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Law and Order: Batavia man accused of strangulation and assault

By Howard B. Owens
brandon marsh
Brandon March

Brandon J. March, 39, of Batavia, is charged with strangulation 2nd, assault 3rd, and menacing 3rd. March was arrested on Dec. 28 following an investigation into an incident on South Lyon Street. March is accused of kicking a person while threatening to kill that person. March was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision.

Donald G. Vanelli, 60, of Oakfield, is charged with burglary 3rd, criminal mischief 4th, conspiracy 5th, and petit larceny. Vanelli was arrested on Jan. 4 on a warrant stemming from an investigation into a break-in at a business on Mill Street. At least two suspects stole property from the business, according to police. Vanelli was arraigned and released under supervision.

donald vanelli
Donald Vanelli

Tanisha N. Gibson, 38, of Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Gibson was arrested on Jan. 8 following an investigation into an incident on Dec. 2 on Bank Street. Gibson is accused of spraying pepper spray in the face of another person. Gibson was arraigned and released.

Tanisha Gibson
Tanisha Gibson

Johnathan M. Falk, 25, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. Falk is accused of cooperating with another person to steal property on Jan. 5 from 7-Eleven on East Main Street. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Samuel J. Hernandez, 21, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Hernandez is accused of shoplifting from West Main Wine and Spirits on Jan. 5. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jaliyla S. Shelton, 18, of Rochester, is charged with two counts of grand larceny 4th. She is accused of stealing two cars in Batavia. She was arrested on Nov. 2 and issued an appearance ticket.  She is accused of failure to appear on those charges and was arrested on a warrant on Jan. 10. She was arraigned and released.

Crystal L. Dacey, 29, of Attica, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and petit larceny. Dacey is accused of stealing property and prescription pills from another person on Jan. 10. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Timothy D. Cobb, 19, of Buffalo, is charged with unlawful fleeing a police officer 3rd. Cobb is accused of fleeing from a police officer following an incident at Speedway at Oak and Main on Jan. 3. The pursuit was terminated, but Cobb was apprehended a short time later. He was issued an appearance ticket and multiple traffic tickets.

James R. Briggs, 48, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Briggs is accused of stealing merchandise from Family Dollar on East Main Street on Jan. 4. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Joshua W. Bombard, 18, of Pavilion, is charged with assault 3rd and criminal mischief 4th. Bombard was arrested after police officers responded to a report of a fight at a location on Ellicott Street on Dec. 27. Bombard is accused of injuring another person and damaging that person's property. He was arraigned and released.

Jennifer M. Beswick, 41, of Batavia, is charged with DWAI/Drugs and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Beswick was arrested on Dec. 27 by Batavia PD following an investigation into a traffic accident that occurred on July 29. Beswick was issued an appearance ticket.

Jason C. Mann, 47, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Mann is accused of damaging another person's property during a fight in the parking lot at 587 East Main St., Batavia, on Dec. 24. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Martin J. Rodgers, 39, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Rogers is accused of damaging a window at a residence on Oak Street on Dec. 19 during an argument. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Naquan J. Shepherd, 24, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Shepherd allegedly hit another person during an argument on Hutchins Street, Batavia, on Dec. 20. Shepherd was issued an appearance ticket.

Ronald J. Murray, 29, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on Dec. 26. The warrant stems from an incident on Aug. 11. Murray is accused of possessing narcotics. He was arraigned and released. 

Henry C. Roberts, 19, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Roberts is accused of shoplifting from Tops on Dec. 29. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Levy Spikes, Jr., 50, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Spikes was charged following a traffic stop by a Batavia PD patrol on Dec. 24 on Lewiston Road. He was issued traffic tickets.

Malik Isiah Ayala, 32, no permanent address, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Ayala is accused of stealing a pair of Nike sneakers from Dick's Sporting Goods at 4:22 p.m. Jan. 13. When taken into custody, he was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Mark E. Green, 42, of Hermitage Road, Warsaw, is charged with harassment 2nd. Green is accused of hitting another person at a residence on Briarwood Terrace, Batavia, at 5:50 p.m. on Jan. 14. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Scott David Murray, 38, no residence provided, is charged with assault 3rd and criminal obstruction of breathing.  Murray was arrested on Jan. 2 in connection with an incident reported on Dec. 30 at a location in Darien. Murray is accused of striking another person in the face multiple times and applying pressure to the neck of that person multiple times.  He was held for arraignment.

Joseph M. Andrews, 47, of East Crestwood Court, Lockport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, open container, and speed not reasonable and prudent. Andrews is accused of driving off the roadway at 9:03 p.m. on Jan. 13 on Lewiston Road, Oakfield, while intoxicated. The incident was investigated by deputies Mason Schultz and Zachary Hoy.

Maxim James Reynolds, no age provided, of Lakes Road, Hamlin, is charged with DWI and false personation. Reynolds was stopped at 2:33 p.m. on Jan. 14 on Reed Road, Bergen, by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun. He was issued an appearance ticket.

