news

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley is reminding constituents that due to a new boating law passed last year, all motorboat operators, regardless of age, must have a boating safety certificate by 2025 in order to operate motorized watercrafts, including personal watercraft such as jet-skis.

Under the new law, all motorboat operators:

• Born on or after Jan. 1, 1993 needed a boating safety certificate beginning in 2020.

• Born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2022.

• Born on or after Jan. 1, 1983 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2023.

• Born on or after Jan. 1, 1978 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2024.

• All motorboat operators regardless of age will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2025.

Information on taking the boating safety course in-person or online can be found here.

“I encourage anyone who has even a mild interest in boating to take the state boating safety course, because it’s never been easier to get your certificate,” Hawley said. “Whether taking the course in-person or online, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon and ensure everyone stays safe in New York waters.”

Press release:

To help keep the community aware of issues of interest to them and particularly to individuals with disabilities, the Western New York Independent Living Inc. (WNYIL) Family of Agencies now offers a new 30-minute public affairs radio program.

“Independent Perspective - In Depth,” utilizing the Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service (NFRRS), will air these shows at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings.  

Weekly guests will include leaders in the community from agencies serving people with disabilities, governmental agencies, as well as elected officials who will speak to issues important to people with disabilities in Western New York.

NFRRS’ programming is available to anyone online via their website, nfradioreading.org, by clicking the “Listen Live!” button, or by using Seros or Zeno apps on portable devices.

After the broadcast, a podcast will be available through the NFRRS website, as well as the WNYIL website and on several platforms including; Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, iTunes, Spotify, Sticher and TuneIn Radio.

The Western New York Independent Living Inc. Family of Agencies offer an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

The owner of The Firing Pin indoor shooting range and gun shop in Bergen says he is prepared to help society “return to normalcy” through the development of an outdoor recreational facility that includes a drive-in movie theater on a 22-acre parcel at 3269 Harloff Road in the Town of Batavia.

Brandon Lewis, an East Bethany native and Alexander Central School graduate, provided details this morning of his plan, which is on the agenda of tonight’s Genesee County Planning Board meeting via Zoom videoconferencing.

According to documents submitted to planners, Lewis, who recently moved to Brockport, is requesting a special use permit and review of the site plan to construct and operate the business for firearms training, general recreation, fitness training and a drive-in theater.

The location, in an Agricultural-Residential district, previously was used for snow tubing.

“We’re hoping to have shooting by July and have some fun events – maybe a haunted hayride this fall … just some affordable family entertainment and family fun on top of the shooting range,” he said. “I think we can mesh those two things, and I think it’s good for a return to normalcy. Firearms are a completely normal, healthy American family activity that can mesh with other forms of family entertainment.”

Lewis, owner of The Firing Pin since 2014, said he approached the Batavia Town Planning Board more than a year ago before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, just to introduce planners to his idea. He said the board was enthusiastic in its response.

“I asked if this was feasible or (would it be) an uphill fight the whole way, and they said it sounds great and your property is perfect for it,” recalled Lewis, who purchased the former Polar Wave property a year earlier and “just fell in love with it.”

“The potential that it offers to the people of the region, really, and, talking with my family, we just thought (we could provide) something that hadn’t been done before around here,” he added.

He said the land is naturally suited to be a shooting range, which will be the primary focus.

“It will be more of a gun club, still open to the public, but more of a club-type of atmosphere where we can offer so many different kinds of training that you can’t do at an indoor range,” he said. “Being able to do that and opening it up to law enforcement, that’s going to a huge potential source of customers for us. There’s a lot that we can offer as far as demos, training and things that don’t exist anywhere around here.”

Lewis said numerous police officers from the county and surrounding area use The Firing Pin and he believes they will be attracted to an outdoor range where they can further their training.

“We have great relationships with all the local law enforcement agencies, and I’m sure we’ll see many of those guys out there privately as well. Most of the officers are very dedicated to training even on their personal time,” he said.

As far as the drive-in theater is concerned, Lewis said he will start by putting up a small projector screen to show classic movies and favorites. The hope is to expand and show new releases with room for up to 130 cars – along the lines of the Silver Lake Drive-In in Perry.

Lewis also said the area will be available for music concerts – “somewhere (in size) between Jackson Square in Batavia versus Darien Lake,” he said – and for car shows, craft shows and other events.

“I think there’s a sweet spot in there that we’re missing out on,” he said.

He said immediate plans are to fix the on-site bathrooms and a long-term goal is to build a clubhouse.

