Tim Yaeger, emergency management coordinator would like you to know about the New York Alert system. He mentioned this to me last night.  In case you don't know about it, follow the link.  The system can alert you to any emergency conditions in Genesee County.

Of course, here at The Batavian, we try to get news to you as quickly as possible, but there are times when we may not be able to get to a computer and update the site in a timely manner.  Being able to get your own alerts could save your life or that of friends and family members.

Kirsten Gillibrand, New York's junior senator, was named chair of an agriculture subcommittee today, according to a press release.

Gillibrand is the first senator from New York to sit on the Agriculture and Nutrition Committee in nearly 40 years.

Now she also chairs the Subcommittee on Domestic and Foreign Marketing, Inspection, and Plant & Animal Health.

“As a mother of two young children, I am focused on improving the health and well-being of our children,” said Senator Gillibrand.  “As a member of the Agriculture Committee, I will focus on updating our nutritional standards and addressing child obesity. It is imperative that we take aggressive action to improve the food we serve to our families."

Full press release after the jump:

Washington, DC — U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a mother of two young children, is the first Senator from New York to sit on the Agriculture and Nutrition Committee in nearly 40 years. Today, Senator Gillibrand was selected as Chair of the Subcommittee on Domestic and Foreign Marketing, Inspection, and Plant & Animal Health. In addition, she will serve on the Nutrition, Food Security, Futures and Derivatives and General Legislation Subcommittee and the Energy, Science and Technology Subcommittee.
 
 “As a mother of two young children, I am focused on improving the health and well-being of our children,” said Senator Gillibrand.  “As a member of the Agriculture Committee, I will focus on updating our nutritional standards and addressing child obesity. It is imperative that we take aggressive action to improve the food we serve to our families.
 
 “In addition, I will continue to be a voice for our local farmers in Washington, D.C. New York’s farmers are a critical part of our economy and we must ensure their success. Initiatives to buy local is important to our food security. Strengthening our agricultural sector and promoting healthier nutritional standards are critical parts of our long-term health and economic growth,” Senator Gillibrand said.
 
As Chair of the Subcommittee on Domestic and Foreign Marketing, Inspection, and Plant & Animal Health, Senator Gillibrand plans to hold hearings on food safety modernization, marketing healthy food to children and dairy pricing.
 
The jurisdiction of the subcommittee includes agricultural trade; market development and product promotion; regulation of agricultural markets and animal welfare; inspection and certification of plants, animals and products; plant and animal diseases and health protection.
 
New York City is the largest customer of school lunches in the nation, but has not had a voice on the agriculture in nearly 40 years.  Since that time child obesity has skyrocketed – increasing by 150 percent among 2 to 5 year olds; 400 percent among children 6 to 11 years old; and more than 300 percent among young adults age 12 to 19.
 
As a member of the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Food Security, Futures and Derivatives, and General Legislation, Senator Gillibrand will work on nutrition and food assistance and hunger prevention; organic agriculture; futures, options and derivatives; pesticides; and general legislation.
 
From generating electricity in Niagara Falls over a century ago to upstate farmers who are growing non-food-based feedstocks for biofuel development today, New York State has a long, rich history of environmental conservation and development of alternative sources of energy.  Senator Gillibrand is a leading advocate for investments in renewable energy production and energy efficient technology. She believes strongly that by investing in renewable sources of energy right here at home, we can create American jobs, protect the environment, and make the U.S. safer for generations to come.

As a member of the Subcommittee on Energy, Science and Technology, Senator Gillibrand will focus on renewable energy production and energy efficiency improvement on farms and in rural communities; food and agricultural research, education, economics and extension; and innovation in the use of agricultural commodities and materials. 

The driver of a 1996 Pontiac was injured Monday night in a single-car rollover accident on Route 63 near Galloway Road in Batavia.

C.J. Friesma, 24, of 27 S. Pearl St., Apt. 3, Oakfield, reportedly told Deputy C.A. Parker that he lost control of the car for reasons unknown. He was driving southbound on 63 when the car began a counter-clockwise rotation. The car traveled across the northbound lane and down an embankment, where it overturned.

Friesma reportedly suffered a shoulder injury and was transported to UMMC.

The Pontiac's owner, Nicole E. Friesma, of Oakfield, told Parker that she called Friesma about 11:15 p.m. to pick her up from work, and he was asleep.

The accident occurred about 11:25 p.m.

