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Weighing out the options of a permissible 2.26 percent tax increase versus going whole hog for a super-majority vote and a 4 percent increase, or having no increase at all and actually tightening the belt and eliminating expenses for a tentative $60.5 million budget, Batavia City School board members covered the gamut of responses to a nearly $1.4 million budget gap during its second review Tuesday evening.

Toward the end of a 90-minute session, Vice President John Reigle posed a question that was perhaps three years too late. 

“Call me crazy, but should we start planning now? Those three years knowing, I mean, I kind of feel like we knew these COVID grants were running out. We should have been proactive and tried to replace that money instead of being in this position now. I think it's very difficult,” Reigle said.

Business Administrator Andy Lang reviewed adjustments made so far since the initial meeting two weeks ago. Those include possibly cutting seven full-time COVID-19 grant-funded positions (three-year grant due to expire in September), four full-time positions that will be reduced based on enrollment, elimination of three full-time teacher positions by not replacing retirements; moving seven full-time positions from the general fund into ongoing grants, and reductions of three bus runs, equipment purchases and school supplies that had previously been provided free for all students.  

That still leaves a gap and the options of increasing the tax levy, pulling more from the appropriated reserve, similar to a district savings account, or further cutting expenses, Lang and Superintendent Jason Smith said.  

Lang had suggested drawing $2.5 million from reserves toward the 2025 budget and said that more could be taken if the board wanted to. 

“How much danger does it put us in the future for next year?” board member Alice Benedict said. “How much would be left?”

Lang said he will calculate the remaining amount later this year, and the reserve is considered a “safety net” for the district. 

“So a lot of it depends on where we end up at the end of this year, how much total fund balance that we have on the site. And then the other factor is how much revenue actually comes in for next year. If status is reinstated to what it should have been, the district will realize additional revenue, we may not have to utilize or actually use that appropriated fund balance, but the safety net, it's a safety net so that we don't put ourselves into a deficit situation,” Lang said. “Just because we appropriate that fund balance does not necessarily mean that we use it; our expenditures could be less than anticipated, and our revenues can be greater than anticipated and the amount that we are appropriating, so it'd be a wash.”

Benedict also proposed finding a way to keep the free school supplies for all students in the budget. That was a perk provided due to the pandemic, and the supplies were purchased with COVID grant money at an expense of about $90,000. Benedict argued that there should be a way to retain those goods in the budget now that the grant funds are drying up. 

Board Vice President John Reigle countered that the money could be better spent, such as on a teacher position—or about 1.5 positions, Lang said—and Reigle preferred putting the funds toward instruction versus supplies. 

Smith pushed for keeping the seven positions in place, and even though they include extracurriculars, he recommends keeping them because they are “robust” programs.

He wouldn’t want to see the board take away drama club, marching band, football, “all the things that make school a school,” he said. 

He suggested that the board wait until the state budget is more firmly in place to get a better idea of how much state aid the district will receive. The board could still work on a general budget, and a “best case scenario” in Foundation aid would add $300,000 to the revenue side, Lang said. 

After a nearly 90-minute session of reviewing numbers and options, Smith asked members who were for a tax increase. Board President John Marucci, who was quiet throughout the meeting, raised his hand. Otherwise, “we’re going to have to make some serious cuts,” he said. 

Lang warned the group that the grants do have an endpoint, just as current COVID grants are coming to an end this September.

“The only other thing I’d just like to mention regarding general fund grants is that some of those grants are finite. They are not perpetual grants. So, there might be, those grant funds would eventually cease after several years, and the mental health grant was three additional years from now,” he said. “So just as kind of a precautionary measure to the board.”

He also added that “there’s only so much you can cut out with those one-time” expenses, such as supplies and equipment. Those expenses will return again next year, he said.

Reigle made a final request to Smith at the close of the meeting.

“We’re basically cutting seven positions, correct? I gotta imagine that's gonna put such a burden on these guys. And we’ve seen such an improvement in our numbers the past few years, and we’ve really harped on it. And I think the coaching positions have helped. If there's things we can try to find, or if there's alternatives, I think we should try some of your alternatives to try and save some of these positions,” he said.  “(In a news article, City Council President) Mr. Eugene Jankowski pointed out in his presentation, ‘we don't want to lose law enforcement or first responders.’ These are our first responders, so I’d like to see some possible options.”

Danielle Cummins hopes that when folks drive down the rural roads of Genesee County, they can take in all that goes into those rows of crops growing in the nearby dirt and how they are so integral to the makeup of the county’s number one industry, especially amidst the labor challenges of limited work hours and competitive pay of nearby states.

Cummins represented Genesee County Farm Bureau as of member of the board Wednesday during a special presentation for Agriculture Month. 

“I hope, when you drive down our back roads that you see more than just a green field, you sort of respect and appreciate what's out there and what it takes for the men and women to do that job, to do it well,” she said. “You know, we're blessed with great resources in this county. And I think we've got great stewards of the land that do those things that we can continue to have the thriving agricultural economy that we have.”

According to the 2022 Agriculture Census, there were some 435 farms in the county and a market value of nearly $360 million of agriculture items produced in Genesee County, with more than $193 million of that being milk-related products sold and $11 million from farm-related sources. 

Cummins emphasized that point, as “our industry touches so many things,” she said. 

“You can say you drive by cornfields, and we're blessed in this area where we've got a bunch of dairy farms, and we grow more than just your row crops. We grow a bunch of vegetables and fruits in this area. So we're blessed to sort of be a grocery store in our own backyard,” she said. “And this recognition, I think, really helps bring attention to the things that the men and women in the ag community do. And then the support roles that are able to exist because of that: the one-off businesses, the farm credits, the input suppliers, the machinery dealer is here. You know, there's so many other jobs that the agriculture industry, the farms support that we're really lucky to have in this county.”

New York State has mandated cumulative labor law changes for farm workers, reducing the number of overtime hours each year until it reaches a maximum of 40. 

How are farms dealing with this?
“I think people will make adjustments as they see fit for their own labor force, whether that means they're cutting back overtime hours or trying to change how they're managing their labor force. But when you have a somewhat tumultuous economy that's very volatile in terms of crop pricing, and what we're getting for grain, certainly what you're seeing in the milk market right now when we have these labor issues, it’s just another variable to try to solve for when things may already be difficult,” she said. “So even in good times, this is a hard problem to solve, for labor is a big issue in this area, specifically because of the crops that we grow. Seasonal help doesn't help a dairy farm. And seasonal help may be useful if you're harvesting onions or a more labor-intensive crop like cabbage, just to name a few. 

“And there are certainly programs in place that help get labor here, but they're not perfect by any stretch. So there there are some challenges. And I can only speak for the operations that I have seen. There's some questions that need to be answered. But it's a tough thing to implement,” she said. 

You have said that you're not serving as the official spokesperson for all issues, but what can you say on the record about the current immigration issue and its effect on farm labor and related challenges?
“Labor challenges, like the overtime law, do impact us at a state level in terms of competing to attract labor to come work in our state when you've got Pennsylvania that doesn't have the same restrictions," she said. "So somebody who was willing to do the same work here or in Pennsylvania can make a heck of a lot more money there. They're gonna go where the money is. So we are at a competitive disadvantage.”

And because farmers are likely going to have to pay more and do less with what they’ve got for labor hours, she said, “maybe that means our cost of production goes up.”

