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'A win-win for all of us.' Council enthused about prospect of YMCA running city's youth program

By Mike Pettinella

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See a statement from the City Youth Board below this story.

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City Council members tonight reminisced about their childhood days “hanging out at the Y” as they sent out positive vibes about a proposed four-year contract that would put the Genesee Area Family YMCA in charge of running city youth services.

After hearing from Interim City Manager Rachael Tabelski that “the YMCA came in with the best price” and that cost savings to the city are projected at more than $60,000 annually over the next four years, Council Member John Canale and President Eugene Jankowski Jr. strolled down memory lane.

“I heard the YMCA is dying to build a brand-new outdoor city pool like we used to have when I was growing up,” Canale joked.

That prompted Jankowski to endorse the Y, illustrating his support by displaying his YMCA membership card from 1971 that he said he found during “COVID clean-out.”

“So, I was a member as a teenager myself. And now they mention they’re building a large new facility right in the middle of our downtown. So, they’re investing here,” Jankowski said. “This is like a win-win for all of us, including the most important people who are on my list for this whole project is the children themselves – our future – so they can have a place to go, like I had a place to go.”

Canale countered by pointing out that this offers “year-round availability to our local kids.”

“When you and I grew up, I remember distinctly hanging out at the Y, when it was the old building, and you’d just go there and hang out after school or on Saturday (and) shoot pool. They used to have three pool tables downstairs.”

Today, the YMCA is making plans to partner with United Memorial Medical Center for a Healthy Living Campus, a project supported by the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative. It has expanded its services over the years and seems to be in excellent position to operate the city youth program efficiently and effectively.

City leaders decided to not staff their afterschool and summer recreation programs anymore after having to close the Liberty Center for Youth due to the COVID-19 pandemic and also due to budget constraints. They reached out via a request for proposal process to organizations that might be interested in providing these services and the YMCA got the nod.

A resolution outlining the formal agreement with the YMCA and another to dissolve a pact with Genesee County to provide a youth bureau executive director were forwarded to Council’s Business Meeting on March 8th for a vote.

“I believe this is the right way to provide the residents and youth and families this service, and I think that collaborating with the YMCA for the afterschool program (at the Liberty Center for Youth on the City Church St. Anthony’s campus) has worked out very well thus far,” Tabelski said. “They have been an excellent partner to us in the city.”

Jeff Townsend, district executive director for the GLOW YMCA, said the plan is “to incorporate all of our YMCA services into this new relationship with the city, including swimming at the Y … at our Liberty Center gymnastics center (on Liberty Street near Ficarella’s Pizzeria). We could incorporate gymnastics at the Liberty Center (for Youth) site that we’re currently partnering with the city on for school year programming.”

He said the Liberty Center could host summer programs as well.

“So, the parks could travel throughout the community and participate in some of our other area locations as well as traditional field trips – walking and busing – that’s already in the RFP plan,” he said. “I think that our plan is pretty robust and covering and ensuring that no less services will be provided and probably more services, in fact.”

Jankowski mentioned that other partnerships geared toward youth, such as the National Night Out, already are in place, and Townsend said the YMCA is willing to participate.

Townsend also answered “yes” to a question from Council Member Robert Bialkowski about the possibility of applying for grants to fund additional programs.

Tabelski, responding to a question from Council Member Rose Mary Christian on whether children from outside of the city can participate, said the city receives financial support from the Town of Batavia so its young people – as long as they attend Batavia City or parochial schools – would be able to take part.

Christian said she wouldn’t object to opening the city’s program to youth in surrounding towns and villages in Genesee County as long as the county pays an annual fee.

Following the meeting, Rob Walker, chief executive officer for the GLOW YMCA, said he is excited to partner with the city to deliver summer recreation program at four city parks – John Kennedy, Farrall, Lambert and Williams – and continuing to provide services at the Liberty Center for Youth.

“We bring a tremendous amount of abilities and talents from our organization. We are the leader in youth development and we’re looking forward to a great relationship,” he said.

Walker said the YMCA can offer “enhancements” beyond the scope of the contract because they have a complete facility and the gymnastics center.

“We’re going to take full advantage of all the resources the Y has to enhance what currently has been done in the past," he said.

Healthy Living Campus Advances

Asked about the status of the Healthy Living Campus, Walker said Clark Patterson Lee has been hired as the architect, and the hospital (United Memorial Medical Center) and the Y are moving forward.

“We’ve crossed the $11 million mark in fundraising (the goal is $14 million) and plan on moving forward this fall with construction,” he said. “The community has been amazingly supportive of our project.”

He acknowledged that the coronavirus set the project back a bit.

“Obviously, COVID slowed our efforts down as we had to shift to the needs of the community, which we did, providing emergency childcare and other programs like Y Academy. But we’re back, focused on the project and the goal is to have it open at the end of next year,” he said.

Previous: Interim city manager touts major savings should Council go with Genesee YMCA to provide youth services

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Photo: Leading the GLOW YMCA's effort to contract with the City of Batavia to provide youth services beginning April 1 are, from left, Charitie Bruning, childcare and camp director; Jeff Townsend, district executive director; Rob Walker, chief executive officer. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Youth advisory board: 'We are investing in our city's future, our children'

By Mike Pettinella

A statement from the City Youth Board on the prospect of having the Genesee Area Family YMCA operate the municipality’s youth program:

“The City Youth Board worked with the interim city manager through the RFP (Request For Proposal) process and interviewed one agency for the city contract to run youth services. Although, there are always reservations as to whether or not this is the right decision, we were all in agreement that the city should enter into a contract with the YMCA.

