. 

Since then, Council President Lawrence “JR” Bennion, a Republican; Ward 4 Democrat Sonya McCall and Ward 7 Democrat David Anastasia have spoken with Douglas, the Olean Star learned.

Anastasia said he told Douglas he was joining the council at a difficult time with the mayor due to submit a proposed budget for next in mid-February. Anastasia said he expected Douglas would have enough to be confirmed to the Ward 6 seat on Tuesday.

Douglas’ confirmation vote is last on Tuesday’s agenda that also includes:

• Authorizing the mayor to sign a contract for dog shelter services with the SPCA of Cattaraugus County.
• Authorization to convert capital project funds to repair reserve accounts.
• Pay for repairs to the Municipal Building’s boiler system with $54,195 from the vacant heating, ventilation and air conditioning position and personnel service in the water and sewer departments.
• Amend the city charter in regards to unspecified changes in the duties of the Public Works director.
• Terminate Paychex payroll and human relations services and replace it with Bene-Care Human Capital Management Services for payroll and HR services.
• A resolution to amend the city code previously introduced by the mayor to prevent the intentional abandonment and institutional dumping of persons within the city, has been referred to the city attorney.