(Picture submitted by Chief Robert Hunt, Town of Batavia Fire Department)

James H. Payne, 21, of 7017 E. Quaker St., Orchard Park, was charged with DWI and with driving with a BAC of .08 or greater following a traffic stop for allegedly failing to dim his headlights on Route 98 in the Town of Batavia at 2:34 a.m..

Wanda J. Jimerson, 32, of Irving (no address given) was arrested by Corfu Police early this morning following a traffic stop and charged with DWI. Jimerson was also issued a ticket for allegedly avoiding a traffic-control device.

Brian S. Weissinger, 39, of 88 Williston Road, Rochester, was reportedly observed in the VIP parking lot of Darien Lake Theme Park and Resort and was advised not to drive. Moments later he was allegedly observed driving his 2001 Dodge Intrepid. Weissinger was charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater.

Kenneth Bradt, Ph.D, is one of four inductees for the Oakfield-Alabama High School Hall of Fame ceremony the first weekend in October.

They will be introduced to students at a pep rally Oct. 2 and recognized publicly at that night's football game.

The Hall of Fame honors will take place Oct. 3 at the O-A Middle-High School. Dinner begins at 5 p.m. with the ceremony following.

Bradt has had an illustrious career. To prepare for it, he attended Syracuse University with an interest in chemistry but found he was more intrigued by people’s decisions and behaviors. He quickly switched his major and earned his bachelor's and master’s degrees in psychology.

In 1951, he earned his doctorate in psychology at Illinois' Northwestern University.

After getting his education, Bradt achieved the rank of first lieutenant in the Army Medical Service. He served as chief clinical psychologist at the Army Hospital at Camp Atterbury, Ind., and later became a research psychologist with the Department of Defense in Washington, D.C..

During the '70s Bradt counseled CIA employees coping with unfamiliar, unpredictable and potentially dangerous situations. For his work, he received the Intelligence Medal of Merit from the CIA director for outstanding contributions to agency management.

For 21 years, Bradt shared his knowledge and wisdom with students at George Washington University, the University of Virginia and George Mason University.

In 1981, he was teaching at George Mason University and originated one of the first graduate-level courses in organizational leadership in the country.

In 2004, he was elected Fellow in the American Psychological Association in recognition of outstanding and unusual contributions to the science and profession of psychology. 

The other inductees are Dr. Robert Disasio, Donald Carroll and 1st. Lt. Harmon J. Norton, who will be represented by Joe Cassidy, the Town of Alabama historian. Some previous inductees will also be attending.

Tickets go on sale in late August at the school’s main office or from committee members. The public is welcome.

While Lynyrd Skynyrd and Kid Rock rocked the house at Darien Lake Theme Park last night, law enforcement officials were kept hopping, busting more than 100 people on a variety of charges.

Ninety-six of the arrests were made for under-age drinking in a parking lot known as "The Hill," where there have been previous complaints of teen-age boozing. Deputy Chief Gordon Dibble said it will continue to be an area of increased enforcement at future concerts.

Other arrests:

Michael J. Morrison, 30, of 5753 Sunny Lea Crescent, Niagara Falls, charged with trespass for allegedly entering the back stage area.

Patrick E. S. Churchill, 20, of 32 Vacleef St., Seneca Falls, was charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly urinating in the concert venue. He was released on $100 bail.

Adam S. Hamilton, 23, of 68 Curwood Drive, Tonawanda, was charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly burning debris inside the concert venue.

Michael E. Broccolo, 42, of 480 Pinnacle Road, Rochester, was charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the parking lot after being told to leave the premises.

Daniel D. Dangelantonio, 26, of 302 Barrington St., Apt. 1, Rochester, was charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly shoving and punching a security guard while being removed from the concert area.

Ryan J. Deneka, 24, of 177 Heritage Farm Road, W. Seneca, was charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly climbing a fence inside the venue.

Peter H. Scrooby, 33, of 210 Pattenwood Drive, Irondequoit, was charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting with security while being escorted from the concert venue. He was held on $200 bail.

Anthony F. Pero, 39, of 1 Sahara Drive, Rochester, was charged with harassment after allegedly fighting with a security guard in the VIP area. He was held on $200 bail.

Arlin J. Reyes, 26, of 1735 Townsend Ave., Apt. C3, Bronx, was charged with harassment after allegedly pushing a security guard. He was held on $300 bail.

