The Board of Trustees of Notre Dame High School is pleased to announce that Mrs. Melissa Lindner has been named the new principal of Notre Dame High School of Batavia, effective July 1, 2023.
President of the Board James Sutherland made the announcement, saying, “We are excited to welcome Melissa to our Notre Dame family. Her experience in private education is extensive. She comes to ND from Saints Peter and Paul School in Williamsville, NY, where she served as principal for the last four years. Melissa has a strong history as a school leader, teacher and coach. Her impressive background in coaching includes both primary and high school level experiences, where she oversaw the Athletic Director and coaching staff, but most notably, she has coached at the collegiate level as well.”
Mrs. Lindner brings a wealth of experience and commitment to Catholic education. She has a passion for STREAM, (integration of Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts and Math) and was a featured presenter at the National Catholic Education Conference on the subject in 2022. Melissa is looking forward to inspiring faculty to have an active focus within STREAM education and to be an instructional leader who will work collaboratively with staff and parents to provide a positive impact on teaching and learning.
“It is an honor to be coming to an established preparatory school environment whose excellence is always at the forefront. As a dedicated Catholic School teacher, coach and administrator, I look forward to empowering the school community to continue to grow in all aspects while keeping the strong traditions of Notre Dame always in perspective”, Lindner said.
She would like to thank the Board of Trustees for their confidence in appointing her, commenting, “as soon as I walked through the doors of the school, I felt like part of the ND family.”
“For over 70 years, ND has left an indelible impression on our local community, as her sons and daughters have gone on to impact communities throughout our nation and our world”, states Sutherland. “We are proud to see a new era of leadership as Melissa Lindner brings both impressive experience as well as a strong background as a Catholic School educator.”
Please join the Board, staff and faculty of Notre Dame in welcoming Mrs. Melissa Lindner to her new position.
The Holland Land Office Museum’s Java with Joe E. presentation by David Reilly originally scheduled for Thursday, May 25 at 2 p.m. has been cancelled. It has been replaced by the following program: the HLOM is proud to announce the next edition of our Java with Joe E. series on Thursday, May 25 at 9 a.m. This month's presenter is our Director Ryan Duffy. His presentation, “Genesee County Civil War Medal of Honor Soldiers,” details the lives, service, and deeds of the four Civil War soldiers with a connection to Genesee County, who were awarded the Medal of Honor. Admission is free and coffee and donuts will be provided. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
Six Flags Darien Lake, the Thrill Capital of New York, will kick off the 2023 season with new events and park enhancements to provide a memorable and premium park experience.
“Opening day is the beginning of another year of fun at Six Flags Darien Lake,” said Park President Chris Thorpe. “As New York’s largest family-friendly destination, guests will enjoy their favorite rides and slides with a lineup of new and elevated events and experiences plus comfort enhancements including a new VIP Lounge.”
Six Flags Darien Lake’s 2023 additions include:
NEW FOR 2023, Laser Light Summerfest, guests can enjoy an all-new Laser Light spectacular show, dynamic marquee light displays, and a magical living garden with luminescent landscape features and stunning 3-dimensional light creatures to enjoy before the show, including an after 5:00 p.m. Summerfest pre-party in Darien Square;
NEW FOR 2023, Viva La Fiesta, guests will enjoy live entertainment that will have them dancing the night away. This all-new event heats up the park with food, fun and entertainment;
July 4th Fireworks Celebration, guests are invited to celebrate the holiday with thrills, delicious, sweet chills, and exciting firework illuminations at night;
NEW FOR 2023, Oktoberfest, this family-friendly German heritage festival will become a new fall tradition filled with authentic fare, and a large selection of seasonal craft lagers and beers from around the world;
VIP Lounge, for a minimal fee guests can rest and recharge at our new, shaded, indoor lounge. Cool off in the air conditioning while enjoying beverages, comfortable seating, and Wi-Fi to help guests relax and recharge.
