A State of Emergency is hereby declared in the City of Batavia, New York for a period of time beginning at 4:30 p.m. on March 17, 2020 and continuing in effect for a period not to exceed five (5) days.

The State of Emergency has been declared due to emergency conditions produced by: the continuing Nationally declared state of emergency, the New York State declared state of emergency, the County of Genesee declared state of emergency, and the anticipated arrival of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus in the City of Batavia.

Such conditions threaten or imperil the public health or safety of the citizens of this municipality.

As Chief Executive of this municipality, I have exercised the authority given to me under New York State Executive Law, Article 2-B, to preserve the public safety and hereby render all required and available assistance vital to the security, well-being and health of the citizens of the City.

I hereby direct all City Departments to take those steps necessary to protect life and property, public health and infrastructure and other such emergency assistance as deemed necessary. In addition, I direct the following specific actions.

1.            The Liberty Center for Youth remains closed until further notice.

2.            All City offices are closed to the public. The City will conduct business with the public remotely through the use of phones, computers, mail, or other means. These offices are otherwise closed to the public, unless a situation requires interaction with a member of the public as determined by the respective City department on a case by case basis. The drop box for the payment of bills is still available at the front of City Hall.

3.            City Council meetings will be closed to the public until further notice. Provision will be made for the public to observe or otherwise remotely participate in City Council meetings.

4.            All other regularly scheduled board, committee, task force, or other official City of Batavia meetings are closed to the public, and shall be either conducted by electronic means (phone, video conferencing, etc.) or cancelled.

5.            City parks remain open for public use provided that the State of New York declared restrictions on congregating are followed. However, all rental or reservation uses of City facilities are suspended until further notice. This includes parks, sports complexes, buildings, roadways, or public walkways that are owned and/or operated by the City of Batavia.

Assistant City Manager

City of Batavia

Rachael Tabelski

Town of Bergen Office Policies until further notice

Following orders issued by Governor Cuomo’s Office beginning Wednesday, March 18^th the Town of Bergen Office’s will be CLOSED to the public until further notice.

If absolutely necessary, appointments can be made by calling the offices. Essential employees will be in their office to check mail and email but will work limited office hours.

Town Clerk, 585-494-1121, ext. 21, bergenclerk@bergenny.org

Any tax payments or dog licenses can be mailed, left in the outside drop box or with a credit card over the phone. Receipts will be mailed back to you.

If you need to renew a handicap permit, please call and one can be mailed out to you.

Town Assessor,  Rhonda Saulsbury 585-343-1729, ext. 207, rsaulsbury@townofbatavia.com

Building and Zoning, Dave Mason 585-861-0728, zeo-ceo@bergenny.org

Permits will still be issued but please call for an appointment.

Town Court, all calls directed through the Genesee County Court Offices -- 585-201-5715. Town Court will be CLOSED until further notice per NYS Unified Court System. Please call with questions.

Highway Superintendent, Mike Johnson 585-494-1362

Transfer Station - will be open Saturdays 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.  -- call the clerk’s office for assistance with bags or tags

Town Supervisor, Ernest Haywood 585-494-1121, ext. 22, supervisor@bergenny.org

Please call with questions, concerns, or for an appointment.

The following meetings are cancelled:

• Planning Board Meeting on March 26^th
• and Town Board Meeting on March 24^th

Another reminder, the Burning Ban is in effect from March 15^th to May 15^th.

Ernest Haywood, Town of Bergen, Town Supervisor

Press release:

At Genesee Dental, we are committed to doing our part in minimizing the spread of the coronavirus.

Due to guidance from the State and National dental society, and a desire to protect our staff and patients, we have decided to cancel all appointments until Friday, April 3rd at the earliest.

We understand that this may be difficult for many people. Our intent is to continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as things progress.

Please don't hesitate to contact our office if you are having a dental emergency or an urgent need. We will be available as much as possible to assist you.

Genesee Dental

37 Batavia City Centre

Batavia, NY 14020

(585) 343-1113

Press release:

In light of the current pandemic, the City of Batavia Fire Department has embraced the advice of the Genesee County Health Department and implemented a number of significant changes to our operational model and service delivery.

It is our intent and a concerted effort to assist in reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus).

Our service to the public remains our main mission. We are here to serve you and we must bring about these changes to ensure that we are able to continue to provide the highest levels of service during this most unsettling time. 

