Skip to main content

Sec V Soccer Playoff Batavia HS vs Livonia

By James Burns

untitled_shoot-9689.jpg

For the third straight year Batavia boys Varsity soccer took on Livonia in the Sec V B1 playoffs and for the third straight year they fell to them, tonight with a score of 3 to 1.  Batavia did put up a fight controlling the ball for some stints during the game. They did only managed only 5 shots on goal to Livonia's 21. 

Batavia's defense was very busy with 12 saves for the evening. Livonia kept the pressure up on the defense scoring quickly at the beginning of both periods. 

Congratulations to the Batavia Boys Varsity soccer team for a winning season.

untitled_shoot-9597.jpg

untitled_shoot-9526.jpg

untitled_shoot-9299.jpg

untitled_shoot-9491.jpg

untitled_shoot-9456.jpg

untitled_shoot-9443.jpg

untitled_shoot-9370.jpg

untitled_shoot-9368.jpg

untitled_shoot-9359.jpg

untitled_shoot-9013.jpg

untitled_shoot-8959.jpg

untitled_shoot-8811.jpg

untitled_shoot-8739.jpg

 

Dwyer Stadium Trick or Treat

By James Burns

untitled_shoot-8622.jpg

There was  a Halloween Trick or Treat family event at Dwyer Stadium Saturday afternoon.  This event appeared to be very well attended by the community.  Business gave away candy to the children there was also a bull ride, face painting and pumpkin painting. The children walked through the stadium and infield gathering top shelf candy from tables and booths with different holiday decorations set up by the business that took part in the event. 

untitled_shoot-8599.jpg

untitled_shoot-8609.jpg

untitled_shoot-8614.jpg

untitled_shoot-8621.jpg

untitled_shoot-8637.jpg

untitled_shoot-8639.jpg

untitled_shoot-8646.jpg

untitled_shoot-8689.jpg

untitled_shoot-8697.jpg

untitled_shoot-8706.jpg

untitled_shoot-8713.jpg

untitled_shoot-8715.jpg

Edwards, Fanara shine as Notre Dame closes out regular season with 41-0 victory over Clyde-Savannah

By Mike Pettinella

untitled_shoot-7821.jpg

Senior running back Drew Edwards ran for two first-half touchdowns and junior quarterback Jimmy Fanara passed for four second-half TDs to lead the host Notre Dame Fighting Irish to a 41-0 victory over Clyde-Savannah in Section V Class D football action this afternoon.

The Irish, 3-5, handed the Golden Eagles their sixth shutout loss in seven games this season. Clyde-Savannah’s only win was a 7-6 decision against Cuba-Rushford/Hinsdale two weeks ago.

Notre Dame drove to the C-S 16-yard line on its opening possession but turned the ball over on a fumble into the end zone. The Irish made up for that miscue in short order when Edwards capped its next drive with a 19-yard burst off left tackle with 5:47 left in the first quarter (photo above).

Moments later, a high snap over quarterback Logan Massey's head resulted in a safety for the home team when Massey was able to cover the ball in the end zone.

The Irish scored again on the ensuing possession on a six-yard run by Edwards at the 2:30 mark of the opening period. Hayden Groff ran twice for 13 yards and Edwards broke off an 18-yard run to set up the TD. Junior kicker Brandon Carrick booted the point after touchdown to make the scored 15-0.

Notre Dame failed to score in the second quarter as a couple unsportsmanlike conducted penalties thwarted two drives.

While having success on the ground behind the offensive line of center Dalton Hamm, guards Mavrik Hall and Connor McWilliams and tackles Camden King and Joe Trewer, the Irish took to the air after intermission to put the game away.

Fanara hit Ryan Fitzpatrick from 21 yards out early in the third quarter to make it 22-0 (after Carrick’s PAT) and found Bryceton Berry from five yards out with 4:40 left in the period for a 28-0 advantage. A 34-yard pass from Fanara to Berry was the key play leading up to the five-yard TD pass.

The Irish closed out the scoring on a couple more TD passes by Fanara – both to senior Evan Cummings, from 10 yards out with eight minutes left in the game and from 10 yards out in the final minute. Groff had a 22-yard run en route to the first of Cummings’ scoring receptions.

Statistically, ND rushed for 291 yards and passed for 126 for 417 yards of total offense, while the Irish defense held C-S to 24 yards of total offense, including minus 58 on the ground.

Edwards carried 15 times for 114 yards and the two TDs, while Groff gained 75 yards on 12 carries. Fanara, the T.F. Browns Player of the Game, hit nine of 14 passes for 126 yards and the four touchdowns. Cummings caught four passes for 40 yards (and the two scores).

On defense, Conner McWilliams had seven tackles, two fumble recoveries and a sack; Vin DiRisio had six tackles, a fumble recovery and gained possession for ND on a squib kickoff; and Edwards had six tackles.

Notre Dame Coach Joe Zambito said it looks like the Irish will be the No. 7 seed for the sectional playoffs, anticipating a game at Avon on Friday night although it is not official yet.

"We're going in with some momentum but it has been a very difficult year," he said. "I've never seen injuries like this -- losing three key two-way starters (QB/Safety Colin McCulley, LB/TE Cody Henry and LB/RB George Woodruff). But, maybe we can upset the apple cart next week."