Park Beautification, guests will notice refreshed landscaping, a renovated main gate restroom, additional shaded seating for relaxation throughout the park, more photo opportunities, renovated games locations, midway upgrades and more;
Wooden Coaster Re-tracking, the historic Predator roller coaster continues its re-tracking of more than 225 feet to ensure an enhanced ride experience that promises to deliver epic thrills all season long; and
New Culinary Options, exciting, new offerings are coming to the park this season including flavor burst soft serve ice cream, mac n cheese crunch rolls, chocolate-covered frozen bananas and frozen adult beverages in Hurricane Harbor.
The park is currently hiring for the 2023 season. Applicants age 14 and older can text JOBS to 585-207-8400 or complete an application at www.sixflagsjobs.com. More than ten diverse departments offer exciting opportunities with flexible hours, great perks and the opportunity to gain supervisor experience.
Six Flags Darien Lake season passes are currently on sale. For a limited time, guests can purchase a Gold Pass during the park’s Memorial Day Sale and get an automatic upgrade to a Platinum Pass. Benefits include free parking, discounts on food and merchandise, and unlimited visits. Passes start as low as $7.99 a month after initial payment. For more information on these offers, visit www.sixflags.com.
Six Flags Darien Lake operates weekends and select days May 20 through June 23, followed by daily summer operation through Labor Day. The park will not operate on Tuesdays. Visit http://www.sixflags.com/darienlake to learn more.
Developer David Mazur fields questions from the Genesee County Planning Board about Countryside Apartments, the 80-unit complex he is proposing for the Medtech Park by GCC. Photo by Howard Owens
Developer David Mazur said he's been building apartment complexes and running the ones he builds for 18 years. He has a formula. He knows it works. And he knows the type of tenants he expects to be attracted to his units.
With that experience, he's sure the 80-unit complex he is proposing for Medtech Park by GCC will be market rate, with rents ranging from $1,350 to $1,895 per month (that rate could be as much five percent higher once construction is done, he said).
To qualify for a rental agreement, tenants must have a job, if not retired, and a monthly income of 3.5 times the monthly rental rate.
That rules out college students as potential tenants, he said, and parents can't co-sign for a child. Whoever signs the rental agreement must live in the apartment, he told the Genesee County Planning Board at Thursday's meeting.
After his presentation, when told that other developers have promised market-rate complexes only to change the terms during construction, he said he's 100 percent certain that won't be the case with his development.
"I have never had a project go a different direction other than market-rate," Mazur told The Batavian ."So I'm not sure what happened in the past with other developers or what their performers were, what their plans were, but this is 100 percent designed to be market rate."
The Grand Island-based developer said in his other projects, 60 percent of his tenants are seniors, sometimes retires, with the balance being working professionals. The seniors, especially, he said, are looking for and demand quality units.
"(Countertops are) either gonna be quartz or granite," Mazur said. "All the finishes are higher end. That's where go back to, like I said, retirees because it's 60 percent of my base at other locations. They want it. They want just new, fresh, crisp places. Some have never lived anything brand new. They look at it, like, I want it, this is what I'm going to live in."
There will be 60 garages for the 80 units, with outdoor parking available for the rest.
Amenities will include a dog park, and the complex is pet friendly, with some restrictions on dog sizes. Tenants in apartments with shared hallways are limited to smaller dogs, less than 30 pounds. The townhouse apartments will have a bit more flexibility, he said.
When Mazur found out the Medtech land was available for development, he said he saw an opportunity to do what he's done successfully in places like Grand Island and Tonawanda -- to build a complex for people that want to be close to a city center -- such as Batavia -- while taking in the country air.
"That's our portfolio," Mazur said. "It's full of what I call country or township apartments. When I found the parcel was available, to me, it made sense. You're a stone's throw from the action downtown. And, you know where the property's sitting -- we can't promise what's going to happen in the future, what else is going to be built there, but right now, it's farmland. So it's gonna be a nice setting for people to have the dog park, walking areas, things like that."
