From Laura A. Wadhams, P.E., assistant county engineer:

Work has been completed on the bridge replacement over Whitney Creek on Judge Road in the Town of Alabama and the road is now reopened.

A portion of Judge Road had been closed since Oct. 12 to replace the bridge, which is immediately west of Crosby Road.

With the agency in the midst of a study to determine if there are any gaps between current conditions and desired conditions, Jocelyn Sikorski said she believes her professional experience will help move Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County to a most favorable destination.

“Currently, they are doing their needs assessment and that will be something that I will have the opportunity to look at, those results, and evaluate what it is that we may need to tweak or change or add to programming services based on the feedback,” Sikorski said. “That will give us a way to develop a strategic plan for the agency and the community.”

Sikorski, who will take over as CCE’s executive director on Jan. 25 following the announcement of her hiring on Wednesday, said she is familiar with the needs assessment process.

“I facilitated a needs assessment four years ago with both county (youth) bureaus, and it’s about time to do another one,” she said. “So, I know exactly … how that is implemented and how to work with the results and to review those results with the staff and the board (of directors) to determine what needs to stay in place or also what may be changed.”

The Alexander resident has worked in county government for more than 20 years, the last eight as executive director of Genesee/Orleans and City of Batavia Youth Bureaus. She said she “loves” her current job, but accepting the CCE position was something that she couldn’t pass up.

“This presented an opportunity for me to not only continue my career, but to advance my career, and provide me an opportunity to continue to learn and grow. One of the things I that feel that I am is a lifelong learner,” she said.

In her new role, she will learn about the programs that CCE offers, including several relating to agriculture and gardening, as well as 4-H, Leadership Genesee (she took that course in 2007), SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps). She also will be responsible for community involvement, relationship building, networking and administration.

Sikorski said the connections she has made over the years will serve her well at CCE.

“It is fortunate that Cornell works closely with the county and there will be opportunities to continue some of the relationships that I have established – working with other community members and organizations,” she said. “That’s something that I’m particularly fond of. And it’s nice that I can stay in my community and continue to work with those individuals, but in other ways now, moving forward.”

She said she plans to work with Genesee County Manager Matt Landers to put a plan in place while her successor is found.

“Having three entities that my current position reports to is a challenge, and you have to have a unique individual to handle that. Everybody’s different – all the managers of the three municipalities, the governing bodies are different and there’s a lot of balance that has to be in place,” she explained.

She said she supports the continuation of an executive director to “continue the work that we’ve already established and to be able to keep going with youth development the way it needs to be between both counties.”

Sikorski also said she is optimistic that things will pan out for the City of Batavia, which is acting on a request from City Council to explore contracting with an outside business to run its youth program.

“I think that is the best course of action for the city to take on when it comes to youth services,” she said. “I believe that there will be an organization that can provide what we need for the city youth in regards to afterschool programming and summer rec, and we will not be shortchanged in service or delivery. If we can maintain that and it’s a cost savings (by the city not having an executive director), it’s a win-win for everybody.”

She said she agreed to a two-year contract with CCE (the salary wasn’t disclosed).

Glenn Simon, who has been serving as the interim director at CCE since March, said he was involved with the interview process and was impressed with Sikorski.

“Jocelyn presented herself very well. She certainly knows the community and all the players involved (in government and civic organizations). I am sure she will do well,” he said.

Simon was summoned to lead the agency during the search for a permanent executive director -- three years after retiring as the director of Supply Chain Management at UMMC.

He said his time at CCE was a “positive experience” but he is looking forward to the warm weather and working on his golf game at Terry Hills Golf Course, which is in full view from the rear window of his Clinton Street Road residence.

Press release:

Arc of Genesee Orleans Transfer Station, 3785 W. Main Street Road, Batavia has reduced its hours of operation until further notice.

The Transfer Station will be closed on Fridays, but normal hours will be in effect on Mondays (8 - 2), Wednesdays (8 - 6) and Saturdays (8 - 2).

Customers are asked to please stay in their vehicle at the transfer station and reminded that masks are required.

If you have any questions, please call (585) 343-4203.

Photo and information from reader Kayla Twardowski: 

My sister Crystal Ishmael's dog went missing Monday morning, Dec. 14, on Alexander Road between Pike Road and Rose Road in Batavia.

Her dog is a Chihuahua, tan in color with white paws. She's 11 years old. Her name is Lady.

