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Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. officials today said they will be honoring former director Batavian Richard Siebert for his many years of service to Batavia Downs and Batavia Downs Gaming.

WROTB President/Chief Executive Officer Henry Wojtaszek, at today’s board meeting at the Park Road facility, said that Siebert will be recognized at a noon reception on March 28 with a plaque in the newly remodeled Genesee banquet room on the second floor of Batavia Downs Gaming.

Siebert (photo at right) served on the board for 29 years until resigning in early May after it was announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul that the governing body would be dismantled and restructured.

Wojtaszek said that he’s contacted Siebert about the recognition.

“Dick said he’s going to try to bring his family,” he said. “He was very touched, and he definitely wants to be here.”

Wojtaszek also raved over changes that are being made to what had been known as the Grandstands banquet room.

“Our staff did a great job,” he said. “We’re expanding our catering services … and the room looks fantastic. It’s not done yet, but we’re pretty close to it.”

In other developments from the meeting:

-- Chief Financial Officer Jacquelyne Leach reported five-year earnings and surcharge distribution figures totaling $28,387,714.

“With Western OTB, if we have losses in a year, we cannot offset future earnings with those losses. So, for really a four-year period (not including 2020 when there were no earnings), we've distributed $28.4 million, which I feel for a small venue is extremely impressive,” she said.

WROTB distributed $5.8 million in surcharge and earnings to its 17 member municipalities in 2021, a year after having only 722,740 in surcharge distributions, due to the pandemic.

The number jumped to $8.4 million in 2022 and $9.7 million last year, including fourth-quarter earnings distributions of just shy of $1.9 million.

Genesee County received $208,114 in surcharge and earnings distributions in 2023, up from $179,105 in 2022.

Looking forward, she said the corporation is aiming for a net win (money left in the video lottery terminals after payouts) in 2024 of $89 million.

“If that’s the case, it could very well (exceed $9.7 million),” she said.

Leach pointed out that “back in the day, when our pari-mutuel (horse race wagering) was, like 1990 when it was $200 million, our surcharge distributions were close to $4 million.”

“That’s not the case anymore, but our earnings distribution – $9.1 million for 2023 – was the highest in the corporation’s history,” she noted.

-- Board Chair Dennis Bassett (City of Rochester) said that the company’s internal investigation into a lawsuit by three former bartenders at Batavia Downs Gaming is ongoing.

“We talked about it in executive session and our investigation continues, but I have nothing new to report,” he said, adding that he hasn’t heard anything more from attorneys representing Tara Sweet of Elba, Corrine Armison of Batavia and Brooklynn Cline of Belmont.

The trio is suing the corporation, claiming wage theft by supervisors who kept a share of pooled tips. Also, Sweet is alleging sexual harassment against Chief Operating Officer Scott Kiedrowski and Director of Security Daniel Wood.

Kiedrowski and Wood are named as defendants, along with WROTB and Batavia Downs Gaming, in the suit that was filed in Supreme Court in Genesee County. Both Kiedrowski and Wood are working while the lawsuit unfolds.

-- The board voted to amend a pair of resolutions authorizing the purchase of concert tickets and parking passes for all shows at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in 2024 and for Buffalo Bills’ licensing fees, tickets and a suite through 2026.

The Darien Lake cost went up from $30,000 to $35,000 while the cost for the Bills’ games has been set at $157,202.90 in 2024, $163,413.05 in 2025 and $165,733.70 in 2026.

When asked about the value received for these expenses, Bassett firmly defended the need to continue this practice.

“I will stand up in front of anybody. We’re an organization that is competing against the municipalities around us, competing against other people for their time and we have to treat our special customers special,” he said.

“We have a benefit of having a winning football team in our presence. And I've been on the board 14 years, and it hasn't been a winning football team all the time. As a matter of fact, when I first came on the board, we couldn't give the Buffalo Bills tickets away.”

Bassett acknowledged that WROTB has gotten “slammed for entertainment,” but added that directors have put processes in place to identify who is attending.

“We provide host, and the host entertains our customers. And as far as I know, it's a good investment for us to entertain our what I consider our special customers. And were going to continue that.”

File photo by Joanne Beck.