Other referrals of note are as follows:

• A site plan review for Mutka 3450 Properties of British Columbia, Canada, to construct a 1,500-square-foot office addition to an existing warehouse facility in a Manufacture-Industrial district at 3450 Railroad Ave. in the Village of Alexander;

• A site plan review for BALD Development LLC of Alden to construct an 11,250-square-foot (225 by 50) pole-barn-type commercial office/storage building in a Commercial district at 234 Genesee St. (Route 33) in the Town of Darien.

• A special use permit for ForeFront Power of San Francisco to place a 45-acre, 5 megawatt ground-mounted solar system in an Agricultural-Residential district at 6982 Norton Road in the Town of Elba. The company is looking to install the solar array with associated electrical equipment, access road, fencing and landscaping on an existing farm field owned by Daniel and Penny Mudrzynski.

• Zoning text amendments related to solar energy submitted by the Darien, Elba and Le Roy town boards.

Rendering at top showing: a 200-yard shooting range at top; trap shooting range (triangle); drive-in theater at left; handgun range between the 200-yard range and theater; RV park next to the drive-in; and training course at right. Courtesy of Genesee County Planning Department.

Batavia City Manager Rachael Tabelski was spot on Monday night when she predicted the “lower figure” would be allocated to the city through the $1.9 trillion federal relief act known as the American Rescue Plan.

Tabelski reported at this week’s City Council meeting that she received estimates “ranging between $1.57 million and $2.5 million, so I’ll go with the lowest figure -- 1.5 to come into the City of Batavia, specifically.”

Tentative dollar amounts released Wednesday by Sen. Charles Schumer’s office and the National Association of Counties indicate that the city will get $1.58 million as a result of the legislation.

Tabelski categorized the funding as a “windfall” in that the money must be used for certain projects such as infrastructure and not to “stabilize our operations.” Municipal leaders are waiting for more details on how the money can be spent.

Genesee County is targeted to receive $11.11 million, in range of what County Manager Matt Landers had forecasted. 

The county’s 14 towns are expected to receive $4.66 million, divvied up as follows:

• Town of Alabama, $190,000;
• Town of Alexander, $270,000;
• Town of Batavia, $750,000;
• Town of Bergen, $320,000;
• Town of Bethany, $190,000;
• Town of Byron, $250,000;
• Town of Darien, $330,000;
• Town of Elba, $250,000;
• Town of Le Roy, $810,000;
• Town of Oakfield, $330,000;
• Town of Pavilion, $260,000;
• Town of Pembroke, $450,000;
• Town of Stafford, $260,000.

Allocations to Orleans and Wyoming counties are expected to be $7.83 million and $7.73 million, respectively.

In other City of Batavia government news:

• Tabelski and City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. said they are waiting to receive some outstanding invoices before determining the total amount that was spent to conduct the nationwide search for a permanent city manager.

Jankowski previously told The Batavian that he figured it would be around $5,000. The city contracted with The Novak Consulting Group of Cincinnati, Ohio, to assist in the search following the departure of Martin Moore last June. (The Batavian has requested an itemized list of all expenses).

Some residents have criticized the city for conducting another search (Novak was involved in the search that resulted in Moore’s hiring in 2018) when it could have hired Tabelski, who had been serving in an interim role for the past eight months.

Council opted to conduct a full search, however, as a stipulation in the contract with Novak indicated it would be provided at no cost, other than travel, advertising and related expenses.

As it turned out, even if the expenses involved to reach a decision to appoint Tabelski as the permanent city manager increase to $6,000, for example, the city will have saved significantly in salary over that time.

If Tabelski was hired in July, her salary would have jumped from (approximately) $7,398 per month to $9,166 per month – a difference of $1,768 per month. Multiply that times eight months and you get $14,144. The city did give Tabelski a stipend of $1,000 per month for the additional duties, so the savings decrease to $6,144.

But what also must be considered is that if Tabelski was hired in July, she would have brought on an assistant manager in short order. Even at a salary of $75,000, for example, that would have cost the city another $45,000 to 50,000 or so in personnel expenses.

Jankowski said initially he was in favor of “speeding up the hiring process” as he supported Tabelski for the job, but he thinks the decision to conduct the search was the right one.

“Looking back on that, I’m glad I acted on the feedback I received and supported moving on with a full and complete search,” he said. “It was fair and thorough. The search committee did a great job and I’m proud to have been a part of the process.”

• Tabelski, responding to an email from The Batavian, confirmed that Ray Tourt had opted not to accept the permanent position of Department of Public Works director.

“After additional consideration, Ray Tourt has decided not to take the permanent/provisional appointment of Director of Public Works,” Tabelski said. “Ray, a 20-plus-year veteran of the city, is committed to the City of Batavia and will remain the interim director while the city conducts a full search, and hiring process for a new director.”

