batavia

Submitted image and press release:

Batavia High School’s graduation rate, for students who graduate within four years, increased from 85 percent in the 2011-2015 cohort to 93 percent (for June graduates) and 94 percent (for those who graduated by August of their senior year) in the 2016-2020 cohort.

The number is even higher – 97 percent for the 2016-2020 cohort -- when only those students who attend school in BHS are counted (as opposed to those who, for various reasons, had been completing their studies at alternate locations.)

In other words, 85 percent of all freshmen entering BHS in the fall of 2011 (as the Class of 2015) earned their diploma by June of 2015.

The graduation rate continued to improve over the course of the next several graduating classes, with the last group for which we have data being the Class of 2020. For that graduating class, 93 percent of all freshmen entering BHS in the fall of 2016 (as the Class of 2020) earned their diploma by June 2020 and 94 percent completed the graduation requirements by August 2020. Again, that number was higher (97 percent) for students who attend school at BHS.

Superintendent Anibal Soler Jr., in presenting the data to the Board of Education on Monday, congratulated the staff on their role in student success.

He also noted that BHS principal, Paul Kesler, and his staff will continue to work on raising the overall graduation rate and will dig deeper into the subgroups of the student population to look for patterns and to identify better ways to serve the full student population.

Press release:

The Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club is announcing their Annual Scholarship and Community Service Awards and calling for applications.

Scholarships are open to all graduating seniors (male or female) in Genesee County high schools and the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (GVEP). The students need to have maintained an 85 percent average and must complete the application process available through the Batavia Business and Professional Women’s website or via Facebook.

Deadline: April 9.

All schools in Genesee County and GVEP have been emailed information on this program, which includes eligibility requirements, guidelines, and the scholarship application.

Parents and students are advised to seek out their school’s guidance counselor / department to receive the needed information.

The Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club has provided scholarships since 1961. The number and dollar amount of scholarships awarded are dependent on the club’s annual fundraisers. Local community support is greatly appreciated; watch for upcoming event announcements.

The Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club will also offer monetary awards for service groups in June 2021. Any service group in Genesee County may apply for this by sending a letter of request on your organization’s letterhead.

Deadline for both the Scholarship Applications and the Community Service Awards letters are to be postmarked by Friday, April 9.

Mail to:

Batavia Business and Professional Women's’Club

P.O. Box 1778

Batavia, NY 14021

Press release:

In order to earn funds for tuition assistance, St. Paul Lutheran School of Batavia is “hosting” a Carryout for a Cause Fundraiser through the local Applebee’s.

The event will run all day on Wednesday, Jan. 27 (11 a.m. until close at 10 p.m.).

Supporters simply have to order To Go, online via applebees.com or the Applebee’s mobile app and use Promo Code “DOINGOOD” at checkout.

Orders must be placed for pick-up at the restaurant, located at 8322 Lewiston Road, Batavia.

View the menu here.

More information on St. Paul Lutheran School’s fundraiser here.

Carryout for a Cause is a takeout-only fundraiser where supporters order their Applebee’s favorites online at applebees.com or via the mobile app on a designated day. In return for promoting this “event” to their supporters, the nonprofit organization like St. Paul's earns 15 percent of sales, before tax and gratuity. 

More information on the Carryout for a Cause fundraiser, in addition to all community support programs, can be found at tlcneighborhood.com. To request a “Carryout for a Cause” event, groups can submit here and will receive a response in 2-3 business days.   

T.L. Cannon Companies has a long history of giving back to the communities they serve. The foundation of its business is commitment to the community and making a positive impact on the neighborhoods it serves. In 2019, the organization provided more than $1.6 million in support of local charities and organizations, and more than $26.4 million since 2008.

About T.L. Cannon Companies

T.L. Cannon Companies is a private owner/operator of 59 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants in Upstate New York, Connecticut and Sayre, Pennsylvania. In 2020, the company was recognized within the Applebee’s system for the eighth time as “Applebee’s Neighbor of the Year” for their support and involvement in the neighborhoods they serve. For the past thirteen consecutive years, the company was awarded the New York State Restaurant Association’s “Restaurant Neighbor Award” for their community-based programs. In 2015, T.L. Cannon was recognized at the national level for the industry with the National Restaurant Association’s “Restaurant Neighbor Award” for their support of community.

