Press release:

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and New York State Education Department (NYSED) today (June 29) announced the opportunity for school districts across New York State to participate in the Youth Development Survey (YDS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS).

The YDS will assess substance-related risk and protective factors of students in grades seven-12 regarding underage drinking, substance use, and problem gambling.

The YRBS measures ninth-12th grade students’ strengths and risks related to unintentional injuries and violence, alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, dietary behaviors, physical activity, sexual behaviors, obesity and weight control and other health topics.

“We have a responsibility to keep our kids safe, and New York is focused on engaging with young people to assess substance-related health risks,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “The Youth Development Survey directly engages students, and will help schools and communities target their services and prevention methods to combat these risks.”

OASAS and the New York State Education Department (NYSED) monitor student risk factors that impact health, safety, and academic success through voluntary student surveys. This information allows both agencies to identify student health and prevention needs and develop resources to help reduce and prevent future and current behavioral health issues.

OASAS will work with International Survey Associates (ISA), a national youth survey organization, to conduct the survey in November. ISA will process and analyze the results and provide district-specific estimates of substance use and risk, as well as potential protective factors to address these risks. The reports are designed to enable districts to determine how their students compare to the surrounding area, as well as the rest of the state.

NYSED contracts with its technical assistance center, the NYS Center for School Health (NYSCSH), to administer the YRBS to 30 high schools randomly selected by the CDC. The schools selected will be notified in August. Only one to four classes in the selected high schools take the survey, which provides both New York State and National YRBS trend data.

District participation is voluntary and free of charge, and OASAS and NYSED will be reaching out directly to superintendents to solicit participation in the survey.

Districts are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to assess the behaviors of New York’s youth in order to implement policies geared toward improving the health of students and reducing the chances that they will engage in risky behavior.

In addition, the youth population data collected through the surveys will enable the agencies to better evaluate and monitor state-funded local community and school-based prevention efforts.

“These surveys provide an excellent opportunity to assess the most critical needs of children in school districts across New York State, and will allow us to target our services where they are needed most,” OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said. “I urge all districts to participate and help us determine the risks and challenges they are facing, and the best ways to address these issues.”

“A comprehensive and coordinated approach with students, families, schools and communities is so important in helping our youth with decision making,” Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said. “If information from these surveys can help even one student, it’s worth it for districts to take part.”

“This year has seen increased stress, anxiety and trauma for our students and families and now, more than ever, we must help our children avoid harmful behaviors any way we can,” State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said. “I encourage districts to participate in these important surveys to ensure they receive the proper resources to support students in making good choices.”

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369). 

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors will consider proposals for $18.2 million of new investment at its July 1 board meeting.

Gateway GS LLC (Gallina Development) is proposing to construct the third phase of its flex campus at the GCEDC’s Gateway II Corporate Park in the Town of Batavia.

The $2.36 million investment is a 27,000-square-foot facility that would be completed in 2022 for a single logistics-distribution tenant. The future tenant is estimated to create 21 new jobs at an average annual salary of $42,000.

The GCEDC Board of Directors will consider an initial resolution for the project. Gateway GS LLC is seeking approximately $386,891 in sales, mortgage and property tax exemptions.

The GCEDC Board of Directors will also consider a final resolution for Just Chez Realty LLC. The company is proposing a $450,000 building redevelopment project as part of the City of Batavia’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI).

The project would renovate approximately 6,000 square feet of a 13,324-square-foot building at 206 E. Main St. to create two market-rate apartments on the building’s second floor and follows improvements to the first floor of the building. Just Chez Realty is seeking approximately $21,000 in sales tax exemptions.

The GCEDC Board of Directors will also consider an initial resolution for two community solar projects on Ellicott Street Road in the Town of Batavia.

Trousdale Solar LLC is proposing projects that would generate 5 MW and 4 MW of electricity. The PILOTs -- Payments In Lieu Of Taxes -- would result in payments of approximately $930,000 to the Batavia City School District and Genesee County over 15 years.

Trousdale Solar LLC is seeking approximately $2.5 million in property and sales tax exemptions.

The board meeting will be held at 4 p.m. in the Innovative Zone at the MedTech Centre, located at 99 MedTech Drive in Batavia. The meeting will also be broadcast online at www.gcedc.com.

Photo by Virgil Cain.

With Assemblyman Steve Hawley already weighing in on her push to get New York State lawmakers to change the current bail rules and regulations, City Council Member Rose Mary Christian is hopeful that other municipalities will act as well.

