batavia

Voters in the Batavia City School District will be asked to approve a 1.99-percent increase in the tax levy May 15, Superintendent Margaret Puzio said Tuesday following a public hearing on the proposed 2012-13 school district budget.

The budget -- at least on paper -- increases spending to $40,086,732, up $720,687 over the previous year.

But Puzio said the increase can really be attributed to changes in accounting rules.

In fact, district spending will decrease, according to Gary Stich (top photo), who made part of the budget presentation.

The 1.99-percent increase in the levy is still well under -- according to state formulas -- the property tax cap. The district could have increased the levy by 2.59 percent and still been below the cap, Puzio said.

The budget will include an allocation of $330,000 in anticipated state aid to cash reserves, which have beed depleted in recent years because of increased mandated costs and less state aid.

At one time, the reserve was $1.5 million. This year it dropped to $55,000.

The reserve is necessary to help cover expenses when there's no revenue coming in during the summer months, or to deal with budget-breaking, unannounced cuts in state aid, which has happened at least once in recent years.

One of the biggest mandated expenses for the district is payment into the state's teacher retirement fund, which in recent years has gone from a $916,000 contribution to a $1.9 million contribution.

"That's almost $2 million in expense and it has a huge impact on the district," Stich said. "Again, we have no control over it."

About 45 percent of the district's funding comes from state aid, and another 45 percent from local taxes. 

Last year, a big part of the difference was made up by dipping into reserves.

The district will realize cost savings this year from school consolidation, Puzio said.

At the same time, the distirct is restoring some programs cut in the past year, include the Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) program and some music programs.

To help students compete in the fast-evolving job market where written communication skills are more critical than ever, the district will focus more education resources on core state standards, which means more text study in all classrooms.

New teacher and principal accountability standards are also being implemented, by state mandate, including a requirement that principals spend 70 percent of their time with teachers in classrooms.

Also on the ballot May 15 is a measure to change student transportation rules, putting all middle-school students on the same transportation eligibility standard.

This will mean an additional 120 students will be eligible for bus transportation, but only about half of the current eligible students use school transportation, so the district doesn't know yet how many new riders will use the bus.

The change is necessary because of the school consolidation plan.

There are also five candidates in the election for three school board positions. The candidates are Gretchen DiFante, Phill Ricci, Gail Stevens, Gary Stich and Dennis Warner.

Polls on May 15 are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and locations are John Kennedy Elementary School and Batavia High School.

An oven fire is reported at 232 N. Spruce St., Apt. B. City firefighters are responding.

UPDATE 7:29: The fire is out. Mercy medics are called to the address for a victim(s) of smoke inhalation. Ladder 15 is back in service.

UPDATE 7:45 p.m.: City fire command and Engine 12 are back in service.

Suzanne E. L. Dizak, 39, of Windmill Road, Pittsford, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 4th, a felony. Dizak was initially arrested for allegedly stealing $800 in jewelry from Target on April 1 and charged with petit larceny. During a search of her vehicle, proceeds from an alleged larceny the day before uncovered another $300 worth of allegedly stolen jewelry from Target. Dizak was arraigned and jailed on $2,000 bail.

Jayson Michael Connolly, 38, no current address, is charged with falsifying business records, 1st. Connolly is an inmate in the Genesee County Jail and is accused of using another inmate's personal identification number to place a phone call to a person protected from contact by Connolly by court order. Connolly is being held on the charge without bail.

Lawrence T. Zielinski, 38, of Davey Street, Buffalo, is charged with petit larceny. Zielinski was arrested after he reportedly fled the parking lot of Kmart when he was spotted allegedly stealing a television, valued at $500. Following his arrest, Zielinski was turned over to the Cheektowaga PD on an outstanding bench warrant.

Mercy medics and Batavia firefighters are responding to 18 1/2 Ellicott St. for a pizza box fire that is believed to be out; however, the resident reportedly suffered burns to her hands while dealing with the fire.

The pizza box was in the oven.

UPDATE 6:08 p.m.: Engine 12 back in service.

Many people in the Batavia area are mourning after a well-known mother has passed away after a long battle with breast cancer. Forty-four-year-old Deborah J. Dancy, died Monday at her residence on Shepard Road.

Deb, who is the mother of Lindsey Penders and Nicole Dancy of Batavia, was well known in the Batavia area and school district and liked by both students, teachers, parents and athletes.

