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County legislature proclamations recognize public health, public safety, animal care and control

By Mike Pettinella

The Genesee County Legislature issued three proclamations at its meeting Wednesday afternoon at the Old Courthouse -- National Public Health Week (April 4-10), National Public Safety Telecommunications Week (April 10-16) and Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week (April 10-16).

Legislator Gregg Torrey, left, reads from the National Public Health Week proclamation as Brenden Bedard, Public Health deputy director, looks on. The decree asks residents "to observe this week by helping our families, friends, neighbors, co-workers and leaders better understand the value of public health and supporting great opportunities and to celebrate public health’s accomplishments in light of this year’s theme, Public Health is Where You Are.

Legislator Chad Klotzbach presents the National Public Safety Telecommunications proclamation to, from left, Dispatcher Shelby Turner, Assistant Director Frank Riccobono, Director Steven Sharpe and Sheriff William Sheron. According to the proclamation, "Public Safety Telecommunicators are the first and most critical contact our citizens have with emergency services; they work 24/7 and have one of the most stressful jobs in America, and (the legislature) takes great pride in honoring the men and women whose diligence and professionalism keep our county, citizens, and first responders safe."

Dog Control Officers Catherine Seward, left, and Sarah Fountain accept the Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week proclamation as Sheriff Sheron and Legislator Gordon Dibble look on. The decree states that animal control officers "are compassionate and committed individuals who serve to protect animals every day by enforcing laws pertaining to their treatment, and (the legislature) takes great pride in honoring the officers whose dedication and professionalism protect the welfare of helpless animals and pets within our county."

Submitted photos.

City suspends overnight parking rules, takes extra precautions for safety

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Effective Sunday, March 22, enforcement of overnight parking regulations in the City of Batavia were suspended until further notice. Overnight parking will be allowed to accommodate families and residents impacted by COVID-19.

We encourage residents who can still use their driveways for parking to do so, however we do not want to penalize families that might have extra vehicles at their residence at this time.

Please continue to lock your vehicle and always remove valuables to prevent theft.

In the event of an emergency, or your vehicle is blocking work for the Department of Public Works (i.e. snowplowing, water main break, etc.), you will be asked to move the vehicle or it may be towed.

All other parking regulations such as blocking a fire hydrant, parking in a fire lane or parking in a handicap zone will be strictly enforced. 

Also effective Sunday, March 22, City of Batavia Police officers will not provide courtesy unlock of vehicles, unless there are exigent circumstances such as a child or pet locked inside. 

Furthermore, Batavia Police officers will begin to take enhanced extra precautions when responding to calls for service. 

Callers to dispatch will need to answer screening questions to better aid in appropriate response from emergency personnel. City of Batavia Police Officers and other emergency personnel may wear respirator masks, protective gloves, clear safety glasses and other personal protective equipment when answering calls. 

These measures will ensure the safety of the community and first responders so that they can continue to serve residents in the best capacity possible.

Anyone with signs or symptoms consistent with the CDC guidelines for coronavirus should inform dispatchers, officers, and emergency personnel as soon as practicable.  

If you have any questions about these measures please feel free to contact Police Chief Shawn Heubusch at sheubusch@batavianewyork.com.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we all work together to keep Batavia safe.

'Crosswalk Day' to highlight crosswalk safety and proper use to be held on Bank Street Wednesday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

To highlight the importance of crosswalk safety and the proper use of a crosswalk, not only for pedestrians but motorists as well, there will be a Crosswalk Day on Wednesday, May 29, at the Bank Street crosswalk in front of the Office for the Aging and YMCA.

The event is sponsored by the City of Batavia in conjunction with the City of Batavia Police Department, City of Batavia Fire Department, City of Batavia Youth Bureau, Genesee County, Genesee County Office for the Aging, Genesee County Youth Bureau, Batavia YMCA, Boys Scouts of America, Rochester Regional Health (UMMC) and GO ART!

There will be a morning session taking place from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and an afternoon session taking place from 3 to 5 p.m.

There will be volunteers from the YMCA, Rochester Regional Health (UMMC), Boy Scouts of America and Office for the Aging assisting throughout the day.

GO ART! is providing the sidewalk chalk art for the event. The new signs and striping have been provided by City of Batavia Public Works and Genesee County. Also, City of Batavia Police and Fire Department will be assisting with the event.

Bicycle safety program offered at city parks on Wednesdays this summer

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Batavia Police along with the Batavia Fire Department and the Batavia Lions Club are presenting a bicycle safety program to the City of Batavia Parks programs.

Each Wednesday during the summer the police and fire departments will be visiting a park in the City of Batavia where the Batavia Youth Bureau hosts children recreation programs. Remaining dates are: July 13, 20, 27 and Aug. 3.

Officers will instruct the children on the proper rules of the road for riding a bike and then supervise them through a simulated road course. The fire department inspects bikes and advises the children on the proper care of their bikes.

Along with training, helmets are offered to children who register their bikes or are in need of a helmet. The bike helmets are provided by a grant from the Batavia Lions Club as well as a NYS Grant received by the Batavia Fire Department. The Helmets were purchased by Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle, of Batavia, at a reduced rate. Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle has also donated its time to help fit children’s helmets for this program.

To find out times and specific parks and dates call the Batavia Youth Bureau at 345-6421.

At My Stop - You Stop!

By Steve Ognibene

Starting today is National School Bus Safety Week from October 21-25, 2013 and this year’s motto is "At My Stop - You Stop!"    Motorist should be aware to always stop for a stopped school bus it is the law.  Everyone has to stop when a school bus displays their red lights even when they are on the other side of the road and even on divided highway.  Everyone must stop no matter where they are on the road.

At First Student, the bus company that transports our students here at the Batavia School District, comments that one of the most common driver complaint is that motorists violate the school bus stop law every day.  Motorists are required to use caution and slow down when flashing yellow lights are activated and stop for a stopped school bus that is displaying the flashing red lights.

Sometimes drivers are not fully paying close attention to their driving, they are too busy texting, talking on the phone or just are not paying attention and pass a stopped school bus.  This serious poor safety action could lead up to a $250 fine, traffic tickets and up to suspension of license for passing a stopped school bus with their reds on.  All motorists need to better understand the seriousness of this traffic law and pass the word to each other to make the roads safer for all our students. 

“Our main concern is safety” said Location Manager Tonya Thompson of First Student .  “We educate both  our drivers and our students to ensure that each stop is a safe stop for everyone, so please help us make the road safe for our students too by doing your part and stop for a stopped school bus”.

Assemblyman Hawley to Host Free Car Seat Safety Check on July 11

By Steve Hawley

 

***NOTICE OF PUBLIC EVENT***

 

HAWLEY TO HOST FREE CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECK ON JULY 11

 

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) will be hosting a free car seat safety check on Saturday, July 11, from 10 am to 1 pm, at the Albion Fire Hall.  All are invited to attend this important public safety event.

 

“Despite parents’ best intentions, statistics show that 70 percent of car seats are installed improperly.  I would like to encourage all parents to attend this important event and would like to thank the New York State Police for coming to make sure car seats are properly installed,” said Hawley.

 

Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s Car Seat Safety Check

Hosted in conjunction with the New York State Police

Saturday, July 11, 2009

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Albion Fire Hall

108 North Platt Street

Albion, NY 

RSVP by calling Assemblyman Hawley’s office at 585-589-5780

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