batavia

While at least one City Councilman has expressed concern about ambulance response times in the city of Batavia, Genesee County officials are mulling similar issues elsewhere, Manager Matt Landers says.

“My understanding is that Mercy Flight has a good response time. But there's going to be isolated incidents that inevitably happen because there could be a call for service somewhere else that happens to pull ambulances out. So my concern, honestly, is more of a response time in our rural areas in the county, where response times are greater than the nine minutes that are currently being experienced in the city of Batavia,” Landers said to The Batavian Wednesday. “So that is something that this Legislature and myself are aware of, and that there's a lot of issues out there that we're trying to tackle and work on.”

Landers clarified the current arrangement with Mercy Flight and Mercy EMS. The county provides “a minimum contract of $12,500 on an annual basis to go towards their Mercy Flight air, that's, the contract that we have in place with Mercy Flight currently,” he said, and there is no official contract for ambulance service. An article published Tuesday stated that there was a countywide contract for ambulance service.

“There was a county RFP issued but it wasn't for a county contract. It was something that was for individual towns, so they could contract specifically the Mercy Flights. Some did, some didn’t,” he said. “But Mercy Flight has built a base of operations here at Genesee County, they are here to stay, they are an asset to our community. But there is no current contract with Genesee County for any kind of ambulance service.”

The topic of ambulance response times came up during city budget talks Tuesday evening at City Hall. Councilman Paul Viele raised concern after hearing about a child getting stung by a bee last summer. After reportedly lengthy response time from Mercy EMS, city police ended up taking the child to the hospital for medical treatment, Viele said.

During the conversation, Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. added that there’s been a countywide struggle to accommodate the need.

County officials are working with Mercy Flight to try and remedy the situation, especially in Genesee’s outskirts, Landers said Wednesday.

“We are in talks with Mercy Flight, and how potentially we can help,” Landers said. “I understand why people would think there might be a contract … we understand as a county that response times is a countywide issue. So Legislature and myself are exploring the issue currently and seeing what we could do to help improve those response times, primarily in our rural corners of the county. Less so in the city of Batavia.”

Press release:

The Richmond Memorial Library is pleased to offer T-Mobile Hotspots, which will be available for patrons to check out beginning February 1, 2023. The hotspots were received through the Emergency Connectivity Fund Grant as part of the FCC American Rescue Plan Act. The hotspots can be checked out for a period of three weeks with a valid NIOGA library card in good standing. They include a power cord and all instructions. The NIOGA Library System includes public libraries in Niagara, Orleans and Genesee Counties. Hotspots can only be checked out at the Richmond Memorial Library and must also be returned to the Richmond Memorial Library. 

Press release:

Get in-person tax help and e-file for free at Richmond Memorial Library this tax season

Richmond Memorial Library is pleased to partner with volunteers from the New York State Department of Tax and Finance to offer income-eligible citizens assistance with filing their taxes online this tax season.

Tax Department employees will walk you through your income tax returns, step-by-step, as you complete and e-file your tax return for free.

Sessions will be offered on Thursdays –February 2, February 9, February 16, February 23, March 2, March 9, March 23, March 30, April 6 and April 13.

• If you earned $73,000 or less in 2022, you qualify.
• Safe and secure online tax software.
• Use on-site computers, or your own laptop, tablet, or mobile device.
• You only need basic computer skills and an active email account.

Those interested must schedule an appointment. Sessions are available from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, contact the library at 585-343-9550 x3 or visit the reference desk. Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross Street in the City of Batavia. Find the library online at batavialibrary.org.

