DUNKIRK—A resolution to accept $153,520 to help develop a new water park in Dunkirk was approved Tuesday at the regular meeting of the Common Council.

City leaders received notification that Department of Housing and Urban Development funding will be available for the project, which is earmarked for a lot adjacent to the developer of the water park, the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center on Route 5.

Councilman Kevin Muldowney supported the motion. As a member of the Dunkirk Local Development Corporation (DLDC), Muldowney has been working closely with the private owners to launch the water park.

The motion triggered a discussion by Councilwoman Rose Floramo, who said she objected to the hotel not providing a fitness center to the public on a long-term basis. Planning Director Kory Ahlstrom said this was a “private business decision” and not a matter for the Council.

The city will also be seeking funding for a recycling project.

New Council member Stacy Szukala has been working on the new plan. The motion unanimously approved Tuesday will allow an application to be made to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The long-term project is aimed at reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills, which will not only reduce the costs for the city but encourage green disposal of products and waste.

Council members also approved a letter supporting the Fredonia State College Technology Incubator, which opened in December in the City of Dunkirk. Federal funding will be sought to promote small business start-ups.

In other matters, the Council approved outside testing services for all employees who use a commercial driver’s license in their jobs with the city.

Floramo and Szukala both questioned actions to reduce funding to the Great Lakes FX project, which provides art lessons to children.

Ahlstrom said youth funding was given to the Boys and Girls Club in Dunkirk, which proposes to reach more children in an after-school program. He said the art project could reapply in another funding season.