WROTB's new director from Erie County fires off slew of questions; board grants raises to senior officers

By Mike Pettinella
Bassett and Wojtaszek
Dennis Bassett, left, was elected as chairman of the board of directors of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. at Thursday morning's meeting at Batavia Downs Gaming. At right is President/Chief Executive Officer Henry Wojtaszek. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Timothy Callan, the newest appointee to the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. board, isn’t able to vote yet – he’s waiting for his license from the New York Gaming Commission – but that didn’t prevent him from questioning the other directors and WROTB President/Chief Executive Officer Henry Wojtaszek on several matters Thursday morning.

Callan, the Erie County Deputy County comptroller, is representing Erie County on the board after his appointment by Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz. Callan’s boss, County Comptroller Kevin Hardwick, has been an outspoken critic of the public benefit company’s policies and practices.

He is replacing Jennifer Hibit, secretary of the Erie County Democratic Committee, who resigned due to a state law prohibiting “party officers” from serving on the WROTB board.

As Dennis Bassett (City of Rochester), who was elected unanimously today as the board chair for the remainder of his four-year term, led the meeting, Callan made his presence known, seeking answers about the corporation’s hiring practices, salary adjustments, branches, lobbying firms and insurance.

HIRING OF ASSISTANT GM FOOD/BEVERAGE
When Personnel Committee Chair Elliott Winter (Niagara County) introduced the establishment of a new position, assistant general manager for Food & Beverage, Callan sought information about WROTB’s hiring practices.

Wojtaszek said the new job is not a union position, adding that employees coming in at “Grade 6 or below are hired by me, after posting and after an interview usually with the department head, and the higher level positions are hired by the board.”

Callan said that the proposition of a new assistant general manager “prompted me to ask these general questions about who hires, interviews, makes decisions on personnel.”

Responding, Wojtaszek said that, in this case, he would be the one doing the hiring.

Callan then asked for a document showing the different positions in the corporation, with Chief Financial Officer Jacquelyne Leach pointing him to the operating plan for 2024. After that, Callan requested a copy of the WROTB organizational chart.

RAISES FOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Next on Winter’s report were monthly salary adjustments for the corporation’s senior management team -- $1,250 for Wojtaszek, $1,041.67 for Leach, $625 each for VP/Administration William White and Chief Operating Officer Scott Kiedrowski and $416.67 for VP/Operations Sean Schiano.

Winter based the raises -- ranging from $15,000 per year for Wojtaszek to $5,000 per year for Schiano -- on “the success of the corporation in 2023.”

Callan asked what the salaries would be after the adjustments, with Wojtaszek answering, “we can get you those numbers.”

The Batavian received those numbers from Leach in an email this afternoon.

The increases, which were approved unanimously by the board, bump the salaries up as follows:

  • Wojtaszek, $299,128
  • Leach, $244,045
  • Kiedrowski, $180,098
  • White, $174,898
  • Schiano, $142,072.

“These are considerable salary adjustments,” Callan noted. 

Bassett responded, “They really aren’t,” and asked Director Jimmy Wilmot (Monroe County), who has experience in the gaming industry, to “talk big picture” about the competitive environment facing casinos such as Batavia Downs Gaming.

“I won’t get into the weeds about private businesses that I’ve participated in … but this industry in general is very nomadic; to keep people, you have to pay them,” Wilmot said. 

Callan said he understood that, adding that “this is a governmental entity.”

“This is a government entity that is competing in a very competitive commercial environment,” Bassett offered. “And if we're going to -- as we talked in our committee meeting yesterday -- if we're going to keep leading-edge people that manage this business the way we would like them to manage it and lead the way we have led …”

He then cited 2023 statistics that indicate Batavia Downs Gaming increased by 11 percent in net win (the amount in the video lottery terminals after payouts), by 8.4 percent in attendance, by 14 percent in beverage and food sales and by 15 percent in hotel sales and suites.

“And we increased our distribution to municipalities which is key to me and most important to me; that was up over 9 percent,” he added. “This board felt that with those gains – and it doesn’t happen every year – and with the success this leadership had in 2023 … it was important to reward the leadership team.”

Callan then asked if each one of those officers had contracts (they do) and if the contracts provide for adjustments such as these and annual cost-of-living adjustments.

The answer he received was that there are no cost-of-living provisions in the contract and that the officers’ base compensation can be reviewed only by the board of directors.

“When was the last time that these five individuals had compensation adjustments?” Callan asked.

The board authorized contracts for each of these officers in May 2023, just prior to the reorganization of the board by the state government, and each of the five received substantial raises at that time as well.

LOOKING AT THE FUTURE OF OTB BRANCHES
Callan’s next topic was the status of WROTB’s eight branch locations, or what used to be called OTB parlors. 

“It’s my impression or maybe more than an impression that the branch locations don't make a lot of money and, in many cases, are negative in the corporation’s financial statement,” he said. “The cost to operate the branches is more than the revenue coming in from the branches.”

Callan wanted to know if there is a plan in place pertaining to the branches, wondered out loud what happens to employees when branches are closed and asked whether there are plans to close more branches in 2024.

Bassett acknowledged that the branch operation side of the company is under scrutiny.

“We have been looking at the branches, and we have been closing branches that were not profitable,” he said. “And a number of employees in those branches have been retiring. And what I presented to the leadership team yesterday was a strategic plan.”

He said that part of the strategic plan is to “reinvent” the branches “because we do want WROTB out in the community and how we can work with those branches to better have them be a part of the overall look and feel of our organization.”