My sister's phone number is (585) 356-9774. She is very worried about her and wants her back home. Lady is her support animal. ... Just trying to put the word out there.

Submitted image and press release:

The Batavia Police Department is currently investigating the passing of counterfeit $100 bills throughout the area.

The department recommends that anyone receiving a $100 bill use extra caution to check its authenticity.

At left is a copy of the bill which has been circulating.

If you feel that you may be victim in receiving counterfeit bills, please report it to the Police Department at (585) 345-6350.

A few simple items to check for on U.S. Currency that are hard to recreate on counterfeit bills:

• Color Shifting Ink -- the bill denomination on the bottom right hand corner has the right color shifting ink.
• Raised Printing -- To detect raised printing, take your fingernail and run it carefully down the collar/jacket. You should feel some vibration on your nail from the ridges.
• Blurry Borders/printing/text -- significantly blurry borders, printing, or text, it is an automatic red flag. Red & Blue Threads -- If you take a close look at an authentic bill, you will see that there are small red and blue threads woven in and out within the fabric of the bill.
• Watermark -- In many of the new bills, the watermark is actually a replica of the face on the bill.

Information on the current counterfeit cases is not being release at this time due to the ongoing investigation. 

If anyone receives a counterfeit or suspected counterfeit bill, or has information in reference to the case please contact the Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350, the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370 or online.

Press release:

On Friday, Dec. 18^th, members of the City of Batavia Police Department will be holding a Christmas event in place of the annual “Shop with a Cop” that is held at Walmart each year, which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The City of Batavia Police Benevolent Association, the City of Batavia Civil Service Employees Association members, and the City’s “Jeans for Friday” program donated the funding for this year’s event and the Batavia City School District assisted with choosing the families to participate.

One family from each city school was selected and will receive Christmas presents for children to open Christmas morning. The selected families provided Batavia PD with a “wish list” of items, which included toys, diapers, baby formula, boots, jackets, winter hats and gloves. The gifts have been wrapped and will be delivered via police cruiser with a special guest this week.

The City of Batavia Police Department would like to thank the unions and employees within the City of Batavia for their generous donations and the Batavia City School District for their assistance to make this a great event.

We would also like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season! The City of Batavia Police Department is looking forward to the return of Shop with a Cop in 2021!

Sunday is the inaugural "Bob's Christmas Car Day" created in honor of Bob Zeagler, who used to decorate his Jeep Wrangler in different themes for each holiday throughout the year with a special effort for Christmas. 

The event is being organized on Facebook by a group of local residents.

Zeagler died in November 2016.

Residents are encouraged to decorate their car in a "Bob-inspired" way and drive around Batavia starting at 4 p.m. For those who want to be part of a group of cars, there will be a starting point at Ficarella's Pizzeria on Liberty Street in Batavia. It appears some of the details, such as routes, are still being worked out. Check the Facebook group for more information and updates.

Photo by Steve Ognibene.

Jackson Primary School is striving to create "Magical Moments" for families in its community in partnership with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Employee Association. The association has donated gifts for 10 family experiences. Every student will be entered into a drawing to win one of the gift packages. 

"During these uncertain times, we know family is so important," said Principal Maureen Notaro. "With the help of some elves who shopped for all of these families experiences, we have created 10 'Magical Moments' for families to enjoy together. Some of these experiences include sledding, painting, and family movie night. We supported local restaurants and businesses whose owners go out of their way to give back to our school community."

Sheriff William Sheron Jr. will draw the winners at our “Jackson Spreads Joy” event on Monday at 5:30 p.m. You do not need to be present to win. Winners can pick up their prizes on the next day at Jackson Primary between 8 a.m. 4 p.m.

Submitted information and video.

Students, teachers, and staff at Le Roy High School came together this week to create Christmas care packages for more than 140 residents of Le Roy Village Green.

Video by Tim McArdle.

The Batavia Town Board on Wednesday night took the first step toward consolidating all of town’s water districts into one by passing a resolution to accept a $45,930 grant from the New York State Department of State’s Citizens Reorganization Empowerment Implementation program.

Town Supervisor Gregory Post said that the grant will cover the costs of engineering services provided by staff and outside consultants to put together a plan to combine the town’s 30 or so water districts and improvement areas into a single water district to be known as the Town of Batavia Consolidated Water District.

“This is something that we have been working toward for the past 15 years, and the grant gives us the opportunity to get it started,” Post said. “In fact, I have advocated for this for the 35 years that I’ve been involved in town government.”