Hawley penned a letter dated June 24 in response to hearing Christian’s concerns about what he writes, “the disastrous and dangerous 2019 Bail Reform” (that puts strict limits on the use of cash bail and pretrial detention).

The assemblyman’s letter points to a plan introduced by the Minority Conference to help combat the recent rise in violent crime across the state, and outlines seven areas of proposed legislation to counteract the 2019 Bail Reform act. The letter was entered into Monday night’s City Council meeting proceedings with City Clerk Heidi Parker reading the 14-paragraph statement aloud.

At Council’s meeting on June 14, Christian requested that the city draft a letter requesting a change in the bail reform laws – and her colleagues agreed – and sending it to state representatives in Albany.

Last night, the board reviewed a letter written by City Manager Rachael Tabelski, accepting a revision of the third paragraph to read:

“We commend the Legislature’s efforts to roll back some of the original reforms that were passed last year, such as allowing judges to set bail for more criminal charges that had eliminated bail. We respectfully request that the Legislature consider adding more crimes in which judges have discretion to set bail, including crimes against police officers, firemen and sexual assaults and burglary. We also support restoring bail for any crime involving the use of a gun.”

Christian was pleased with the changes, noting that the letter “has got some teeth in it now.”

“By us passing this – and not just by one person, not by just me but this whole board – is very important and it will show some credence to the fact that we really mean business and maybe other councils, maybe other towns, will follow and we might be able to change this law now,” she said.

It also was suggested to send the letter to Genesee Association of Municipalities in anticipation of it being sent to all Genesee County towns and villages.

Previously: City manager drafts letter from Council asking New York State lawmakers to 'revisit' bail reform laws

Press release:

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services urges caution when handling sparkling devices during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.

All other types of consumer fireworks remain illegal statewide, including firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, spinners, and aerial devices.

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and State Office of Fire Prevention and Control today urged New Yorkers to handle sparkling devices responsibly when celebrating the Fourth of July.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates approximately 10,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks in 2019. Almost three-quarter of injuries occurred during a one-month period around the Fourth of July.

“When joining with family and friends to celebrate the birth of our great nation this year, I urge all New Yorkers to handle sparkling devices carefully since mishandling these devices can cause significant burn injuries,” said New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Patrick A. Murphy.

“Remember it is illegal for anyone under 18 years old to use sparkling devices.”

New York State Law allows for the sale and use of a specific category of consumer fireworks known as sparkling devices. Legal ground-based or handheld sparkling devices produce a shower of colored sparks or a colored flame, audible crackling, or whistling noise and smoke. The devices do not launch into the air.

Sparkling devices are legal in all New York State counties except Albany, Columbia, Schenectady, and Westchester, some cities in Orange County (see local laws), all five boroughs of New York City, and Long Island.

All other types of consumer fireworks, including firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, spinners, and aerial devices, remain illegal statewide.

“As with any device which purposely emits live sparks and fire, it should be easy to understand the need for extra caution when handling sparkling devices,” said Acting State Fire Administrator James Cable. “Be sure to obtain all such devices legally and follow all safety instructions which come with the packaging to ensure loved ones and neighbors stay injury-free throughout the holiday.

"Have fun, but please be mindful of your own and others’ safety when using sparkling devices.”

Sales of sparkling devices by certified permanent and specialty retailers can only occur from June 1 to July 5 and Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Sales of sparkling devices by certified temporary stands or tents can only occur from June 20 to July 5 and Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.

Sellers, manufacturers, and distributors of sparkling devices must apply for a license from the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control and follow other rules and conditions.

Registered sparkling device vendors (four) in Genesee County are listed below:

If sparkling devices are legal to purchase in your county, the Office of Fire Prevention and Control offers the following safety tips:

• Purchase sparkling and novelty devices from New York State registered retailers only;
• Always follow directions located on the packaging;
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparkling devices. It is illegal for anyone under 18 years old to use sparkling devices;
• Never use sparkling devices indoors. All sparkling devices are for outdoor use only;
• Always wear eye protection when using sparkling devices;
• Never light more than one sparkling device at a time;
• Never point a sparkling device tube toward anyone or any part of your body;
• Keep sparkling and novelty devices in a safe secure location when not in use;
• Never use sparkling devices when under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• Always keep an approved fire extinguisher nearby during a display. Douse malfunctioning and spent devices with water before discarding to prevent a fire;
• Store sparkling devices in a safe location away from young children;
• Keep unused sparkling devices dry and away from ignition sources.