Jamie E. Otto-Trott, 24, of 153 Park Ave., Apt. 2, Rochester, was charged with two counts of harassment after allegedly striking a security guard and then, after that arrest, kicking a Sheriff's deputy in the leg. She was held on $300 bail.

NOTE: I hung out in the Darien Court for a couple of hours last night and observed three arraignments. I'll have a report on that later today.

A driver carrying members of the band and crew of Kid Rock was charged with DWI last night following a traffic stop on Route 77 in Pembroke.

Joseph S. Devlin, 37, of 447 Arricola Ave., St. Augustine, Fla., was allegedly observed failing to keep right while driving a tour vehicle.

Deputy Kevin R. McCarthy initiated a traffic stop at 1:58 a.m. this morning and found Devlin allegedly intoxicated.

Devlin was locked up in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Kid Rock performed at Darien Lake Theme Park last night.

Genesee County Treasurer Scott D. German said today that he got a pleasant surprise this week: Sales tax revenue for the 2nd quarter was up 6.74 percent.

"I thought sales tax would be down due to the economic conditions across the country," German said.

Plus, the monthly payments throughout Q2 were down as much as 19 percent. The shortfall, and then some, was made up in the July 14th payment.

Only Genesee and Niagara counties saw sales tax revenues increase in New York, German said.

For the year, the county is up 3.55% compared to last year, or $544,000 before distribution.

The county retains 50 percent of local sales tax revenue, while the City of Batavia gets 16 percent and the towns and villages share the remaining 34 percent.

Yesterday, when asked about the good news, County Manager Jay Gsell said caution is in order.

"The rest of the state is still seeing negative dollars from 2008 and 2009 and our economy has usually been delayed in experiencing spending downturns that the rest of the state is facing," Gsell said in an e-mail. "This is just a snapshot of a wait and see 'game' with shoppers and NYS and its own cash flow/performance."

Batavia City Manager Jason Molino is also taking a cautious look at current disbursements.

"Considering sales tax payments fluctuate drastically from payment to payment and quarter to quarter, it is best to wait and see what the next quarter's results are," Molino said. "The current status of sales tax could change with one NYS adjustment, as it has done in the past."

Employees of Mercy Flight's ground ambulance service in Genesee County can expect to be held to high standards, CEO Douglas H. Baker told a gathering of local leaders last night in a meeting the Fire Training Center.

"I'll probably be in Genesee County more than you want to see me," Baker said. "I'll be here nearly every day. I'm going to make sure that this is either done my way, or it's not going to be done at all. We're not going to be embarrassed."

Baker made it clear that Mercy Flight employees will be expected to be professional, compassionate, courteous and enthusiastic. He said while the job is hard at times and enthusiasm can wane, he expects employees to reflect his enthusiasm for the profession.

"When our crews respond, they will be kind and responsive," Baker said. "If they're not, I don't care how good of an EMT they are, they're not going to work for us."

Baker said he expects the level of service in the county to be the same or better under Mercy Flight.

The organization has ordered four new ambulances that are in production now.

While it remains Mercy Flight's goal to retain as many city ambulance service personnel as possible, all potential employees will need to pass a background check and make it through an interview process.

"We're not going to hire somebody just because they're working now," Baker said.

But he also assured leaders that the new service will seem very familiar to them because they will see a lot of familiar faces and many of the same policies and practices that current personnel are using will remain in place.

"In general we will keep doing what you've been doing for all these years, unless you want us to change," Baker said. "We intend not to change, not even the people."

Indicating that Mercy Flight's goal is to be responsive to community concerns, Baker said that if officials aren't happy with anything that Mercy Flight is doing, it's their responsibility to make sure Mercy Flight managers or executives know about the problems so they can be addressed.

Ambulances will be based at UMMC North Street, UMMC Bank Street and at the airport, with another kept on standby. If it proves that that configuration isn't working for the community, and the statistics back up any issues identified, Mercy Flight will move ambulances to new bases as needed. And if necessary, Mercy Flight will add a fourth, or even a fifth crew, if it turns out more resources are needed to meet guaranteed response times.

"I don't want to be making decisions about where the ambulances should be," Baker said. "I want the community to decide where the ambulances should be."

Each municipality is being asked to sign a contract with Mercy Flight, but if officials from a particular town or city don't sign, Mercy Flight will still respond to emergencies in those communities. The only difference is the local leaders will not be able to hold Mercy Flight to guaranteed response times.

