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A proposal by the city clerk to raise the solicitor and vendor license fee from $25 to $200 failed to fly with city council members Monday night.

While some increase is appropriate, council members said, and other fee hikes met no opposition, the solicitor increase might discourage some street sellers.

"My first reaction was a very strong concern that local vendors are part of our community and probably something like this could present difficulties to some of those vendors," Councilman John Canale said.

Councilman Brooks Hawley called the increase excessive. He said he could support an increase to $100.

So did Councilman Pierluigi Cipollone.

"It's a huge jump," Cipollone said. "Driving in here tonight I was thinking about the hot dog vendor who was here this summer. He makes maybe 10 percent or 20 percent on a sale, so he would have to sell 250 hot dogs and a Coke to recoup (the fee)."

A fee half of that proposed might be more manageable for such a vendor, Cipollone said.

Under city ordinances, any solicitor or vendor who wants to hawk wares or food on the sidewalk or go door-to-door must apply and pay for a license.

Batavia has the lowest fee of any small city in Western New York, said City Clerk Heidi Parker (inset photo), at least among the dozen or so she surveyed. Typically, the fee is at least $300 and one municipality charges $500 while another charges $25 per day.

Raising the rate would help address some problems with door-to-door solicitors, Parker said.

"We're hoping that by increasing the fee, vendors will take their actions more seriously," Parker said. "At $25, if you lose your license it's not a big deal, but at $200, we hope vendors will be more respectful of the people they're visiting."

Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian said she is very concerned about the conduct of some solicitors, but is also concerned about the people who seem to go door-to-door posing as solicitors but might have more nefarious activities in mind.

She recalled calling the police on one suspicious character in her neighborhood over the summer, but when police arrived within minutes of her call, he couldn't be found.

Her request: That solicitors be required to wear and display a conspicuous ID badge.

"I want it pinned right on them," Christian said.

In the past year, Parker said, 27 vendors and solicitors paid for licenses and total revenue was $675. At $200, she said, only four would need to pay for a license for the city to maintain close to the same level of revenue on the licenses.

No decision was made at Monday's conference meeting. Parker will bring back a revised proposal at a future meeting.

The council expressed no opposition to raising the tax search fee -- for real estate transactions to find delinquent taxes and utility bills -- from $5 to $10, or the bounce check fee from $15 to $20.

On the tax search fee, Parker said, "It's not a charge to taxpayers. It's a fee for service."

The tax search fee hasn't been raised in 15 years and Batavia has, and will still have, the lowest rate among the municipalities Parker surveyed. Total revenue will rise about $1,500.

On bounced checks, the raise in revenue will be minimal since the city receives very few overdraft notices each year.

Local artist Brandi Bruggman was at Coffee Culture on Court Street this evening painting the windows of the coffeehouse with snowmen, snow-covered trees and wreathes for the holidays.

Submitted by Lisa M. Compton:

Most people in Le Roy have some opinion on what should be done with the Wiss Hotel. It sits in a dilapidated state on a highly visible corner of Main Street, and is one of the most prominent buildings people see as they are coming and going about their business. It is an embarrassment, an eyesore and a vivid reminder of the problems that have plagued Main Street over the years.

Like just about everyone I talked to, I want something to be done, but what should that something be? I always liked the building, and after hearing so much conflicting information about its condition, I really wondered how bad things really were and if the building was indeed a lost cause.

Inspired by a “Main Street” talk given at a village meeting by architect Rick Hauser, several of us gathered together a small group of like-minded curious people and hired Mr. Hauser’s firm, In.Site:Architecture, to do an assessment of the building as well as a feasibility study that would show whether any efforts to fix the building up were worth it from a financial perspective.

The study shows the building has high potential to be a viable business entity consisting of five apartments on the second and third floors, and several commercial establishments on the first floor. There is a detailed financial plan with ideas for securing funding.

One goal is to form a community Limited Liability Company (LLC) over the next few months to raise the $400,000 needed to get the project off the ground. We think that a LLC is a good way for local investors who may have either services or finances to invest, to participate in a project like the Wiss, and it also keeps profits within the community.

We will be holding a meeting on Thursday, November 29 at 7 p.m. in the Le Roy Village Hall where Mr. Hauser will be giving the talk “Main Street LLC, Community Entrepreneurism and the Case for Private Sector Rehab." It is open to everyone interested in finding out more about the Le Roy New York LLC and the Wiss project.

I am excited about the potential for transforming the Wiss into an attractive part of our community’s busiest intersection, and for doing it in a way that creates a return for local investors and maintains the character of our downtown.

As we pointed out Friday, local shop owners are standing by, ready to help you with the perfect holiday gift.

And as we said, when you shop local, more of your hard-earned dollars stay in our local community where they can do the most good.

Above, Jim and Tina Lambert, Lambert's Design Jewelers.

Ross Walker, RW Vapors.

Bill Hume, Foxprowl.

Press release:

The Batavia Police, in partnership with Salvation Army, are collecting items to help those in need this holiday season.