 

untitled_shoot-7727.jpg

untitled_shoot-7741.jpg

Brandon Carrick kicks off for the Irish.

untitled_shoot-7749.jpg

Anthony Fiorentino closes in on C-S runner Detrick Rose.

untitled_shoot-7759.jpg

Lineman Joe Trewer, left, and LB Vin DiRisio pouncing on the ball for a fumble recovery.

untitled_shoot-7856.jpg

ND records a safety.

untitled_shoot-7883.jpg

Another TD for Edwards.

untitled_shoot-7905.jpg

C-S quarterback Logan Massey was under pressure all game.

seniors_1.jpg

Before the game, the school recognized its seniors. Their posters were put up on the fence outside Bill Sutherland Field. From left, Drew Edwards, Colin McCulley, Conner McWilliams, Dalton Hamm, Evan Cummings, Vin DiRisio and Camden King. Photos by Jim Burns.

Fall Festival raises $4,000 for All Babies Cherished

By Mike Pettinella

abc1_a.jpg

The executive director of the All Babies Cherished Pregnancy Assistance Center said about $4,000 was raised today for the nonprofit, pro-life organization through its second Fall Festival at the Batavia City Centre concourse.

"There are 90 vendors here and they're all doing well," Sue Sherman said during the event that ran from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. "They're selling their goods and it's a great representation of things that the community has to offer."

Sherman said ABC receives the vendor fees charged to the entrepreneurs, while "the proceeds they (vendors) make here are for the fruits of the their labor."

The procees comes at an opportune time for ABC, Sherman added, as it is setting up a house it has acquired to be used as temporary living quarters for the homeless women the organization serves.

"It will probably be between eight months and a year before we're able to open it for girls to live there. It's a work in progress but we're very thankful that we have one," she said.

The event has become one of the nonprofit organization's major fundraisers, she said, crediting volunteer Lucille DiSanto for her efforts in coordinating the show.

Program Coordinator Mona Doyon said she considered it "a blessing" to see the mall used again and being able meet and greet people.

She also said she is looking forward to ABC's virtual fundraising event this Thursday.

The agency will be hosting a free online fundraiser at 7 p.m. Oct. 28 in commemoration of its 25th year.

Le Roy resident Alexandra Andrews will tell her story as an abortion survivor.

A wife and mother of three, she said her testimony centers upon the ways God revealed His plan for her life, bringing her out of an orphanage in Russia to share a message of mercy, healing and forgiveness.

A registered nurse, Andrews is an active member at her church and serves on the ABC board of directors.

For more information, call 344-5660, go to www.allbabiescherished.com or www.facebook.com/AllBabiesCherishedPregnancyCenter/ 

abc2_a.jpg

All Babies Cherished Program Coordinator Mona Doyon, left, and Executive Director Sue Sherman.

abc3a.jpg

Rochester Regional Health "Baby Cafe" employees Jay Balduf, left, and Linda Lee Stoiber greet Barb Worthington and her grandkids, Fae and Arlo Hoisington.

abc6a.jpg

It's all about unique holiday decor at the Creative Crafts by Lori table. From left are Rochester area residents Donna Erickson, Lori Mariani (owner) and R.J. Kessler.

abc5a.jpg

Delevan area residents Sue McKay (owner) and friend Kristi Cain at Grandma's Love Boutique, which features mittens, bows, stockings, washcloths and scrubbies.

abc4_a.jpg

Checking out the selection of items at the basket raffle table. Photos by Mike Pettinella.

Sponsored Post: Dolce Panepinto: Frequently asked workers' compensation questions

By Lisa Ace


Q. What is a Workers’ Compensation claim?
A. A Workers’ Compensation claim is a legal action that occurs when you get hurt during the course of your employment. In New York State you cannot sue your employer. When you get hurt at work, the Workers’ Compensation system provides for lost time financial payments and medical treatment required as a result of your work-related injury.

Q. How do I know if I have a Workers’ Compensation claim?
A. If you sustain an injury during the course of your employment, you should contact our office for a free case evaluation as soon as possible. We can help you determine if you have a Workers’ Compensation claim and assist you in filing the proper paperwork.

Q. How long do I have to file a Workers’ Compensation claim?
A. You are required to report your injury to your employer within 30 days. There is also a two-year time limit to file a claim with the Workers’ Compensation Board. Failure to adhere to these time limits can result in a denial of your claim.

Q. Is a Workers’ Compensation claim my only recourse if I am hurt at work?
A. In New York State, you cannot sue your employer. In some circumstances, a personal injury lawsuit can be filed in addition to a Workers’ Compensation claim. This includes, but is not limited to, injuries sustained in a work-related motor vehicle accident, constructions injuries, or injuries sustained at a location not owned by your employer. Our team of attorneys at Dolce Panepinto will assess your claim to ensure that every legal avenue available to you is pursued.

Q. How much does a Workers’ Compensation Attorney cost? 
A. Workers’ Compensation fees are generated on a contingent basis. This means that we only receive payment if we generate money in connection with your Workers’ Compensation claim. More information on contingent fees can be found here. Additionally, our attorneys can explain our attorney fees in greater detail.

Q. Do I need an attorney?
A. While an attorney is not required, it is strongly recommended that you retain an attorney. The Workers’ Compensation Law is complex, confusing, and often difficult to navigate. The insurance carrier will have an attorney fighting on their behalf, we recommend that you have an attorney fighting on your behalf. Having an attorney means ensuring your rights are protected, maximizing your benefits, and making sure your questions and concerns are addressed.

Dolce Panepinto works tirelessly to protect the rights of injured workers by making sure that those responsible are held accountable. If you or a family member are injured at work, or in your private life, contact us today for a free case evaluation at (585) 815-9003. For further questions regarding Workers' Compensation Law or to contact Dolce Panepinto: click here.