"I'm thrilled for an opportunity for a contract," said Town of Batavia Supervisor Greg Post after the meeting.  "I think they carry the greatest degree of professionalism. And I'm pleased there's another step in getting government out of the ambulance business."

Batavia City Councilman Sam Baron also said he feels good about Mercy Flight coming into Batavia. He said city residents can feel confident that the level of ambulance service under Mercy Flight will be just the same as what they've had in the past.

AUDIO: After the meeting, I recorded a separate interview with Mr. Baker.

New Today: Carlson's Studio, 39 Jackson Street, Batavia, N.Y.  Family photos are more than just photographs. When you need photos for that special occasion, Carlson's is a great choice in Genesee County. We have a $100 gift card for $50 (with $2 PayPal fee).

Sport of Kings Family Restaurant, 419 W Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: A favorite locally owned family restaurant that is open 24 hours per day, seven days a week. We have a $15 gift certificates for $7.50.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. The patio is open. It's also a great place to host group events.  See the ad on the right side of the page for contact information. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Jackson St. Grill and Belladessa's Pizzeria, 9 Jackson St., Batavia., N.Y.: Ever try to eat one of their giant cheeseburgers? Can you beat the champ, Mark's record time of 7 minutes, 13 seconds? We have TWO $10 gift certificates for $5 each (two separate winners).

Picasso's Pizza, 419 W. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: A great variety of pizza, subs and salads -- and try the wings, too. We have three $5 booklets of $1 gift certificates ($15 value) for $7.50. The gift certificates can be used collectively or individually.

Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern, 107 Evans St., Batavia, N.Y.: If you're looking to try a perfect neighborhood eatery, check out Delavan's. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Present Tense Books, 101 Washington Ave., Batavia, N.Y.: Present Tense is a great independent bookseller which sponsors a variety of book-related events and sells some great gifts. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Note: We're changing pick-up/mail policy. Please read.

A $1 PayPal service fee applies on items more than $10. The fee is 50 cents on items below $10.

Rules: The gift certificate must be used by within 30 days of purchase. It is not valid with other offers and has no cash value. People who have won a certificate in the past 30 days are not eligible to win a certificate from the same business as before. Gift certificates cannot be combined with other offers without prior approval of the merchant. Gift certificates bought separately cannot be combined for a single purchase. By state law, gift certificates cannot be used for alcohol purchase.

How to Win: Purchase using the PayPal "Buy Now" button below. After the first person to hit the "buy now" button completes the purchase, PayPal will let you know that the item has been sold. The winner has up to 48 hours to make arrangements to pick up the gift certificate at The Batavian office in Downtown Batavia, or, unless other arrangements are made, the gift certificate will be mailed to the address associated with the PayPal account.

If you want to be notified via e-mail of future Deals of the Day, sign up for the Deals of the Day e-mail list by clicking here.

Merchants: If you would like your business featured in Deal of the Day, call Howard Owens at 260-6970.

T.F. Brown's

SOLD

Sport of Kings

SOLD

Carlson's Studio

SOLD

Jackson St.

SOLD

Picasso's

SOLD

Delavan's

SOLD

Present Tense

SOLD

Some think the old county building on East Bethany Road is a dilapidated relic that invites mischief making. Certainly, it's got a sterling reputation for creepiness, which is exactly why a California couple sees gold.

Sharon and Jerry Coyle of Huntington Beach met with local officials two weeks ago to discuss buying the now-closed Rolling Hills Paranormal Research Center and turning it into a place that could attract tourists worldwide.

Bethany's town council talked about the broad outline of the ideas at Monday night's meeting.

"It's where ghosts go to square dance," said Clerk Debbie Douglas.

"It's paranormal all right," said Justice Tom McBride.

The 19th Century building was once Genesee County Poor Farm and an insane asylum. Its dank catacomb-like recesses have welcomed cable TV film crews scouting for ghosts. Purportedly some firefighters get creeped out by the place.

Lynn Freeman, president of the county Chamber of Commerce, said he knows folks who won't even drive by it.

But Freeman says the Coyle's plans are clever, elaborate and multifacted. He was briefed on them by the Coyles when they met here with the Bethany Town Supervisor and Economic Development Council members.

"Any new business that enhances Genesee County is good," Freeman said.