For more information on the sale and use of sparkling devices in New York State, visit the Office of Fire Prevention and Control website.

As we approach the July Fourth Independence Day Holiday, Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano of the City of Batavia Fire Department would like to remind residents that: “We want to ensure that our residents enjoy the holiday in a safe and responsible manner. It is important to take the necessary fire safety precautionary steps when using these devices.”

If any resident has questions regarding what is allowable or would like information regarding safety precautions, they can call the City of Batavia Fire Headquarters at (585) 345-6375.

“We see a steady increase in calls for service this time of year for fireworks related complaints,” said Police Chief Shawn Heubusch. “Residents are cautioned that if fireworks are purchased out of state or over the internet and do not meet the definition of sparkling device, they are not only illegal, but are dangerous. We want to ensure that everyone has a safe and happy July Fourth Holiday.”

As is his style, City of Batavia Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano humbly took a bow Monday night as he prepares to move on to a New York State-level position next month, while giving all the credit for his success to his employees and thanking city management and staff for the opportunity to serve over the past four years.

“It has been amazing times and tough times, but through it all I was successful because of my team over there,” Napolitano said, pointing to the 10 firefighters who came to the City Council meeting in honor of their chief. “I’m just the guy that signs the payroll -- I point a little bit and throw an idea out -- but it’s the staff here in the City of Batavia Fire Department that makes everything happen.”

Napolitano quickly endeared himself to city leaders and residents after accepting the position in April 2017, relocating after a productive career as deputy fire chief for the Village of Herkimer.

City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. called Napolitano, a Queens native, a great leader and said he will be missed.

“Hopefully, we’ll be seeing you back and helping out in our area, and I wish you all the best,” Jankowski said.

City Manager Rachael Tabelski thanked Napolitano for his work.

“I’ve only had the pleasure of working with you for about two years, but they’ve been great years,” she said. “You really are a true leader to your staff – and everyone here is a testament (to that).”

LEAVING IS ‘VERY BITTERSWEET’

Moved by a standing ovation from all in attendance, Napolitano quickly deflected any credit away from himself.

“They (his staff) allowed me to come in here four years ago; didn’t know anything about me, a transplant from 175 miles away,” he said. “They immediately accepted me and it’s been a great partnership – relationship. I’m fortunate to say that I know pretty much all of their family members.”

Napolitano said the situation is “very bittersweet.”

“This job is an opportunity to serve more firefighters at the state level, but it’s very bittersweet leaving my new home,” he said.

On July 19, he begins his new job as deputy state fire administrator, working out of an office in a building on the State University of Albany campus. The state position is affiliated with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. His final day in Batavia is July 9.

He said he expects to do a fair amount of traveling in his new position and likely will be back at some point. He then thanked city management and staff.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure and honor, and I thank everyone.”

HERBERGER TO STEP IN

Tabelski then announced the appointment of Capt. Dan Herberger as interim fire chief – a position that Herberger held for 16 months before Napolitano was hired.

Herberger has climbed up the ranks, joining the department as a paramedic in 2002 before being promoted to firefighter in 2005, lieutenant in 2012 and captain in 2013.

Contacted this morning, Herberger said he’s prepared to take the reins on an interim basis, but is in an exploration stage as far as the permanent position is concerned.

“There were two other captains that were interested and we did a lot of talking amongst ourselves … so, at this point I’m really exploring – again – the position,” he said. “You know, a lot has changed with me in four years but a lot hasn’t changed with me in four years, with family situation and the like.”

He said he’s looking at the full-time chief position “very critically and taking all points of interest in.”

Married with three children, ages 17, 13 and 11, the Lancaster resident said he’s coming in to the interim role objectively and was willing to “take another crack at it.”

Speaking of the two other captains, Herberger, 47, said they decided to talk to Tabelski individually and let the process play out. He said no timetable has been set as far as when the permanent position is filled.

“We have some meetings coming up with Chief Napolitano during the transition, but we haven’t got into anything much past that,” he said. “I’m sure that eventually Rachael and I will sit down and discuss the details (of the chief’s position).”

Herberger said he has always desired to be a part of the community he serves, never wanting his place of residence to interfere with his responsibilities in Batavia.

KEY IS TREATING PEOPLE RIGHT

“I always try to treat people like they’re my neighbors,” he said. “Just because I live in Lancaster … I treat people like I want my mother to be treated, and that has always served me well and people accepted that.”

