Submitted photos.
By Samantha Stryker, Richmond Memorial Library Community & Adult Services librarian
On the evening of Thursday, Sept. 26, the Reading Room at Richmond Memorial Library was filled nearly to capacity for the inaugural Richmond Reads author visit.
The purpose of the Richmond Reads one-book program was to bring the community together through the common experience of reading a book, engaging in thoughtful discussions about it, and hosting a visit from the author.
This year’s selection was the novel "Southernmost" by Silas House, who visited the library that evening to share a reading, give a talk and, as he put it, “have a conversation” with the audience.
The Richmond Reads program began months prior, when the book selection was announced in February. Many related events followed, including a contest during Summer Reading for a chance to win attendance to a tea with the author, a Joni Mitchell tribute concert by artist Leah Zicari to celebrate the musical influences in "Southernmost," a film screening of the documentary "Hillbilly" and community book discussions.
As homage to the Tale for Three Counties program, the Richmond Reads committee also decided to revive the review contest that had been a hallmark of Tale. Four winners were selected to attend a small tea event with the author for a chance to interact one-on-one prior to the main event.
Reviews were judged anonymously by the Richmond Reads committee for creativity, originality and writing quality. The four contest winners chosen were Ruth Andes, Sue Blanchard, Laurie Mastin and Rita Nan Tresco. Excerpts from their review are included below.
Ruth Andes (Elba):
"Southernmost requires each of us to look back at pivotal points in our lives. We confront the beliefs we hold and realize that they no longer fit the person we have become. The two gay men forced Asher to take that public stand. Once confronted, we cannot go forward in the life we have constructed. Change is required and often that change is radical.”
Sue Blanchard (Lockport):
“While reading this story, you can’t help but put yourself in the same set of circumstances and examine your own prejudices, values, morals, and beliefs. Not only was the book a well written story, but it challenged my thinking. I admire Asher for standing up for what he believed was right, despite the negative impacts, and, in the end I believe he made the right decision. Southernmost illustrates the struggle that judgement and hatred cause – Asher was judged by his community, and he judged his brother - both situations caused emotional turmoil. Tolerance is indeed a hard quality to embrace.”
Laurie Mastin (Pavilion):
“ 'Brainwashed: persuaded, convinced, indoctrinated, molded.' (courtesy-- Thesaurus: English (U.S.))
The term was only used twice in this book but it struck me as a central theme. Aren’t we all brainwashed by the experiences we’ve had and the people we are surrounded by?
"Reading this novel was thought provoking at a time when our country is being divided by extremely different points of views on many of these issues. It’s time to reconsider our past brainwashing, and use critical thinking to reach common ground.”
Rita Nan Tresco (Batavia):
“To flee with his son Justin is the only option Asher Sharp, a small Tennessee preacher feels he has after examining his conscience and finding his voice to speak to his congregation, on the topic of tolerance and human kindness. Preacher Sharp loses everything; his wife, family, and congregation and is also shunned by his community. With little access to the son he loves above all else, he sees no way out but to run…Along the way, as the story unfolds, we find our author, Silas House, weaving his words to be like a musical river of honey with many bends, twists and turns. The lovely conclusion has a beautiful message of learning to care for others through kindness, finding forgiveness in your heart, and being tolerant and respectful of each other. But mostly this lovely story is about finding the voice and the courage to love all of humanity.”
The Inaugural Richmond Reads Event
During his talk Sept. 26, Silas spoke to the themes in the book as they related to his personal experiences, ranging from his own journey as a father to his experience growing up in the evangelical church. He read passages from the text, particularly those that spoke to his theory that dogs are symbolic of “the presence of the divine.” Indeed, throughout the book, we see the pivotal part that dogs play as a metaphor for the lost and found faith of the main characters.
During an interactive discussion with participants, House graciously answered questions ranging from “what are you working on now?” (he said he has many “pots on the stove,” or projects, all at once -- one of which is a novel about a man and dog traveling across Ireland, set in the near future) to “what are you reading now?” ("Whiskey When We’re Dry" by John Larison, which he highly recommended, along with "Women Talking" by Miriam Toews) and answered many questions about his themes and characterizations in the novel.
