The much-disputed sale of a tax-foreclosed property at 9 Willow St., Batavia, reached a resolution tonight as the city council approved the sale of the house to Stafford resident Tom Englerth.

He was the second-highest bidder for the property -- contrary to a previously published report by the Batavia Daily News that Habitat for Humanity placed the second-highest bid -- with a bid of $20,500, which was $500 less than the highest bid by Michael Pullinzi.

Pullinzi's bid was rejected by the council two weeks ago for apparently having been cited too many times for code violations. (Pullinzi has noted that his violations are not nearly as numerous as some local landlords and that some of the alleged violations were actually on neighboring properties.)

The contentious decision carried over to tonight's meeting as Councilman Bob Bialkowski asked the council not sell the property to Englerth, but instead re-auction the property at an upcoming county auction.

Bialkowski's motion failed 2-7 with only Councilman Sam Barone backing the motion.

“It’s unfortunate that nobody asked the high bidder what his intention for the home was," Bialkowski said, noting that Pullinzi has previously gutted and remodeled homes on North Lyon and in Le Roy and is current converting a two-family apartment building into a single-family residence on Fisher Park.

Council President Marianne Clattenburg expressed concern that since Englerth had probably been notified of the council's pending vote, to switch directions at the last minute might expose taxpayers to a costly lawsuit.

Councilwoman Kathy Briggs also showed some exasperation with Bialkowski's motion.

"We didn’t accept the first one, now the proper procedure is, we go to the next bidder," Briggs said. "End of discussion."

Councilman Frank Ferrando spoke at length for the council to come up with a better policy for dealing with the sale of tax-deliquent properties.

“I don’t know what alternatives we have, but there have to be better alternatives relative to the vision we have to make our neighborhoods better," Ferrando said.

Ferrando didn't expect an answer tonight from City Manager Jason Molino, but he asked him what the city was doing to hold tenants more accountable, echoing a theme of a recent story on The Batavian.

After Bialkowski's motion failed, the council voted unanimously to sell the property to Englerth.

Pictured, Bialkowski, top, and Briggs.

Another rollover accident has been reported in the Pembroke section of the New York State Thruway.

The caller does not believe the driver was injured.

The accident was reported in the area of mile marker 394.5, eastbound lane.

East Pembroke Fire and Mercy EMS have been dispatched.

UPDATE 11:36 p.m.: A first responder reported finding the car on its roof, but Mercy EMS has been cancelled. The driver said he doesn't require medical treatment.

It's unknown if there are injuries after a car hit a utility pole in the area of 1139 Casey Road, Basom.

Alabama Fire and Mercy EMS have been dispatched.

UPDATE 11:17 p.m.: National Grid requested to the scene. The pole is snapped in two. There is a transformer on it. Mercy EMS put back in service. The driver was not injured. No passengers.

View Larger Map

A low pressure zone moving from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario is bringing snow and a winter mix to Western New York and the National Weather Service has issued a weather advisory.

Rain and a freezing drizzle overnight will make untreated roads quite slippery and caution when driving is recommended.

The advisory is in effect from midnight until 6 a.m.
 

Sparks and flashes are reported coming from a residence in the Dreamland Trailer Park, 3522 W. Main St. Road, West Batavia.

The house is described as a white house with a fence.

East Pembroke Fire is responding.

An assistant fire chief on location, "nothing showing."

He reports the house to respond to is the main house in Dreamland.

He reports wires on a pole crackling, but nothing in the house. "I don't see anything, but I can hear it out here."

UPDATE 9:20 p.m.: Wires are reportedly arcing. National Grid requested to the scene. A standby from Corfu has been request to go to the East Pembroke Hall. Town of Batavia also requested to stand by.

UPDATE 10:02 p.m.: Town of Batavia told to stand down.

A rollover motor vehicle accident with minor injuries is reported on the Thruway, west of the 48A exit. Pembroke, Indian Falls and Mercy EMS are called to respond.

UPDATE 5:04 p.m.: The accident is near mile marker 403. Pembroke command on scene says the vehicle rolled over several times, the roof is crushed and the windows are "blown out," but the occupants appear unharmed. The responder said "I told them they should at least go to the hospital to get checked out."

A possible structure fire is reported at 61 East Main St. in the Village of Corfu. Corfu fire is responding, others are standing by.

UPDATE 4:20 p.m.: All other departments but Corfu are asked to stand down. Apparently this was a dryer fire at a house. A firefighter reports: "The dryer is out of the house, checking the extension."