The Coyles' wish list includes:

• Renovating the building and bringing everything up to code;
• Getting it listed with the Governor's Office of Film and Television so it can be widely available for media exporsure;
• Lobbying for its placement on the National Registry of Historic Buildings;
• Opening the old poor house section as a museum;
• Working with historians, archeologists, college students and others to research the property, including doing high-tech ground probes in search of paupers' graves;
• Cross-promoting the supercenter with other local businesses such as Darien Lake Theme Park and Resort, Batavia Downs Casino and Racetrack and parks and forest authorities;
• Building audio and video bays to enable the study of paranormal activities;
• Having a 24/7 Web cam set up in some areas to capture paranormal activity for study and research;
• Offering tourism activities such as a wine-and-cheese festival, kite festival, harvest festival with "haunted hayrides," movie showings, picnics, concerts, art shows, seminars and tours for youth groups;
• Creating an English garden for weddings and the like and planting lavender, sage and rosemary to harvest for essential oils and other products;
• Having a hostel for men and one for women who are traveling the region, like on a trip to Niagara Falls;
• Offering tours and learning opportunities for youth groups;
• Selling a variety of things like food and beverages, coffee mugs, T-shirts, flashlights and audio/visual equipment.

The complicated project would be expensive, but no one has talked dollars and cents yet. The supercenter would be the Coyle's primary source of income. The couple is researching grants, low-interest financing, tax incentives, Empire zone benefits, etc.

"It has the potential to increase tourism to the area, thus generating revenue for regional and statewide businesses and additional tax revenues," writes Sharon Coyle in a letter distributed to key people.

But to make any of it reality would take local, county and state support.

"It's better than letting it deteriorate and have kids breaking into it," said Bethany Town Clerk Douglas.

Previously:

• Video: Rolling Hills (The Tour)
• Video: Halloween Countdown (Part Two): Rolling Hills Paranormal Research Center

City fire crews are responding to a general fire alarm at 137 W. Main St., the Dunkin' Donuts location.

View Larger Map

Two teenagers were injured in a one-car crash last night in the 8700 block of Simonds Road in Pembroke that investigators say was caused by driving too fast.

Holly A. Peffer, 17, of 10374 Clarence Center, Clarence, was reported as the driver and she suffered an injured leg. Her passenger was reportedly Chelsea K. Loomis, 16, who complained of abdominal pain.

Both were transported to Erie County Medical Center for evaluation.

Deputy K.R. McCarthy reported that the car, a 1999 Ford SUV, was northbound on Simonds Road at an "unsafe speed" at about 11:40 p.m. when it left the roadway along the east shoulder. The car hit an earth embankment and rolled over.

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: Exercise your soul as well as your body in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. We have a gift certificate for a seven-week session ($56 value) for $28.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: Brighten up your home or office with flowers!  We have a $20 gift certificate for $8.50.

The Mane Attraction, 99 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: The Mane Attraction is a spa and salon offering pedicures, manicures, hair styling and message.  We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, N.Y.: People come from all over the region for a fine dinning experience at Alex's. Alex's is best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, N.Y.: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Sport of Kings Family Restaurant, 419 W Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: A favorite locally owned family restaurant that is open 24 hours per day, seven days a week. We have a $15 gift certificates for $7.50.

Note: We've made a couple of changes to the rules below.

A $1 PayPal service fee applies on items more than $10 and .50 cents on items below $10.

Rules: The gift certificate must be used by within 30 days of purchase. It is not valid with other offers and has no cash value.  People who have won a certificate in the past 30 days are not eligible to win a certificate from the same business as before.  Gift certificates cannot be combined with other offers without prior approval of the merchant, nor can gift certificates bought separately be combined for a single purchase. By state law, gift certificates cannot be used for alcohol purchase.

How to Win: Purchase using the PayPal "Buy Now" button below. After the first person to hit the "buy now" button completes the purchase, PayPal will let you know that the item has been sold. Ideally, the winner will arrange to stop by my office on Main Street to pick up gift certificate. Mail is an option when necessary. 

If you want to be notified via e-mail of future Deals of the Day, sign up for the Deals of the Day e-mail list by clicking here.

Merchants: If you would like your business featured in Deal of the Day, call Howard Owens at 260-6970.

Sport of Kings

SOLD

Adam Miller

SOLD

Alex's Place

SOLD

The Mane Attraction

SOLD

The Enchanted Florist

Blue Pearl Yoga

SOLD

A twenty-year-old Attica woman suffered burns on her legs in a three-car crash The Batavian reported on yesterday afternoon.