Once a new director is hired, Tourt will go back to his former position of superintendent of the Bureau of Maintenance, and the city’s Human Resources department will begin to advertise for the position of DPW director in the near future, Tabelski added.

Tourt was appointed DPW director in December after Matt Worth’s announcement that he would be retiring.

Press release:

• Genesee County received 18 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in the:
    • Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield)
    • East Region (Bergen, Byron, Le Roy, Pavilion, Stafford)
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
    • Seventeen of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.  
    • Four of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
    • Eleven of the new positive individuals are inmates at the Buffalo Federal Detention Center.

​

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

• The positive cases reside in the:
  • West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby)
  • Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre)
  • East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon)
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
• One of the newly positive individuals was under mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
• One of the previous positive individuals has recovered and has been removed from the isolation list.
• Two of the current positive individuals is hospitalized.

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Beginning March 10th, all New Yorkers 60 years and older will be eligible to receive the vaccine. Public facing essential workers from governmental and nonprofit organizations will be eligible beginning March 17th. This expansion includes public-facing essential building services workers.

Providers will be able to vaccinate any eligible New Yorkers, with the exception of Pharmacies who will focus on individuals over the age of 60 and teachers, in line with federal policy beginning March 10th. This is all subject to the availability of the vaccine to the providers. This new addition of new eligible residents still far exceeds the supply of vaccine received in our counties. Individuals who are eligible must have an appointment in order to get a vaccine.  

To check for vaccination clinics in Genesee and Orleans Counties please go to: http://bit.ly/GOHealthVaccine  

For more information about the vaccine and access for those who are 60 and older who do NOT have internet access, please contact your respective Office for the Aging (OFA). For Genesee OFA please call (585) 813-2457 for COVID-19 Vaccine assistance between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and leave a message if you get voicemail and someone will return the call.

For Orleans OFA please call (585) 589-3191 between 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and leave a message if you get voicemail and someone will return the call. The OFA offices can only assist with the clinic links as they are available. The system may experience slowdowns and crashes due to high volume. Please be patient and try again later.   

To see who is currently included in the 1A and 1B priority groups to check eligibility, click here.

The local vaccine availability is limited and determined by the state. For more information on when it will be available for the general public keep checking our website or the NYS Department of Health website.

Restaurants: As of March 19th, New York State is increasing restaurant capacity from 50 percent to 75 percent for counties outside of New York City. Further guidance is expected.

Travel Guidance Update: According to the Governor’s announcement today, those who travel domestically will no longer be required to quarantine or test-out within 90 days of full vaccination. International Travelers will continue to follow CDC quarantine guidance. Check for the updated guidance here.

Gathering Size: Beginning March 22 for residential gatherings 10 people indoors, 25 people outdoors. For social gatherings up to 100 people indoors, 200 people outdoors.Check for the updated guidance here.

Beginning April 2: Event, Arts, and Entertainment Venues- reopening at 33 percent capacity, up to 100 people indoors, 200 people outdoors. With attendee testing, capacity increases to 150 people indoors, 500 people outdoors. The rapid test is valid for 6 hours; PCR test is valid for 72 hours. Social distancing and face coverings are required by all attendees. Check for the updated guidance here.

Starting March 15, the Governor is allowing weddings at up to 50 percent of the venue capacity or up to 150 people (whichever is smaller) at weddings/catered events. See section D (In-person and Catered Events) of the Interim Guidance for Food Services During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency updated Feb. 24.

There are strict guidelines to be followed and Responsible Parties are to notify the local health department if they plan to host in-person and catered events above the State’s maximum social gathering limit, which is 50 people as of Feb. 24. Those who ignore the guidance can be fined and/or lose their license to operate.

There continues to be a maximum of 10 people indoors and outdoors for residential gatherings.  

Social distancing, wearing cloth masks/face coverings over the mouth and nose, and handwashing, cleaning and disinfection protocol requirements are to be continued to limit the spread of COVID-19.  

Pharmacies participating in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination CDC: The Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination is a collaboration between the federal government, states and territories, and 21 national pharmacy partners and independent pharmacy networks to increase access to COVID-19 vaccination across the United States. To learn more use this following link.  

CV19 CheckUp: Learn about what your risk is to get COVID-19 and how to limit your risk. CV19 CheckUp is free, confidential, and easy to use. It is designed to help you be safer and healthier during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Vaccine Information: To see how the COVID-19 vaccine is administered throughout the state go to the COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker. This now includes the county breakdown.

Percent Positive 7/14 -- day average click here.

