Intoxication played a significant role in the drowning death of a 49-year-old Batavia man who's body was found in the Tonawanda Creek near Kibbe Park in August, according to information released by Batavia PD this morning.
In a statement, the police say that a Medical Examiner's investigation has concluded Troy Hickman drowned and was intoxicated at the time of his death.
No further information about the incident was released.
Le Roy village residents will pay more for sewer service starting this summer.
The Village Board on Wednesday approved a 21-percent hike — from $33 to $40 — in the village’s minimum quarterly sewer rate, effective with the August billing.
Sewer charges are based on water consumption. The minimum quarterly sewer charge includes the first 3,000 gallons.
The board also raised the village’s “excess” rate, from $5.81 to $8 per 1,000 gallons above the minimum.
Sewer rates will also increase for the handful of customers outside the village. The minimum will go from $100 to $120 per quarter, while the excess charge rises from $6.76 to $9.25 per 1,000 gallons.
The increases — the village’s first since 2002 — were prompted by a sewer fund deficit and the need to pay for long-deferred improvements to the village’s 54-year-old sewer treatment plant on Red Mill Road.
Mayor Greg Rogers said the village is meanwhile eyeing a $5 million to $6 million plan for plant upgrades. The first phase could be in place by the end of the year.
Rogers said the board’s hope is that those upgrades will cut treatment costs — and eventually allow for a lower sewer rate.
“Once we get going, this rate could slide back considerably,” Rogers said. “But for this year, we have to budget to break even.”
Rogers estimated that an average family of five will pay an additional $200 in sewer costs in 2016-17.
Residents who pay only the minimum — a category that includes about 20 percent of the village’s 1,751 customers — will pay an extra $7 per year.
The sewer budget, by law, must be self-funding. The 2015-16 fiscal year will however end with a $220,000 sewer fund deficit, Rogers said. That will be covered by reserve funds, but must be repaid to the general fund next year, he said.
The deficit was fueled by the cost of wastewater sludge hauling, which has been entirely in the village’s hands since We Care Organics of Rochester stepped way from its hauling agreement late last year.
“That’s the major contributing factor,” Rogers said.
The costs of operating the treatment plant — including employee wages and benefits — have continued to rise, Rogers said. But lower water consumption — thanks in part to residents’ use of water-efficient appliances — has held sewer revenues in check.
Another new but necessary expense, Rogers said, is an equipment repair and maintenance effort directed by Steven Carroll, plant superintendent since March 2015.
Rogers said the Village Board, along with the village sewer board and engineers Clark Patterson Lee, are developing a $5 million to $6 million plan for treatment plant upgrades. The village will pursue grants and interest-free financing offered through the state Environmental Facilities Corporation.
The immediate goal is to purchase a belt filter press, used for sludge dewatering. Rogers said the equipment costs about $600,000, but would dramatically reduce hauling and landfill expenses.
“Our first step is, we have to get the money,” Rogers said. “The second step is to get the belt press. Once we do that we can start seeing a real savings.”
The village’s sewer treatment plant is a long-simmering problem that no one has been eager to address — in Roger’s words, the “5,000-pound elephant in the room.”
Outstanding debt on the plant — which costs nearly $400,000 a year to service — will not be retired until 2019.
“To be honest, everybody — present company included — was just trying to get to the end of that before stacking on more debt,” Rogers said.
“You knew it was there, and you knew that someday it would have to be done,” he said. “The witching hour is here.”
In other action Wednesday, the board adopted a $3.375 million budget for 2016-17. The budget raises the tax rate by a penny, to $10.46 per $1,000 assessed value.
The budget that was the subject of a public hearing last week. The village’s 2016-17 fiscal year begins June 1.
Rancho Viejo Mexican Restaurant opened Wednesday in the Le Roy Village Plaza on West Main Street. (Photo courtesy of Marysol Leon.)
Le Roy’s newest restaurant has plenty of longtime fans.
