Expectations where high that a plan to transfer ownership of the Le Roy municipal pool to a private volunteer group would save the pool, but the deal fell apart at the last minute.

A group of volunteers rejected the proposal because they didn't want to assume long-term ownership of the pool, and Mayor Ged Brady said state law prevents the village from using volunteer labor to make much needed repairs.

"I don't think any of us (volunteers) want to take over. That was not our purpose," said group leader and former county legislator Mike Welsh. His group's proposal for several weeks has been to raise several thousand dollars, and complete the state-required pool safety repairs on donated volunteer labor. 

Taking over operations of the pool was never part of the group's plans, Welsh said.

"We are certainly not going to accept (the village's deal), because this is not practical," Welsh firmly said. "It's not even reasonable!"

But village trustees said that if the village is going to be the lead agency on pool repairs, state law requires that the job be bid out to contractors and that prevailing wage must be paid to workers.

For more on this story, read the coverage from The Batavian's news partner, WBTA.

A good number of the fans who packed into Dwyer Stadium on Wednesday got what they paid for, and some of them went home disappointed.

The Staten Island Yankees, behind the slugging of #1 draft pick Cito Culver, slammed the Batavia Muckdogs 10-1.

Culver, a Rochester-area native, playing his first game before a sort-of-hometown crowd, didn't take long to give friends, fans and family in the stands something to cheer about, driving a first-inning home run over the right field wall on the third pitch he saw (picture below).

In his third at bat, Culver hit another shot over the right field wall (pictured above) with two runners on base.

The home runs were Culver's HRs of 2011. He's now hitting .295 on the season.

The Muckdogs' (20-19, two games out of first) lone run came on a solo home run from German Medina in the sixth inning.

For the Muckdogs, Joey Bergman had two hits, raising his average to .327. Roberto Reyes also had two hits.

Starter Jose Almarante (2-2) lasted only 3.2 innings getting tagged for seven earned runs and raising his ERA to 4.26.

Culver and the Staten Island Yankees (29-9) return to Dwyer on Thursday. Game time is 11 a.m. The teams meet again on Friday at 7 p.m. (fireworks after the game).

The smell of smoke is reported at campsite #971 at Darien Lake Theme Park. No flames are showing, but they'd still like an officer to check it out. They have shut off electricity to the site.

Darien Fire Department is responding.

Press release from the Genesee County Economic Development Center:

For the second year in a row Genesee County has been recognized in the top five of the rankings for Metro Food Processing Industry Growth by the National Site Selection publication, Business Facilities Magazine (July/August Edition). Genesee County has New York State's highest percentage of classified farmland, three of the top 100 vegetable farms nationwide and is first in agriculture sales statewide. More than two-thirds of Genesee County's acreage is used for agriculture and employs more than 1,500 workers.

Agri-Business is the number one industry in Genesee County and naturally where the crop is grown and the cows are plenty, food processing plants spring up. Genesee County is home to O-AT-KA Milk, Yancey’s Fancy, Allan’s Canning, and the new home of Alpina Foods, LLC. 

“The completion of the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park and the announcement of Colombia-based Alpina Foods, LLC’s decision to build its first U.S. manufacturing plant at the park underscores the strength of our region’s food and beverage manufacturing sector,” stated Steve Hyde, president and CEO of Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC). “We have strategically invested in building an infrastructure to attract food and dairy processing companies."

Alpina, one of the most recognized dairy companies in the world and a leading dairy producing company in Colombia and South America, has decided to open its first specialty yogurt manufacturing plant in the United States by mid-August and will be the first occupant of the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park. 

The GCEDC has developed the largest agri-business park in the nation.  The Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park, a public-private partnership between GCEDC and Farm Credit East, encompasses 202 shovel-ready, pre-permitted acres in the center of Western New York.

The park was designed with food-processing companies in mind, and on site there is access to low cost process water via a local aquifer – that produces more than 6+ million gallons per day and a pretreatment facility (Ecolab). A robust utility infrastructure throughout includes rail access. In 2010 municipal water lines were brought into the park as well as gas and electric and the main roadway was constructed. Recently the GCEDC was awarded a $3.9 million New York State grant to bring rail and a cross dock into the park. 

Supporting the agri-business industry of Genesee County are world-class Universities including Cornell and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Cornell University is the leader in food science research and transfers research-based information and technology for the food systems of New York State. Within the department of Food Science, six organizations specifically provide direct support to the dairy industry.

RIT’s Packaging Science Department works closely with a variety of companies in Genesee County and across the U.S. to create sustainable environmentally friendly packaging. The university also explores cooperative global opportunities for students to work in manufacturing facilities.

The university resources, skilled workforce and available facilities, combined with the area’s steep agri-business and manufacturing heritage give rise to unbridled growth in Genesee County’s food processing capabilities.

The Staten Island Yankees arrived in Batavia this morning and climbing off the bus for a workout at the YMCA was the Yankees #1 draft pick in 2010, Cito Culver.

He's a Rochester native and this will be his first game played close to home.