To review the raw positive data for each of the counties click this link.

Click here to view the Genesee and Orleans counties' online map of confirmed cases.

The Genesee County Highway Department has created a website to help the public informed during the reconstruction of the South Lyon Street Bridge.

To visit the website, click here. 

This is a $3 million project with 80 percent covered by federal grants.

Construction is expected to begin in spring 2022.

Considering the importance of this bridge to the traveling public in our community, a website was created to keep residents and businesses apprised of the project's progress," said Laura Wadhams, assistant county engineer. "Please check the website for updates as the design process continues, and through construction for progress photos."

A grass fire has reportedly spread to a porch at the back of 30 Vine St., Batavia.

The upstairs apartment may be occupied.

City fire responding.

UPDATE 2:15 p.m.: A quick response by City fire appears to have gotten the fire knocked down before there was any serious structural damage. All occupants exited the apartments safely and no pets were hurt or lost. The fire is under investigation and more information will be released later.

UPDATE 3 p.m.: City fire is back in service.

A 50- to 60-gallon fuel spill is reported in the northwest corner of the Flying-J parking lot.

Pembroke fire and Indian Falls fire dispatched.

City of Batavia Fast Team and Mercy EMS dispatched.

City Engine 11 responding on a "slow roll" since there's no fire.

UPDATE 9:41 p.m.: Engine 11 back in service.

UPDATE 10:37 p.m.: Pembroke and Indian Falls are back in service.

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced the lineup for their fourth Rockin’ the Downs concert series, which will take place outside on the racetrack, with eight Friday dates, starting in June and running into August.

Kicking off the series on Friday, June 25th is former Journey frontman Steve Augeri. Steve returns after playing one of the most enjoyable concerts from 2019’s series. The lead vocalist for the rock group from 1998-2006, Steve headlined an eight-year tenure that included three albums, and will perform hits such as "Don’t Stop Believin’," "Separate Ways," "Wheel in the Sky," "Faithfully," and "Anyway You Want It."

Next up, on Friday, July 2nd, Batavia Downs welcomes Southern Rock legends Molly Hatchet. Originating in Jacksonville, Fla., in 1978, the band has gone on to release 14 studio albums. They’ll be performing hits such as "Flirtin’ with Disaster," "Dreams I’ll Never See" and "Whiskey Man" among others.

Friday, July 9th will see Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles, perform at the Downs. As a renowned former lead guitarist of The Eagles, one of the most popular and influential rock groups of our time, Don has helped write and perform many iconic classics. His 2008 memoir was a New York Times bestseller. Don will perform solo and Eagles’ hits during his set including " Heavy Metal (Takin’ a Ride)," "Hotel California," "Life in the Fast Lane," "The Long Run" and "Tequila Sunrise."

Performing on Friday, July 16th is Tommy James and the Shondells. Hailing from Niles, Mich., Tommy rose to stardom after his song "Hanky Panky" went to #1 in Pittsburgh. Other hits in his catalog include "I Think We’re Alone Now," "Mony Mony," "Crimson and Clover," "Sweet Cherry Wine" and "Crystal Blue Persuasion."

Rocking the stage on Friday, July 23rd is Heavy Metal Rockers Skid Row. After forming in New Jersey in 1986, the band has performed all over the world with hard guitars and a unique songwriting style. They’ll be performing their hits "In a Darkened Room," "We Are the Damned," "Youth Gone Wild," "18 And Life," and many more.

Legendary Rock Band The Sweet performs on Friday, July 30th. Hailing from London, the band has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide since forming in 1968. Original member Andy Scott handles lead vocals on such hits as "Little Willy," "Ballroom Blitz," "Fox On The Run" and "Love Is Like Oxygen."

America’s top Pink Floyd Show, The Machine hits the stage on Friday, Aug. 6^th. Over 30 years they have extended the legacy of Pink Floyd while creating another legacy all their own. Over the years, The Machine has touched the hearts and souls of many with its stellar musicianship, dramatic lighting, and video performances.

Closing out the series on Friday, Aug. 13th is rock band Queensrÿche. With more than 30 million albums sold worldwide, Queensrÿche continues to tour the globe to sold-out audiences. The band has earned multiple Grammy Award nominations and won the MTV “viewer’s choice” award for the #1 chart-topping hit "Silent Lucidity." Even with 11 gold and platinum plaques and several Top 10 hard rock anthems under their belt, Queensrÿche consistently delivers high-octane live shows combining the hungry fire of a new band with the tempered experience of master showmen. 

Tickets for all eight concerts will be available at www.BataviaConcerts.com beginning sometime in late March or April. Tickets will also be available for purchase at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel at the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop located in the lobby. 