Napolitano said he backed Herberger, stating that he’s “a strong captain supported by a strong group. The city is very well served.”

And Herberger had nothing but good things to say about Napolitano.

“I always said that coming into a department from a different part of the state has to be difficult because you don’t know all of the inner workings … but he – I think it’s his personality – came in and really took the bull by the horns and made a conscious effort of forging relationships and putting the fire department in a positive light,” he said.

“He was open and honest with us, and even though we might not have agreed with him every time, we always appreciated that.”

Photo at top: Batavia Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano thanks city officials and staff for supporting him throughout his four-year tenure. Photo at bottom: Staff members, including Capt. Dan Herberger, second from right, attended the City Council meeting. Herberger has been appointed as interim fire chief. Photos by Mike Pettinella.

What may have started as a porch fire early Monday morning at 4225 Gilhooly Road, and was dispatched as a porch fire, turned out to be a fully involved house fire, said Alexander Fire Chief Marshall Merle.

The house was a total loss.

All occupants, at least four and maybe five people, Merle said, were out of the house and safe by the time fire crews arrived on scene.

There was no mention of any pets in the residence, Merle said.

No firefighters were injured during the incident. 

Merle said the fire started in the porch area. It's unclear if it started outside or inside the residence but investigators are leaning toward thinking it started inside, he said.  The cause is currently undetermined.

The American Red Cross is assisting the family. The Salvation Army responded to provide refreshments to the firefighters. Bethany's auxiliary also responded.

The biggest challenge in fighting the fire was water supply. Merle requested several tankers to the scene. Once on scene, firefighters were able to locate a pond on the property, which the fire department did not previously know about, and two engines were employed to pump water for fire suppression.

Responding to the fire were Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Darien, East Pembroke, Stafford, and Pavilion. The City's Fast Team also responded. A crew from the Wyoming Correctional Facility assisted with scene cleanup.

Photos Courtesy Todd Rapp.

Sunset on McAlpine Road, Indian Falls, by JoAnne Meiser.

What’s going on with the “Rocket Car?”

City resident John Roach posed that question about the 1938 invention of former Batavia resident Charles D. Thomas to Batavia City Council members at their meeting Monday night.

The vehicle, with innovations such as a rearview periscope and independent suspension, is officially called the Thomas Rocket Car. It was designed by Thomas and put together by a friend and welder, Norman Richardson, in a rented garage near Main Street and Ellicott Avenue.

It has been in the hands of Dick McClurg of Old World Collision for more than five years. The plan is to have the car, once fully restored, placed on display somewhere in the city.

Council Member Robert Bialkowski said the car was in the Memorial Day parade – on a trailer hauled by McClurg.

“Ninety-nine and a half percent of the exterior body work is done, the headliners in the interior panels are done, and I think they are waiting now to get a windshield and some other odds and ends, and it will be complete,” Bialkowski said.

City Manager Rachael Tabelski reported that, pre-COVID, there was a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce; Howard Owens, publisher of The Batavian, and McClurg, “and there was still a bit of fundraising to do – the last few parts and pieces of it – and we have not established the permanent home or location.”

She said people want to move it around to different shows, so she isn’t sure if the City Centre would be suitable in that case.

Bialkowski spoke of the independent suspension and unique periscope in responding to Roach’s query.

“It had a periscope, because back then if anybody remembers the older cars they were torpedo shaped in the back – you couldn’t see anything backing up – so a slow periscope went up and you looked in a mirror and you could see where you were backing up,” he said.

He said auto companies weren’t ready for something like that and that the car was way ahead of its time.

The car was cut up into pieces and almost scrapped, he said, before finding its way to Old World Collision for restoration.

“People from all over the country that aren’t from around here seem to know about it,” Bialkowski added.

Previously: Thomas Rocket Car nearly restored but another $4k needed to complete project

Photo at top: Picture of the original Thomas Rocket Car.

There’s some serious stuff going on around Washington Avenue, Willow Street and State Street -- and at least one resident is imploring City Council to do something about it.

“I’m just here tonight because I’m concerned about the neighborhood,” said Lynne Geissler, (in photo at top), noting that she has lived at Washington and Willow for four years. “I understand that it’s a different neighborhood.”

Geissler, speaking during the public comments portion of tonight’s Conference Meeting at City Centre Council Board Room, mentioned the increase in “criminal action,” adding that it is “horrible” and is taking place at all hours of the night, causing her to lose sleep.