He said he hasn't investigated bus routes in the area but said that most people moving into market-rate apartments own a vehicle.
The plan calls for six 12-unit buildings and one eight-unit building with 24 three-bedroom apartments, 42 two-bedroom, and 14 one-bedroom, with 36 single-car detached garages.
The total project cost is expected to exceed $12 million.
Jim Krencik, senior director for marketing and communication for the Genesee Economic Development Center, said the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation, an adjunct to GCCEDC, approved a sale agreement for Mazur to acquire the 14 acres for the proposed development in December for $200,000.
"With the support of the Town of Batavia, City of Batavia, and GCEDC, we're pleased to see Countryside Apartments moving forward," Krencik said. "This project enhances our market-rate housing stock and can accelerate our Batavia Home Fund to support future residential improvements in the city."
The Batavia Home Fund collects revenue from developments and makes the funds available for rehabilitation and similar projects for residential homes in Batavia.
Krencik said the Countryside development is eligible to contribute to that fund but not draw from it.
Mazur said he doesn't know yet if he will apply to GCEDC for any potential project assistance. It's early in the planning process, he said, "and that's putting the cart before the horse."
Based on his previous experience, Mazur said he believes he won't have an issue filling all 80 units once the project is complete.
"Like I said, we've been in the business now for about 18 years, and I've had people with me that have been there the whole 18 years. So, again, the style of buildings that we're building, we build the same buildings in different townships, we already know our cost structure, we know our problems, and we tweak the issues from the first project to the second project. We may change color, and it will be different for different townships, but really, it's a process that works for us. And it takes a lot of the risk out of the game."
An outdoor project that’s taken quite some time in the creation mode seems to be coming along now, city officials say, teased by warmer weather and sunnier days.
City Manager Rachael Tabelski recently reported to City Council about “a really positive meeting on Jackson Square.”
“The redesign is going extremely well,” she said, adding that by working with Architecture Unlimited and an engineer who works with them have been creatively frugal in the design phase. “We hope when we go out to bid we can create substantial cost savings for the project. One of the items was the original project had footers in the stage, and by just placing concrete blocks instead of these footers is going to save us upwards of $150,000 on the project.”
Architect Kenneth Pearl said the Jackson Square stage was a type of pre-engineered wood (photo above) in a rather eloquent description, she said.
“So it'll be a very nice finish that will hold up the roof, and will be very similar to what we use on our buildings, on a rubber roof with kind of tongue and groove panels above it, and that will hopefully have a 20-year warranty,” she said.
A handicap ramp will be removable, so that it won't be built directly into the structure, will be something that can be “absolutely safe to roll up gear and or persons that need to use that ramp,” she said, and will also be removable so that it won’t jut out into the audience.
Another cost savings measure is to analyze the brickwork that is there, and some of the concrete larger slabs which architects have discussed, they are going to try to remove and salvage them in lieu of a concrete base so they don't sink again, Tabelski said.
“Because what happened before is they were just placed there and they sink like they might in a residential project. And with reusing those, we should save another significant amount of money. We want to look at different concrete dye colors to add just a little bit of textual and color elements to the flooring,” she said. “But overall, Jackson Square is really the paintings on the buildings, there's not much that needs to be done there. The catenary lighting, which is the lighting that goes above will still be part of the project.”
There will be LED performance lighting on the stage with color changes per holidays and special events. For example, Fourth of July would feature red, white and blue lights. Cobra heads will also be used, which are outdoor fixtures mounted to poles and mainly used for street and roadway lighting but can be used for other general area lighting.
“We’d have control over that. We also have one or two Cobra heads, (DPW Director Brett Frank) hooked me up to that,” she said. “As soon as we take possession in the phase two LED light changeover from National Grid, we'll be able to put dimmers and timers on that so we can turn those Cobra heads off during performances.”