In previous meetings, Wojtaszek informed the board that management was taking a hard look at the branches, and he reiterated that at Thursday’s meeting.

“The answer is that we will be looking at the branches very shortly -- within the next couple of months,” he said. “We haven't made any decisions. We talked about previously meeting with the branches and the employees ahead of time, and that is what we intend to do before we make any decisions.”

Leach said that seven of the eight branches were not profitable in 2022 but did point out that revenue from branch activity does contribute to the surcharge distributed to the 17 member municipalities.

Further discussion of the branches, initiated by Callan, focused on whether the corporation owned or leased the buildings and how sales of those buildings are recorded.

QUESTIONING ROLES OF WROTB LOBBYISTS
Three resolutions before the board spelled out six-month extensions with three Albany-based lobbying firms – Bolton-St. Johns at $8,500 per month, Upstate Strategic Advisors at $3,500 per month, and Mercury Public Affairs at $8,000 per month.

On this subject, Callan asked whether the corporation was getting its money’s worth and whether there were metrics in place to gauge its effectiveness.

“Generally speaking, what are the lobbyists doing? Are they lobbying state legislators? Are they lobbying the governor’s office? Are they interacting with the Gaming Commission? Are they interacting with local governments?” he said.

“All of the above,” Wojtaszek said.

Continuing, “We discussed some topics and, as you said earlier, are not appropriate to discuss in a public forum. We have certain items that we're going to ask them to look at, and we certainly will share that with you in another setting.”

Bassett said the board desires to put metrics in place to be able to evaluate the success of the lobbyists.

“We want to … have a level of specificity around those individuals that we’re hiring and the results they provide to this board.”

All three resolutions passed without a “no” vote.

SEEKING COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR INSURANCE
Directors passed a resolution to contract with Travelers Insurance Co. through Dec. 10, 2024, for property insurance for the Hotel at Batavia Downs. The premium is set at $59,261.

With that, Callan asked about the process of contracting with insurance companies.

Wojtaszek said management is reviewing proposals for Batavia Downs Gaming, with the intention of using a competitive bidding process. Garland Insurance of Phoenix, Ariz., has provided insurance for the facility since 2016.

Oakfield Republican Committee still seeking candidates for three positions

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Oakfield Republican Committee is looking for candidates to fill the following positions. All are four (4) year terms.  

  • Village Trustee (2)
  • Town Justice (1)

The Committee will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 24, at 6:30 p.m.  The meeting will be held at the Village Offices, 37-39 Main Street, Oakfield.

The Oakfield Republican Committee will also hold elections for their officers at this meeting.  Open positions on the committee are as follows and are four (4) year terms:

  • Chairman
  • Co-Chairman
  • Treasurer
  • Secretary

Interest persons should submit their letter of intent to Melissa M. Haacke, Secretary ORC, 19 Bennett Ave, Oakfield, no later than Jan. 22.

Hometown rivals to assist the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation

By Press Release

Press Release:

A full slate of both girls and boys basketball is scheduled for Jan. 27 and we hope to see you there. Batavia High School will take on the Notre Dame Irish for a full day of both JV and Varsity girls and boys basketball. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation.

Game times are as follows:

  • JV Girls: 2:30 p.m. Batavia High School Gymnasium
  • JV Boys: 4 p.m. Batavia High School Gymnasium
  • Varsity Girls: 6:30 p.m. GCC Gymnasium
  • Varsity Boys: 8 p.m. GCC Gymnasium

Admission will be Adults $5 & Students $2, Children 5 & under - free! There will be a 50/50 raffle at each game.

The Foundation will be running concessions and is looking for donations of soda, water, pizza, candy, and chips! All donations assist our fundraising efforts! Please call Laurie for any donations or questions @ 585-409-3275.

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation was established in 2007 in memory of Michael Napoleone who died at the age of 8 of Burkitts Lymphoma, a form of pediatric cancer. Since its start, the Foundation has given over $725,000 to families facing the challenges of a pediatric cancer diagnosis. They have donated over $75,000 to Youth programs from their grant funding, and supported research in the amount of $95,000. They also donated $50,000 to Golisano Children's Hospital and recently just completed their  $25,000 gift to United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

The Foundation depends solely on volunteers and less than 3% of monies raised are applied to administrative costs.

Come out and watch your hometown teams and support a great cause!

Hawley expresses concerns over Hochul and the Majority's budget

By Press Release

A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia).

Press Release:

“It’s that time of the year again. The Majority in Albany is once again desperately trying to clean up its mess by spending money we don’t have on projects we don’t need. Lowering the amount our public schools will receive to help teachers and students rebuild after COVID and giving over $2 billion to try to solve the self-inflicted migrant crisis are just more examples of downstate interests trumping the needs of Western New Yorkers. This administration needs to be more fiscally responsible. Families across our state have to create reasonable budgets and live within their means. It’s about time Gov. Hochul and the Majority did the same.”

Assemblyman Steve Hawley represents the 139th Assembly District, which includes Genesee and Orleans Counties and parts of Monroe, and Erie counties. For more information, please visit his official website

Town of Alexander seeking three candidates for republican committee

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Town of Alexander Republican Committee is seeking registered party members who are interested in becoming the endorsed candidate for the following Town of Alexander open positions:

  • Town Highway Superintendent (4 year term)
  • Republican Committee, one each for District #1 and #2.