“There’s got to be some way that … I don’t know,” she said. “I was going to go to the police department to talk to the police chief but they’re not letting anybody in (or so she believed). So, I figured I’d come down here to talk, to see, because there’s a lot of things going on and it has to be taken care of.”

She brought up that she has health issues and understands that drugs and mental disorders are real problems.

“But when you’re having the police at your house 20 times in a four-day period, and our landlord can’t do anything (and) we as tenants can’t do anything,” she said. “There’s got to be some way – CPS (Child Protective Services), there’s mental health, everybody’s involved but nothing’s getting fixed.”

Jankowski advised her to talk with Police Chief Shawn Heubusch directly after the meeting and set up an appointment.

Council Member Kathleen Briggs said that she has received calls from people living on State Street “and they’re telling me that they do call police and police are responding.”

“I also told them that they should contact their landlords and they said the landlords aren’t doing anything,” she added. “Police are doing what they can but don’t you think we have to hold these landlords accountable?”

It was mentioned that these instigators should be evicted, but current laws against eviction have tied landlords’ hands.

Geissler said her landlord is sympathetic but indicated that “if he went to evict someone right now – if it was one of his houses – it would be nine to 12 months before that person would be out.”

Afterward, Heubusch acknowledged that officers are dealing with "some serious things" and, without getting into details, said that investigations are ongoing.

“We will look into this further,” he said.

BOYD RESUMES DISC GOLF PITCH

Last month, city resident Phillip Boyd came to a City Council meeting to promote the placement of a disc golf course at a city park.

He reappeared tonight, flanked by six other disc golf enthusiasts, and said he has mapped out a course that would take up about two-thirds of Centennial Park, the 14-acre natural setting located in the north-central part of the city.

Boyd said he also has prices for how much sponsorship would cost.

“Now, I’m just looking for it to be actually brought up as an agenda item,” he said.

With that, City Council President Eugene Jankowski advised him to turn all his documents over to City Manager Rachael Tabelski and work with her going forward.

Two of his friends, Doug Forsyth and Louis Ortiz, also went up to the podium, speaking briefly while indicating that they backed Boyd’s efforts.

Forsyth said he heard about the matter from reading The Batavian and wanted to let Council know that his group has secured some funding for the initiative.

Tabelski said Centennial Park is the preferred location. She added that she will review Boyd’s proposal with department heads with the expectation of providing a recommendation to Council at the July 12 meeting.

In legislative matters, Council approved:

• A resolution to apply for a Community Development Block Grant to help fund an estimated $1.36 million project to replace 4- and 6-inch water lines on Jackson Street with 2,250 linear feet of 8-inch water main, and another setting a public hearing on the matter for 7 p.m. July 12. Tabelski said she thinks the grant, if received, could fund up to 90 percent of the project cost.

• A resolution to award V.J. Gautieri Constructors $18,800 from the city’s Revolving Loan Fund Grant to help replace sidewalks at the Ellicott Place project at 45-47 Ellicott St. (Save-A-Lot building).

Commonly Asked Workers’ Compensation Questions:

Batavia Youth Baseball hosted a regional tournament at the ball fields at MacArthur Park this weekend, from Friday through this evening, with the finals taking place this evening.

Twelve teams participated.  

These photos are from a game Saturday between Akron and Perry.

The Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in identifying a person or people who defaced public property in the Genesee County Park in the Town of Bethany.

The vandalism occurred between May 19 and May 20 at Pavilion "A" in the park, off of Raymond Road.

If anyone has information that can assist in the investigation, contact Investigator Ryan DeLong at (585) 345-3000, ext. 3572.

City police are responding to the area of Oak Street and Park Road in Batavia for a report of two youths about age 6 or 7 riding electric motor scooters in and out of traffic. The intersection is one of the busiest there is here.

Submitted photos and press release:

Four top 10 seniors from Alexander, Elba, Pembroke and Notre Dame high schools are the recipients of the 2021 Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarships administered by the Arc of Genesee Orleans.

The $1,000 scholarship award winners, Annie Kochmanski, Taylor Augello, Lauren Filter and Isabelle Cooper are planning to pursue careers related to healthcare or working with those with a disability.  

The Darien resident plans to become a teacher for individuals who are deaf/hearing impaired. In 2020, before school closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Annie was involved in Alexander’s Big Buddy program, paired with a student in the elementary school, and was also an intern/teacher assistant for the second and third grades.

This experience solidified Annie’s decision to become and educator.