 

Law and Order: Baldwin man accused of trespass on Galloway Road

By Howard B. Owens

Charles Earl Ford, 57, of Woodfield Road, Baldwin, is charged with criminal trespass 2nd.  Ford was located at 6:52 a.m., Oct. 18, by a homeowner on Galloway Road, Batavia, sleeping in a car parked in the garage of the residence.  Ford was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Liza Monica Bezczynski, 26, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with violation of a court order by physical contact and harassment 2nd. Bezczynski allegedly struck and kicked a person at a residence on Pearl Street at 11:46 a.m., Friday.  She was issued an appearance ticket.

Photos: Officers collection unused prescriptions for Drug Take Back Day

By Howard B. Owens

img_5472.jpg

Drug Take-Back Day continues until 2 p.m. in the Alva Place parking lot in Batavia. You can turn in your unused or expired medications for safe disposal to help prevent prescription drug abuse, accidental poisoning, and protect the environment.

There are also locations at the Pembroke Town Hall and the Le Roy Police Department.

Photo: Officer Stephen Quider, K-9 Batu, and Detective Jason Ivison.

Aggies finish off perfect regular season Senior Night

By Howard B. Owens

oaeoct23-145_websize.jpg

The Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Aggies wrapped up their regular season with a perfect 8-0 record on Friday with a convincing 58-14 win over Geneseo.

The Aggies sit atop Class D heading into the post-season.

Gaige Armbrewster rushed for 155 yards, scored twice, on eight carries.  

QB Bodie Hyde gained 122 yards on the ground, taking the ball into the end zone twice on six carries.  He was 1-1 passing with a 68-yard TD and notched 10 tackles on defense.

Also at QB, Kameron Cusmano was 3-5 passing for 65 yards and rushed for 39 yards on five carries scoring one TD.  On defense, he had nine tackles.

Connor Scott had a 68-yard TD reception.

CJ Gottler lead the defense with 13 tackles and a sack.  Ethan Cramer, nine tackles and a fumble recovery.

"We are very pleased with how the boys started this game," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "From the first whistle, they executed at a high level and that did not waiver during the course of the game.  This was a good way for us to build some momentum heading into sectionals."

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

oaeoct23-54_websize.jpg

oaeoct23-61_websize.jpg

oaeoct23-95_websize.jpg

oaeoct23-105_websize.jpg

oaeoct23-124_websize.jpg

oaeoct23-141_websize.jpg

oaeoct23-187_websize.jpg

Batavia finishes regular season 7-1 with win over Wilson Magnet 42-20

By Howard B. Owens

a76y4751.jpg

The Blue Devils offense once again proved too much for an opposing defense as Batavia beat Wilson Magnet at home on Friday 42-20.

Cam McClinic scored two touchdowns on six carries for 42 yards. Jesse Reinhart rushed for a touchdown and toss one while going 5-6 passing.

Javin McFollins had a TD reception on two catches for 32 yards. Vincent Arroyo caught a 46-yard TD pass and Aiden Anderson caught a 25-yard TD pass.

On defense, Kaden Marucci had eight tackles. 

Other Friday games:

Alexander 10 over Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen, 10-0.  Brayden Woods carried the ball 20 times for 51 yards.  Nick Kramer had 11 carries for 77 yards and a TD.  He was also 4-6 passing for 25 yards.  The Trojans finish the regular season 7-1.

Oakfield-Alabama beat Geneseo/Mount Morris, 58-14.

To view or purchase prints, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

a76y4674.jpg

a76y4745.jpg

a76y4794.jpg

a76y4799.jpg

a76y4903.jpg

a76y4916.jpg

a76y4807.jpg

a76y4849.jpg

a76y4932.jpg

Batavia City Schools District gets on board with warm welcomes to new hires

By Joanne Beck

City schools officials are on a journey to dole out warm welcomes, and they’re taking Batavia Blue Devils on board for the ride.

Or make that, onboarding: an effort that more companies and organizations are making to fully integrate new employees.  For Batavia City School District, this means tours, group sessions to complete required paperwork, and more down-to-earth greetings, says Trisha Finnigan, executive director of operations.

“When inviting them for an interview or screening, it starts with ‘thank you for applying to become a member of the Blue Devils family,’” she said during Thursday’s Board of Education meeting. “We start with that notion that we are a family from the get-go.”

Unlike traditional orientations, usually done in groups to review policies and procedures, onboarding is to acclimate new hires and ensure “they have access to the things they need from the onset,” Finnigan said. Whereas orientations are typically a one-time event, onboarding will be a process of 12 or more months, she said. 

“It’s a process of integrating new employees over that period of time,” she said.  

An informational page of new employees, or those that moved into different positions, and their photos will be included in this effort, she said. People will better be able to place names with faces and know those who work in other school buildings, she said. 

Finnigan is scheduling one-on-one meetings with new employees to find out what they liked about the hiring process and what could have been done differently, she said. 

According to Glassdoor research, a great employee onboarding program can improve employee retention by 82 percent. Human Capital Institute states that 87 percent of employers credit buddy programs for boosting new hire proficiency. Batavia’s onboarding agenda includes a mentoring buddy, Finnigan said. 

The board later approved a slate of new employees, all of which will get to know the rest of the Blue Devils family soon enough. 

Other board approvals went to an inter-municipal agreement between Livonia Central School District and the Batavia district for shared remote/digital learning and a revised agreement with Mary Cariola Children’s Center.     

City Council to consider permit fee schedule update

By Mike Pettinella

The introduction of new computer software means that it’s time to say good-bye to an old -- and outdated -- permitting and licensing fee schedule for the City of Batavia, according to a memo from City Manager Rachael Tabelski dated Oct. 25 and sent out ahead of Monday’s City Council Conference Meeting.