Rancho Viejo Mexican Restaurant had a “soft opening” Wednesday in the Le Roy Village Plaza on West Main Street.
The location is one of several owned by Jose and Marysol Leon, including Rancho Viejo in Batavia and a Mexican restaurant in Warsaw.
“We’re happy to be in business,” Jose Leon said. “I invite people to give us a try.”
Many already have.
The Batavia restaurant opened in 2011, inside a former Ponderosa on Ellicott Street. It soon built a loyal customer base — including LeRoyans who lobbied for a restaurant in their hometown.
Jose Leon said he was interested in Le Roy because it did not have a Mexican restaurant. The plaza location was also ideal, offering plenty of space inside, and lots of parking outside.
And its West Main Street address, next door to Le Roy Medical Associates (UR Medicine), guarantees visibility and foot traffic, he said.
Marysol Leon said business was steady on Wednesday, even though the opening wasn’t announced.
“People have been calling to ask, ‘When are you going to open?’” she said.
Le Roy Village Plaza is a former supermarket. The space occupied by Rancho Viejo was formerly a Chinese buffet. It’s been remodeled, brightly painted and decorated.
Jose Leon said food is prepped twice daily, guaranteeing fresh, “home style” cooking. They have applied for a liquor license.
The menu will be familiar to anyone who has been to the Batavia restaurant.
For first-time diners, Marysol recommended the deep-fried Rancho Viejo Burrito, which is stuffed with ground beef, chicken, rice and beans and topped with nacho cheese and pico de gallo. Rancho Viejo Special Fajitas are served with sliced grilled beef, chicken, pork sausage and shrimp — along with the traditional bell peppers, onions and tomatoes.
Rancho Viejo also offers a children’s menu, vegetarian dishes and “All-American” options that include burgers and a grilled chicken sandwich.
Take-out service is available.
Hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. For information call (585) 502-5292.
(Photo courtesy of Marysol Leon.)
Press release:
Residents with questions about their smart phones, laptop computers, tablets, computer programs, or an app can bring them to a Technology Tuesday at the Corfu Free Library for answers.These monthly hands-on help sessions are held every 4th Tuesday of the month from 7 to 8 p.m.
Electronic devices are becoming an essential way to shop, find information, enjoy reading and be entertained, and with the new digital services offered by the library, learning how to use them is more important than ever.
“The library isn’t just about books and magazines anymore,” says Diana Reding, director at the Corfu Free Library. “There are a large number of free eBooks, music albums, TV shows, movies and comic books available via digital download that are now part of the services we offer.
"All patrons need is their library card to be able to use and enjoy them. We have both free WiFi and computer workstations at the library. Better still is when folks bring in their own devices to learn on them right here during a Technology Tuesday."
Reding, and Kristie Miller, president of the Board of Directors and a librarian at the Alexander Central School District, Julie Hengenius, board secretary and librarian at Pembroke School District, will also be at the library to assist patrons at the Technology Tuesday sessions.
Interested residents are encouraged to bring in their own devices such as an iPhone, Kindle, Nook, iPad, flash drive, or laptop computer (including charging cords) and ask questions about them.
Residents can even learn to download a wide variety of digital items from Hoopla as well as eBooks from Overdrive and eMagazines from Zinio right at the sessions. These electronic download services provided through the Nioga Library System, are free to library patrons.
In addition to Technology Tuesdays, there are some short instructional videos explaining how to use Hoopla, one of the digital services available at the library, and Gmail on the Corfu Free Library’s website. “We will be adding more ‘How To’ videos through the year on our Web site,” adds Reding. “And we are always here to answer questions about the services our patrons can access through the library.”
The Corfu Free Library periodically offers sessions like Technology Tuesdays and residents are encouraged to check the library’s Web site at www.CorfuFreeLibrary.org, stop by 7 Maple Ave. in Corfu for program information, or they can call the library at (585) 599-3321.