“And that's another financial obligation and challenge that we have to solve,” she said.

Are farmers tempted to begin the planting process with temperatures climbing already in mid-March?
“This early spring sure makes it tempting. I think we heard that (at) our county meeting last night. I think it's pretty tempting to try to get your green peas in, whether they like that cold, cool weather and wet weather, we've certainly got it right now. But what an opportunity for a dairy farm to be able to go out and spread manure early and not have to worry about dealing with holding it until the weather really breaks,” she said. “So, a great opportunity for people to get out in the field and start and advance, getting ahead of that spring chore of fitting the fields and getting the ground ready and getting your equipment pulled out of the shop. But the fact that it's mid-March feels a little early, but it's it feels a lot later.”

The county Legislature presented Cummins with a proclamation to celebrate Agriculture Month — with good timing, given that the 20th annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner is this weekend. Cummins also considers that event, meant to highlight the local bounty that goes into the dinner menu, in and of itself “truly an accomplishment.” 

Legislator Christian Yunker, a member of the farming community himself, read the proclamation:

WHEREAS, Agriculture Month is celebrated each year in the month of March. This serves as a time to recognize and appreciate the vital role that agriculture plays in our local communities, and

WHEREAS, Genesee County’s designation of an agricultural district consisting of vast, rich lands necessary for the 176,887 acres of farmland and 141,047 acres of cropland, and

WHEREAS, Genesee County farmers, ranchers, and community members involved in agriculture work tirelessly to ensure that the production of food, dairy products and other essential foods contribute to the well-being and prosperity of our residents, and

WHEREAS, according to the Agriculture Census in 2022, there were approximately 435 farms within Genesee County which produced $359,698,000 market value of agriculture products sold, which $193,820,000 being milk related products sold, and the total income from farm related sources were $11,105,000, and

WHEREAS, quoted by President George Washington, “Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful and most noble employments of man”, and

WHEREAS, Agriculture Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable and responsible farming practices, as well as the need to support and promote the agricultural industry in Genesee County and encourage young people to consider agriculture as a career. Now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Legislature recognize and fully supports the agriculture industry and urges the community to thank a local farmer for providing an abundance of healthy food and dairy products in Genesee County. As it has been said, “Farmers are our first environmentalist as they steward the land”. Be it further

RESOLVED, the Genesee County Legislature does hereby proclaim the month of March as Agricultural Month, a time to promote and celebrate the contributions of Agriculture.

The nonprofit ARC, established to assist individuals with intellectual, emotional, and developmental disabilities, merged the two smaller entities of Genesee and Orleans with Livingston and Wyoming in the fall of 2021 to create Arc GLOW.

Board President Cheryl Englert expressed her thanks for the Genesee County Legislature’s support of the agency during a presentation this week in honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

"As a parent of a young man who is served by Arc GLOW and a long-term member of the Board of Directors, I want to thank you for our partnership. My grandparents came from Batavia, so coming back to Batavia is coming home. And so when we merged as one organization, it felt good to have my ancestry honored, and my son honored too, so I'm very glad to be part of the organization that works with you,” Englert said Wednesday in the legislative chambers. “And I'm pleased that our partnership, that we work together, and our community is accepting of our folks in all the programs we do, and I appreciate every one of you for supporting us now and in the future.” 

Legislator Brooks Hawley read the proclamation given to Arc GLOW:

WHEREAS, people with a developmental disability are of all racial, ethnic, educational, social, and economic backgrounds, and all are valued members of society who find fulfillment living everyday lives, and

WHEREAS, we value what is important to people with disabilities and their families who are striving for daily lives no different than that of all other citizens, and

WHEREAS, early intervention, education, meaningful work, and home and community- based services continue to be vital to allowing citizens with a developmental disability to enjoy the rights of citizenship, achieve personal success and allows them contribute to their local communities alongside their neighbors without disabilities, and

WHEREAS, Genesee County Legislature recognizes the many accomplishments and contributions of people with developmental disabilities, we encourage all citizens to support Genesee County residents with developmental disabilities and their families in all aspects of life. Now therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Legislature does hereby proclaim March 2024 to be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and urges all citizens to give full support to efforts towards enabling people with developmental disabilities to live full and productive lives of inclusion in our communities.

Each situation is weighed individually when a school employee is arrested, City Schools Superintendent Jason Smith told The Batavian in response to a query about the apprehension of a teacher and her husband on March 2.

Both are charged with resisting arrest, and the husband, Aaron Fix, 50, is accused of assaulting a police officer.

Fix has been a volunteer assistant varsity football coach and was the head coach of the flag football team. He resigned from that position following his arrest, Smith said.

Kristen Fix, 49, is a teacher at Robert Morris, which Jackson Primary School administers.

"Many factors are considered in determining how school districts respond to an employee’s arrest, including the nature of the charges, whether and to what extent the charges/conduct are related to the school/students, whether the employee has any prior discipline or related conduct, whether the employee is cooperative in sharing information related to the arrest, among others," Smith said.

He added, "Each matter is reviewed on an individual basis, consistent with applicable provisions of New York State Law and the collective bargaining agreement."

He did not directly address Kristen Fix's status, the status of any investigation, or how the district is proceeding in this individual case.  

While Kristen Fix has been charged, she has not been convicted of any crime. Her case is pending in City Court, and her next scheduled appearance before Judge Andrea Clattenburg is April 4.

While a matter is under review, under state law, it is a personnel issue. When there is disciplinary action against a government employee, it is generally public record.

The incident involving the Fixes began at 10:22 p.m. on March 2 with a traffic stop by Deputy Zachary Hoy in the area of 561 East Main St., Batavia. 

According to a report by Hoy obtained by The Batavian from City Court, Kristen Fix was driving a vehicle that was observed moving out of its lane of travel, almost striking a curb, and stopping in the middle of the roadway.

Kristen was charged with DWI (first offense), resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, moving from lane unsafely, and unlicensed driver.

The resisting arrest is based on an allegation that she walked away from officers while being advised she was under arrest.

On the report for refusal to submit to a chemical test, the section listing evidence of alleged impairment includes being "abusive."  

Aaron Fix is charged with assault in the second degree, resisting arrest, criminal mischief in the fourth degree, and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree.

Based on court documents, Aaron is accused of interfering with the arrest of Kristen. He allegedly got in and out of the vehicle multiple times.

He is accused of resisting arrest by stiffening his arms when officers attempted to place handcuffs on him.

He is charged with assault in the second degree with intent to injure an officer based on alleged injuries sustained by Officer Andrew Mruczek.  Mruczek reportedly sustained injuries on his neck and the right side of his forehead.

The charge of criminal mischief is based on an accusation that Aaron intentionally damaged Mruczek's uniform collar brass.

Aaron's next court appearance is scheduled for April 17 before Judge Durin Rogers.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist the family of Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, who died in the line of duty on Sunday.

The Deputy Sheriff's Association organized the campaign and will ensure the money is distributed to the family. The Batavian confirmed that this is a DSA-backed fundraiser.

The association set a goal of $50,000. More than $8,000 has been raised so far.

To donate, click here.

Press Release:

Genesee Cancer Assistance will hold its Annual Spaghetti Dinner on Thursday, April 25. The event is held in memory of Joe Gerace, who was a valued and dedicated volunteer to the organization for many years. 

This will be a Dine-In or Take-Out event held at Ascension Parish Hall, 17 Sumner St., Batavia. 