Council will convene at 7 p.m. for the Conference Meeting, which features a full slate of agenda items. A Special Business Meeting set up to vote on three of those items will follow.

In the memo, Tabelski promotes Energov software, a program that creates digital files for permits and licensing that will make life easier for Inspection Bureau staff. However, some of the current fees are not articulated clearly enough to jive with that software.

Additionally, she reports that a review of the city’s current processes and procedures – along with permit fees – was conducted.

Noting that the fee schedule hasn’t been updated in at least 15 years and has resulted in varying, inaccurate cost calculations, she is proposing a new fee schedule – a revised list of charges for certain projects that was approved by the Inspections Bureau, Plumbing Board and Bureau of Maintenance.

“In order to ensure that permit fees can be calculated in Energov and to create a permit fee schedule that is fair to all, a new fee schedule is proposed,” Tabelski wrote. “Many permits are proposed to be a flat fee. Permits that are not a flat fee have been structured for easy calculation by staff, the public and will easily compute in Energov.”

The memo indicates that work performed by the property owner will be calculated by square foot. If the project is not included on the list of flat fee permits – such as a porch rebuild or removal of a load-bearing wall – then the value of the cost of the project would be multiplied by 1.2 percent to determine the fee. Also, the fee will triple if work is done without a permit.

If approved by Council, changes would take effect on Jan. 1, 2022.

Tabelski put together a chart showing items up for revision and compared the proposed new cost to fees in Canandaigua, Lockport, Rome and Glens Falls.

Items on the list for revision, followed by the current fee, proposed fee (in bold), and fees in the four cities listed above in order:

  • Re-roof all 1-family dwelling (2,200 sq ft - $13,000) -- $52, $65, $100, $59, $75, $50.
  • Re-roof porch only (350 sq ft - $1,800) -- $40, $35, $100, $51, $75, $50.
  • Re-roof commercial (1,200 sq ft - $26,000) -- $113, $312, $100, $150, $200, $150.
  • Six-foot vinyl fence ($15,000) -- $65, $65, $50, $20, $75, $25.
  • Six-foot wood fence ($7,000) -- $43, $65, $50, $20, $75, $25.
  • Entire house vinyl siding (1,600 sq ft - $14,000) -- $53.50, $65, $480, $47, $75, $400.
  • 1-family (375 sq ft - $22,000) -- $115.50, $264, $300, $150, $100, $200.
  • Commercial addition (1,400 sq ft-$105,000) -- $550, $1,260, $500, $350, $200, $350.

Other Conference Meeting agenda items are as follows:

  • Agreements with the Town of Batavia for city personnel to repair and maintain 31 street lights the town is putting up on Park Road in the area of Batavia Downs Gaming and a traffic control device the town is installing at the intersection of Route 98 and Federal Drive, north of the city.

In both cases, the city would invoice the town for labor and material costs.

Currently, city employees maintain the traffic light for the town at Veterans Memorial Drive and the Towne Center.

  • Acceptance of a $500,000 Restore New York Grant that was awarded to the city in 2017 to assist Savarino Companies for demolition, rehabilitation and adaptive re-use of the existing former National Grid electric building in connection with the Ellicott Station project.

As a condition of disbursing the funds to Savarino, the Buffalo developer is required to enter into an “Undertaking Agreement” with the city to assume a portion or all of the obligations of the city under the grant.

  • Mid-fiscal year transfers due to expenses incurred in excess of budgeted amounts set in April.

These include $30,000 from the contingency fund into the legal services budget for increased litigation costs, $12,000 from contingency into the information technology budget for an increase in the number of monitored computer servers, and $25,000 from the public works administrative salary account to the DPW engineering account for expenses owed to LaBella Associates in light of the city’s ongoing search for a DPW director.

Batavia’s Board of Education approves increased elevator repair costs during this week’s meeting

By Joanne Beck

Costs are going up with unexpected elevator repairs at Batavia Middle School, as city Board of Education members voted Thursday to approve a transfer of $212,000 from the repair reserve fund. 

Business Administrator Scott Rozanski had reviewed the issues and scope of work at the Sept. 19 board meeting, with the vote to occur this month. Members unanimously and without discussion agreed to the transfer for what Rozanski deemed “the worst-case scenario.” 

The elevator stopped working in March. Board members had approved an initial transfer of $65,000 for anticipated repairs by Otis Elevator Company in May, Rozanski said. A hydraulic cylinder had ceased to operate and work was to begin then, he said, but supply chain issues delayed it for a while. Work eventually began to repair the cylinder, however, there was an obstruction that prevented anything to continue. 

Otis Elevator proposed three phases to be used as needed: Phase I would involve cleaning out the hole, removing the pipe, and continuing the necessary work. If the cylinder casing is good, the issue should be resolved, Rozanski said, and the repair could be completed. The price tag for this first phase would be $35,000.

If it is determined that the casing is bad, then they will move on to Phase II for a new casing and another $26,000. Phase III is the “worst-case scenario” of the first two solutions failing, he said. Work will expand to include redrilling the hole, removing all of the debris, and putting in a hoisting beam, all for an extra $86,000 on top of the other two-phase costs. All totaled, it would be an additional $147,495.

The board’s vote on Thursday changed the original transfer from $65,000 to $212,000 to cover all three options if necessary, Rozanski said. That would leave an available balance of $86,703 in the repair reserve, he said. 

At that September meeting, Interim Superintendent Scott Bischoping added that the district’s construction manager obtained second opinions on the recommended work and didn’t just go with Otis Elevator’s proposal.

“This isn’t just a one-company idea,” he said.

