City Council minutes — April 20, 2026 (full text)

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 20, 2026 Council Chambers 6:30 p.m. Caucus – Meeting will immediately follow the Caucus Live via Facebook @ http//facebook.com/lackawannany/ Meeting Called to Order/Pledge of Allegiance. NB: Meeting being recorded. Roll Call: Council: Muflahi, Anderson, Meegan (E), Surdyke, Marrano Dept. Heads: Law, Development & Marketing (E), Public Works, Public Safety, Comptroller, Recreation Hearings from Citizens: Approval of Minutes: of the Regular Meeting of April 7, 2026. Moved by Surdyke second by Muflahi to adopt minutes of the regular meeting of April 7, 2026 as written. Yeas: Muflahi, Anderson, Surdyke, Marrano Carried 4-0 Departmental Reports: 1. City Comptroller – A/P Check Listing #30, dated 4/3/2026. 2. City Comptroller – A/P Capital Fund Check Listing #8, dated 4/3/2026. 3. City Clerk’s Office – Monthly Report 3/1/2026 – 3/31/2026. Moved by Marrano second by Muflahi to receive and file Departmental reports one through three. Yeas: Muflahi, Anderson, Surdyke, Marrano Carried 4-0 Communications from Division/Department Heads: City Attorney requests the City Council approve the agreement between the City of Lackawanna and the Unified Court System and authorize Mayor to sign same. 4. Fred Marrano City Council President 714 Ridge Road Lackawanna, New York 14218 Re: Agreement between the Unified Court System and the City of Lackawanna Dear Council President Marrano and the Honorable City Council: On behalf of Mayor Iafallo, the undersigned requests that the City Council approve the renewal of the Agreement between the City of Lackawanna and the Unified Court System (“UCS”) at the City

Council Meeting on April 20, 2026 and that the Council authorize the Mayor to sign the same acceptance letter confirming the renewal. As your Honorable Body is aware, UCS has rented the Lackawanna City Court space in City Hall for decades via a Lease Agreement. Pursuant to the Agreement, UCS reimburses the City for performing cleaning services and minor repairs to the leased space. This renewal letter sets the renewal period for an additional five-year contract term. The renewal letter does not include any new or additional terms, other than a budget-line item for architectural fee reimbursement for potential plans for a revised Lackawanna City Court space. It is anticipated that the City will receive a subsequent annual renewal letter in early May following the approval for the New York State Budget. Annette Iafallo Mayor of Lackawanna City of Lackawanna 714 Ridge Road, Room 307 Lackawanna, NY 14218 Re: Agreement between UCS and City of Lackawanna for Court Cleaning and Minor Repairs (Contract No. C300573) Annual Renewal Letter and Budget (Appendix B) for SFY 2025-26 Dear Mayor Iafallo: Please be advised that pursuant to Section I of the existing contract between the Unified Court System and (City of Lackawanna), we are hereby establishing a renewal period in the five-year term of this agreement. Said renewal period shall commence on April 1, 2025 and shall terminate on March 31, 2026. During this 2025-2026 renewal period, all terms and conditions of the above-reference Agreement shall continue to apply, except as specified as below. The proposed budget for services to be rendered pursuant to this contract in the 2025-26 period shall be ($127,922.00) Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 686 of the Laws of 1996, as amended to date, the maximum compensation for the 2025-26 period shall be 100% of that amount. The attached revised Appendix B, detailing the proposed budget for the renewal period, shall be incorporated into the Agreement and shall replace all prior Appendix B’s. The signatures below confirm acceptance of this renewal by (City of Lackawanna) and by the UCS. Contract Renewal Letter for (City of Lackawanna) for SFY 2025-26 (Contract No. C300573). Accordingly, the original of this letter should be signed by an authorized representative of (City of Lackawanna) and the corresponding acknowledgement page should be notarized. Two sets of the signed original letter together with the related documents should be returned to this office. TASHA E MOORE, ESQ. DISTRICT EXECUTIVE ARIANNA KWIATKOWSKI, CITY ATTORNEY A copy of this document may be obtained in the City Clerk’s Office. Moved by Marrano second by Anderson to approve agreement and have Mayor sign same. Yeas: Muflahi, Anderson, Surdyke, Marrano Carried 4-0