The menu will include spaghetti and meatballs, salad, bread, and dessert. Tickets are $15 each. There will also be raffles, including wine & chocolate baskets, with tickets available for purchase.

Pre-sale dinner tickets are available online at www.geneseecancerassistance.org, from any Board member, or through the office by calling (585)345-0417. Pre-sale tickets are suggested but not required.

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) today sent a letter to New York Governor Kathy Hochul raising serious concerns about her administration’s Migrant Relocation Assistance Program (MRAP) which seeks to move migrants from New York City to Upstate New York and Long Island Communities, including Erie and Monroe Counties.

​​“Instead of reversing these disastrous policies, your administration has chosen to export the crisis in New York City to Upstate communities, such as those in Erie County and Monroe County. Law-abiding New Yorkers should not have their safety placed in jeopardy because of radical policies allowing unvetted individuals to cross our borders at will. While many of these individuals are allowed to stay here as “asylum seekers,” the facts show that the overwhelming majority of asylum claims are found to be illegitimate when adjudicated,” the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers continued, “We continue to urge you to reverse the disastrous immigration policies that have been implemented by your administration and the New York State Legislature.”

Tenney and Langworthy demanded answers to the following questions from Governor Hochul by March 25:

• How many individuals have been relocated to Erie County or Monroe County under MRAP?
• How much have the relocations to Erie County and Monroe County cost taxpayers?
• How is your administration vetting the individuals selected to participate in MRAP? Is part of this vetting an evaluation of the legitimacy of their asylum claims or a criminal background check?
• How is your administration ensuring the safety of American citizens in Erie County, Monroe County, and the surrounding counties with the influx of these individuals with unproven asylum claims?
• How is your administration ensuring that these individuals show up to their court dates and do not evade the law?

While a narrative of events at Batavia Downs early Sunday morning that led to the death of Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello was shared at a press conference on Wednesday, the 32-year veteran of the force was remembered as a great co-worker, good friend, and loving father.

Sheriff William Sheron said, "Wow. Unbelievable person. I have known Tommy since he began. He was just an incredible human being. He was always there for everybody else. He had many important functions here in the department. He ran our civil department. He was on the State Sheriffs Association accreditation programs as an assessor. He oversaw our Darien Lake details. As you know, we have had many, many concerts out there and many, many thousands of people. He ran them flawlessly. Tommy was one that we counted on, and any time he was involved, we knew we didn't have to worry about anything."

He added later, "Tommy never said, 'No.' If you needed something, Tommy was there. It didn't matter who you were or what time of day or night it was; if he could help you, he would help you. The guys could always use them as a resource, too, you know. If they had something they weren't quite certain of, 'Okay, let's ask Tommy. Tommy will know.'"

District Attorney Kevin Finnell said, " I'd like to add that I also have known Tom since he first hit the road. We talked on a regular basis about cases and issues. He'd often call and say, 'I think I know the answer, but he always did. He never lost his enthusiasm for the job and for what he did. He was a very, very good police officer, and he was a better man. So we will all suffer a loss for a long time to come. We will miss him dearly. I'd also like to express my thanks for the community support thus far, the outpouring of support, not only for the Sanfratello family, but in the assistance of this investigation."

Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said, "Tommy was a resource for every law enforcement officer in this county, not just within the sheriff's office. I mean, I personally called Tom on many occasions to ask for advice on something, whether it dealt with a civil matter or whatever. And he never said no. He always answered his phone. He was one of the first guys that I ever met when I got to Batavia. He was just a great guy, and, you know, just a snippet from the videos before this encounter occurred, Tom was talking to people within the casino, and he's smiling and laughing with them. I mean, that's just Tom's personality."

Sanfratello's son, Ian Sanfratello, closed out the press conference by reading a written statement that concluded, "I want everybody to know my dad. My dad was one of a kind. An amazing dad, son, brother and co-worker. He loved my sisters, Lexi and Kyla with all of his heart and he loved to spend time with us. I know we will all cherish the memories we have with him. He will never be forgotten. He will be missed immensely by all who had the chance to not only know him but also talk to him. And he will always be loved."

The press conference opened with Undersheriff Bradley Mazur and Heubusch recounting the events of Sunday morning at Batavia Downs, beginning with the call of a disturbance in 34 Rush, one of the bars in the casino, at 12:43 a.m.

Mazur said there were two individuals involved.  Wait staff had refused further drink service to both patrons. They were asked to leave. Sanfratello was escorting the female out of the casino when she became combative. She hit the sergeant, he said. She was taken into custody.

The male defendant, who had apparently exited the casino, returned to the lobby and "a physical struggle ensued with the male defendant.

Sanfratello radioed for assistance. Patrol units from the Sheriff's Office, Batavia PD, and State Police responded.

Mercy EMS also responded.

Civilians and Batavia Downs security staff became involved in the struggle to restrain the male defendant. 

"Initially, a single Batavia police officer began heading towards the Downs to assist sheriff's deputies as needed," Heubusch said. While en route, further radio transmissions indicated that CPR was in progress, and yelling and screaming could be heard in the background."

Upon arrival, the officer observed a male and female in custody but reported that they continued to "violently struggle" with officers.

Attempts to revive Sanfratello were unsuccessful, and later, a Genesee County Coroner pronounced him dead.

Criminal investigators from the Sheriff's Office responded, as did command staff from the departments. After further consultation, the investigation was turned over to Batavia PD.

"This is an ongoing investigation and the casino was very busy that night," Heubusch said. "We're asking anyone who may have witnessed this incident and or may have digital evidence -- videos or photos -- to contact our detective bureau."

The press conference was then opened to questions from the more than a dozen members of local and regional news organizations present.

Heubush was asked to elaborate on the struggle with the defendants.

"They were resisting arrest," Heubusch said. "It's obvious in the videos that the subjects were not going into custody without a fight. So, they were physically resisting arrest very violently."

What were they doing specifically?

"I can't get into the details of what that was," Heubusch said. "But the video demonstrates that they resisted arrest violently."

On the arrest report, the charge for aggravated manslaughter includes mention of a "deadly weapon."  Asked if that was statutory language or if the chain is being considered a deadly weapon, Finnell said, "It's a statutory language, but the chain is the focus of that language."

Heubusch was asked to further explain the use of the "metal chain" (the term used in the charging documents) allegedly deployed by the defendant.  The police department later put out a statement clarifying that it was a piece of jewelry. 

"During the altercation, you can see one of the defendants, the male defendant, remove a large piece of jewelry from around his neck, a chain or a thick metal rope that was used during the struggle," Heubusch said. I can't get into the details of what happened with that, but it was used as part of the attack."

Heubusch confirmed that the defendant used a chokehold against Sanfratello.

He was asked if the defendant swung the chain to strike Sanfratello or if the defendant wrapped the chain around his fist and hit Sanfratello.

"I can't get into those types of details. That's part of the investigation," Heubusch said.

Asked if the defendants submitted to blood tests for drugs or alcohol, Finnell said, "There's been no direct blood testing that I know of. It's procedure for the jail to do a screening for drugs and alcohol (at intake). My understanding is they were not initially cooperative with that process; however, they may have ultimately done that."

In response to a question, Finnell said an autopsy has been completed, but the report has not been delivered.

In response to a question about the apparent ongoing struggle with the defendants after other officers arrived on scene, Heubusch said he is not aware of any other officers being injured.