The board also approved Campus Construction Management’s proposed cost of $3,875 to conduct a feasibility study on the potential renovation expenses of Batavia Middle School. 

In other matters, School board members received some good news during the district’s annual audit Thursday. Christian Townes of Freed Maxick CPAs said the firm issued an “unmodified opinion” for the school district. 

 “Which is the highest level of assurance that we can provide,” she said.

The overall rating, having no significant deficiencies and having no material misstatements is “a testament” to the hard work the district invests into its financial-related statements, she said. 

“Financially, the district is in good shape,” she said. “Overall, you had a really great audit this year. It went smoothly and there are no negative matters to report to you.”

The board voted to accept and approve the final audited report, basic financial statements, and audited extra classroom activity financial statements ending June 30, 2021. 

County clerk: New York needs to revamp revenue-sharing formula to fairly compensate local DMV offices

By Mike Pettinella

county_building_1.jpg

With revenues from auto dealer work on the decline, Genesee County Clerk Michael Cianfrini is hoping for a change in New York State’s revenue-sharing practices as well as participation in a pilot program to provide a much-needed boost for local Department of Motor Vehicle offices.

Cianfrini, in his yearly departmental review at the County Legislature’s Ways & Means Committee meeting earlier this week, said a lack of vehicle inventory has resulted in decreased income for the county DMV.

“The volume of dealer work has dropped off pretty significantly in recent months – and that’s statewide,” he reported. “Every county clerk is experiencing the same thing. A lot of that has to do with inventory … so car sales have dropped off.”

County DMV staff continues to handle dealer work for both in-county and out-of-county entities, Cianfrini said, but the revenue thus far – about $132,000 through September – likely will lead to an amount less than what was generated in 2020.

He said he recently registered the local office to take part in a state-sponsored pilot program where local DMV offices will be able to process transactions received at the state office via mail or online.

“They’re (state DMV employees) behind right now in processing those transactions that are mailed into them,” he said. “They’re behind and we need the revenue so they started this program … where they mail (those) transactions to our county for us to process and return them to customers.”

Cianfrini said the pilot program is expected to start in November or December and “hopefully make up for some of the lost revenues from dealer sales being down.”

Mentioning that he attended the NYS Association of County Clerks conference in Poughkeepsie on Monday, Cianfrini said the group’s “biggest push this year is to increase the revenue sharing that we get from the state.”

He said local DMV offices receive 12.7 percent of revenue generated from in-office transactions and “a pittance” from online transactions.

“We will be trying to negotiate either an increase in the online share to bring it up to parity with the 12.7 percent we get in-office or some negotiated figure along those lines,” he advised. “We do the lion’s share of the work, yet we get a minimal amount of proceeds, so we don’t think that’s fair.”

Since August, the county DVM office has been open for residents of all counties without appointment, and continues to offer drop box service.

“We’re processing everything from the drop box or mailed (to us) the same day it is received and we get it turned around and mailed out that same day,” Cianfrini said. “One or two people are assigned to do just that.”

In areas concerning the Genesee County Clerk's office (which, along with the DMV, is located at County Building I pictured above), Cianfrini reported:

  • Back-scanning of records to digital images continues, with deed indexes and actual deed images available back to 1927, mortgage index and images back to 1966, miscellaneous records back to 1974 and miscellaneous index back to 1926.

“I just solicited a bid to get our mortgage index books back to 1917 and also asked for an estimate to image our mortgage books back to 1917,” he said. “Each year we’re trying to push our image records farther and farther back, especially for our online record sales. This makes it that much more valuable when people can do their research farther back.”

  • The clerk’s office began online record subscriptions in January 2020, and the practice has been successful – generating more than $33,000 thus far in 2021.

“We’re anticipating revenues of $45,000 for this year, which is significantly higher than last year,” he said. “We take these revenues as a credit against our IQS (Info Quick Solutions) document management services contract, so that lowers the contractual amount we have to pay each year.”

  • To date, pistol permit applications have hit the 440 mark and amendments have reached 2,273 – numbers that are higher than historic averages.
  • About $425,000 is projected in local mortgage tax revenue for 2021, up from $419,000 last year.

Fire chief's suggestion of mediation may be the answer to ending stalemate between town, village boards

By Mike Pettinella

oakfield-volunteer-fire-department-logo.jpg
Leave it to a first responder to jump into the fray and attempt to put out the “fire” that has embroiled the Oakfield village and town boards over the financial payment plan for fire protection for their residents.

On Thursday night, Sean Downing, chief of the Oakfield Volunteer Fire Department, said that he is working toward a meeting of town, village and fire department officials, with OVFD attorney Mark Butler of Williamsville acting as a mediator.

“It’s time to get this thing resolved and move forward,” Downing said. “The fire department is stuck in the middle here.”

Downing said citizens are upset over the impasse and several of them voiced their displeasure at a recent town board meeting.

After that, the fire chief said he suggested having representatives of the village and town sit down with fire department personnel and Butler.

“I’m drafting a letter to send to our attorney for review and for the town (Supervisor Matt Martin) and the village (Mayor David Boyle) to sign (indicating) that they will come to the meeting,” Downing said. “The letter also reads that they will agree to what our attorney recommends.”

Downing said he is proposing a few dates for the meeting in an attempt to find one that accommodates everyone involved.

Martin, responding to an email from The Batavian, reported that “a tentative meeting is in the works.”

Boyle, speaking by telephone yesterday, also acknowledged that “a meeting is being set up by the fire chief.”

The dispute centers upon how much the town should pay for fire protection services offered by the village, which owns the fire department trucks and equipment. The building itself, on Albert Street, is owned by the fire department.