Stephen Hegel, 60, of High Street, Avon, (inset photo left) is charged with third-degree grand larceny and fourth-degree grand larceny. He was arrested and arraigned in Batavia City Court Jan. 19. It is alleged that he stole more than $10,000 in cash in three different incidents from his employer at the time, Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning. He was put in Genesee County Jail (bail, if any, unspecified) and is due back in Batavia City Court on Feb. 23. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Maurice G. Leach, 44, of West Main Street, Batavia, (inset photo right) is charged with: burglary -- of a dwelling, causing injury; criminal mischief -- intentionally damaging property; third-degree criminal mischief -- damage to another person's property with a value greater than $250; second-degree harassment -- with physical contact; third-degree assault -- intentionally causing physical injury. Batavia police responded to a dwelling on West Main Street in the city at 3:25 a.m. Jan. 16 where it was reported that Leach punched and broke a window screen, entered the dwelling without permission, and allegedly assaulted a victim. After an investigation, he was arrested and it is alleged that he resisted the arrest. He was arraigned virutally in Batavia City Court and put in jail without bail. He is due back in court Feb. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman, assisted by Officer Austin Hedges.

Kristen E. Sekuterski, 34, of Orleans Avenue, Batavia, (inset photo left) is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance (unspecified) with intent to sell. She was arrested by Batavia police after an investigation with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security, NYS Police, and the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. Sekuterski was arraigned virtually in Batavia City Court and released on her own recognizance. She is due to return to city court on March 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Thomas James Leonard, 37, of Harvester Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a narcotic drug with intent to sell and criminal sale of a narcotic drug (unspecified). On Jan. 20, Leonard was arrested on a warrant. Due to bail reform, he was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is due in Batavia City Court on March 23. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

Alphonso R. Daniels III, 27, of Oneida Street, Rochester, is charged with: owning / harboring an unlicensed dog; having dangerous dogs -- bite causing serious physical injury; and dog running at large. Daniels was arrested on Jan. 17 after a traffic stop was conducted for an alleged traffic violation on Oak Street. He was found to have an arrest warrant out of Batavia Police Department stemming from at incident in the 500 block of East Main Street in Batavia at 9:39 p.m. Feb. 13. He was released with an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court and is due there Feb. 23. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer John Gombos.

Michael John Tobias, 30, of Maple Road, Alabama, is charged with driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent, DWI, and moving from lane unsafely. He was arrested after an investigation of a motor-vehicle accident that occurred at 11:42 p.m. Jan. 23 on Judge Road in Alabama. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Alabama Town Court Feb. 23. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.

Daniel John Wolfe, 47, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree burglary and and two counts of second-degree criminal contempt. At 11:37 p.m. on Jan. 19, Wolfe was arrested on the charges. They stem from an incident Nov. 13 on Bank Street in Batavia. He is accused of violating an order of protection by entering the dwelling of a protected person at 4:25 p.m. that day. Wolfe was processed then taken to jail and arraigned in Batavia City Court and ordered held without bail. He is due back in city court on March 4. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Michael A. Sweet, 34, of Bumbacker Road, Gainsville, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. It is alleged that he took a vehicle and drove it without the owner's consent at 3 p.m. Jan. 5 on Walnut Street in Batavia and then failed to return it. He was taken to Batavia Police Department for processing and then released on an appearance ticket returnable to Batavia City Court on April 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan.

Tevin A. Lise, 30, of North Park Street, Clyde, and Maurice D. Bishop, no age or address provided, are charged with unlawful possession or marijuana in the second degree. Additionally, Lise is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree. They were arrested at 7:44 p.m. Jan. 12 on Ross Street in Batavia after a traffic stop. They were issued appearance tickets and are due in Batavia City Court on March 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Sean Wilson.

Janell M. Sauer, 45, of Gorski Street, Buffalo, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested following an incident at 1:32 p.m. Jan. 16 on West Main Street in Batavia. It is alleged she shoplifted from a business. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on April 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Joshua Girvin.

Jason A. Mcfollins, 43, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant issued for failure to appear in court on June 25 (reason unspecified) after turning himself in at Batavia Police Headquarters. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.

5216 E. Main Street Road, Batavia (Town). Meticulous, tasteful, solid, well done are just a few things to be said about this lovely ranch home.