Asked who performed CPR, Batavia Downs security staff or civilians, and who assisted in subduing the defendants, Heubusch said, "There were several members of the Batavia Downs security staff as well as bystanders who were both performing CPR on and off as well as holding the defendants down to help us get them into custody."

Finnell left open the possibility of additional charges once the investigation is completed.

On Tuesday, the judge in Town of Batavia Court issued several orders of protection for members of the Sanfratello family, including a bar on third-party contact.

Asked if friends and family of the defendant had made threats against Sanfratello's family, Finnell said, "I have been advised that there were some statements made, the content of which or the degree of the statements themselves, I'm not aware of, but they were sufficient for us to ask for orders of protection, more of as a prophylactic measure to make sure that there's no contact." 

Sheron said the Sheriff's Office has had an agreement with Batavia Downs to provide uniformed officers for additional security on weekends as "a deterrence."  He said there had been no issues at Batavia Downs that prompted the request or made it necessary.

"We've had minimal complaints," Sheron said.  "Nothing, ever, to this extreme or fights."

During the Q&A, Heubusch again urged news outlets to inform the public that investigators are seeking video and photos of the incident.

"There's a ton of video in the casino," Heubusch said. "With the cooperation of Batavia Downs, we did get all of that into our possession. However, any video that we can get from any angle is important to us in identifying potential witnesses and other actions that may have occurred outside of the cameras of the casino itself. It is extremely important to us to be able to identify anything else that's out there."

While leaving the Town of Batavia Court on Tuesday, the defendant told a group of friends and family, "My life over."

Asked if that is an admission of guilt and whether the statement could be used against him, Finnell said, "Any statement he makes spontaneously, whether it's in the course of the crime or his detention thereafter, including in court, can be used, in my opinion, should it become relevant later at trial."

In response to a follow-up, he said, "I would consider that an admission that he has done something that he regrets deeply."

In his closing statement, Ian Sanfratello thanks the community who has reached out to his family and offered support, condolences, and dropped off food.

He said he also wanted to address reports that some members of the defendants' family have been harassed or threatened on social media.

"I know my father would not want any threats of any kind being made to the family of the suspects and to the suspects themselves," Ian said. "He would know that justice will be served in the correct way."

Previously:

• Sheriff's Office sergeant dies in the line of duty while trying to make arrest at Batavia Downs
• Batavia man charged with manslaughter in death of Sheriff's Office sergeant during confrontation at Batavia Downs
• Court documents say Elmore used chains to beat officer, placed him in a chokehold
• Funeral services announced for Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello
• DA explains status of criminal charges against man allegedly involved in death of Sheriff's sergeant
• Clarification and Correction: 'thick piece of jewelry' allegedly used in attack on officer
• Man accused in death of Sheriff's sergeant tells friends and family, 'my life over'
• Photo: Patrol vehicle parked at Sheriff's Office in honor of Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello

Press Release:

On Thursday, March 7 the curtain rose on the sold-out run of Byron-Bergen Drama Club’s presentation of “Beauty & the Beast”. More than just a replica of Broadway, the Drama Club created a uniquely local presentation with original costumes and set pieces, including a wood-chopping machine designed and built by the High School Technology Club. 

They also included several references to local businesses and humorous cast interactions such as a student actress facing off against her real-life father during the battle for the enchanted castle.

From the imaginative shadow puppet narrations to the enchanted cheese grater, the Drama Club had the audience completely under their spell.

The young cast was anchored by seniors HannahRae Amador, Aurora Hiscutt, Malachi Smith, pit band percussionist Quintin Rich, and numerous experienced performers from last year’s presentation of “Hairspray”. Amador supported the village and castle ensembles both as an enthusiastic pub manager with a Viking helmet and wicked pirouette as well as a feisty coatrack, not afraid to defend the castle with loud whistles and impeccable comedic timing.

Hiscutt joined Gianna Graff, Katherine Rogoyski, and Genevieve Smith as the hysterical quartet of “silly girls” swooning after the vain and villainous Gaston. Hiscutt is a team player, bringing beautiful harmonies, giggles, and shrieks to the quartet as well as stepping out into the spotlight for solo work.

Rich, the only student-musician in a pit band full of seasoned professionals, kept the beat rolling from curtain to curtain including an epic three-minute drum solo of his own composition which acted as the lone score for the castle battle scene.

M. Smith took on the title antagonist turned hero, cursed into a monstrous appearance and racing the clock to return himself and his enchanted household to human form. He balanced Beast’s fierce roar and explosive temper with soaring tortured ballads, highlighting his skilled vocals. M. Smith impressed both with his physical acting as he single-handedly battled a pack of acrobatic wolves and with the tenderness that transcended his claws and prosthetic headpiece during his interactions with Belle.

Sophomore Gianna Clark is masterfully expressive, creating a Belle who was more than just an avid reader, but whose affection for her father and enchanted friends was as real as her ever-growing contempt for her supercilious suiter, Gaston. Clark’s vocal performances showed not only her range and precision as a singer, but her talent for living the character through song.

Gaston, played by Sophomore Roman Smith, at first seemed nothing more than an arrogant buffoon with silly one-liners about his thighs, but R. Smith unleashed flashes of Gaston’s cruelty, which peaked as he and his sidekick Lefou whipped up a frenzied mob of townspeople to storm the Beast’s castle. Lefou, played by 7th grader Teagan Williams, demonstrated his talent for physical comedy in a performance full of pratfalls, spills, and some truly astonishing choreography which he nailed while also belting out lead vocals in the pub scene.

The enchanted castle is staffed by a cast of magical objects with personalities as huge as their dance numbers. They were led by key performers Rylee Burch (9th grade), Abby Cook (11th grade), Bradley Pocock (10th grade), Michael Rogoyski (8th grade), and Jade Wolff (11th grade).

Burch took the role of Madame de la Grande Bouche, an opera performer turned wardrobe whose commanding soprano melodies were as graceful as the unexpected ease with which she handled the complex choreography, as a large piece of furniture. Abby Cook doubled as Babette, the feather duster, and a primary dancer in several villager scenes. 

Also, as a Dance Captain, Cook’s fancy footwork brought energy to the dance numbers and helped maintain the storyline of ongoing flirtation with the debonaire candelabra, Lumiere played by Pocock. 

Pocock was effervescent, delivering over-the-top puns and punchlines in a rococo suit and powdered wig. His scene-stealing levity was in sharp contrast to the curmudgeonly clock, Cogsworth, played by Rogoyski. 

Rogoyski nailed the strait-laced, “tightly wound” timepiece with a pompous but good-natured air and bursts of hilarity and sincerity that brought the character to life. 

Wolff rounded out the troupe, literally, in a huge, willow-patterned hoop skirt, taking on the role of Mrs. Potts, the teapot. Wolff delivered charm, personality, and the iconic title solo. Her smooth, dynamic vocals set the scene for Belle and Beast to fall in love.

The supporting cast of villagers and enchanted objects brought depth to the musical as each performer embodied unique characters such as the baker, pin cushion, farmer, potted plant, tailor, or chandelier. The ensemble pulled in the crowd, filling the stage with energy during the epic musical numbers such as Belle’s opening stroll through town, “Human Again”, and the showstopping “Be Our Guest”. 

The stage crew, led by Estelle Dumuhosky and Maryn Meier, also played a pivotal role in moving the story seamlessly from village to castle and through to the storybook ending.