LeRoyan Tom Rohl defeated Batavian John Wolff, 210-203, in a battle of left-handers to win the “Super Bowl” handicap singles tournament at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.

Rohl, 50, earned $500 while Wolff, 83 years young, took home $300 for their efforts in the event, which drew 43 entries last weekend.

Based on his 212 average, Rohl received three pins handicap and just managed to sneak past Wolff, who received 44 pins based on his 171 average.

Rohl downed Rich Wagner of Batavia, another lefty, while Wolff topped Rick Underhill of Batavia in the semifinals. Wagner and Underhill won $160 each.

Quarterfinalists were Brandon Luce of Oakfield (the high qualifier), Selena McJury of Batavia, Sam Oddo of Batavia and Austin Hawker of Geneseo. They won $120 apiece.

HEROLD HITS 290 AT LEGION LANES

In Genesee Region USBC league action last week, Le Roy Legion Lanes produced some high scores, with Shayne Herold's 290 game highlighting the American Legion Thursday Mens' League.

Herold finished with 737, behind Josh Cummings' 744. Mickey Hyde posted 725.

In the Le Roy Moose League, Zach Plath took top honors with games of 267 and 287 en route to a 746 series.

An attorney representing Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. Wednesday called it “a wise decision” by lawyers representing a former chief operating officer at WROTB to seek dismissal of a false claims' lawsuit against current and former directors and senior management.

“That was a wise decision for them to withdraw the lawsuit … because it would have been without merit, and what have faced immediate dismissal motion,” said Aaron Saykin of Hodgson Russ LLP of Buffalo, speaking of a legal action filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York by Michael Nolan.

In July 2021, Nolan filed a false claims act lawsuit against the corporation, naming current and former board members (including Richard Siebert, Genesee County) and senior leaders – claiming WROTB improperly spent public funds on directors’ health insurance, sporting and concert tickets and other management perks.

On Jan. 4 of this year, Western District Court Judge William M. Skretny ruled that a dismissal was in order due to the fact that the court lacks diversity jurisdiction over the claims since Nolan is no longer a resident of Florida. Reportedly, Nolan has moved back to New York.

An affidavit from Nolan’s attorney, Edward Yankelunas of Tiveron Law of Amherst, dated Jan. 3, indicated that “although (Nolan) is not proceeding with the state qui tam action in federal court for the reason stated above (change of residence) and seeks to voluntarily dismiss this action, the plaintiff respectfully reserves the right to (a) proceed with state qui tam action New York State Supreme Court and (b) proceed with the plaintiff’s individual action against WROTB and the other named defendants, which is pending in this court.”

A call to Yankelunas was not returned at the time of the posting of this story.

Saykin said that former State Sen. George Maziarz filed a similar lawsuit in 2022 in Erie County Supreme Court.

“Maziarz’s suit had extremely similar allegations and we moved to dismiss that,” he said. “Before the judge even decided it, the other side withdrew it quickly because we pointed out that it was completely meritless under the False Claims Act.”

Saykin said cases involving the False Claims Act normally are “sued on behalf of the government, and that the Office of the State Attorney General declined to intervene and take the (Nolan) case.”

The court issued a summons to nearly two dozen defendants in May 2023, but those people were not served summonses because, according to Yankelunas’ filing, Nolan’s citizenship changed from Florida to New York, “thereby apparently eliminating diversity jurisdiction.”

Saykin said he views it differently.

“They waited on it for months and months and months and didn’t do anything. I think that tells you everything you need to know about how strongly they felt about it,” he surmised, adding that if Nolan refiles in state court, WROTB will move to dismiss it.

WROTB President/Chief Executive Officer Henry Wojtaszek said the lawsuit was “frivolous and we’re glad it was dismissed.”

Nolan previously filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against his former employer following his firing in December 2020. He is claiming he was let go for sharing information about the company’s policies with federal and state authorities.

He is seeking $14.5 million in compensatory damages plus reinstatement to his former COO position, reinstatement of full fringe benefits and seniority rights, damages sustained due to the violation including, without limitation, the compensation for lost wages, benefits and other remuneration, and payment of all reasonable costs, disbursements, and attorney's fees.