“I know that helping special needs students is where my heart lies,” Annie said in her scholarship application.

A scholar/athlete at Elba, Taylor said she has chosen nursing as her career path, because she has seen how individuals, especially those with disabilities can struggle.

“Knowing that I can help people with disabilities will fulfill my childhood dreams of helping others,” Taylor said.  

Lauren Filter (inset photo below right)-- Pembroke Central, has been accepted to Daemen College and plans to study Nursing, setting her sights on one day becoming a Certified Registered Nurse anesthetist (CRNA). “In a hospital, I will be working with people of all abilities,” Lauren said, adding, “There needs to be compassion, empathy and understanding that individuals (with disabilities) have complex communication needs.” As a certified lifeguard, Lauren has taught swimming lessons to children with a variety of swimming skills, special needs and learning disorders.  

Isabelle Cooper (below left inset photo) -- Notre Dame High School, is from the Town of Pavilion.

In the fall, she will be attending Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pa., in the Physician Assistant program.

In her scholarship application, Isabelle said, “I hope to one day work in a neurology practice with children with developmental delays.”

Isabelle has more than five years’ experience in the YMCA’s Challenger Sports program, volunteering with children with special needs.

About the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship

Now in its 16th year, the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship is presented to area high school seniors planning to further their studies in human services, special education or related fields.

It is in honor of Mary Anne Graney, a special education teacher, who died in 2004.

The scholarship is funded by the Friends & Family 5K, scheduled this year for Sept. 18 in Elba.

A caller to dispatch reports a pit-bull mix dog is locked in a "very small cage," possibly without any water, in the first block of Munger Street in Bergen. An officer is responding.

Press release:

This week, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are hosting COVID-19 vaccination clinics at their respective health departments. For the first time, each clinic will offer all three vaccines, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (J&J).

The Pfizer vaccine is available for anyone 12 years of age and older and the J&J and Moderna vaccine is available for anyone 18 years of age and older. J&J is one dose, and Moderna and Pfizer are two doses.

Genesee County will hold their vaccination clinic on Wednesday, June 30^th from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at 3837 W. Main Street Road in Batavia. Orleans County will hold their clinic on Thursday, July 1^st from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at 14016 State Route 31, Suite 101.

Both vaccine clinics are available for walk-ins and registration. If you are interested in making an appointment, visit the GO Health website at https://gohealthny.org/covid-19-vaccine-information/. 

 “We want to continue to provide opportunities for our residents to get vaccinated as we try to increase vaccination rates for each county,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health director for GO Health.

“According to the Finger Lakes Vaccine Hub, Orleans County is currently at 51.2 percent and Genesee County is at 55.6 percent of population (12+) with at least one dose. Our goal is to vaccinate as many residents as possible.”

If you are a business/church/organization that is interested in hosting a vaccination clinic, please fill out the survey and one of our staff members will be in contact with you -- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GOHealthPopUpVaccineClinic.

For those who are seeking testing, both health departments provide free rapid testing for those without symptoms at the respective Health Departments.

For Genesee County, a rapid test drive-through clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, June 30th from 10:00-10:30 a.m. at County Building #2, 3837 W. Main St. Road, Batavia.

For Orleans County, a rapid test clinic is scheduled for Thursday, July 1st 10-10:30 a.m. at the Orleans County Health Department at 14016 Route 31 West, Albion.

For the rapid test clinics, registration is required. To register for rapid testing for the Genesee Test Clinic: http://bit.ly/GeneseeTests. To register for the Orleans Test Clinic: https://bit.ly/OCHDRapidTest. 

For COVID-19 inquiries, those that do not have internet, vaccine/testing registration assistance and questions related to testing and vaccines, please call (585) 344-2580, ext. 5559, for Genesee County, and (585) 589-2762 for Orleans County. 

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the GO Health website at www.GOHealthNY.org and follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GOHealthNY.

Genesee County’s director of mental health and community services apparently swung for the fences and hit a home run last week when she learned that the New York State Office of Mental Health approved the county’s application to participate in the Mobile Access Program with three law enforcement agencies.

The Mobile Access Program (MAP) is a pilot initiative that connects residents in distress with mental health clinicians utilizing iPads (via Zoom for Healthcare, a secure teleconferencing software program) when law enforcement officers request assistance.

Mental health staff then will conduct an evaluation remotely to help plan for an appropriate disposition.