The only question he declined to answer (to avoid spoilers) was what he thought happened to his main character, Asher, after the end of the book. He did note, however, that he likes to end his books with hope, which was certainly the case with "Southernmost."
After his talk, House signed books and interacted even more with attendees, sharing his open and generous spirit. He was warmly received, with one attendee showing him true Western New York hospitality by gifting him with some heirloom tomatoes to take home!
Making it Possible
This project would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the Richmond Reads Planning Committee, comprised of Sue Briggs, Sue Chiddy, Leslie DeLooze, Irene Hickey, Frances McNulty and Judy Sikora. Thanks also to Lift Bridge Book Shop, of Brockport, for selling books at the event.
Richmond Reads was sponsored by The Friends of Richmond Memorial Library, as well as through a grant through GO ART!
This project was also made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!
Richmond Memorial Library continually provides access to physical and virtual resources and services that meet the educational, informational and recreational needs of its diverse community in a safe and comfortable environment.
Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.
About Silas House
Hailing from Kentucky, Silas House is the best-selling author of six novels, three plays, and a book of creative nonfiction. He is a former commentator for NPR’s “All Things Considered,” is the recipient of three honorary doctorates and has won numerous prestigious awards for his work. "Southernmost" in particular was long-listed for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction and was honored with many more awards.
House recently produced, wrote, and was featured in the documentary "Hillbilly," which examined the myths and stereotypes of Appalachia, historically and in the context of the 2016 election season. "Hillbilly" was chosen as the winner of the Best Documentary at the L.A. Film Festival and was long-listed for an Academy Award.
Silas currently lives in Lexington, Ky., with his husband, Jason, and has two children.
Top photo: The Richmond Reads Planning Committee pictured with author Silas House. Back row, from left: Irene Hickey, Sue Briggs, Sue Chiddy, Judy Sikora and Leslie DeLooze. Seated: Samantha Stryker, Community & Adult Services lbrarian and Richmond Reads coordinator, and Author Silas House. (Not pictured: Frances McNulty) (Photo credit: Jim DeLooze)
Photo below: Author Silas House speaks to a packed room at Richmond Memorial Library for the inaugural Richmond Reads Program. (Photo credit: Jim DeLooze)
Below: Summer Reading and Review Contest winners attend a small one-on-one event at GO ART! with the author ahead of the main event.
Below: Author Silas House signs books following his talk for the 2019 Richmond Reads Program. (Photo credit: Jim DeLooze)
The Blue Devils appear to have found their own four horsemen of destruction, capable of shredding defenses and leaving despair in their wake.
Cody Burns, Terez Smith, Alex Rood and Jesse Reinhart are establishing themselves, since Head Coach Brennan Briggs realigned the backfield before last week's game, as a dominant offensive force.
Last night Burns gained 118 yards on nine carries and scored a TD. Smith ran for 99 yards on 21 carries. Rood rushed 14 times for 95 yards and two TDs. While Reinhart was 7 for 16 passing for 113 yards and a TD.
Batavia beat Bishop Kearney 33-18.
Daemon Konieczny caught two passes for 58 yards. Bannon Moore had one 30-yard TD reception.
On defense, Isaiah Hill had nine tackles and Rood had eight. Max Rapone snagged two interceptions and returned one 90 yards on the last play of the game, getting caught from behind two yards from the goal line. Reinhart had five tackles and an interception.
In other Friday night football:
Photos by Steve Ognibene.
Top photo: Bannon Moore, who caught a key pass from a double QB move from Rood to Reinhart with seconds left before halftime to give the Devils the lead.
To view and purchase prints, click here.
Reinhart intercepts the ball during the first half.
Alex Rood scores from the ground.
Blue Devils defense stopping senior Nathan Carter from scoring.
Maximus Rapone incercepts the ball.
Cody Burns on the run for a touchdown.