A two-vehicle accident with one minor injury is reported at 4740 Barrville Road in Elba between Luddington and Bridge roads. Elba fire and Mercy EMS are responding.

Who knew that walking around in circles could actually be a good use of time?

Since Wednesday, Batavia's First Presbyterian Church has had a labyrinth -- a pattern consisting of multiple paths leading to a center -- for people to walk as an exercise in prayer and meditation. The following video includes interviews with pastor Roula Alkhouri and two of the brave souls who chose to give the labyrinth a try.

The remaining dates and times available for walking the labyrinth are as follows:

9:30 to 11:30 a.m., 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23
9:30 to 11:30 a.m., 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24

Anyone interested should contact First Presbyterian by phone (585) 343-0505 or e-mail the pastor at roula@rochester.com.

The prediction of snow today is just starting to come true -- there's some light flurries outside. The chance of snow in the 2 p.m.hour is put at 80 percent, but drops off quickly, as does the temperature.  We should drop from about 35 degrees to 31 by early evening, and then the temperatures creep back up to the mid-30s after 9 p.m.

There could be more snow this evening.

There's about a 30 percent chance of precipitation throughout most of tomorrow, with the chance of snow changing to a chance of rain by 3 p.m., when temperatures are expected to hit about 38 degrees.

Weather.com's 10-day forecast has temperatures in the 30s with varying degrees of possible rain or snow.

Photo: The Genesee Valley plows through a small snow bank at Harvester Avenue as it passes the Harvester Center.

A Batavia man admitted in Genesee County Court this morning that on Aug. 31, he got drunk, got mad and wound up hurting his own 4-year-old son after he threw a chair at another person, striking his son instead.

James S. Nottingham Sr., pled guilty to attempted assault 3rd, DWI and aggravated unlicensed operation.

The attempted assault charge requires the prosecution to prove that Nottingham intended to hurt another person. Judge Robert Noonan made sure that Nottingham understood his right at trial to use his intoxication as possible proof that he wasn't aware that his actions might cause serious injury.

The charge is a felony and serves as his second felony for purposes of sentencing.

Nottingham, 30, who finished ninth-grade, admitted to a felony count of criminal mischief in 2005. He also had a DWI conviction in Batavia City Court last year.

Attorney Gary Horton asked to have Nottingham released under supervision, but Noonan denied his request and continued his bail.

In the Aug. 31 incident, Nottingham said he threw the chair at Warren Cotton.

Michael A. Jamil, 26, of 10 Prospect Ave., Batavia, is charged with following too closely, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, uninspected motor vehicle and unauthorized use of a vehicle 3rd. Jamil was arrested following a three-car accident at 11:40 a.m. Thursday. Jamil was reportedly driving westbound on Main Street and struck another car, which pushed that car into a third vehicle. A passenger in one of the vehicles, Amber L. Blanco, 19, was transported by ambulance to UMMC, complaining of abdomenal pain. Further investigation by Officer Jason Davis revealed that Jamil allegedly took the vehicle he was driving without the owner's permission.

Cole Y. Holstein, 25, of 2129 Angling Road, Pembroke, is charged with unlawful dealing with a minor. Holstein is accused of hosting a large underage drinking party. He was arrested at 12:30 this morning.

Jenna J. Condoluci, 19, of 230-A W. State St., Albion, is charged with petit larceny. Condoluci was arrested on a failure to appear warrant out of Batavia City Court after she had been scheduled for arraignment on Jan. 5 on a petit larceny charge. Condoluci was in Monroe County Jail on an unrelated charge and was taken into custody by Officer Kevin Defelice upon her release. Condoluci was jailed on $500 bail.

Stephen C. Hawley, 22, of 775 Main St., Apt. 509, Buffalo, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI (operating with a BAC of .08 or greater), operating on median, speed not reasonable and prudent. Hawley was taken into cusody following a property damage accident near the intersection of East Main Street and Clinton Street. Hawley allegedly made a left-hand turn onto Clinton, driving onto the median and striking a pedestrian crossing light pole. Neither Hawley nor his female passenger were injured in the accident.

Michael R. Malicki, 19, of 9620 Vermont View Road, Machias, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Malicki was arrested at 1:07 a.m. Saturday, by Officer Frank Klimjack.

Tammy Jean Wolfley, 41, of 3021 Sprague Road, Alexander, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of pavement markings in no passing zone, and throwing refuse on a highway. Wolfley was arrested at 3:21 a.m. Sunday, following a traffic stop by Deputy Jason Saile.