Those interested, please contact Barbara Eddy, Chairperson at 585-507-9930, no later than February 1.

Accident reported on Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

A pickup vs. car accident is reported in the area of mile marker 397.4 in the eastbound lane on the Thruway.

Pembroke Fire and Indian Falls dispatched. East Pembroke requested to the scene.

No word on injuries.

Closures for Thursday due to winter storm forecast

By Joanne Beck

Wintry weather ahead, according to the National Weather Service, has resulted in the following cancellations for Thursday:

  • The New Year's Dance for Genesee County Adults with Developmental Disabilities scheduled for this Thursday, Jan. 18, has been cancelled due to the severe winter weather. It has been rescheduled for Thursday, Jan. 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Elba Central School will be closed on Thursday 1/18 due to the winter storm.
  • Batavia City Schools is closed, and all after-school activities are canceled.
  • Richmond Memorial Library.
  • Alexander Central School.
  • Genesee Valley BOCES.
  • Notre Dame High School.
  • Oakfield-Alabama Central School.

Send your cancellations and closures to news@thebatavian.com

Press release:

The National Weather Service has predicted more heavy lake snow, with accumulations of one to two feet. Storm totals could locally exceed four feet. The highest amounts will be in Erie County, which is closer to the lakeshore. The band will move back southward across the Buffalo metro late early Wednesday evening. It will then move south of Buffalo tonight into Thursday morning, before shifting back north across the Buffalo metro area Thursday afternoon as it weakens and impacts areas closer to the  Lake Erie shore. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph this evening will result in blowing and drifting snow, with near-whiteout conditions at times.

WHERE: Erie, Genesee, and Wyoming counties.

WHEN: Until 7 p.m. Thursday.

IMPACTS: Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning or evening commutes. Bitter wind chills as low as 10 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Heavy snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities.

Batavia trio is ready to help with your financial planning, investment needs

By Joanne Beck
Prudential ceremonial ribbon-cutting
Chamber of Commerce President Brian Cousins looks on as Michael Battaglia, David Zauner and Elisa Martin perform the ceremonial rites at their new Prudential Advisors location at 1 Court St., Batavia. 
Photo by Howard Owens

Setting up shop under the Prudential name is about more than selling insurance, Michael Battaglia says. In fact, he and his business partners offer personal financial investment advice, and estate and retirement planning strategies in what he considers to be a “holistic approach.”

“It looks at all parts of someone’s financial situation,” Battaglia said while preparing for the ceremonial opening of Prudential Advisors this week at 1 Court St., Batavia. “There's kind of been that trend, I think, within the industry, especially with insurance companies that have gotten more so into the investment type retirement planning, where they're not just life insurance or long-term care, but branching out more, looking at all parts of a financial household, and helping them with, you know, transferring 401K's into an IRA. Basically, investment advice and setting up a brokerage account, kind of you name it, and anyway that we can help to provide an investment strategy.”

He said that among the three of them — Battaglia, a native Batavian, David Zauner of Corfu, and Elisa Martin from Churchville — they are proud to be working for a company with a 150-year foundation, plus their own combined experience of at least 30 years in the field. 

Martin has primarily been a financial planner, which rounds out the financial advisor services of Zauner and Battaglia, including insurance and financial products to protect your family, save for and live through retirement, to save for education and small business.

“We all bring something different to the table,” Martin said.

Although they cut a celebratory ribbon for their new downtown office this week, the trio had a soft opening in August 2023. And despite little fanfare, customers have been finding them already, they said. They have regular hours and are available for appointments, however, “we don’t want to deter anybody to stop in and say hello,” she said. 

They had been working in a Pittsford office, and when a private office in Attica closed, they wanted to close a gap of having nothing to serve customers between Buffalo and Rochester, Battaglia said. 

“There really isn't any representation here. So we saw that that has been a good opportunity to help clients in this area … we’re really right here in the center of Genesee County, everybody's familiar with it. We're between Domino's and Batavia Tailors in that building, so we’re pretty visible there to them, and the traffic here is great,” he said. “So we feel we found a really visible spot that people could easily find us and fill that void that was kind of created. We do anything from life insurance, annuities, investments, and IRAs; we help small businesses with 401Ks and simple IRAs. So, financial planning.” 

A lot of people don’t realize, Martin said, that the moment they stop working, they may not have certain insurance or financial protections in place. 

“It’s putting a circle around them,” she said. “Everybody’s situation is different; it requires its own individual attention, to have their own correct individual plan.”

Zauner believes that no two people have the same exact financial needs.

“So it’s important to work with someone who understands your unique hopes and dreams, “ he emphasizes on the company website. “I value connecting with my clients in a meaningful way.”

Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment. For more information, call 585-993-2567.

Photo: Sundog in Batavia

By Staff Writer
snow dog
 A sundog on Wednesday morning in Batavia. Photo by John Michaels.

 

UConnectCare continues foundation scholarship program, deadline March 8

By Press Release

Press Release:

UConnectCare (formerly Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse) is continuing its Foundation Scholarship program for 2024.

Four $1,000 scholarships will be awarded, UConnectCare Chief Executive Officer John Bennett announced.