Gabrielle M. Chaplin, 28, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, and Trevon L. Armstrong, 34, of Denio Street, Batavia, and Darius L. Jones, 27, of Exchange Street, Attica, are charged with several crimes in connection with a traffic stop of a single vehicle at 12:22 p.m. on Oct. 2 at East Avenue and Ross Street in the City of Batavia. An investigation pursuant to a traffic stop for failing to signal a turn, allegedly revealed that marijuana, oxycodone and a loaded hangun were inside the vehicle. A 10-month-old child was allegedly in the back seat and not properly secured in a child-restraint seat; the child was also allegedly in proximity to the handgun. All subjects were arraigned in Batavia City Court and all were to appear again in court Thursday morning (Oct. 3). All are charged with: criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a misdemeanor; endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor; and unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation. In addition, Jones is charged with exposure of a person, a violation. And Chaplin is also charged with failure to give notice, a traffic infraction, and improper/no child restraint, another traffic infraction. Armstrong and Jones were jailed without bail; Chaplin was jailed in lieu of $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond. The incident was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator Christopher Parker, assisted by Deputy Christopher Erion and K-9 "Frankie," Sgt. Michael Lute, Sgt. James Diehl, Investigator Ronald Welker, Det. James DeFreze, and Batavia Police officers Felicia DeGroot, Jordan McGinnis, Stephen Cronmiller, Mitchell Cowen and Adam Tucker.
Jeffrey D. Hart, 40, of Sumner Road, Corfu, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree; driving while intoxicated; DWI -- with a BAC of .08 percent or more; speeding; and refusal to take a breath test. On Oct. 3 following a traffic stop at 9:55 p.m. on Route 77 in the Village of Corfu, Hart was arrested. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Pembroke Town Court on Oct. 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Saile.
Possible minor injuries are reported following a two-car accident at West Main Street and Dellinger Avenue in the City. City fire and Mercy medics are called; medics are asked to evaluate those involved.
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Press release:
The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors approved incentives of approximately $126,000 for Six Flags Darien Lake LLC at its Oct. 3 meeting.
The company is proposing to build Wahoo Wave, a new $1.575 million 60-foot-tall water ride at the Hurricane Harbor water park, which is set to open in 2020.
The project will help retain 380 jobs at one of the county’s largest sales tax revenue generators. For every $1 of public benefits, this project is creating $4.70 of economic benefit to the local, regional, and state economy.
The GCEDC board also approved an accepting an application from Wright Associates for a $8.9 million capital project that would include the purchase of an existing 139,000-square-foot building on Wright Avenue in Le Roy. In addition to the land acquisition purchase, Wright Associates will invest $2 million to extensively renovate the building and $2 million to purchase new equipment.
Renovations to the property would include the installation of a new roof, updating the electrical system, improvements to drainage system, repairing and repaving the driveway and parking lot, installation of fiber optic cable, updates to HVAC systems, installation of a fire and security system, installation of spray foam in exterior walls and steel siding, and others.
Wright Associates is seeking approximately $823,000 in mortgage, sales and property tax exemptions. For every $1 of public benefits, the project would create $2.39 of economic benefit to the Genesee County economy.
Press release:
The Chamber’s Annual Awards Committee has announced the 2019 Annual Award Ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 7, at The Quality Inn & Suites, Park Road, Batavia.
This is the County’s premier event that honors businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service and volunteerism.
Please note that a brief write-up will qualify your nominee for consideration.
Nominations are now being accepted for Business of the Year, Entrepreneurial Business of the Year, Agricultural Business of the Year, Innovative Enterprise of the Year, Special Service Recognition & Geneseeans of the Year.
Business Nominees must be a Chamber Member (If unsure of your nominee, call the Chamber to verify).
Nomination forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce office, 8276 Park Road, Batavia and can also be downloaded from the Chamber website at www.geneseeny.com.
Nominations MUST BE RECEIVED BY Dec. 30 to be eligible for consideration.
If you would like more information, feel free to call Kelly J. Bermingham, Director of Member Relations & Special Events at the Chamber office, 343-7440, ext. 1026.
Many people have heard about CARFAX, the one-stop-shop online for used cars. The Genesee County Animal Shelter's Volunteers For Animals offer their own version, called CATFAX, but it's an in-person opportunity for those interested in "certified pre-owned adult cats."