The village is threatening legal action against the town for failure to pay $78,644.71 owed for the 2020-21 fiscal year. Boyle said the village will shut off fire and emergency response to the town (including the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District) if the bill isn’t paid by Nov. 30 – action that Downing said could be supported by the OVFD.

Martin said the town wants to renegotiate the longstanding agreement, and sent the village a check for half of that amount in an attempt to sit down and come up with a new three-year pact that removes charges to the town for capital expenses, such as trucks and equipment.

“The town would like a three-year agreement and a service contract only,” Martin wrote. “When we say service contract, we mean that the capital portion not be included as that is owned by the village.”

When asked if the town considered paying the full amount owed prior to renegotiation, Martin responded, “We have done this in the past and have gotten nowhere.”

“Once the village gets their money, they do not contact us again until it is time to discuss the fire budget again the next year,” he said. “We have asked for five years to work this out and they continue to ignore our request.”

He said the town board favors a service agreement for fire protection, similar to the one it has with the village for snowplowing.

Boyle’s response made it clear that he doesn’t believe that is fair.

“That’s ludicrous to me,” he said, reiterating that all necessary vehicles are dispatched and equipment used when firefighters respond to town emergencies.

The mayor, however, did say he was encouraged by the chance to express the village’s stance in mediation.

“There are issues to iron out, for sure,” he said. “I hope there’s a sense of give-and-take in the discussions, and not just demands.

“As far as I’m concerned it’s a no-win situation at this point. We’re going to have to come to some kind of compromise. Both parties deserve a contract that supports the fire department but also is fiscally conservative and responsible.”

Previously: Oakfield fire protection dispute update: Village wants full payment before negotiating; Town has sent half

Previously: O-A school superintendent hoping for quick resolution to village, town fire protection squabble

Nov. 2 election: Four vying for three spots on City Council

By Mike Pettinella

Republican incumbents Eugene Jankowski Jr., Jeremy Karas and F. Robert Bialkowski are being challenged by Erica O’Donnell (Democrat and Families of Batavia) for Batavia City Council-At-Large seats in the Nov. 2 general election.

Voters will select three of those four people to four-year terms.

Most of the candidates for elected positions in Genesee County this year are running unopposed.

Contested races include Town Council in Stafford, Bergen, Le Roy and Pembroke; Town Justice in Bethany and Le Roy, and Town Supervisor in Byron.

The election slate, according to the Genesee County Board of Elections:

GENESEE COUNTY

  • County Court Judge/Surrogate (10-year term, vote for one) -- Melissa L. Cianfrini, R, C
  • District Attorney (four-year term, vote for one) -- Kevin T. Finnell, R
  • County Coroner (unexpired term, vote for two) -- Wade E. Schwab, R; John W. Peck, R
  • County Legislature (four-year terms unless noted, vote for one) -- District 1, Chad A. Klotzbach, R; District 3, Gordon L. Dibble, R, C; District 4, unexpired term, Brooks M. Hawley, R, C; District 5, Rochelle M. Stein, R, C; District 7, John Deleo, R, C; District 9, Gary T. Maha, R, C

CITY OF BATAVIA

  • City Council at Large (four-year terms, vote for three) -- Eugene A. Jankowski, Jr., R, C; Jeremy W. Karas, R, C; F. Robert Bialkowski, R; Erica B. O’Donnell, D, Families of Batavia

TOWN OF ALABAMA

  • Town Justice (four-year term, vote for one) -- Pamela J. Thurber, R
  • Town Council (four-year terms, vote for two) -- Jill L. Klotzbach, R; Kevin J. Veazey, R

TOWN OF ALEXANDER

  • Town Justice (four-year term, vote for one) -- Ronald P. Merrill, R
  • Town Council (four-year terms, vote for two) -- Eric T. Wagner, R; Laura F. Schmieder, R

TOWN OF BATAVIA

  • Town Supervisor (four-year term, vote for one) -- Gregory H. Post, R.
  • Town Clerk (vote for one) -- Teressa M. Morasco, R
  • Town Justice (four-year term, vote for one) -- Andrew J. Young, R
  • Council (four-year term, vote for two) -- Patti A. Michalak, R; Daniel G. Underhill, R\
  • Town Highway Superintendent (four-year term, vote for one) -- Thomas W. Lichtenthal, Jr., R

TOWN OF BERGEN

  • Town Supervisor (four-year term, vote for one) -- Ernest J. Haywood, R
  • Town Council (four-year term, vote for two) -- James S. Starowitz, R; Anne M. Sapienza, D, C, WOR; Teresa F. Whalin, R

TOWN OF BETHANY

  • Town Clerk (unexpired term, vote for one) -- Shauna P. Klump, R
  • Town Justice (four-year terms, vote for two) -- Joseph Nowakowski, R, Legal Party; Jeff Wolak, R; Peggy Johnson, Justice; Nichole Szymkowiak, Justice
  • Council (four-year terms, vote for two) -- Diane L. Fowler, R; Daniel K. Street, R

TOWN OF BYRON

  • Town Supervisor (two-year term, vote for one) -- Peter N. Yasses, R; Gerald L. Heins, Ind.
  • Town Clerk (four-year term, vote for one) -- Debra M. Buck-Leaton, R, WOR
  • Town Justice (four-year term, vote for one) -- Christopher M. Erion, R
  • Council (four-year terms, vote for two) -- Jeffrey J. Thompson, R; Thomas H. Felton, R
  • Highway Superintendent (two-year term, vote for one) -- David W. Leaton, Jr., R