They are as follows:

  • One to a Genesee County high school student.
  • One to a Orleans County high school student.
  • One to an adult student pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
  • One to a technical/trade school student.

Bennett said that the scholarships, which will be awarded at the agency’s annual membership meeting in May, will go to individuals pursuing their education at an institution of higher learning in the fields of human services or social services.

“With a goal of improving community health, the board of directors of both UConnectCare and the UConnectCare Foundation are excited about the prospects of supporting those who are committed to the behavioral health field,” Bennett said. “Without question, agencies such as ours are always ready to hire educated, dedicated, and skilled employees.”

He noted that students enrolled in a Genesee or Orleans County school can apply for the scholarship even if their primary residence is in another county.

Applications are available on the UConnectCare website – www.uconnectcare.org – or can be obtained by contacting Diane Klos at Diane Klos at 585-815-1883 or dklos@unconnectcare.org. Completed applications must be received via email or postmarked by March 8.

Other pertinent scholarship information is as follows:

  • Applicant must be accepted at an accredited college or university and enrolled in or matriculated in an eligible program/major.
  • Eligible programs or majors include Social Work, Nursing, Health Science, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, or Human Services.
  • Current UConnectCare employees, board members and UConnectCare Foundation board members are NOT eligible.
  • Relatives of UConnectCare employees, board members and UConnectCare Foundation board members ARE eligible.
  • Applicant must provide academic history such as high school and/or college transcripts.
  • Applicant must provide two letters of recommendation from someone who knows the applicant’s work/volunteer/academic history. Letters from relatives will not be accepted.
  • Applicant must provide a resume or personal biography including work history, volunteer experiences, and extra-curricular activities.
  • Applicant must provide an essay that addresses educational and employment objectives as they relate to the mission of UConnectCare. Financial need, volunteerism, employment history, and civic involvement will be given careful consideration.
  • The scholarship monies will be awarded upon completion of the fall semester. The award recipient must provide a copy of their transcript demonstrating at least a 2.0 GPA.
  • Applicant may be invited for an interview before final awards are made.

Town of Batavia planners set public hearings for motocross, apartment projects

By Mike Pettinella

The Batavia Town Planning Board on Tuesday night scheduled a pair of special use permit public hearings for Feb. 6 – one for the reopening of a motocross track on Harloff Road and the other for the addition of a third apartment at a former church building at the intersection of Slusser Road and Main Road.

Jason Bonsignore, a former National Hockey League player and current auto/motorcycle racing promoter, is looking to restore a couple properties and operate what used to be Kelly’s Motorsports on the weekends, hopefully starting this spring.

Bonsignore came to the planning board several weeks ago with his proposal and returned to the Batavia Town Hall last night to receive word that a public hearing would be set.  He has been working with town engineers and zoning officers on a revised site plan that would pave the way to conduct racing of motorcycles, ATVs and go-karts.

Apparently, two 22-acre and 17-acre properties were purchased a couple years ago by Michael Lauterborn, a longtime friend of Bonsignore, after sitting vacant for nearly 15 years.

Bonsignore’s racing ventures are Action Park East Speedway in Greene (Chenango County) and Champion Speedway in Owego (Tioga County).

The Rochester native has been a part of the speedway scene for 28 years following a long pro hockey career that included stints with the Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning.

The public hearing is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Town Hall.

City of Batavia resident Wesley Winters is seeking a special use permit to add a three-bedroom apartment to the former Presbyterian church at 8591 Slusser Rd. in what is termed the Hamlet Commercial District.

His proposal was recommended for approval last week by the Genesee County Planning Board, with the following modifications:

-- The applicant eliminates two parking spots in the parking plan as they are located within the right-of way of Slusser Rd;

-- The applicant obtains approval/documentation from the Genesee County Health Department regarding the adequacy of the septic system for the additional unit.

Winters said the building has housed two two-bedroom apartments since 1975. He said he has been working on the outside of the building for the past five years and will be doing all of the interior renovations himself.

His public hearing is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Town Hall.

Elba beats Holley 58-31

By Staff Writer
elba basketball

Sydney Reilly's double-double helped propel Elba over Holley 58-31 in Girls Basketball on Tuesday.

Reilly scored 29 points and grabbed 16 rebounds.

Lydia Ross scored 14 points. Mariah Ognibene scored five points and five rebounds.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

elba basketball
elba basketball

County legislators all aboard Wings Over Batavia for 2024, while city drops Wing Ding plans

By Joanne Beck
Pete Zeliff, legislators
Pete Zeliff, far left, answers questions about this year's Wings Over Batavia Air Show from Legislators Marianne Clattenburg, at the table, and Gary Maha, far right, during Tuesday's Public Service Committee meeting.
Photo by Joanne Beck

Positives about last year’s Wings Over Batavia certainly outweighed any negative comments, according to Genesee County legislators, but lead organizer Pete Zeliff still addressed the couple of concerns expressed about the resurrected air show before getting a strong showing of support for this year’s event during Tuesday’s county meeting.

Legislator Gary Maha had received a message from someone who owns a hangar at the county airport, and he shared that he was unable to access his hangar for six days during the time before, during and/or after the Labor Day air show, Maha said. Zeliff countered that it was three days, and that the situation was being rectified for this year. 