Deb was very involved with Batavia cheerleading events and became a friend to many in the area throughout her time. 

Many high school and college students, parents and teachers expressed their love for Deb on Facebook late Monday night and all day today.

One posted "You have touched so many hearts with your amazing strength" while another student added "So many hearts are broken today but God gained an amazing angel." Others posted the lone letters "YOLO" meaning "You Only Live Once" -- the phrase that Deb and many close to her used during her long courageous battle. 

Deb was born Nov. 19, 1967 in Warsaw, NY, the daughter of Richard and Donna McCaughey Ellis. Deborah was a graduate of York Central School. She was a secretary for Upstate Auto Transportation Corporation in Batavia.

Visitation will be held at the Rector-Hicks Funeral Home, 111 Main St. in Geneseo on Thursday, May 3, 2012 from 4-8 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, May 4, 2012 at 10 a.m. at St. Lucy's Church in Retsof with Walt Purtell officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery in York. 

Memorials may be made to the Highland Hospital Oncology Unit, 1000 South Ave. Box 67, Rochester, NY 14620.

Divine Chaos Tattoo in Rochester is planning a tattoo benefit for Deb and Pink Gorilla Tees & Graphics has printed T-shirts to benefit the family.

It's one of those situations where everybody wins -- people dependent on Meals on Wheels will once again get five days of meal delivery, Genesee ARC is able to expand the services it provides the county, and the county's budget won't be severely impacted.

On Monday, the Public Service Committee approved a contract with Genesee ARC to handle the Meals on Wheels program for the Office of Aging.

The cost to the county will be about the same -- $186,425 annually -- as the current program, which delivers meals only three days a week.

The new program will also deliver hot meals, instead of cold dishes.

"We think it will be a nice service for people, with the personal check for people and they get a nice hot meal," said Pam Whitmore, director of Office for the Aging.

The previous meal provider was the American Red Cross out of Rochester.

The cost works out to about the same because it was costing nearly a $1 per meal just for delivery of meals from Rochester. That $1 will now go toward increased service and improved meals.

The meals will be prepared by Genesee ARC staff and clients at its renovated facility at 38 Woodrow Road, Batavia.

Whitmore said one reason Genesee ARC won the contract is the organization's emphasis on customer service.

"Being part of Genesee County, they really wanted to do what was best for the people in the program," Whitmore said.

WBTA's Dan Fischer contributed to this story.

A 29-year-old Batavia resident has been charged with a hate crime after he allegedly hurled homosexual insults and got into a fight with an acquaintance.

John Gerald Crosby, of Wood Street, Batavia, was charged under section 240.30 (3) of the NYS penal law, which makes it a crime to get into a physical altercation with a person because of the person's real or perceived "race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation."

Aggravated harassment is a Class A misdemeanor with a possible sentence of up to one year in jail.

Deputy Chief Gordon Dibble said according to the report, Crosby's conduct could be described as "direct and in your face and repeated," but declined to provide details citing the ongoing legal process.

"It was pretty intense from what I read in the report," Dibble said. "It's certainly not something somebody should have to put up with."

While hate crime charges in Genesee County are rare, they do happen from time to time, Dibble said.

The incident is alleged to have occurred at 11:45 p.m., April 20, at a location on Lewiston Road, Batavia.

Crosby was arraigned Friday in Town of Batavia Court and released on his own recognizance pending an appearance May 21.

Gorge L. Correa, 19, of 72 Ward St., F, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, trespass and possession of marijuana; Arami Morales, 16, of 72 Ward St., F, Rochester, is charged with harassment, 2nd, resisting arrest and trespass; Markeef H. Royal, 23, of 9 Beechwood St., Rochester, is charged with trespass; Joshua L. Burris, 22, of 21 Baumen St., Rochester, is charged with trespass; Malik J. Johnson, 19, of 916 Plymouth Ave., Rochester, is charged with trespass. The five suspects were arrested after Batavia PD responded at 6:40 a.m., Sunday, to a report of a disturbance at the Batavia Gardens Apartments, 679 E. Main St., Batavia. Morales is accused of hitting Officer Darryl Streeter. Further investigation led to the alleged discovery of a handgun and marijuana in the vehicle of Correa. Burris was turned over to Rochester PD on an arrest warrant. Correa and Morales were arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed on $5,000 bail each.