“Mr. (Jeff) Townsend answered all our questions satisfactorily and the YMCA is prepared to resume operations of the Liberty Center on April 1st if awarded the contract.

“We were all in agreement that this would be the best option for resuming youth services in a timely fashion since the city laid off all of the part-time staff during the pandemic, and the executive director and the program coordinator both left for other positions. These circumstances left no one with experience to resume the programming leaving contracting the services out as our only viable option.

“The Youth Board works in an advisory capacity and at the end of the day the board is eager to see youth programming resume at the Liberty Center for Youth and through the summer recreational program.

“It would have been nice if we had received more feedback from the community but we understand this has happened pretty quickly and we do feel the COVID-19 protocols have limited community involvement. We are all sympathetic to the city’s budget concerns. However, we feel this is also a quality of life issue and a service that makes our community vibrant and safer. We are investing in our city’s future, our children.”

David Twichell, president

Paula Fischer

Lydia Schauf

Resident reiterates request for Council to release costs to conduct city manager search

By Mike Pettinella

Batavia City Council members say they will report the amount they have spent in a search for a new city manager as quickly as possible after the process has been completed.

Council is scheduled to interview the final candidates for the permanent position at 8:30 a.m. Thursday in a special executive session (closed to the public) at the City Centre’s Council Board Room.

City resident John Roach, speaking during the public comments segment of tonight’s Conference Meeting, asked – for the second time -- if any money has been spent in the search for a new city manager.

“Will somebody tell me why I have to actually FOIL (file a Freedom of Information Law request) over a simple question of taxpayer money?” he said. “Have you had to spend any money on this search so far?”

Roach mentioned a story on The Batavian that reported Council’s intention to interview two people, with Interim City Manager Rachael Tabelski believed to be one of them.

“Is there any cost associated with those interviews? As a taxpayer, I’d like to know. We were told that this was going to be free. I know the Council president did warn that nothing is ever really free. But, yet we were told that this would be free,” he continued.

Council Member John Canale and President Eugene Jankowski Jr. responded, with both assuring Roach that the total cost will be determined and released to the public soon.

“I know we have that exact information,” Canale said. “I do believe that Geno alluded to the fact that there would be a very minimal cost in that the search was being provided as a second search (following the search that resulted in the hiring of Martin Moore) free of charge, but there would be additional, small costs for advertising for the national search.”

Canale said he would make sure the numbers are provided after Thursday, adding that he thinks they will be “very, very minimal.”

Jankowski noted that travel costs were minimized because of COVID-19 and the utilization of Zoom videoconferencing to conduct preliminary interviews.

“We didn’t have to fly people around and put them in hotel rooms,” he said. “That process should be finalized very soon and then we’ll have the actual numbers …”

At that point, Council Member Rose Mary Christian asked how many people were interviewed via Zoom, but was quickly reminded that Council was not at liberty to discuss that in a public setting.

“You will be in that process on Thursday, correct, Ro? You will have all those answers then,” Canale said.

“Absolutely,” she replied.

Batavia girls trounce Odyssey, 63-32, for fourth straight victory

By Mike Pettinella

The Batavia High Lady Devils won their fourth straight game tonight, defeating visiting Greece Odyssey, 63-32, in Monroe County League girls’ basketball action.

It was Batavia’s second victory over Odyssey in a week, with the Lady Devils registering a 69-34 win last Monday at Odyssey.

Senior guards Mackenzie Reigle and Bryn Wormley combined for 42 points as Batavia raised its record to 4-3.

Wormley tallied 10 of her 18 in the first quarter as Batavia jumped out to a 19-11 lead and Reigle scored 12 of her game-high 24 in the second quarter to help the Lady Devils to a 43-16 halftime advantage.

Reigle just missed a triple-double as she came up with 11 steals and nine rebounds (plus seven assists).

Seniors Haylee Thornley and Kennedy Kolb chipped in with seven and six points, respectively, while exhibiting solid defense as Batavia limited Odyssey to 14 made baskets.

Serenity Rodgers scored 13 and Asia Philip had 12 for Odyssey.

The Lady Devils are scheduled to host Pittsford Sutherland at 8 p.m. Thursday.

Cherry wriggles to victory in Jell-O Gallery Museum's debut virtual favorite flavor contest

By Billie Owens

Ta-Da!

Cherry bumped off Raspberry to win the first virtual poll of favorite flavors hosted by the world's only Jell-O Gallery Museum, located in Le Roy.

This year, 530 people picked a flavor they found most toothsome in honor of Le Roy's first celebration of National Jell-O Week.

The final tallies were totaled up on Saturday. And it was the votes counted last -- from fourth-graders at Wolcott Street School -- who shook things up.

There were 458 voters from 40 of the 50 U.S. states, including Hawaii. Missing were votes from: North and South Dakota, Idaho, Kentucky, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming. They also had voters in Canada, England, Italy and Scotland.

Then 72 fourth-grade students at Wolcott Street School weighed in with their choices. 

Early results forecast Lime in a slight lead over Cherry, followed by third-place Raspberry. Then when the bulk of votes were added up, Raspberry was just jiggling past Lime -- 104 to 100.