Between the Yankee's connection and Culver's WNY roots, big crowds are expected at Dwyer over the next three days. Game times are 7:05 tonight, 11:05 a.m. tomorrow and 7:05 p.m. on Friday (with fireworks afterward).

Culver, who some predict is the future starting shortstop, replacing Derek Jeter for the Yankees, comes to town swinging a hot bat. He's hitting .350 over the past 10 games, including two three-hit games last week.

As for the young player, he's ignoring the Rochester-area media hoopla around his sort-of-homecoming and concentrating on getting ready to play his game.

"I try to stay away from looking at all that," Culver said. "I'm just happy that my mom and my sisters and my close friends can come watch me play. It's been a long time since my grandma and my grandpa came to see me play, so I'm really excited for that."

Meanwhile, the Muckdogs (20-18) are wrapped up in a tight pennant race, tied for second with Williamsport, one game behind three times tied for first (Jamestown, Auburn and Mohoning Valley, all at 21-17).

Staten Island comes into the series with a 28-9 record, seven games ahead of Brooklyn (21-16) in the McNamara division.

Tonight we will be discussing the pool at the board meeting at 7 at the Le Roy Village Hall. Below is a letter that the mayor has distributed to Village Board members, various local media, and has had me distribute to the Le Roy Business Council. I hope he won't mind that I have blogged it here; I did let him know that was my intention, though, and did not get any opposition. I will simply type it here in its entirety and exactly as the Mayor typed it. I will not paraphrase or summarize as I would like you to look at it and draw your own conclusions. Please note that the previous board voted to close the pool at the board meeting prior to Bob Taylor and me being sworn in. We were not a part of that decision. Please do attend the meeting as I know you have strong opinions and that is what makes democracy work. As always, thank you for reading. Thank you, Howard, for giving us this space to use.

"Dear Mr. Welsh,

     Thank you for your visit Wednesday, it was a very informative meeting. I came away with two important insights. First, your ease with which you can raise funds and second, your recognition of the Village Board's reticence to expand infrasturcture costs in a time of difficult budgets.

     The primary reason that the Village Board unanimously decided to close the LeRoy Pool was based on projected expenditures for both current and future repairs and operations. However, we know that repairs and operations can be done by a private entity for much less cost than if done by the Vilage. The proposed schedule of repairs presented that you presented in your letter of July 12, 2011 clearly illustrates this, for example:

                       Removing the surrounding deck of the large pool and replacing it with correctly pitched deck and attending to various drain connections would cost the Village an estimated $45,000, the Welsh proposal estimates that it can be done for "free" with donated materials and labor.

                       Installing an "unblockable" drain cover would cost the Village an estimated $8,000 (without contingency) as opposed to $4,135.48 as estimated in the Welsh proposal.

     Your group has shown skill and ability in their desire to restore the pool. They have a proven record as fundraisers that is to be admired. However, the emerging reality is that in the next few years the Village will have many calls for funding of infrasture maintenance and improvement projects. It is also known that finances for the Village will become increasingly more difficult as the impact of the 2% tax cap is fully felt.

     Given these realities and the welling up of support from a segment of the Village and the Town, I will ask for the following resolution in the next meeting of the Village Board:

Be it resolved-

        That the Trustees of the Village of LeRoy declare the pools and associated buildings surplus.

        That the Trustees sell the pool and related buildings to a new entity such as "LeRoy Pool, LLC" for $1. The Village would retain the right to purchase the facilities for $1 should "LeRoy Pool, LLC" decide to sell all or part of the facilities.

         That the Trustees lease a plot of land that encompasses the pools and related buildings to "LeRoy Pool, LLC" for ninety nine years (or other appropriate period) for $1. We avoid the cumbersome New York State process of turning public parkland into private land by this lease.

         That in its annual budget the Village will provide a payment for services rendered to the citizens of the Village of LeRoy. A starting amoung for the 2012-2013 and the next four budget years is suggested to be $11,000. This more than covers the Village's non personnel costs based on the last years of operation.

     This is the best possible outcome-the formalized "LeRoy Pool, LLC" can continue to take advantage of low cost repairs and fund raising from the willing. The Village has a budget item that would experience little volatility-very helpful in the 2% tax cap era, and takes the Village out of the pool business. Apparently the Town has indicated a willingness to financially support the pool as it has in the past. Together the Village, Town, user fees and fund raising provide a strong base of operations. After the above resolution has been passed by the Village Board, representatives from Village and the "LeRoy Pool, LLC" can meet to formalize the agreement.

     Hopefully this note expresses the intent and spirit of our meeting.

     Best Wishes,

            George E. D. Brady, Mayor

            The Village of LeRoy

 

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during “The Edge’s Summer BBQ” concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Tuesday:

Bruce W. Tweedie, 54, of Homewood Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, is charged with criminal possession, of a controlled substance, 7th, after allegedly being found in possession of Adderall pills. Tweedie was released on $500 bail.

Sarah C. Kowalczyk, 25, of 69th Street, Niagara Falls, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Michael J. Kwiatowski, 35, of Davey Street, Buffalo, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing a security guard while being ejected from the concert venue.