As a result, the City of Batavia Fire Department has put into action the following safeguards effective immediately:

• First and foremost, if you have an emergency call 9-1-1 immediately and the fire department will be dispatched to you as normal.
• Fire Headquarters located at 18 Evans Street will be locked and secured at all times. Anyone requesting assistance or information can utilize the phone located in the front vestibule of the station, which will contact a member of our staff who will be able to assist you.
• All outside activities hosted at the firehouse have been cancelled, as well as many of our internal programs.
• We have adopted a revised EMS response model in an effort to protect our staff and our community. We continue to respond to all medical emergencies, however, the appearance along with patient contact of our staffing will be modified.
• Firefighters will be practicing “social distancing” techniques as instructed by the County’s Health Department. Please understand that this is for your protection as well as that of fire department staffing.
• Our community risk reduction programs, including car seat inspection and installations, commercial building inspections, EMT and CPR classes along with fire prevention and education have been suspended until further notice. However, this does not include our smoke detector installation and inspection program. Please call 585-345-6375 to schedule an appointment for fire department staffing to inspect, install or change batteries as normal.
• If you are in need of a copy of a fire report please call 585-345-6375 before responding to the Station, you will be given directions on how to proceed with your request at that time.
• If you would like to speak with a fire officer or the fire chief, we ask that you call 585-345-6375. Fire department staff will forward your call to the appropriate person. In the event that they are unable to assist you immediately, staff will obtain your information and someone will be in contact with you as soon as possible.

You, the public can help by following the recommendations of maintaining social distancing of 6 feet or more between other people, frequently washing your hands, and self-monitoring for cold or flu like symptoms such as fever, cough or upper respiratory infections.

If you do have these symptoms, please tell your medical providers right away so they can assist you in the best ways possible. We ask that you consult the Genesee County Public Health Department website for additional information about the COVID-19 virus.

Lastly, these procedures have been implemented to ensure that we can adequately respond to emergencies and to help safeguard both the public and firefighters from accidental exposure to the virus. 

As we move forward over the next several days and weeks, we value your patience and understanding as we work through these difficult days together. The fire officers and firefighters of the City of Batavia Fire Department will continue to deliver aid and assistance in any way possible to ensure that our community remains safe at all times.

Press release issued today March 17:

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), located midway between Buffalo and Rochester and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is seeking public review of its draft Hunt Plan and compatibility determinations.

These documents are proposing changes to better align with New York state hunt regulations including strategies from our approved Comprehensive Conservation Plan from 2011.

Electronic and downloadable documents can be found here. 

Comments will be accepted until close of business today, March 17, and may be submitted via phone at 585-948-7030, email to:   tom_roster@fws.gov, or postal mail to Iroquois NWR, 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013.

Press release:

Dear Holland Land Office Museum Supporters:

We at the Holland Land Office Museum have been watching the current situation regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. The museum will be staying open during our regular business hours.

We are taking the proper precautionary measures within the museum and have instituted a vigorous cleaning schedule for our facilities and exhibit areas.

We have decided that although we will be staying open we are canceling our events through the rest of March and will be continually evaluating the situation as April approaches.

Furthermore, our Spring Antique Show at Genesee Community College on April 17^th & 18^th has been cancelled, though a search for a new date is underway.

Any other event that is cancelled the museum will be working to reschedule at a later date, so none of us miss out.

We have requested all of our volunteers refrain from coming to the museum until further notice as a precaution. We ask that all visitors adhere to our policy refraining touching the artifacts and display cases, and to use our sanitizing stations throughout the museum.

Any updates to our situation will be communicated through our website, Facebook page, and email.

Should you have any questions please feel free to contact the museum by phone at 585-343-4727 or by email at hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

Press release:

As we continue to do all we can to serve the needs of our customers, beginning Wednesday, March 18, Tops Friendly Markets -- with locations in Genesee County in Batavia and Le Roy -- will change hours of operation at most of our stores from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. to restock and continue to maintain the increased sanitation levels in our stores.

Stores that typically open later and close earlier will maintain their existing hours of operation. This also pertains to Tops Fuel sites. These revised hours will be in effect until further notice.

For more information on these and other details re: COVID-19 updates, please visit our website.

Genesee County has its first confirmed case of COVID-19. A person over 65 who had been on mandatory quarantine while symptomatic. The person had not traveled, which means the was infected by community transmission.

Health care workers are investigating who the person might have had contact within the days prior to showing symptoms.  It's unclear where the person may have contracted it.

The patient has not been hospitalized and is isolated at home.

Due to privacy regulations, the person's identity is not being released.

MORE T/K

UPDATE:  Press release from the County Health Department:

Submitted photo and press release:

When Batavia High School senior Tyler Murphy heard about a logo contest offered by the Rochester chapter of the American Welding Society, he thought he would create a design that reflects his style but also create something that reflects the work of the industry group.