Police officers as part of their normal duties meet families in unique situations and see firsthand the need for basic clothing needs such as socks, pajamas and other items. The Batavia Police Department is asking the citizens of Batavia to join us as we help supply these items for the Salvation Army to distribute.

There will be a collection container at the City of Batavia Police headquarters located at 10 W. Main St. We will be accepting new clothing items and of course new toys for those children of our community in need. Items will be collected through Dec. 14. Feel free to stop by and drop off.

Thank you, to the citizens of Batavia, for your support and have a safe and happy holiday season.

Photo: Officer Eric Dibble and Chief Shawn Heubusch, by Det. Rich Schauf.

A car is off the road in a one-car accident on Route 20 just east of Asbury Road, Pavilion.

Pavilion fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 9:06 a.m.: The patient has reportedly lost consciousness.

UPDATE 9:39 a.m.: Pavilion fire back in service.

Dashawn A. Butler, 33, of 101 Summit St., right, Batavia, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child, 1st, criminal nuisance, 2nd, and unreasonable noise. Batavia PD responded to 101 Summit at 11:43 p.m., Saturday, on a complaint of a loud party. The police department reports having received numerous prior complaints for noise and underage parties. Butler was previously charged on similar allegations Oct. 20. On Saturday, officers report finding several underage people in the residence and the odor of marijuana. Butler was charged with unreasonable noise and maintaining a premise where unlawful conduct occurs for allegedly allowing persons under age 21 to consume alcohol. Following arraignment in city court, Butler was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Kasean L. Shannon, 20, of 119 State St., #4, Batavia, is charged with menacing, 2nd, criminal obstruction of breathing and harassment, 2nd. Shannon is accused of choking and menacing a woman with a knife during an argument at 9:30 a.m., Sunday.

Willie Miles Jr., 48, of 45 Washington Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, disorderly conduct and harassment, 2nd. Miles is accused of damaging two windows at a residence.

Curtis J. Doward, 18, of 26 Ganson Ave., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful possession of marijuana. Doward is accused of pushing another person and grabbing that person by the neck during a domestic incident. The alleged incident occurred in the presence of a young child. At the time of his arrest, Doward was allegedly found in possession of marijuana.

Joseph M. Dispenza Jr., 18, of 38 Church St., Le Roy, is charged with felony DWI, driving in violation of a conditional use permit, failure to keep right, moving from lane unsafely, inadequate headlights and refusal to take breath test. Dispenza was stopped at 2:40 a.m. Thursday on Pearl Street, Batavia, by Officer Darryle Streeter. Dispenza was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Bradley M. Crandall, 45, of 66 Lake St., Le Roy, is was arrested on a warrant out of drug court related to a DWI charge. Crandall was jailed on $100,000 bail.

Jason E. Carpenter, 34, of 33 S. Pearl St., Oakfield, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Carpenter was located on State Street and arrested on a warrant out of city court.

Kayla L. Rapone, no age or residence provided, was arrested on two bench warrants for alleged failure to appear in court.

Melissa L. Coufal, 42, of Bergen, is charged with possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Coufal was arrested by State Police in connection with an alleged incident from Nov. 19. Coufal was released on an appearance ticket. No further details were provided.

Dispatchers have received reports of accidents involving at least five cars on Route 19 on the Thruway overpass in Le Roy.

DOT crews have been dispatched to deal with possible slickness on the roadway.

So far, no reports of injuries.

UPDATE 6:52 p.m.: There are at least 10 cars involved. Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance dispatched. Possible minor injuries. Responders warned to use caution upon approach, roads are very slippery.

UPDATE 6:55 p.m.: A Le Roy responder asks dispatch to contact DPW. The Clay Street bridge is covered with ice, he says.

UPDATE 6:59 p.m.: Medic on scene reports the northbound lane of Route 19 is blocked.

UPDATE 7:16 p.m.: A second ambulance, a Mercy rig, requested to the scene.

UPDATE 8:33 p.m.: Road salted and Route 19 is reopened.

An accident blocking both westbound lanes of the Thruway has been reported in the area of mile marker 390.2.

No word on injuries.

Town of Batavia Fire Department dispatched.

UPDATE 2:44 p.m.: The location is right by the toll booth overpass, just east of Route 98. Three cars are involved. It may be that only one lane is blocked.

UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: Mercy medics on scene report no injuries. Town of Batavia fire will help troopers with traffic control.

A three-car accident with minor to no injuries is reported on the Thruway near mile marker 396 and in the westbound lane.

East Pembroke fire dispatched. It's the second call in the district for East Pembroke.

Mercy EMS dispatched as a precaution.

UPDATE 1:58 p.m.: The "car that caused it all took off" reports a chief on scene. Two cars involved on scene. No injuries. Town of Batavia Fire Department requested to the Thruway to check the west bound lane. Dispatch is receiving reports of several accidents in the westbound lanes of the Thruway. An East Pembroke chief has been told of another three-car accident "back there" in the median. All available manpower requested to the Thruway.