Jerry Riley III
Press release from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office:
The Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, comprised of officers from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Batavia Police NET officers, and the Le Roy Village Police Department, concluded as investigation into the illegal sales of narcotics from a Bank Street residence in the City of Batavia with the arrest of a Rochester man on Wednesday afternoon.
Jerry Riley III, 38, of Jay Street, Rochester is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, a Class B felony, and two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, also a Class B felony.
He is already in custody at the Genesee County Jail from an incident that occurred in the city earlier this month and has now been charged with four additional felony charges this afternoon stemming from the sales of "crack" cocaine in the city in March.
Riley is in jail with $2,000 of additional bail.
For initial post on Riley, click here.
Batavia City School District Board of Education President Pat Burk, right, is congratulated by Superintendent of Schools Christopher Dailey for receiving an Award for Excellence from the Western New York Educational Service Council.
Submitted photo. Press release:
To say that Patrick Burk is a champion of students and school staff gives new meaning to the word “understatement.” That sentiment was recognized recently by the Western New York Educational Service Council in presenting him with a 2016 Award for Excellence in the category of Board Member.
A graduate of nearby Caledonia-Mumford Central School and resident of Batavia for more than 35 years, Burk has been a Batavia City School District Board of Education member for 30 years and served as the Board’s president 10 different times, including presently. Most recently, he was key to starting a recognition program that highlights outstanding students, staff, and community volunteers at each Board meeting, and was quintessential in establishing the Batavia City School District Education Foundation.
“Mr. Burk is the backbone of our district,” says Superintendent of Schools Christopher Dailey. “He is our greatest cheerleader, advocate, and friend.”
Burk says, “I know that we have a solid District and I am extremely proud to be a part of it. I am pleased with our outcomes and see a tremendous amount of positive results from our students. I also am champion of our staff. I believe that they are excellent and I see that they work hard to obtain the positive outcomes.”
In addition to his work for the Batavia schools, Burk also has served on the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership board for the last three years, is a delegate to New York State School Boards Association, and, as he has for the past 10 of 12 years, serves as the president of the Genesee Valley School Boards Institute. He is also a longtime supporter of and volunteer for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership program, and is the executive director and artistic director of the Batavia Players. Previously, he has served on the GO ART! Board of Directors and the Batavia Youth Center Board of Directors.
Though his record of community service is lengthy, his longest Board affiliation is with the Batavia City School District.
“Being a Board member allows me to contribute to the education of our young people,” says Burk. “It is the most important investment we can make. It also allows me to be a part of a successful District. I have enjoyed my involvement with the Batavia City School District and I do want to continue that involvement.”
Says Dailey, “He deserves to be recognized for his selfless dedication to public education in the Batavia City Schools."
Press release:
Tonight, Byron-Bergen Central School honors the two newest inductees into its Hall of Fame. Judy (Hulburt) Holly (Class of 1976) and Amy (Seward) Stacy (Class of 1980) join the ranks of other distinguished Byron-Bergen alumni honored with a place in the Hall of Fame for their achievements after graduation.
The Byron-Bergen Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes the accomplishments of the district’s graduates, providing young people of our district with positive adult role models, showing that graduates of Byron-Bergen can achieve high levels of accomplishment in their lives. This honor is in its 13th year and has become part of our school district culture and a permanent reminder to our students about the outcome of hard work and diligence.
The 2016 inductees will be honored on tonight at the school at 7 o'clock. Each will briefly speak to students and receive their B-B Alumni Hall of Fame plaques at the Sr. National Honor Society induction ceremony. They spent the day visiting with Byron-Bergen students and sharing how their school experience influenced their lives.
After college graduation, Holly was employed as a nurse at Highland Hospital (Rochester), working on a medical floor then transferring to labor and delivery. She worked there until she started her family.
Holly has stated that her greatest achievement is her family. She is married to a wonderful man; together they are parents of six children, and have two grandchildren.
She and her husband are foster parents (through Monroe County) and have fostered 50 foster babies (so far), many of whom are medically fragile infants.
Holly has dedicated herself to helping children, most of whom are unable to care for themselves and in need special attention, demonstrating the utmost compassion.
