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City Fire

Council, union come to agreement on settlement terms

By Howard B. Owens

Both the Batavia City Council and the firefighters union, IAFF Local 1896, called votes tonight on settlement terms in the unfair labor practices complaints filed against the city by the union.

The City Council passed its resolution approving the settlement terms on a unanimous vote with no discussion.

The union vote wasn't quite as unanimous. With all of the EMS employees scheduled to lose their jobs at midnight eligible to vote, Union President Greg Ireland characterized the vote as "close." (He's not required to disclose actual vote count.)

After a short executive session, the council reentered chambers and heard three public speakers. Afterward, Councilman Frank Ferrando made the motion to approve the settlement resolution. Councilman Bob Bialkowski then made a motion to "call the question," a parliamentary term prompting a vote, effectively eliminating any discussion beforehand.

Bialkowski's motion passed unanimously (Councilman Tim Buckley had a personal matter tonight and did not attend the meeting).

Bialkowski said he called for the question because, "I was afraid that any discussion at this point would only infuriate people. There is no right or wrong on this. It is a business decision. We certainly do not want to offend any employees and, unfortunately, when you enter into a discussion it can lead to people becoming antagonized."

During a post-meeting press conference, City Council President Charlie Mallow said there was nothing new or surprising in the decision so the council decided, "why have a discussion?"

I'll have more from the meeting and the press conference later tonight.

The public should know the details of union settlement well before vote

By Howard B. Owens

City business, which is taxpayer business, should not be conducted in secret.

Last night, the City Council met in secret session to discuss a proposed settlement in an unfair labor practices claim with the local firefighters union.

It's a great deal, as we know it so far, for the firefighters, and probably well deserved and maybe even inevitable. It's possible that the best thing for City Hall is to settle this matter and move on.

But if not for a leak to The Batavian, residents of the City of Batavia would have scant knowledge that a proposed settlement was in place, nor the details of the settlement (we're confident the details provided to The Batavian are correct, but grant that we haven't seen an official document nor received confirmation from an on-the-record source).

We can only presume, then, that the city would charge ahead with a public meeting on Monday where the council could presumably vote on the settlement.

In such a rush to vote, where is the opportunity for public input? In the minutes before the vote? That hardly provides residents a chance to fully digest the agreement, let alone provide meaningful feedback.

If the vote is going to be Monday, the details should have been released to the public last night if not today.

City Council President Charlie Mallow says releasing the details jeopardizes the city's business and that the matter is still in negotiations.

Bunk.

It's clear the negotiations were wrapped up Tuesday.

And, what jeopardizes city business -- taxpayer business -- is withholding information from citizens. In environments of secrecy, it is when mistakes are made and elected officials wind up looking foolish for voting on things without giving constituents a proper chance to provide input.

In comments on the story breaking the details of the settlement, John Roach raises a number of important questions that should be answered before a vote.

This is a big issue. Eliminating the ambulance service was supposed to save the city money, but by putting off negotiations for two more years on overtime pay, by keeping four firefighters and guaranteeing no layoffs, and promising a 5 percent pay increase, by giving away $36,000 in bonuses, we have to wonder how much of the cost savings has just been given away?

Even if the settlement must be accepted, the public has a right to get answers to these questions.

City officials will argue that the closed session was necessary because it involved litigation and contract negotiations.

But there is nothing in New York's Open Meetings Law requiring elected officials to go into closed session on such matters. It's an option, but not a requirement. Nor are elected officials, as matter of law, prevented from discussing what happens in closed session.

City Manager Jason Molino and the City Council could handle this issue in a much more transparent manner if they so choose. But apparently, they want to get this matter put in the past with as little public input and possible.

(NOTE: Friday at 1:10 p.m. and so far no public notice of Monday's meeting.  We assume that's still the plan, but the clock is ticking according to New York's laws on public notice for meetings.)

UPDATE 5:04 p.m.: The city released this announcement at 3:23 p.m.

Please be advised that Batavia City Council will hold a special business meeting on Monday, August 31, 2009 to discuss contract and collective bargaining issues.   The meeting will begin at 6:00 pm in the Council Board Room at Batavia City Centre. 