Here are the tallies before and after the kids had their say (as denoted by the number after the addition sign):

  • Cherry -- 93 + 20 = 113
  • (tie) Raspberry -- 104 + 6 = 110
  • (tie) Lime -- 100 + 10 = 110
  • (tie) Orange -- 70 + 5 = 75
  • (tie) Strawberry -- 61 + 14 = 75
  • Lemon -- 13 + 1 = 14
  • Black Cherry -- 11 + 1 = 12
  • Grape -- 6 +13 = 19
  • Watermelon -- 0 + 2 = 2

Lynne Belluscio, director of the Le Roy Historical Society, Village Historian, and museum director, was gobsmacked.

"Lime and Raspberry are now tied at 110!" she says, and then here comes "Cherry climbing to first at 113!"

Orange was out in front of Strawberry by one vote, now they, too, are tied for third-place honors at 75.

"It was too close to count," Belluscio said drolly. "Have had a demand for a recount. LOL."

(Couldn't hurt, right?)

Things got a little complicated when factoring in numerous "write-in ballots." 

Some people couldn't choose just one and voted for “all.” Some people, likely contrarians, voted against a flavor -- Lime). Some people voted for pudding. (Jell-O makes pudding but it's not a gelatin dessert -- hello!)

Other flavors mentioned, honorable all (with the possible exception of Celery, of course), were:

  • Strawberry Banana;
  • Blue / Red;
  • Pineapple;
  • Sparkling White Grape (debuted in 1997);
  • Celery (created in the 1960s);
  • Mango;
  • Black Currant from England although not a Jell-O brand.

So when adding on 31 votes for "random" flavors, pudding, votes for "all flavors," and even ballots cast stating "I hate jello" (sic), the total vote count was higher than the 530 votes for standard flavors.

In all 561 voters had their say.

Belluscio initiated the virtual voting campaign because the museum has been closed most of the past year due to COVID-19.

Thousands of visitors who would normally vote throughout the year could not do so, so she began accepting votes through different Facebook pages.

The polls remained open through Feb. 21, the last day of National Jell-O Week. Le Roy celebrated it for the first time this year -- and a week early at that.

And as always, people from all over voted, just as they do in person. In fact until 2020, the Gallery recorded votes with Zip Codes from all 50 states.

​"So that is the count through Jell-O Week, but we will continue to take votes and zip codes through the year," Belluscio said. "We expect to reopen the last weekend in March and anticipate going to a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday schedule in April.  

Previously: The jig is up: Le Roy 'jumped the gun' to celebrate National Jell-O Week early

Since Friday, 59 new coronavirus cases reported in Genesee County

By Press Release

Data Update – 

  • Genesee County received 59 new positive cases of COVID-19.
    • The new positive cases reside in the:
      • West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke)
      • Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) 
      • East Region (Bergen, Byron, Le Roy, Pavilion, Stafford)
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.  
  • Thirty-one of the previous positive individuals has recovered and has been removed from the isolation list.  
  • Ten of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
  • Seven of the new positive individuals are inmates at the Buffalo Federal Detention Center.

Orleans County received 14 new positive cases of COVID-19.  

  • The positive cases reside in the:
    • West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby)
    • Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre)
    • East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon)
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 80s.
  • Twenty of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Two of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
  • Three of the new positive individuals are inmates at the Albion Correctional Facility.

Association of senior care sites attack Cuomo's budget amendments as 'harsh punishment'

By Press Release

Press release:

Last week Governor Andrew Cuomo issued amendments to his fiscal year 2021-2022 state budget including unnecessary and punitive measures impacting all NYS Department of Health licensed Adult Care Facilities and Assisted Living Residences.  

“It was shocking to see this scourging punishment at a time when assisted living providers and staff have fought valiantly and tirelessly to protect their residents during this pandemic nightmare at great peril to their emotional, mental and financial wellbeing,” said Lisa Newcomb, Empire State Association of Assisted Living’s (ESAAL’s) executive director.

“Instead of the praise and honor that our provider members and their staff so clearly deserve, the Governor is inflicting upon them harsh punishment. Why are we being attacked?”

Specifically, the budget amendments multiply daily penalties tenfold, from $1,000 per day to $10,000 per day. In addition, the amendments eliminate the assisted living provider’s ability to rectify minor, less serious violations without a concurrent fine, meaning that something as minor as submitting one daily survey to the (Health) Department one minute late automatically subjects a provider to a potential fine of $10,000.   

The Department of Health already has broad fining authority in the Public Health Law and a review of the history of fines shows that the state agency has exercised that authority with zeal, both before and during the coronavirus pandemic.

These proposed increased financial penalties coupled with an inability to correct minor infractions without penalty have many assisted living providers concerned about their continued ability to keep their doors open.  

Newcomb concedes that while the numbers of positive cases and resident deaths are not nearly as high as those in nursing homes, assisted living communities have not escaped unscathed: After all, assisted living residents are still frail seniors in a congregate living arrangement and that is where COVID-19 preys.  

“But why the attack? Have there been many allegations of wrongdoing by assisted living providers during the pandemic?” Newcomb asks. “None were mentioned in the Attorney General’s report, despite the fact that she has conducted investigations in some facilities. 

Likewise, there has been barely a mention in the press about the challenges faced by this industry.

On the contrary, despite the Department having imposed virtually all the same mandates on assisted living communities as it has on nursing homes, with virtually no funding assistance, assisted living providers have fought vigorously to protect both their residents and staff.

The Governor also proposes elimination of the only source of modest state funding the state makes available to adult care facilities that serve indigent seniors to make improvements to their buildings and create resident programming. The EQUAL program has been a model where providers and residents work collaboratively to use funds for enhancing the quality of care and services at adult care facilities. 