We're not making this up; they are. (Cleverness credit where cleverness credit is due.)
For only 60 bucks, with zero-percent financing -- cash or check only, you can bring home your very own feline companion.
Features and Specs:
Multi-point Inspection:
To test drive your potential pet, or at least check under the hood, visit the Genesee County Animal Shelter at 3841 W. Main Street Road in the Town of Batavia during adoption hours.
Adoption Hours:
Contact the Volunteers For Animals at www.vol4animals.org
Or call the shelter at (585) 343-6410.
Serious inquiries only. Real pets for real people. Must be able to provide food, water, shelter and affection. Those not up to the task need not inquire. Providing catnip, luxury bedding, bejeweled collars, crystal supping dishes, a chaise longue (lounge), and other whimsies optional.
This message has been brought to you as a public service on behalf of fur friends county-wide.
Submitted photo and press release:
An annual spring adventure where students in Genesee Community College's History Club visit important historical sites, museums and battlefields in April ultimately benefits the local lovers of blues music this fall.
Sonny Mayo and the Lowdown are coming to GCC's Stuart Steiner Theater on Friday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. for an evening of excellent rhythm and blues featuring a great selection of original tunes and old favorites by a former GCC faculty member. All proceeds from the concert will be dedicated to the History Club's spring break history tour.
Frank "Sonny" Mayo is now a retired GCC public speaking professor, but he is anything but retired from his passion for music. Mayo is bringing his trio with him for a show that promises to give local music aficionados a taste of folk, blues and Americana music, and all for great cause.
Mayo released his first album, "So Far So Good," out of Nashville in 1981.The album was critically acclaimed by Record World magazine and culminated a six-year apprenticeship in Los Angeles and Nashville. Since then, Mayo has released 11 albums on the indie label, Thunder Road Music.
His most recent CD, "Chasing the Chord" was released in 2016 and is a blend of folk, blues and Americana, rich with vivid characters and editorial comments on societal issues.
Mayo has also performed as an opening act, host or shared the bill with numerous musicians including but not limited to Eric Andersen, Eric Bibb, Rory Block, The Burn Sisters, Jen Chapin, Guy Davis, Bill Morrissey, David Olney and slide guitarist Roy Rogers.
Professor Mayo was once a GCC "office neighbor" with Derek Maxfield, associate professor of history at GCC's Batavia Campus. Their collegial conversations lead to a number of dynamic opportunities through the years, to share the new music and support the experiential learning for their students.
"Educational spring breaks are an important facet to the student experience and to learning outcomes," Maxfield said. "As students see these historic places for themselves outside of a classroom, they come away with a new appreciation for the problems, opportunities and even mistakes made by people in the past.
"They also learn about themselves, the world around them, and often, they make life-long friendships. It is an honor that my former colleague and continued friend, Frank or Sonny Mayo, is willing to share an evening of music for such a worthy cause."
Presale tickets are $18 for adults and $20 at the door. GCC students and children under 12 are $10.
Advance tickets are encouraged by contacting Maxfield, who is also GCC's History Club advisor, or Marie Kochmanski, clerk-typist in the second floor Humanities Suite, Room B259, or Michelle Forster, secretary in the third floor GCC Human Communication and Behavior Suite, Room B359.
For more information or to purchase tickets, email Maxfield at ddmaxfield@genesee.edu or call 585-343-0055, ext. 6288.
A statement by Assemblyman Steve Hawley on the proposed Public Finance and Elections Commission:
“The decision by Downstate Majority lawmakers to create a Public Finance and Elections Commission will have disastrous effects on both campaign ethics and taxpayers’ wallets.
“Instead of diverting this to an outside panel, a decision of this magnitude should be debated and voted on with the input of the public. This should go through the legislative process; lawmakers must take responsibility for unpopular decisions, instead of washing their hands when something isn’t politically salient.
“There is no justification for financing political campaigns on taxpayers’ dollars. The tax burden New Yorkers are subject to is ridiculous. The state was just ranked the third-least tax-friendly state in the country, and decisions like creating a Public Finance and Election commission are exactly why.
