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The decision on creating a new water district for public water in Bethany is really up to residents of the proposed district, Eric Wies told about 300 people at a meeting at Bethany Town Hall on Monday evening.

Wies is a senior associate with Clark Patterson, the consultant on the proposed project.

The Town of Bethany has created prior water districts but this would be the largest one, as District #5, so far, with 28 miles of pipe installed to deliver water to the equivalent of 500 water customers.

The estimated total cost of the project is more than $13 million. The direct cost to residents in the proposed district can be reduced if the USDA determines the median income in the district is low enough, which would enable the district to qualify for a low-interest loan and about a $2 million grant.

Breaking down the cost per water customer, Weis said the calculation begins with determining an "equivalent dwelling unit" (EDU). An EDU is one household with one family. There is a usage formula to determine costs for commercial users.

Multi-family units are calculated based on one EDU for the first family and a half an EDU for each additional family.

There are approximately 500 EDUs in the proposed district.

Customers who hook into the public water will pay a quarterly fee to the Monroe County Water Authority, plus their share of the debt for installation of the infrastructure.

The most optimistic calculation is $1,000 per EDU per year. The most conservative estimate, Wies said, is a bit more than $1,100 per year.

A typical EDU in Genesee County uses 63,000 gallons of water a year. The current Monroe rate is $2.43 per gallon, plus a base charge of 21 cents per gallon. There is a Genesee County surcharge of 60 cents per gallon but the rate will go up to $1.20 per gallon.

At those rates, the average EDU will pay to MCWA a total of $386.34 per year. (NOTE: See clarification below)

"You've really got to do the math and your own evaluation," Weis said.

Only those residents and businesses that connect to public water will pay for water.

But all property owners in the district will be in debt necessary to build the infrastructure.

Currently, residents in the proposed district are being asked to complete an income survey. If the district qualifies as low income, the USDA will provide the district with a low-interest loan and a $2 million grant. Genesee County will also pay $4.5 million of the cost.

The balance of the $13 million cost will need to be financed.

The estimated debt service under this scenario is $519,910.

The loan would take 30 years to pay off but the responsibility for repayment is attached to the property not the property owner.

Each EDU's share of the annual debt payment would be $631.87.

These numbers are just estimates and if the USDA doesn't provide a low-interest loan and grant, the costs would go up slightly.

Given the topography of the district, the infrastructure requirements include two water storage tanks and two pumps.

Residents with well water would either need to cap off those wells or install a backflow system to block backflow of well water into the public water lines. The cost of backflow blocks and connection to the public water line are the responsibility of the property owner.

UPDATE: After comments about the rate calculation, we contacted Eric Wies and asked him for clarification.  Here is what he provided:

MCWA

• $0.21 per day x 365 days = $76.65
• $3.43 per 1,000 gallons x 63,000 gallons = $216.09

Genesee County

• $1.20 per 1,000 gallons x 63,000 gallons = $75.60

Total Annual Water Cost = $368.34

Batavia City Court Judge Robert Balbick saw the photo we shared this morning from yesterday's sunrise as seen at DeWitt Recreation Area and wanted to share the picture he took about the same time at Terry Hills Golf Course.

Last spring, a proposal by the Alexander Central School District to charge fees to the Tri-Town Youth Athletics Association for use of the high school's football field upset many parents of young athletes.

It could have added another $4,000 to the cost of the football program.

Now, according to Lisa Lyons, president of the association, the proposal may have been for the best.

Rather than pay the fee, volunteers banded together and reconstructed a field in need of repair so it could serve as Tri-Town's new football field.

"Somebody mentioned this week as we were cleaning up at the field, and somebody said, 'I think maybe we should write and thank her, thank Ms. Huber (Superintendent Catherine Huber),' " Lyons said. "This has been a really good thing. Our concession stand is thriving. We have everything in one place. It's made things on game days a lot easier. We're not hauling equipment and concessions to the football field and back. It's been a lot better for us. It really has."

The field -- which is on property used by Tri-Town behind the Alexander Fire Department Recreation Hall off of Alexander Road -- was used for soccer and other activities but over the summer, volunteers brought in heavy equipment and stripped the existing grass from the field, regraded it, leveled it and planted new sod. The only expense -- which Lyons said she would need board permission to disclose -- was the new grass.

The new field has brought back a lot of Tri-Town alumni back to check things out and attendance at the youth football games has increased, Lyons said.

"I feel like people have come out to the woodwork to see what’s going," she said.

Tri-Town hasn't completely worked out what it will do for basketball. It's probably unavoidable to use school facilities for practices, which means paying a fee for usage and chaperons (a new requirement from the district) but Lyons indicated they may have other options than using the school on game days.