On behalf of its 300+ provider members, ESAAL calls on the New York State Legislature to reject these amendments and to restore the modest funding that is intended to enhance quality in those residences that serve the poor frail elderly.

About Empire State Association of Assisted Living

Empire State Association of Assisted Living is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening New York State's assisted living sector and promoting the best interests of providers and residents. Founded in 1979, ESAAL is the only association that exclusively represents the assisted living industry, serving 300 Assisted Living Residences, Adult Homes, Enriched Housing Programs and Assisted Living Programs throughout New York State. These member residences are home to more than 30,000 seniors.

ESAAL in Genesee County

There is one assisted living community in Genesee County in the association:

  • LeRoy Manor, with about 80 residents.

Law and Order: Oakfield man accused of menacing and harassment

By Billie Owens

Jose Alfredo Cruz, 44, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with second-degree menacing and second-degree harassment. At midnight on Feb. 20, Cruz was arrested after a domestic incident. It is alleged he menaced a person and made threats to harm himself. Cruz was arraigned virtually at Genesee County Jail on behalf of Town of Oakfield Court. He is due in GC court on April 5. The case was handled by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Deputy David Moore.

Rodney Lee Harmon Jr., 44, of Church Street, Elba, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Harmon was arrested at 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 19 after allegedly being found in possession of oxycodone hydrochloride when a probation officer visited his home. He was released with an appearance ticket and is due in Elba Town Court at a later date. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Tristan Michael Vaughn, 22, of Richley Road, Darien, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- first offense; operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more -- first offense; unregistered motor vehicle; moving from lane unsafely. Vaughn was arrested at 6:27 p.m. Feb. 20 on Attica Road in Darien after his vehicle was located off the roadway. He was released with appearance tickets and is due in Darien Town Court on March 16. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

Sources: Council will interview city manager candidates during special meeting Thursday

By Mike Pettinella

The City of Batavia issued a press release this morning advising of a Special Conference Meeting at 8:30 a.m. Thursday in the Council Board Room on the second floor of the Batavia City Centre.

The Batavian has learned from multiple sources that Council will interview finalists for the vacant city manager position at the meeting, which will go into executive session immediately and is closed to the public.

The meeting agenda, per the city’s website, is as follows:

  • Call to Order.
  • Executive Session ... Employment Matters to Discuss the Potential Appointment of a Particular Person.
  • Adjournment.

Interim City Manager Rachael Tabelski has publicly announced her intention to apply for the position.

Council members, citing confidentiality issues since a potential candidate is currently working for the city, have not revealed any information about the number of applicants or the professional search process.

Tabelski has been serving in the interim role since June 22, two days after the city and Martin Moore mutually agreed to terminate his contract.

Noah Hoy named official Team Chiropractor of the Muckdogs

By Press Release

Submitted photo and press release:

Chiropractor Noah Hoy, pictured above left, has been named as the Team Chiropractor of the Batavia Muckdogs for the 2021-2023 seasons.

Hoy says he's “excited to work for the 'dogs and help them perform at the highest level on the field."

The Batavia Muckdogs, owned by Robbie Nichols (above, right) are now part of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, which hosts D1 MLB prospects from across the country.

"I’ve been going to games since I was a little guy and it’s cool to know I’ll be working with a team I grew up with,” Hoy said. 

Games for the upcoming season are expected to begin at the end of May.

To keep track of all things Muckdogs, visit their new Facebook page.

Hoy is currently accepting patient appointments at Mazurkiewicz Family Chiropractic, located at 184 Washington Ave. in the City of Batavia.

New at Crossroads House -- a book club with community discussion via Zoom

By Press Release

Press release:

The Crossroads House Book Club is a new initiative in our mission as a comprehensive end-of-life resource in our community.

It is open to anyone and we look forward to serving you!

We will be discussing the first 15 short stories in the book “Dandelions Blooming in the Cracks of Sidewalks,” by Amita Lhamo.

In it, the author describes lessons she learned in difficult situations as a hospice chaplain. Her mix of poetry and storytelling makes this a captivating read!

Our event will take place on Monday, March 22 via Zoom from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Please RSVP by March 10th to kathypanepento@crossroadshouse.com and the Zoom meeting instructions will be sent to you as we get closer to the date.

You can pick up a copy of the book on Amazon or from your retailer of choice.

Pull up a cozy chair, snuggle in with the dog or cat, and pour yourself a cup of whatever suits your fancy. We hope you’ll join the Crossroads House family and friends for this event!

Alexander Fire Department holds virtual gun raffle April 10

By Press Release

Press release:

The Alexander Volunteer Fire Department Inc. Spring Gun Raffle, via Facebook Live, will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 10th.

Prizes include 10 rifles, six shotguns and two pistols. Grand Prize is a Barrett Firearms Model 99 rifle .50 BMG w/bi-pod and case.

All previous tickets drawn will be re-entered for the grand prize drawing.

Guns are supplied by Sugarbush Armory, Attica.

Tickets are $20 each and are available at Alexander Country Deli, JDubs Pizza and Subs, Sunnyside Cycle or by calling (716) 870-6431 or (585) 507-9930.

Investigation ongoing into unoccupied snowmobile hit by CSX train in Darien

By Howard B. Owens

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Deputies are continuing an investigation into an accident at about 8 p.m., Friday at Harlow Road in Darien involving an unoccupied snowmobile and a CSX train

Chief Deputy Brian Frieday said there is no new information available since Friday's incident but that deputies are tracking down some leads on the operator.

According to information related to deputies Friday night, the snowmobile was registered out of Rochester but the registration was expired. 