Joel D. Prouty, 25, of Maple Avenue, Oakfield, is charged criminal contempt, 1st, unlawful imprisonment, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 4th. Prouty is accused of violating an order of protection by slammng a woman who is seven-months pregnant into a doorway and threatening to punch her in the stomach. Prouty also allegedly smashed the woman's mobile phone while she tried to call 9-1-1 and restrained her against her will. Prouty was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Gary Robert Dean, 61, of Buffalo Street, Alexander, is charged with felony aggravated unlicensed operation, DWI and a violation of unlicensed operation. Dean was stopped at 9:32 p.m., April 4, on Broadway Road, Alexander, by Deputy Howard Carlson.

Marquis Kwanaine Saddler, 21, of Brockport-Spencerport Road, Sweden, is charged with violation of sentencing conditions. Saddler was arrested by Village of Brockport PD on a warrant out of Batavia City Drug Court and jailed on $100,000 bail.

Raymond Kyle Jonathan, 23, of Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, unlicensed operator and failure to stop at stop sign. Jonathan was arrested by Deputy Kevin McCarthy following an investigation into a rollover accident at 3:17 a.m., Sunday, at 890 Judge Road, Basom.

Tara L. Hall, 33, of 132 State St., lower, Batavia, is charged with two counts of harassment, 2nd. Hall is accused of threatening two people.

Jennifer L. Stack, 25, of 5861 Walkers Corners Road, is charged with failure to appear. Stack was arrested after being located at an apartment on South Main Street during a disturbance at that location. Stack was jailed on $500 bail.

Sky M. Lewis, 18, of 38 Walnut St., lower, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Lewis is accused of fighting with another person while in the presence of two young children.

Shawn Michael Kwiatek, 33, of Alleghany Road, Darien, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child. Kwiatek is accused of bringing alcohol to a party and serving it to people under age 21.

Genesee County children were invited to the YMCA today to kick-off spring and summer with Healthy Kids Day, a free community event where children could play, exercise, meet firemen, the Muckdog's mascot and learn about healthy choices.

Today you can get rid of outdated or unneeded medications safely with no questions asked at drug drop-off points throughout the county.

There is one behind the Batavia PD station, one at the Le Roy PD and Pembroke Town Highway barn on routes 5 and 77.

Drugs can be dropped off until 2 p.m.

Dozens of local residents walked through downtown late this evening in memory of crime victims as part of Crime Victims Week. After the walk, people gathered at City Centre for a talk by Sandie Bellows, a survivor of a harrowing crime.

Coffee Culture won the Spirit of Downtown Business Award on Friday, presented by the Business Improvement District.

Brenda Richardson (center in the photo above), manager of Coffee Culture, accepted the award and was praised for her efforts to make Coffee Culture a vital part of downtown life and business. 

Another Spirit of Downtown Business Award went to Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union and the BID Volunteer Award went to Susan Blanchard. Blanchard is out of town and accepting on her behalf were Travis Minor and Carolyn Pratt.

Dorian Ely, of the Genesee County Office for the Aging, was also presented with a BID Volunteer Award, for her the time and effort she volunteers for the BID.

BID Director Don Burkel

BID President John Roche

Design Committee Chair Victor Gautieri

Promotion Commitee Chair Mary Valle

Steven M. Mogle, 56, of 28 Greenbriar Drive, Lancaster, is charged with menacing, 2nd. Mogle was charged after he allegedly brandished a handgun during an argument over a parking spot with another driver at Tully's on East Main Street, Batavia. Mogle has a NYS pistol permit for the weapon.

Stacy Lynn Maholick, 24, of Route 20 Alexander, is charged with falsifying business records, 1st, and petit larceny. Maholick is accused of completing 11 false merchandise returns and taking cash for the returns while employed at Radio Shack on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia.

Brian Paul Griffen, 27, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with burglary, 3rd, and grand larceny, 4th. Griffen was arrested in connection with an alleged incident reported at 11 p.m., June 7. No further details were released.

Jacob W. Johnson, 24, of 2609 School St., East Pembroke, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Johnson is accused of harassing a woman who is protected by a court order.