"We have to weigh out our options and see what the best financial option is," Lyons said.

Photos: Football photos by Howard Owens from Saturday. Construction photos submitted by Lisa Lyons.

Press release:

The sky was beautiful yesterday evening in Genesee County. I was in Bethany but without my camera. I ran into Patrick Reynolds who was out with his Nikon taking pictures so I asked him to send us something.

John Michaels took this picture at DeWitt Recreation Area yesterday morning.

Bryan Lazarony thinks this kitten is missing a home. He found it on Chandler Avenue, across from UMMC. It has no tags or collar.  

The kitten's owner can call or text (585) 813-5745.

Rep. Chris Collins, the three-term congressman representing the NY-27 who was arrested on insider trading charges, will remain on the ballot in the November election.

Collins, in contradiction with prior statements, has decided not to cooperate with the efforts of GOP leaders in the district to have his name removed from the ballot and replaced by a new candidate.

Below is the only statement released by the Collins' campaign about the decision:

“Because of the protracted and uncertain nature of any legal effort to replace Congressman Collins we do not see a path allowing Congressman Collins to be replaced on the ballot.”

Statement by Mark Braden, legal counsel for Rep. Chris Collins

GOP county chairs were scheduled to meet tomorrow in Albany to select the person they hoped would replace Collins. WBTA reached Genesee County Chair Dick Siebert this afternoon and he said he was as surprised by the sudden of plans as everybody else.

In response to the news of the decision, Nate McMurray, running as the Democratic opponent to Collins in the election, released the following statement:

Today, Nate McMurray, the Democratic and Working Families Party Candidate for New York’s 27th Congressional District, responded to the breaking news that his opponent, indicted Congressman Chris Collins, the first Member of Congress to endorse President Trump, will remain on the ballot despite long-pushed rumors that he would removed before November.

This morning several local news outlets reported and local Republican leaders confirmed that Congressman Collins, on advice from his attorneys, will choose to remain on the ballot.

“Well, it’s nice to finally know who I’m running against. But, in truth, we always knew we were running against Chris Collins. There are laws for a reason. There is accountability in our society for a reason. And in the greatest democracy in the world, voters weren’t going to take this kind of sham switching around names on a ballot at the whims of local party bosses,” McMurray said.

“I credit the people of Western New York for standing up in town after town saying ‘don’t force him on the ballot in my town.’ They saw through this fraud. They weren’t going to fall for the bait-and-switch strategy by the same team that endorsed, celebrated, took pictures with and defended Chris Collins.

“There is an incredible grassroots movement in NY-27. Like me, the voters want to Fight Like Hell against the political machine that has let them down for so long. They like that I’m an underdog. Every day when I’m out meeting voters, we talk about affordable, accessible healthcare for all, defending Social Security, investing in our infrastructure, protecting our farms. But in this region, we’re still always talking about corruption. Voters have a chance to end that once and for all in NY-27 and I’m excited for the next 50 days.”

McMurray heard the news as he was on stage opening his new office headquarters, his fourth in two months, standing with Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez. Chairman Perez announced the news to a raucous crowd of more than 120 volunteers and supporters as he announced that the DNC was “all in” for Nate’s campaign.

The Batavian: Shortage of prosecutors has hit 'crisis' stage, DA warns County Legislature

An accident is reported on Route 5 near Cleveland Road, Batavia.

This is a rollover accident. There was an initial report of a serious injury and entrapment but the patient may be out of the vehicle.

East Pembroke fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 9:24 a.m.: The driver suffered only minor injuries in this rollover accident. He told a deputy he fell asleep. His vehicle exited the road, went airborne, flipped over and then hit the utility pole sideways, which knocked it back on its wheels. The driver was able to self-extricate. A citation may be issued in  the accident.

A multi-vehicle accident is reported at 3686 Batavia Elba Townline Road, Batavia.

A dump truck is involved.

Extrication is needed.

Unknown injuries but so far no report of serious injuries.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Oakfield Fire Police request for traffic control.

UPDATE 9:15 a.m.: Sun was a likely factor in the four-vehicle accident, according to a trooper at the scene. He did, however, anticipate issuing citations. One person was injured, the driver of the silver sedan. She was not seriously hurt. This was actually two accidents. The first accident, the pickup into the garbage truck. The next two cars came along later.

Press release:

New York State, as part of the Adopted 2017/18 State Budget, included a mandate on all local governments to discuss and develop shared services ideas and plans for eventual submittal to the County Legislature and subsequently the New York State Department of State.

