Interview with Tori Ganino, dog trainer, owner of Calling All Dogs in Batavia.
This year has been a difficult one for the business community, to say the least, but the president of the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District is encouraging member store owners to keep their chins up while the organization adjusts to the changing times.
“We have gone through some changes in the past 18 months, but have emerged with a strong board (of directors) that is cohesive and really ‘into’ downtown,” Don Brown said on Monday.
Brown, co-owner of Charles Men’s Shop on Main Street, believes that the BID has reached a tipping point as far as how to meet its 198 members’ needs and to appeal to younger entrepreneurs.
“BIDs themselves are facing an uphill battle in a lot of ways as some people are down on BIDs, which are funded with property owners’ tax money,” Brown said. “But, when you see sidewalk improvements, downtown flowers and landscaping – that’s all because of the BID.”
He said that the emergence of the Batavia Development Corporation, which secures downtown grants and loans, and the recent $10 million NYS Downtown Revitalization Award has compelled BID board members to rethink their focus.
“We didn’t have those before – grants for storefront rehabilitation and the state throwing millions of dollars at us,” he said. “That’s a game-changer for us.”
As a result, Brown, who has been president for a year and a board member since 2016, said he would like to see the BID promote more events in the City and develop a marketing plan that “lets people know that it is the BID that is sponsoring this.”
“Our common goal should be to market our skill set to the 200 members. We’ve been too rigid in the past and we need to do things to attract the younger people who are business owners to make their downtown better,” he offered.
Brown said that a plan is in place to conduct “meet-and-greet” sessions and work has already started on getting free Wi-Fi downtown.
“Our BID board has resolved to be a more social organization -- having meet and greets a couple times per year to promote more participation,” he said. “Most recently, we contracted (with Spectrum) to have free Wi-Fi installed throughout our downtown district for all the youth. We also want to have music (via speakers at various sites) downtown.”
Previously, Brown and BID Executive Director Beth Kemp spoke to the membership via a video on the BID website that replaced their Annual Meeting due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Things will look different going forward but we will get through these challenging times and will be stronger for it,” he said.
On the video, Kemp announced the agency’s award winners for the 2019-20 year:
Kemp also reported that Batavia attorney Peter Casey has been elected to the BID’s Board of Directors.
Financially, the agency made a profit of $8,047 last fiscal year and, as of March 31, had total assets of $330,453.
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Per its website: Comprised of property owners and tenants, the Batavia Business Improvement District Management Association Inc., is a nonprofit organization with a mission to finance improvements and services beyond those provided by the City of Batavia, and fund an operational budget for the purpose of revitalizing and promoting business activity.
The Genesee Country Farmers Market Inc. suddenly has become quite a lightning rod for discussion at Batavia City Council meetings.
City Council tonight gave its go-ahead for the market to conduct business again this year at the east side of the parking lot on Alva Place and Bank Street, but not before a 25-minute debate that focused on the practice of allowing food truck vendors to conduct business on the market grounds and at other downtown locations.
Council members, at their April 27th meeting, tabled the nonprofit’s application to operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from June 5 through Oct. 30, citing the need for clarification of the organization’s address and financial arrangement.
The next day, Beth Kemp, executive director of the Batavia Downtown Business Improvement District, which supports the GCFM, provided an email from Sharon Brent, the market’s treasurer, which appeared to answer Council’s questions.
Fast forwarding to tonight, several Council members brought up other issues concerning the market, with the subject of food trucks dominating the talking points.
“I don’t know if any of you have received any comments from local restaurateurs but I have in the past in regard to the food vendors that are allowed to come into the farm market and sell food there as far as prepared food like the food truck, things of that nature,” John Canale said. “Some of our restaurants that are in the BID district are concerned that these people are coming in and they’re able to sell food at lunch time, which is actually taking away lunch business from a lot of our downtown restaurateurs.”