The Batavia Kiwanis Club and the Genesee County Bar Association held their annual Law Day dinner at Bohn's Restaurant on Wednesday night.

Deputy Brian Thompson (top photo) received the Kathy Seymore Volunteer Service Award.

Winners of Criminal Justice Awards were: Andre R. Dunlap, investigator, New York State Police Troop “A”; David E. Gann, retired from the Genesee County District Attorney’s Office (second photo); Edward M. Minardo, currently jail superintendent; Michael A. Messina, chief of police, Buffalo/Batavia Veterans Administration Police Forces, and Colleen M. Marve, coordinator, Justice for Children Advocacy Center.

The Pembroke High School Mock Trial Team was honored for winning the regional championship (third photo).

If you're unable to view the slide show below, click here.

To purchase prints of these photos, click here.

After the jump (click on the headline), the press release for the awards:

Press release:

Kiwanis President David Chua announced the awards during a dinner held at Bohn’s Restaurant on Thursday, April 26, 2012. The awards dinner was held in partnership with the Genesee County Bar Association during its observance of Law Day. The honored speaker at the dinner was Hon. Robert C. Noonan, Genesee County Court judge.

Description of the Award

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia Criminal Justice Award is presented to a member of the community, law enforcement, or a criminal justice agency serving the citizens of Genesee County whose exceptional career achievements and conscientiousness to citizenship have demonstrated a spirit of selfless public service or demonstrated an act of exceptional valor or heroism.

2012 AWARD RECIPIENTS

Andre R. Dunlap – Investigator, New York State Police Troop “A”
Investigator Dunlap is a 21-year veteran of the New York State Police.  Throughout his illustrious career, Investigator Dunlap has received numerous letters of appreciation from the public and partner police agencies for his professionalism and superlative law enforcement service. Investigator Dunlap is a recipient of the Lila McNall Award for his outstanding contribution to the Children’s Services Division of the Genesee County Department of Social Services and a past recipient of Genesee County MADD award for superb DWI enforcement. He is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia and a participant in the Ride for Roswell. Investigator Dunlap continues to serve the citizens of Genesee County in a professional and civic manner and was nominated for this award by New York State Police Captain Steven Nigrelli.

David E. Gann – Genesee County District Attorney’s Office (retired)
David E. Gann was a member of the Genesee County District Attorney’s Office for 31 years prior to his retirement on December 30, 2011. Mr. Gann served as Sr. Assistant District Attorney and had vast trial and case appeal experience. He was responsible for the prosecution of several major felony drug cases and was an authority on D.N.A. evidence. David Gann was an ultimate public servant, never shying away from extra work. He was available on a 24/7 basis for law enforcement agencies and was regularly called out in the middle of the night to draft search warrant applications and provide legal advice to police. His ethics, intelligence, knowledge of the law and dedication to his job earned him the well-deserved respect of the judiciary, law enforcement and colleagues. In January 2012, Mr. Gann was awarded the prestigious Robert M. Morgenthau Award presented to him by the District Attorneys’ Association of the State of New York in recognition of his many accomplishments. Mr. Gann was nominated for this award by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman.

Edward M. Minardo – Genesee County Sheriff’s Office
Edward M. Minardo currently serves as jail superintendent of the Genesee County Jail. He served as director of Genesee Justice from 2005 through 2010 when he voluntarily relinquished his job in order to meet budgetary constraints and keep Genesee Justice programs intact. Mr. Minardo kept a positive attitude and was instrumental in establishing the Genesee Justice Foundation in hopes of raising funds for Genesee Justice. He also plays an important role in raising funds for the Child Advocacy Center and is a believer in restorative justice.   During his tenure as director of Genesee Justice, Ed served as chair of the Genesee County Criminal Justice Council, promoting cooperation and collaboration of all criminal justice and support agencies within Genesee County.  Mr. Minardo is president-elect of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia and was nominated for this award by Sheriff Gary T. Maha.

Michael A. Messina – Chief of Police, Buffalo/Batavia Veterans Administration Police Forces
Michael A. Messina is currently chief of police for the Buffalo and Batavia Veterans Administration Police Forces. Under Chief Messina’s leadership, the Batavia V.A. Police Force has become an important partner in our local criminal justice community. Chief Messina has established relationships with area law enforcement and service organizations, which benefits our community. During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Chief Messina provided resources and information on the topic of “Coming Home….Challenges and Opportunities for Returning Veterans." He also assisted with organizing and participating in this excellent program. Chief Messina exemplifies the conscientiousness to citizenship and spirit of selfless public service. Chief Messina was nominated for this award by Batavia City Police Detective Sergeant Patrick Corona.
       