City firefighters will keep jobs, get raises and bonus under terms of settlement

By Howard B. Owens

Greg Ireland, fire union president, and Batavia City Manager Jason Molino have cut a deal after a marathon negotiation session Tuesday that will save some Fire Department jobs and put more money in the pockets of firefighters.

In exchange for several concessions by the city, the firefighters' union has agreed to drop its unfair labor practices claim against the city.

The Batavian has confirmed with two sources that the city has agreed to retain four positions that were slated for termination Monday, and to extend the current union contract -- originally ending in 2011 -- by two years, provide a 5-percent pay raise over the next two years and pay each member of the department a $1,000 bonus.

Additionally, the Sept. 1 staffing of 36 paid personnel will be retained throughout the term of the contract and not be reduced by either layoff or attrition.

Neither Molino nor Ireland would comment on specifics of the agreement (Molino spoke with WBTA this afternoon and would not confirm the settlement).

The City Council is meeting in closed session at this hour to hear for the first time details of the proposed settlement.  When reached this afternoon, City Council President Charlie Mallow said he had no insights into the agreement.

Both the union and the council would need to approve the settlement.

The need for a settlement arises from the city's decision to eliminate the city ambulance service. The union maintained that the decision to eliminate the union jobs and inevitably replace them with contract workers violated the Taylor Law.  The union filed its claim immediately after a county task force announced Mercy Flight as the preferred contractor for ground ambulance service in the county starting Sept. 1.

"The best solution for everyone involved, every one involved, including the city, the fire department and the community is to have a settlement in place before Sept. 1," said Ireland in a phone interview this evening.

Some people think Mercy Flight won't respond to calls in the city unless the city signs a contract with Mercy Flight, but Mercy Flight will be based in the city and Mercy Flight executives have said the ground ambulance service will respond to any calls sent to it by Genesee County dispatchers. But with a settlement, the city can sign a contract with Mercy Flight that will guarantee response times.

Ireland said the main reason to reach a settlement before Sept. 1 is just to ensure everybody can work together well.

"As we move forward, if there is a different ambulance service, then we need to continue to work with them as well because we're going to be on scenes together," Ireland said. "We need to be able to work amicably with everyone."

Many of the Mercy Flight employees will be former members of the city ambulance service. Fifteen city employees were hired by the Buffalo-based non-profit organization.

Under terms of the settlement, the EMS members who had their jobs eliminated will retain their unused vacation and comp time, holiday pay and earned longevity. Those stipulations appear to be items the laid-off workers would have received anyway. They will also get half of their sick time and one-month additional health care coverage.

AUDIO: Interview with Greg Ireland

UPDATE 7:50 p.m.: Council members came out of their closed session smiling and laughing but wouldn't comment on the settlement proposal. When asked what he thought of the settlement or if council would support it, a jovial Frank Ferrando said both times, "We'll have more for you on Monday."

Mallow said the council will meet in public session Monday, but stopped short of saying there would be a vote that night.

Molino only said "no comment."

City firefighter use hot day to train for water rescues

By Howard B. Owens

With Monday's hot weather, city of Batavia Firefighters took to the water yesterday, according to a press release from the firefighters' union.

Firefighters conducted training at DeWitt Recreation Area on Cedar Street, where they deployed a 16-foot aluminum boat with a 6 hp engine and also rolled out Engine 12, which comes equipped with Coast Guard-approved life vests, rescue ring and several hundred feet of rope.

There are 58 acres of water (ponds and lakes) within the city's first-response area, and 2.75 miles of Tonawanda Creek, plus numerous pools.

"The rapid deployment craft is the most versatile piece of water rescue equipment in service with the City of Batavia," wrote Robert Fix II. "It is quickly inflated and can be used in many situations including open water (DeWitt Recreation Area),  swift water (Tonawanda Creek)  and ice rescues. It is particularly well suited for rescues at low head dams like the one located behind the county courthouse."

Win money or Mustang

By Gretel Kauffman

The Onion Festival in Elba is this Friday and Saturday, and along with the rides and all things onions comes the chance to win a 2009 Mustang (pictured above) or $18,000, courtesy of the Elba Fire Department.

The winning ticket will be drawn Saturday night at the festival, and the winner will have the choice of the car or money. Tickets are $1.