The Jackson Square project has been at least three years in the making, reaching a point of requesting bids and City Council approving one in June 2022. But Mark Cerrone Inc., after receiving word that the company’s bid of $654,000 was selected, backpedaled with last-minute revisions and add-ons, hiking the bid up to $847,950.
Council then rescinded its approval and rejected that and two other bids for the project. The design went back for what Tabelski called a “deep dive” into potential cost-cutting revisions since it had to go back for a whole new bid process anyway.
The project is to be primarily funded with a $750,000 Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant, plus $225,000 from National Grid, Tabelski said.
“When we go out for bid, they look at the scope of work, and they put a price to that with the materials and the labor … so it necessarily doesn't always line up with the budget we have,” she said at that time to The Batavian. “So we will be re-examining our bid specifications to make sure we think that pricing can come in within that.”
She was hopeful that a contractor with an acceptable bid could be approved for construction to possibly begin in 2022.
Well, that hope has come and gone, and city officials are hanging onto the expertise of Pearl and his architectural firm.
“So we’re really, really happy of the work that Ken and his firm has been able to do to bring this project into where the DRI Committee asked it to be and to be able to bid it out in what we think will be on budget,” Tabelski said. “So the hope is if everything goes well, which I absolutely hope it does, you'll see bid awards in July.”
The plan is for the Business Improvement District to host the Thursday and Friday night concerts in Jackson Square series throughout the summer, and begin construction at the end of August, she said.
Photo of a similar Jackson Square stage image, with pre-engineered wood ceiling and LED lights, courtesy of City of Batavia.
Sean Valdes, center, owner of the D&R Depot in Le Roy, with wife, co-owner and the restaurant's chef, Jennifer, on the left, and Nancy Nickerson, his former business partner, in a file photo by Howard Owens.
Sean Valdes, an owner of D&R Depot in Le Roy, is ready to move on to the next phase of his life, and he’s decided to leave while he’s on top.
Valdes announced earlier this month on social media that he’s selling the restaurant.
He started working for the restaurant in 1993, as a dishwasher. Valdes worked his way up through the restaurant staff and eventually bought it. His wife is a part-owner and head chef.
“I have never made a personal decision before that wasn't restaurant-first. This will be the first personal decision we have made as adults. We are just looking for something different,” Valdes said.
“My wife and I have been doing it for a long time. We met here. We got married here. Our kids work here now. They are teenagers. It’s just life changes. We are both in our mid-40s, and we are looking to do something different. We are still at our peak. We are busy. We are popular. We have a tremendous staff and a great system in place. This is the time to say, ‘We did it, and let’s go do something else.’”
Don and Nancy Nickerson opened the D&R Depot in September 1991 as a mid-scale restaurant that served homemade food. The restaurant is perhaps best known for its chicken pot pies.
Valdes said no changes are immediately coming. Everything is the same as always. He said he doesn’t have to sell D&R Depot to the first person who comes along. Valdes wants to sell the restaurant to “someone who fits our culture.” He wants his replacement to successfully shepherd it through the next 20 to 30 years.
As Valdes prepares to leave, he can’t help but reflect on what he’s learned from 30 years in the business.
“I think that restaurants now are getting a bad rap. Yes, business is hard. Yes, prices are higher. All those things are true,” Valdes said. “But I think if you focus on your customer and focus on your staff and control your costs, the restaurant business could be quite profitable. The relationships you make from it are invaluable.”
Genesee County’s Legislature recognized Older Americans Month this week, though locally it will be hard to ignore the needs and importance of older folks with estimates of remaining Baby Boomers turning 65 during the next seven years.
And why should we? The file photo above displays a group of senior citizens who put their skills to use as volunteer tax preparers, bringing back a cumulative $1 million to the county in state and federal tax refunds.
Projections of an aging population mean that the number of 16,000 people ages 60 and older living here in Genesee County are expected to rise to 20,000 by 2035, and ages 65 will reach 16,000 to 17,000 by that same time period, according to Office For the Aging statistics.