“It must have been a communication issue,” Maha said.

The other issue was handicapped parking, Maha said, as he and his wife Susan had attended the show and saw a woman struggling to push her husband in a wheelchair over a grassy area. Zeliff said that that, too, was being addressed for this second annual event. 

Further, Zeliff said there were issues with having all of the sponsored and VIP tents on the west end of the event venue, and some of them will be moved to the east end, along with some local bands, to spread out the foot traffic and layout on the ground. 

“We will split it up this time,” Zeliff said. “And we will also have a Kids Zone on the east end. As far as traffic, I don’t think it could have gone any better.”

Some gates were apparently not open, which didn’t allow for some handicapped parking that will be available this year, he said. 

“Can you have a wheelchair zone, for wheelchair access?" Legislator Marianne Clattenburg said.

“Yes,” Zeliff said. 

Legislators wanted to know how performers responded to the show hosted in Genesee County. 

“They said it was the best show they’ve ever done in the United States,” Zeliff said.

Organizers booked 73 rooms for them at Batavia Downs, and 50 rooms elsewhere, some of them that would accommodate guests with pets, he said. They have already booked many performers for this year, including the same pyrotechnics show, and they have sold 1,200 tickets already, he said, a testimony that “the community is very much behind” the air show. 

Legislator John Deleo, who works at Batavia Downs, shared some of what he heard during that weekend.

"They were really appreciative, and they were really nice people. And they said you've got some top entertainment here. And you've got some top entertainment from all over," Deleo said. "So I was very excited to hear that."

Legislators agreed that the air show committee, volunteers, and sponsors for the first-year made it “a tremendous success” and that the event brought in a lot of people from out of town, which spurred additional economic activity.

With all of that in mind, the committee members voted to push the resolution for vote by the full Legislature “to grant permission to the Wings over Batavia Foundation LLC to use the Genesee County Airport to host the Wings over Batavia Air Show from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2, 2024, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations adopted for the Genesee County Airport.” The county support costs total are estimated at $19,500, which are covered by the Air Show through Memorandum of Understanding with the Sheriff and local EMS operations.

There is no added cost for the current airport liability policy. There will be increased revenues for the airport during the event for additional fuel sales, tie downs and rentals, the resolution states. The county will also see increased sales tax because of the air show. The 2023 show generated over $6,000 in profit from fuel sales. The estimated increase in sales tax and bed tax related to the event is to be approximately $40,000.

As for Wing Ding, the downtown city street festival that many people seemed to be looking forward to for decades past, that will not be turning after all. City officials had formed a committee last year to resurrect Wing Ding along with the air show, as it once happened some 25 years ago. However, that was put on hold in lieu of needing more planning to fully prepare and gather volunteers for the effort, Assistant City Manager Erik Fix had said at the time.

The Batavian confirmed with City Manager Rachael Tabelski that Wing Ding will not be happening this year either, due to not having enough staff to organize or execute the event. 

New companion animal law means big expense, potential grant for GC animal shelter

By Joanne Beck
File Photo of a volunteer and occupant at Genesee County Animal Shelter.
File Photo of a volunteer and occupant at Genesee County Animal Shelter.
Photo by Howard Owens.

County legislators gave a thumbs up and fingers crossed Tuesday for a grant application to make mandated and costly upgrades to Genesee County Animal Shelter per recently passed state legislation requiring at least two sets of ventilation systems, isolation areas, treatment rooms, washing facilities and other amenities at the Route 5 facility. 

Undersheriff Bradley Mazur made the request during the Public Service Committee meeting, as Deputy Highway Superintendent Paul Osborn helped to explain the need for funding. Gov. Hochul recently signed the Companion Animal Care Standards Act, prompting New York State shelters to ramp up their to-do lists to meet new compliance orders. 

Osborn reviewed some of the physical aspects of those tasks, including the need for a new HVAC system that keeps the air temperature between 60 and 80 degrees, separate ventilation systems  -- three, Osborn said -- for the adoption and stray side of the shelter, larger kennels for both dogs and cats, isolation rooms for sick dogs and cats, treatment rooms for dogs and cats, separate washing facilities for both dogs and cats, additional wash sinks for volunteers, and daylighting for diurnal lighting. 

The upside, county Manager Matt Landers said, is that the building footprint itself won't have to be enlarged, as the work can be done -- with necessary reconfiguring of rooms, an added wall, and such -- within the current site.

The deadline for applying for a maximum award of $500,000 is Jan. 29, and work must be done by December 2025. Osborn said estimated expenses for those mandates would easily meet or surpass half a million dollars, which prompted Legislator Marianne Clattenburg to ask who pays if they go over cost.

“We do,” Landers said. 

The Batavian asked him what would happen if the county couldn’t pay the tab and didn’t make the required upgrades. Could the shelter get shut down?

“I am confident we will find a solution that is cost-effective and meets the new requirements from NYS Ag & Markets,” Landers said.  “The State has stated it is not their goal to close down shelters.”

“The county is confident that between the next couple of NYS budget years that it will secure necessary grant funds to largely offset the required improvements,” he said.

The Batavian wanted to clarify Clattenburg’s comment made during the meeting about whether the shelter should even be where it is. Would she like to see it shut down?

She didn’t mean that, she said.