This three-bedroom, two full-bath home has literally just nothing for you to do but move in and enjoy. So much has been done to this home in the last five years -- roof, siding, flooring, painting throughout just to start the list!

The main bath was recently remodeled, and I promise you will find many reasons to shut the door and stay awhile -- so pretty and even has heated floors! Nicely finished hardwood floors, large kitchen with plenty of newer cabinetry and new stainless appliances with attached dining area with a sliding glass door to let the sunshine in!

The basement in this house adds a whole other layer of living with a great home office leading into large family room area that has small kitchenette and a second full bath. There's also large utility area and a separate storage room for all your extra stuff - so much great, usable space! There is an extra-deep attached garage, which leads out to fully fenced back yard with an additional fenced-in area and large utility shed!

Outside is landscaped with loads of perennials so you can ease right into sunny weather -- make an appointment today! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate (585) 344-HOME (4663). Click here for more information on this listing.

The addition of the Batavia Muckdogs to the Perfect Game Colligate Baseball League has apparently prompted the college-ball team in Niagara Falls two switch allegiances, the Niagara Gazette reports.

The Niagara Power will move from the New York Collegiate Baseball League to the PGCBL in 2021.

Patrick Tutka, executive director of the Power, said the move was "win-win-win," especially after the Batavia Muckdogs, formerly of the professional New York-Penn League, agreed to join the PGCBL. The Muckdogs give the PGCBL five former NY-Penn League teams, along with Newark, Geneva, Elmira and Jamestown.

In addition to the PGCBL offering one more nearby potential rival, the PGCBL teams generally play in better facilities, Tutka said.

"The facility quality is much better," Tutka said. "We'll be playing in all former minor league stadiums, while most of the other places (outside home games at Sal Maglie Stadium) we were playing were high school or college fields.

It looks like the PGCBL will have 15 teams in the league for the 2021 season, all in New York.

From Terri King for Ascension Parish:

Ascension Parish is hosting a takeout-only pulled-pork dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30.

Dinner are presale only/$10 each, take out only. Cut off date to preorder is Jan. 27.

Dinner is pulled pork, roll, mac & cheese, and baked beans.

Payment due prior to pickup either by (mail, collection basket or office door slot).

To order call Parish office at (585) 343-1796 and leave a message. "To order electronically see your flocknote email." 

Pick up at Ascension Parish Hall parking lot, located at 19 Sumner St. in the City of Batavia.

A couple dozen protesters outside the Buffalo Federal Detention Center in Batavia yesterday afternoon wanted to be heard by detainees inside so they know there are people who support their health and safety, said Mary Rutigliano.

Rutigliano, a Genesee County resident aligned with the Rochester Rapid Response Network, said there have been COVID-19 positive detainees transferred to Batavia and five of the detainees are on hunger strike.

"If you make enough noise, people on the inside can hear," Rutigliano said. "Last week, we were outside of the ICE field office where Thomas Feeley works, the same office as Delaware North in Buffalo, letting them know and this was part of an effort to let the people here know they don't have as much of a community, (but) there are people out here in this rural area that support them and want them to keep up their efforts."

Feeley, the director of the Enforcement and Removal Office in Buffalo, said there are only two detainees on hunger strike. One was transferred from New Jersey for medical reasons (BFDF has its own medical unit) and his current immigration case is under appeal.

The other case, he said, is being deported and his hunger strike just started.

As for COVID-positive cases in the facility, Feeley said there are currently three in the facility. One was arrested by the border patrol, the other transferred from an outside hospital, and one was arrested and transferred from Boston. All are asymptomatic, he said, and are quarantined.

Rutigliano claimed that there is a COVID-positive person in a pod with 40 other detainees. Feeley said that wasn't accurate. His statement also contradicted Rutigliano's claim that there are symptomatic detainees in the facility. 

Yesterday's protest drew the attention of State Police after dispatchers received a complaint that protesters were blocking the entrance to the facility. A trooper on scene said the protesters moved to an open space next to the gate when three patrol units arrived. The protesters ended their chanting and banging on pots and pans and dispersed a short time later.

AWESOME NEW PRICE-COME LOOK TODAY! 42 Redfield Parkway, Batavia. City home on a great street -- located at the heart of all the shopping!