Part of the process for discussing and developing these public sector shared services plans is to have public meetings/opportunities for citizen input and to take suggestions on possible public sector shared services opportunities that have not already occurred and are in place.

The Genesee County Legislature scheduled three Public Hearings and has added a fourth opportunity for public comment to be held Tuesday, Sept. 18, at 4:30 p.m. in the Old Courthouse, 7 Main St., Batavia. All interested citizens are encouraged to attend and provide comments.

On two occasions, a cash box from a produce stand, The Cornercopia, at Route 77 and Route 20 in Darien has been stolen. 

After the first burglary, a more secure lock was installed and the thieves took the entire red plate steel cash box.

A cash reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of the suspects.

The two people in this video (who brought their dogs with them, and one of the men can be seen apparently hitting one of the dogs at about the 1:50 mark) are possible suspects and the owners of the fruit stand are asking anybody with information to come forward and contact local law enforcement. 

The State Police are handling the investigation. To report any information that may assist in the investigation, call (585) 343-5000.

Ed Glow shared this photo of a rafter of turkeys about 30 yards from his home on Merrill Road in Byron.

He said he first saw a tom and three hens and a few young birds about three weeks ago. They reappeared a couple of days ago and he figures the young ones have doubled in size since then.

He counted 21 birds total. 

"Almost makes me want to start hunting again," Glow said.

The John Gardner Society will host its annual reading of Batavia's most renowned novelist at the Pok-A-Dot the evening of Oct. 27.

The reading will start at 8 p.m.

Anybody with an interest in Gardner, literature, Batavia's history, or just looking for an evening of camaraderie and entertainment, is invited to attend or read their own favorite passages from Gardner's work.

For more information or to be added to the list of readers, contact Bill Kauffman at bkbatavia@yahoo.com.

The event is sponsored by the John Gardner Society and Genesee Community College.

Photo: File photo from last year's reading.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department is sponsoring the sixth Annual Fire Prevention Week Coloring Contest. This coloring contest is open to students from kindergarten through grade 5.

“Our hope is to get the children to discuss fire safety with their teachers, other students and parents/guardians,” an organizer said.

Information has been distributed to City schools, but we wanted to include any City area homeschooled children as well.

Copies of the official coloring page and contest rules can be picked up at City Fire Headquarters, 18 Evans St. We encourage all eligible students to participate.

The 2018 Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 7-13) theme is “LOOK. LISTEN. LEARN. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.” Additional information can be found at the Fire Prevention Week website www.FPW.org

Any posters wishing to be entered need to be at the Fire Station located at 18 Evans St. in Batavia no later than 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 11.

Judging of the posters will take place Oct. 12th – 15th.

The winner of each group will receive a ride to school on a City Fire Engine, and be invited to a special awards luncheon with their family held at the fire station. Second- and third-place finishers in each group will also be invited to the fire station awards luncheon.

The best of luck to the students! Full rules are available at the City of Batavia Fire Department at 18 Evans St. in Batavia or email the Fire Prevention Officer, Lt. Greg Ireland, at:   gireland@batavianewyork.com

Standing in front of about 100 members of the Democratic Party -- volunteers who signed up walk precincts on his behalf -- Nate McMurray, candidate for Congress, said something you might find surprising: Donald Trump is right about a few things.

"Let's be honest, a lot of people voted for Donald Trump because they knew they needed help," McMurray said. "It was a Hail Mary. They felt like there wasn't a party representing them and maybe they needed somebody on the outside to say, 'hey, I can shake the system up.'

"I'm going to tell you something to a lot of people in the Democratic Party will not say," McMurray added. "Mr. Trump may be a master salesman. He may be a lot of things but his message was right in many respects. The message of the fact that a lot of Americans get left behind or forgotten about."

Many of Trump's voters are now disappointed in Trump, McMurray suggested, because he hasn't delivered on his promises.

"The problem is, Mr. Trump's message has been nothing but bluster," McMurray said. "He's is not doing anything to help people in this country. We hear about a booming economy but do you think the people here in this part of the region or the people in Attica, do you think they feel things are booming and moving and things are going great?"

McMurray promised not only to fight for jobs if elected, including opposing bad trade deals, but to support health care for all, protect Social Security, and follow through on a campaign promise Trump seems to have forgotten: infrastructure.

"Within 60 days in office, we will present a joint infrastructure bill in the house," McMurray said.

Right now, it's unclear who McMurray is running against. The man he planned to beat, Rep. Chris Collins, is under federal indictment on insider trading charges. The Erie County businessman continues as the singular target in McMurray's crosshairs, at least until, and if, the GOP NY-27 chairs are able to remove Collins from the ballot and replace him with another nominee.