“Preliminarily we’ll be looking to have a “POD” setup, which has been utilized in many other locations. It allows patrons to be with those in their circle and socially distanced from other concertgoers," said Henry Wojtaszek, president and CEO of Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel.

“If restrictions are lifted, then we will adapt as necessary with our concert setup. Tickets will go on sale once we have more guidance from the state about how we can safely conduct these events.”

Debuting this year will be a chair rental option. There will be 500 chairs available for rental for $5 each. All net proceeds for chair rental will benefit Make-A-Wish Western New York. Volunteers from Make-A-Wish will also be distributing foam drink holders in return for a donation.

“We are eager to welcome music lovers back to the facility,” said Ryan Hasenauer, director of Marketing for Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. “We’re looking forward to bringing musical icons back to Batavia Downs for all to enjoy.

"After not having shows last summer, we’re excited to finally launch our partnership with Make-A-Wish Western New York to help raise funds to help them transform lives.”

Other concerts will also be announced outside of the Fridays mentioned above. Ticket prices will vary based on concert and capacity. Each concert ticket is also redeemable once at Player’s Club in the three days following the concert for $10 Free Play to be used on one of Batavia Downs Gaming’s 800+ gaming machines.

Concerts are held rain or shine. Additional information may be found at www.BataviaDownsGaming.com.

Data Update – 

• Genesee County received 14 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in the:
    • West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke)
    • Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) 
    • East Region (Bergen, Byron, Le Roy, Pavilion, Stafford)
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s. 
• Ten of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.  
• Four of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
• We are very sad to report the COVID-related death of one of our county residents. The individual was over the age of 65. We do not provide any further information to protect the privacy of the individual and their family. Our deepest condolences to the family and friends during this very difficult time.

​

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

• The positive cases reside in the:
  • West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby)
• The individuals are in their 20s.
• Both of the newly positive individuals were under mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Five of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• One of the current positive individuals is hospitalized.

**********************************************************

Beginning March 10^th, all New Yorkers 60 years and older will be eligible to receive the vaccine.

Public-facing essential workers from governmental and nonprofit organizations will be eligible beginning March 17^th. This expansion includes public-facing essential building services workers.

Providers will be able to vaccinate any eligible New Yorkers, with the exception of pharmacies who will focus on individuals over the age of 60 and teachers, in line with federal policy beginning March 10^th.

This is all subject to the availability of the vaccine to the providers. This new addition of more eligible residents still far exceeds the supply of vaccine received in our counties. Individuals who are eligible still must have an appointment in order to get a vaccine.  

To check for vaccination clinics in Genesee and Orleans counties please go to:  http://bit.ly/GOHealthVaccine 

For more information about the vaccine and access for those who are 60 and older who do NOT have internet access, please contact your respective Office for the Aging (OFA). For Genesee OFA please call (585) 813-2457 for COVID-19 vaccine assistance between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and leave a message if you get voicemail and someone will return the call.

For Orleans OFA please call (585) 589-3191 between 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and leave a message if you get voicemail and someone will return the call.

The OFA offices can only assist with the clinic links as they are available. The system may experience slowdowns and crashing due to high volume. Please be patient and try again later.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) introduced legislation that would make the dairy industry eligible for H-2A temporary agricultural visas.

“As I have traveled throughout NY-27 and met with farmers, one thing that has become clear is the need for dairy producers to have access to a steady and legal workforce," Jacobs said. "Currently, dairy workers are not eligible for H-2A status because of the way the current law is interpreted by federal agencies. This simple legislation would fix an urgent need while Congress works on broader reforms to the H-2A program.”

The Dairy H-2A Eligibility Act would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to include “dairy workers” as eligible candidates for H-2A temporary agricultural worker visa status. Employers are currently only eligible for H-2A nonimmigrant classification if they offer a temporary or seasonal position. Though H-2A workers are themselves temporary, dairy production has been interpreted to not qualify for these visas because it occurs year-round.

“Dairy’s workforce crisis is especially severe because dairy farms, which operate year-round, can’t use the H-2A program, which is seasonal," said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation. "NMPF has fought for decades for H-2A access for dairy. "We thank Congressman Jacobs for stepping up and making ag labor reform a priority issue, and we look forward to continuing to work with Rep. Jacobs to address the workforce needs of dairy farmers in New York and across the country.” 

David Fisher, New York Farm Bureau president, said: "Agricultural labor reform has long been a New York Farm Bureau priority. We must address the seasonal and long-term needs of agriculture, including for the state's dairy farms that currently do not have access to a year-round federal guest worker program. We thank Rep. Jacobs for his efforts to fix a broken system and moving the conversation forward for the betterment of our farms and food system."