While those age groups are prime candidates for OFA services, they are also veterans, experienced workers, people who have garnered a lifetime of wisdom and abilities to share, which is all part of why Older Americans Month was celebrated on Wednesday.
A proclamation was read that stated:
“Whereas, Genesee County includes a growing number of older Americans who contribute their time, wisdom, and experience to our community, and
Whereas, communities benefit when people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds have the opportunity to participate and live independently, and
Whereas, Genesee County recognizes the need to create a community that offers the services and supports older adults may need to make choice about how they age, and
Whereas, the community also recognizes the key role older Americans play in sharing the wisdom and experience that inform today’s decisions and actions, and fostering the connection and engagement that builds strong, resilient communities, and
Whereas, in this year of peril and promise, older Americans have suffered through economic constraints while demonstrating inspirational strength.
During Older Americans Month, we honor these citizens and their continued contributions. Genesee County commits to learning from them, and supports their knowledge and experience that they bring to our community, and
Whereas, the community can work to build an even better community for our older residents by ensuring every citizen has the opportunity to age with independence, proper care, and dignity. Not limiting our thinking about aging, exploring and combating stereotypes, emphasizing the many positive aspects of aging, inspiring older adults to push past traditional boundaries, and embracing our community’s diversity.
Now, therefore be it resolved, that the Genesee County Legislature does hereby proclaim the month of May as Older Americans Month. We call upon Americans of all ages to celebrate older Americans during this month and throughout the year.”
There are programs and resources available for seniors that offer recreational and social activities and outings, exercise classes, group gatherings, card games, volunteer opportunities, insurance guidance, educational and research resources and many other amenities at OFA, YMCA GLOW, Richmond Memorial Library, AARP, Alzheimer’s Association,Genesee Community College, RSVP (volunteer program), and your medical practitioner for maintaining one’s mental, financial, social and physical health.
Tony Mancuso for the United Way Day of Caring was where he usually is on the Day of Caring, at Adam Miller Toys and Bicycles getting bikes ready to donate to Arc GLOW. Photo by Howard Owens
More than 400 area residents hit about 40 sites in Genesee County to volunteer their labor to make the community a little bit better as part of the annual United Way Day of Caring on Thursday.
The Batavian stopped by a handful of the volunteer locations, such as Adam Miller Toys and Bicycles, GO ART!, the YMCA, the War Memorial, Dwyer Stadium, and the Community Garden.
Volunteers also went to six different locations for Arc GLOW, the Batavia Cemetery, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cross Roads House, the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena, Eagle Star Housing, Ellicott Trail, the Peace Garden, Gilliam Grant Community Center, Holland Land Office Museum, Machphelah Cemetery, Purple Pony, Resurrection Parish, St. James Episcopal Church, St. Paul Lutheran, UMMC, and the Village of Elba, among other locations.
City of Batavia firefighters flushing a hydrant on Ellicott Street on Thursday morning. Photo by Howard Owens
It's an annual rite of spring: Fire hydrant flushing, which helps keep the hydrants servicable for emergencies. City Fire crews flushed hydrants in a couple of city neighborhoods this morning.
In a release, City Fire explained the necessity of fire hydrant flushing:
This annual testing is essential to maintain the communities class III Insurance Services Office (ISO) public protection classification, and to assure that fire hydrants are operating efficiently for fire protection purposes. Along with maintaining the fire rating, the test monitors the health of the city's water system, identifies weak areas in the system, and removes material that settle in the water lines.
It took eight innings for Oakfield-Alabama to pick up its 11 win of the season Wednesday, finally beating Attica, 7-4.
The Hornets jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first, and scored its fourth run in the fifth, but Attica pulled even after scoring two in the first and two more in the fifth. O-A (11-2) secured its win in the seventh with three runs.
Brodie Hyde had three hits, scored twice and an RBI. Brayden Smith was 2-3 with two RBIs. David Schaufer also drove in two runs.