Kitchen was fully renovated and slightly enlarged with nice crisp and clean white soft closed cabinetry. Loads of cupboard space, one full-size pantry cupboard and new kitchen flooring! Wall taken down between kitchen and dining to give you great entertaining space!

This super spacious three bedroom home is move-in ready, the central air is a bonus, along side the newer furnace hot water tank roof and siding! The big things have been taken care of, leaving time for decorating the big rooms that all have closets and storage!

The home has a couple of bonus rooms starting with the awesome enclosed front porch, which is an approximately ADDITIONAL 200 square feet of living space that can supplement the living space as an office/toy room or just enjoying nice evenings and early mornings! Off dining room there's a cute room that could be great office space for those working at home!

Attic is finished and could be great additional rec space-there is a room for everybody! The street, of course, is a Batavia classic to enjoy in all seasons -- there is a lot of home here, come check it out!

Call Lynn Bezon today, call (585) 344-4663 or click here for more information on this lisiting.

Nathan P. Rich, 32, of Sherman Court, Atlanta, Ill., is charged with second-degree strangulation. He was arrested after a domestic incident that occurred at 7:40 a.m. Jan. 6 on South Swan Street in Batavia. It is alleged that Rich put his hands around the victim's throat and applied pressure, causing stupor in the victim. He was taken to Genesee County Jail and processed, then virtually arraigned in Batavia City Court. He was put in jail on $10,000 bail, $20,000 bond, or $40,000 partially secured bond. The case was handed by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Erica Lynn Frith, 37, of Gateway Drive, Batavia, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more -- first offense; driving while intoxicated; leaving the scene of a property damage accident; moving from lane unsafely; and violating the conditions of a restricted driver's license. Frith was arrested after an investigation into a property damage accident that occurred at 1:26 p.m. Jan. 10 on South Main Street in Batavia. It is alleged the defendant was driving in a westerly direction on South Main Street when her vehicle struck a parked City of Batavia Police car. She is accused of then leaving the scene. She was issued traffic tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on March 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Sgt. Dan Coffey, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

Wayne D. Potter, 37, no permanent address, was arrested on Jan. 12 and charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree and second-degree menacing. He was arrested in connection to a disturbance that occurred at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 11 on Liberty Street in Batavia. It is alleged that Potter brandished a knife during the disturbance. He has previous felony convictions and was ordered put in jail wiothout bail after his arraignment in Batavia City Court. He is due to return to court Feb. 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Connor Borchert, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

Alexandro Rodriguez, 24, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree criminal contempt; second-degree burglary -- of a dwelling; second-degree harassment; and unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree. At 1:29 a.m. on Jan. 13, Batavia police responded to Dellinger Avenue after being notified that Rodriguez was allegedly back at a residence of a victim who had been issued an order of protection against him the previous day. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in Genesee County Jail on $1,000 cash bail, $2,000 bond, or $4,000 partially secured bond. He was due back in city court late in the morning of Jan. 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

James F. Perry Sr., 35, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17 years old; disobeying a mandate ordered by a judge; aggravated family offense -- more than one offense within five years; and first-degree criminal contempt -- violation of an order of protection, with physical contact. Perry was arrested at United Memorial Medical Center at 12:52 p.m. Jan. 12 on a warrant out of Batavia City Court. The warrant stems from a domestic incident on Oct. 7 on State Street in Batavia. He was transported to jail and arraigned in city court, then put in jail on $1,000 bash bail, $2,000 bond, or $2,000 partially secured bond. He is due back in court on Feb. 18. The case was handed by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Jose Antonio Rivera, 34, of Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt and second-degree burglary. He was arrested Jan. 10 after an investigation into a domestic incident that occurred at 4:09 a.m. that day on Swan Street. It is alleged he violated an order of protection and burglarized a house. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in Genesee County Jail with bail (unspecified). He is due back in court on Feb. 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman, assisted by Officer Austin Hedges.

Michael Robert Price, 35, of Pearl Street Road, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. On Jan. 13, Batavia Police Officer Peter Post arrested Price after a domestic incident at 8:50 p.m. in which it is alleged Price damaged a victim's property during an argument. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and an order of protection was issued for the victim. He was then released on his own recognizance. Price is due back in city court on March 4.