There were apparently tracks in the snow of somebody who walked away from the snowmobile before it was hit.

Reader-submitted photos.

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With production hampered in Texas, gas prices continue to rise, up 11 cents in Batavia area

By Press Release

Press release from AAA: 

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.64, up 13 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.47. The New York State average is $2.70 – up 10 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.61.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

  • Batavia -- $2.63 (up 11 cents since last week)
  • Buffalo -- $2.65 (up 13 cents since last week)
  • Ithaca -- $2.68 (up 12 cents since last week)
  • Rochester -- $2.67 (up 12 cents since last week)
  • Rome -- $2.72 (up 9 cents since last week)
  • Syracuse -- $2.66 (up 12 cents since last week)
  • Watertown -- $2.72 (up 9 cents since last week)

Pump prices continue to increase again this week. New York State average gas prices are on par with last year's level. In the Western and Central New York region, many prices have increased 10 cents, or more, in just a week.

The winter weather continues to impact Gulf Coast refineries' ability to operate and gas supplies. Until refineries resume normal operations, supply is expected to remain tight in impacted areas.

From GasBuddy:

"With last week's extreme cold shutting down millions of barrels per day in refinery capacity, gas prices have seen their largest weekly climb in quite some time," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "The jump in price was the result of a dozen or so refineries, primarily in Texas, that were forced to shut down as the frigid temperatures threatened to wreak havoc on their exposed equipment.

"With the cold weather behind us, price increases show begin to slow later this week or next week, and so long as these refineries get back online in short order, we may see gas prices start to move back down in the next couple of weeks. However, as we near spring weather, we'll likely see another longer-term rise in prices begin as refineries start to transition to summer gasoline, so motorists shouldn't jump for joy just yet."

New York State association honors Pembroke Central transportation supervisor

By Mike Pettinella

hackett_1.jpg

The 2020 Art Schock Award presented by the New York Association for Pupil Transportation to a transportation supervisor for effective communication and leadership skills has the name of Donna Hackett on it but in the recipient’s eyes, it belongs to the entire Pembroke Central School District family.

Contacted today by The Batavian, Hackett’s first word was just that – Pembroke.

“Pembroke is an amazing place to let all of this happen,” she said. “They certainly support me in ways that are outstanding for a little district like we are. To me, this is a team award; one person can’t make anything happen.”

She then thanked administration for being receptive to bus garage needs.

“Our little Pembroke bus garage is such a team. The principals support us, the athletic director supports us. Everybody works together. And our drivers are amazing, caring hearts. It’s a districtwide award, I truly believe that,” she said.

NYAPT representatives Peter Lawrence, of Fairport, and David Dwyer, of Geneseo, traveled to Pembroke Superintendent Matthew Calderon’s office on Jan. 29 for the virtual presentation, which can be seen on YouTube. The award was formally announced last Friday.

All of the bus transportation employees lined the superintendent’s office – wearing face coverings and social distancing -- to witness the presentation.

Lawrence shared information about Hackett, who has served as transportation supervisor for the past 17 of her 30 years at the school, as well as comments submitted by Pembroke staff members who supported her.

He credited her for participating in the school bus rodeo and organizing a poster contest, for leadership positions with the Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department and at her church, plus her involvement with the American Red Cross. She also served on the New York State Bus Customer Advisory Panel for years in an effort to improve bus safety.

One of Hackett’s colleagues emphasized the numerous qualities that she brings to work every day -- sincere enthusiasm, integrity, communication skills, loyalty, decisiveness, managerial skills, empowerment and encouragement.

Others spoke of her ability as a mentor and desire to make things as efficient as possible.

In an emotional tribute, Calderon’s remarks focused on Hackett’s leadership and her role in keeping Pembroke students in the classroom.

“The governing authorities would tell us that it’s not essential for our kids to be in school every day. And by extension, they would say that school bus drivers are not essential,” he said. “This year, Pembroke is proving how essential it is for kids to be in school every day – and the day starts with the bus drivers and they’re led by you.”

“I want to thank you for your leadership and I am super optimistic that we will go through the 2020-21 school year without ever having to close. I believe that, and it all has to do with you and your fleet. You are super, super deserving of this award.”

Hackett said she is proud that Pembroke has been open full time through COVID-19, adding that she has “learned and shared a lot of information through NYAPT to make this happen.”

“We want Pembroke to stay open and we’re doing all that we need to do," she said. "Honestly, I have had no illness of my drivers this whole time, since September. Everyone has been here every day, just doing it." 

She said the staff consists of two mechanics, four bus monitors and 27 drivers with a fleet of 29 vehicles. Things have been busier lately since interscholastic sports and field trips are back on the schedule.

“It’s kind of extra because we’re running jayvees separately from varsity,” she said. “We’re not putting too many people together at once, so it makes for a little extra work but the kids are going back to their sports and that’s exciting.”

Hackett recalled starting as a substitute bus driver in 1990.

“I just fell in love with school bus transportation. As a bus driver, that wasn’t something I had planned on doing, but my landlady at the time was a bus driver and suggested it to me. It was perfect for our family,” she said.

“I had a newborn daughter. I thought that I could be the working mom and just couldn’t do it, so I became a bus driver, and that was phenomenal. Falling in love with all of these kids here. And when the supervisor position came open, I took that.”

She said her bachelor’s degree in Accounting Management has helped her in her job.

“It worked really well as we were able to revamp our district and then to learn the industry. NYAPT was absolutely instrumental in Pembroke being up on all their rules and regulations, and best practices. They gave me the tools to make Pembroke as amazing as it is.”