The New York State Sheriffs' Institute's annual Honorary Membership drive has begun across New York State. Sheriff Sheron states that Honorary Membership invitations will be arriving in randomly selected mailboxes across Genesee County over the next two weeks. Sheriffs' Institute Honorary Membership dues help to support the Institute's robust programming for youth and sheriffs' offices which include the Sheriffs' Summer Camp, crime victim services, annual scholarship program, and education, training, and awards programs for Sheriffs' Office personnel.
The Sheriffs' Summer Camp is the Institute's flagship program located on Keuka Lake. Each summer, 840 economically challenged children from across New York State participate under the direct guidance of Sheriffs and Sheriffs' Office personnel who volunteer their time to help make the camp a success.
The Sheriffs' Summer Camp provides an opportunity to bring children together with Deputy Sheriffs in a positive and meaningful environment. The week-long camp directly benefits children in our own local communities who otherwise would not have the opportunity to participate in a summer camp experience.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office selects children from our local communities who benefit through the camp's summer recreation activities which are designed to teach an understanding of, and respect for, our laws and the men and women who enforce them. The strong camper-to-counselor ratio allows for individual attention with an emphasis on the development of self-esteem.
"The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is proud to support the Sheriffs' Institute and the excellent work they do in supporting our youth and personnel. The incredible summer camp experience and educational and training opportunities provided by the Institute are invaluable assets to our county residents and Sheriff’s Office. We encourage anyone who is interested to become an Honorary Member and help support these great programs," states Sheriff Sheron.
In addition to the Sheriffs' Summer Camp, the Sheriffs' Institute also provides an annual scholarship to each of New York State's Community College's Criminal Justice Programs. This scholarship program is designed to help attract the best and the brightest to the criminal justice vocation. Honorary Memberships help fund the Sheriffs' Camp and other New York State Sheriffs' Institute programs.
If you are an individual who would like to become an Honorary Member and did not receive a letter in the mail, please visit www.sheriffsinstitute.org. Your contribution is greatly appreciated and helps support youth, crime victims, and law enforcement in our local community through the Institute's programs.
Established in 1979, the Sheriffs' Institute is a not-for-profit corporation and tax-exempt organization. Contributions to the Institute are tax deductible, and the Institute is registered with the New York State Attorney General's Charities Bureau. Neither the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office nor the Institute solicits donations or memberships via telephone. For more information about the New York State Sheriffs' Institute's Summer Camp and other important programs, visit www.sheriffsinstitute.org.
James Saraceni is the son of Thomas and Louise (Belluci) Saraceni. His grandparents, Arthur and Amelia (Soccio), immigrated to America from Vasto, Italy, which is located on the Adriatic Sea. They had the courage to leave their country, for a better life, at the young age of sixteen. They had twelve children. His maternal grandparents, Biaggio and Anna Bellucci also came to America in the early 1900s. He has strong Italian roots.
Jim grew up on the south side of Batavia. He is a 1980 graduate of Batavia High School, furthering his education at Genesee Community College and the University at Buffalo. He has worked in the banking and real estate business for the past 37 years and currently works at Prime Lending. He has been married to his wife, Christine Antinore for 33 years. They have two daughters, Samantha (Cody Ruhlen) and Alex (Doug Zalenski). Their granddaughter, Finley Christine, is the apple of their eye.
He served on the Paolo Busti Board of Directors for 15 years. He held the office of Treasurer. He has volunteered for the United Way, is a frequent donor to the Red Cross, and for many years enjoyed volunteering at the St. Anthony’s Lawn Fete.
Family is extremely important to him, and a huge part of his life. He not only is involved with his children, but with his nieces and nephews. He can be seen cheering them on at all their activities, or swimming in his backyard, and enjoying a traditional Italian meal.