Marianne Clattenburg with certificate letter
File Photo of Legislator Marianne Clattenburg
Photo by Joanne Beck

“No, not closing it. But, you know, reimagining it. Maybe shared services with other counties, maybe a different location and a better building, you know, something along those lines, because it's going to be very expensive to retrofit where it is now,” she said. “And so, I was just thinking along those lines. We're always looking for shared services models, and maybe, if the state wants better ventilation and better cages, better everything, then maybe it's time to look at regionalizing, that was my thought.”

The Batavian also asked Landers his thoughts about a future shared animal shelter facility, per Clattenburg’s comment, to save on costs.

“Legislator Clattenburg is a huge proponent for sharing services when it makes sense.  We will always examine when a shared service model may work and save municipal resources,” he said.  “At this point, our focus is on securing state funds for the required upgrades, but we will always keep an open mind for opportunities to share services with other municipal partners.”

Legislators had no problem with the grant application and passed it onto the Ways & Means Committee and the Legislature to authorize the submission of the proposal for a maximum of $500,000 award, with a 10 percent county match for required upgrades at the shelter. Other provisions in the new law include changes to animal bedding, transportation, behavioral record keeping and mandatory training.

Genesee County looks to plug all holes of internet coverage with $6.6 million contract

By Joanne Beck
File photo of Genesee County Manager Matt Landers, with Assistant County Manager Tammi Ferringer behind to his right, during a county meeting. 
Photo by Joanne Beck

After what he considered to be an extensive search for funding of unserved county Broadband customers, County Manager Matt Landers put forth a resolution Tuesday to move forward with a two-year, $6.6 million plan to fulfill more than 700 “address points” and close the gap of internet service across Genesee County.

A contract for high-speed internet access could alleviate issues for everything from, according to legislators, students when relegated to doing homework by computer in cyber dead zones, to entrepreneurs trying to make a living conducting business at home.

“I’m still negotiating and having discussions with state officials trying to find outside pots of money that we could access even after contract award. Local representative for the governor's office, J.W. Cook, has been working with me recently, trying to find possibilities for additional funding,” Landers said during the county Public Service meeting that was postponed due to Monday's holiday. “But at this point in time, I think we've exhausted all of our attempts to find outside resources. Our office does get relatively quite a few calls, asking where we stand. So I think that we're at the point now to move forward with the 24-month contract, from start to finish. And this will be before you today for consideration.“ 

Legislator Gary Maha was in favor of the move, especially after hearing about how students struggled to do homework during COVID and the resulting pandemic when forced to do use whatever technology they had at home during school shutdowns, he said.

“I think it’s very important that we proceed with this,” Maha said.

Fellow legislator Christian Yunker agreed: “Just like many of us, many of us field a lot of calls, especially in the rural areas. There's a lot of holes in the kind of units sold on that access.”

“A couple of years ago, we started talking about this. We said we will fill all the address points. This is something that I think we've all talked about. This is a two-year process. It's time to start construction,” he said. “So with that, if we sign this now … when do they say construction will begin?"

Landers said that, potentially, it could be two to three months, up to six months, for the installation to begin. Once completed, “we would cover all addresses in the county.”

“We would be covering every single address,” he said. Residents can hook up to it if they choose, “it’s not obligating anyone,” Landers said. 

That was something the county “should be proud” of, Yunker said. 

“And there's probably not a lot of other counties out there can say that,” he said. “It's a service that we're providing to every resident. And I think it's something we should be proud of. It's a lot of money, but everybody knows how important it is, not only for residential people but also businesses.”

Legislature Chairwoman Shelley Stein added a kudos for Landers’ attempts to try and root out as much funding as possible while providing a needed service before pushing for a contract. 

“I would just like to thank the unprecedented amount of time that Matt, and energy, research, commitment that you have put into the contract, and understanding that the need is real for these address points in our community,” Stein said. “And at the same time, you've been very judicious in safeguarding the actual cash that needs to go into this program. Thank you for valuing both sides of the equation.”

She also asked if any other municipalities were pursuing internet service for their residents, and “none of the towns are doing anything,” Landers said.  “We’re only connecting unserved households,” he said of the 711 addresses to be covered.

“We were looking at a two-phase process, which would have decided which towns go first. We have done away with that to make this go as quickly as possible. So this is left in the hands of Charter (Communications) as far as their path. I can get updates as they go through the process to kind of get an idea of the direction. So I can sort of get an update and report back,” Landers said. “It's whatever is the quickest and most logical, economical for Charter to roll this out.”

The contract stems from a request for proposals issued in 2022 and an extensive process and input led by a committee that included three county legislators, IT Director Michael Burns, Richard Sutherland from Genesee Finger Lakes Planning, and Assistant County Manager Tammi Ferringer and other staff. 

Funding will come from the American Rescue Plan Act and state shared services monies and county reserves, Landers said. The resolution must still go through the Ways & Means Committee and onto the full Legislature for a final vote. 

The committee recommends that the award in the amount not to exceed $6,603,107 go the Spectrum Northeast, LLC, located in the State of Delaware, and the County of Genesee desires to obligate and use $2 million of its total ARPA allocation and $250,000 of shared services funding, plus $4.75 million of reserves for the project.