Canale said restaurant owners, especially during the COVID-19 crisis, are “fighting for business” and food trucks will just make it that much more difficult for them. He went on to say that the farmers’ market is “a wonderful thing” but still called for eliminating food vending trucks at the market.
Robert Bialkowski then asked a series of questions about the farmers’ market operation – How much of the parking lot can they use, what does the $50 membership fee cover, who is the president and vice president, and how much is spent on advertising?
He also suggested that Council should treat event applications in the same way they do resolutions.
“I really feel that we should handle it like any other business item,” he said. “If we all agree to move it from conference to business, then at the business meeting we would vote on it. That’s just my personal opinion."
City Attorney George Van Nest said he was of the opinion that Council might be imposing stricter requirements upon the farmers’ market compared to other requests.
“Traditionally, it’s been a situation where the City has looked at a limited set of information,” he said. “I just have a slight concern that we’re going fairly far afield here for a particular event application and treating this one a little differently than we would other event applications.”
The conversation returned to food trucks with Council President Eugene Jankowski mentioning that he received an email from Kemp on March 11th asking about the possibility of restricting food trucks from downtown on specific days of the week -- with the exception of the farmers’ market. He shared news that Buffalo and Rochester have recently passed a measure designed to limit food trucks parking near restaurants.
After Rose Mary Christian noted that food trucks have to pay sales tax, Jankowski suggested putting the issue back into the BID’s hands.
“That to me would be more of an internal BID issue than it is for Council to get involved,” he said. “These (applications) are a way to give us a heads-up so that we can provide a service to all the people who are going to be there as well as the community to make sure that we’re not conflicting … that we’re not blocking their progress.”
Canale agreed that the matter should be handled through the BID.
“I think it’s a matter of the BID realizing that a lot of these downtown restaurants are challenged by having more food vendors come downtown and be able to sell food downtown at the lunch hour that aren’t having to pay the BID assessment (as well as property taxes),” he said.
Patti Pacino, who along with City Manager Martin Moore serves on the BID board, said “if these owners are concerned, I’d rather they take it to the BID board than try to take it to City Council, because we’re only going to turn around and take it back to the BID board.”
Jankowski then suggested that Moore contact Kemp to define the areas of concern and discuss it again at a future Council meeting.
“Maybe (we need to) modify the City Code for the food vendor truck to not be right in the middle of the BID area where they’re paying taxes or the assessment, and on top of that, they’re parking right in front of a restaurant,” he said.
That prompted a sharp response from Christian.
“Actually, it’s called competition. Center Street Smoke House has a food truck and he’s all over. He not only pays sales tax but he pays property tax …,” she said. “I think you’re opening up Pandora’s Box if you decide to do this. Like I said, it is competition and I know about the food truck because I had the first one in Batavia.”
She added that the City could face a lawsuit “if you’re going to continue on with this nonsense.”
“Nobody makes anyone go to those trucks; nobody makes anyone go to a restaurant. It’s a choice – freedom of choice,” she said, prompting Al McGinnis to respond in agreement.
"We should stay out of it," he said. "I think Rose Mary is right.”
In the end, Council approved the application but instructed Moore and Pacino to address Kemp’s email as a courtesy to the BID, an entity with close ties to the City.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley today confirmed that the report regarding the Common Retirement Fund being diverted to balance the budget or pay bills was incorrect.
Following rightful concern that individuals would begin to lose their retirement investments to a state spending spree in the efforts of curbing short-term financial struggles, Hawley wants to make it clear that no such risk is present.
“With what seems like crisis after crisis occurring during these past many weeks, I was as concerned as the people of my district that we were headed for yet another batch of bad news,” Hawley said. “Thankfully, it appears that in this instance, the messaging was simply unclear.
"The $50 million is really being used as a revolving loan program with all funds being paid back. I hope people can breathe a bit easier with this clarification.”
It is important to note that this is not the first time the Common Retirement funds are being used this way. The Comptroller’s office and the Common Retirement Fund have a long relationship with Pursuit having provided business funds for more than 1,000 qualifying New York businesses in all 62 counties to retain jobs and expand.