Art lovers will also have their chance to get lucky, with the Republican Party raffling off an original painting by Bernice Yunker. Tickets are $1 each, or 3 for $2, or 15 for $10. They can be purchased from the Republican booth at the festival.  

 

City of Batavia ladder truck fully extended on a Saturday evening

By Howard B. Owens

This evening, City of Batavia firefighter Richard Stefaniak was riding high atop the city's ladder truck. He told me the view is great from up there.  He was testing the apparatus after some recent repairs.

If you would like to download a high-res version this photo, click here.

Enthusiasm for volunteer firefighters wanes among council members

By Howard B. Owens

We need to check -- Has Adam Miller started selling backpedals?  It seems so. A few were put in use at tonight's Batavia City Council meeting.

Suddenly, the idea of taking a good hard look at converting the Batavia Fire Department to an all volunteer force doesn't seem as attractive to as many council members as it did May 26, when City Council President Charlie Mallow raised the issue in a fiery speech about the high cost of the current paid-professional service.

At that meeting, council members Marianne Clattenburg, Bill Cox, Bob Bialkowski and Rose Mary Christian all expressed support for looking more closely at the idea, with Clattenburg endorsing Mallow's call to arms with a hearty, "here, here."

Tonight, only Mallow kept the flame lit.

"I could foresee a problem with volunteers because of all the tall structures we have in the city," said Clattenburg. "I have real concerns if something disastrous happens."

Clattenburg said what she really meant at the previous meeting is that there should be some study on how the city can save money on fire service, such as looking at what cities of similar size as Batavia, with similar structures, do for fire service and how they keep costs down.

Christian, who wasn't quite as vocal in her support of Mallow's proposal in May, was more adamant in her opposition tonight to the idea of switching to an all volunteer force.

Christian made the repeated point -- disputed by Mallow -- that only paid professional fire fighters are trained in how to clear a building in an emergency, that volunteers are not allowed to get evacuation training.

"400 Towers is in my ward, and we have hospitals in the other wards," Christian said. "When you can prove to me that they have the training, then I can agree with it. Until then, I can't."

Christian also raised concerns about how quickly volunteers would respond, noting that current fire personnel can respond to an emergency anywhere in the city within three minutes.

When Bialkowski suggested that the City Council set some goals for what it hopes to accomplish with a reconsideration of the fire service, Christian interjected, "Goals are about money, and my goals are safety.  Money isn't always an issue."

And the theme was set for the discussion: This isn't all about money. We need to consider the safety issues as well.

"When we had that fire at Christina's, if not for the immediate response of the fire department, that whole block could have gone down," said Councilman Frank Ferrando.

Mallow reminded council members that terms of the current union agreement doesn't necessarily put safety first. Before any volunteer firefighter can be dispatched to a fire in the City of Batavia, all paid personnel must be called in, even if it means overtime.

"If we're going to talk about safety, let's really talk about safety," Mallow said. "Let's talk about these restrictions."

Mallow also said that there are bigger cities in New York, with bigger structures, that have all-volunteer fire departments.

"Just because we've always done it this way in Batavia doesn't make it right," Mallow said.

Council members are going to form a subcommittee to further study cost saving measures, including potentially coming up with a scheme to include volunteers with paid staff in a single department.

Christian (pictured top in file photo) is a candidate for a seat on the County Legislature and Clattenburg (file photo) is looking to move up from her Ward 2 council seat to a Council At Large seat.

Assemblyman Hawley Votes for Bill to Save Taxpayer Dollars, Make Government More Efficient and Effective

By Steve Hawley

 

HAWLEY VOTES FOR BILL TO SAVE TAXPAYER DOLLARS,

MAKE GOVERNMENT MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE

 

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) today voted in favor of Assembly Bill 8501, the “New N.Y. Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act.”  This legislation would help save taxpayer dollars by allowing local government to become more effective and efficient, while at the same time standardizing state law regarding the process of government consolidation.

 

“I firmly believe that less government is better government and I have long supported initiatives to consolidate government services, such as during this year’s budget negotiation.  By consolidating services among the three levels of government, we can more effectively and efficiently serve our collective constituency,” said Hawley.