Calderon mentioned that Hackett has served as a NYAPT officer, providing important input into developing numerous state-level goals and objectives.

“She keeps us informed about important changes to the law, needed advocacy and best practices. Her efforts have resulted in our having the safest (and best looking) fleet of buses in our region!,” he said. “Her cost-effective systems have saved us time and money in maintenance costs. She advocates for students, for drivers and mechanics alike.”

A Pembroke High graduate, she and her husband, Bruce, live in East Pembroke. They have two daughters -- Jes Montroy, a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) teacher at Pembroke High, and Kate Miller, an engineer at Moog Inc. in East Aurora -- and a grandson, Oakley, a first-grader at Pembroke Primary School.

Established in 1983, the award is named after Art Schock, a longtime transportation supervisor at Sweet Home Central School who served as the organization’s fourth president in 1980. He passed away in December of that year.

Dwyer said recipients of this award demonstrate traits such as dedication, compassion, leadership, innovation and the ability to communicate – characteristics embodied by Schock that helped build and advance the mission of NYAPT.

Photo: Donna Hackett displays her award from the NYS Association for Pupil Transportation in front of the adoring eyes of her Pembroke Central School District bus garage employees. Submitted photo.

Genesee governmental leaders ready to address call for a countywide unified water rate

By Mike Pettinella

Not satisfied with the latest water rate study conducted by a New York City consulting firm, Genesee County government leaders will be putting their heads together in the coming weeks to find a path to a unified water rate for customers in the county’s two retail areas and lone wholesale area.

Tim Hens, county water system coordinator (as well as highway superintendent and engineer), updated the Genesee County Legislature’s Public Service Committee last week about the topic, which was prompted by a request by several towns in the Western Genesee MCWA Retail Area to look into the possibility of one rate for all.

The MCWA, or Monroe County Water Authority, provides water to most of the county, and determines the rates that users pay. Genesee County is divided into three zones: the East and West Retail Areas and the Central Wholesale Area. Currently, the rates are different in the three areas, with the West paying more than the other two, Hens said.

The West is comprised of the Town of Pembroke, Town of Darien and Village of Corfu.

The East side is comprised of Byron, Bergen, Le Roy, Stafford and Pavilion and the associated villages in those areas.

And the Central (or northwest) is comprised of the towns of Alabama, Oakfield, Elba, Batavia, Alexander, the villages in those towns, and the City of Batavia.

“Both East and West are retail because the Monroe County Water Authority operates the system,” Hens said. “They do the maintenance and they do the billing. MCWA leases the lines from the towns, operate it on their behalf, and establish the rates.”

MCWA IS THE ‘ULTIMATE AUTHORITY’

Hens said the MCWA, as a public authority, is required to have a third-party consultant come in and look at the total operation costs – pump stations, water treatment plants, water towers, annual maintenance, billing and all the overhead that goes into operating the system – prior to releasing a report.

“But the ultimate authority establishing the rate resides with the MCWA board,” he emphasized.

Concerning the Central Wholesale Area, Hens said those towns and villages are “technically buying water from Genesee County.”

“We purchase water on a wholesale basis from Monroe County at the Seven Springs connections in the Town of Stafford and that water is blended with water produced in the City of Batavia water plant, and then sent out to those areas,” he explained. “Most of the wholesale areas are operated by the Town of Batavia as it has intermunicipal agreements with each of those towns, except for the Village and Town of Oakfield and the City of Batavia, which operate their own systems.”

Hens said that each town still has jurisdiction over its market locally, but buys water from the county at wholesale versus buying it directly from the MCWA.

“The individual rate that each town charges is based on a rate that Genesee County charges them for water, which we use basically a 50-50 blend between the Monroe County wholesale and the City of Batavia rate from the water plant,” he advised. “Those two rates right now are about 10 to 15 cents apart so averaging them together, there isn’t that big of a difference.”

BUYING WATER AT WHOLESALE RATE

He said the county charges the wholesale rate (around $2.43 per 1,000 gallons) to the Central municipalities and, in turn, they mark that up to cover their overhead, capital reserve and/or debt service, and charge the customers just as the MCWA does. Those fees increase the total rate to around $6 per 1,000 gallons, which is within 30 cents per 1,000 gallons of the MCWA retail rate after factoring in all charges.

“At the end of the day, the total rate charged to customers in the Center part of the county, with the exception of the Village of Oakfield, is very comparable to what East residents are paying and not too much different from what the West residents are paying,” Hens said. “Oakfield is a bit higher due to their debt service.”

Customers residing in the Western Genesee Retail Area pay more due to several factors, Hens said.

“What makes the West side unique is that it is a small geographic area with less customers and they also have the operation of the Corfu water plant to factor in. Monroe County uses that plant to essentially treat and disinfect byproducts coming from Erie County because we’re kind of at the end of the system,” he said. “Another factor is the cost of operating the pump station in Pembroke. That area is 60 to 80 miles from the home base in Monroe County.”

Furthermore, much more water is coming in to the East side – a larger area with more customers and just one operational expense: the North Road pump station.

“That results in the difference in retail rates with the West side, obviously, being more expensive,” Hens said/ “The West side water is also expensive due to the higher cost of water in Erie County which MCWA must buy and then markup to cover their costs.”

DISCREPANCY IS PART OF PUBLIC DISCOURSE

Hens said the price difference between the East and West came to light a few years ago during negotiations over sales tax agreements and water rates with the towns and villages.