“The bottom line is that we need a migrant worker program that respects and enforces our immigration laws while providing farmers with the workforce that they need,” Jacobs said.

It seems as though the City of Batavia is playing somewhat “shorthanded” when it comes to the financial arrangements surrounding the operation of the Batavia Ice Arena on Evans Street.

On Monday night, City Council voted in favor of an extension and modification of its lease agreement with Firland Management, the firm that has managed the rink for more than a decade.

Negotiated changes call for the Virginia-based company to hold off on its lease payment of $25,000 to the city until Jan. 1, 2022, instead of the original due date of March 1 of this year, and also for the reduction of Firland’s contribution to the rink’s capital fund for 2020-21 from $32,958.30 to $5,000.

Additionally, the contract will be extended for two years through March 2023; Firland’s lease payments will be $20,000 annually for 2021-22 and 2022-23; and its capital fund contribution will be $5,000 annually for the next two fiscal years.

City Manager Rachael Tabelski said concessions were made because the rink was closed for several months last year, adversely affecting Firland’s bottom line. With the changes, the city has escaped (at least in the near future) the possibility of Firland walking away.

When the resolution came up for a vote toward the end of Council’s Business Meeting, Council Member Rose Mary Christian requested that it be amended to a one-year lease instead of two in order for the city to explore opportunities to find private ownership of the facility.

Her request, however, did not receive a “second” so the original resolution stayed on the table.

Council Member Robert Bialkowski said he understood what Christian was attempting to do, but pointed out that a one-year lease could come back to haunt the city.

“If we have a one-year lease and they have not paid the bulk of the money that was supposed to be paid the second year, we would really come up short on that,” he said. “I think this is the best we can do. We have to support it and that’s it.”

Council Member Paul Viele, a longtime youth hockey enthusiast, said he has observed that “Firland is doing a lot better job than they have in the past.”

“With people like Mr. (Robert) Gray (of the Friends of the Rink organization) helping out and volunteering – good things are coming,” Viele said.

Bialkowski said the only ice rinks making money are the ones backed by wealthy sponsors, and then brought up the naming rights to the rink (formerly known as the Falleti Ice Arena).

“I don’t think $500 should put your name up there for five years. That’s like giving that away,” he said.

Viele said the rink would make money “if you have more than one sheet, and that’s expensive to get another sheet.”

Earlier, during the public comments portion of the session, Gray encouraged Council to vote yes to the amended operating agreement.

The Stafford resident said that under the current lease, Firland had the option to extend the lease for another five years.

“Due to extenuating circumstances caused mainly by the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that the rink was closed from March 17 to September of the last year, both parties agreed to the two-year lease,” he said. “A new section was also added for the first time that dealt with the sale of the facility -- in the event that the city sells the facility or transfers ownership of the facility.”

Gray said that the new lease isn’t perfect, but "it does give requested consideration to Firland for the late payment to someone who has operated the ice rink for the last 14 years. It will allow the rink to be operated for another two years instead of sitting vacant.”

“City Council recently approved the new lease for Dwyer Stadium that was agreeable to both parties. Why wouldn’t you do the same for the Batavia Ice Arena? I think the proposed lease serves both Firland’s interest and the interest of the City of Batavia. The Batavia Ice Arena is a productive community asset.”

He cited a 2018 Creek Park feasibility study that indicated the estimated annual use hours at 1,600, estimated annual attendance at 68,500 and estimated economic output at $2.3 million.

Gray then took a veiled jab at Christian, who previously said the rink (for hockey) was used only by the “elite.”

“These elite people are your neighbors, coworkers and friends, and are found in every ward in the city and almost every village in the county,” Gray said. "Many people also believe that GAHA youth hockey is the only user of the ice rink. This is not true. The Batavia Men’s Hockey League, both high schools, public open skate, figure-skating lessons and pickup hockey all pay to use the ice at the rink. GAHA currently pays $200 for a 50-minute session – that’s four dollars a minute.”

He then commended Council for hiring Tabelski as manager, saying he has met with her twice to implement a program for his organization that would allow volunteers to identify and complete rink improvements at no or low cost to the city.

Press release:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the nationwide extension of several waivers that allow all children to continue to receive nutritious meals this summer when schools are out of session. These flexibilities are now available through Sept. 30.

USDA is extending these waivers to provide local program operators with clarity and certainty for the summer months ahead, when many children cannot access the school meals they depend on during the academic year. The waivers were previously extended only through June 30.