Bradley C. Frederick, 47, of 500 Walnut St., Lockport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding (67 mph in 40 mph zone). Frederick was stopped by Deputy Tim Wescott at 8:40 p.m. Friday, or allegedly failing to dim headlines and speeding on Route 63 in Alabama.

Wayne M. Smith, 59, of 9780 Bethany Center Road, Bethany, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and driving with no or inadequate headlights. Smith was stopped at 10:44 p.m. Friday, by Deputy James Diehl on West Main Street Road, Batavia.

Accidents from the State Police blotter:

1:27 p.m. Feb. 20, Walmart parking lot, Batavia, two vehicles; Driver 1: Daniel W. Shea, 49, of Batavia; Driver 2: Lloyd E. Hall, 56, Le Roy. No injuries reported.

A two-car accident with injuries has been reported in the area of 72 River St., City of Batavia.

City Fire and Mercy EMS are responding. City Police, on scene.

UPDATE 7:10 p.m.: Mercy EMS reports, one patient.

View Larger Map

The Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act, also known in these parts as the "farm death bill," will be the subject of a public hearing March 1 by the State Senate Agriculture Committee.

Sen. Darrel Aubertine (D-48) chairs the ag committee and requested the hearing after the bill, S-2247-B, passed the Senate's labor committee.

Aubertine told the Syracuse Post-Standard:

“This hearing will enable us for the first time as a committee to listen to the concerns of both the advocates for this bill and the farmers who will bear the responsibility of adhering to its new regulations,” said committee Chair Sen. Darrel Aubertine.

“We need to better assess the impact of this bill and be sure that we have the facts regarding how this bill will affect our economy, our farm workers and our family farms. We’ve lost more than a farm a day in New York State over the past 30 years and there’s no question that we cannot afford to lose another industry, especially agriculture, which is a cornerstone of our economy,” he said.

Opponents of the bill say it will devastate New York's 35,000 family farms, driving up costs and causing many farm workers to earn less.

The bill could also increase the costs of farm goods for consumers.

In an e-mail, Aubertine invited interested parties to submit testimony on the bill, which he said subjects farmers to new, complex mandates presenting a yet-undetermined impact on New York's food supply.

About the hearing, Aubertine wrote:

The Agriculture Committee will be hearing testimony on the proposed Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act on March 1st in Hearing Room A of the Legislative Office Building. While there is limited availability to provide oral testimony, I encourage you to share written testimony with the committee. If you would like to provide testimony on this topic, please contact Sarah Blood, Senate Agriculture Committee Director, at 518-455-2761 or blood@senate.ny.us by February 26. Please also provide a copy of your testimony to the committee no later than February 26. The Hearing will be streamed live via the the Senate Website starting at 9:00 AM.   

According to Wikipedia, Aubertine is a dairy farmer. He represents a primarily Republican, agriculture district. He is the only working farmer currently in the Senate.

A snowmobiler in the area of Colby Road and Route 20 in Darien has reported finding a tractor on fire in a manure pile.

Darien Fire is being dispatched.

UPDATE: Darien chief reports a loader fully involved.  The fire is behind a barn where Darien had a hay bale fire a few years ago.

UPDATE 11:00 a.m.: Darien command reports the fire is knocked down. They're waiting on another tractor to pull the loader from the pile.

View Larger Map

Sunday should bring some sun, with highs hitting 31. Enjoy it while you can. There's an 80-percent chance of snow on Monday afternoon. While Monday's temperature could hit 35, winds might top out at 35 mph.

We can look forward to highs in the mid 30s on Tuesday and Wednesday with some chance of rain or snow showers, and maybe some patches of snow.

Photo: The silo above is located on Asbury Road in Le Roy. The photo was shot late Saturday afternoon.

About a dozen boys and girls donned caps and coats, put away their cubbies and prepared to go home after class Friday morning at Le Roy Nursery School. They're in the pre-kindergarten program, which prepares them for a structured learning environment.

They were surprisingly quiet and orderly and then sat on the large carpet at the front of the room to sing the goodbye song with Teacher Debbie Chipre, who has taught a generation of children. She's been there for 20 years.

They clapped their hands, winked an eye and sang that is was time to say goodbye.

"On Monday we're going to learn about the letter L," Chipre said. "So don't forget to wear your Le Roy school shirt!"

She was assisted by Teacher Robyn Falcone, who's taught there for six years.

