batavia

Now that a new 40-year sales tax agreement is in place, the County Legislature is ready to move forward with designing and building a new jail on land next to County Building #2.

Assistant County Manager Matt Landers presented an anticipated budget for the new facility with an anticipated expense of $60,000,000 at a Committee of the Whole meeting on Wednesday night.

The proposed jail will hold 184 beds in four pods, giving the jail staff space to keep separate jail populations for men and women as well as threat level, mental health issues, or substance abuse issues.

The location is off West Main Street Road in Batavia. 

The actual construction costs are an estimated $49,763,323 million: with more than $2 million in expense for design; $2 million for furnishings; $1.2 million for bonds and insurance payments; $1.2 million for a construction manager; more than $1 million in additional expenses for planning and development; plus $1.8 million set aside for unexpected costs.

Construction will be funded by bonds, which will be paid back over 30 years by the sales tax revenue that has been shifted away from villages and towns as part of the new state-approved sales tax agreement.

Chairman Robert Bausch said that under this plan, there would be no need to raise property taxes to help pay for the jail.

Bausch also noted that the county's consultant initially projected, based on county inmate trends, that Genesee County would need a 215-bed facility but that a new bail reform law is expected to reduce the demand in the county for inmate beds.

However, there is room available on the proposed jail site to add two additional cell blocks if the need arises.

If sales tax revenue falls short in the coming years, Landers noted, there is other county debt that will retire and revenue now going to pay those expenses can be reallocated to the jail debt if necessary.

With the new jail, the county will be able to go from being a tenant in other agencies' facilities -- all female inmates are housed at other jails in the region -- to being a landlord for other counties, the state or the feds.

"Local counties, the federal government, the state, are all short of space right now," Bausch said.

Revenue from other jurisdictions will cover some of the jail's ongoing operating expenses.

Legislators Shelly Stein, Gary Maha, and Gregg Torrey all spoke in favor of proceeding with the proposal.

"I served on the new jail committee," Stein said. "The details were combed through, and it is my recommendation that we proceed with 184 beds ... To not hit property taxes," she added, "is a major win for what we've done together as a legislature."

The need for a jail is beyond dispute, Maha said. 

"I'm not fond of spending $60 million," Maha said but the current jail is in bad shape, is landlocked, and the state is demanding a new facility in compliance with state standards.

"This is the county's responsibility and we have to get a jail done, and we have to do it right," Maha said.

Torrey agreed with Maha and said, "we have one chance to do it right. We hired a consultant, and I think it's best to follow what they recommend we do."

Photo: Members of the legislature listen to incoming Legislator (not in frame) Christian Yunker on his thoughts about the new jail, which he also supports.

CORRECTION: The bonds will be paid back over 30 years, the maximum time period for bond payback under state law.

Press release:

Directed and choreographed by GCC Adjunct Professor Tara Pocock, the modern dance showcase "BREATHE" will take over the Stuart Steiner Theater stage of Genesee Community College's Batavia Campus at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22.

With a cast of 20 dancers comprised of members of GCC's Dance Team, the Spotlight Dance Studio, Divine Dance Studio and GCC students, the show will use fog machines and strobe lighting to highlight a variety of dance genres set to music from popular hip-hop rapper Lil Jon to the pop artist Billie Eilish.

Tickets to see "BREATHE" are $8 for adults, and $5 for seniors (55+) and students (16+) and GCC faculty/ staff. GCC students with ID are $3, and GCC alumni with ID will receive a $2 discount on an adult ticket. To reserve seats, contact the GCC box office at boxoffice@genesee.edu or (585) 345-6814. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

All ticket sale proceeds will benefit GCC's Forum Players. Please contact tapocock@genesee.edu with any questions.

From the Batavia High School Music Department:

Musicians Of Note, a Wall of Fame to honor past Batavia graduates in music, debuted at Batavia High School last May. The Music Department's Musicians Of Note Committee spearheaded the long-overdue recognition of the excellence of musicians who have graduated and made careers all over the world in the music field.

“We want to keep recognizing the outstanding musicians that Batavia High School has graduated for many years," said Jane Haggett, chair of the Batavia City School District Music Department. "Along with these excellent musicians, we have had outstanding music educators throughout the years that we will continue to recognize.”

Sean Williams, Middle School Band director, said: “Many famous musicians have graced our stages and our city over the past 90 years, including the inaugural performance last May. Many returning alumni performed a top-notch concert with Batavia High School students to the great delight of the crowd! We will continue to be recognize and salute great musicians from Batavia High School!”