Holly is an excellent role model and source of inspiration to the youth of Byron-Bergen.
She earned several scholarships and awards upon graduation.
After high school, she earned a bachelor’s degree in 1984 from Cornell University in Nutrition, and a master’s degree from SUNY Brockport in Health Education in 1989. Stacy is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, certified dietitian/nutritionist, and certified pump trainer.
She has worked for the WIC Program, Lakeside Memorial Hospital, Strong’s Cardiac Rehab Program, and Lakeside Memorial’s Wellness Center.
Currently, Stacy works for Rochester Regional Health System (Unity Diabetes Program in Brockport) and is the sole proprietor for Innovative Nutrition by Amy.
Awards include Who’s Who in Diabetes Education and the Healthy Heart Contributor Award. She also received a New York State grant for nutrition education. Memberships include the American Diabetes Association, American Association of Diabetes Educators, Rochester Association of Diabetes Educators, American Dietetic Association/Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Genesee Dietetic Association, and Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
She is an active community member who is involved in her church (Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School, worship team), and numerous activities within the Bergen area. Stacy stated her greatest achievement has been to raise four wonderful children with her husband, Rick, and being grandparents.
Involved in her community and through her faith, Stacy inspires the youth of the Byron-Bergen community.
Press release:
Andrew Lipnicky, of Basom, from the RIT Rock Climbing Team, will compete in national competition Friday and Saturday at the Collegiate Climbing Series in San Diego, Calif.
Lipnicky is a Ph.D. student in the Astrophysical Sciences and Technology program.
Nearly 400 athletes from approximately 40 colleges will participate in various competitions, including speed, bouldering and sport climbing.
The team is coming off of a first-place overall victory in Northeast regional competition earlier this month in Albany, against teams from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) said today that he is tired of the Legislature providing a disproportionate amount of aid to New York City, and showing a blatant disregard for the needs of Upstate New Yorkers.
Hawley wrote to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie asking him to bring the Two New Yorks legislation to the floor and allow a vote to gauge public opinion on the issue. The bipartisan, nonbinding measure would be an important step toward understanding whether New Yorkers feel that the amount of aid allocated upstate and the amount sent downstate is equitable.
“In the eyes of the Legislature, NYC and its welfare policies take precedence over upstate businesses and taxpayers,” Hawley said. “I have introduced legislation that will simply gauge the interest of New Yorkers in a nonbinding way.
"For instance, the battle over minimum wage and the implications it would have on farmers and upstate small businesses was completely overlooked by our downstate counterparts. Such disconnect has been present for many years, which is why this legislation is long overdue.”
Here's the letter Hawley sent to the Assembly Speaker:
Dear Speaker Heastie:
I respectfully urge you to report Assembly Bill 4167 out of the Local Governments Committee to allow a full vote on the Assembly Floor. As you may know, A.4167 would allow voters to vote yes or no in a nonbinding referendum to indicate their preferences on whether New York should be divided into two states.
I believe that Upstate and Downstate New York citizens have differing needs, wants, and desires regarding legislation and budgetary requirements. Upstate citizens are representative of less urban and more rural values, while Downstate citizens tend to be more city oriented. There are also distinct social and political differences. Upstate citizens are more reflective of conservative to moderate traits while Downstate citizens are reflective of moderate to liberal traits. In light of the fact that there is a philosophical view of the SAFE Act dividing Upstate and Downstate, now again, we have seen a division with the two minimum wages. It is apparent that now would be the perfect opportunity to take up my legislation and allow a referendum for citizens to indicate their preferences.
Again, I urge you to assist in reporting this piece of legislation out of committee so that the people of this great State are able to indicate their views. After all, isn’t this what being a representative is all about – actually finding out what constituents’ viewpoints are on issues affecting their lives as New Yorkers? Please contact me with any questions or concerns you have regarding this bill. Let the people’s voice be heard.