“At the time it was about a 90-cent difference between the East and West, with the West being more expensive – and we received a lot of feedback from municipalities on the West side of the county (stating) that there was a perception of unfairness in the rate,” he said.

As a result, the county was asked to investigate – in consultation with the MCWA -- and try to come up with a uniform rate throughout the county.

“We did that about a year ago as the legislature passed a resolution asking the Water Authority to study the feasibility of a unified county rate so that East and West would basically pay the same,” Hens said. “The thought was that because of the water usage difference between the East and the West, a unified rate would be halfway between or skewed toward the East because it is using about twice the amount of water that the West does.”

Hens said county officials were eager to see the rate study, hoping that it would lead to opportunities to move Erie County water through the West side of the system -- potentially to Alabama, Oakfield or Elba if those towns were to migrate to a retail situation with Monroe County.

BILLED VS. MASTER METERED WATER

“So, we got the study back, and the rates are a little bit higher than what I anticipated,” he said. “The biggest factor in the difference from what I projected and what the consultant (Amawalk Consulting Group of New York City) came up with was they used billed water and I used master metered water. The master metered water includes lost water and hydraulic bleeds to other systems where the billed water is only what is used by customers. This skews the ratio in water between East and West.”

The consultant’s findings for 2020 projected a combined, unified rate of $4.21 per 1,000 gallons, while Hens’ came up with $3.99 per 1,000 gallons. He said the $4.21 price is an increase of 47 cents per 1,000 gallons for East customers and a savings of about 80 cents per 1,000 gallons for West customers.

Since the average house uses about 60,000 gallons of water per year, a 47-cent increase on billed water to an East customer would equate to about $30 per year.

Hens said if you project that out over the next five years, the rate in the West expands “quite quickly,” with the gap increasing to almost $2 per 1,000 gallons versus the $1.30 gap that exists now.

“One of the things that the study didn’t consider – which I’m a little disappointed in – is that we’re seeing substantial growth in water usage on the East side, especially in the next two or three years,” he said.

PROPOSED DISTRICTS TO INCREASE USAGE

Amawalk apparently didn’t “read the tea leaves” on future usage, Hens said, noting that large water districts proposed for Byron, Bergen and the Town of Bethany will use about a combined 500,000 gallons of water per day on average.

“If that usage was factored in, then the unified rate would skew more heavily toward the East rate -- and the savings in the West would be more and the impact upon the users on the East would be even less,” he said.

Hens said the study also did not consider the Center (wholesale) portion of the county, which has seen a predominant increase in water usage.

“There are several moving pieces on the Countywide Water System that either impact the rate study dramatically or the rate conversely impacts on the Phase 2 and Phase 3 projects,” he said.

Hens’ presentation drew reaction from county legislators and town officials.

Legislature Gordon Dibble, who represents Darien and Pembroke, bemoaned the fact that customers pay more in those areas, and said he hoped the study could be amended.

Water to Darien, Pembroke and Corfu comes from Erie County and already is more expensive. Hens said that the Erie County base rate for water is the “real culprit” for the difference in price.

40-YEAR AGREEMENT IN FORCE, BUT …

Legislature Chair Rochelle Stein concurred, noting that the West is facing an 11-percent increase for 2021 compared to a 4.4-percent increase in the East. Again, Hens said, factors include the Erie County base rate, operational costs at the Corfu water plant and the number of gallons of water used.

Stein also pointed out that the towns agreed to the terms when they signed a 40-year water agreement as part of Phase 1.

Darien Town Supervisor Steve Ferry Jr. responded by saying he understood but brought up that the county indicated that a transmission line between Alexander and Darien was supposed to be put in but it never happened.

He, too, urged legislators to look at the entire system “and come up with a way to make it fairer for everyone.”

Going forward, Hens said a detailed discussion is on the agenda for the April 13th meeting of the Genesee County Water Resources Agency. The GCWRA was created in 1998 from the legislature’s Water Supply Task Force to assist in the implementation of water improvements for the county.

Earl LaGrou, of Alabama, GCWRA chair, said the report is essential to the future and longevity of the county water system.

FINANCIAL STABILITY IS THE KEY

“That’s what they’re trying to secure – the type of funding that is needed … to continue on with our latest phase, to help pay for that, but also water systems are not a five- or 10-year entity, they’re 30, 40, 50 years and they want to make sure there is enough cash flow to have upgrades,” he offered.

“We’re in Western New York. If there’s an emergency ice or weather-related incident where a pipe freezes, they have to have money to repair that so people aren’t without water. That’s what they’re trying to do – just get an across-the-board, easier rate that helps solidify the financial stability of the water system.”

LaGrou said GCWRA board members just received the report from Hens and will review it before making a recommendation to the Genesee County Legislature.

“Our board kind of does all the homework and we make recommendations – we don’t set forth policy,” he said. “Between now and April 13th, I’m sure that Tim will bring to us the pros and cons of the recommendation for the water rates ... so we can make an educated decision before the April 13th meeting. There may be some calls back and forth.”

That 10-member committee also includes Stein and legislators Gary Maha and Christian Yunker.

Regional planning council makes technological strides; virtual workshops set for April 8-May 25

By Mike Pettinella

More than five months into his temporary gig as executive director of the Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council, Jay Gsell says the agency is embracing technology while he continues to adjust his management style in a COVID-19-induced “virtual” setting.

Gsell, who served as Genesee County manager for 27 years prior to his retirement last summer, signed a six-month contract to run the G/FLRPC while its executive board searched for a permanent replacement for David Zorn, who retired after about 29 years of service.