The Batavia Music Department and community members will be working once again as a committee to go through the nomination and selection process.

It will culminate in honoring five alumni and one former faculty member of BCSD. They will be recognized on Thursday, March 26 during the Second Annual Musicians Of Note Ceremony with a dinner for the honorees and guests, the presentation of plaques, and a concert open to the public.

Honorees will have a plaque with their visage and their accomplishments hung from the Musicians Of Note wall in the High School.

Criteria

1. Recipient should have been an active performer or music educator We will also be including deceased musicians/educators from BCSD in the honor.
2. Potential recipient must be 10 years out of High School.
3. Recipients who have passed had a successful musical career in either performance, composition, education, theater, or audio recording.

To nominate a Batavia graduate in music for this prestigious honor, please contact the Music Department through the high school, or click here and go to the fourth link down ("nomination") to access the Batavia City School District's nomination form.

To visit the BCSD's new Musicians Of Note website, click here.

To learn about the inaugural inductees of the Musicians Of Note, click here.

At 9:27 p.m. on Veterans Day, Franklin Morales-Monterroso and Taylor Henry, who met while serving in the Navy, welcomed their first child into the world, Julian Michael Morales, at 8 pounds and 28 1/2 inches.

Julian is a Veterans Day baby, born at UMMC, to parents who are veterans and several family members who are veterans, including his grandmother, Tammy Henry, who gave birth to Taylor while serving in the Air Force.

Devon A. Wright, 18, of Highland Park, Batavia is charged with: second-degree harassment -- physical contact; fourth-degree grand larceny -- taking property from a person; and endangering the welfare of a child less than 17. Wright was arrested on Nov. 10 following an incident with a juvenile that occurred at Batavia City Centre at 10 a.m. that day. Wright allegedly stole an envelope containing cash from the pant pocket of a juvenile, and then grabbed the person by the wrist, causing them to feel threatened and fear physical harm. Wright was arraigned at 9:37 p.m. in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail. Wright was due back in city court on Nov. 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Joshua Girvin, assisted by Officer Sean Wilson.

Casey Lynn Fitch, 30, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with: having unsafe tires; moving from lane unsafely; leaving the scene of a property damage accident; driving while intooxicated; and DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or higher. Fitch was arrested following a hit-and-run property damage accident that occurred at 9:11 p.m. on Nov. 7 on Naramore Drive in Batavia. Fitch was transported to Batavia Police Department and processed, then issued traffic tickets. She is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

William C. Hofert, 60, of Dewey Avenue, Batavia, is charged with driving while intoxicated and refusal to take a breath test. Hofert was arrested on Nov. 5 following an accident that occurred at 10:03 p.m. on Dewey Avenue. He allegedly drove a vehicle while intoxicated and struck parked cars. He was issued traffic tickets and released and is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.

Thomas Scott Flower, 47, of West County House Road, Albion, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more; driving while intoxicated; and speed not reasonable and prudent. At 9:08 a.m. on Nov. 12, following the investigation into a one-car accident on Knowlesville Road in Alabama, Flower was arrested on the charges. He was released on appearance tickets and   is due in Alabama Town Court on Nov. 27. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Alexandrea Lea Fitzwater, 33, of Church Street, Medina, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, petit larceny and sixth-degree conspiracy. Fitzwater was arrested on Nov. 12 following in investigation into a larceny that occurred at Kohl's department store in Batavia during the afternoon of Sept. 8. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in Town of Batavia Court on Dec. 5. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon.

A Charles Dickens Christmas -tickets on sale now! Please join the Batavia Players for this tender and poignant musical on how Charles Dicken’s life was inspired and shaped while writing one of his most famous stories.  Jam packed with holiday favorites as well as some incredible new music, this is a must-see production for the holiday season featuring a wide ranging in age cast.  A truly gracious and wonderful way to end our 2019 season and to bring about some holiday cheer! Directed by Patrick Burk. Musical Direction by Kathy White

7:30 PM Friday, December 13th & Saturday, December 14th Friday, December 20th & Saturday, December 21st
2:00 PM Sunday, December 15th
Tickets Adults $15 Students/Seniors $13

 

Press release:

Great news for college students everywhere! Whether they are commuter students to Genesee Community College, or living and attending a college or university far away, GCC has 13 college courses available completely ONLINE during the winterim session that begins on Dec. 9 and runs five weeks through Jan. 8. 

