Michael Civiletto, Gary Frederickson and Frank Torain all took oaths of office along with returning councilors Natalie Luczkowiak and Nick Weiser. City Judge John Kuzdale also swore in Assessor Erica Munson, who was re-elected unopposed.

Myra Thomas sang a stirring “Star-Spangled Banner” first. That was followed by an Invocation by Miriam Lugo-Alfaro, pastor of Iglesia Getsemani. “Let Dunkirk be blessed with wise counsel, honest work and a spirit of cooperation,” she concluded.

Kuzdale then administered oaths of office to the councilors and assessor Munson.

Family members and supporters of the councilors cheered as Weiser declared the first meeting of 2026 officially open.

Dunkirk’s new slate of ward representatives sits at the first Common Council meeting of 2026. From left to right are Natalie Luczkowiak, Frank Torain, Gary Frederickson and Michael Civiletto.

The council undertook various bits of year-opening business, such as establishing committees and bond payments, and designation of the OBSERVER as the city’s official newspaper.

Council also reintroduced a local law to abandon a section of Deer Street near Save-a-lot Plaza. A public hearing on the proposal will be held before the council’s next meeting Jan. 13.

Weiser then offered an optimistic speech that fit well with the “New year, fresh outlook” vibe of the meeting.

“Today marks a new beginning for this council and I hope this city,” the councilman-at-large began. He later said

Dunkirk has always endured and it has always found a way forward.

OBSERVER Photo by M.J. Stafford Myra Thomas sings “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Dunkirk Common Council’s reorganization meeting for 2026.

Weiser said he was genuinely enthusiastic about working with council members due to their different skill sets.

He called 2026 an “inflection point,” where decisions made “will shape the city politically and practically.”

Weiser called for “Bold, thoughtful action, not for headlines but for lasting change.”

Torain then played a recording of an inspirational song about Dunkirk, a poem set to music by a Buffalo pastor friend. It referred to “Dunkirk rising, shining bright.” Luczkowiak called it “beautiful.”

Thomas sang “God Bless America,” followed by Lugo-Alfaro’s closing benediction.

An inauguration reception was held at the Elks Lodge after the meeting.