Paula G. Pierce, 28, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. She was arrested at 6:39 p.m. on Jan. 14 after an investigation of an incident in which it is alleged that Pierce intentionally damaged the property of another person during an argument. She was released from custody with an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on March 23. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer John Gombos, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Michael James Denning, 38, of Owens Road, Brockport, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief, fourth-degree criminal mischief, and endangering the welfare of a child. He was arrested at a residence on Leroy Street in the Village of Bergen after the investigation of a physical domestic incident reported at 8:09 p.m. on Jan. 14. It is alleged that he broke a female's $700 cell phone while she attempted to call 9-1-1. This allegedly occurred in the presence of a 4-year-old child. He was arraigned in Genesee County Court on Jan. 15 and a stay away order of protection was issued for the victim. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor.

Jamie Lee Broadbent, 38, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and endangering the welfare of a child. Broadbent was arrested after a shoplifting complaint was made at a store on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia at 3:55 p.m. on Jan. 17. It is alleged that Broadbent stole property and passed all points of purchase without paying. The defendant allegedly did this while in the presence of a juvenile. Broadbent was released with an appearance ticket to be in Town of Batavia Court on March 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Charles J. Rodriguez, 44, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree bail jumping. Batavia Police Officer Peter Post arrested Rodriguez after the defendant allegedly missed several appearances in Batavia City Court. After his arraignment, Rodriguez was released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is due back in court Feb. 25. Batavia Police Officer John Gombos assisted Post in the case.

In case you haven't heard, the Buffalo Bills (15-3) are heading to the AFC Championship game, for the first time since 1993, next Sunday. Barber Joey Williams gave Raymond Schramm Jr. a haircut that matches his team pride after yesterday's playoff win over the Baltimore Ravens 17-3.

Submitted photo.

The Batavia City School District is asking families to make a final selection of which learning model — in-person hybrid or 100-percent remote — they want for their children in preparation for the start of the second semester of the 2020–21 academic year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a Jan. 13 statement from the district, Superintendent of Schools Anibal Soler Jr. requested that families submit changes to their students’ learning modalities by Jan. 22. He said that this deadline will afford the district enough time to make adjustments to academic programming and transportation services before the semester begins Feb. 1.

“It may not change our numbers a lot, but at least we know moving forward that that is the final in-person hybrid and the final remote rosters that principals could use to kind of lock in the rest of their year,” Soler said at Monday night’s Board of Education meeting.

Families that would like to select a different learning method for the semester should complete the second semester Learning Model Form for each child in their household who seeks the change. Requests for changes can also be made via phone call to students’ respective schools. Those who do not want to modify their students’ academic format do not need to take action.

This survey process aims to strengthen the teacher-student experience for both in-person hybrid learners and remote learning students. The statement said that this learning model selection will allow teachers and administrators to plan more effectively for a stable end to “a difficult and fluid” school year.

“We don't want to burn out our teachers because they've already flip-flopped so much in the way that they teach,” Board Member Tanni Bromley said. “So if they can have a consistent roster, it would be easier for them to decide how they're going to move forward.”

The district’s in-person hybrid students shift between receiving face-to-face and at-home online instruction based on the cohort they are in. All remote-only learners complete their classes entirely in a virtual setting. Board members said at Monday’s meeting that some families have switched between these models multiple times throughout the first semester.

“Consistency for the student is probably best, too, in that if a parent chooses one, then it would be best to kind of ride that out,” Board Member Shawna Murphy said. “Get them through this year and hopefully we won't even be dealing with this next year. But the flip-flopping for the kid isn't good either.”

As of Jan. 15, BCSD reported that 92 individuals, on or off campus, among its students, teachers and staff members are currently testing positive for COVID-19. The district’s statement noted that it may need to transition to 100-percent virtual instruction for all students if an issue related to COVID-19 arises during the second semester. 

BCSD previously switched to fully remote instruction from Dec. 7, 2020 to Jan. 4, 2021 because of staffing shortages related to a rise in positive COVID-19 cases among its students, teachers and staff, and throughout Genesee County. An influx of family requests to move children from hybrid to remote learning was cited as a challenge the district faced in the days leading up to this switch.

“All of our teachers are feeling burned out,” Soler said. “I mean it is tough to navigate this virtual and remote, and it's just a harder year. So our teachers are working like maniacs. They're planning. They're trying to prepare.”