Oakfield Girls top Alexander 39-29 in Genesee Region matchup

By Staff Writer
Looking for the rebound.  Two genesee County teams battling it out at Alexander High School.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Looking for the rebound.  Two Genesee County teams battle it out at Alexander High School.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Oakfield was held scoreless in the fourth quarter on Tuesday night, but was so dominant earlier in the game, including scoring 18 points in the third quarter, that they were able to hold onto a big lead and beat Alexander 39-29 in Girls Basketball.

Caitlin Ryan scored 13 points for the Hornets and Alea Geoff scored eight. 

Hayden Bezon scored eight for the Trojans.

Also in Girls Basketball on Tuesday:

  • Elba beat Holley 58-31
  • Batavia 54, Franklin 21. Anna Varland scored 16 points. Julia Clark scored eight, and Addy O'Donnell scored eight. Isabella Walsh scored five points and had seven rebounds, six steals, and four blocked shots.
  • Notre Dame beat Attica, 56-27. Leading the Lady Irish was Sofia Falleti with 17 points, 3 steals and 6 blocks. Emma Sisson recorded a double-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 steals. Gianna Falleti contributed 8 points, 3 steals and 5 rebounds. 
  • Pembroke beat Lyndonville 55-46.  Reagan Schneider had 18 points and 13 rebounds. Peyton Liss, 13 points. Jayden Hootman, 11 points and seven steals. Morgan Coniber, 10 points and 10 rebounds. Onolee Easterbrook, eight steals.

In Boys Basketball, Le Roy beat Batavia 65-51. Merritt Holly scored 21 points. Jake Higgins, 13 points. Jean Agosto, nine points and 13 rebounds.  No stats were provided for Batavia.

To view or purchase prints, click here.

Hayden Bezon in the paint looking to score.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Hayden Bezon in the paint, looking to score.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Rylee Denny ready to pass.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Rylee Denny ready to pass.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Emily Pietrzykowski driving to the hoop.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Emily Pietrzykowski driving to the hoop.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Allie Williams shooting for two.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Allie Williams shooting for two.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Piper Hyde trying to shoot under the hoop for two points.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Piper Hyde trying to shoot under the hoop for two points.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Top Items on Batavia's List

Town Court Clerk Below are two lists: one details the myriad responsibilities that fall within the purview of the court clerk; the other summarizes the knowledge and abilities that court clerks possess or acquire through training. These lists are provided so that a judge and municipality can intelligently discuss the benefits that a court clerk can provide. The items below can also form the basis for a list of job duties should a municipality need to fill a vacancy in a court clerk position. Primary Responsibilities A. Maintain confidentiality of records and information when required to do so B. Prepare court calendar C. Collect monies, reconcile daily receipts, deposit receipts, prepare reports for monthly disbursements, reconcile bank accounts, and prepare administrative reports D. Enter convictions on drivers' licenses and prepare conviction reports electronically transmitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles E. Enter criminal conviction on NCIC reports and electronically send same to Division of Criminal Justice Services F. Respond to inquiries-in person, by phone, by e-mail and by mail-and provide assistance to lawyers, litigants, media, and members of the public G. Prepare monthly reports that are electronically sent to the Office of the State Comptroller H. Prepare orders, summonses, warrants and other court forms i. Communicate with outside agencies in order to coordinate the Court's activities and provide services to litigants. Such agencies include: ii. Law enforcement agencies, such as local police departments, New York State Police, Sheriffs office, FBI and CIA, US Armed Forces, and the Office of the District Attorney; I. Other courts, including superior courts and other local town and village courts; and i. Miscellaneous county agencies, such as Community Service, Community Dispute Resolution Center, Pre-trial Release, Probation, Stop DWI program, Victim Impact Panel, and Youth Court. ii. State agencies that require periodic reporting, including the New York State Unified Court System, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Office of the State Comptroller, the Division of Criminal Justice Services, and the Office of Court Record Retention. J. Examine court documents to ensure their accuracy and completeness K. Receive and file summonses, traffic tickets and other documents for court proceedings i. Assist the Justice at the bench during all Court proceedings Knowledge of: 1. The functions and organization of the Unified Court System ii. Basic legal terminology, codes and abbreviations iii. Court forms, practices and procedures, including those set forth in the Uniform Justice Court Act and the Uniform Civil Rules for the Justice Courts (22 NYCRR Part 214) 2. Ability to: i. Prepare judicial orders and decisions ii. Effectively communicate information orally and in writing iii. File and retrieve materials, extract data from various sources for entry onto court form iv. Research and interpret laws outlined in court documents and litigants' motions and other papers v. Perform mathematical tasks in order to compile court activity reports, total receipts, accept payments, and verify bills vi. Refer to appropriate documents, statutes, citations or other sources in order to respond to specific questions from attorneys, litigants and members of the general public vii. Interpret policies, statutes, rules and regulations and apply them in specific contexts viii. Establish work priorities ix. Constructively manage conflict with court users Qualifications: Highschool diploma recognized by the NYS Dept of Education or appropriate equivalent. Along with 4 years of college, specialization in criminal justice, law, business administration or related field. -OR- 2 years college with specialization in Business Administration or related field. Please email your resume to abrownell@townofbatavia.com no later than 12/16/2024. Pay is based on experience.
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