 

The Assemblyman continued, “at first glance there were some fears about this legislation that I shared with local government agencies.  I wanted to make sure that this bill was not just another Albany-imposed mandate.  I have taken the time to carefully review the bill and to vet the language with my colleagues in local government as well as to read a number of letters and e-mails my office has received since this bill was introduced.  We need to take steps to cut government excess in order to truly protect the taxpayers and businesses of our state and I believe after considering this legislation that this bill will help meet that goal.”

 

The bill puts into place a standardized method for government consolidation, shared services or dissolution of government entities, should that be proposed on a local level.  While the Assemblyman originally had some concerns about the bill, upon reviewing the bill language and vetting it through local and state officials, he came to the conclusion that the bill merely clarifies and standardizes the process by which local government entities may consolidate, share services or dissolve, should the voters of the district petition. 

 

The largest among the Assemblyman’s original concerns was that the bill outlines that 10 percent of the electorate must sign a petition calling for a referendum on the issue of consolidation, sharing services or dissolution.  However, this 10 percent is greater than the current 5 percent standard in Town Law and greater than the percentage needed in most cases for a petition to consolidate adjoining villages under current Village Law.  Additionally, the bill provides a safeguard for small villages and government entities with populations of less than 500 residents.  In these cases, the bill calls for 20 percent of the population to sign the petition.

 

Additionally, the Assemblyman shared the concern of some local officials that this measure would put too much power into the hands of county-level officials.  However, current state law already gives counties this power.  Another concern was that should a referendum be called for, taxpayers would be asked to foot the bill for holding a special election.  Yet, the bill directly states that should a referendum be called, it may be held at any time, including on general elections.

 

Finally, the Assemblyman was concerned that should a referendum be called for and passed, it would give local government entities short notice to lay out plans to consolidate, share services or dissolve.  The bill language details the standardized process, which would amount to a minimum of 390 days and, thereafter, it would take up to an additional two years for the plan to be fully implemented.

 

“At the end of the day, this bill puts the power of change into the hands of the people, which, in my opinion, is where it belongs.  This bill does not call for governments to consolidate or dissolve at a local level.  It merely gives a standardized process for localities should they consider this option,” said Hawley.

 

To further ensure that certain government entities, such as fire districts, are protected, Hawley is drafting new legislation that would amend A.8501.  The Assemblyman stated, “I want to make sure that our fire departments are fully protected and that the bill which was passed does not have any unintended negative consequences for our firefighters, especially in terms of volunteer firefighter recruitment.  I will continue working together with the fire districts and volunteer fire departments in the 139th Assembly District and my colleagues in the State Legislature toward this end.”

 

###

 

Union leader cites audit as proof that the city ambulance makes money

By Philip Anselmo

Could the city's claims that the ambulance service was losing money and had to be nixed have been a "deceitful attempt" to get rid of some of the city's firefighters? That's the conclusion following an independent audit of the city's finances that allegedly shows that the ambulance has been in the black every year except one for the past five years. The decision to end the city ambulance service as of September 1 was made at a City Council meeting last month. The vote was unanimous.

Greg Ireland, president of the Firefighters Local 896, met with us today outside the city fire hall to talk about that audit.

"It's plain and simple: the numbers don't lie," he said. "Revenues exceeded expenditures, period."

If you visit the new Batavia ambulance Web site you can get a closer look at those numbers. Ireland had the audit put together by Kevin Decker, president of the Albany-based independent firm, Decker Economics. In his report, summarized in a memo that Ireland gave to us today, Decker shows that in the fiscal year 2003-04, the city ambulance fund "recorded an operating surplus (revenues minus expenses) of $529,766." In 2004-05, the fund posted a surplus of $414,006. In 2005-06, the fund posted a surplus of $570,807.

That's the year that things start to change, according to the report.

"To compensate the General fund for resources expended by fire department personnel directly related to ambulance services, the City provided for a transfer from the Ambulance fund to the General fund (of) $921,609."

This shift of expenses from one fund to another—a typical city budget includes several funds, including: general, fire, sewer and water—is known as an interfund transfer, by which expenses or revenues generated within one fund are used to offset those of another.

