Common Council
The City of Dunkirk’s Legislative body was originally formed in 1837 as the Board of Trustees for the newly created Village of Dunkirk. In 1880 the City of Dunkirk was formed and this legislative body took on its current name, the Common Council.
The Common Council consists of 5 members elected from the community. Each of the four City Wards is represented by a Council person and the group is led and presided over by a Council person at large who represents the entire City population.
This legislative body is charged with approving the City’s Budget, presiding over the City’s Charter and other legislative matters. As of October 2, 2012 the Common Council now meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm in the City Hall Council chambers. The Council also meets as needed throughout the year to address matters of an emergent nature. The public is encouraged to attend and participate in all council meetings.
Council News
See the City’s response to the 2012 New York State Comptrollers Audit
Current Members of City of Dunkirk Common Council
Council Member-At-Large Kiyak relocated to Dunkirk in 2009 when her husband Mark accepted a faculty position at SUNY Fredonia.
Born in Long Island and having lived in South Florida for most of her life, she brings a fresh perspective coupled with a passionate determination to restoring Dunkirk to the city it once was – a thriving community for both residents and tourists alike.
Her decision to become involved in politics can be best described with this quote from Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Boards and Committees:
- Economic Development Committee, Chairwoman
- Finance, Insurance and Property Committee
- Personnel, Judicial & General Welfare, Recreation, Library and Regional Planning Committee
- Dunkirk Local Development Corporation, Board of Directors
Contact Stephanie:
716-203-7254
skiyak@cityofdunkirk.com
Councilman Michalski is serving his second term of office beginning in 2012. He currently heads up the Finance Committee and sits on the Public Works and Personnel Committees.
A lifelong resident of Dunkirk, he believes in a positive and professional approach to solving issues facing residents and city government. “I believe in order to be an effective councilman, one should have an independent voice, listen to the concerns of city residents and present questions on issues when they arise.”
Boards and Committees:
- Finance, Insurance and Property Committee, Chairman
- Public Works, Streets, Sidewalks, Public Utilities, Parks, Harbor, and Buildings and Transportation Committee
- Personnel, Judicial & General Welfare, Recreation, Library and Regional Planning Committee
Contact Michael:
716-951-0015
mmichalski@cityofdunkirk.com
Councilman Rivera is a lifelong resident of the City of Dunkirk. He has been married to his wife, Stacey Rivera, for twenty years. They live in their home on Swan Street with their four children: Brandon, Kyleigh, Caleb, and Liam.
He has been a Sales Consultant for Verizon Wireless for the past eleven years and has been an Instructor for the Chautauqua County Drinking Driver Program for twelve years.
Boards and Committees:
- Personnel, Judicial & General Welfare, Recreation, Library and Regional Planning Committee, Chairman
- Public Safety, Fire, Police and Emergency Action Committee
- Economic Development Committee
Contact Bill:
716-467-1253
wrivera@cityofdunkirk.com
Councilman Gonzalez has lived in Dunkirk for over 40 years. In 1962 he moved here from Puerto Rico with his mother, and seven brothers and sisters in search of a new home. He is the husband of Aida L. Gonzalez and the father of three children: Gamaliel, Meraris, and Rebecca.
Throughout the years Andy has been actively involved in our community by serving on various boards. From 1992-2000 Andy served as a member and President of the Board of Education. He has also served on boards for the Dunkirk Local Development Corporation (DLDC), Housing Authority, United Way, Brooks Memorial Hospital, Lake Shore Savings and Loan Community Reinvestment Committee, and HOPE Organization. He is a certified minister who serves at the Assemblies of God church.
“Our community has seen many changes in our population according the the census. We have a charge to educate new citizens of our community and to hold homeowners accountable for their properties, as well as appreciate and celebrate those who are. We need to identify the neglected properties and enforce penalties on absentee landlords. We need to address the issue of gatherings of youth on street corners and ensure the safety of the community at large.”
Boards and Committees:
- Public Works, Streets, Sidewalks, Public Utilities, Parks, Harbor, and Buildings and Transportation Committee, Chairman
- Public Safety, Fire, Police and Emergency Action Committee
- Economic Development Committee
Contact Andy:
716-410-3376
agonzalez@cityofdunkirk.com
Stacy Szukala is serving her second term on the Dunkirk Common Council, representing residents in the Fourth Ward.
Stacy is a lifelong resident of Dunkirk. She is the wife of Peter Szukala and the mother of two children, Joshua, 18, and Jayden, 9.
Mrs. Szukala’s short-term goals include expanding the current recycling program and cutting costs within the City budget. As far as long term goals, providing the needed infrastructure upgrades to our Water Treatment Plant will receive much of her attention.
Councilwoman Szukala states: “I am proud to be given the opportunity to serve a second term for the residents in the city of Dunkirk. There are many issues that I will continue to work on and I urge residents to call me with whatever problems or ideas you may have.”
Boards and Committees:
- Public Safety, Fire, Police and Emergency Action Committee, Chairwoman
- Public Works, Streets, Sidewalks, Public Utilities, Parks, Harbor, and Buildings and Transportation Committee
- Finance, Insurance and Property Committee
- Dunkirk Library, Board of Directors
Contact Stacy:
716-410-4423
sszukala@cityofdunkirk.com