Amanda L. Gilhooly, of 1432 Nesbitt Road, Attica, managed to escape from her 2004 Saturn sedan before it burst into flames. She suffered burns on her legs and was transported to UMMC after the 4:37 p.m. crash.

According to the Sheriff's Office report prepared by Deputy C.J. Minuto, a 2006 Subaru SUV driven by Amie L. Gray, 26, of 62 Leydecker, Apt. 2, Seneca, was heading northbound on Route 98 when Gray was unable to stop or avoid a Jeep driven by James Delvin, 66, of 4452 Shortsville Road, Shortsville. Devlin stopped in the road to make a left-hand turn into a driveway of a construction site. 

Upon impact, according to the report, Delvin's Jeep spun counter-clockwise into the southbound lane, where it was hit in the back a second time by the Saturn driven by Gilhooly.

Photo above submitted by Deputy Chief Paul Barrett of the Town of Batavia Fire Department. For more photos, see the original post.

The City of Batavia might sell Falleti Ice Arena. Then, again, maybe not.

The City Council instructed City Attorney George Van Nest on Monday night to prepare an RFP (request for proposal) that would allow private investors to bid on the property, but council members also expressed some skepticism that in the current environment, any investors who would offer a realistic price could be found.

"In the current credit crunch, the chances are that any RFP is going to bring in bids in the low end," said Councilwoman Marianne Clattenburg.

But council members Bill Cox and Frank Ferrando protested that the city doesn't have any business being in business and that the ice arena should be privately owned.

Issuing an RFP doesn't guarantee the city will sell the facility.  Some minimum requirements would need to be met by the successful bidding, including a minimum price.

When Batavia City Manager Jason Molino suggested Monday night that an ordinance proposed by the Neighborhood Improvement Committee to force landlords to better maintain their properties couldn't be quickly implemented, he found stiff opposition from council members who are tired of repeated constituent complaints about poorly maintained properties.

"We can't have any more bull," said Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian. "We can't push this aside any longer."

Some council members wanted Molino and his staff to act on the proposal within 30 to 90 days, even though the NIC's request gives the council until the end of the year to implement a new ordinance.

"This is not a turnkey piece of legislation," Molino said. "There is a lot of staff impact."

The proposed legislation would require city staff to inspect every rental property every 36 months, and every owner-occupied home each time it is sold. Once inspection requirements were met, a Certificate of Occupancy would be issued.

Items that could be inspected would include smoke alarms, CO2 detectors, plumbing fixtures, heating, appliances, wiring, safe exits and that the exterior is safe and sanitary.

Additionally, landlords would be required to register tenants with the city and ensure an agent of the property resided in Genesee County.

Molino maintained that it would take a good deal of research and study to determine the impacts on city resources, and whether additional resources would be needed.

Every council member spoke to the need for quick action to deal with a long festering issue in the city, but Councilman Frank Ferrando pointed out that NIC requested a deadline for action that might allow Molino enough time for research and ensure a new ordinance could be brought forward in a reasonable amount of time.

NIC requested that the council vote on a new ordinance by the end of the year.

"Let's follow the recommendation of the committee and give Jason and his staff the time necessary to do it right," Ferrando said.

After a bit more debate, the council agreed to instruct City Attorney George Van Nest and Molino time to figure out the impacts, write the proposed law -- which could include implementing the proposal in stages, such as tenant registration first, and annual inspections later -- and bring back a recommendation to the Council before current terms that expire this year end.

Pictured: Bob Bialkowski, who initially raised the idea of the proposed ordinance with NIC.

Time to start cutting or poisoning those weeds and cleaning up that debris on your property Mr. Slumlord or absentee land owner or other property owner who just simply neglects to maintain your land in accordance with City of Batavia standards.

The standards -- especially as pertains to weeds and debris -- are clearly spelled out in section 96 of the city municipal code.

The only difference is, after a vote of the City Council Monday night, the fines are a little stiffer, and if you persist and don't pay your fines, you could find yourself in Batavia City Court and possibly in jail.

The new enforcement mechanism calls for a $250 fine plus the expense of cleaning up the mess for those land owners who fail to cut or remove weeds as well as debris.

If the fines go unpaid or the problem uncorrected, tickets could be issued, which then require the land owner to appear in court. The potential penalty there is 15 days in jail for each separate offense -- the kicker is, each day of non-compliance is a separate offense.

So you need to ask yourself, how many days do you want to spend in jail?