The fund’s allocation to Pursuit redirects a large portion of the existing available loan program funds to address the COVID-19 crisis.
In regard to the initial question of funds being diverted from retirement savings, the state Comptroller’s office has confirmed that "…The Common Retirement Fund's investment portfolio is very diverse and consists of stocks, bonds, ETF's and even loans. The Comptroller is viewing this funding the same way it views it's other holdings, as an investment."
For those looking for the Comptroller’s original release on the matter, click on the link here.
Press release:
The City of Batavia has conducted a gap funding analysis amid the COVID-19 pandemic and estimates a potential $2.5M shortfall in revenue to the General Fund in the 2020-21 fiscal year.
The City’s budget was passed in March 2020 and was balanced with $17,598,636 in revenue and expenses.
The potential for a $2.5M revenue shortfall is dependent on many factors including projections for lower than estimated sales tax, property tax, and fee revenues.
“Currently the City is facing a gap in revenue, and we are working diligently to control spending across all cost centers," said City Manager Martin Moore, Ph.D, who shared this information at tonight's City Council meeting. "The most recent figures for April show a 26-percent loss in sales tax revenue.
"This will mean a 26-percent reduction in the City’s sales tax distribution payment for the month of April from the County. Revenue losses from sales tax could ultimately reach 30 percent over the entire year. Other cuts are expected from state aid as well."
Due to the COVID-19 economic shut-down, the City is also forecasting an estimated:
These estimates will change as the full economic impact of the COVID-19 is realized. Therefore, the City is taking a phased approach to cost cutting and will continue to make adjustments as the year moves on. Other avenues will be explored to close the funding gap as we move forward.
City Departments have been directed to make immediate cost cuts by deferring purchasing on a wide range of items, implementing layoffs of many part-time employees, and instituting a hiring freeze on all open positions.
These measures are only the first phase of plans to reduce costs amid projected revenue shortfalls, and will achieve $1.1M in expense reductions.
Specifically, the savings will be realized from the following reductions:
o Cancellation of Summer Recreation program for 2020;
o Reduction in attorney and legal services;
o General liability insurance policy savings;
o Delayed/termed payment to economic development corporation;
o Cut of community celebrations and event support (Picnic in the Park);
o Cut in travel and training;
o Elimination of employee recognition program funding and GLOW Corporate Cup fee for employees to participate;
o Layoff of part-time clerk position for three months;
o Supplies and materials cuts and deferrals of purchasing.
o Crossing guard layoff;
o Eliminate special community policing initiatives (NET details, explorer post, community policing, events, etc.);
o Delay vehicle purchases;
o Deferral of supplies and equipment purchasing (crime scene camera, camcorder purchases, outfitting new officers, ERT uniform expenses);
o Cut in nonmandatory training;
o Layoff of part-time dispatcher position;
o Cut in nonmandatory travel and training;
o Deferral of supplies and equipment purchases (fire gloves, fire extinguisher replacement, gas meters, hydrant markers, turnout gear, ropes, harnesses, portable radios and pagers among other supplies).
o Cut in nonmandatory travel and training;
o Street light replacement purchases eliminated;
o Deferral of supplies and equipment purchases (patching material, traffic signs, vehicle and plow repair, park equipment);
o Deferral of repair and maintenance at nonessential equipment at park;
o Deferral of lighting repairs at parks;
o Cut in overtime in parks budget, Bureau of Maintenance, community celebrations and special events, street cleaning, Bureau of Inspections;
o $75,000 suspension of funding reserve accounts at this time.
These cuts will result in lower levels of service for many programs including parks, youth activities, community celebrations, economic development, as well as police and fire initiatives. All departments will be operating without full staffing levels due to the hiring freeze and layoffs of part-time workers.