AWS is a national organization with local and regional chapters, that promotes and encourages the welding trade.

Tyler is a Welding student at the Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center. His inspiration for his drawing is his love of tattoos, and he wanted to incorporate something that portrayed America, hence the use of America's symbolic bird, the bald eagle.

Tyler has Andrew Geye to thank -- the Welding instructor at the Batavia CTE Center shared contest information with Tyler.

“(He) encouraged me to enter the contest," Tyler said. "He knows how much I enjoy drawing."

And Geye says he immediately thought of Tyler when he learned about the logo design competition for students.

“Tyler has a desire and ability to create art with metal and other mediums," Geye said. "Tyler’s drawing for the new AWS T-shirt logo showcases his ability but represents all types of talent here at the Batavia CTE Center.

"The metal trades not only promote the welding industry but advocates for students' success and achievement by cultivating students' confidence and ability through projects such as a logo design competition. I’m extremely proud of Tyler and the efforts he has demonstrated.”

Tyler’s design was selected as the first-place winner of this AWS logo contest and his efforts were recently recognized by Geyer, Paul Kesler, Batavia HS principal; Joe Hussar, Batavia HS counselor; Catherine Bennett, Batavia CTE Center assistant principal; and Matt Wolff, AWS Rochester section chairman.

“The AWS Rochester board voted on all designs submitted from local area schools, and Tyler Murphy is the winner," Wolff said. "The American Welding Society Rochester Section presented Tyler with a $500 award for a new T-shirt design."

Tyler was surprised by this award and when asked how he will use the $500, he replied, “I’m ecstatic that my design was chosen. I’m going to buy welding tools.”

The mission of the America Welding Society is to advance the science, technology and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes, including brazing, soldering and thermal spraying. With many local and region chapters, this national nonprofit organization, strives to advance the welding industry through many initiatives including membership, certification, education and research as well as publications and events.

Photo, from left: Joe Hussar, Batavia High School counselor; Catherine Bennett, Batavia CTE Center assistant principal; Matt Wolff, AWS Rochester section chairman; Tyler Murphy; Paul Kesler, Batavia HS principal; Andrew Geyer and Tim Gleba, Precision Machining instructor.

We interviewed Merritt Holly, superintendent of the Le Roy Central School District, live and this video is a replay of that stream.

We'll get an update on how the district is dealing with the closure, what's available for students, and families, and how things are going in Le Roy.

If you're unable to view the stream on our home page, click here.  Also, if you follow that link, there is a live chat on YouTube where you can ask questions that I will try to incorporate into the interview.

UPDATE: Unfortunately, and I don't know why, the interview cuts off a minute or so early, a problem on YouTube's end I imagine.

Press release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce office, located at 8276 Park Road in Batavia, will be closed until further notice out of commitment to be good citizens in helping to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  

The Chamber staff will continue to work remotely and can be contacted through email and voice mail at 585-343-7440. Contact information can be found on the Chamber website and the Tourism website.  

During this extraordinary period, the Chamber staff will work to share and promote any news and initiatives local businesses implement such as curbside delivery, special hours and discount promotions.

The Chamber will also use social media to pass on any best practices businesses are using during the pandemic as well as passing on any pertinent government information made available.  

Stay safe, stay calm and stay healthy,

Tom Turnbull

President

Genesee County Chamber of Commerce

Press release from Genesee County Treasurer Scott German:

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Genesee County Treasurer’s Office will be closed to walk-in business effective immediately. This closure will remain in force until further notice.

Anyone wishing to pay delinquent property taxes may find the amount due at our website. The payment can be mailed to our office.              

Anyone owing Town of Stafford taxes may submit payment by mail based on the amount due for March on their tax bill. After March 31^st, please refer to the website above.

Students requiring a Certificate of Residency for Community Colleges outside Genesee County may submit their signed, notarized applications along with a photocopy of their driver’s license by mail.

The mailing address for the Treasurer’s Office is:  Genesee County Treasurer, 15 Main St., Batavia, NY  14020

Vendors receiving payments from Genesee County could be delayed. We will do our best under the circumstances to pay everyone on time.

I sincerely appreciate everyone’s understanding, should you have questions, feel free to contact my office at 585-344-2550 ext. 2210.

Pembroke Office Policies until further notice

Following orders issued by Governor Cuomo’s Office beginning Wednesday, March 18^th the Town of Pembroke Office’s will be CLOSED to the public until further notice. If absolutely necessary, appointments can be made by calling the offices. Essential employees will be in their office to check mail and email but will work limited office hours.

Town Clerk, 585-762-4105 town-clerk@townofpembroke.org

The Lobby will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to allow residents to drop off payments/paperwork in a designated drop box or can be mailed to 1145 Main Road, Corfu, NY 14036. Receipts will be mailed back to you.