Post said that consolidation will save the town money in the areas of water district management and administration, and will pave the way for an asset management and capital improvement plan in a cost-efficient manner.

“I expect that we will save hundreds of thousands of dollars in future administrative costs, while also putting us in line with state regulations,” he said.

Post said it behooves the town to start this process now as much of the water pipeline that was constructed in the early 1970s is nearing the end of its lifespan. He also said the town was called out by the state Comptroller for not keeping separate accounts of each of the town’s more than 30 water districts.

“By consolidating into one, we will be able to spread the cost of debt through all town water users and meet state requirements,” he said, noting that the town did merge a few water districts previously.

“Many users haven’t paid any water debt in 20 years; they’re just paying for the water. But those in the newer districts won’t be able to get water if the old pipes fail. Consolidation would equalize the cost across the board, and everybody will reap the benefits.”

Currently, residents in about 15 water districts are paying some level of debt service via a special district tax.

The supervisor said the town would be in a better position in terms of economic development as well by “leveraging all commercial, industrial and residential areas into a common resource.”

Post did acknowledge that the move to consolidation could be somewhat controversial, but it would be “unaffordable for those in districts with aging pipelines that become not suitable to have to pay 100 percent of the costs (to repair or replace them).”

Town Engineer Steve Mountain said his staff will begin work next month on drafting a report detailing the consolidation plan and hopes it will be ready by this summer. He also said public information meetings will be scheduled.

“We want to make sure that everybody affected by this is part of the process,” he said.

In other developments:

• The board approved a resolution appointing James Kirsch to the position of assessment aide at a wage of $26.78 per hour and not to exceed 15 hours per week, effective Dec. 21.

• Town Clerk Teressa Morasco reported that the 2021 town/county tax bills will go out on Dec. 31 and, due to COVID-19, residents paying by check or money order are encouraged to mail their payments to Town of Batavia Tax Collector, P.O. Box 108, Warsaw, NY 14569 (going to the town’s bank) or utilize the drop box located by the Town Hall’s front door on West Main Street Road.

If paying by cash, payments will be accepted at the drive-up window from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Press release:

Genesee County is updating its Comprehensive Plan to reach its 2050 goals and to reimagine the comprehensive planning process.

A new website launched today will help make the plan and public engagement in the planning process easy to access. The site: www.Genesee2050.com (don’t forget the www.) will include work in progress on updating the 1997 Genesee County Comprehensive Plan. The website can be used to explore the status of the Comprehensive Plan as it develops; to find opportunities to engage in the process; and to help maintain the Plan as a “living document” to ensure it reflects important community priorities as they evolve through the year 2050.

Public Input Needed

The Genesee 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update survey is open. The survey seeks input from citizens on the relative importance of and the level of satisfaction with various aspects of community life, as well as attitudes about Genesee County’s future. Open-ended questions invite respondents to describe what they currently like and what they would most like to change about Genesee County.

Users can navigate to the Take Surveys tab to access the Genesee 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update survey as well as mini surveys seeking input on a variety of topics. Mini surveys available now seek input on Agriculture and Food Supply, Renewable Energy Siting, and Pandemic Impacts on county residents. The recreation survey and other mini surveys will be launched in the near future.

County Flag Design Contest Open

Details about the contest to design a new flag for Genesee County are also available on the site.

Flag Competition Guidelines:

• Keep It Simple. The flag should be rectangular and so simple that a child can draw it from memory.
• Use Meaningful Symbolism. The flag's images, colors or patterns should relate to what it symbolizes.
• Use Basic Colors. Limit the number of colors on the flag to as few as possible that contrast well and come from the standard color set.
• No Lettering. Do not use writing of any kind (exception: the County Seal may be used).
• Be Distinctive or Be Related. Avoid duplicating other flags, but use similarities to show connections. All entries must be the designer’s original work.

Users can navigate to the Get Involved tab to view full submission details.

Public Participation is Essential

“It’s crucial that we get the input of residents and stakeholders so that the final plan reflects strategies people will support to create the sustainable and vital future we all want for Genesee County,” said County Planning Director Felipe Oltramari. “We have so many assets. We need to build upon those strengths to retain existing and attract new residents, investors and businesses.

“In the midst of the global pandemic, the Genesee 2050 website serves as an important hub coordinating distanced and online public engagement. It gives everyone who lives in, works in and cares about Genesee County a place to be heard and to learn how to participate in realizing the county’s vision for its future.”