Press release from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office:
The Genesee County Sheriff's Office investigated a motor-vehicle accident at the 7-Eleven convenience store on South Main Street in Oakfield on April 19 at about 2 p.m.
A motor vehicle crashed into the south wall of the store and immediately fled the scene. The vehicle was later found on Townline Road in Byron occupied by a male operator. The male was identified at Hicham Fathallah, 34, of Rochester. He was charged with leaving the scene of a motor-vehicle accident and inadequate brakes.
He is to appear in the Town of Oakfield Court at a later date and time.
For initial post, click here.
Press release:
Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) has invited individuals from a number of local businesses and agencies to a “Lunch in the Dark” at the New York State School for the Blind (NYSSB) to learn how those with low vision or blindness can live and work successfully.
Taking place from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday April 28th at the School, 2A Richmond Ave, west of State Street, in Batavia, the event challenges the participants to dine in low light conditions, with blindfolds available for those who want a “total experience."
After the meal, with the assistance of an ILGR staff person, they will have the chance to try out activities when blindfolded, such as traveling a course with the white cane, feeling Braille documents, and using adapted devices. Services of ILGR that may be useful to citizens who are visually impaired, such as the Medicaid Application Assistance Program, will be explored.
A panel, including students and graduates from the State School for the Blind who have been gainfully employed, will take questions at the end of the event. A number of workplace accommodations for blind employees that cost the company little or nothing will be discussed.
The ticket price of $15 includes the meal, and some materials participants can take home.
Members of the public who have not been formally invited are welcome to attend, if they pre-register. For questions, or to RSVP, please call Donna Becker at 815-8501, ext. 411.
Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living, Inc., family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.
City residents are invited to City Hall today to share their ideas for the future of Batavia.
As an early-stage step toward devising a new comprehensive plan for Batavia, the city is hosting an open house today where residents can step through a series of questions and write out answers for their ideas on the challenges the city faces, how to address those issues and what their visions are for Batavia.
The open house lasts until 7 p.m.
Pat O'Brien was a little surprised, but not shocked to learn yesterday that the house on Ross Street that he moved into Monday was the subject of a $841,500 fine by Batavia City Court for a long string of alleged code violations.
Before O'Brien bought the home, the city determined the responsible party for the property was HSBC Bank. The bank was allegedly issued a summons to appear in court to answer to the code violation charges, but reportedly, no representative of HSBC ever appeared.
When defendants fail to appear in court as directed, judges have the discretion to find the party guilty and after another demand to appear in court, in the defendant's absence, the judge can issue a sentence.
That's what Justice Durin Rogers did Friday against HSBC and another entity responsible for a local property that has allegedly failed to appear on the matter.
That defendant is Kaja Holdings 2, LLC, held responsible for 21 Hutchins St., Batavia. Kaja was found guilty in absentia of 1,092 violations of the city's property maintenance code.
HSBC was found guilty of 3,336 violations.
Rob Sherman, corporate communications for HSBC, did not respond to a voicemail left yesterday requesting comment.
Kaja Holdings did not respond to a request for comment.
City Manager Jason Molino said the judgments against HSBC and Kaja are part of the city's ongoing, aggressive efforts to deal with so-called "zombie" homes -- homes that have been left abandoned and vacant for extended periods of time following a foreclosure.
"We going to push aggressively with non-responsive individuals with an interest in properties in hopes of getting people's attention and start getting them to respond," Molino said.
Molino said the city was only notified on Monday that the Ross Street property had been transferred to the new owners.
"We're pleased with the outcome," Molino said. "It's exactly what we like to see."
Whether HSBC will still be on the hook for the $841,500 fine, Molino said he didn't know. That will be up to Justice Rogers to decide.
As for Pat O'Brien, he said he's thrilled with the house and happy to become a Batavia resident.
He took a job in Henrietta in the fall and found the house on the house listed for sale on the Fannie Mae Web site. He worked with local real estate agent Chuck Flynn to complete the purchase.
He's had a new gas line installed (it was cut off at the street), new electrical installed and the city turned the water on two days ago, making the house livable once again.