UPDATED 2:02 p.m.: Confirmed two-car accident at mile marker 294.8.

UPDATE 2:04 p.m.: No injuries in the accident at 294.8. Town of Batavia fire is going back in service.

UPDATE 2:13 p.m.: East Pembroke assignment to the Thruway back in service.

A trailer reportedly came off a truck in the area of North Pembroke Road and Beckwith Road, Batavia, taking down a utility pole and transformer.

East Pembroke fire responding.

No injuries reported at this time.

National Grid has been notified. No ETA at this time.

UPDATE 1:32 p.m.: Road being shut down at Beckwith and Phelps.

UPDATE 1:37 p.m.: Chief asks dispatch to notify National Grid, "we can't get near that trailer." 

UPDATE 1:53 p.m.: National Grid has a 20-minute ETA.

UPDATE 1:56 p.m.: National Grid reports 60 customers without power.

UPDATE 2:08 p.m.: National Grid is on scene.

UPDATE 2:37 p.m.: East Pembroke back in service.

UPDATE: Photo submitted by a reader.

A bit of snow started mid-morning giving Batavia a little dusting over grass, on tree limbs and the hoods of cars. The light snow fall is expected to continue through the afternoon with an accumulation by 5:30 p.m. of about an inch. The forecast for tomorrow is partly cloudy with a high of 39 degrees.

The Sheriff's Office has announced two arrests in connection with an incident Nov. 10 that led deputies and troopers responding to a house on Asbury Road, Le Roy, with lights and sirens after dispatchers were told a shot had been fired.

Steven A. Myers, 46, of Asbury Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd, for allegedly shooting the phone of 17-year-old Brandon N. Benz, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia.

Myers reportedly came home and discovered Benz at the Asbury Road residence. He is accused of shooting a phone belonging to Benz.

Benz has been charged with sexual abuse, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child, both misdemeanors.

Nobody was injured in the incident.

The case was investigated by Deputy Bradley Mazur, Deputy Brian Thompson, Trooper Paula Caton and Investigator Roger Stone.

When you do your holiday shopping at a locally owned store, not only will you find unique and special gifts, more of your dollars will stay in the local community and do the most good.

Local shop owners are the people who do the most to support your community, from volunteering for local organizations to donating to local charities. Strong communities have strong local business communities, and the more we support our local businesses, the more our local economy will grow.

I stopped in on three local businesses today just to get three pictures of local people in local shops as a reminder to shop locally this holiday season.

Above are Mary Valle and Carrie Lawrence of Valle Jewelers.

John Roche, Adam Miller Toy and Bicycles

Don Brown of Charles Men's Shop

Photo and info submitted by Rachel Chudoba:

Civilians of the NYS Police Headquarters in Batavia raised money in awareness of October as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month." They worked all year raising money from Dress Down Day, selling purple ribbons, drawings and luncheons.

They raised $500 to donate to Path Stone Corporation's Domestic Violence Services program. A brunch was served and check was presented to Path Stone.

Pictured from left are: Tina Zack, Teresa Ferris, Kelly Peruzzini, Margie from Path Stone, Dianna Bogue and Rachel Chudoba.

A structure fire is reported at the Plum Creek Driving Range, 5141 Batavia Elba Townline Road, Batavia.

Elba fire was initially dispatched and it's now gone to a second alarm, with East Pembroke, Byron, Bergen, Alexander and the city's Fast Team among units dispatched.

UPDATE 3:58 p.m.: Elba crews had the fire out by the time most of second-alarm companies were arriving on scene. The blaze started with a Gator-type vehicle in a work shed. Also responding were Town of Batavia, Oakfield and Bethany.

UPDATE 4:20 p.m.: Elba and all other units back in service.

Leaha Rae Anne Wimmer, 20, of an undisclosed address in Darien, is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd. Wimmer is accused of using a forged/stolen check. She was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Brandon Nicholas Benz, 17, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Benz is accused of pushing and shoving another person.

Joseph Anthony Mogavero, 19, of State Street Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and possession/consumption of alcohol under age 21. Mogavero was arrested Saturday after Deputy Patrick Reeves was dispatched to Route 238 in Alexander for investigation of a suspicious vehicle off the roadway. Also charged with possession/consumption of alcohol under age 21 were Sean Patrick Francis Bodkin, 20, of Affinity Lane, Cheektowaga, Matthew Robert Blevins, 20, of Vernon Avenue, Batavia, and Nathan Alexander Demare, 19, of Brigham Road, Ferdonia.

Lucas George Yauchzee, 23, of West Bergen Road, Bergen, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminal possession of marijuana. Yauchzee's arrest comes after an investigation that began Dec. 26 when law enforcement responded to a report of a domestic incident at his apartment. Yauchzee is accused of possessing marijuana and hydrocodone.

From Kathy Hochul:

This Thanksgiving Day, as we count our blessings, let us also be mindful of those brave men and women away from their families, serving overseas to protect our freedom and defend others around the world. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. I wish Western New York and the nation a safe, peaceful, and happy Thanksgiving.