Jim feels strongly that growing up on Hyde Park, in a neighborhood composed of large Italian and Polish families, was instrumental in shaping his life. He said, “The Italian and Polish cultures rooted us together, taught me the importance of family, both immediate and extended, how to be resilient, and to work hard. It taught me how much was given to us, and that we need to pay that forward to keep the spirit of our parents and grandparents alive.” Jim’s family values, love of church, pride in his heritage, and commitment to Italian traditions, have made him the ideal candidate for the Outstanding Italian American 2023.
Northgate Church is excited to announce that they will be hosting a Rummage Sale on Friday, May 12, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Saturday, May 13, from 8 a.m. - noon in the gym at the Northgate South Campus, 350 Bank Street Road. 100 percent of the proceeds from this event will benefit Northgate’s ‘Connected Community’ in Gahanda, Rwanda, Africa.
Northgate will be funding food and agricultural projects throughout the village, helping many of the families learn to grow and maintain sustenance for their loved ones, which is something that is not prevalent in Rwanda. For more information, call the office at 343-4011 or visit https://fb.me/e/13p4dKgCc
Steve Hyde, CEO of GCEDC, speaks to the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council at its meeting at GCC on Wednesday. Photo by Howard Owens
Remember in 2011 when we all had fun trying to guess the coded meaning of "Project Wave?"
Now we get to do it again. What is "Project Vulcan?"
Speaking to members of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, Steve Hyde, CEO of Genesee County Economic Development Center, said, "We've got a lot going on. We're on the short list for two more projects that are another 700 jobs. I just saw yesterday a term sheet for Project Vulcan."
A reporter standing next to Jim Krencik, senior director for marketing and communications for GCEDC, at the time Hyde mentioned Project Vulcan couldn't get him to drop any further hints about what that phrase might mean.
Hyde was one of the introductory speakers before the council got down to business (The Batavian didn't stick around for that part of the meeting) that included an update from Executive Director Laura Fox O'Sullivan, a presentation on workforce development priorities, regional talent attraction strategies, a board discussion and development of a work plan.
One of the themes both Hyde and Genesee County Legislature Chair Shelley Stein shared was the need for state officials to become better aligned with economic development.
New York is a challenging state because of regulatory schemes to attract businesses, Hyde said.
"Building mega site industrial parks is difficult, challenging," Hyde said. "Employers and investors need support from the state. There is a critical misalignment right now between some of our regulatory agencies in the state and then the governor's economic development goals and strategy. ... We need to find a way to find a solution to the common good to be partners, to be collaborative in the support of our state strategy and our regional strategy."
Stein, a dairy farm owner in Le Roy, said there is more demand than ever for New York's milk, especially with yesterday's announcement of the fairlife plant planned for the Town of Webster, but the state's continuing regulatory burden on farmers and their workers, such as the recently changed overtime threshold, and the proliferation of solar farms on farmland, is hampering the ability of New York dairy farmers to meet the demand.
She compared the misalignment between competing political forces in the state with the goggles you might put on during a visit to the optometrist. The optometrist will adjust the lenses one at a time to help bring what you see into focus. Right now, the two sides are out of focus, she said.
"We want to be able to bring ourselves together with good sound economic development," Stein said. "We want to bring in opportunities for our families. We want to bring together all of us to have a shared common message because we certainly have differences. But we can also work from our commonalities."
Hyde praised the Finger Lakes council for being aligned on economic development for the region.
"Our council is completely aligned," Hyde said. "Look at what we're focused on -- site development, workforce development, it all fits into our goals, right? You know, grow jobs, rollout, drive investment, reduce poverty, create opportunity for our families and our residents."
This was the first time the council has met in Genesee Council since before the pandemic.
In an interview with The Batavian before the meeting, former Rochester mayor and former lieutenant governor Robert Duffy praised the work of Hyde. He said his first meeting after becoming LG was with Hyde to discuss WNY STAMP.
He called Hyde a "pit bull" on behalf of Genesee County's economic development goals.