So, in the following year, 2006-07, Decker's report explains that the ambulance fund posted a deficit of $454,799. That deficit is explained in these terms on the Web site:

"Since people were beginning to question the inter-fund transfers, the city created a better way to hide their ambulance money.  Instead of just picking a number out of the sky, City Hall decided to remove 35% (approximately $1 million) of Firefighter's wages and benefits from the General Fund and put those expenses against the Ambulance Fund.  So without the "transfer", but adding $1 million of "false" expenses, the Ambulance Fund showed a deficit of $454,799."

The interfund transfers continued in 2007-08, but the ambulance fund still posted a surplus of $286,038, according to the report.

The bottom line is that the ambulance service helps subsidize the cost of the City's fire department. In fact, in FY 2007-08, the City's Ambulance fund generated an operating surplus even with a significant portion of fire department wages and salaries included.

If we assume that the level of staffing for fire suppression personnel cannot be reduced any further, eliminating the ambulance service will require the City to come up with other sources of revenue to finance the payroll costs for City firefighters that are currently being subsidized by the Ambulance Fund. This fact has been recognized, and reported to the City, by both the City's auditors and the State Comptroller's Office.

In conclusion:

Absent a complete lack of understanding on the part of City leaders, it would appear that this move to eliminate the ambulance service is a back door and deceitful attempt to reduce the size of the City's firefighting force.

"We want a new vote taken," said Ireland. "We want to educate the public. Then we want a new vote taken."

In a video interview with Ireland taken at the union's informational picket outside City Hall last week, he said that the city rushed the decision to end ambulance service before anyone had a chance to speak out on it.

Ireland said he is open to negotiations with the city. Of course, that would all take place "behind closed doors."

"I'm more than willing to sit down and talk openly with anyone," he said.

On a side note, our appointment this afternoon was to meet with Ireland at the city fire hall on Evans Street. We had to conduct that meeting outside on the sidewalk. Not a bad situation on a nice day like today. But you may ask why. Well, Ireland apologized and explained that the city manager, Jason Molino, called this morning and told him not to meet with the press inside the fire hall. In fact, Ireland's meeting earlier with Dan Fischer of WBTA and Joanne Beck of the Daily News had to be moved to the WBTA studios, he said.

Back to back house fires keep Batavia fire crews busy throughout the night

By Philip Anselmo

From the Batavia City Fire Department:

City of Batavia firefighters were kept very busy for hours with back-to-back house fires in the city, Saturday night beginning at 10:22 PM.

The first alarm came in for 12 Elm Street with report of a possible explosion and flames showing Within three minutes, city firefighters arrived on scene and quickly extinguished a fire that was found in the side stairwell of the three-story apartment house. Four residents were alerted by smoke detector and were safely outside the structure when the firefighters arrived. Firefighters performed a search and rescue for a fifth resident, thought to be on the third story. After searching the apartment, it was determined that the resident was gone for the evening. Damage was confined to the stairwell. The home was ventilated for smoke removal. The American Red Cross provided the residents with temporary accomodations. Total damage was estimated at $2,500. The cause is under investigation.

While still on scene at the Elm Street fire, a second fire alarm was called in for a house fire located at 45 Walnut Street. With a two-minute response time, the firefighters arrived to find flames coming from the windows of the two-apartment structure.

A general alarm of fire was made to all off duty city firefighters as well as a mutual aid request to the town of Batavia Fire Department. The town supplied an engine and a rescue truck to the scene and a second engine to stand by at City Fire Headquarters. The fire was declared under control in approximately 25 minutes.

The homeowner smelled smoke and discovered the fire in the ceiling above a wood stove. He alerted the other occupants and all escaped safely before firefighters arrived. The American Red Cross was also able to assist the occupants of this second fire of the night.

The home was completely gutted with a damage estimate of approximately $50,000.

Fortunately, there were no injuries to residents or firefighters in either fire with fire crews returning to quarters at 2:20 AM.

In memoriam: Norm Koch: "To our Comrade... he's going home"

By Philip Anselmo

Rigs lined up over a dozen deep stretched along the side of East Main Street in Corfu this morning. Its riders, along with many more, crowded inside the Pembroke Community Center to pay their last respects to Norm Koch, former chief at the Corfu Fire Department and longtime firefighter who died in the line of duty assisting at the scene of a car accident in East Pembroke Tuesday. Koch served as commissioner and captain of the fire police in East Pembroke. He was 79.