Rick Howe of Le Roy recorded his second United States Bowling Congress-certified 300 game last week during league action at Le Roy Legion Lanes.

The 52-year-old right-hander rolled games of 227, 215 and 300 on lanes 5-6 in the American Legion Thursday Men's League. He entered the night with a 201 average.

Howe's other perfect game took place in March 2012, and he posted a 299 game in Sept. 200, both at the Le Roy hall.

In other league play around the Genesee Region USBC, Brandon Gurnsey rolled a 758 series in the Sneezy's Monday Night League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion and Tim Talbot fired a 754 series in the Sunday Rolloffs League at Medina Lanes.

For a list of high scores for the week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Monday and Tuesday leagues produced some big scores last week in the Genesee Region USBC.

At Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia, Michele Larson of Batavia just missed a 700 series -- posting 201-256-236--693 in the Meyer's RV Monday Night NFL League and Brian Cline of Middleport continued his stellar bowling with 258-245-259--762 in the Mancuso Real Estate Monday Doubles League.

At Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, Curtis Foss of Medina added another perfect game to his long list of honor scores with 300-204-257--761 in the Sneezy's Monday Night League and Sarah Cassidy of Albion rolled her first 700 series with 285-247-202--734 in the Tuesday Ladies Merchants League.

In the Sunday Rolloffs League at Medina Lanes, Hayden Allis led the way with 278--736, a week after recording a 300 game and 731 series in the Wednesday Community League. Previously in the Wednesday league, Alex Allis of Medina rolled a 298 game and 737 series.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Mancuso Bowling Center, Le Roy Legion Lanes and Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen are hosting tournaments in February.

Two tourneys are scheduled for this weekend – the Help ‘R Heroes handicap team event at Legion Lanes and the Genesee Region USBC Youth Team event at Rose Garden Bowl.

While the Help ‘R Heroes tournament runs from Friday through Sunday, the only openings are on the Friday 7 p.m. squad. First prize, based on 32 teams, is $1,000.

To enter the four-person team tourney, call Scott O’Neill at 409-0459.

The GRUSBC Youth Team tournament lists squads at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday (following the GR Youth Travel League).

Travel League bowlers are eligible to participate in the tournament, using their league scores. 

Each team is comprised of three bowlers. Entry fee is $60 per team. Scholarships for the first place team and trophies for the top three teams will be awarded.

To enter, send an email to mikep@bowlgr.com.

Other February tournaments:

-- Feb. 9-10: 28^th annual Betty Ellison Memorial Crossroads House Tournament, Mancuso Bowling Center. Squads are scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, with the Friday squad and the 6 p.m. Saturday squad featuring glow bowling with a DJ. Each team consists of four bowlers. To enter, go to www.crossroadshouse.com.

-- Feb. 11: “Super Bowl” Handicap Singles, Mancuso Bowling Center. The four-game qualifying squad is set for noon. One in four bowlers will advance to the head-to-head match play round. Entry fee is $45. First prize (based on 32 teams) is $450. To enter, contact Mark Brown at 716-474-7960.

-- Feb. 17-18: GRUSBC No-Tap Doubles, Le Roy Legion Lanes. Qualifying squads are scheduled for 1, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. each day. Entry fee is $60 per team. The maximum team averages is 420. First prize, based on 48 teams, is $600. To enter, email mikep@bowlgr.com. Note: Only one opening at 1 p.m. Feb. 17 and no openings at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 17. Openings exist on the other four squads.

-- Feb. 23-25: 22^nd annual Ron Riggi Memorial 4-Person Handicap, Le Roy Legion Lanes. An $800 top prize is offered, based on 24 teams. Squad times are 6:30 p.m. Feb. 23, noon Feb. 24 and 1 p.m. Entry fee is $100 per team. To enter, contact Brown at 716-474-7960.

Five Genesee Region USBC members, including two Batavia residents, cashed at the 60-and-Over Tour tournament on Sunday at Medina Lanes.

Batavians Scott Shields and Bill Neubert along with Medina residents Jim Foss, Roger Allis and Bob Hodgson advanced to the 16-bowler eliminator finals as a result of their three-game qualifying scores.

Foss, who led the qualifier with a 730 series, went on to place third, winning $225.

