During this unprecedented time of uncertainty over the pandemic of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 that is sweeping through our local communities and around the world the Dunkirk Common Council hopes that everyone is safe and healthy at home and may continue to stay that way through this pandemic.

In a news release Friday, which was sent on behalf of the entire city council, members announced that they are communicating with each other, other city officials and department heads. “We’re working, behind the scenes, to assure that the city’s employees, residents and visitors remain safe from the exposure of this virus and working to continue to move the city of Dunkirk in a positive direction,” Council members stated.

“We realize the strain this pandemic has put on individuals, small businesses and large corporations in Dunkirk. We are looking at every possible thing we, as a city, can do to make it easier to navigate through this unprecedented time. We have suggested a few ideas to the mayor and his department heads, all while exercising proper social distancing guidelines,” Council members continued.

One thing Council suggested is to have the city’s Economic Development Department look into all they can to get info for Dunkirk small businesses and Dunkirk corporations to get qualified for the federal money in the federal stimulus package passed by Congress and signed by the president.

Director Rebecca Wurster assured council members that her department “is working on a postcard and email blast to all businesses in the city of Dunkirk outlining all programs available at the local, state and federal levels.” The city’s Economic Development “contact information will be on these blasts to walk through the programs and the website will be updated with more information shortly.”

Another idea to help the small businesses of the Dunkirk Boardwalk is to forgive one month’s rent to those businesses, similar to what was done last year due to the lack of business during the construction of the Pier improvements.

“We have some other ideas that we are currently working on but have yet to finalize. Since the Dunkirk Common Council cannot be out in the public with our constituents like we could before this virus hit, we will periodically send press releases to the press during this time,” the release stated. “Again, the city of Dunkirk Common Council is working hard behind the scenes for the employees, residents and visitors of the city and hoping everyone stays safe and healthy. God bless.”