Alecia Lyons

Alicia M. Lyons, 43, of Colorado Avenue, Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest. Lyons was taken into custody on multiple warrants on Jan. 11. The first warrant was issued after an arrest on a trespass charge at a local business on May 28, where she was issued an appearance ticket. The second warrant was issued after an alleged trespass arrest at the same business on July 20, where an appearance ticket was issued. The third warrant was issued after another alleged trespass arrest at the same location, also on July 20, and the issuance of an appearance ticket. The fourth warrant was issued after another alleged trespass arrest at the same business on July 24.  Lyons was arraigned in City Court after this arrest and released on her own recognizance. The fifth warrant was issued after Lyons allegedly kicked another person at an apartment complex on East Main Street, and the issuance of an appearance ticket. The sixth warrant was issued after an appearance ticket was issued for an alleged trespass arrest for the same business on Dec. 6. Lyons is accused of failure to appear for all cases. This arrest was conducted by Officer Peter Post. While being taken into custody on these warrants, it is alleged that Lyons resisted arrest.  Lyons was arraigned in City Court and remanded to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $750 bail and scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on Jan. 19. 

Nasir C. Nathan, 27, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with gang assault 1st. Nathan is accused of participating in a gang assault on Oct. 4, 2019, on Highland Park in Batavia. He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on bail of $10,000, $20,000 bond, or $40,000 partially secured bond. 

Cordero L. Royes, 35, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd, assault 3rd, Driving While Intoxicated, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the First Degree and traffic law violation. Royes is accused of driving drunk on Dec. 31 in the City of Batavia following a traffic stop by Officer Sam Freeman. Also, on Dec. 31, Royes is accused of striking another person in the ribs and face during an argument.  He was arraigned in City Court and held without bail on the DWI charge.  On Jan. 1, Royes is accused of striking another person. He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $1 bail.

Alyssa K. Hillman, 29, of Main Street, Corfu, is charged with DWI. See entry below.

Richard W. Reid, 54, of Main Street, Corfu, is charged with DWI, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident, and moving from lane unsafely. A hit-and-run accident was reported to Batavia PD on Jan. 2 (location not disclosed). Upon an investigation by Officer John Gombos and Officer and Officer William Yung, it is alleged that Reid was the operator of the vehicle and that he drove away from the scene. It is also alleged that Reid and Alyssa K. Hillman switched seats, and Hillman was driving the vehicle when officers stopped the vehicle on Ellicott Avenue. Reid and Hillman were released on appearance tickets.

Daniel J. Bakowski, 42, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd, harassment 2nd, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal obstruction of breathing, and criminal mischief to prevent a request for emergency assistance. Bakowski is accused of assaulting another person while children were present on Jan. 18. He was turned over to the Genesee County Jail to await arraignment. The case was investigated by Officer Wesley and Sgt. Mitch Cowen.

Karina M. Treleaven, of Prospect Avenue, Batavia is charged with DWI. Treleaven was stopped in the City of Batavia on Jan. 17 by officers Felica Martinez and Megan Crossett. Treleaven was issued an appearance ticket.  No further details released.

Eric R. Raymond, 52, of Hillside Drive, Batavia, is charged with DWI, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, and failed to yield the right of way. Raymond was stopped on Jan. 15 (time not provided) in the City of Batavia (location not provided) by Officer John Gombos. Raymond was allegedly found to have a BAC of .08 or greater.  He was released on an appearance ticket.

Lazeuia D. Washington, 45, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with menacing 3rd and harassment 2nd. Washington is accused of being physically aggressive with a roommate in at a rooming house on West Main Street, Batavia, on Jan. 14. He was released following arraignment.

Jason W. Whitehead, 25, and Natalie N Neureuther, 23, both of Bank Street, Batavia, are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, criminal use of drug paraphernalia, and act in a manner injurious to an individual under 17 years of age. Whitehead and Neureuther are accused of being in possession of items that were later found to test positive for cocaine. The items were discovered by probation officers and turned over to Batavia PD.  The items were reportedly located immediately in the vicinity of and easily reachable by a child who was present at the time. They were arrested on Jan. 13 and issued appearance tickets.

Anne Marie Boyce, 46, of Woodrow Road, Batavia, is charged with three counts of dog running at large. On Jan 10, police were dispatched to Woodrow Road, Batavia, for a report of a loose dog. On Jan. 11, police received a report of a large dog running loose on Woodrow Road. On Jan. 13, police officers were dispatched to Woodrow Road in Batavia for a report of three loose dogs.  Boyce was issued appearance tickets.