Jim Galletta of Oswego placed first, posting a 266 game in the final round, to take home the $420 top prize. Buffalo’s Dave Rudnick was second ($300) and Jim Pitts of Elmira finished in fourth place ($170).

Shields, who rolled 693 in the qualifying round, and Allis made it to the semifinals and won $125 each. Neubert and Hodgson lost in the first round and won $100 apiece.

In Genesee Region USBC league action last week:

-- Robbie Hanks hit the 800 mark for the eighth time at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, posting 278-279-257—814 in the Sneezy’s Monday Night League.

-- Brian Cline raised his average to 238 with a 259-278-237—774 effort in the Mancuso Real Estate Monday Doubles League at Mancuso Bowling Center.

-- Andrew Rose rolled 727 in the Tuesday Coed League and James Townsend registered 726 in the Brighton Securities Tuesday Triples League, both at Mancuso’s.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

The chair of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. board of directors this afternoon said it’s likely that an outside law firm will be hired to look into sexual harassment and wage theft allegations by three former Batavia Downs Gaming employees.

“The allegations in the lawsuit made by the OTB employees are certainly concerning to us as a board and warrant an investigation,” Dennis Bassett, (photo at right), who represents the City of Rochester, told The Batavian. “Presently, we are discussing whether we should seek an outside law firm to conduct further investigation to ensure the integrity of their findings.”

Bassett said he spoke to all the other directors by telephone on Thursday and is fairly certain that attorneys from an independent firm not connected to the public benefit company will be retained.

“Our intention is not to delay moving forward on this,” he added.

Former WROTB bartenders Tara Sweet of Elba, Corrine Armison of Batavia and Brooklynn Cline of Belmont are suing the corporation, claiming wage theft by supervisors who kept a share of pooled tips.

Furthermore, Sweet is alleging sexual harassment against Chief Operating Officer Scott Kiedrowski and Director of Security Daniel Wood.

Kiedrowski and Wood are named as defendants, along with WROTB and Batavia Downs Gaming, in the suit that was filed in Supreme Court in Genesee County on Wednesday.

Bassett said that both Kiedrowski and Wood are on the job pending the outcome of the investigation and lawsuit.

“They are innocent until we find out the facts,” he said. “We’re going to look at all the facts, as well as our institutional policies and how we responded (to the allegations).”

He said some of the allegations in the lawsuit were not presented to WROTB administration, necessitating the need for an independent investigation.

“By hiring an outside firm, we would send a signal that we want to get to the bottom of this and act accordingly,” he said. “I don’t believe administration had all the pieces to do a thorough investigation but did as much as they could with the facts presented.”

When it was mentioned that WROTB continues to find itself embroiled in legal troubles, giving the corporation a “black eye,” Bassett sighed before responding.

“Regardless of how successful we are – and we certainly have been over the past couple of years, we cannot and will not in any way overlook the concerns of our employees,” he said. “We will look into this and take it very seriously. At the end of the day, our success depends on how our employees are treated.”

On Thursday, The Batavian reported in detail on the lawsuit, which was reported by the United Public Service Employees Union on Oct. 30. Batavia Downs Gaming fired Sweet on Nov. 16, while Armison and Cline quit their jobs in the spring.

A letter dated Dec. 8 from the attorney representing Sweet, Armison, and Cline indicated that the trio was seeking $250,000 “to right these wrongs:” and that Sweet be reinstated and her disciplinary record be swept clean. If those conditions weren’t met by Dec. 22, according to the letter, the demand for compensation increases to $500,000, along with the threat of a lawsuit.

WROTB officials contend that Sweet was let go for stealing from a customer, something that is disputed in the lawsuit.

Previously: Former Batavia Downs employees file lawsuit alleging wage theft and sexual harassment; OTB documents point to inconsistencies

One Genesee Region USBC bowler notched his first certified 300 game while two others came within a strike of perfection in league play this week.

Michael Godfrey Sr. of Albion registered 12 consecutive strikes in the Thursday Triples League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion for a perfect game, his first. The left-hander finished with a 621 series.