Although there will be reduced levels of spending for the Police and Fire Departments, citizens should be reassured that both Departments intend to keep the same level of response to calls for service. Both Police and Fire Departments continue to operate and respond to all emergency and nonemergency calls for service.
In the event of an emergency, residents are reminded to call 9-1-1.
“Between the gap funding analysis and cash flow projections, I am diligently watching the financial health of the City," Moore said. "The first phase of reductions will result in a loss of some services and layoffs. This is painful but necessary. I can only express my appreciation to the City of Batavia employees for their continued hard work and dedication during these extremely difficult times."
Daily Briefing:
- As of 2 p.m.
- Genesee County received one new positive case of COVID-19, for a total of 164 positive cases.
- The positive case resides in Batavia.
- The positive case is in their 30s.
- The newly positive individual was not on quarantine prior to becoming symptomatic.
- Two of the previous positive cases have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.
- Five of the total active positive cases are hospitalized.
- We have removed a "positive / recovered" individual that was determined to be a false-positive result. Therefore, the total positive case number will be one less and has been adjusted in our data. No further information will be shared.
- Orleans County received two new positive cases of COVID-19, for a total of 134 positive cases.
- The community positive case resides in Ridgeway.
- There is one additional positive case who is a resident of The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center.
- Of the new positive cases one individual is in their 50s and one individual is in their 90s.
- Ten of the total active positive cases are hospitalized
Click here to view the Genesee and Orleans Counties' online map of confirmed cases.
City of Batavia officials are recommending a familiar face, so to speak, to handle the engineering and design work for the federally funded pavement rehabilitation of Richmond and Harvester avenues.
Public Works Director Matt Worth reported at tonight’s City Council Business Meeting via Zoom videoconferencing that T.Y. Lin International Group of Rochester has been selected from a pre-approved state Department of Transportation list of engineering firms, with the expectation that preliminary and advanced designs will be completed by early next year.
Worth said the contract has yet to be reviewed by the DOT or the city attorney, but noted that it should be ready for Council to move forward at its next meeting on May 26.
“T.Y. Lin presented a well thought out approach to the project with a very good project team,” said Worth, who headed a selection committee that included City Manager Martin Moore, Maintenance Superintendent Ray Tourt and Water Superintendent Bill Davis. “Their last large project with us was the Walnut Street Reconstruction Project and they also were used for the Ellicott Street streetscape project and all of the Batavia Downtown Business Improvement District streetscape projects.”
Batavian Robert Radley, PE, is the company’s senior vice president and U.S. East Region director.
“We were very pleased when we heard the good news that TYLI had been selected," Radley said. "It has always been our great pleasure to work with the City of Batavia DPW team, and we look forward to rehabilitating Richmond and Harvester Avenue(s)."
The scope of the project is the renovation of Richmond Avenue from State Street to Oak Street and for the entire length of Harvester Avenue (from East Main Street to Ellicott Street). Following the design phase, the schedule lists solicitation of construction bids in the winter of 2020 and into 2022 and overhaul of the roads in the summer of 2022.
While the total cost is anticipated to be $2,040,900, the City will be responsible for only 5 percent – around $102,000 – after applying the CHIPS (Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program) and Marchiselli funding streams, Worth wrote in a memo to City Council.
Worth said he is confident in T.Y. Lin’s ability to successfully complete the necessary design work, based on previous experience, qualifications and project understanding. He said that terms of the contract come into play following the selection process.
Council did vote on one resolution related to the renovation -- unanimously approving an agreement with the state DOT to appropriate $358,000 up front to cover 100 percent of the federal and non-federal share of preliminary engineering, design and right-of-way incidentals.
“The fees and contract are negotiated once the firm is selected based on the scope of work and estimated hours,” Worth said. “It is not just the budget amount of $358,000 but the final number will likely be close. Billings are done on actual hours charged.”
Dennis Kennelly, T.Y. Lin’s project manager, said his street design team of about eight professionals is finalizing its strategy, with initial tasks to include contracting with a surveyor and analyzing the core of the pavement.