TOWN OF DARIEN

  • Town Clerk (four-year term, vote for one) -- Alice E. Calmes, D, C
  • Council (four-year terms, vote for two) -- Michael A. Fix, R; David H. Krzemien, D

TOWN OF ELBA

  • Town Supervisor (four-year term, vote for one) -- Donna J. Hynes, R
  • Council (four-year terms, vote for two) -- Daniel L. Coughlin, Jr., R; Michael P. Augello, R

TOWN OF LE ROY

  • Town Justice (four-year term, vote for one) -- Carol DiFrancisco, D; Tom Feeley (write-in)
  • Council (four-year terms, vote for two) -- Robert Fussell, D; Sarah Krzemien, D; Bill Fox, C; David R. Paddock, R, C; Ronald B. Pangrazio, R

TOWN OF OAKFIELD

  • Town Supervisor (four-year term, vote for one) -- Matthew E. Martin, R
  • Town Justice (four-year term, vote for one) -- Thomas A. Graham, R
  • Council (four-year term, vote for two) -- Carol L. Glor, R; Kim E. Wolcott, R

TOWN OF PAVILION

  • Town Council (four-year term, vote for two) -- Donald A. Oberlin, R; Dean A. Davis, R

TOWN OF PEMBROKE

  • Town Justice (four-year term, vote for one) -- Edwin F. Mileham, Jr., R
  • Council (four-year terms, vote for two) -- Edward G. Arnold, Jr., R; Helen Trowbridge Hanes, D, Ind. Cit. of Pem.; K. Warren Clark, R
  • Highway Superintendent (unexpired term, vote for one) -- Scott T. Turner, R

TOWN OF STAFFORD

  • Town Clerk (four-year term, vote for one) -- Barbara L. Radley, R, Barb for Clerk
  • Council (four-year terms, vote for two) -- Ronald T. Panek, R; James R. Duyssen, R; Cathy Worthington, C (write-in)
  • Highway Superintendent (four-year term, vote for one) -- Steven B. Boldt, R, C

County manager: Property tax rate currently sits at $9.37; 2022 budget report to come out on Friday

By Mike Pettinella

Emphasizing that the Genesee County Legislature has no intention of overriding the New York State property tax cap, County Manager Matt Landers this morning said he expects the tax rate for 2022 to decrease by 53 cents from last year’s figure.

“The rate as of right now, and the only reason the rate would go up if there is any kind of change to the assessments between now and when we finalize the budget in late November, is at $9.37 (per $1,000 of assessed value),” Landers said.

That’s down from the rate of $9.80 in 2021, a drop of about 4 ½ percent.

The tax levy, or the amount to be raised by taxes, is going from $31,451,727 to $32,130,246 – an increase of slightly more than 2 percent.

Landers pointed out that municipalities such as Genesee County can’t raise their tax levies by more than the 2 percent tax cap.

He said his office is finalizing the All Funds and General Fund spending plans, but indicated both will go up compared to 2021.

“I will have those numbers when I file the budget on Friday,” he said, indicating that his office will be issuing a press release tomorrow.

Genesee County is using $1.4 million of its unexpended fund balance in 2022, down from $2.3 million utilized in 2021.

Landers said the new Genesee County Jail – with groundbreaking set for next spring – is a key part of the 2022 budget.

“We don’t have any debt service in the 2022 budget because we’ll be borrowing for the jail in '22,” he said. “Debt service will come out in 2023.”

There are line items in next year’s budget, however, for four new corrections officers – positions that are part of a jail transition team required by the state Commission of Corrections to be in place prior to groundbreaking.  

“We’ll pick four us our more experienced COs to work on that, and that’s all they work on,” Landers said. “Then, we’ll backfill and hire four positions that we create. These positions will be kept on with the new jail because there’s an expected staffing increase with the new county jail.”

The county is planning to spend about $70 million on a 184-bed jail on West Main Street Road, just east of County Building 2. The facility will include a backup E-911 Center.

Two full-time nurses will be on duty at the new jail, an upgrade from the current one full-time nurse and one part-time nurse, Landers said, and four new positions will be added at the highway department – two seasonal and two full-time positions – to focus on tree cutting.

“We’re going to dedicate a tree crew that will work year round, working on the backlog of trees that have been devastated by the ash borer,” Landers said. “Trees are in the right-of-way and need to be cleared for safety purposes.”

Town Board looking to opt out of marijuana dispensaries, consumption sites due to lack of information

By Mike Pettinella

oip.jpg
The Batavia Town Board on Wednesday night voted to schedule a public hearing on a resolution that would enable the municipality to opt out of allowing cannabis retail dispensaries and on-site consumption sites through New York’s Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act.

“I don’t think there’s enough information from the State of New York to enter into something that we could never get out of,” Town Supervisor Gregory Post said following the monthly board meeting at the Town Hall on West Main Street Road. “The bottom line is that we can always opt in to it when we have more details and it is something that we can administer.”

Post said he was concerned that “a decision made by five people (the Batavia Town Board) probably isn’t a clear and transparent representation of the whole community.”

If a local law to opt out is passed following the public hearing set for 7:10 p.m. on Nov. 17 at the Town Hall, it could lead to a permissive referendum organized by residents who disagree with its decision.

“People opposing that law could get together and find their way to the ballot and ask the community whether they want this or not,” Post said. “In my opinion, this is too early in the game … and jump into this thing not know what the down-the-road consequences and financial implications are.”

The supervisor did acknowledge that eventually opting in to the new law could be “lucrative” to the town, which would receive 3 percent of the sales tax collected on cannabis transactions. The state would get 9 percent and Genesee County 1 percent.