Competing in the County Line Stone Friday Trios League at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia, right-hander Scott Shields strung 11 strikes before leaving a 4-pin in the second game for 299. He finished with a 747 series, edging out Ed Doody, who had 278--731 and Gregg Wolff, who posted 288 and 277 after a slow start for 723.

In the Tuesday StrikeForce Doubles League at StrikeForce Lanes in Oakfield, left-hander Aaron Chamberlain rolled 11 strikes in a row before leaving the 3-5-6-9 (bucket) for 296. The Oakfield resident finished with a 653 series.

In other action:

-- Lefty Nick Johnson of Bergen stayed hot with games of 268-256-247 for 771 in the Brighton Securities Tuesday Triples League at Mancuso's.

-- Southpaw Tim Talbot of Barker led the way in the Sunday Rolloffs League at Medina Lanes with a 269 game and 766 series.

For a list of high scores for the week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

In an ongoing effort to provide the most efficient and compassionate treatment methods for those struggling with substance use disorder, UConnectCare (formerly Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse) has expanded its residential services program.

“Professional studies show the positive impact that recovery residences have in both outpatient and inpatient settings,” said Allison Parry-Gurak, director of Residential Services at UConnectCare. “With that being said, we offer a detox center and residential settings to meet a wide range of individuals at various stages of their recovery journey.”

According to a study by the Recovery Research Institute, utilization of recovery residences, also called sober homes or halfway houses, improves substance use outcome. At UConnectCare, these residences are alcohol and drug-free living environments that provide peer support and other services for those seeking recovery from SUD.

Parry-Gurak said the local nonprofit agency provides various level of care including the conversion of Atwater House to an “820 program.”

This allows UConnectCare to offer three “elements of care” when it comes to residential services – (1) a medically supervised program for those with mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms or, stabilization; (2) a structure and supportive community living experience that builds a foundation for recovery, or rehabilitation; (3) case management and long-term assistance through a variety of programs or, reintegration.

Additionally, UConnectCare operates supportive living, transitional safety units and permanent supportive housing programs in both Genesee and Orleans counties.

They include the following:

-- Atwater Community Residence in Batavia, a short-term (usually three months) home that offers 21 beds for men and women, ages 18 and older, and features in-house recovery-focused groups, individual therapy and vocational training.

-- A detox/stabilization center, located behind the Atwater Home, a 16-bed facility that provides shorter term medically supervised withdrawal and stabilization services for adults who are struggling with SUD. UConnectCare has an “open access” policy, starting at 9 a.m. Monday through Friday as well as late admission under specific guidelines, Parry-Gurak said.

-- Supportive living beds, 19 of them in Genesee County and five in Orleans County.

-- Transitional safety units, housing for six to nine months on average, with the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative program an avenue for families dealing with substance use issues.

-- Permanent supportive housing.

“All of these programs are under our ‘Housing with Dignity’ umbrella, which really means that we strive to provide the best care to our clients in a welcoming and safe environment,” Parry-Gurak said. “Recovery housing is a valuable part of our continuum of care that can help people transition to an independent life and improve their substance use outcomes.”

UConnectCare offers other housing opportunities, including The Reentry Program that helps connect individuals returning to the community after incarceration services such as substance use disorder treatment, mental health treatment, housing, food, clothing, employment and/or job training, childcare, transportation and medical care.

Parry-Gurak, a UConnectCare employee for 5 ½ years, has been in her current position since November 2021. She reported that the agency is seeking full- and part-time professional counselors, medical staff (LPN, RN), residential aides and food service workers.

“UConnectCare has been a Best Company in New York every year since 2018 and truly is a great place to work,” she said. “The agency offers flexible scheduling that values a balance between work and family, paid time off, benefits for full-time employees and a cooperative, team atmosphere.”

For more information about UConnectCare’s residential services or employment, go to www.uconnectcare.org.

Disclosure: Mike Pettinella is the publicist for UConnectCare.

Preliminary figures from last month’s activity throughout Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. are indicating that the public benefit company will rack up another record year in 2023.

“Our preliminary numbers for December as well as the last quarter of the year were such that it looks like we’ll have achieved record earnings for ’23,” said WROTB Chief Financial Officer Jacquelyne Leach during Thursday’s board of directors meeting at Batavia Downs Gaming. “It’s trending toward $9.3 million to $9.4 million.”