“They (NYSOMH officials) really wanted one law enforcement agency but we kind of took a gamble and chose three. We asked for a lot,” said Lynda Battaglia, who heads up the county’s mental health department.

The three police departments that have agreed to partner with Genesee County are the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police and Village of Le Roy Police.

Battaglia said heads of the three law enforcement agencies watched a webinar about the program and all expressed an interest in participating.

“I asked each police department to provide information specific to their line of work – how many devices they would need for each shift; bandwidth, accessibility in different areas; how many officers would need iPads and the number of calls related to mental health issues they receive,” Battaglia offered.

She then took that data and coupled it with mental health information and sent the application to the NYSOMH. Not only was Genesee County approved, but requests from all other counties as well.

“We received notice that since there was such a great response … they were able to accommodate all the applicants,” she noted.

Calling it a “telehealth program,” Battaglia said the state will give iPads to all three police departments and to the mental health clinic. The state also will provide training and support services.

She said that the objective is to increase accessibility to those having mental health issues and cut down the time it takes to deliver essential mental health consultations.

“Let’s say police receive a call to go out and talk with somebody – and it’s a mental health call,” she said. “One of the goals is to decrease unnecessary transport to the hospital, under Mental Health Law 9.41.”

Mental Health Law Section 9.41 give powers to peace officers and police officers to admit individuals in emergency situations for immediate observation, care, and treatment.

Battaglia explained that if an officer is interacting with someone who doesn’t need to be transported to a hospital (or to jail), they will ask that person if they wish to have a telehealth emergency visit with the mental health person on call.

“There will be arrangements made to have the officer connect with his or her iPad with our on-call person with their iPad, and the mental health person will conduct a telehealth session with that individual in crisis,” she said.

She did acknowledge that the program won’t work in all cases, specifically if someone is under the influence of alcohol or substances – “for clinical reasons you won’t get an accurate assessment,” she said – or if a person is extremely agitated or at very high risk.

“We’re hoping to have it where the mental health professionals make that determination (which is allowed under MHL Section 9.45 -- emergency admissions for immediate observation, care, and treatment under the authority of directors of community services or authorized designees).

Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron reported that mental health calls continue to increase.

“I would say we average at least one a day – and some days, more than others,” he said. “That’s why it’s important to get the proper treatment to these individuals in a timely fashion, and reduce the amount of police involvement in the process.”

Sheron said law enforcement is “working hand-in-hand with mental health to more directly address the needs of people who have mental health crises.”

“This will expedite that. It may not be appropriate for all cases, but I think for the majority of them, it will be very beneficial. The last thing we want to do is having law enforcement take some kind of criminal action against somebody when they really need the services of mental health professionals.”

Battaglia said she expects it to take a few months for state mental health officials to provide training and to implement the program. She said is hoping that this turns out to be a win-win situation for all.

“We have a crisis plan in place (contracting with SpectrumHealth for a mobile response team), and I think that it is a plan that has been OK. But, with this opportunity and moving into the future, we can make the crisis plan a little more connected,” she said.

“It will definitely prove how law enforcement and mental health officials can work together. It will build relationships. It will help the people in the community.”

James Timon Saddler III, 39, of University Street, Rochester, is charged with: second-degree assault -- with intent to injure with a weapon; criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree; second-degree harassment; and trespass. Following a call for service at a motel on West Main Street Road in Batavia, Saddler was arrested at 5:19 p.m. June 24. It is alleged that he got into a physical altercation and struck a victim with a tire iron and another victim with his fists. He was arraigned in Alabama Town Court and put in jail without bail. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Sgt. Mathew Clor.

Ray Spencer-Lindquist Saile, 19, of Judge Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt; second-degree harassment; and second-degree assault -- causing injury to a victim age 65 or older. Following an incident in the early morning hours of June 26 in the Town of Alabama, Saile was arrested. It is alleged that he backhanded a person who had a stay away order of protection against him. Following arraignment in Alabama Town Court, Saile was released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is due back in Alabama Town Court on July 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack.

Jazmin Pellot, 38, is charged with second-degree harassment and obstructing governmental administration. She was arrested at 1:33 p.m. June 15 after an incident that occurred on North Spruce Street in the City of Batavia. It is alleged that she struck a victim in the face with a closed fist and that she interfered with officers and failed to comply with directives during an investigation. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court later that afternoon and then released on her own recognizance. She is due back in court July 22.