The Jr./Sr, High School students were joined by several elementary school students who danced their way through “Be Our Guest” as forks, spoons, and dinner mints. Third-graders Austyn Krol and Naylee Robinson share the role of Chip, the teacup. Both young ladies deliver energetic and adorable performances. Also joining the cast are 6th Grade Teacher Ken Rogoyski as the lovable, zany Maurice and Aaron Burch as the menacing asylum manager, Monsieur D’arque.

Byron-Bergen’s production of “Beauty & the Beast” was directed by Alyson Mercedes Tardy, musical direction by Joe Paris, pit band direction by Kevin Bleiler, and choreography by Solange Rodrigues. Congratulations to the cast, crew, staff, and volunteers.

After years of wanting to host a memorable event to connect the Eli Fish Brewing Company name to this community’s fun-spirited nature, it looks like this will be the year, brand manager Kaeli LaFrance says.

The Fish Race will commemorate the downtown brew restaurant’s sixth anniversary and pit up to 16 teams of four people each in a silly relay foot race around the block of Jackson Square on March 23. 

“They are teams of four, and one has to be a woman. They will pass a fish they have to carry with both hands, so we’re thinking it’s a giant salmon. We want people to come out and celebrate with us. It’s one big day we want to celebrate with the community and help us with our growth and a salute to years to come. 

“A fish race is something the owners have wanted to do for years. Since they hired me this year, they said, ‘We want to do this.’  And it's been crazy, but it's going to be so worth it the day of,” LaFrance said. It’s part of the gag joke, this silly thing. We’re a brewery, and it’s something that’s fun and different. We plan on doing it every year. Next year, we can expand from it.” 

Each team has to pass off the fish to its members at relay points on the route from Jackson, School and Center streets with Jackson Square being the central landing zone. 

Beats and Beers will feature DJ Lagerhythms — and head brewmaster — Adam Burnett beginning at 2 p.m. on the patio, and the race is set for 4 p.m. There will be five heats, and the fifth heat will put the finalists against one another for the grand prize of four Mug Club memberships for the 2024 season. 

The entry fee is $40 per team and includes eight drink chips and team T-shirts. 

There will be live music inside Eli, with Josh Hawkins from 2 to 4 p.m. and Grizzwoode from 5 to 7 p.m. The DJ will be in the Square for the day as long as people want to hang out, she said. 

Teams can sign up online and will be accepted up to the day of event, up to a maximum of 16 teams.

Also, on that day, Eli will feature a Custom Charcuterie Class & Beer Pairing from 1 to 3 p.m. It's the “ultimate gourmet experience” of a guided custom grazing board with Cheese by April and a brewer at Rusty Nickel. All of the ingredients are “fresh and expertly curated with our craft beer,” and the experience comes with a custom Eli Fish wooden cheese board made by Nickel City Woodworking, LaFrance said.

Tickets for this event are also available at Eli Fish.

City Council made it official Monday for Ryan Duffy to establish his second office to be at City Hall.

Duffy, executive director at Holland Land Office Museum, will take the helm as city historian now that former historian Larry Barnes resigned the post at the end of 2023. 

Why does he want to take on this secondary set of responsibilities?
“The nice thing is that it's similar to my regular job. So it's not a huge transition to just do it over here, as well. So I look at it as just adding on to my duties, really,” Duffy said after council’s business meeting at City Hall. “I write columns all the time. But I also deal with genealogy requests and things that city and municipal historians deal with. So a lot of the duties I perform, is a seamless transition. It's just working with a new collection, really. 

What’s your favorite part about working with history?
“My favorite part, I went and studied history to study history. And the research aspect is always something I've enjoyed probably the most,” he said. “And I don't always get to do it all the time at the museum, at least in the same capacity. So it was a way to be able to do that but still dealing with something that I'm pretty passionate in, and know quite a bit about.”

Why is there a city historian?
The Arts and Cultural Affairs Law of New York State mandates that there be a city historian, and the position is appointed by City Council. Duffy’s term is for four years, effective immediately, according to the resolution approved during Monday’s business meeting.

Duffy was uncertain how many hours he’d actually be putting into the job, which is paid $5,000 annually. That wasn’t always the case, and for most of Barnes’ 16 years in the post, he was an unpaid volunteer. A push that began with former management and council led to the stipend in 2023. 

The city historian’s office is located on the second floor of City Hall next door to council chambers, where filing cabinets are filled with research materials. During his terms, Barnes authored four books about various city topics, and Duffy isn’t certain just yet what he might " deep-dive” into. He is open to requests and questions, he said.

“I know there'll be ways to get in contact, even if I'm not here. So I welcome everybody to get in touch with me if they need something. Once I get settled in, I'll do my best to start combing through things and getting the history of Batavia out there,” he said. 

The main number for City Hall is 585-345-6300.

Previously:

• Sheriff's Office sergeant dies in the line of duty while trying to make arrest at Batavia Downs
• Batavia man charged with manslaughter in death of Sheriff's Office sergeant during confrontation at Batavia Downs
• Court documents say Elmore used chains to beat officer, placed him in a chokehold
• Funeral services announced for Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello
• DA explains status of criminal charges against man allegedly involved in death of Sheriff's sergeant
• Clarification and Correction: 'thick piece of jewelry' allegedly used in attack on officer
• Man accused in death of Sheriff's sergeant tells friends and family, 'my life over'

As he left Town of Batavia Court on Tuesday afternoon, Michael J. Elmore, accused of actions at Batavia Downs on Sunday morning that led to the death of Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello shook his head "no" and told a group of friends and family members, "My life over."

"I love you, bro," somebody responded.

He could then be heard in the back of the patrol car sobbing.

As is standard for an initial arraignment in court, the defendant entered a not-guilty plea.  Elmore is scheduled to return to court at 1 p.m. on April 9 for further proceedings.  He is being held in the Monroe County Jail on $100,000 cash bail. His case is likely to go to a grand jury and eventually be transferred to Genesee County Court.

Assistant District Attorney Joseph Robinson said District Attorney Kevin Finnell will be leading the prosecution on the case. He said the investigation is ongoing, and the people are not yet ready to hand over evidence (called discovery) to the defense. 

Attorney Joseph Lobosco has been assigned to represent Elmore.

The courtroom was filled to near capacity with Sanfratello's family members and members of the local law enforcement community, including Sheriff William Sheron, Undersheriff Bradley Mazur, Deputy Chief Joseph Graff, and Deputy Chief Brian Frieday.

Elmore is charged with aggravated manslaughter in the first degree, a Class B felony, aggravated assault upon a police officer, a Class B felony, and burglary in the second degree. The manslaughter charge is based on alleged intent to cause serious physical injury. The aggravated assault includes an allegation of using a deadly weapon. The burglary charge includes the alleged use of a dangerous instrument. 

The charges stem from an incident early Sunday morning, at 12:43 a.m. Sanfratello responded to a report of a disturbance in a bar at Batavia Downs.

There, Sanfratello confronted Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, 39, of Batavia and ordered Wilcox to leave the building. While being escorted out, she allegedly became combative with Sanfratello. Court documents state that she hit Sanfratello several times with the intent to injure him. 

At some point during this confrontation, Elmore reportedly became involved.  He was told to leave the casino and did leave, according to court documents, but "immediately" returned with "chains" in his hands. The police now describe these chains as "a thick piece of jewelry or necklace commonly worn around one's neck."

