Published: October 14, 2008 11:47 pm      

CITY COUNCIL: Call to inspect Falls

Frustration over a perceived lack of accountability in the city’s inspections department has boiled over into a public demand for the supervisor’s dismissal.

Saying he was opening “Pandora’s box,” Niagara Falls Block Club Council President Roger Spurback publicly criticized Inspections Director Guy Bax and his staff during Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, saying the department’s lack of enforcement of out-of-code properties has been a

“No one has challenged their authority,” Spurback said. He later added, “We ask the mayor remove (Bax) immediately or force his retirement and under no condition must he return as a consultant. Furthermore, we ask the council to work to reorganize this out-of-control department.”

To help prove his point, Spurback passed out photographs of several properties in the city, including recent demolitions on Cudaback Avenue and 24th Street where the contractors didn’t top the sites off with the four inches of soil as required. He insisted the hired demolition companies not be paid until the work is 100 percent completed.

Other photos showed properties out of code compliance due to overgrown grass, an excess of debris or unsafe conditions. However, most of the property owners have never been cited or brought to housing court, Spurback contended.

“I am taking you on a photo journey, which is proof of incompetence of this (Inspections) department,” he said.

Despite criticism from Spurback and a couple of other residents during Monday’s meeting, it doesn’t appear the council supports the request to discipline or dismiss Bax. Council Chairman Samuel Fruscione said Bax is doing a good job.

“He has always worked with me to 100 percent of his ability and he’s completed and followed up on any complaint or task I’ve ever brought to him,” Fruscione said. “I don’t see the conflict at this time. I believe he’s doing the best he can within his abilities in accordance to the law.”

Mayor Paul Dyster, who did not attend the council’s evening meeting, declined to comment on Spurback’s request because he did not hear it personally. However he’s heard complaints over unfinished demolitions from block club leaders in the past and acknowledged there’s some improvements needed in the inspections department to provide better enforcement.

“We’re looking for ways to beef up and improve our inspections department, but no decisions have been made yet,” Dyster said. “There’s a lot of concerns out there on whether we’re using our inspections department in the most effective way.”

Contact reporter Rick Forgione

at 282-2311, ext. 2257.