"Even though it looks a little bit bad on the outside, surprisingly, it's not that bad on the inside," O'Brien said. "Structurally it's really sound."
O'Brien said he liked Batavia because it's a small, quaint community that seems to have a lot going for it. Workers who have come over to his house have had good things to say about Batavia, he said, that it's a community on the rise.
And commuting to Henrietta, he said, is no big deal.
"Back in Jersey, I actually had a longer commute, so the commute between Batavia and Henrietta doesn't bother me," he said. "It's all Thruway. It's under 45 minutes, which I don't think is that bad."
Molino said O'Brien will be given time to get the house in good shape once again, which O'Brien said he intends to do.
"If you look at the house, it's actually not as bad as you think because the top third has all been aluminum sided and so I only have to repaint the lower two-thirds of the home, so like I said, I think by the end of the summer it should be a gem on the street," O'Brien said.
Our news partner WBTA AM/FM contributed to this story.
21 Hutchins St., which is vacant and condemned.
Just as he did in all but one county in New York, Donald Trump was the big winner in Genesee County in Tuesday's primary election, while Hillary Clinton did not do as well against her remaining rival for the nomination, Bernie Sanders.
Republicans preferred Trump by a wide margin locally, giving him 3,673 votes to 1,234 for John R. Kasich, and 974 for Ted Cruz.
The local Democrats mostly went with Sanders, giving him 1,539 votes, with 1,262 for Clinton.
Clinton carried the state, however.
Bob Moore said he feels bittersweet about stepping away from the business he and his wife Noreen opened together 37 years ago, but he couldn't be happier with the new owners.
Tim Adams and Steve Foster become owners tomorrow afternoon of the Red Osier Landmark Restaurant in Stafford.
Already business partners with Adams Welding and other business interests, Adams and Foster said not only did the restaurant business interest them, they couldn't stand the idea of an outside buyer taking over a local tradition.
"There's no place like it," said Adams, who was named Geneseean of the Year for 2013. "It would have been a shame to see it shut down or turned into a Chuck E. Cheese. That's what people have been saying, it could have become a Chuck E. Cheese, or somebody could have moved it to another location and we would have had another empty building here. It's a special place so it would have been a shame to have it lost."
Foster started working at the Red Osier 20 years ago, straight out of high school, first as a server and working his way up through the ranks as a bartender and in the kitchen before becoming manager 10 years ago.
"The Red Osier is just a special family," Foster said. "We're all family."
Adams and Foster will retain the restaurant's 70 employees.
Moore said he's not retiring, just stepping aside from owning and running his own restaurant. He will serve as a consultant to Adams and Foster as well as his son, who owns another branch of the Red Osier brand, based in Rochester.
He's excited to see what Adams and Foster will bring to Red Osier.
"That's what we need, young guys, like we were 37 years ago," Moore said. "They're like my wife and I were, full of piss and vinegar."
There won't be substantial changes, but Foster said there is definitely a magic about the Red Osier to be recaptured and they hope to do that with some decor changes to start -- new uniforms, new white table clothes, a regional wine display, historic pictures of the restaurant are a start.
Moore approves.
"These guys are full of ideas," Moore said. "I want to help them implement as much as I can. The place looks beautiful. Wow! What a facelift."
There were eight or nine other potential buyers who looked into the restaurant before Adams and Foster approached him, and he immediately thought they would be a perfect fit to take over his business.
Noreen agreed.
"We couldn't have done better," she said.
Tim Adams ad Steve Foster with Bob and Noreen Moore and a commemorative key Tim and Steve made for them at their metal shop.
Scott Jay Seeley, 54, of Newstead Road, Akron, is charged with driving while intoxicated with a BAC greater than .08 percent, DWI, having a cracked windshield and an obstructed view. At 7:52 p.m. on April 18, on West Main Street in the Town of Batavia, Seeley was arrested following a traffic stop for vehicle equipment violation(s). After interviewing him and giving him field sobriety tests, which he allegedly failed, he was arrested then released on appearance tickets for Town of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.