Elmore is accused of striking Sanfratello in the face and neck with the piece of jewelry and of getting Sanfratello in a chokehold.  At some point, according to an initial police press release, Sanfratello deployed his taser. While struggling with the suspect, Batavia Downs security officers and civilians attempted to assist him.  He became unresponsive. CPR was performed.  He was later pronounced dead by a county coroner. 

Wilcox is charged with burglary in the second degree, a Class C felony, and attempted assault in the second degree, a Class E felony. 

She appeared in court later Tuesday afternoon, but The Batavian was unable to attend her hearing.

The cause of Sanfratello's death has not been released. There are unconfirmed reports that he suffered some sort of medical issue.

Elmore has a lengthy arrest record. In 2009, he was accused of shooting a teen with a BB gun at the former skate park in Batavia. In 2012, he was charged with disorderly conduct following a fight on State Street. He was charged with a burglary at Sherwin-Williams in 2013. In 2015, he was accused of sending threatening texts to another person. He also has a prior history of tangling with law enforcement. He was charged with obstructing governmental administration during an incident in 2022 at the former Days Inn. In 2022, he was also accused of slashing tires on vehicles.

Previously:

• Sheriff's Office sergeant dies in the line of duty while trying to make arrest at Batavia Downs
• Batavia man charged with manslaughter in death of Sheriff's Office sergeant during confrontation at Batavia Downs
• Court documents say Elmore used chains to beat officer, placed him in a chokehold
• Funeral services announced for Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello
• DA explains status of criminal charges against man allegedly involved in death of Sheriff's sergeant
• Clarification and Correction: 'thick piece of jewelry' allegedly used in attack on officer

Press release:

The City of Batavia Police Department is seeking assistance from the public in gathering digital evidence from the incident that occurred at the Batavia Downs on March 10, resulting in the death of Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello. 

Anyone with video or other digital evidence is asked to provide it to the Police Department using the link below, or by scanning the QR code.

https://bataviapdny.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/10march2024bataviadownsincident 

Anyone with questions regarding this process can contact Detective Eric Hill at 585-345-6373. We thank the public in advance. 

Previously, The Batavian reported that a "metal chain" was allegedly used by Michael J. Elmore during an attack on Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello early Sunday morning at Batavia Downs.

Batavia PD has issued a statement clarifying that it was a" thick piece of jewelry or necklace commonly worn around one's neck."

Besides this clarification, The Batavian must make its own correction. We erroneously reported that Elmore left the casino and retrieved a chain. This was an assumption on our part, and we should never make assumptions in our reporting.  Court documents do say that Elmore left the building and "immediately" returned, but nowhere does it mention that he retrieved any object in the process. We regret the error and apologize to the Sanfratello family for this error and any additional upset it may have caused.  

A member of law enforcement accused us of sensationalizing the story.  

We never seek to sensationalize crime stories.  It's not necessary. Typically, the facts themselves speak for themselves. Except for the assumption about Elmore retrieving the chain, the rest of our prior stories were based on assertions contained in the charging documents.

The accusatory instrument states on the burglary charge that Elmore "re-entered the building holding metal chains, a dangerous instrument, that he passed between both hands while swinging them around making threats of use. The defendant used the metal chain to assault Sgt. Sanfratello by repeatedly striking him about the head and face."

On the aggravated manslaughter charge, the document states, "... the defendant did cause the death of Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office by repeatedly striking him about the head and face with his fist and a metal chain and by having him in a chokehold."

The aggravated assault charge also refers to the chain as a "dangerous instrument." 

NYS penal code refers to a "dangerous instrument." as an object that can cause death or serious physical injury.  We should note that a necklace could, in fact, be used as a weapon and cause a serious injury.

As a matter of transparency, here are links to the accusatory instruments:

• Document 1
• Document 2
• Document 3

NOTE: Before reading further, read this: Clarification and Correction: 'thick piece of jewelry' allegedly used in attack on officer

While Batavia resident Michael J. Elmore has been charged with aggravated manslaughter in the death on Sunday of Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello, that doesn't mean the charges can't be amended, District Attorney Kevin Finnell told The Batavian on Tuesday morning.

The Batavian asked Finnell about why Elmore was being charged with manslaughter instead of murder after obtaining court documents that revealed that Elmore was accused of retrieving a chain from outside leaving Batavia Downs, reentering the building, and attacking Sanfratello, striking his head and face, and getting Sanfratello in a chokehold.

"As you can expect, the case is still being investigated, and as such, final charging decisions have not been made," Finnell said in an email response. "It is likely a grand jury will make those decisions in the fairly near future.  Until then, I am unable to provide details on the thought process that led to the current charges, but I will indicate that such charges were based on the information law enforcement had available at the time.  That information is being augmented daily as more witnesses are interviewed and more evidence is received."

Both the aggravated manslaughter charge and a murder charge require the prosecution to prove to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant had a degree of intent.  Finnell explained there is a subtle difference between the proof requirements.

"As to your question about the current charge of aggravated manslaughter vs. murder, the principal difference is one of intent," Finnell said. "For a murder charge to be viable, we are required to prove that the defendant acted with 'intent to cause the death of another person.' Aggravated manslaughter in the first degree requires proof of 'intent to cause serious physical injury', which results in death.  Other forms of manslaughter require proof of reckless behavior resulting in death.  The final charges will reflect decisions that are based upon the whole body of evidence that is obtained after the investigation is completed."

Sanfratello, 54, was a 32-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office. He was working a special detail at Batavia Downs when he was called upon at 12:43 a.m. on Sunday to help quell a disturbance in a bar there.

Sanfratello confronted Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, 39, of Batavia and ordered Wilcox to leave the building. While being escorted out, she allegedly became combative with Sanfratello. She is accused of hitting Sanfratello several times with the intent to injure him. 

Wilcox is charged with burglary in the second degree, a Class C felony and attempted assault in the second degree, a Class E felony. 

Elmore is charged with aggravated manslaughter in the first degree, a Class B felony, aggravated assault upon a police officer, a Class B felony, and burglary in the second degree. The manslaughter charge is based on alleged intent to cause serious physical injury. The aggravated assault includes an allegation of using a deadly weapon. The burglary charge includes the alleged use of a dangerous instrument. 

Previously:

• Sheriff's Office sergeant dies in the line of duty while trying to make arrest at Batavia Downs
• Batavia man charged with manslaughter in death of Sheriff's Office sergeant during confrontation at Batavia Downs
• Court documents say Elmore used chains to beat officer, placed him in a chokehold
• Funeral services announced for Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello

Of all the various items in a city budget—from personnel and medical insurance to sidewalk replacement, facilities upkeep, and community celebrations—one department, in particular, weighed heavy on the mind of City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. Monday evening.

That was the police department and its representation of all law enforcement. Jankowski, a retired city police lieutenant, knew Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, who died in the line of duty this past weekend during a scuffle with someone he was attempting to apprehend at Batavia Downs. 

“I worked with him. He was a dispatcher for us in the very beginning, and then he ended up working over at the sheriff's department and working his way to Sergeant. And I ran into him at a meeting just a couple of weeks ago, and I asked him if he had retired yet, and he said, no, he hadn't done that, he was looking forward to it in a couple of years. And unfortunately, he didn't get a chance. It upset me a lot when I found out the news of his passing,” Jankowski said after the meeting at City Hall. “I feel strongly about our public safety, and our fire department and our streets being cleared. Those are our core value services. And in our budget, basically, those are the three items we fund first. And then after that, if we have anything left over extra, then we start looking at additional items, like maybe modifications to a recreational area or a park or something like that. 