Leach said that earnings in October and November rose to $1,078,193 – up more than $500,000 than the anticipated in the corporation’s operating plan.

In light of that, $44,091 was distributed to WROTB’s 17 member municipalities in surcharge for the month of November.

As reported on Thursday, Dennis Morgan, director representing the City of Rochester, was elected by the board to serve as chair.

The vice chair position will be held by Edward Morgan (Orleans County), who served in the same capacity for many years before the board’s dismantling by New York State last spring.

In other developments, the board approved:

• A contract with former Buffalo Sabre Danny Gare for “goodwill appearances” on behalf of WROTB in 2024. The pact calls for Gare to receive $29,000, with details to be spelled out in the near future.
• A one-year contract with Great Lakes Environmental & Safety Consultants, Inc., for $20,400 for “continual workplace safety compliance assistance.”
• A proposal from L&M Specialty Fabrication of Batavia for $90,853.58 for a complete custom gate with electric and truck modifications for the harness horse track at Batavia Downs.
• A contract with Jim Fink for one year at $1,500 per month to support WROTB’s social media marketing and provide organizational updates to staff.

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.

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.

Batavian Jim Prucha enjoyed a "career night" earlier this week as he rolled a pair of 279 games in a 764 series in the Mancuso Real Estate Monday Doubles League at Mancuso Bowling Center.

The 60-year-old right-hander started with 279 and finished with 279 (posting 11 strikes in a row after an open) to record his highest three-game series ever. He went into the night with a 188 average.

Prolific left-hander Brian Cline of Middleport continued his assault on the pins with games of 236, 266 and 288 for a 790 series, raising his average to 236.

In other Genesee Region USBC league action:

--James Townsend of Batavia registered a 278 game in a 753 series in the Toyota of Batavia 4-Man League at Mancuso's.

-- Bill Neubert of Batavia finished with a 297 game -- leaving the 3-6-10 on the 12th ball -- for a 755 series in the Thursday Owls League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.

-- At Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, Reid Cole of Albion fired 279-279-247--805 in the Every-Other-Saturday League, and John Beadle of Brockport tallied 244-279-278--801 in the Thursday Men's Triples League.

For a list of high scores for the week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Several bowlers topped the 700 mark in Genesee Region USBC league bowling action over the past week.

At Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia, Chris Bailey led the way with a 279 third game for a 765 series in the Brighton Securities Tuesday Triples League.

Also at Mancuso's, Mark Brown had games of 258 and 256 in a 729 series in the County Line Stone Friday Trios League.

At Le Roy Legion Lanes, Rob Panepento and Rich Beschler set the pace with 735 and 707 series, respectively, in the American Legion Thursday Men's League, and at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, Harris Busmire and Steve Manczak posted 715 and 704, respectively, in the Wednesday Men's Handicap League.

A rare feat was accomplished in the Sunday Rolloffs League at Medina Lanes yesterday morning when Amy Lavender converted the 5-7-10 split.

The Genesee Region USBC is hosting two tournaments this month -- the 70th Scratch Memorial on Jan. 6-7 at Mount Morris Lanes and the 10th annual Adult-Junior Doubles on Jan. 13 at Perry Bowling Center.

The local association consists of bowling centers in three counties -- Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia, Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, StrikeForce Lanes in Oakfield and Le Roy Legion Lanes (Genesee), Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion and Medina Lanes (Orleans), Perry Bowling Center and Letchworth Pines (Wyoming) and Mount Morris Lanes (Livingston).

A $1,000 first prize, based on 80 entries, will be awarded to the winner of the Scratch Memorial singles tournament. Qualifying squads (four games) are set for 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Jan. 6 and 10 a.m. Jan. 7. Semifinals (four games) will start after the Jan. 7 qualifying squads, with stepladder finals to follow.

Entry fee is $60 per person. One in five from each qualifying squad will advance to the semifinals. A "challenge" oil pattern will be used. To enter, send an email to mikep@bowlgr.com

The Adult-Junior Doubles handicap event is open to GRUSBC youth bowlers and USBC-certified adult bowlers.