Next week, Democratic Party Chair Tom Perez is going to visit the NY-27 but there was a time in McMurray's congressional quest, he said, when the party bosses told him he couldn't possibly beat Chris Collins and he should save his political capital for another fight, he said he told them Collins needed to be taken out.

"I said no someone has to stand up to Chris," McMurray said. "We know he has an ethics violation. We know he has this history of saying 'I only represent my constituents who are my donors.' He had this horrible record and all knew his record even before he was a congressman. We knew about his record when he was county executive when he would fire people and defund libraries and defund all kinds of projects important to the community just because he felt like it."

There was only one person in Washington, D.C., back then willing to encourage McMurray's run, said: Louise Slaughter.

It was Slaughter, he said, who wanted to know if McMurray would "fight like hell," which has become the campaign motto. 

"She said something else," McMurray said. "She said, 'this man has used the house of the people not to do people's business but to make money for himself and his family. Are you ready to stand up against that?' and I said yes and she said, 'Will you stand on his neck?' She said that.

"Now that's mean and it sounds tough but there comes time for accountability. It is time for accountability, not just for Collins but for the entire party that supported him."

Brandon Rebert had the best time today in the Arc of Genesee Orleans 5K in Elba.

Liz Bender (second picture) had the best time among the women.

The Blue Devils dominated another good team on the gridiron Friday night, beating Letchworth-Warsaw 40-0.

Ray Leach, who said after the game he's feeling much better physically, rushed for 187 yards on 17 carries. He scored four touchdowns. Leach also had two receptions for 38 yards giving him 225 all-purpose yards for the game.

Alex Rood added another 75 yards to the ground game on 10 carries. Taiyo Iburi‐Bethel had five receptions for 45 yards. Andrew Francis lone reception was for a nine-yard touchdown. Ethan Biscaro was 10-13 passing for 112 yards and a TD. He also rushed for 34 yards. Josh Barber and Cody Burns led the defense with six tackles each.

"They are a good football team," Coach Brennen Briggs said of Letchworth-Warsaw, now 2-1. "I think they're going to have a good run. I think they're going have a very good season. But again, we know we've got some big boys.

"We've got some powerful kids. We've got some kids that like to hit. We have some athletes out here and you know I think that they showed that tonight."

In other Friday night football action:

In the game a lot of people are talking about today, Alexander beat Geneseo 90-14. With his team up 60-14 at the half, Coach Tim Sawyer offered to let the clock run in the second half and Geneseo's coach, Tim Dolgos, refused the rule modification.  In the second half, Alexander, now 3-0, played its second and third-string players and outscored Geneseo 40-0. Chris McClinic scored three TDs and rushed for 157 yards on only four carries. He also had two receptions for 82 yards and a TD. Terrez Smith had six carries for 72 yards and two TDs. He also had a 73-yard kickoff return for a TD. Robert Fazzio had eight carries for 66  yards and a TD. JJ Goodenbury had five carries for 42 yards and a TD.  Ty Woods had two carries for 27 yards and TD receptions. Josh Devries had three receptions for 80 yards and a TD. QB  Dylan Busch was 7-8 passing for 211 yards and four touchdowns.  Jake Jasen had eight tackles, Woods seven plus a sack and a forced fumble. Hayden Walton had seven tackles.

Oakfield-Alabama/Elba opened its inaugural eight-man football season with a 46-30 win over CG Finney/Northstar. It was the first eight-man game in Section V in nearly 50 years. Colton Dillon had two TD runs. He had 188 yards rushing on 16 carries. Ty Mott scored twice and Gage Dieterle, Ty Kropelin, and Jayden Hughes also scored. Peyton Yasses had 13 tackles and Dieterle had 11.

Notre Dame beat Cuba-Rushford 20-9. Gabe McDonald had 27 carries, 201 yards, and two TDs. Tim Klotzbach had 36 yards rushing with a touchdown and 43 yards passing. Cody Henry had eight tackles and an interception and Gabe McDonald had 7 tackles with an interception.

Attica beat Le Roy 21-20. Jake Hill was 9-16 for 89 yards passing and Kyler LaCarte was 3-4 passing for 77 yards and two TDs. Hill rushed for 65 yards on 14 carries and LaCarte had 53 yards and a TD on 10 carries. Alex Bordonaro had seven tackles, Cole Rauscher, six, and Anthony Leitten, six.

Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen beat St. Mary's 35-12.

No score available for Perry/Mt. Morris vs. York/Pavilion.

The Blue Devils honored first responders, veterans and active military on Friday night, which included free admission, a hot dog and drink, and end-zone seats.

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