"I think in spite of many challenges we all face nowadays, I think the state is doing some great work," Duffy said. "I would say from my perspective, Genesee County is lucky to have Steve Hyde and his team. I've worked with Steve since 2011, and I've been super impressed with his tenacity and his commitment to this. He has never let go of STAMP and STAMP, now, for all those years and all that work, it's really starting to come together and take hold."
Steve Hyde during his presentation to the council. Photo by Howard Owens
Genesee Community College President James Sunser speaking about the college's efforts to support economic development and workforce development. Photo by Howard Owens
Genesee County Legislature Chair Shelley Stein: "We want to be able to bring ourselves together with good sound economic development," Stein said. "We want to bring in opportunities for our families. We want to bring together all of us to have a shared common message because we certainly have differences. But we can also work from our commonalities." Photo by Howard Owens
Genesee County has a seat at the table with the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council with Steve Hyde, Shelley Stein, and Batavia City Council President Eugene Jankowski. Photo by Howard Owens
Town Court Clerk Below are two lists: one details the myriad responsibilities that fall within the purview of the court clerk; the other summarizes the knowledge and abilities that court clerks possess or acquire through training. These lists are provided so that a judge and municipality can intelligently discuss the benefits that a court clerk can provide. The items below can also form the basis for a list of job duties should a municipality need to fill a vacancy in a court clerk position. Primary Responsibilities A. Maintain confidentiality of records and information when required to do so B. Prepare court calendar C. Collect monies, reconcile daily receipts, deposit receipts, prepare reports for monthly disbursements, reconcile bank accounts, and prepare administrative reports D. Enter convictions on drivers' licenses and prepare conviction reports electronically transmitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles E. Enter criminal conviction on NCIC reports and electronically send same to Division of Criminal Justice Services F. Respond to inquiries-in person, by phone, by e-mail and by mail-and provide assistance to lawyers, litigants, media, and members of the public G. Prepare monthly reports that are electronically sent to the Office of the State Comptroller H. Prepare orders, summonses, warrants and other court forms i. Communicate with outside agencies in order to coordinate the Court's activities and provide services to litigants. Such agencies include: ii. Law enforcement agencies, such as local police departments, New York State Police, Sheriffs office, FBI and CIA, US Armed Forces, and the Office of the District Attorney; I. Other courts, including superior courts and other local town and village courts; and i. Miscellaneous county agencies, such as Community Service, Community Dispute Resolution Center, Pre-trial Release, Probation, Stop DWI program, Victim Impact Panel, and Youth Court. ii. State agencies that require periodic reporting, including the New York State Unified Court System, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Office of the State Comptroller, the Division of Criminal Justice Services, and the Office of Court Record Retention. J. Examine court documents to ensure their accuracy and completeness K. Receive and file summonses, traffic tickets and other documents for court proceedings i. Assist the Justice at the bench during all Court proceedings Knowledge of: 1. The functions and organization of the Unified Court System ii. Basic legal terminology, codes and abbreviations iii. Court forms, practices and procedures, including those set forth in the Uniform Justice Court Act and the Uniform Civil Rules for the Justice Courts (22 NYCRR Part 214) 2. Ability to: i. Prepare judicial orders and decisions ii. Effectively communicate information orally and in writing iii. File and retrieve materials, extract data from various sources for entry onto court form iv. Research and interpret laws outlined in court documents and litigants' motions and other papers v. Perform mathematical tasks in order to compile court activity reports, total receipts, accept payments, and verify bills vi. Refer to appropriate documents, statutes, citations or other sources in order to respond to specific questions from attorneys, litigants and members of the general public vii. Interpret policies, statutes, rules and regulations and apply them in specific contexts viii. Establish work priorities ix. Constructively manage conflict with court users Qualifications: Highschool diploma recognized by the NYS Dept of Education or appropriate equivalent. Along with 4 years of college, specialization in criminal justice, law, business administration or related field. -OR- 2 years college with specialization in Business Administration or related field. Please email your resume to abrownell@townofbatavia.com no later than 12/16/2024. Pay is based on experience.