“Our work will focus on getting the pavement in shape, checking out the sidewalks and bringing ramps at intersections up to standards and codes, per ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), providing for bike lanes and any other condition that is substandard,” said Kennelly, who also played a lead role in the previous City of Batavia projects.
The plan calls for a 3-inch milling and overlay treatment with fibers, along with milling and resurfacing with a hot mix asphalt course. Additional work includes miscellaneous spot pavement repairs, curb repairs, ADA compliant curb ramps, and shared bicycle lane pavement markings.
Kennelly said that once the design work is done, his firm will set up an informational meeting for the public.
On another front, Council members discussed the possibility of returning to City Hall for the May 26th meeting, but decided to stay with the Zoom videoconference setup for at least one more time. They are hoping to return to face-to-face conferences on June 8th, utilizing "social distancing" protocol.
Press release:
Deputy Minority Leader Steve Hawley today called for a return to established state government operations, processes and legislative powers.
In partnership with Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, Hawley has said the time has come for Gov. Cuomo’s emergency powers are to come to an end. This is a response to the declining number of positive cases of COVID-19 throughout the state, as well as with the reopening of the state on the horizon.
“The emergency powers Gov. Cuomo gave himself were helpful at the time, when mitigating the spread of the virus was needed most,” Hawley said. “As we see positive cases of COVID-19 on the decline, and the reopening process begins to commence, it’s also time for the representative government to reassert itself as the voice of the people and resume its regular duties.
“The important decisions made moving forward could very well decide the fate of the state for the foreseeable future. With questions like the reopening process and the budget hole needing to be dealt with, it’s the right of the people to have their voices heard through their representation.”
Through state actions including mandating social distancing and requiring of nonessential workers to stay at home in order to mitigate the spread of the virus, hospitalizations, infection rates, and deaths have seen a steady decline.
On April 20, in partnership with the Assembly Minority, Hawley called on the governor to consider their plan of reopening the state on a region-by-region basis. Gov. Cuomo has presented his own framework for reopening the state region by region, but by his criteria, no part of the state is yet ready to do so.
The issue of emergency powers was exacerbated when, on May 9, Gov. Cuomo pushed the deadline of emergency powers to June 6 through yet another executive order. In partnership with the minority party, Hawley is again calling for Gov. Cuomo to relinquish his emergency power as the state continues to move forward with its reopening plans unabated.
Submitted photo and press release:
The Arc Transfer Station & Redemption Center, a NYS essential service located at 3785 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, is now open more hours to meet the needs of the community.
Since mid-March the transfer station had been on a three-day schedule, but this week Fridays were added back into the mix and later hours on Wednesdays.
The new hours are Monday, Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Wednesdays 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
According to Director of Business Services, Paul Saskowski, the enhanced schedule was necessary.
“We initially went to a three-day schedule in order to limit our (COVID-19) exposure to both our customers and employees," Saskowski said. "The wait times were getting too long so we are opening on Fridays from 8 to 2 and staying open on Wednesdays until 6 p.m.
"We really appreciate the cooperation and continued patronage we have been getting from customers."
For everyone’s protection, Arc asks that customers please remain in their car or truck onsite. Team members will remove trash and recycling from vehicles.
More information is available at www.arcgo.org (business services), or you may call (585) 343-4203.
Marshawn J. Singletary, 38, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree reckless endangerment. He was arrested following the investigation into an incident that occurred in March. It is alleged that at 11 p.m. on March 24, Singletary dragged a female with his car while backing out of her driveway on Osterhout Avenue. He was arraigned in jail via virtual conferencing with Batavia City Court, then released on his own recognizance. He is due in city court on June 10 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Alec Roberts, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.
Rajea Shaiek Thomas Sr., 31, of Averill Avenue, Rochester, is charged with: criminal contempt in the first degree, criminal obstruction of breathing, and fourth-degree criminal mischief. At 2:19 a.m. on April 30, police responded to an apartment on Thomas Avenue in Batavia for a domestic incident. Thomas was arrested and issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on June 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Jordan McGinnis.