Working out of an office in downtown Rochester, Gsell said the G/FLRPC has overcome personnel changes and the inability to have all employees together on a regular basis to make strides in several areas.

“It’s sort of a weird dynamic,” Gsell said, speaking of his staff of skilled planners and the planners and technical people from the nine counties – including Genesee -- and City of Rochester that support the agency. “It’s a heterogeneous group, and that makes for a good commitment and they play off each other very well in terms of advice and cooperation, especially in the COVID-19 environment.”

Gsell said he had to scramble at the outset as two of the four employees left for other jobs, while another staff member started at the same time that he did. A grant enabled him to hire another employee.

“We had to get through that kind of stuff, but since then we have been converting everything to electronic records,” he said. “Now, everything can be handled online; the backup for all the information is getting more digital rather than paper. We starting to winnow through all the paperwork and getting rid of a lot of things that have been there for 25 years.”

Gsell said the executive board, which includes Treasurer Rochelle Stein, chair of the Genesee County Legislature, prioritized policy and procedural changes relating to the use of technology.

Beyond digitizing its records, the agency contracted with a web development company to update its website (www.gflrpc.org) and started populating it with more detailed and current information.

“Just like any municipal government organization, we tend to be a little behind when it comes to those areas,” Gsell said, giving credit to Emily Royce, a staff planner who resides in Orleans County, for her role in keeping the website up to date.

Still, arranging staff meetings have been a bit of a challenge, Gsell said.

“All of the virtual activity that’s going on. I’ve got five staff members, each one coming into the office one day a week, and they do all the rest of their stuff pretty much remotely,” he said, joking that they are meshing well “although I’m old enough to be the grandfather of some of these staff people.”

Gsell’s agreement with the G/FLRPC ends on March 31, but chances are that he will continue as the interim director.

“As the date approaches, the executive committee will discuss where the organization is and if a new full-time executive director is in the offing,” he said.

The G/FLRPC serves its member municipalities by identifying and informing them of issues and opportunities concerning their physical, economic and social health. It, in turn, provides forums for discussion, debate, and consensus building, and develops a focused action plan that includes programming, personnel and funding.

In governmental news related to the G/FLRPC:

  • The Genesee County Legislature, at its meeting on Wednesday, is expected to vote in favor of appropriating $9,970 to support the agency’s work. This amount has not changed for the past 18 years.

Funding is contingent upon the planning council securing $500,000 worth of performance blanket bond coverage for officers and employees, which is part of another resolution on the legislature’s meeting agenda this week.

All told, the nine counties and City of Rochester provide $94,000 annually to the planning council.

  • The G/FLRPC will be hosting local government workshop online sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. from April 8 through May 25.

Topics include Planning Board Overview, Clean Energy Communities, Solar Energy Facility Planning and Siting, Invasive Plants, Recognizing Indigenous People in Planning and Land Use, New York’s Quirky System of Local Government and Hot Topics in Planning.

Useful to planning and zoning board members and municipal employees in cities, towns and villages, the workshops are free, but registration is required. For more information, go to www.gflrpc.org or send an email to Jason Haremza at:  jharemza@gflrpc.org.

Local teams sweep rivals in girls basketball Saturday

By Howard B. Owens

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Oakfield-Alabama beat Wheatfield-Chili on Sunday in girls basketball 36-32.

Scoring: Caitlin Ryan, nine points, Kelsey Schlagenhauf, eight, along with 13 rebounds, Danica Porter, seven, and Brooke Reding, six.

In other girls basketball:

  • Alexander beat Holley 52-27
  • Batavia beat Olympia 66-46
  • Byron-Bergen beat Lyndonville 49-42
  • Elba beat Notre Dame 52-38 (click here for coverage)
  • Pavilion beat Mt. Morris 61-36
  • Pembroke beat Attica 48-38

Photos by Kristin Smith.

For more photos, click here.

In boys basketball: 

  • Pavilion lost to York, 74-48
  • Batavia beat Olympia 69-56
  • Le Roy beat Dansville 50-38
  • Pembroke beat Attica 53-52

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9-year-old posts first 200 game; Brett rolls 769 series at Oak Orchard in Albion

By Mike Pettinella

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While league bowling in the Genesee Region last week produced its normal amount of 700 series from the adult ranks, a youth bowler from Warsaw deserves a bit of "press" as well.

Carter Armijo, a 9-year-old right-hander from Warsaw, rolled his first United States Bowling Congress-certified 200 game on Feb. 13 in the T.F. Brown's Adult-Child League at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.

Carter, bowling with his father, Chris, registered a 201 game in the doubles league and (see the photo above where he gets a lift from his dad up to the scoring monitor) outdid his dad in that game.

"He's been bowling for four years now and really loves it," said Chris, noting that Carter has not one, but three custom-drilled bowlling balls. "We're pretty committed to it."

Carter also bowls in the Turnbull Heating Junior League on Saturday mornings and has a very respectable 129 average in both leagues.

In adult league action, high scores for the week were as follows:

  • Wayne Brett of Albion with games of 269, 258 and 242 for a 769 series in the Sneezy's Monday Night League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.
  • Don Johnson of Scottsville with a high game of 289 in a 755 series in the Thursday Owls League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.
  • Jason Quilliam of Batavia with a 279 game and 717 series in the Mancuso Real Estate League at Mancuso Bowling Center. Quilliam made a run at a third 300 game in consecutive weeks in the league but was stopped by a 10-pin in the seventh frame of the first game (279).

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

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
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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.
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