The survey is one element of a broad public input program for the Genesee County planning efforts. Public workshops, steering committee meetings and interactive site tours as well as participation in community events such as the farmers market are also part of the program. Information about upcoming events will also be posted on the project Facebook page: Genesee 2050.

For more information or to receive a printed copy of any of the surveys contact Felipe A. Oltramari, director of the Genesee County Department of Planning by email at:  Felipe.Oltramari@co.genesee.ny.us or phone (585) 815-7901.

The OHMS Band recorded The Band's Christmas Must Be Tonight and asked us to post it for you.

Press release:

• Genesee County received 62 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Alabama, Alexander, Batavia, Bergen, Bethany, Byron, Darien, Elba, Le Roy, Oakfield, Pavilion and Pembroke.
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s.
  • Thirty-three of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Twenty-four of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
  • Six of the new positive cases are residents at Le Roy Village Green Residential Healthcare Facility, six of the new positive cases are residents at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation, and one of the positive individuals is at the VA Medical Center.
• Orleans County received 28 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Albion, Barre, Carlton, Kendall, Ridgeway and Shelby.
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s.
  • Ten of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Twenty-five of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Two of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

A two-vehicle accident is reported at South Lake Road and Telephone in Pavilion.

The accident is blocking and injuries are reported.

Pavilion fire is responding. Pavilion requests a Le Roy ambulance emergency, an ALS ambulance emergency, and a BLS ambulance, nonemergency (ALS: advanced life support; BLS: basic life support).

UPDATE 7:33 p.m.: There are a total of four ambulances responding.

UPDATE 7:33 p.m.: There is no entrapment.

Batavia Downs Gaming is gearing up for the resumption of its summer concert series and will have a brand-new stage for the performers to belt out their tunes.

Directors of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation today supported an expenditure of about $110,000 to purchase the stage from Audio Images Sound & Lighting, a local company located at 2 Treadeasy Drive, Batavia.

“This is a quality stage -- and the price is outstanding,” said Henry Wojtaszek, WROTB president and chief executive officer. “We have been paying $120,000 a year to rent a stage and now we can buy one for less than that and it will last easily for five years.”

Wojtaszek said WROTB will continue a separate contract for operation of the lights and soundboard on concert dates.

As far as the 2021 lineup, he reported that seven of the eight concerts are confirmed. Currently, only July 30 is open. The other dates are June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, Aug. 6 and Aug. 13.

Acts scheduled to visit Batavia Downs Gaming this summer include Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles; Molly Hatchet, and Steve Augeri, former lead singer of Journey.

In other developments:

• Chief Financial Officer Jacquelyne Leach said that November was a “break-even month,” putting a further damper on the year that saw proceeds up by $1 million through February compared to the same time frame in 2019 before COVID-19 reared its ugly head.

“As a result, there will be no earnings distribution for 2020, but the surcharge, which goes to the municipalities (supported by WROTB) is $725,000,” she said, adding that the $64,000 in surcharge generated in November will be distributed in a couple weeks.

Leach reported that the $3.1 million Payroll Protection Program loan received by Batavia Downs Gaming for COVID-19 pandemic relief is expected to be “fully forgiven” per program guidelines.

She also provided projections for the 2021 operating plan with expected distributions on an annualized basis totaling $1.4 million in earnings and $812,705 in surcharges.

• The board approved the corporations’ vehicle use policy, and was informed by Wojtaszek that plans call for downsizing the fleet, which is at about 40 vehicles currently.

He said WROTB could save money by reducing the number of cars and trucks, and giving a stipend instead to those who currently are using company vehicles extensively. Less than 10 people have use of company cars on an everyday basis, he noted.

• Salaries for WROTB officers approved for 2021 are as follows: Wojtaszek, president/CEO/general counsel, $191,846; Leach, $144,746; Scott Kiedrowski, VP/Operations, $107,420; William White, VP/Administration, $107,399; Michael Nolan, COO, $119,704.

Sikorski, who has served as executive director of the Genesee/Orleans County and City of Batavia Youth Bureaus since 2012, will begin her duties at the CCE office at 420 E. Main St. on Jan. 25.

“We are excited to bring Jocelyn on board,” CCE Board President Lucine Kauffman said in a media release. “She brings such a wealth of knowledge with deep roots in youth development and a true understanding of local community needs.