Sr. Foreman, Public Works submits to the City Council a fee amendment for CPL for the New City Hall Project in the amount of $30,000. The amount will not increase the overall project budget. 5. To: City Council From: Daniel Geercken Re: Informational Submission – CPL Fee Amendment (New City Hall Project) Honorable Members of the City Council, Please accept this correspondence for informational purposes only. I respectfully request that the following information be received and filed as part of the official record. Due to project delays associated with the New City Hall Project, an amendment in the amount of $30,000.00 has been applied to the CPL engineering fee. This amount will be covered under the project retainage and will not result in any increase to the overall project budget. This submission is provided for transparency and record-keeping purposes only, and no formal action by the Council is required at this time DANIEL GEERCKEN, SENIOR FOREMAN OF PUBLIC WORKS Moved by Marrano second by Anderson to receive and file. Yeas: Muflahi, Anderson, Surdyke, Marrano Carried 4-0 Sr. Foreman, Public Works requests the City Council approve the amendments to Chapter 190 (Solid Waste) of the City Code. 6. Honorable Council, I request that the Council approve the attached proposed updates to chapter 190 of the city code. These proposed changes are in response to finding 190-2F and 190-2K are conflicting/unclear. These are two versions of the proposed chapters attached. One had track changes included so that the changes can be seen more easily. The other is a final document with track changes accepted. DANIEL GEERCKEN, SENIOR FOREMAN OF PUBLIC WORKS Moved by Marrano second by Anderson to receive and file, act on ordinance Yeas: Muflahi, Anderson, Surdyke, Marrano Carried 4-0 ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 190, SOLID WASTE, OF THE CITY OF LACKAWANNA MUNICIPAL CODE BE IT ENACTED by the City Council of the City of Lackawanna, New York that City Code Chapter 190-1 and 190-2 Solid Waste shall be rescinded in its entirety and replaced as follows: Chapter 190. Solid Waste

§ 190-1. Definitions. A. As used in this chapter, unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: BRUSH Cuttings from shrubs, hedges and trees which are less than four inches in diameter. BULK ITEMS Bulk items shall include large household furnishings, major appliances, small appliances and other items which are too large or heavy to be placed in a tote or recycling container. CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS Discarded building material, concrete, stones, earth from excavations or grading and all other refuse matter resulting from the erection, repair or demolition of buildings, structures or other improvements of property. DUMPING The throwing, depositing or burning of solid waste in or upon any public highway, street or their public place. DUMPSTER A large metal trash, garbage, rubbish or refuse bin of a bin of a kind that is privately owned, emptied or transported to a dump by a specifically equipped truck. GARBAGE Every accumulation of animal, fruit or vegetable matter that attends the preparation, use, cooking and dealing in or storage of meats, fish, fowl, fruits or vegetables and any other matter of any nature whatsoever which is subject to decay, putrefaction and the generation of noxious or offensive gases or odors. LARGE HOUSEHOLD FURNISHINGS Large and/or other bulky articles actually used in the home and which equip it for living, such as chairs, sofas, tables, carpets, mattresses and box springs, but excluding major appliances. MAJOR APPLIANCES A large household mechanism, such as a refrigerator, washer, dryer, stove etc., ordinarily operated by gas or electric current. NON-RECYCABLE RUBBISH Waste material discarded as useless or worthless trash, including but not limited to rags, sweepings, rubber, leather, crockery, shells, clothing and straw. RECYCABLE CONTAINER A rigid plastic container, or bin, provided to the residents by the City of Lackawanna. An open-topped metal or rigid plastic container with drainage holes not exceeding 40 pounds in weight when filled. RECYCABLE RUBBISH