The courses offered during this session help any college student complete their general education requirements, pick up an interesting elective, start an introductory program-specific course, and also transfer SUNY college credit back to their "home-school" institution.

GCC generally sends official college course transcripts to more than 500 colleges and universities across the United States each year, helping college students earn their degrees faster and more affordably! 

"Each year, more and more students from other colleges are joining GCC students to take advantage of our winterim sessions," said Craig Lamb, Ph.D., dean of Distributive Learning, who oversees GCC's Online Learning program. "Winterim at GCC provides the same quality instruction at a much more affordable credit hour rate. This helps students financially, but it also lightens their course load for the spring semester."

In addition to an accelerated timeline to graduation, students looking to retain their New York State Excelsior Scholarship find winterim courses maintain their credit hour requirements and eligibility.

Since the courses are all offered online, students enjoy the flexibility of studying on their own schedule from wherever they choose! Without venturing to a campus location, students can earn college credit and still have time to enjoy their semester break. 

Among the options are College Composition (ENG101), Microeconomics (ECO101), World Civilizations (HIS101), General Psychology (PSY101), Business Communications (BUS106), and Hip Hop Culture (MUS107) provides a fun and fascinating elective!

The complete list of courses being offered during winterim is available online and students are encouraged to sign up quickly as seats are limited.

For more information on winterim classes, contact Online Learning at (585) 345-6969, or via email at GCCOnline@genesee.edu.

Press release:

The Batavia Skatepark Advocates group (BSA) is holding their first public community meeting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16th to discuss possibilities for development of a permanent skatepark for the City.

The meeting will be held at the Genesee County YMCA, located at 209 E. Main St. in Batavia. Community members are encouraged to come out to share their thoughts and ideas about a public skatepark.

Batavia has a long history of skateboarding, and previously had a temporary skatepark.

Local community member and skatepark advocate Richard Umlauf, lead advocate for the BSA, says, “We are very excited to get started on a new public skatepark project. The skatepark will be great for the youth of Genesee County and the City of Batavia.

"Public skateparks provide a safe place for young people to meet new people, and can instill drive and determination as they learn new skills in a welcoming, free-to-use public recreation facility.”

Batavia Skatepark Advocates join community advocates from communities across Western New York in pursuing a skatepark for their City’s young people. Like Rochester, Medina, Lockport, Amherst, Buffalo, Jamestown, and Ellicottville, local advocates in Batavia hope to take advantage of the Built to Play Skatepark Grant offered by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation and Tony Hawk Foundation.

Community members are excited to partner with the City of Batavia to create a skatepark that will not only be great for the local citizens, but also be a destination skatepark for regional enthusiasts.

The public is welcome to come out to the Genesee County YMCA on Saturday to brainstorm and discuss public skatepark possibilities for the City of Batavia.

Notre Dame High School held its 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame dinner and awards ceremony on Saturday (Nov. 9).

Above, from left, are Athletic Hall of Fame inductees Dick O'Connor -- Class of '64, John Dwyer*, Christopher Sabato -- Class of '97, Maureen Del Plato Braunscheidel -- Class of '98, Lou Cinquino** -- Class of '80, and Jennifer Sutherland Forsyth -- Class of '00.

*[John Dwyer represented his father Edward Dwyer, who was inducted as a Contributor, and John's daughter Amy Dwyer -- Class of '83, who was unable to attend.]

**[Lou Cinquino represented Sacramento Kings NBA Assistant Coach Bob Beyer -- Class of '80.]

Above are Notre Dame High School 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame Service Award recipients, from left, Patty Daansen, Dan Coughlin and Kris Coughlin.

Above are members of Notre Dame Wrestling Teams [1967 - 1968 - 1969] inductees.

Front row, from left: Rick Tepedino, John Sorenson, Tony Peca, Dave O'Connor, Bob Balbick, Mike Cinquino and Sal Cintorino.

Back row, from left: Dan O'Connor, Dave Jamalkowski, Tony Forti, Don Linsey, Tony Cinquino, Charlie Mullen, Ron Kelly and Bob Cline.

Not pictured: Dennis O'Connor, Bruce Briggs, Mike Carragher, Joe Chimino, Bill Fava, Bill Gear, Bill Johnson, Tim Lippold, Tom Murray, John Yanilk [Mgr.], Don Kelly* and Dave Dudek* [Deceased *].