“She has a proven track record of management, advocacy and education, which translates well to the position of executive director.”

The agency’s search committee had interviewed two candidates – Sikorski and Julianna Frisch of Brockport – and both made virtual public presentations on Nov. 30 via Zoom.

Sikorski will take over the reins of the 100-year-old organization that provides programs in youth development, agriculture, nutrition, leadership, and community and economic development.

Recently, Sikorski played an integral role in the establishment of the Liberty Center for Youth afterschool program, which saw the relocation of the City Youth Bureau from MacArthur Drive to City Church’s St. Anthony’s campus on Liberty Street.

She holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from Brockport State College, and has worked for Genesee County’s youth bureau since 1999.

Her community and civic activities include serving on the Genesee County STOP-DWI Board, GLOW YMCA Corporate Board and Genesee United Way Board and Allocations Committee. She is a past president and board member of Batavia Kiwanis Club, and a member of the Leadership Genesee Class of 2007.

Genesee County Manager Matt Landers, speaking for county employees, said "while we are sad to see Jocelyn leave Genesee County government, we wish her all the best in her new position."

"Jocelyn has served the youth of this county well over her 21 years of service. I look forward to working with Jocelyn in her new role over at CCE and am confident she will serve that organization well for years to come," he said.

Landers advised that he and his staff will be reviewing the Youth Bureau in its entirety before determining the next step.

"Whenever a department head leaves, there is an opportunity to examine how service is delivered and an opportunity to reimagine county government," he said.  

An email to Sikorski for comment was not returned at the time of the posting of this story.

File photo by Howard Owens.

A citizen advisory committee supports fast-tracking a request for proposal to outsource youth services for the City of Batavia, but hopes the city would consider managing its afterschool and summer recreation programs if none of the applications received are accepted.

During a Zoom videoconferencing meeting on Tuesday afternoon, Interim City Manager Rachael Tabelski and County/City Youth Bureau Executive Director Jocelyn Sikorski reviewed a six-page RFP with the City Youth Board.

The document, drafted by Sikorski, is earmarked to be sent out on Dec. 21 to local organizations interested in providing youth services to the city for the 2021-22 fiscal year that begins on April 1.

David Twichell, president; Paula Fischer, Kristen Gloskowski, and City Council liaison Al McGinnis represented the City Youth Board at the meeting.

“So, I guess that we're doing this as a cost-saving measure,” Fischer said, framing the city’s decision to move from an in-house operation to contracting with an outside agency. “Obviously, if things come in and aren’t a cost savings, we as a board would like to see what we could do within a budgeted amount … taking the 20-percent cut or whatever … to replace a youth coordinator, director … and hiring back part-time staff at the Liberty Center and running the program in the summer like we have in the past.”

The Liberty Center for Youth on the St. Anthony’s campus of City Church on Liberty Street serves as the city’s afterschool location.

“That is still on the table I would imagine,” she said. “I guess my question is that we’re putting out the RFP, but there still is that alternative that we don’t accept any of them and go back to running it in-house like we have for years.”

Tabelski countered by saying that it would be best to make that determination after receiving RFPs, adding, “I would hope that we find a suitable proposal.”

Sikorski concurred, stating that the city has the right to refuse any proposal, “but I think that we have community-based organizations that are capable of providing this service in Genesee County, who can make it work fiscally, not only to maintain the level that we’ve had, but also to save the city money, honestly.”

Twichell: Keep an In-House Plan on the Table

At this point, Twichell summarized the youth board’s position that it would like the city to keep its options open.

“We understand that the RFP is a good attempt to save the city money but we just want to have that left on the table that if push comes to shove, and the RFPs don’t pan out, then we might be able to set up, like we used to have it (although) we might have to reduce services at certain parks or whatever,” he said.

As far as filling vacant youth positions in the city, McGinnis said in a difficult budget year, Council wouldn’t be able to guarantee that this year.

Twichell responded, “We would like to make it aware that youth services, now, is the only department in the city without any staff.”

Tabelski explained that youth services are not classified as a city department, but are under the umbrella of administration, supervised by the assistant city manager (which is vacant at this time).

That prompted Fischer to ask if some of the administrative staff could be reassigned to the Liberty Center “like we did with (former employee) Lydia (Schauf) when we reassigned her to the YMCA during the pandemic when the youth center was closed.”