Gabrielle E. Melton, 27, of Walnut Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd. Melton is accused of spray painting another person's vehicle on Summit Street, Batavia, on Aug. 21. She was arrested on Jan. 19. Melton was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance. 

Patrice C. Haight, 60, of Allen Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI and speeding. Haight was stopped on Jan. 7, time unspecified, in the City of Batavia, location unspecified, by Officer John Gombos. Haight was released on an appearance ticket.

Daryl T Stalter, 37, of Brockport Spencerport Road, in Brockport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BACV of .128 or greater, and an open container. Stalter was arrested on Jan. 7, time unspecified, by Officer Joseph Weglarski after officers responded to North Spruce Street and Eleanor Place on a disturbance call. Stalter was released on an appearance ticket.

Ballard P. Maye, 36, of Swan Steet, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child, criminal mischief and harassment 2nd. Maye is accused of being involved in a disturbance at a residence on Swan Street, Batavia, on Dec. 31. Maye was arraigned in City Court and released.

Timmy J. Frazier, 65, of Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on two warrants from Batavia City Court. On Jan. 5, Frazier was arrested on two warrants out of City Court.  The first warrant stems from an incident reported on Jan. 10 at a business on Main Street, resulting in trespass, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration charges against Fraizer. Frazier was issued an appearance ticket.  The second warrant stems from an incident on East Main Street on Aug. 8 in Batavia, that resulted in a trespass charge.  An appearance ticket was also issued in that case.  Frazier was arraigned in City Court on both warrants and remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $500 bail, $1,000 bond, or $3,000 partially secured bond.

Zachary J Sauberan, 27, of 2nd Street, Dunkirk, is charged with harassment  2nd. Sauberan is accused of being involved in a physical confrontation on Bank Street in Batavia on Jan. 4. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Aaron T Hendershot, 26, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. On Jan. 3, Hendershot was arrested on two warrants out of City Court.  One warrant was issued after an alleged failure to appear on a charge of criminal contempt 2nd stemming from an incident on Oct. 10 at a residence on Washington Avenue in Batavia.  The second warrant was issued for an alleged failure to appear on charges of criminal contempt 2nd and criminal trespass, stemming from an incident that occurred on Sept. 11 at a residence on Washington Avenue in Batavia.  Hendershot was arraigned in City Court and held on bail of $2,500,  $5,000 bond, or $10,000 partially secured bond.  

David A Kendall, 50, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with stalking 4th. Kendall is accused of following another motorist to a residence where he engaged in a verbal dispute on Jan. 2. Kendall was issued an appearance ticket.

Olivia J. Patten, 25, of North Main Street, Oakfield, is charged with theft of services. Patten is accused of leaving a local business on Jan. 2 without paying for services. Patten was arraigned in City Court and released.

Michael W. Flint, 23, of Spring Street, Mount Morris, is charged with failure to appear. On Jan. 1, Flint was arrested on a warrant issued by City Court for an alleged failure to appear on a charge of criminal contempt 2nd.  Flint was arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Part Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Billy Joe Budziszewski, 31, is charged with trespass and obstruction of governmental administration. Budziszewski is accused of refusing to leave a local business after repeated requests. He is accused of fighting with officers Sam Freeman and Adam Tucker during his arrest. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Julie R. Richardson, 32, and Jarrod K. Fotiathis, 28, no permanent address, are charged with criminal trespass 3rd. Richardson and Fotiathis were allegedly found inside a building in the City of Batavia they did not have permission to be in. They were released on an appearance ticket.

Jamie L Broadbent, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass 2nd. Broadbent was allegedly found in a residence on Dec. 30 that he was not allowed to enter. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Mark A. Remington, 48, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with sex offender failure to report an address change. Remington was arrested on Dec. 29 for allegedly failing to register a change of address as a registered sex offender. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Michael R. Ostrander, 58, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. The criminal contempt charge stems from an arrest on July 25. Ostrander is accused of failing to appear in court on the charge, and he was arrested on a warrant by Officer Kevin Defelice. He was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision. 