Amanda S. Dombrowski, of Versailles Road, North Evans, is charged with third-degree manacing and endangering the welfare of a child. She was arrested following the investigation into a domestic incident that occurred at 7:09 p.m. on Kibbe Avenue in Batavia. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on her own recognizance. She is due in city court June 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.
James J. Sears, 51, of Trumbull Parkway, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- with a previous conviction; refusal to submit to a breath test; failure to keep right; and moving from lane unsafely. He was arrested after a property damage accident that occurred at 10:07 p.m. on Prospect Avenue in Batavia. He allegedly struck a parked car. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and is due back there June 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.
Amanda S. McDonald, 37, of Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia, is charged with making unnecessary noise. She was arrested at 12:33 a.m. on April 26 after a complaint of an alleged city code violation of the noise ordinance. McDonald was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on June 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Jordan McGinnis.
Niasia Shakema Jiggetts, 28, of Thomas Avenue, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal contempt. At 2:45 a.m. on April 30, Jiggetts was arrested following an incident that occurred at a residence on Thomas Avenue. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on June 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jordan McGinnis, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.
Press release:
The Genesee County Democratic Committee and The Genesee County Young Democrats invite the public to participate in a virtual forum featuring candidates running for the Democratic nomination for the 61st NYS Senate District.
Participating candidates include Kim Smith, Jacqui Berger and Joan Seamans. We will also be joined by special guest, NY27 Congressional Candidate Nate McMurray.
The event will be streamed live on YouTube here from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on May 28th.
Anyone wishing to submit a question to the candidates should do so no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, May 20th using this form.
Anyone with questions about this event can reach out to geneseenydemocrats@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page.
Press release:
Primary Instrument: Voice -- studying with Robert Strauss at SUNY Fredonia Secondary Instruments: Ukulele, Piano, and Flute
When asked what her favorite High School and College memories are Andrea Responded: My favorite high school experience is playing Mary Poppins in "Mary Poppins the musical." My favorite college musical experience was when I was in Chamber Choir under the direction of Dr. Vernon Huff. I think a close second was playing one of the stepsisters in the Hillman Opera's production of "Cendrillon" by Massenet, the French opera of the "Cinderella" story.
When asked where is your favorite performance venue you have performed at Andrea responded:
My favorite venue was when the Chamber Choir went to Churchville Chili High School to be a part of a promotional tour. We performed four songs that evening, and closed out the concert. The auditorium was huge and had plenty of space for our sound to resonate in. My favorite song we performed that night was "All My Trials" and "Rockin' Jerusalem," both arranged by Stacey Gibbs.
In addition to teaching, Andrea aspires to be a part of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Chorus one day. She also aspires to be in more operas down the line.
When asked who her main influences are Andrea responded: My main musical influences are Joyce Didonato, Billy Joel and Luciano Pavarotti. I have tickets to see Billy Joel in concert, and cannot wait to see him live!
Andreas ultimate music goal is to be able to teach middle school general music and choral music while still having time to participate in an opera or a musical theater performance.
Andrea loves playing ukulele! She finds chords to pop songs she loves, and plays along to recordings.
We would like to congratulate Andrea on all of her accomplishments up to this point! We wish you much luck as you start your career as a music educator!
Above, Village of Corfu Police Department Officer Scott Johnston.
Photos and press release from the Office of the Sheriff, Genesee County:
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as National Police Week.
Typically, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, D.C., to participate in a number of planned events which honor those officers that have paid the ultimate sacrifice during this week.
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic these events have been cancelled this year.
Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr., City of Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch, Village of Le Roy Police Chief Christopher Hayward, along with the Genesee County Legislature, recognize this week in honor of all those in the law enforcement profession for the countless hours each officer dedicates to the community in which they serve.