Thomas Tacito, 61, was arrested at 1:30 p.m. June 17 after he allegedly violated an order of protection issued to a victim on North Spruce Street in the City of Batavia. He is accused of going to the protected party's residence and knocking on their door. He was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court and is due there at a later date (unspecified).

Thomas Tacito, 61, was arrested at 11:15 a.m. June 23 after an investigation into a neighbor dispute that occurred at 10 p.m. April 24 on North Spruce Street. A victim had all four tires slashed and several windows smashed out on their vehicle. Tacito is charged with third-degree criminal mischief. It is alleged that he caused more than $250 in damage to the vehicle. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court July 6 and then released.

Liltesia Nefetiria Turner, 39, of Tracey Avenue, Batavia is charged with: fourth-degree grand larceny -- property with a value greater that $1,000; fourth-degree grand larceny -- credit card; and petit larceny. Turner was arrested June 22 for allegedly stealing a wallet belonging to another person at 11:15 p.m. June 21 at Batavia Downs Gaming, which contained several credit cards and more than $1,000 cash. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Mitchell Bates, 29, is charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated -- with a BAC of .18 percent or more DWI; and failure to keep right. Bates was arrested at 10:06 p.m. June 19 on Ellicott Street. The charges stem from a motor-vehicle accident in which Bates allegedly drove into oncoming traffic and struck another vehicle head on. He was processed at Batavia Police Headquarters and released on tickets returnable to Batavia City Court on Sept. 21.

Trevor M. Rich, 40, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; driving while intoxicated; aggravated DWI; and failure to keep right. Rich was arrested on June 18 after an investigation of a motor-vehicle accident that occurred at 6:10 p.m. Feb. 25 on East Main Street in Batavia. It is alleged that he was driving under the influence of alcohol and that he possessed cocaine at the time. He was issued an appearance ticket for June 29 in Batavia City Court.

Jamie Dutton, 28, was arrested June 26 and charged with criminal mischief and criminal trespass. It is alleged that at about 5:45 p.m. Feb. 27 that Dutton entered a residence on Harvester Avenue unlawfully and damaged windows in the the process. The defendant is due in Batavia City Court on July 6.

Bianca Tyson, 30, was arrested at 2:28 a.m. June 20 on Jefferson Avenue in Batavia after a traffic stop. It is alleged that she was operating her vehicle while intoxicated with a BAC or .08 percent or more. Tyson was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on July 20.

Jaylinn Oneil, 31, was arrested at 10:21 p.m. June 18 on Holland Avenue in Batavia and is charged with criminal mischief and resisting arrest following a disturbance. She was issued a ticket to appear in Batavia City Court on June 29.

Kaleb Bobzien, 23, was arrested on charges of: resisting arrest; obstruction of governmental administration, speed in zone; aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree; and suspended registration. He was arrested June 14 at 3:37 p.m. on Alexander Road after allegedly failing to comply with Batavia police officers' commands to exit his vehicle after being advised that he was under arrest on a warrant out of Warsaw PD. He was issued an appearance ticket for June 22 in Batavia City Court, and traffic tickets, then turned over to Warsaw PD on the warrant.

Ashley Elizabeth Quintern, 32, of Miller Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. At 5:57 p.m. June 23, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to Walmart on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia for a larceny complaint. It is alleged that Quintern stole merchandise belonging to Walmart. She was processed at GC Jail then released on an appearance ticket. She is due in Town of Batavia Court on July 26. The case was handled by Deputy Kyle Tower.

Mitchell Merrill, 35, was arrested on June 17 at 4:55 a.m. following an investigation of a larceny that occurred at 4:36 a.m. that day on East Avenue. It is alleged that Greene took property that did not belong to him without permission of the owner. He was released on an appearance ticket for court (date unspecified).

Marcella Greene, 36, was arrested June 22 for failure to appear in Batavia City Court on April 19; reason not specified. After being processed at Batavia Police Headquarters and arraigned in city court, she was released. Greene is due to return to court Aug. 5.

Nicole Casey, 33, of West Main Street, Batavia, turned herself into Batavia Police Headquarters at 10:45 a.m. June 21 after failing to appear in Batavia City Court as required by an appearance ticket. The original charge involved a shoplifting incident at a local business in Feburary of 2018. After arraignment in city court, Casey was directed to return to court on July 21.

Tim Kauffman, 52, was arrested on a warrant out of Batavia City Court on June 15. It was issued after he failed to appear in city court on May 13 as required. He was processed, arraigned and released on his own recognizance and is due to return to court at a later date (unspecified).