Tabelski said that Civil Service job descriptions prevented that from happening, but Fischer maintained that youth services, with a budget of around $234,000 (out of a $24 million city budget) shouldn’t “bear the brunt of your budget woes.”

“I don’t think that hiring one youth coordinator is going to break the bank or the budget,” she said. “And we’re talking about five or six part-time people … there’s a lot of different things that we could look at.”

Participation Fees: To Pay or Not to Pay

All agreed that the objective is to continue existing youth programs for Batavia and Genesee County, and the RFP incorporates that by listing eight key components: creative arts; library, media and technology; activities that include science, math and technology; homework help/tutoring; recreation and sports; science and nature; indoor and outdoor activities, and snacks/meals.

“There also is an assessment process to determine that the agency is meeting program goals and objectives, and continuing to participate with the county youth bureau,” Sikorski said. “We do several things collaboratively between the city and the county, and that relationship should continue.”

She mentioned events such as youth recognition awards, youth leaders conference, annual youth conference, and National Night Out. An outside agency running the program would have to comply with performance measures.

Cost to participants also came up, with Fischer pointing out a section on page 3 of the RFP that indicated “no, or very low cost to the City of Batavia families” for summer recreation.

“I am pretty sure the direction of City Council was that there would be no cost to families,” said Fischer, who, in recent weeks, has spoken out against what she perceives as the city’s rush to bring in another organization, such as the Genesee Area YMCA, to run the youth program.

Tabelski said she was not opposed to eliminating “very low cost” and leaving it as “no cost” for the summer rec program.

Fischer said she didn’t think it would be fair to have a city taxpayer have to pay an additional fee for their child or children to participate in city youth functions.

“I don’t think a city taxpayer should have to pay for their child to go – if you’re paying your city taxes, that should be it,” she said. “So, people paying taxes could be taxed again to send their kid to a parks program where someone else is getting it paid by their town or getting a sliding fee scale.”

Sikorski advised that if they go the route of “no cost,” then it would be free to all participants across the board “because if the town is contributing like they have for decades to that cost, then it’s applicable to everybody.”

“Working with other municipal recreation programs, there was at one point in time where our rules and regulations stated that they could not charge; (that) none of our programs could charge a fee,” Sikorski offered. “That changed in the early 2000s, and luckily a lot of our recreation programs do not charge. Some of them may ask for a donation for field trips or a small fee per week depending upon their child. And I’m talking small, I mean minimal, like $5 per kid.”

Scoring Based Upon Selection Criteria

McGinnis said the RFP needs to go out as soon as possible with the city’s 2021-22 proposed budget due to City Council by mid-January.

“We have a very tough budget this year … and this being a piece of it, we have to know where we stand,” he said.

Fischer, Twichell and Gloskowski said they were satisfied with the RFP and the timeline.

Tabelski noted that the RFP does not include a cost for these services.

“The reason you do an RFP is to find competitive pricing for services, so we don’t dictate a price to the market, we let the market come back to us,” she said.

She said the plan is to form a selection team after the RFP deadline of Jan. 15 -- with the Youth Board as part of that team -- to score the proposals, using a matrix that awards points for each of items in the selection criteria, as follows:

• The eligible agency’s capacity to effectively, efficiently and immediately provide needed service, program design and developmentally appropriate programs;
• The eligible agency’s proposal to meet the goals and objectives of the City of Batavia’s Youth Service & Recreation Plan;
• The price of service;
• The ease of utilization and accessibility of the Program to parents;
• The capacities to provide ongoing staff development, staff availability, qualifications, rate of turn over, ability to fill vacancies;
• The documentation that all applicable health and safety codes and licensure or registration requirements are met;
• The fiscal solvency of the agency;
• The capacity and experience in serving children with disabilities;
• The capacity and experience in serving children and their parents where they are Limited English Proficient.

Tabelski said RFPs are operational and issued by the city manager or Department of Public Works, for example. Approvals are made by City Council once the RFP process is completed.

In this case, the selected agency, as well as those not chosen, are to be notified by Feb. 5.

Submitted photo and information.

Batavia High School graduate Elliot Marino, Pharm.D, BCPS, clinical manager, pharmacy, administered the first shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday at Olean General Hospital. Katie Bocher, second-floor RN, was the first frontline healthcare worker at the facility to get innoculated.

The hospital received its first supply of the vaccine and began vaccinating physicians, nurses and staff who work in high-risk areas of the hospital.

Marino attended Batavia city schools from K-12 and graduated in 2008.