“The county, which will be burdened with 100 percent of the cost of mitigating through mental health services, probation and any of the issues that come up from sales to minors – all of the cost and expense to the community through the health department, ultimately will receive only 25 percent of that (4 percent to municipalities),” he explained.

Post also brought up the fact that marijuana continues to be against the law at the federal level, and that regular testing of commercial truck drivers, who have to be free of substance use, will continue.

“The federal oversight and management of some of our largest employers, such as Graham, O-At-Ka Milk, HP Hood, those that are making food and are considered strategic investments have to be compliant,” he said. “It’s assumed that you’re OK to consume these (marijuana) commodities if they’re legalized in the town, and then go to work and find out you can’t work because you failed a drug test.

“We’re seeing as many as 50 percent of the drivers failing the drug tests because their assumption is if it’s legal, then I don’t have a problem. But yet, it is a problem.”

Signed into law by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo on March 31, the MRTA paves the way to an estimated $1 billion industry with expected annual revenue of $350 million and the creation of between 30,000 and 60,000 jobs.

The legislation permits adult use of cannabis for those 21 years of age and up – people who may possess, display, purchase, obtain or transport up to 3 ounces of flower or 24 grams of concentrated cannabis.

It also expands New York’s existing medical marijuana program and immediately allows eligible users to smoke cannabis in public wherever tobacco is allowed.

Consumption is not allowed in schools, federal lands, workplaces or in vehicles as the federal government still has jurisdiction in those places.

The two types of retail sites are retail dispensaries, which could be storefronts to buy products for home consumption and adult use consumption sites, and lounge-like locations for purchase and use on-site.

Municipalities have until Dec. 31 to opt out of any dispensary or on-site consumption site within their jurisdiction.

Previously: County manager sounds off against sales tax diversion, misguided cannabis excise tax distribution

Batavia Town Supervisor: 2022 property tax rate expected to drop 12 percent to $2.51 per $1,000 of assessed value

By Mike Pettinella

greg_post.jpg
The Town of Batavia property tax rate is expected to decrease by about 12 percent for 2022, Supervisor Greg Post said today.

Post, (photo at right), in providing The Batavian his first update on budget proceedings, said the preliminary General Fund spending plan for next year is currently at $4,845,357, which includes $1,346,403 in expenditures for the Highway Fund.

While the General Fund budget is up by about $800,000 from 2021 and the town’s revenue decreased, the Town Board is looking at using $1.18 million in unexpended fund balance ($600,000 more than originally anticipated) to keep the property tax levy at the same level, Post said.

The current tax levy on the books for 2022 (the amount raised by taxes) is at $1,236,000 – the same as the number in 2021.

“Which means that because of the increased assessed value (in the town), the tax rate will go down by about 12 percent – from $2.85 to $2.51,” Post indicated. “Nothing is set in stone as we still have several weeks to work through this and we may tweak it prior to adoption.”

The sewer rate is expected to remain flat at $7.09 per 1,000 gallons used, while the water rate for both residential and agricultural consumers is projected to increase by 2 percent – to $6.32 and $5.12 per 1,000 gallons, respectively.

Meanwhile, the fire district tax rate looks as though it will remain flat, but will result in greater revenue due to the increased assessed valuation.

The Town Board has scheduled public hearings on the sewer and water rates for 7 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Town Hall on West Main Street Road, with a public hearing on the budget to follow at 7:10 p.m.

A special meeting to adopt the budget, and the sewer and water rates is set for Nov. 17 at the Town Hall.

Additional details provided by Post are as follows:

  • The strategy on the tax levy “was to keep this as flat as we can, and use up the residual money saved during COVID to purchase the things that were deferred from the last two years,” he said. “Now that we’re in full operation and projects are happening, we need to have the staff and the means to attend to that so we can continue to be in a growth mode.”
  • The town is hiring another highway department employee and a “project manager” engineer to assist with administration of Park Road Reconstruction Project. “This is similar to what we did five or six years ago,” Post advised. “When the work increases, we add staff, and when the work decreases, we reduce staff.”
  • The plan includes spending about $500,000 on a fleet of pickup trucks, something that was deferred due to COVID.  “But we might not even be able to buy trucks next year because they might not be available yet; trucks are hard to find,” Post said.
  • The town realized a surplus last year of $280,000, enabling it to use more of its unexpended fund balance, Post reported. “That was due to the efforts the staff has made to find creative ways to finance projects and get grant money to subsidize the operations,” he said. “Through this process, we still have adequate reserves and unexpended fund balances to carry us through whatever the next Apocalypse is.”
  • The board is considering pay increases averaging 3 percent, although not across the board, Post said. “That doesn’t mean that money gets spent. Those numbers are not finalized and set until the first of the year. This virtual situation has found a number of efficiencies and it has also allowed the town to service building permits, applications and plan reviews as well as administer public sector projects like Ellicott Trail and repaving and now Park Road and Route 98 improvements.

Top Items on Batavia's List

Tourism Marketing Assistant Position The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, serving as the official tourism promotion agency for Genesee County, NY is seeking an experienced marketing professional to assist in the overall Chamber tourism and marketing initiatives for Genesee County. https://visitgeneseeny.com/about/join-our-team
Tags: Jobs offered
Town of Batavia Court Department is seeking a part time as needed Court Officer. Court Officers are responsible for maintaining order in the court room and court facility during proceedings. Please send resume to Town of Batavia, Attention Hiedi Librock, 3833 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. Complete job description is available on the Town web site or at the Town Hall Application deadline is April 15, 2024.
Tags: Jobs offered

Authentically Local