Shortly before noon this morning, county dispatchers sounded the final alarm in honor of Captain Koch. This was that message:

This is the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center going on the air with a last alarm assignment for East Pembroke Fire Police Captain Norm Koch.

Captain Koch answered his last alarm December 30th at 12:34 hours at the age of 79. He served the East Pembroke Fire Department for 21 years.

The Alexander, Corfu and East Pembroke Fire Departments are thankful for the 58 years of service Past Chief, Commissioner and Fire Police Capt. Norm Koch has provided to the communities they serve.

His task completed, his duties well done. To our Comrade, his last alarm, he's going home.

Meanwhile, outside the Corfu Fire Department, the buckets from the Batavia and Le Roy ladder trucks joined some thirty feet from the ground to fly the flag in salute.

East Pembroke firefighter, Norm Koch, dies in line of duty

By Philip Anselmo

We received the following news from East Pembroke Fire Chief Robert Yungfleisch. It was dissemeniated by Timothy Yaeger, coordinator of the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management.

It is with deep sadness to inform you of the death of Firefighter Norman Koch. Firefighter Norm Koch was the Past Chief of the Corfu Fire District and a current Commissioner of the East Pembroke Fire District and Fire Police Captain. Norm passed away Dec. 30, 2008 while assisting at the scene of a MVA on Pearl St. in the East Pembroke Fire District.  Firefighter Norm Koch suffered an apparent heart attack and was transported to UMMC where he was pronounced dead.

Firefighter Koch had over 58 years in the fire service with Alexander, Corfu and East Pembroke Fire Departments.  He will be deeply missed.

Please extend your sympathy to Norm's family, friends and brother and sister firefighters.

Norman Koch leaves behind his wife, Joan Koch and three sons, Alan Koch, Randy Koch, David Koch and daughter, Debbie Stocking

Norman joined the Alexander Fire Department in 1950 and the Corfu Fire Department in 1955.  He was Chief of the Corfu Fire District from 1982 through 1986.  In 1987, he joined the East Pembroke Fire Department were he held the positions of Commissioner and Fire Police Captain.

Calling hours will be held on January 3rd and 4th from 4 pm to 8pm at the    
    Pembroke Community Center
    Corfu Fire Department
    116 East Main St
    Corfu, NY 14036

Funeral service will be at 11:00 am on January 5th 2009 at the
    Pembroke Community Center
    Corfu Fire Department
    116 East Main St
    Corfu, NY 14036

Departments sending apparatus to the funeral are asked to notify the Emergency Management Office.  Please limited apparatus to one per department. 

Two adults treated for smoke inhalation at a Bank Street apartment fire this morning in city of Batavia

By Philip Anselmo

Two adults, whose names have not been released, were treated for smoke inhalation early this morning after a fire broke out inside their apartment at Walden Estates at 337 Bank Street in the city of Batavia.

City fire crews report that the fire was contained to the first-floor dining room of the two-story frame house around 3:36 am. Firefighters were on scene for just under two hours battling the fire which caused heavy smoke damage to the first and second floors.

No one else was reported injured. Details of the cause of the fire are under investigation.

Collision in downtown Batavia

By Philip Anselmo

City police and fire crews responded less than an hour ago to a two-car collision at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Bank Street. An SUV and a sedan collided, and the SUV was flipped up onto its side on Washington Avenue. We don't have all the details yet. Crews on the scene were still working them out when we left the scene. But it appeared that there were only minor injuries. We will get you the details as they become available. WBTA's Dan Fischer was also on the scene, so we'll check in later to see if he got any more information.

As you should be able to see in this photo, emergency crews had to cut out the windshield in order to extricate one of the vehicle's passengers. She appeared unharmed.

Lawnmower fire in Batavia

By Brian Hillabush

 As I was out checking out some polling spots in Batavia, I happened to notice some fire trucks on Union St.

I stopped to see what was going on and it wasn't anything too serious, but somebody lost their lawnmower.

Apparently some dry leaves got caught up in the mower and started the blaze.

 

News roundup: Should the city keep up ambulance service?