"But we have parking lots that are in need. We have streets that are in need. We have sidewalks that are in need. So those are our priority," he said. "But public safety, in my mind, is my number one priority. That's why I pay taxes. I want my police, I want my fire, I want my DPW. I want the streets kept clean, and I want them safe. So that's just important to me. And a lot of people I talked to feel the same way.”

Before council's business meeting, Jankowski asked for a few moments of silence in memory of Sanfratello and former officer Edward LaValley, who died March 1 at Crossroads House.

During the meeting and before the council’s vote to adopt the proposed 2024-25 budget, Jankowski issued a reminder for people to “remember what happened this weekend” when the council resumes talks about the police department and a recommendation to hire more officers. He may not be in favor of doing multiple hirings at once, versus one per year perhaps, but would like to ensure that the city’s department is equipped to provide adequate public safety, he said.

Jankowski’s response followed Councilman-at-Large Bob Bialkowski’s lone rebuttal to and disappointment in the budget.

 “I’m just a little disappointed in the process, and everything was approved in its entirety. I certainly heard from many, many people dissatisfied with the situation,” Bialkowski said. “One of the things I’m really very dissatisfied with, at a recent meeting, one of our council members concocted a whole story, things that I supposedly voted for during an Audit Committee meeting, which we were discussing the 2020 budget and compliance for the audit, which was very good, which I don’t appreciate that sort of thing. We don't all get along all the time. There's no reason to be attacking other council members.

“But some of the factors we could have considered—maybe we shouldn't hire so many employees at one time or buy so many new vehicles—” he said. The VLT money was never entered into it. I just feel that we could have done things differently.”

In turn, Jankowski said quite the opposite.

“I have had numerous people come up to me in person telling me that council is doing a great job, so I guess we can’t please everybody. But they don’t call me. I have no way of knowing that. The assessments didn’t happen this year because you, Mr. Bialkowski, were one of the advocates for giving our taxpayers a break. And I went along with you on that. But now that I look at it, I think when we interfere with that state process, I think we should probably let it go its normal course and stay out of that. It’s not really our process to get involved with. Let it go on as the state requires them to work. This is my own personal opinion,” he said.  “And let me be straight. No one was glad we raised taxes. But they’re glad with the general direction and upkeep of the services we presently have, and the construction and the finally putting to bed the police station project, and getting that over the finish line. And things like that are what they’re pleased with.

“I wish we could keep it zero tax increase as well. This year, it just wasn’t possible to do without cutting essential services. And as we saw in the news recently, we’ve had two attacks on our police officers, violent ones, one resulting in a really bad situation recently," he said. "So I would never lay off police officers or firemen or DPW people. They’re essential for our public safety.”

He then pointed to a state criminal justice report that assessed the city police department and recommended that the city hire five more patrol officers, and said, “so if anything, remember what happened this past weekend.”

“The next budget when we start talking about we might want to hire more police officers, remember what happened this weekend,” he said. 

To clarify, the weekend event happened at Batavia Downs, which is in the town of Batavia and under the jurisdiction of Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, not the Batavia Police Department. 

The front portion of Batavia Downs along Park Road is in the town of Batavia, but the majority of the complex, according to Jankowski, is in the city, so it is under the jurisdiction of Batavia city police. 

By a vote of eight to one, council approved the budget of $37,061,280 million, with a tax levy increase of $110,000 from this year for a total of $6.7 million. Members Derek Geib, Rich Richmond, Al McGinnis, Kathy Briggs, Tammy Schmidt, Paul Viele, David Twichell, and Jankowski voted yes to Bialkowski’s no vote. 

Richmond stuck to his initial stance that Bialkowski had the opportunity to voice concerns during the Audit Committee meetings and instead said all was fine and made no changes. Richmond said he believed “this was a reasonable budget” and was willing to stand up and say so. He challenged Bialkowski to do the same and suggested cuts to make if he didn’t want to see a tax increase. "Being offended isn’t a virtue,” he said.

When asked after the meeting about making cuts, Bialkowski told The Batavian that it wasn’t his job to do so. There’s a city staff in place to do that, he said. 

The proposed property tax levy of $6,710,000 will increase by $110,000 and mean a property tax rate of $8.96 per $1,000 assessed value, or two cents per $1,000 assessed value, or $2 extra per year on a home assessed at $100,000.

Council also approved, in a much less controversial fashion, a 19-cent increase in the city's water rate to $6.46 per 1,000 gallons and $8.16 in the town, along with increases of $2 per quarter for the water meter and $6 per quarter for the capital infrastructure fund. That vote was unanimous.

All tallied, with an estimated $3.80 more per quarter for the water itself, plus the meter and capital fund increases, that estimated increase is to be about $47 more per year for a family of four, city management said. 

Of course, the total yearly increase depends on how much water a household consumes. Sewer fees are not increased, and a proposed stormwater tax that was discussed during budget sessions is not part of this budget.

The total budget includes:

• $690,000 for general fund reserves, $45,717 for City Council, $147,638 for city manager, $230,167 for legal services
• $6,000 for community development, $113,300 for economic development, $5,000 for GO Art!, $13,5000 for community celebrations
• $85,288 for Youth Bureau summer recreation, $107,260 for Department of Public Works, $289,316 for city facilities, $20,500 for the ice rink, $43,500 for Dwyer Stadium
• $461,00 for inspection, $173,205 for Public Works Bureau of Maintenance administration, $533,974 for street maintenance, $1,009,754 for CHIPS permanent improvement highway
• $523,494 public works garage, $465,890 for snow removal, $107,791 for street lighting traffic signals, $300,000 for sidewalks, $278,510 for parking lots
• $605,747 for parks, $129,593 for street cleaning, $6,283 for historic preservation, $122,201 for refuse and recycling,
• $4,768,850 for police, $39,336 for the emergency response team, $221,579 for the police Neighborhood Enforcement Team (NET), $18,147 for community policing and events, $950 for the K-9 unit, $4,700,470 for the fire department
• $11,292,301 for water, wastewater and worker’s comp funds, $567,138 for City Centre, $3,443,968 for medical insurance.

Much of Batavia’s growth in the nineteenth and early twentieth century can be attributed to its location as a hub of major transportation systems. This was particularly evident with the passage through the Batavia of several major railway lines. 

However, another form of rail transportation through the heart of Batavia, though it existed only for two dozen years, left an impact upon first the village and then the city. The trolley line that ran the extent of Main Street was built as a precursor to Batavia's continued growth and to connect it further to the rapidly growing cities of Buffalo and Rochester at the dawn of the twentieth century.

The trolley line in Batavia was completed in 1903, though it was originally just a small piece of a much larger line. 

The Buffalo and Williamsville Company, who built the line, had plans for a line running from Williamsville and Depew to Rochester. They even had talks with investors of further expansion to Medina or Horseshoe Lake, and eventually across New York State. However, the Batavia Main Street line is all that would come to pass. 

The trolley was a single track that ran a mile and a half from Clinton Street to the intersection of West Main Street and Lewiston Road. A turnout was also built near Bank Street to allow the trolley cars to pass each other. It officially opened on September 2, 1903, with many of the village aldermen as its first riders. It quickly became the latest marvel in Batavia, and people flocked to ride the trolley, with reports of 3,300 people to board at some point during the first week. 