Malik Domonic Dietz, 21, of West 13th St., Manhattan, is charged with third-degree identity theft and petit larceny. Dietz allegedly used the victim's personal identification to gain access to an Internet site at 5 p.m. on April 8 from a location on Batavia-Stafford Townline Road. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court on April 21. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Bradley Mazur.
Press release:
The Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) is proud to highlight its accomplishments for the 2015-2016 fiscal year at its 17th Annual Luncheon & Awards from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 22nd at the City Church Generation Center, 15 Center St., Batavia.
Please join us to meet and hear from Laurie Oltramari, the new executive director of the BID, who holds a master's degree in Architecture and Urban Design from the University at Buffalo and previously worked as the BID assistant director for the three years.
In attendance will also be representatives from the offices of Congressman Chris Collins, Senator Michael Ranzenhofer, and Assemblyman Stephen Hawley as well as Genesee County legislators and Batavia City councilpersons. The newly elected board members for 2016-2017 will be announced by Freed Maxick, CPAs. A buffet will be served by Downtown restaurant, T.F. Brown’s.
This year’s guest speaker will be Felipe Oltramari, director of the Genesee County Planning Department, presenting on “The Value of Downtown and Secrets of Urban Design.” Oltramari was the leading voice in introducing Genesee County to the concept of “Beer-Oriented Development (BOD),” which spurred the interest and growth of breweries seeking to come to Downtown. He is also credited with educating municipalities in Genesee County on the idea of form-based codes which is a less restrictive and more intuitive land development regulation that fosters predictable building results and a high-quality public realm by using physical form (rather than separation of uses/zoning types) as the organizing principle for the code.
This year’s recipients of the Batavia Business Improvement District awards includes Java Farm Supply, T-Shirts Etc., and Kristen Merriam.
Java Farm Supply (45 Center St.) -- Spirit of Downtown Business Award
Java Farm Supply first opened its doors in 1951 in the basement of a small tire shop. Its founder, William Bookmiller, wanted to offer customized solutions to help local farmers by providing innovative products, many of which were manufactured right here in Batavia.
Today, Java Farm Supply remains focused on the same purpose and has expanded its scope to include application, dairy, fruit, turf care and row-crop equipment. Its new location in Batavia compliments an expanded product offering and helps its dedicated associates and mobilized fleets deliver these solutions all over Western New York and beyond.
Java Farm Supply and its associates are proud members of the community, supporting and participating in many local events and organizations. "We are honored to serve the community that has so graciously welcomed us."
T-Shirts Etc, Inc., (35-37 Center S.) -- Spirit of Downtown Business Award
T-Shirts Etc. is a family owned and operated local screen-printing company that was established in 1997 and began its operation in the Industrial Building on Harvester Avenue, right here in Batavia. After several moves to accommodate the growing industry, T-Shirts Etc. made its way to Downtown Batavia in January of 2012 and became a permanent resident of Downtown after purchasing the building at 35-37 Center St. in 2015.
T-Shirts Etc. provides quality screen printing, embroidery, artwork and logo design, banners, promotional products and decals. They currently serve more than 2,000 customers within the Genesee County area as well as several customers in other counties and out of state.
As the company hits its 19th year in business, T-Shirts Etc. currently employs five full-time people and is proud to contribute to several local charities and organizations in our community.
T-Shirts Etc. is a proud member of the Batavia Business Improvement District, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Genesee County Business Education Alliance, and the Advertising Specialty Institute.
Kristen Merriam -- Spirit of Downtown Volunteer Award
Kristen Merriam graduated from Churchville Chili High School in 1999 and then attended Monroe Community College in 2002. She is the proud mother of three children and an avid gardener. Kristen was nominated for the volunteer award because although she does not serve on any committee, she is the first to volunteer to help for any event including promoting events, volunteering at the Batavia Wine Walk, Beertavia, the BID’s Annual Downtown Clean-up, and even staying nearly all day to help with the BID’s largest festival, Summer in the City.