Changes to instruction methods will take effect Feb. 1 and remain in place for the duration of the school year. However, according to the statement, a student’s school may contact parents and guardians at any time during the semester to suggest a modification to the child’s learning format to accommodate their academic needs.

In terms of exceptions to learning model commitments, Soler said he wants families to understand “that if there's a situation that comes about, that they would need to go through their principal first, prior to seeking approval to change, but that only extreme extenuating circumstances would be considered.”

A mandatory quarantine period does not alter the second semester learning method of an in-person hybrid student who tests positive for COVID-19 or has been in close contact with someone who receives a positive test result.

“If that child is quarantined, then he has to go out,” Board Member John Reigle said. “If they test positive, they're out for a certain period. But that person committed to in-person [instruction]. Once they're cleared, they can come back.”

Board members expressed optimism at Monday’s meeting about the sense of normalcy and ease of mind that the second semester learning model selection can potentially bring to everyone.

“To kind of know what's going to be happening for the rest of the school year in February, I think that's a good thing because it's kind of getting back to normal,” Murphy said. “Regardless of what you choose, it's going to stay the same.”

The next board meeting will be livestreamed at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 25 on the school district’s Board of Education YouTube channel.

In the coming weeks, Batavia City Council members will engage in a review process to finalize the city’s 2021–22 budget based on Interim City Manager Rachael Tabelski’s recommended cutbacks to municipal services amid COVID-19 financial challenges.

At Monday night’s City Council business meeting, Tabelski presented a proposed pathway to economic recovery that summarized city revenues and expenses. She said that despite her pride in generating a financially sound budget, it was difficult to put together a fiscal plan because of income losses related to pandemic shutdowns and the subsequent economic downturn.

“I can honestly say that none of us like this budget,” she said. “The restraints and restrictions forced upon us by reduced revenue and state aid will not allow the city to operate as business as usual. There are services that will need to be reduced or cut altogether if we are to achieve a budget within the tax cap.”

She said city budget shortfalls have been compounded by a projected 20-percent decrease -- $350,000 -- in aid and incentives for municipalities. State and federal relief measures have focused on providing businesses with loans and grants, and individuals with stimulus checks, unemployment benefits and eviction and foreclosure moratoriums.

“Within the latest stimulus bill that was passed, there was yet no aid to local governments,” she said. “There is potential for local government funding relief with the new administration, but at this time there are no guarantees and it is not reflected in the fiscal ’21–’22 budget.”

Resident service scalebacks include reduced staffing levels at the local police and fire departments, community policing, arts funding, academic development, special police details and community events. Administrative services, public works and government personnel expenditures will also experience significant cost reductions.

“Restorations of these services will ultimately depend on the economic recovery of the nation as a whole or re-examining priority services for the city,” Tabelski said.

Though cuts and hiring freezes have occurred across departments, increases in city employee wages and expenses, like Social Security and retirement costs, will leave a $1.2 million gap between revenue and expenditures in comparison to the previous fiscal year.

The prospective budget includes the layoff of an ordinance enforcement officer, a retirement incentive for a police officer and several unfilled jobs. Tabelski said the city remains committed to investment in workers compensation and health insurance, budgeted at $294,000 and $2.6 million, respectively.

The property tax rate increase is slated to be 1.38 percent, which would change the rate from $9.59 to $9.73 per $1,000 of taxable assessed value. This year, the city saw a $175,000 decrease in sales tax — its largest single source of annual revenue — and a general fund decline of approximately $800,000.

“The current conditions in the general fund are unsustainable,” Tabelski said. “Future budgets will depend on the ability of the economy ... to recover lost state aid, for us to find sources of revenue.”

Tabelski said the city should become less dependent on the fund balance, reserves and water fund revenue in budgets going forward. She suggested to council members that renovations to commercial and residential properties throughout the community could serve as valuable income streams.

“Despite these difficult economic times, the City of Batavia continues to see investment and economic development in terms of construction and building improvements,” she said. “There are many active developers looking at our city for market-rate housing projects that will draw new small businesses downtown.”

The interim city manager praised Batavia government leaders for their efforts and expressed confidence in their planning to deliver the services that city residents and employees require.

“I anticipate that our budget work sessions to follow will be extremely detailed and filled with proactive conversations so the city can achieve the budget that meets the needs of the organization, the employees and our residents,” she said.