By Philip Anselmo

Folks from Corfu and Pembroke showed up to last night's meeting of the City Council to complain about the subsidies the city is charging their municipalities to maintain ambulance service, according to WBTA's Dan Fischer. Batavia runs the county-wide ambulance through the fire department. City taxpayers have been making up the money lost by the ambulance service for some years now. Councilman Frank Ferrando said that the city should "get out of the business" of running the ambulance.

Fire crews will be flushing hydrants today and tomorrow. Residents of South Main, West Main, Roosevelt and South Lyon streets and those in the vicinity of these should watch for discoloration in their water.

Batavia Daily News for Wednesday: Hydrant flush set for Thursday

By Philip Anselmo

Here's what we've got from the Daily News for today... Batavia's city fire crews will be flushing fire hydrants most of the day Thursday on and around the following streets: Mill Street, Apollo Drive, Brooklyn Avenue, Franklin Street, Industrial Boulevard, Orleans Avenue, Treadeasy Avenue and Walnut Street. Folks may notice a bit of discoloration in their water in these areas during the flush. In case of rain Thursday, the flush will take place on Friday.

Two of the three stories on the front page were already reported on The Batavian. Ellicott Street's sidewalk project was featured on the site over a month ago. And a story about the school district's request for $2,750 from the city to look at possibly sharing recreation services has been featured in a pair of posts on the site Monday and Tuesday, and again this morning in a post picked up from WBTA.

In other news, Tom Rivers has another enormous article about picking apples featured on the front page... and he'll have another one in tomorrow! Well, New Yorkers do love their apples. Fortunately, Rivers peppers in some human interest throughout his apple saga to keep things interesting. There are only so many paragraphs we can read about apple picking. I especially enjoyed the story at the end of today's piece about a 54-year-old Jamaican laborer who has worked to put his kids through school.

We encourage you to pick up a copy of the Daily News at your local newsstand. Or, better yet, subscribe at BataviaNews.com.

Hamlin Music Fest Fundraiser to Support Burn Program at Strong Memorial Hospital

By Carole Dowling

 

Hamlin Music Fest Fundraiser to Support Burn Program
at Strong Memorial Hospital
 
Back-to-back bands will provide non-stop music from 2 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, Oct. 4 at Firemen’s Field in Hamlin to raise money for the Burn Program at Strong Memorial Hospital.
 
This is the Music Fest’s fourth year and more than 2,000 people are expected to rock around the clock to the music of eight local bands continuously playing on two stages. Some of the bands scheduled to appear are Swamp Moose, Cactus Soul, This A.M. Static, Emerald City, and Julie Dunlop with High Maintenance.
 
In addition to the music, the Hamlin Fire Department will be cooking up food available to purchase: Zweigle’s hots, pizza, sausage, burgers, drinks and beer. There will also be raffles between sets, games and more. Some of the raffle prizes include dinner certificates, massages, pedicures, and spa treatments for your dog.
 
Admission to the Music Fest is $5 per adult. Children twelve and under will be admitted free. Advance sale tickets are available by contacting Steve Lauth at slauth1310@frontiernet.net, or Ginger Eller at ginger62@rochester.rr.com. All proceeds will go to support the Burn Program at Strong Memorial Hospital. Last year, the Music Fest raised $3,200, and organizers expect to top that figure substantially this year to support the programs and services at the Burn Program.
 
Event founder and organizer Steve Lauth said, “We are looking forward to growing this event into one of Hamlin’s biggest and best family-friendly festivals and to contribute to a good cause at the same time. We can’t think of a better recipient than the Burn Program at Strong. There are so many young kids and teens who have been badly burned, and the Burn Program at Strong is the best place to go; we know they’re in good hands when they go there. We hope everyone will come out and join us and the Hamlin Fire Department to have a good time and raise some money for this life changing program."
 
The Burn Program at Strong Memorial Hospital is the only Level One Regional Trauma Center in the area and is the state’s largest and most modern trauma and burn facility outside of New York City, providing comprehensive burn care to patients of all ages from the time of acute injury through long-term rehabilitation.
 
Firemen’s Field is located at 1503 Lake Road, Hamlin, NY. For more information on the festival please visit www.myspace.com/hamlinmusicfest, or www.hamlinfire.com.

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