Robert D Griffin, 44, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd and aggravated family offense (more than one offense within five years). Griffen was arrested on Jan. 19 in connection with an incident and held in the Genesee County Jail awaiting arraignment. No further details released. Griffin was also arrested on Jan. 23 and charged with criminal contempt 1st for allegedly violating a stay-away order of protection. He was held pending arraignment.

Joseph C Jeffords, 31, of Chestnut Street, Batavia, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Jeffords is accused of using a friend's vehicle to go to Rochester and then not returning it. He was issued an appearance ticket. He was arrested on Jan. 23.

Anthony L Vanelli, 45, of Federal Drive, Batavia, is charged with not appearing on a petit larceny charge. Vanelli was arrested on Jan. 23 on a warrant. He is accused of stealing a KitKat candy bar and Nitro Pepsi from a local business on May 2. He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $1 bail.

Robert A Shuttleworth, 64, of Gaslight Lane, Batavia, is charged with operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration, aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, and operating a motor vehicle by an unlicensed driver. Shuttleworth was stopped by Officer Andrew Mruczek on Jan. 20 at an undisclosed location in Batavia. He was ordered to appear in City Court on Feb. 14.

Shelby L Fryer, 27, of Prune Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, Driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and unlicensed driver. Fryer was arrested on a warrant related to the charges. Fryer was originally arrested on Oct. 17. He was held for arraignment.

Jessica B Saeli, 33, of Morse Place, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st, assault 3rd, and unlawful imprisonment 2nd. Saeli was arrested on Jan. 18 on a warrant stemming from an incident reported on Sept. 19 that led to her arrest then. She was arraigned and released under supervision.

Adam M White, 36, of North Lyon Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI and equipment violations. White was stopped on Jan. 15, time of day not released, at an undisclosed location in Batavia by Officer Joseph Weglarski. White was held pending arraignment.

Dustin T Forkell, 31, of Hulberton Road, Holley, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 4th. Forkell is accused of being in possession of a stolen motor vehicle on Jan. 21. Forkell was held pending arraignment.

Bradley R Jordan, 30, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child, criminal mischief 4th, and aggravated family offense. Jordan is accused of being involved in a disturbance on Jan. 20. He was held pending arraignment.

Alan Jon Borlaug Jr., 27, of Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and no or inadequate plate lamp. Borlaug was stopped at 1:39 a.m., Jan. 22, on Clinton Street Road, Byron by Deputy Carlos Ortiz Speed. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Brian Eric Daggar, 37, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with petit larceny. Dagger is accused of shoplifting from an undisclosed store in Batavia Town Center. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Marquis K. Saddler, 32, of Post Avenue, Rochester, and Kara B. Sass, 28, of West Main Street, Batavia, are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and criminally using drug paraphernalia 2nd. Saddler and Sass were arrested on Jan. 26 at 5:30 p.m. following a traffic stop on West Main Street by Deputy Nicholas Charmoun. Saddler and Sass are accused of possessing illegal narcotics and associated paraphernalia inside the vehicle while deputies were assisting NYS Parole. They were issued appearance tickets.

Jodi Melody Flow, 36, of Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, traffic device violation, illegal signal with 100 feet, and tampering with physical evidence. Flow was subject to a traffic stop at 1:49 a.m. Jan. 29, on East Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell. During the stop, Gechell requested the assistance of Deputy James Stack and K-9 Rayzor. Rayzor reportedly alerted on the vehicle signaling the presence of narcotics. Following a search, she was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance. Flow was released on an appearance ticket.

Margaret Angela Miles, 57, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny, obstructing governmental administration 2nd, and resisting arrest. Miles was arrested on West Main Street, Batavia, on Jan. 29, at 1:51 p.m., by deputies Alexander Hadsall and Michael Lute. No further details released.

Richard M. Schiersing, 47, of Scottsville, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd. Schiersing was arrested by Le Roy PD at about 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 30 after police were dispatched to an address on East Main Road in the Town of Le Roy for a report of an unknown person within the fenced yard of a residence. Schiersing was reportedly located hiding under a trailer on the caller's property. He was taken into custody without incident. Schiersing was released on an appearance ticket. Anybody with additional information is asked to call Officer C.J. Miller at (585) 345-6350 or email info@leroypolice.org

Logan M. White, 29, of Batavia, is charged with welfare fraud 3rd. White was arrested by State Police in Albion on Jan. 27 and released on an appearance ticket. No further information released.