“We will do everything we can to make sure children get access to healthy, nutritious meals regardless of their families’ financial circumstances,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Our child nutrition professionals are doing a heroic job ensuring kids across the country have proper nutrition throughout this public health emergency, often times with limited resources.

"USDA is committed to providing local operators with the flexibilities and resources they need to continue offering the best meal service possible to their children, given their day-to-day realities.”

The waivers extended today allow for safe meal distribution sites that serve all children for free, regardless of income. In addition, the waivers:

• Allow meals served through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) – collectively known as “summer meal programs” – to be made available in all areas at no cost;
• Allow meals to be served outside of the normally required group settings and meal times; and
• Allow parents and guardians to pick-up meals for their children, including bulk pick-up to cover multiple days of feeding children.

Right now, up to 12 million children are living in households where they may not always have enough to eat. These critically needed summer meals will provide relief to many children in families who have been hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and are fighting daily to put food on the table.

Summer meal sites are places where children and youth age 18 and under can receive meals at no cost in a safe environment. The meals are also available to persons over age 18 with mental or physical disabilities. Sites may be located in a variety of settings including schools, parks, community centers, libraries, churches and more.

USDA is issuing this guidance as early as possible to empower communities to establish as many meal sites as they can effectively manage this summer. To learn more about how the program works and the role of sponsors and meal sites, visit www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/how-become-sponsor.

Submitted photos and press release:

The Pembroke Corfu Darien Kiwanis Club's 14th Annual Car Cruise and Fall Festival will be held on Sunday, Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pembroke Town Park (next to Pembroke High School, Route 77). Cars/trucks/motorcycles are all welcome.

Preregistration is $10 per vehicle prior to Sept. 12 or $15 the day of the event. Our goal is to have the majority of the vehicles preregistered.

An advantage of preregistering are that you are guaranteed one of our unique dash plaques for the first 100 cars registered.

There are trophy classes, goody bags and great music, food and raffles.

There will be a HUGE basket raffle for Crossroads House, and free train rides on the Trackless Train.

There will be the third annual Free Kids Car Cruise from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for kids 8 years old and younger.

Connect Life will be also conduct a blood drive. It's not too early to preregister for the blood drive at connectlife.org.

Craft, business and food vendors are welcome. Fee is $25 for 10' x 10' space and $100 for food vendors.

For registrations and applications, please go to www.pcdkiwanis.com

For car questions, please contact John at (716) 937-9918.

Vendors, please contact Penny at (585) 356-3413.

Questions, please email pcdkiwanis@gmail.com.

This event takes place rain or shine. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed. Activities subject to change.

Press release:

Genesee County Fair Supporters/Exhibitors: 

We are ready to move forward with the 2021 Genesee County Fair being an in-person event, but recognize the need to ensure that there is a plan in place that is supported by New York State Department of Health and Local Officials.

These plans are to help to ensure the safety of all exhibitors, vendors and visitors.

The Genesee County Agricultural Society has been meeting frequently to discuss all options on whether we can move forward with planning an in-person/ live fair this July.

During this time we will continue to communicate with our Genesee County officials as well as monitoring other large events in the county and state to ensure we can offer a safe environment in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

We will also be working closely with the Genesee County 4H Programs to come up with schedules, safety plans and items that are necessary when planning the 2021 fair. We want to ensure that our youth are given the opportunity to show and enjoy their animals and other projects.

Genesee County Fair dates are planned for July 24th through July 31st.

Our hope is to be able to host the Genesee County Fair in person for our community to enjoy.

We just wanted to thank you all for your patience as we are planning the event.

We will be sharing information on our Facebook page, Instagram, website and other social media avenues. We look forward to seeing you all in July!

Batavia is on the front end of a New York State grant program designed to move the city closer to renovating the City Centre and Harvester campuses.

At Monday night’s Business Meeting, City Council passed a resolution authorizing Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. to sign a contract with the New York Department of State to secure $193,500 via a Brownfield Opportunity Area Pre-Development Grant.

The city applied for the funding in July 2019, received approval six months later and now has the finalized contract in hand.

“It’s a brand-new grant program and we’re one of the first communities to receive this,” City Manager Rachael Tabelski said, adding that it is unique in that the state will pay the city in quarterly installments, with the first payment in advance.

“With BOA grants, that is typically how it works. With other state grants, you have to spend everything before you get the reimbursement,” she added.

Tabelski said the grant will pay for the bulk of the project’s $215,000 price tag. The remainder is set aside for in-kind staff support from the city manager’s office, public works director, maintenance supervisor and the Batavia Development Corporation director.