She works at Charles Men’s Shop and although sometimes volunteers only do so in order to promote their business, Kristen works hard and selflessly because she sees the value of helping the community. She has worked behind the scenes for several years. It is likely that board members or committee members do not know the extent of her help. It is with great honor that we bestow the Volunteer Award to Kristen.
A vehicle crashed into the 7-Eleven convenience store in Oakfield, located at 25 S. Main St., and then it left. Law enforcement is on scene and Oakfield Fire Department is responding. The building is damaged.
UPDATE 2:07 p.m.: Fire command is holding the assignment in quarters.
UPDATE 2:25 p.m.: The car involved is described as an older model red SUV. It was last seen heading toward the city.
UPDATE 3:10 p.m.: A car matching the description of the vehicle involved in this incident is reportedly broken down on Route 262. Law enforcement is heading there.
In the first quarter of 2016, the average population housed in the Genesee County Jail was 79, up from 60 in the first quarter of 2015.
The biggest impact on the county's budget with an increased jail population, Sheriff Gary Maha said during his department review report to the County Legislature's Public Service Committee, is an increase in expenses for medication and medical care.
The majority of inmates have either substance abuse issues or mental health problems. This has been a growing trend in recent years.
The Sheriff's Office is also handling more female inmates, with an average of 18 this year compared to 11 last year.
Since the local jail can't house female inmates, they must be transported to and from jails in other counties in Western and Central New York willing to keep them. This is an added expense of the Sheriff's Office and takes deputies off of patrol.
Currently, staffing in the department is short five deputies. There are three new deputies going through the academy, but by the time the first one graduates, a current sergeant will retire and other retirements are anticipated this year.
The hiring and training process for a deputy, getting a deputy to the point where he or she can work a solo patrol, takes close to a year.
The department also lost a productive and dedicated deputy recently when Joseph Corona transferred to Monroe County.
A legislature asked if that was because of better pay in Monroe County and Maha said that while the pay is better, and retirement benefits are better, Corona also had family and personal reasons for making the transfer and that a larger department offers greater opportunity for career advancement.
That said, Maha said, historically, the Sheriff's Office hasn't lost many deputies to other departments, so he doesn't anticipate this signaling a trend.
The turnover is high in the Sheriff's Office because there just happens to be a lot of retirements hitting at the same time. Eventually, that should even out.
The emergency center call volume is up about 8.5 percent, but this largely reflects structural changes, not an increase in more calls for service.
Calls get logged when additional fire units are dispatched on calls, for example, and increasingly, multiple departments are being dispatched for calls in volunteer fire districts, so a call for service that was once counted as one logged dispatch is now logged as two.
The Sheriff's Office now also handles dispatch for State Police Troop A, which means more calls and traffic stops logged.
Theresa Asmus-Roth, program coordinator for Genesee Justice, is anticipating a 15-percent increase in funding from a federal grant.
Bail evaluations have increased 22 percent over last year, with the cases being handled by one full-time staff member and one part-time, and they're managing to keep pace with the case load.
"We certainly appreciate having that second person," Asmus-Roth said. "(Bail evaluation) is quite an involved process."
The Child Advocacy Center handled 241 cases in 2015.
The Sheriff's Office is participating in Project Live Saver, which provides tracking bracelets to children who might wander off, and 14 disabled children wear the bracelets currently.
Earlier this week, a 79-year-old woman with dementia wandered off from her home, leading to a multi-patrol search for her, and Maha said potential grants might help expand the program to other people who might wander off.
A person out walking a dog heard a bang, like a door slamming, and then saw a white male dressed in black quickly leave a residence on Morton Avenue.
Batavia PD responded and the subject was located.
Officers were checking for unlocked vehicles and, if they found any, were asking residents to check and see if anything was missing.
The resident of the original complaint was not at home at the time and it's unknown if the subject dressed in black made entry.
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