In other action, City Council:

• Endorsed a Batavia Business Improvement District application to the 2020 New York Main Street Anchor Grant for a multipurpose events and entertainment space. If awarded the state grant for up to $500,000, the funding would be used to renovate the external façade and interior of the Batavia Showtime movie theater at 6 Alva Place.

• Approved a resolution that authorized Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. to sign the amended Dwyer Stadium leasing agreement. This is a five-year agreement in which the Batavia Regional Recreation Corporation will lease the stadium to CAN-USA Sports LLC. 

• Heard from City Attorney George Van Nest that local code enforcement deadlines are being delayed by the state legislature’s COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act. The act extends New York’s eviction moratorium until May 1 for tenants who have endured pandemic-related hardship.

The first budget work session will be held after the council’s next conference meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 25 in the Council Board Room on the second floor of City Hall, followed by a second session Feb. 1.

New Listing Alert: 5216 E. Main St., Batavia. Meticulous, tasteful, solid, and well done are just a few things to be said about this lovely ranch home. This three-bedroom, two full-bath home has literally just nothing for you to do but move in and enjoy. So much has been done to this home in the last five years -- roof / siding / flooring / painting throughout just to start the list!

The main bath recently remodeled and I promise you will find many reasons to shut the door and stay awhile -- so pretty and even has heated floors! Nicely finished hardwood floors, large kitchen with plenty of newer cabinetry and new stainless appliances with attached dining area with a sliding glass door to let the sunshine in!

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Donna Hartman is indicted for the crime of second-degree identity theft, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on July 6 in the Town of Dalton, Livingston County, that Hartman knowingly and intentionally assumed the identity of another person in order to benefit herself monetarily in an amount exceeding $500. It is alleged in the first count that she presented herself to Livingston County Ambulance staff as a person residing on Fargo Road in Stafford, resulting in an ambulance bill for $835 to be sent to the victim. In count two, she is accused of the same crime at Noyes Memorial Hospital, resulting in a bill for hospital service to be sent to the same victim for $732.65. In counts three and four, Hartman is accused of falsifying business records in the first degree, also a Class E felony, for her actions to cause ambulance service records and also hospital business records to reflect false information regarding her name and address.

Jorge L. Rodriguez is indicted for the crime of second-degree criminal mischief, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 22 on the Thruway that he intentionally damaged property belonging to another person -- a 2017 Chevrolet -- in an amount exceeding $1,500. In count two, Rodriguez is accused of second-degree reckless endangerment. It is alleged that he drove recklessly that day, in a manner that created substantial risk of serious physical injury. He is accused in count two of purposely ramming his vehicle into the victim's vehicle while another victim was standing between the two vehicles.

Amanda M. Webb is indicted for the crime of criminal mischief in the third degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 1 in the City of Batavia that Webb intentionally damaged property belonging to another person -- a 2009 Chevrolet -- in an amount exceeding $250. In count two she is accused of second-degree harassment. It is alleged in count two that Webb, with intent to harass, annoy or alarm another person, struck, shoved, kicked or otherwise subjected a victim to physical contact or threatened to do so.

Lawrence D. Williams is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the first degree, a Class C felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 4 while at Walmart in Batavia that he passed a counterfeit $100, knowing it was not real, with the intent to defraud.

Joshua G. Bachorski is indicted for second-degree burglary, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 9 Bachorski knowingly entered or remained unlawfully in a dwelling on Pearl Street in the City of Batavia with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, he is accused of third-degree burglary, a Class D felony, for likewise entering an outbuilding at the same address on that date with the same intention. In count three, he is accused of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly stealing a lawnmower owned by the victim.

Taylor K. Laird is indicted for the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated, per se, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on May 28 in the City of Batavia that she drove a 2002 Dodge on Pearl Street while having a BAC of .08 percent or more, and while a child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count two, Laird is accused of aggravated DWI, a Class E felony, while a child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count three, Laird is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, another Class E felony, for driving that day while her license was suspended or revoked by authorities, and while she was under the influence of alcohol or a drug.

Chad M. Putney is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a misdemeanor. It is alleged that on March 30 in the Town of Le Roy that Putney drove a 2008 Ford on Route 5 while he was intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of DWI, per se, as a misdemeanor, for having a BAC of .08 percent or more at the time. In count three, he is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony, for having in effect three or more suspensions at the the time, imposed on at least three separate dates: Feb. 3, 2018; Dec. 8, 2018; and July 15, 2019 for failure to answer, appear or pay a fine.