Competition will take place in two divisions -- 12 & under and 13 & over. Entry fee is $48 per team. All prize winnings will go into the youth bowler's SMART (scholarship) account. To enter, send an email to mikep@bowlgr.com

ADAM PHILP ROLLS 766 SERIES

In GRUSBC league play last week, Adam Philp of Batavia rolled a 766 series in the County Line Stone Trios League at Mancuso's. His games were 279-241-246.

The Notre Dame Lady Irish picked up some extra Section V girls’ basketball points this afternoon by defeating Lyons, 47-33.

Coach Vinny Falleti’s squad improved to 4-2 and moved up in the Class D standings with the non-league win over the Lions, who fell to 4-3 in Class C1, a division consisting of larger schools than Notre Dame.

ND jumped out to a 15-7 first-quarter lead and never looked back, holding a 27-14 halftime edge and a 34-25 advantage heading into the final period.

Senior Emma Sisson led the Irish with 12 points and nine rebounds while Sofia Falleti added 10 points and 16 rebounds. Nina Bartz and Ali Tomidy chipped in with eight points each.

Falleti said he was impressed with his team’s ability to control the pace of the game.

“We came ready to play a tough Lyons team on their court,” he said. “We jumped out to an early lead and kept the momentum throughout. This was a big win for us.”

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Senior guard Tyson Totten eclipsed Pembroke’s career scoring record on Friday night while leading the host Dragons to a 57-42 victory over Holley in Genesee Region League basketball action.

Totten poured in 31 points for Coach Matt Shay’s team, now 4-1 and coming off a first-place finish in at the Akron holiday tournament. His latest effort puts him at 1,200 points, moving him past 2023 graduate Cayden Pfalzer, who finished his career with 1,180 points.

Shay said that Totten’s success is a result of his hard work – on and off the court.

“I'm extremely proud of Tyson and feel fortunate to be his coach,” Shay said. “He strives for excellence in everything he does, whether in academics, sports, or anything else.

“Tyson has worked hard for all of the success he has had in both basketball and football. Whether it has been the offseason work we do, summer camps or the weight room, he has poured himself into it. He deserves all the accolades he gets.”

Jayden Bridge contributed 10 points, Avery Ferreira nine points and nine rebounds, and Sean Pustulka six assists for Pembroke. Destin Kuval had 19 and Vincent Golisano 13 for the Hawks.

Junior guard Carter Mullen’s three-point basket with 43 seconds to play broke a 49-49 tie, and Batavia High went on to defeat Attica, 56-52, in a battle of Blue Devils to win the 42nd annual Batavia Lions Club Pete Arras Memorial Basketball Tournament Large School bracket on Friday night at Genesee Community College.

The stage was set for Mullen's heroics when senior Joey Marranco hit a three-point shot with 1:45 left on the clock, giving Batavia a 49-44 lead. Attica's Jack Janes responded with a three-point shot and then followed a missed shot with a layup to knot the score at 49-49.

After Mullen's big bucket, which was launched near the sideline in front of the Batavia bench, Attica turned the ball over with 30 seconds left. That led to a free throw by junior forward Justin Smith. Attica made another errant pass at the 18-second mark, giving the ball back to Batavia.

Mullen then made a foul shot to make it 54-49 before Janes swished another three-pointer to cut the lead to two with eight seconds remaining.

Marranco was fouled with six seconds left and sank both free throws to secure the victory for Batavia, now 4-3, heading into some tough Monroe County League competition.

Attica led 13-11 after the first quarter, but Batavia rallied to take a 23-19 lead into the locker room. Batavia led 40-33 after three quarters as Smith scored six of his game-high 16 points on his way to being named the tournament MVP.

He was joined on the all-tournament team by Mullen (14 points), Attica’s Cole Harding (12 points) and Clayton Bezon (13 points), Le Roy’s Merritt Holly Jr. and Royalton-Hartland’s Dan Aquilina.

Marranco finished with nine points, and Estavon Lovett added eight for Batavia, while Carter Gorski had 11 and Janes 10 for Attica, now 6-2.

Batavia Coach Buddy Brasky credited Lovett for “doing a great defensive job” on the 6-foot-4 Harding.