The trolley line's local patrons would soon have issues with its builder, the Buffalo and Williamsville Company. 

Though the line had a large number of riders, very little was done to improve the equipment or the quality of the ride. 

In 1911, East Main Street residents complained about the noise of the trolley cars, and many riders were less than thrilled with the uncomfortable seats on board. By this point, no effort had been made to add a second line. When some expansion began in 1912, the village aldermen asked the company to pave Main Street, which was never resurfaced after the line was finished. The village officials believed that this was the company’s responsibility.

The disagreement over the paving of Main Street became increasingly hostile. When pressured, the company hinted that they would just close the line altogether. The company would attempt to make good on their threat by applying for a permit to close the trolley line. In response, a commission of local men, including George Wiard and K.B. Mathes, sought out other entities to run it. In 1914, they found a potential buyer in the Storage Battery Company of New York City, but it was deemed soon after that it would be more beneficial if the line was owned and operated by a local company. 

A year later, the Batavia Traction Company was created to undertake such a venture. Though the trolleys still ran for another twelve years, there were never funds to make the necessary improvements. 

By 1927, the company was losing money, and the whole line was deteriorating beyond repair. 

Trolleys were becoming obsolete, replaced by buses, and there was little outside interest in keeping the cable cars going. By the end of the year, the trolley line on Main Street ceased to take Batavians to and from. 

Some of the tracks were dug up during the scrap drives in 1943; another part was covered by blacktop in 1947, while the tracks along East Main Street were still there until Route 5 was rebuilt in the 1960s.

NOTE: Before reading further, read this: Clarification and Correction: 'thick piece of jewelry' allegedly used in attack on officer

The alleged attack on Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello at Batavia Downs early Sunday morning may have been more brutal than previously described in news releases about the incident.

In charging documents at the Town of Batavia Court, called accusatory Instruments, Michael J. Elmore is accused of leaving the casino, retrieving metal chains, reentering the building and threatening Sanfratello.

The 33-year-old Elmore allegedly "passed (the chains (now described as a necklace)) between both hands while swinging them around and making threats," and then he allegedly used the metal chains to assault Sanfratello, striking him in the head and face. He's also accused of using his fists and of placing Sanfratello in a chokehold.

Sanfratello, 54, was a 32-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office. Investigators say Sanfratello died as a result of the attack. There have been reports that he died from a medical issue, possibly a heart attack, during the confrontation.  No official document available so far confirms those reports.

Elmore is charged with aggravated manslaughter in the first degree, a Class B felony, aggravated assault upon a police officer, a Class B felony, and burglary in the second degree. The manslaughter charge is based on alleged intent to cause serious physical injury. The aggravated assault includes an allegation of using a deadly weapon. The burglary charge includes the alleged use of a dangerous instrument. 

The incident began at 12:43 a.m. on Sunday when Sanfratello and Batavia Downs security responded to the Rush 34 bar for a disturbance. There, Sanfratello confronted Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, 39, of Batavia and ordered Wilcox to leave the building. While being escorted out, she allegedly became combative with Sanfratello. The accusatory instrument says she hit Sanfratello several times with the intent to injure him. 

The available timeline does not indicate when Elmore became involved and was told to leave the building. According to the earlier press release and the accusatory instruments, he left and returned with the intent to commit a crime.

The initial press release from Batavia PD said that Sanfratello did attempt to deploy his taser during the struggle with Elmore.

The accusatory instruments were filed by Det. Jason Ivison (Elmore) and Det. James DeFreze (Wilcox) of the Batavia Police Department.

The arrest reports indicate that Elmore and Wilcox may have been impaired by alcohol at the time of the incident.

Wilcox is charged with burglary in the second degree, a Class C felony and attempted assault in the second degree, a Class E felony. 

Both were arraigned on Sunday evening. Elmore is being held on $100,000 bail, $200,000 bond, and $500,000 partially secured bond. Wilcox is being held on $50,000 bail, $100,000 bond, or $200,000 partially secured bond.

Contrary to social media chatter, both were still in custody on Monday afternoon.

Sanfratello was on duty, in uniform, at the time he was attacked. He was working a special detail at Batavia Downs. Batavia Downs has been compensating the Sheriff's Office for four or five months to provide law enforcement personnel at the casino on Friday and Saturday nights.

Elmore has a lengthy arrest recording. In 2009, he was accused of shooting a teen with a BB gun at the former skate park in Batavia. In 2012, he was charged with disorderly conduct following a fight on State Street. He was charged with a burglary at Sherwin-Williams in 2013. In 2015, he was accused of sending threatening texts to another person. He also has a prior history of tangling with law enforcement. He was charged with obstructing governmental administration during an incident in 2022 at the former Days Inn. In 2022, he was also accused of slashing tires on vehicles.

The Batavian emailed questions to District Attorney Kevin Finnell late Monday afternoon and we will either update this story or publish a new story based on any response we receive.

Earlier on Monday, the DA's Office released the following statement:

Genesee County Sheriff's Office St. Thomas Sanfratello was working a detail at the Batavia Downs Gaming Facility on March 9, 2024 when, he was called to assist Batavia Downs Security personnel with two unruly patrons. In the course of escorting the individuals from the premises, the individuals became physically combative, requiring Sgt. Sanfratello to intervene. After successfully taking one of the individuals into custody and while physically engaged with the second person, Sgt. Sanfratello suffered a medical event which ultimately resulted in his passing. The case is still being actively investigated by the Batavia City Police Department and further charges are pending.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Sgt. Sanfratello's family at this most difficult time.

Previously:

• Sheriff's Office sergeant dies in the line of duty while trying to make arrest at Batavia Downs
• Batavia man charged with manslaughter in death of Sheriff's Office sergeant during confrontation at Batavia Downs

Press Release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors approved a final resolution for HP Hood’s $120 million proposed expansion project at its meeting on Thursday, March 7.

The 32,500 sq. ft. expansion project pledges to create 48 new jobs while retaining 455 FTEs adding to 1,000+ professionals in the food processing industry and cluster with over 1.2 million sq. ft. of food and beverage facilities at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park. 

“The dairy hub of the northeast at the Genesee Valley Agribusiness Park has built itself upon the qualities of our workforce, our dedicated farming families, and our strategic location close to major consumers,” said GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde. 

“The economic infrastructure generated by shovel-ready sites and workforce development programs has set up HP Hood and our robust food and beverage industry for sustained success.”

HP Hood’s expansion accommodates its automatic storage and retrieval system (ASRS) refrigerated warehouse. The project will also include new batching and processing systems and other upgrades which will allow the company to increase capacity and begin a new production line.

“The addition of another generational investment will result in the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park delivering more benefits to our community and agricultural sector,” added Hyde. 

Genesee County’s shovel-ready sites have been designed and strategically located at key transportation routes with access to population centers across the Northeast and Midwest and infrastructure corridors, including access to low-cost hydropower.

HP Hood’s investment is projected to result in a local economic impact of $49.87 million in wages and tax revenue. The GCEDC approved sales tax exemptions estimated at $4.52 million, a property tax abatement estimated at $549,705 based on an incremental increase in assessed value, and a mortgage tax exemption estimated at $536,000 bringing the value of the proposed financial agreements to approximately $5.6 million. For every $1 of public benefit, HP Hood is investing $16 into the local economy.