Joshua D. Eveland, 38, of Rochester, is charged with DWI and driving under the influence of drugs. Eveland was stopped by State Police at 12:42 a.m. on Jan. 29 in the Town of Batavia. he was released on an appearance ticket.

Monday evening’s city budget talks took a step back in time, slightly dé·jà vu in reverse when it came to the city fire and police departments.

City Councilman Paul Viele suggested the possibility of having one ambulance on reserve just in city limits.

“For police and fire reserves, I want to see some research on response times for the (Mercy EMS) ambulance. If they're not good, I’d like to maybe see if we can get one ambulance for the city, that just takes care of the city limits. Its response time isn't that good,” Viele said during the workshop at City Hall. “There's one incident, the kid got bitten by a bee. And there was no ambulance, and they throw the kid in the police car to bring him to the hospital.”

“We’ve got to have a backup pickup truck thing for the hospital. You know, I don't want to spend $250,000 on an ambulance. But just something to keep someone alive at the hospital. If your wife is having a heart attack, and there’s not an ambulance, you’re going to be pissed off.”

City Manager Rachael Tabelski said that she could check with Mercy EMS to see if some type of arrangement could be made to house an ambulance within city limits. Mercy has a current contract with Genesee County to provide ambulance service countywide, which means that wherever an emergency occurs, the ambulance responds to that municipality within the county.

“There is the option for the city to contract for one soul ambulance from Mercy to be staged in the city at all times. What that costs, what negotiations are, I don't know. And opening negotiations in this manner probably isn't the best way to get a good price, because now it's public,” she said. “But I think we have a lot more to explore. I don't disagree with you, that if an ambulance isn't available for our families in the city of Batavia, that's a severe issue, or if our kids were out in sports fields. And that poor kid, I can't even imagine.”

The service throughout the county is strapped as it is, Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. said.

“I mean, the county is struggling with staffing and ambulance and shortages. They're struggling now. So I don't think it's by design, I think it's just manpower, we'd have to find out,” Jankowski said. “But I knew they were struggling. They couldn't even get in the volunteers.”

The dé·jà vu factor here is that the city at one time operated its own ambulance service within the fire department. As a cost-saving measure in 2008, a prior City Council and city management agreed to shut down city ambulance operations in lieu of a private company taking over the service.

Councilman Bob Bialkowski recalled how “complicated” the process was at the time, and it involved fire department staff and public protests and concern. The city cannot simply operate its own ambulance due to health certifications, he and city management said, but perhaps an ambulance could be housed inside city limits if Mercy agreed to such an agreement.

Tabelski said that both the police and fire chief can talk more about this topic at a future meeting, as, per a related report, there is a “critical lack of services from ambulance not only here but across the state,” she said.

Top Photo: City Councilman Paul Viele, and Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. talk about the 2023-24 budget during a workshop Monday at City Hall, and above, City Manager Rachael Tabelski, left, Assistant Manager Erik Fix, far right, city staff and council members work through the proposed budget line by line. Photos by Joanne Beck.

A former Batavia parochial educator and administrator has been charged with two counts of sexual conduct against a child in the second degree, according to the county District Attorney’s office.

Jason R. Clark, who had been at St. Paul Lutheran as a teacher since 2002 and became principal in 2019, was arraigned in County Court before Judge Thomas D. Williams Monday. He pleaded not guilty to the charges of engaging in two or more acts of sexual conduct spanning three years with a child less than 11 years old.

One count allegedly occurred on or about and after Labor Day 2014 to mid-June 2015 in the City of Batavia over a period of time and less than three months in duration, the DA’s Office said.

The second count allegedly occurred on or about and after Labor Day 2015 to mid-June 2016 in the City of Batavia over a period of time not less than three months in duration.

Clark was released on his own recognizance and is to appear at 10:30 a.m. on March 27.