Notre Dame Father -- Daughter Hall of Fame members Bill Sutherland -- Class of '67 [HOF 1995] and daughter Jennifer Sutherland Forsyth -- Class of '00, who was inducted into this year's Athletic Hall of Fame.

Bill and Jennifer are the first father - daughter inductee combo in the history of ND's Hall of Fame Inductions!

The four Darien Center O'Connor brothers are now ND Athletic Hall of Fame Members!

Congrats to brothers (from left) Dick -- Class of '64 [HOF '19], David -- Class of '67 [HOF '17], Dan -- Class of '69 [HOF '16], and Dennis -- Class of '72 [HOF '96] O'Connor!

For more information about the inductees, including school photos, bios and their achievements, click on the previous story here.

Photo and information from Jason Smith, Resurrection Parish director of Religious Education. 

Confirmation students from Resurrection Parish in Batavia assisted with the Spaghetti Dinner & Basket Raffle fundraiser held Saturday at St. Joseph Regional School in Batavia. Pictured are Elizabeth Kingston and Evan Preston.

Please click here for more information on 6556 Miller Road, Elba.
**AWESOME PRICE REDUCTION! THIS OWNER WILLING TO LISTEN TO ALL REASONABLE OFFERS!** Solid ranch on quiet pretty country road! This 3 bedroom, 1 and a half bath home has a lot to offer for someone looking for country living-the yard is parklike with small outbuilding that has electric and water run to it and what used to be four kennels.

Large fenced in area for all your animals, a small shed and a cute gazebo! Inside features three good size bedrooms, kitchen with slider leading to outside deck and an awesome extra living/den/man cave with wet bar! Downstairs could be finished and also has pellet stove for supplemental heating if wanted. Great home and great location! Call today!

Please click here for more information on 0 Prole Road, Stafford.
Awesome almost 3.5 acre lot located in a great country spot but close to everything! Located in Byron Bergen School System -- this lot is ready for someone to come build their dream home or have a place to hang out have a fire and rip it up! Come take a walk! There are two separate 1.6 acre parcels (listed as MLS#) owner will sell separate or together for a great price!

Call Reliant Real Estate today to view any of one of our properties, call 344-HOME (4663) or visit us online!

Amanda M. Webb, 30, of Maple Street, Batavia, was charged on Nov. 3 with: resisting arrest; two counts of endangering the welfare of a child less than 17; criminal contempt in the first degree -- physical contact; and two counts of second-degree harassment -- physical contact; and third-degree criminal mischief. At 11:01 a.m. on Nov. 3, Webb was arrested following a traffic stop on Bank Street in Batavia. She allegedly violated a stay away order of protection and hit the protected party. Then Webb allegedly physically resisted officers during her arrest while her two children were in the vehicle. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court, jailed without bail and was due back in court on Nov. 4. That's when the third-degree criminal mischief charge was added following an investigation of an incident that took place at 11:40 a.m. on Nov. 1 outside a residence on Wood Street in the city. Webb was due in Batavia City Court Nov. 8 in that matter (which also includes one of the two second-degree harassment charges). The cases were handled by Batavia police officers Joshua Girvin, Arick Perkins, Jordan McGinnis and Wesley Rissinger. 

Lawrence A. Guy, 43, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree attempted assault and fourth-degree criminal mischief. Guy was arrested at 1:17 a.m. Nov. 11 following a domestic dispute. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in Genesee County Jail without bail. He is due to return to city court on Nov. 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan and Officer Adam Tucker.

Charles L. Stiles, 44, of Otis Street, Batavia, is charged with third degree assault and criminal mischief. He was arrested at 8 p.m. on Oct. 19 following q domestic dispute. He was arraigned Oct. 20 in Batavia City Court and jailed in lieu of $1,000 cash or bond. He was due to return to court Oct. 21. The case was handled by Bataiva Police Officer Peter Post, assisted by Officer Sean Wilson.

Eric J. McGill, 36, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with second-degree menacing and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. He is accused of using a baseball bat to menace a person on Hutchins Place in Batavia. He was arrested at 2:34 p.m. on Nov. 5, arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash or bond. McGill was due to return to city court Nov. 7. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Jordan McGinnis.