Members of Batavia Police Advisory Collaboration Stakeholder Group are ready to keep the momentum going.

Their Gov. Andrew Cuomo-assigned task completed, members last night said they felt like some good things had been accomplished for the community and they want to keep going, if not in the group's current form, at least in focus groups and through its participation in police-related committees.

"I don't think the conversation ends here," said Victor Thomas, a member of the group and a member of the Just Kings Social Club. "Like I said earlier, with the chief and assistant chief, these are both people that want to have this conversation with or without this group. They went above and beyond, like I said, to form other groups and actually hear the community's voice. So I don't think this is something that's just going to stop here because Cuomo said we had to do this. We actually have a police chief and assistant9 chief that care about their community. So that's huge."

Chief Shawn Heubush said there is no plan for the conversation to stop.

"One of the things that we talked about is actually inviting the community to our policing community policing meeting because it's usually an internal-facing meeting where we try to come up with ways to integrate ourselves into the community," Heubusch said. "We realized, as Detective (Matthew) Wojtaszek had mentioned that we don't have any citizens on this committee. Why don't we have a citizen or two on this committee to help us in getting into the areas that we need to get into and focusing on those areas? So that would be something that I would see to try to keep this conversation going, inviting more people to talk to those types of functions.

"I really look forward to a citizens' police academy. I certainly hope we can make that happen because I think that is a perfect opportunity. You know, just looking at other communities that have done it, a perfect opportunity for us to really serve the public a lot better and have that educational piece that I think we need so, so very badly with our community, the back and forth conversation as well. And the focus group, as Victor mentioned, we're going to keep going with that. I think that's extremely important."

Interim City Manager Rachael Tabelski said she expects the city to make community and police relations part of its regular focus in the future, perhaps adding a review process as part of the budget process.

"It is up to myself and the chief to follow up with counsel on an annual basis to see how this is going and how it's evolved," Tabelski said. "The plan doesn't get finished and put on the shelf, is what I'm trying to say. I think both the chief and I are committed to making sure that we are reviewing this and trying to make this into our strategic priorities that come forward to counsel every single year at budget time as well."

The stakeholder's group was charged, by executive order, by reviewing all relevant police policies and procedures and make recommendations for changes. There were no recommended changes in the area of things like arrest procedures and use of force but committee members expressed a strong interest in improving mental health intervention as well as community-police relationships.

The written plan produced by the committee will be presented to the City Council on Jan. 25 and become available for public review at that time. There will be a public comment period and the council will be asked to approve it and send it to the governor's office, to comply with the executive order, on March 8.

Near the top of the meeting, Pastor Marty Macdonald of City Church started the discussion about how far the city has come in the area of community and police relations, especially in regards to people of color.

"Ten years ago, this meeting would have never happened," Macdonald said. "Not with the people that we have on (the committee). I am so grateful for Victor being in this group. Victor, what would you have thought five years ago if you were to be invited to this?

"I'm on the CJAC (Criminal Justice Advisory Council) committee, too," he added. "They approved Greg Monroe to be a part of the CJAC. To me, this is the essence of what this whole thing is about, that to a degree, our community has been, I'm not certain that it's been deliberate, but it's just been there's been no attention to it and we have put attention to it now. And I think we've moved in an incredibly positive way."

Victor Thomas said he was grateful to see progress made.

"I applaud the chief because, from the beginning, before the march, before any of this came down, he was there," Thomas said. "He was willing to hear concerns. He was there the day of the march and he was willing to hear his community's cry. I think that showed even more, like you saying, like this conversation needs to happen even without the governor. Yeah, the governor passed (this order) down, but we took that and we created another focus group to look deeper in once we didn't get the results that we wanted from a survey.

"It shows what's manifesting," he added. "It shows the growth in Batavia, and I'm just happy to be a part of it. I'm happy to have my thoughts and Greg's thoughts and other minority thoughts actually taken it into consideration and actually put down in this plan. Like my friend was saying in the beginning, yeah, it should stand for everybody, but I'm glad that the focus remained where the focus needed to be. And I'm happy to be a part of that. And I'm happy to continue the focus group."

We got a late start on the stream.