She said funds will be used for preliminary engineering and architectural studies; legal and real estate services; zoning updates; marketing, and developer communication at both sites and for possible site and subdivision layouts and legal, real estate and demolition analysis at the Harvester Avenue facility.

The grant will open the door to needed enhancements at the City Centre, which was awarded $1 million from the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and to transform the 23-acre Harvester industrial site into an updated hub for business, Tabelski said.

In other action, Council approved the following resolutions:

• On a 7-1 vote, with Rose Mary Christian opposing, the 2021-22 budget ordinance and a local law setting new water rates, meter fees and a capital improvement fee. The property tax rate will go from $9.59 per thousand of assessed value to $9.73 per thousand, while the water rates and meter fees will increase by 3.5 percent and the capital improvement fees will go up by 10 percent.

• The addition of the GLOW YMCA to the building space lease agreement with City Church at 114 Liberty St. in light of approval to have the YMCA run the city’s youth program beginning April 1. In conjunction with those measures, Council voted to terminate a previous contract with Genesee County for a shared youth bureau executive director.

• The adoption of the City of Batavia’s police reform plan that is to be submitted to the state by April 1 per Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s executive order No. 203.

• The amending of the Batavia Downtown Business Improvement District Plan that allows spending for marketing banners ($9,000), music equipment ($30,000) and Christmas decorations ($38,000) and adjusts the amount of the BID’s assessment charge to its members.

Press release:

Nominations are currently being accepted for this year’s induction class of the Oakfield-Alabama Alumni Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding Oakfield-Alabama Central School alumni who have achieved distinction in their lives and chosen field after high school through significant contributions to their career, community or through personal achievements.

If you know a person who meets the following criteria, please consider nominating him/her for this prestigious honor:

1.     Nominees must be graduates of OACS or one of its predecessors, or have been active in school classes and activities during their senior year. (Nominees who left school while in good standing to perform military service are also eligible. Deceased alumni are not eligible for induction until the fifth anniversary of the year of their death.)

2.     Nominees must have graduated prior to 2006.

3.     Selection is based on achievement after leaving OACS, which includes a worthy record in more than one, and exemplary achievement in at least one of the following categories:

• Job-related achievements;
• Professional honors and awards, professional affiliations, publications;
• Civic or community involvement;
• Personal achievements/accomplishments;
• Positive impact on the communities in the Oakfield-Alabama school district.

Anyone may submit a nomination for any person meeting the criteria stated above. Nominations must be made during the nomination period only -- March 1 – May 15th -- by using the Online Nomination Form or the PDF Nomination Form (see link below). Electronically submitted nominations are strongly preferred over mailed-in, hardcopy nominations.

Access the Online Nomination Form here.

Firefighters with the City Fire Department are taking advantage of the ice still floating atop DeWitt Pond in Batavia for cold-water rescue training.

Press release:

In honor of Gambling Disorder Screening Day (March 9) and Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the New York Council on Problem Gambling and the Western Problem Gambling Resource Center announce the release of an online self-screening tool for individuals who want to explore their risk for problem gambling.

The tool guides individuals through a set of questions to help them examine their gambling behaviors and the possible consequences of their gambling activity. Individuals who complete the questionnaire receive personalized feedback and resources based on their own answers. 

While it’s true that most individuals who gamble do so solely for entertainment and do not experience problems caused by their gambling, all gambling inherently involves risk. This risk is not only present in the activity of gambling, but also in the risk of causing negative consequences to their lives and the lives of those around them.

For these individuals and families, gambling can have devastating effects to their lives. Effects can range from financial issues all the way to damaged relationships and lost jobs.

Just as there are varying levels of gambling activity and negative consequences, there are also varying levels of motivation and awareness about our gambling activity and the risk involved.

While some people are ready to reach out directly for assistance, support and resources, others may be just starting to think about how their gambling is affecting their life. Others may only be curious about their gambling activity and the possible risk that they have.

In an effort to reach all individuals in New York State, those who are ready for assistance and those who are simply curious about how their gambling may put them at risk for future problems, NYCPG has a variety of resources available. The newest of these resources is the online self-screening tool. The tool is available online here.

For more information about Gambling Disorder Screening Day in NYS, Problem Gambling Awareness Month and tools to use in your community visit here.

For a full list of 2021 NYCPG Screening Day Partners, visit here and click Screening Day Partners.

If you are in need of support related to gambling, please visit here to connect with resources in your community.

The New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) is a not-for-profit independent corporation dedicated to increasing public awareness about problem and compulsive gambling and advocating for support services and treatment for persons adversely affected by problem gambling. NYCPG maintains a neutral stance on gambling and is governed by a Board of Directors.