Colleen M. Marvel – Coordinator, Justice for Children Advocacy Center
Colleen Marvel started working for Genesee Justice in 1999. In 2000, she was assigned to the Justice for Children Advocacy Center and in 2001 became its coordinator. Colleen put her heart and soul into the Child Advocacy Center and worked tirelessly to assist and serve sexually abused children from the GLOW area. She worked very closely with law enforcement, social services, district attorneys and other support agencies in the quest to prevent sexual child abuse and to prosecute those who committed such crimes. She made herself
available 24/7, whenever the Child Advocacy Center was needed. Colleen has a bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies from SUNY Plattsburg and resides in the Town of Pavilion with her 5-year-old daughter, Grace. Colleen will be leaving the Child Advocacy Center on May 11, 2012, as she has accepted a position in Wyoming County. Ms. Marvel was nominated for this award by Sheriff Gary T. Maha.

Kiwanis President Dave Chua presented the awards on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia.

CHARLES L. MANCUSO AWARD

The Charles L. Mancuso Award was presented to the members of the Pembroke High School Mock Trial Team as winners of the 2012 GLOWS (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming and Steuben counties) District Competition in the New York State Bar Association High School Mock Trial Tournament. The award reads “Dedicated to the Memory of an Outstanding Attorney-Citizen”, Mr. Mancuso, a Batavia lawyer, served as coordinator of the local competition until his untimely death six years ago. The Pembroke High School team members honored at the dinner include: Patrick Burns, Dean Cullinan, Cale Fryer, Rachel Seweryniak, Joelle Fugle, Brett Jones, Andrew Reynolds, Brandon Kohorst, Benjamin Reiner, Christian Burns, Justin Sformo, Eva Reda-Kendrick, Sabrina Sanner and Karen Glomb.

Genesee County District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, who serves as coordinator of the local Mock Trial Program, and Genesee County Bar Association President Durin Rogers presented the award.

KATHY SEYMOUR VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD

The Genesee Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (GCASA) presented its Kathy Seymour Volunteer Service Award during the dinner. This award is presented to a citizen, volunteer, law enforcement officer or emergency medical service provider whose actions and commitment have helped to make our community a safer place. This year’s award was presented to Deputy Brian A. Thompson of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Thompson has served for many years as a volunteer on the DWI Victim Impact Panel and speaks of the consequences of being arrested for DWI.

The award was presented by Barbara Maryniak, Victim Impact Panel coordinator, GCASA.

A caller reports that a person got into an argument over a parking space at Tully's restaurant on Main Street in the city and brandished a black 22-caliber semi-automatic pistol. Batavia police are responding to the complaint.

John Gerace, who has served on the Town of Batavia Board for more than 16 years, resigned his position more than a week ago.

No reason has been given for his resignation.

Supervisor Greg Post confirmed Gerace's resignation today but declined to comment further.

Post said the board has not yet decided on a process for filling the vacant position.

Gerace could not be reached for comment.

Photo: File photo.

Robert J. Eppolito is going to be out of the community and in prison for many years -- from eight to 11 -- following his sentencing on two criminal charges in county court today.

The 29-year-old Batavia and Le Roy resident has been in trouble with the law a few times in recent years and and in January he entered a guilty plea to assault, 2nd.

Eppolito previously admitted he punched and kicked a victim in Le Roy.

On the assault charge, Judge Robert C. Noonan gave Eppolito seven years in state prison. The sentence will be served consecutively with a violation of probation sentence of one to three years.

A woman reportedly involved in a motor-vehicle accident in Pavilion early Wednesday morning has been accused of using her mobile phone while driving and doing that while she was drunk.

Alexandra Rae Wood, 21, of McCall Road, Batavia, allegedly had a BAC of .18 or greater when she drove her car into a ditch on Route 19 at 2:34 a.m.

She has been charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, unlawful possession of marijuana, moving from lane unsafely and unlawful use of a mobile phone.

Wood was issued an appearance ticket and released.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Jason Saile.