Press release:

The Western Division Champion, Batavia Muckdogs, and CAN-USA Sports Ownership are back for their third season in the PGCBL and are incredibly excited to announce plans for the upcoming summer!

The 2023 PGCBL schedule has been released with the Muckdogs on the road in Elmira on June 2nd and opening day at Dwyer Stadium the following night, Saturday, June 3rd, with postgame fireworks. If you have not bought season tickets that include admission to all 29 regular-season home games, make sure to get them by visiting the team website www.canusamuckdogs.com.  For the 2023 season, home game times will start at 6:35 PM, except for Sunday home games starting at 4:05 PM.

The Muckdogs came just 1 game short of winning the PGCBL Championship and will look to defend its West Division Title in 2023. Batavia will also host interleague play this year, including games against the NYCBL and others.

In the coming weeks, be on the lookout for our 2023 promotional schedule and be sure to check out our social media pages for more updates and email General Manager Marc Witt (mwitt.canusa@gmail.com) if you are interested in booking a night at Dwyer Stadium.

Lastly, CAN-USA Sports and Dwyer Stadium will be hosting multiple events throughout the spring and fall months. All varsity baseball games for Batavia and Notre Dame High Schools will be exclusively hosted at Dwyer Stadium, and many more to come. The season is only a few months away, and make sure to get in on all of the action for the best season in Batavia baseball history.

For a PDF of the schedule, click here.

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens.

Some county legislators agreed, albeit reservedly, to walk the walk Monday when it comes to participating in a Healthy Places By Design Walkability Academy.

Genesee County Public Health Director Paul Pettit presented the academy program during the county's Human Services Committee meeting. Operated by the Walkability Action Institute  (WAI) and Walkability Virtual Academy (WVA), the national-based program is a yearly multi-day course for interdisciplinary teams comprising public health, transportation, planning, and elected officials, Pettit said.

He had received information about a learning academy last November, "where they bring in communities to participate and learn about different strategies and ways to make your communities more walkable, likable, safe, those types of things, active living," he said. He didn’t have enough time to apply then, he said, so he let it go. But apparently, he wasn't the only one in a time crunch around the holidays.

“I got an email a couple of weeks ago that said, ‘Hey, we didn't have enough applicants. If you want to apply, you can be in it, you just have to submit the RFP.’ I talked to (County Planning Director Felipe Oltramari) and my folks, and we felt we could put something together and get it in. It's 12 virtual sessions, there's no travel or anything associated with it, it’s all via zoom, and will allow us to participate …and work on developing some comprehensive planning around this area," Pettit said. “And the goal would be to look at our villages and our city and come up with different strategies,. And in my mind, it's really a way that we can kind of lay the foundation and framework for future funding.”

There are 18 participating groups across the country, and they would each receive a grant of about $5,000, which Pettit admitted wasn’t a huge payoff in and of itself.

“It would allow us to work on comprehensive planning for our villages and the city,” he said. “We would look at sidewalks, crosswalks, signs, things that people find challenging.”

Legislator Gregg Torrey was concerned with the time involvement of team members.

“It seems like a big commitment on our side, for a small grant commitment on their side,” he said.

Fellow Legislator Christian Yunker agreed.

“It seems like a lot of staff time … seems like a significant effort (for what the county is getting).”

The project would probably require five to six people for the academy, including at least one elected official, Pettit said. Yunker clarified that it doesn’t have to be a legislator, and it could be someone from the city, which Pettit confirmed.

Legislator Gary Maha asked if participation would put the county in line for additional funding, and Pettit didn't think so.

No one expressed interest in participating during the meeting, but Legislators Torrey, Yunker, Maha, Gordon Dibble, Brooks Hawley and John Deleo approved Pettit’s request to apply for the program.

According to the Healthy Places by Design website, Healthy Places by Design participates as WAI/WVA faculty and co-facilitates the Community of Practice. The CoP is a peer learning and exchange network of WAI/WVA alumni that continue to build their capacity to implement policy, systems, and environmental changes to make communities more walkable, moveable, equitable, and inclusive. In addition, the team co-designed, drafted, and finalized the Active Community Tool that communities can use to assess local built environment, planning, and policy supports for physical activity.