Rinsed food containers, such as metal cans, glass and plastic food containers; newspaper, magazines, cardboard and flat paper; and plastic materials and bottles with metal rings and tops removed. SOLID WASTE Includes but shall not be limited to garbage, nonrecyclables rubbish, recyclables rubbish, construction debris, major appliances, large household furnishings, brush and tree parts, grass and leaves. TOTE A City-authorized container of a capacity of 95 gallons for the storage and collection of garbage and nonrecyclable refuse and rubbish. TREE PARTS Cuttings from shrubs, hedges and trees which are more than four inches in diameter. YARD WASTE Leaves, flowers and vegetable trimmings. B. None of the terms defined in this section shall be deemed or construed to include vehicular tires, tire casings, oil or batteries. § 190-2. Separation and preparation of solid waste for collections. A. Each person who places any item at the curb for collection and disposal by the City of Lackawanna shall separate nonrecyclable rubbish for recyclable rubbish, and such person shall prepare the same for collection and disposal in accordance with this chapter. B. Totes conforming to the specifications of this chapter shall be used when storing or placing garbage and nonrecyclable rubbish at the premises where is was generated for collection by the City of Lackawanna. When filled, a tote shall not exceed 150 pounds in weight. C. Recyclable material must be placed in a separate suitable recycling container or bundled as follows: (1) Newspapers, boxboard and junk mail shall be placed in a recycling container, paper bags, or Cardboard boxes. (2) Corrugated cardboard, including boxes, shall be disassembled, flattened and bundled. Bundles shall not be bigger than three feet by three feet square. (3) Cans, glass containers and plastic containers shall be rinsed of original contents. D. No materials other than recyclable material prepared in accordance with this chapter shall be placed in a recycling container. E. Recycling material shall be placed in a clearly marked recyclable container or clear plastic bag in a separate area from garbage and nonrecyclable refuse and rubbish. F. The City shall collect and dispose of branch and tree parts during the first full week of the month for the months of April through November. Branches may be no longer than 48 inches in length and 12 inches in diameter. All branches must be placed parallel to the curb. No more than one cubic yard may be placed at the curb for pickup. For contractor waste, see 190-7(A).

G. Major appliances, small appliances, large household furnishings and air conditioners. (1) Major appliances or large household furnishings may be placed for collection on the scheduled collection day for bulk items. (2) It shall be unlawful for any person to discard or place and refrigerator or freezer in a public sight-of-way for collection unless the door of the refrigerator or freezer has been removed. (3) It shall be unlawful for any person to discard or place any small appliance which has been fully manufactured, charged and hermetically sealed in a factory with five pounds or less of refrigerant in a public right-of-way for collection unless the refrigerant has been properly removed and documentation is attached to the unit stating that the refrigerant has been removed. For purposes of the section, the term “small appliance” shall include but not be limited to refrigerators and freezers designed for home use, room air conditioners, packaged terminal heat pumps, dehumidifiers, and under-the-counter ice makers, vending machines, motor vehicle air conditioners and drinking water coolers. (4) No more than five bulk items shall be placed for collection and accepted by the City. H. Grass clippings shall be left on the lawn. Starting April 1, 2025, the City of Lackawanna will be participating in the NYS Departments of Environmental Conservation’s “Leave it on the Lawn” program. The City will no longer pick up grass clippings. I. Solid waste shall not be placed on any public street or on any premises unless the same is in a tote or is bundled as required by this section. J. Protruding nails and other sharp objects, including glass that may inflict bodily harms to personnel or residents of the City of Lackawanna, shall be removed from all solid waste prior to being deposited in containers or bundled for collection. K. The City shall not collect more than one cubic yard of debris. THIS ORDINANCE SHALL TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY. Dated: April 21, 2026. Lackawanna, New York Moved by Marrano second by Anderson to adopt ordinance as written. Yeas: Muflahi, Anderson, Surdyke, Marrano Carried 4-0 Director of Parks and Recreation requests the City Council authorize the use of the Lehigh Soccer Field by the Lackawanna Yemen Soccer Club from April 1st through October 31, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Insurance is attached. 7. Honorable City Council President Honorable City Council Members 714 Ridge Rd. Lackawanna, NY 14218 Honorable Members of the City Council:

I am requesting your Honorable Body to authorize the use of the soccer field at Lehigh Playground by the Lackawanna Yemen Soccer Club. They have run their programs from this field for number of years. They plan on using the field daily from April 1st through October 31, 2026. Proof of Insurance has been provided. Lackawanna Yemen Soccer Club Sports and Education Center 51 Ingham Avenue PO Box #65 Lackawanna, NY 14218 Honorable City Council President Honorable City Council Members 714 Ridge Rd. Lackawanna, NY 14218 Honorable Members of the City Council: The Lackawanna Yemen Soccer Club is requesting permission to utilize the Adbulsalam K. Noman Soccer Fields located at 150 Lehigh Avenue. Lackawanna, NY 14218. We would like to have access to the fields during the months of 04/01/2026 to 10/31/2026. We generally use the field space seven days a week from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Our club serves 480 soccer players who participate in the soccer program that includes local travel leagues, house leagues, tournaments, and other events. Our organization has been using these soccer fields since 1980. The Lackawanna Yemen Soccer Club does have all proper documentation including valid insurance certifications. ABDULSALAM NOMAN, DIRECTOR KATHLEEN MORAN, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION Moved by Muflahi second by Anderson to approve request, refer to Public Safety and Public Works. Yeas: Muflahi, Anderson, Surdyke, Marrano Carried 4-0 Director of Parks and Recreation – Requests the City Council approve the use of Avery Playground Field by the OLV Softball League on Monday – Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. during the months of April and May. Insurance has been provided. 8. Honorable City Council President Honorable City Council Members 714 Ridge Rd. Lackawanna, NY 14218 Honorable Members of City Council: Our Lady of Victory School Girls softball team is requesting use of the field at Avery Playground Monday – Wednesday from 3:00 om – 7:00 pm during the months of April and May. OLV has used our fields in years past with no issues of any sort. Proof of insurance has been provided.

Ms. Kathy Moran Director of Recreation 714 Ridge Road, Room 219 Lackawanna, NY 14218 Ms. Moran, Our Lady of Victory Elementary School is requesting permission to use Avery Softball Field for our girls’ softball teams. We are requesting to use them Monday – Wednesday from 3pm – 7pm during the months of April and May. I understand that the field will not be available on Wednesdays after 5:00 pm, beginning May 21st. I have attached the use of Facilities Application and our certificate of insurance. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact me at 716-253-4679 or our Principal, Ms. Mary Szlosek at 716-828-4929. RICK DIAMOND, ATHLETIC COORDINATOR OLV SCHOOL KATHLEEN MORAN, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION Moved by Marrano second by Surdyke to approve request, refer to Public Safety and Public Works. Yeas: Muflahi, Anderson, Surdyke, Marrano Carried 4-0 Director of Parks and Recreation submits to the City Council expenses for the Splash Pad for the 2025 season and part of the previous year. Also, a fence has been installed around the Splash Pad allowing the playground to remain open when the Splash Pad is not. 9. Honorable City Council President Honorable City Council Members 714 Ridge Rd. Lackawanna, NY 14218 Honorable Members of City Council: As the weather is getting warmer, I wanted to advise you of the costs running the splash pad last season. We did encounter a leak last year which was repaired and the splash pad was opened the day after the leak was fixed. These costs encompass the 2025 season, which crossed over 2 fiscal years. As use of the splash pad is weather dependent we do not have an opening date. Water & Electric $24,212.85 Staff $13,053.30 Repairs & winterize $4,860.39 Also, be advised we have installed fencing around the splash pad which will allow the playground area to be opened when the splash pad is not. KATHLEEN MORAN, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION Moved by Marrano second by Anderson to receive and file. Yeas: Muflahi, Anderson, Surdyke, Marrano Carried 4-0