The Genesee County Legislature will be issuing a proclamation at its Wednesday night meeting recognizing May 10 – 16, 2020, as National Police Week. The lights on the Old County Courthouse cupola will be changed to blue to acknowledge this week.
Law enforcement officers are always prepared to respond and aid our residents, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
“We commend the women and men of the law enforcement community for their selfless dedication to the protection of the citizens and communities they serve. May God bless them and their families. Please take a moment and join us in paying tribute to these tremendous individuals and remember those that have given the ultimate sacrifice,” said Sheriff Sheron, Chief Heubusch and Chief Hayward in a joint statement.
Above, Village of Le Roy Police Department, from left: Officer Adriano Medici, Detective John Condidorio, Officer Zachary Klafehn, Officer Chris Ford, Sergeant Greg Kellogg, Officer Curt Miller, Officer Steve Cappotelli, Officer Connor Denz.
Above, Genesee County Sheriff's Office, from left: Sergeant Michael J. Lute, Deputy Rachel M. Diehl, Investigator Joseph D. Loftus, Deputy Robert C. Henning, Deputy Travis M. DeMuth.
Above, City of Batavia Police Department, from left: Officer Austin Hedges, Officer Felicia DeGroot, Officer Josh Girvin, Officer Nicole McGinnis, Officer Sam Freeman.
Press release:
Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $1.85, up 7 cents since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.87. The New York State average is $2.15 – down 1 cent from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.96.
AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:
- Batavia -- $2.21 (down 2 cents since last week)
- Buffalo -- $2.21 (no change since last week)
- Ithaca -- $2.13 (no change since last week)
- Rochester -- $2.19 (up 1 cent since last week)
- Rome -- $2.11 (no change since last week)
- Syracuse -- $2.06 (no change since last week)
- Watertown -- $2.12 (down 1 cent since last week)
Increasing demand for gasoline continues to push pump prices up around the country, as more states reopen businesses. Gas demand is expected to continue to grow, leading pump prices to continue to rise. Reports from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) confirm that demand for gasoline has increased, though demand level is still lower than last year at this time.
Oil prices are fluctuating, but have gained some steam, as the market continues to believe that crude demand will increase as more states reopen businesses. However, global crude demand is expected to remain low due to COVID-19, tempering price spikes.
From GasBuddy:
"Gasoline demand continues rebound across the United States as more states reopen, with a week on week rise of nearly 5 percent, according to data from GasBuddy's free payments card. The boost in demand has led oil and gasoline prices to rally, and as long as states continue to loosen restrictions, it'll mean more motorists on the roads and filling their tank," said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.
"Most states saw prices rise last week, but yet again Great Lakes states, which were the largest beneficiaries of ultra-low prices, saw the most pain as retail gasoline prices fall back into their normal territory against the national average. For now, the continued recovery in gas prices will nearly completely depend on improvement in the coronavirus situation, as so long as refineries boost production again as demand continues to rise again."
More than three weeks ago, I asked a few of our local school districts to shoot their own videos about their cafeteria workers and to send me the clips to put together in a single video. For various reasons, it's taken me some time to complete but here it is.
Press release:
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments have received four more COVID-19 cases. Orleans has three new cases (bringing the total to 132) and Genesee has one (bringing the total to 164).
Contact tracing has been initiated and all who have had direct contact with the individuals will be notified by Health Department staff. Two of the Orleans County individuals are residents of The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center and one is a community member. Genesee County’s individual who tested positive is a community member.
We have also received word of the death of an individual who had tested positive for COVID-19 and was a resident of The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center. Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this individual during this very sad time.
There is currently no further information to release on ages and locations. Mapping to include the positive cases from the weekend will be updated on Monday afternoon.
We continue to encourage all residents to be vigilant about handwashing, cleaning frequently used surfaces, properly wearing cloth face coverings over the mouth and nose, keeping your hands away from your face, limiting time out in public and when you do need to go out for essentials you designate one person from your household, keep social distancing and stay home if you are sick.
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