Joshua A. Aughenbaugh, 25, of Seven Springs Road, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree and driving while intoxicated. He was arrested at 2:12 a.m. Nov. 10 on Ross Street in Batavia. He was released to a sober third party and is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Aaron David Mee, 56, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree and trespass. Mee was arrested at 3:52 p.m. Nov. 5 in the 8900 block of Alexander Road (Route 98) in Batavia following the investigation of a trepass complaint. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Batavia Town Court on Nov. 25. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Salvatore M. Tornabene, 27, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. At 3:14 p.m. on Nov. 11 Tornabene was arrested for violating an order of protection. He is accused of being at the residence of a protected party on Ross Street in Batavia at 2:54 p.m. on Nov. 11. He was released with an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court today (Nov. 12). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Devon A. Wright, 18, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Wright was arrested and arraigned in Batavia City Court Nov. 10 after a complaint alleging the violation of an order of protection at 8:16 p.m. on Nov. 5 on Harvester Avenue. Wright was due in city court today (Nov. 12) to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

Derrick Roy Kio, 28, or Minard Road, Portageville, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 4:50 p.m. on Nov. 9 for allegedly violating a court order of protection on Oct. 8 on West Main Street Road in Batavia. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia Town Court on Nov. 14. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.

Robert Leon Murray, 43, of Bay Lane, Cheektowaga, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Murray was arrested for allegedly having third-party contact with a protected person at 4:24 p.m. on Sept. 10 on Sumner Road in Darien, in violation of an order of protection. He is due in Darien Town Court on Nov. 19. The  case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Frank James Capen, 27, of Church Street, Medina, is charged with petit larceny and sixth-degree conspiracy. He was arrested Nov. 10 following the investigation of a larceny at Kohl's department store in Batavia at 4:55 p.m. on Sept. 8. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia Town Court on Nov. 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Joshua Brabon.

Jakob M. Kosiorek, 26, of Harvester Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 3:34 p.m. on Nov. 6 following a shoplifting investigation at a business on East Main Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket and was due in Batavia City Court today (Nov. 12). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Morgan Lee Cox, 27, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with tampering with physical evidence and promoting prison contraband in the second degree. Following an investigation at the Genesee County Jail, Cox was arrested at 2 p.m. on Nov. 4. He allegedly possessed contraband inside the jail and attempted to conceal it from jail staff. He was due in Batavia City Court Nov. 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Benjamin Santiago Jr., 30, of South Lyon Street, Batavia, is charged with promoting prison contraband in the second degree. On Nov. 4, following an investigation at the Genesee County Jail, Santiago was arrested at 2 p.m. on Nov. 4. He was due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Scott Eric Hodgins, 55, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with possession of contraband while in prison. On Nov. 4, following an investigation of drug paraphernalia located in the Genesee County Jail, Hodgins was arrested at 5:04 p.m. on Nov. 4. He was issued an appearance ticket and was due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Rebecca S. Kepner, 36, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear after an appearance ticket was served. She was arrested at 6:57 a.m. on Nov. 9 at her residence on Bank Street and released on her own recognizance. She was due in Batavia City Court today (Nov. 12). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Devon Paul Leach, 25, of Torrey Road, Bethany, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree. Leach was arrested following a traffic stop at 12:56 a.m. on Nov. 6 on East Main Street in Batavia. Leach was released on an appearance ticket and was due in Batavia Cioty Court today (Nov. 12). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Who knows what Stone has been up to for the past five weeks or so (we reported him missing Sept. 30) but over the weekend Stone returned home on his own. Owner Kathleen Dixson said he sure was tired when he got home but was happy to be back where he belongs.

While it's taking longer than the original estimated, work on restoring the Thomas Rocket Car continues, led by Dick McClurg at Old World Collision in Batavia.

The prototype car of the future was originally designed by Charles D. Thomas, born in Batavia in 1910, and built by Norm Richardson at a shop near Main and Oak. Once restored it will be on public display in Batavia at a location yet to be determined. It will also be available for parades and community events.

To complete the restoration, donations are still appreciated. Those wishing to make donations should contact Jeffrey Ackerman at Affordable Floor Covering, (585) 345-1108.

For previous coverage, click here.

"Thank You!" -- The Le Roy Botts-Fiorito American Legion Post 576 has generously donated $2,100 to be put toward the purchase of a van for the Disabled American Veterans -- Batavia Chapter 166.

The vehicle is needed so volunteers for the DAV Transportation Network (part of the Veterans Administration of Western New York Healthcare System) can drive disabled vets to their healthcare appointments.

Pictured are Doug Titus, DAV van coordinator, left, and Le Roy Legionnaire John Graney.

Submitted photo and information.

David Begnaud, CBS Evening News, did his live remote from Ellicott Avenue in Batavia tonight. His report begins at the 1:45 mark of this segment.