“Instead of allocating tax dollars to fund political campaigns, the money should go to statewide improvements in infrastructure, such as clean drinking water and repairing deteriorating bridges and roads.
“I stand with my colleagues who have spoken out against this constitutional violation and abuse of power. The best interest of taxpayers has been put on the back burner for far too long.”
Submitted photo and information:
BASOM -- Friends and family of Karen Brown -- a lifetime Western New Yorker, wife, mother, stepmother, and grandmother -- say she needs the community's help.
In a letter about a charity benefit planned Oct. 20 in Lancaster for her, they say that Karen is 47 years old and has lived in Basom for 20 years. She has struggled with colon cancer since January, 2017.
She has endured radiation, chemotherapy, and major surgery to remove it. In spite of these treatments, the cancer has not responded in her favor. She is now undergoing experimental cancer treatments at Roswell Cancer Institute in efforts to keep her cancer from spreading further.
To help with the expenses of the experimental medical treatments and allow Karen to put her focus on her fight with cancer, her friends and family will be hosting a benefit in her honor.
There will be raffles, live music and food at the benefit to raise money.
The benefit will be held from 12 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20th at VFW Post #7275, located at 3741 Walden Ave. in Lancaster (NY 14086).
Your support is needed to help make Karen’s benefit a huge success. Any and all contributions are greatly appreciated, and can be arranged for pickup.
"Please hold Karen and her family close to your hearts by keeping them in your thoughts. We are truly grateful."
Today, you can make an immediate difference by helping with a donation. Suggested donations include, but are not limited to, gift cards or certificates, raffle items, theme baskets and monetary donations.
Monetary gifts may be made in person at the benefit or by mail at the below address. Checks may be made payable to Karen M. Brown with the word “Fundraiser” written on the memo line.
Mail to:
Karen Brown Benefit c/o Kristine Fazio
11820 Boncliff Drive
Alden, NY 14004
Please direct any questions, comments and or concerns to benefit coordinators:
A motor-vehicle accident with unknown injuries is blocking traffic in the area of 512 Ellicott St. in the city. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.
A Genesee County jury of nine women and three men has found Antwan Odom, accused of assaulting former teammate and friend Ray Leach on Aug. 4, 2018, during an incident on Ross Street, not guilty on all counts.
The verdict was unanimous on assault in the first degree and the lesser included offenses of attempted assault in the first degree and assault in the second degree as well as criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.
UPDATE 12:57 p.m.: We have video interviews outside of court with Antwan Odom, Frank Housh, Lawrence Friedman, and a couple of the jurors. I'm editing the video now and will post it at the top of the home page as soon as it's ready.
In recent coverage of the Antwan Odom trial, The Batavian has reported that in May, Odom was offered a "no jail time" plea deal.
"No jail time" was not explicitly part of a plea offer, though that would have been an option for Judge Charles Zambito if he adjudicated Odom as a youthful offender.
We also misunderstood from our coverage at that time the fact that a finding of youthful offender status is still available to Zambito even if Odom is convicted by a jury. Upon a finding of youthful offender status, Zambito has the full range of sentencing options available.
We've reported that a conviction on the count of assault in the first degree has a mandatory minimum status of five years in prison. This is true; however, if Zambito grants Odom youthful offender status, he can determine no jail time is appropriate but if he decides some prison time is appropriate, he can sentence Odom as if the conviction were for a Class E felony. The maximum possible sentence for a Class E felony is one and a third to four years.
The Batavian regrets the error.
Press release:
The Batavia Police Department has received multiple reports of larcenies from vehicles over the past couple weeks. The items taken from the vehicles have been: Cash, change, GPS units and other electronic items.
The larcenies have occurred at locations all throughout the City.
Residents are encouraged to lock unattended vehicles and to not leave items of value in vehicles overnight.
The larcenies are believed to have been committed by persons walking and/or riding their bicycles in the neighborhoods during the evening/overnight hours.
Police will continue to be observant for persons involved in this activity. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity they observe to Police as soon as possible.
Above, Marianne Sernoffsky, Mary Yunker and Heather Parker at the 56th annual Zonta International Conference in Buffalo.