“That was one of the keys to the game,” he said. “Secondly, I thought we executed our offense pretty good. Carter Mullen’s three there at the end was a huge shot. They’re a good team; we’re a good team. It was just a real competitive game.”

Attica Coach Rob Crowley said his team was tentative in the first half and missed several open shots.

“I felt we played well defensively in the first half, but we sort of hurt ourselves on offense. We held on to the ball a little too long and missed several opportunities,” he said. “It looked like we were tense because the ball wasn’t going in, and we forced it a bit. We obviously played much better in the second half.

“But it’s not like Batavia’s a bad team. I knew this would be a toss-up game, and I think if we played 10 times, we’d each win five.”

In the Large School bracket consolation game, Le Roy turned back Roy-Hart, 64-45, using an 18-0 run in the third quarter to break the game open. Holly Jr. scored 28 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, and Matthew Hockey added 13 points to lead the Knights. 

See also: Alexander Trojans captures Lions Club tournament Small School crown, 61-49 over Notre Dame

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

The Alexander Trojans used a 17-0 spurt at the end of the second quarter and start of the third quarter to break open a close game and went on to defeat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 61-49, for the Small School bracket championship of the 42nd annual Batavia Lions Club Pete Arras Memorial Basketball Tournament.

The game took place on Friday night at Genesee Community College, prior to the Large School title contest that was won by Batavia, 56-52, over Attica.

Batavia posts thrilling 56-52 victory over Attica for Lions Club tourney Large School championship

Tournament MVP junior center Dylan Pohl scored 21 points for Coach Jalen Smith’s Trojans, doing most of his work close to the hoop, while junior guard Kingston Woods added 14 points, mostly on hard drives to the basket.

Woods joined Pohl on the all-tournament team along with Notre Dame’s Jay Antinore and Jaden Sherwood, Oakfield-Alabama’s Avery Watterson and Elba’s Michael Long.

ND led 13-6 after the first period before Alexander rallied to take a 23-21 lead on a layup by Pohl following a nifty pass by Trenton Woods. Antinore sank two free throws for the Irish to make it 23-23 before two buckets by Kingston Woods gave the Trojans a 27-23 halftime edge.

Alexander caught fire over the first three minutes of the third quarter, scoring the first 13 points of the period on baskets by Pohl, Kingston Woods, a pair of three-pointers by Paul Schmidt, and another by Trenton Woods to make the score 40-23.

The Trojans’ advantage ballooned to 54-33, with Jacob Brooks providing five points on a three-point shot and a turnaround jumper to beat the third-quarter buzzer.

Notre Dame employed a full-court press to start the fourth period, came up with several steals and created some turnovers to close the gap. A steal and layup by Sherwood made it 58-48 with just over two minutes left before a three-point shot by Brooks with 1:18 to play sealed the outcome for Alexander.

“Our game plan was to be patient on offense and look inside as much as we can because our big man (Pohl) is one of the best in the league,” Smith said. “It was all about ball security and taking care of the ball. The more we did that, the better we got on offense.”

Smith, in his first year at the helm, said he is excited about the progression of his team, which upped its record to 6-2.

“From the start, new principles and rules came in because of new coaches, and honestly, we’ve been getting after it every day, and the guys are starting to learn what we’re expecting and looking for and starting to get the job done.”

For Notre Dame, now 6-1, Sherwood was the top scorer with 12, while Ryan Fitzpatrick tallied 11, Antinore 10 and Makyell Walker nine.

ND Coach Mikey Rapone said the game turned when the Trojans got hot from three-point range,

“Basketball is a game of runs, and they went on one there in the second half,” he said. We tried to make some adjustments … but once they started hitting from the outside, we weren't able to give help against (Pohl) inside.”

All in all, he said he was “proud” of the way his players fought back and hopes they use it as a learning experience.

“Either you springboard (from) this and realize the things we need to work on … or you feel sorry for yourselves and go on a spiral. It was good to see that fight and ‘no quit.’”

In the Small School bracket consolation game, Oakfield-Alabama downed Elba, 47-35, as Gavin Armbrewster scored 11 points and Avery Watterson and Kyler Harkness 10 apiece. Michael Long had 15 for Elba.

Photos by Deb Reilly.