Both women are proud of the program offered, which teaches basics: letters and numbers; small-muscle coordination (such as using tiny scissors); age-appropriate social and self-help skills; how to write their name; even some Spanish and sign language. Chipre and Falcone also sometimes spot a potential problem area, such as speech or a physical limitation, so it can be addressed before they enter kindergarten.

The pre-K program consists of three half-days, Monday, Wednesday and Friday for preschoolers up to age 6. Nursery school is half-days Tuesday and Thursday for potty-trained tykes, age 2-ish. Each program is limited to 20 students.

"We primarily serve local kids -- we want to give these kids a fighting chance to succeed," said parent Russell Western, a native of England who moved to the United States 10 years ago and serves as the school's vice president in charge of scholarship funding.

What really sets Le Roy Nursery School apart from others is that it's a nonprofit with a seven-member board of directors made up of parent volunteers who oversee all aspects of the school charter. The school opened in 1963 and gets not a dime of public aid.

Melissa Cone is the parent representative and has three children, the youngest of which, 5-year-old Lydia, is currently enrolled there. She said the essence of the school is oversight by parents for the benefit of children and betterment of the community.

Those who attend Le Roy Nursery School will eventually go to Wolcott Street School and then on to Le Roy Central School. One of the developments that has put a financial strain on Le Roy school, is the implementation of a pre-K program at Wolcott.

Now in its second year, the program is five days a week with "half-day" sessions, either two and a half hours in the mornings or afternoons. Western said the school district views Le Roy Nursery School as a viable option for families, not as competition.

But he thinks the Wolcott program's schedule might be too demanding for some children.

Cipre said her school offers greater flexibility ( you can drop off your child earlier or latter than the schedule if needed due to work conflicts, at no additional charge) and is an easier transition for many preschoolers because they are in a half-day class only three times a week.

Le Roy is considered very reasonable -- $65 a month for pre-K, $50 a month for nursery school. But when enrollment drops off because parents opt for the free, public preschool program, the nonprofit must work that much harder to raise money. The teachers have to be paid, supplies purchased. Lights, heating and rent remain the same.

"We don't get to waste money," Western said.

So throughout the year they stay busy to keep the school open and raise scholarship funds. There's an annual Turkey Trot, a breakfast with the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus at McDonald's, car washes, bake sales, etc. All of the events are intended to be fun for the whole family and welcoming to the community.

Le Roy Nursery School also conducts an annual, general-operating-fund drive in which it directly solicits around 100 local businesses and sponsors. The most recent one raised about $13,000.

Western said scholarships to attend Le Roy Nursery School are available. Those are allocated by the board based on need.

An open house and registration opportunity is scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday (Feb. 22). On March 28, the community is invited to breakfast with the Easter Bunny at McDonald's in Le Roy. Tickets are $6 to benefit Le Roy Nursery School.

The school is located on the side of the Presbyterian Church, across from the fire station at 7 Clay St. Phone is 768-7700.

I have not posted a blog entry in a while and was feeling it was long overdue. As most of you know I began blogging on The Batavian when I was running for LeRoy Town Council last fall. I continued blogging on The Batavian because it is an excellent forum for which to discuss what is going on in our world.

I am blogging today to announce (in case you haven't heard) that I am running for Trustee in the Village of LeRoy in the local March elections. Many of the issues that I ran on for Town Council are cross over issues that remain valid and important to the Village of LeRoy as well. I have blogged here in the past on most of the campaign issues. Most of you have also already read about my credentials in a past blog. I don't want to waste your valuable time by repeating myself.

The bottom line is that I believe in the Village of LeRoy and its future. I continue to want to be a part of the solutions and not a part of the problems. It is my goal to be YOUR voice on the Village Board! Everyone deserves to be heard and deserves equal representation regardless of any demographic factors. Please feel free to post comments, questions, and concerns here. If you do not feel comfortable with this open forum then feel free to contact me at my new/private campaign e-mail:

Keys4Trustee@rochester.rr.com.

I have begun knocking on your doors in this lovely Western New York in February weather and look forward to knocking on more.

As always, thank you for your time and consideration!

An Oakfield woman suffered non-life-threatening injuries Friday morning when her car slid off Lewiston Road in Alabama, striking a guardrail and utility pole.

The accident report filed by Deputy Loni Nati states that Rebecca L. McDonnell was traveling "at an unsafe speed in slush," but the report does not mention any traffic citations.

The 47-year-old McDonnell, of 4-6 Stevens St., Oakfield, was hurt when her car turned onto its side.

The accident occurred at 7:08 a.m.