All March and April Dog License renewals will have until May 31^st to renew. Please call to make an appointment to file a death certificate.

If you need to renew a handicap permit, please call and one can be mailed out to you.

Town Assessor, 585-356-2150 assessor@townofpembroke.org

Call for appointment.

Building and Zoning, 585-762-4108 zoning-codes@townofpembroke.org  

Permits will still be issued but please call for an appointment. Some inspections may be handled via photograph or on site with limited personal interaction.

Town Court, 585-599-4817, ext.5

Town Court will be CLOSED until further notice. Please call with questions.

Town Supervisor cell 585-762-4107 or 585-409-8429 supervisor@townofpembroke.org

Please call with questions, concerns, or for an appointment.

The following meetings are cancelled:

• ZBA Meeting on March 18^th,
• Planning Board Meeting on March 25^th
• and Town Board Meeting on March 26^th.

A couple other reminders, the Burning Ban is in effect from March 15^th to May 15^th.

Brush pickup will commence the last two weeks in April or beginning of March dependent on the weather and COVID-19.

Tom Schneider, Town of Pembroke, Town Supervisor

PathStone HUD Section 8 Housing Program will be closed through Friday, March 20th.

Press release:

Nate McMurray, candidate for Congress in New York’s 27th District, is cancelling all public events scheduled ahead of the April 28th special election.

With 18 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Western New York, the campaign has stressed the importance of following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations to minimize the spread of the virus and best protect those most susceptible to the illness. 

In place of public events, the campaign will shift its outreach efforts to online communications and asks those interested in volunteering to learn about alternative forms of engagement at www.votemcmurray.com/volunteer. 

"This is a pandemic, and we must take it seriously," McMurray said. "Going forward, we are postponing all public fundraisers and rallies of any sort. While this race remains important, we must put the health and safety of people over politics.

"We must work creatively and collaboratively because what we do now will set the tone for other upcoming elections, including the General Election in November. We have to pull together and find a way. That is what Americans do, that is what Western New Yorkers do. We will rise to the occasion. Stay with us. Stay positive. Stay strong.”

Efforts are underway to cooperate with the County Boards of Election to develop protocols to ensure ballot integrity, including a call for universal access to absentee ballots.

McMurray has reached out to the Democratic National Committee for their support in ensuring all voters will be able to participate in the special election. McMurray and his campaign team developed the following guidelines to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure the safety and health of the community:  

1. All campaign events, fundraisers and volunteer opportunities will be moved to phone outreach and online forums. 

2.  All campaign offices remain open and staff are available for literature pick up and to provide technical support to volunteers as needed.    

3. McMurray’s campaign staff are identifying community partners engaged in COVID-19 coordinated care and response; McMurray has pledged to offer his teams’ support and resources as needed to serve the public in this time of need.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley is suspending office hours for the duration of March. This is being done to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, otherwise known as the coronavirus.

“This change is not being taken lightly, because I always want to be sure people can reach me and talk to me,” Hawley said. “But in the interest of preventing the spread of the coronavirus further, I am hoping my friends and neighbors will understand why this change is happening.

Despite the change in in-person availability, staff will be working remotely, and citizens are encouraged to call or e-mail Hawley’s office if they have any comments or questions.

Call: 585-589-5780

Email: shawley@smhawley.com

Assemblyman Steve Hawley
March Office Hours:

Genesee County: 
Genesee Community College, Room T124
Friday, March 27
1  – 3 p.m.

Press release from the New York State Police:

If you are experiencing an emergency, as always, call 9-1-1. When placing an emergency call, please advise dispatchers if you or any members of your household are experiencing flu-like symptoms. This information will ensure first responders can prepare to prevent the spread of any illnesses.

In addition, until further notice, the State Police are suspending employment fingerprinting, along with child safety seat checks at our stations.

Public safety is a mission priority for our Troopers. While we understand that suspending these services is an inconvenience to the public, this is an extraordinary circumstance. The State Police are committed to doing what we can to assist the State’s emergency response to COVID-19.

We will notify the public when these services, both employment fingerprinting and child safety seat checks, will once again be provided to the public. Please also check our online newsroom, nyspnews.com, for the latest updates. We will also be posting the updates to New York State Police social media pages, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Public Notice

Village of Le Roy -- Postponement of Election

In an effort to keep New Yorkers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today (March 17) issued an executive order delaying Village Elections statewide until April 28^th.

Therefore, the Village of Le Roy Election has been postponed from March 18, 2020 to April 28, 2020.

Public Notice