Chad M. Patterson, 32, of County Road 4, Filmore, is charged with trespass after allegedly being found backstage without permission.

Rick C. Bush, 35, of Seneca Street, Savannah, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and criminal mischief, 4th, after allegedly entering the venue to strike another patron who was being ejected. During the altercation, Bush broke a CSC security guard's radio headset. He also refused to be taken into custody and allegedly fought with security and Sheriff’s deputies.

Fred W. Phillips, 19, of North Creek Road, Lakeview, is charged with disorderly conduct and possession of alcohol with the intent to consume under age 21 after allegedly causing a disturbance while at the concert.

The following people received citations for allegedly consuming alcohol under age 21.

Christian D. Allen, 18, of Ridge Road, Albion
Haley R. Zilka, 19, of Boncroft Drive, West Seneca
Alexandria C. Smith, 18, of Cottage Road, South Dayton
A 17-year-old of Cottage Road, South Dayton
Edward D. Barnes, 18, of Danker Road, South Dayton
Gavin C. Doran, 20, of Big Tree Road, East Aurora
Lyndsey E. Feidt, 20, of West Cherbourg Drive, Cheektowaga
Michael A. Rauth, 19, of Chapel Glen, Hamburg
A 17-year-old of Lincoln Park Drive, Syracuse
Corey R. Crowe, 18, of Bonnie Drive, Syracuse
Timothy J. Scott, 18, of Regatta Row, Syracuse
Brandon M. Morales, 18, of Edgewood Drive, Buffalo

Bryan W. Phelps, 57, died suddenly on Monday.

Phelps was a former Town of Alabama Planning Board member and a leader in the local agricultural community.

Recently, Phelps had been active and outspoken on the issue of the STAMP project in Alabama.

(Full obituary)

A resplendent peacock is reportedly in the roadway at Tower Hill and Cole Roads in Bergen. Law enforcement is investigating.

The officer was unable to locate the bird and is moving on to his next assignment.

UPDATE (by Howard): The peacock above may or may not be the same one reportedly seen in the Tower Hill area. This picture was taken by Laura Scarborough on on Cole Road near Route 19, Le Roy, not Bergen. A friend of Laura's describes the bird as very tame and has been knocking at her door for days. Laura said she's afraid the bird will get hit by a car. It stands right next to the roadway. Laura said the friend has called every agency she can think of and each says a tame, loose peacock isn't their issue.

A one-car rollover accident is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 382.2, near Buckley Road. Le Roy Fire and Ambulance are responding.

UPDATE 5:29 p.m.: There is one victim with cuts and abrasions.

The Batavia Youth Center at 12 McArthur Drive was broken into over Friday and Saturday, with burglars stealing a pair of 37-inch flat screen TVs and video games.

The forceable break-ins occurred between Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 3:15 p.m.

Besides the TVs, the thieves stole a Wii console and several Wii games.

The TVs and games are used by children who attend the youth center.

The Batavia Police Department is asking for the public’s help in solving this crime. If anyone has any information about the burglary, they are asked to call the Batavia Police confidential tip line at 345-6370.

A reward is being offered for anyone who will provide information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible.

Two of Batavia's young officers recently attended their formal graduation from the Monroe County Basic Police Academy, according to Chief Randy Baker.

Officers Eric Dibble and Jason Ivison graduated together on Friday.

In order to graduate, the recruits completed classroom instruction, firearms training, defensive tactics and on-the-road field training for 16 weeks.

The academy, founded in September, 2010, trains officers for Batavia, Rochester, Greece, Gates, Monroe County and East Rochester.

Both officers received awards for their performance in the academy, Baker said.

Officer Dibble received the class Marksmanship Award for maintaining the highest average score during handgun firearms qualification. Officer Ivison received a Leadership Award for serving as a platoon leader during the academy.

Both officers are currently assigned to different shifts and working on their own.

A sunflower has popped up among the lillies at Jackson and Main streets, Downtown Batavia.

Independent Living of Genesee Region hosted a picnic for more than 60 people today at Dewitt Recreation Area celebrating the 21st anniversary of passage of the American with Disabilities Act.

After a lunch of hot dogs and hamburgers, some of the guests enjoyed the park, chatted in the pavilion or played Frisbee.

A boy at Dewitt Park seemed to have found some playmates for a game of duck-duck-goose this afternoon.

A tire blew up when a 60-year-old man was pumping it up at Memorial Park on Route 19 in Bergen. He has a hand laceration. The location is a bench by the railroad tracks.

Bergen Fire Department and Mercy EMS responding.

A caller reports smoke coming from a wall at 100 Pearl St., Batavia, Paris Repairs.

City Fire Department is responding.

The first unit on scene reports nothing showing.

UPDATE 3:33 p.m.: A firefighter on the roof reports nothing showing. The breaker has been shut off and the smoked stopped. "It appears to be an electrical problem," says a captain.

UPDATE 4:11 p.m.: City fire back in service.

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