Director of Parks and Recreation requests the City Council approve the use of the East Milnor playground field by Independent Health’s Soccer for Success Program Monday, May 4th – September 2, 2026, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 5:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. 10. Honorable City Council President Honorable City Council Members 714 Ridge Rd. Lackawanna, NY 14218 Honorable Members of City Council: The City is once again partnering with Independent Health’s Soccer for Success Program. They have run their very successful free Girls in the Game program in the City at various locations for a number of years. This year they plan to run their programming at East Milnor playground on the following dates, but will work with the Recreation department to maintain a flexible schedule if circumstances change: May 4, 2026 – Sept. 2, 2026 Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 5:45pm – 7:45pm Proof of Insurance has been provided. The Independent Health Foundation is requesting to utilize the following from the City of Lackawanna Parks Department for our Soccer for Success Girls in The Game program. East Milnor Playground May 4, 2026 – September 2, 2026 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 5:45pm – 7:45pm Soccer for Success Girls in The Game is free to the community for girls ages 8-13. Soccer for Success is youth development focused that is proven to help kids establish healthy habits and develop critical life skills. All players will also receive a soccer ball, pair of shin guards, a jersey, and a customizable empowerment kit at no cost. We appreciate the continued support and collaboration with the City of Lackawanna and the parks department. KELSI MACIEJEWSKI, SUPERVISOR INDEPENDENT HEALTH FOUNDATION KATHLEEN MORAN – DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION Moved by Marrano second by Muflahi to approve request, refer to Public Safety and Public Works. Yeas: Muflahi, Anderson, Surdyke, Marrano Carried 4-0 Communications from Citizens:

Caitlin Jaworski, LPBA requests the City Council approve the annual Torch Run/Walk to benefit the Special Olympics of New York. This event will be held on May 17, 2026 starting and ending at the Lackawanna Community Senior Center. Registration begins at 10:15 a.m. 11. Honorable Council President Honorable Council Members 714 Ridge Road Lackawanna, NY 14218 Dear City Council, I am requesting City Council’s approval for our annual Law Enforcement Torch Run/Walk to benefit the Special Olympics of New York, which sponsors young athletes that change the future for the people with intellectual disabilities and lights the way for acceptance and inclusion. Many police departments in WNY participate in this annual event. The proposed Torch Run/Walk would be Sunday, May 17, 2026. Registration would begin at 10:15am at the Senior Center, 230 Martin Road. The event would commence at 11:00am, starting and finishing at the Senior Center. The route for the 3-mile run portion would be Martin Road to South Park Avenue to Ridge Road, Orchard, Shamokin and back to Martin, finishing at the Senior Center. The route for the 1.5- mile walk portion will be Martin Road to South Park Avenue to Holy Cross Cemetery and then back to the Senior Center. I attached the proposed flyer to review. In addition, I am requesting assistance from the Police Department and possibly the DPW to assist. CAITLIN JAWORSKI, LPBA Moved by Marrano second by Muflahi to approve request, refer to Public Safety and Public Works. Yeas: Muflahi, Anderson, Surdyke, Marrano Carried 4-0 Business Registration: Fadeaway Barber Shop, 2703 South Park Ave., Ziyad Muflahi (new owner). Moved by Marrano second by Anderson to approve request Yeas: Anderson, Surdyke, Marrano Carried 3-0 Abstain: Muflahi Tabled Items: Old Business: Adjournment: Moved by Marrano second by Muflahi to adjourn meeting. Yeas: Muflahi, Anderson, Surdyke, Marrano Carried 4-0