Submitted photos and press release:
Zonta International is celebrating 100 years since its founding in Buffalo in November 1919. Three of the original nine clubs are part of District 4: Buffalo and Rochester, and Erie, Pa. District 4 of the organization held its 56th Conference in Buffalo Sept. 17-30 and four members of the Batavia-Genesee County Club attended the weekend portion of event.
Heather Parker and Marianne Sernoffsky were club delegates, Mary K. Yunker, as one of two district historians, and AnnMarie West as an area director (inset photo below).
Attendees heard from several guest speakers:
Both district and area awards were presented over the weekend; the local Zonta Club received an award for its monthly club newsletter.
The club will be participating with the Le Roy Historical Society on Oct. 6th when an open house will be held at the former Donald Woodward Airport on Asbury Road in Le Roy on Sunday afternoon.
The club raises funds for their service projects and scholarship fund through several events during the year.
The next one will be the annual Holiday Festival over the weekend of Nov. 10 and 11 at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. As usual, Santa Claus will be present for photos with children, and more than 150 crafters and vendors have signed up to participate.
The club has set March 7 for its annual Lucky Number Luncheon.
Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. Zonta International envisions a world in which women's rights are recognized as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential.
In such a world, women have access to all resources and are represented in decision making positions on an equal basis with men. In such a world, no woman lives in fear of violence.
The New York State Magistrates Association and its statewide membership has proudly presented a certificate to commend and recognize the service, dedication and accomplishments of their esteemed colleague and fellow justice, Honorable Gary Barry Graber in appreciation of 40 dedicated years of service in the Town of Darien.
The Certificate of Appreciation is presented with the sincere congratulations and best wishes of the association on Sept. 15, 2019.
Signed,
Honorable Michael A. Petucci, president
New York State Magistrates Association
(Editor's note: The end of 2019 marks the 40th year that Graber has served as Justice in Darien Town Court. Graber is a member of Leadership Genesee Class of 2005.)
Pointing to the Town of Batavia’s robust economy, Supervisor Gregory Post on Wednesday released the municipality’s tentative budget for 2020 – a $5.1 million spending plan that holds the line on property taxes.
“Our strong and viable economic development policy adds to the assessed value and increases our revenue without raising the (tax) rate,” he said. “We’re seeing PILOTS (payments in lieu of taxes) coming off, several instances of (company) expansion, and an increase in engineering review fees … and this will enable us to keep the rate flat for the foreseeable future.”
The general fund budget calls for $1.04 million to be raised by property taxes – with the rate of $2.44 per thousand of assessed valuation, the same as the rate in 2019. Last year’s tax rate was 20 cents per thousand less than the 2018 rate.
At $2..44 per thousand, owners of a home assessed at $90,000 would pay $219.60 for the year.
The Town Board has estimated 2020 revenues to be $3.077 million, which means that $992,310 will be used from an unexpended fund balance to reach the $5.1 million in appropriations.
Post said the board is projecting a $543,000 increase in spending over last year, but $500,000 of that is earmarked as a capital project line item pertaining to the Town Hall building.
“We need to establish it (capital project) if we want to explore refurbishing and remodeling of the Town Hall,” he said. “We have no authorization to spend that yet, but this is how the process begins.”
The supervisor indicated that water and sewer rates will go up slightly – about 3 percent – “which equates to a 7- or 8-cent increase per 1,000 gallons.
“We’re seeing significant increases in revenues, especially from the industrial use on the east side of the Town,” he said. “We’re truly blessed to have those businesses there (referring to the Genesee Valley Agribusiness Park on East Main Street).”
Post also said that personnel salary increases range from 2.5 to 3.5 percent, with raises determined on a “case by case evaluation.” He noted that the Town has been able to cap health insurance costs at the same level as 2019.
“We have been advised to anticipate additional work, particularly in the courts … 30 to 35 percent more administrative work and time spent in the courts, and we have to compensate for that.”
The Town Board will convene at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays to continue to review the spending plan, and is expected to adopt the preliminary budget at its Oct. 16 meeting. A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 6, with a vote on the final plan set for Nov. 20.
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