The WAI/WVA training is a critical component of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's efforts to increase walkability, the site states. The training includes walking audits, discussion sessions with peers, capacity building, and virtual workshops with various leaders in the walkability movement. Each local WAI team formalizes what they learn by creating a detailed action plan for their community. In many cases, these action plans help drive positive change in regional transportation systems to support safety, health, equity, and disability inclusion.

 “When communities are built for all of us, and with all of us in mind, nobody gets left out. I’ve learned that this work has to proactively make the effort to address unintended consequences of successful walkability efforts so that we continually try to improve more than solely health by integrating place-based approaches, inclusion of all kinds, and working to improve social justice,," said Public Health Consultant Karma Harris, of the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors and Walkability and Healthy Communities Lead.

This isn’t the first time this community has undertaken a similar-type study. In 2017, City Council, under the leadership of then-City Manager Jason Molino, approved a planning and design consulting firm to assist the city with a comprehensive plan update that involved meeting with businesses, residents and staff members to understand various challenges faced within the city.

There have also been initiatives to actually walk throughout portions of the city to take note of the condition — or lack — of sidewalks, wheelchair access, crosswalks, stop signs versus street lights, and other considerations for people trying to navigate the area as a pedestrian.

Goals for the Walkability Academy are to:

• Spark, strengthen and sustain collaboration between diverse organizations that strive to create healthier communities.
• Inspire effective partnerships by being good partners as a teaching academy and modeling honesty, authenticity and transparency in relationships, and providing a platform for others to share their stories of progress.
• Expand collaborative learning opportunities.

Photo of Paul Pettit, front left, Gordon Dibble, County Clerk Lisa Casey, Gregg Torrey, Brooks Hawley, Gary Maha and Christian Yunker, in back, and John Deleo, right, by Joanne Beck.

Press Release:

Nancy K. Hartwick, wife of the late Neil R. Hartwick, passed away at her home in Pinehurst, North Carolina on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023. Nancy graduated from SUNY Fredonia and taught music in Attica, Batavia and Brockport, New York before she and husband Neil retired to Pinehurst.

While teaching in the Attica and Batavia area both Nancy and Neil were regular active members of the Batavia Concert Band. Upon husband Neil's passing in 2017, a memorial fund was established to support the Batavia Concert Band. Former students, friends and colleagues continue to support this fund to this day.

Per the wishes of Nancy and Neil, the fund now becomes “The Neil & Nancy Hartwick Memorial Fund” and will continue to accept donations for the support of the Batavia Concert Band.

During the month of February 2023 we would ask you as former students and friends to consider a donation to the Batavia Concert Band in honor of Neil and Nancy Hartwick. Once received, your donations will be utilized to support the band and its concerts in accordance to the wishes of the Hartwicks. An anonymous donor has pledged to match up to $1,000 of donations made during February 2023.

To donate, please make your check payable to: The Batavia Concert Band, and Mail to: Batavia Concert Band, PO Box 1705, Batavia, NY, 14021-1705. On the bottom of your check, please indicate the name Nancy Hartwick. Or those with a Venmo account, send to @bataviaconcertband.

The Owen Library at GO ART! was unveiled today as the James R. Owen Memorial Library, in honor of the late "Mayor" Jim Owen, who passed away Jan. 19.

Owen, notoriously tight-fisted with a dollar, if not a dime, was generous with his donations to causes he supported, especially the arts, and especially music.  Owen, who made no bones about his lack of musical talent (he was quoted at the event as once saying, "I sing solo.  So low, nobody can hear it.") was especially proud of the accomplishments of his father, the late Frank Owen, who was a music teacher at Batavia High School.

In addition to the many donations he made to GO ART! during his lifetime -- such as the funds to help create the library, the books in the library, and the white baby grand piano, he also left a sizeable donation, Director Gregory Hallock (speaking above) said. It's enough that GO ART! can create an endowment fund for the first time in the organization's history. 

Previously:

• Take a lesson from this funeral service: 'be like Jim'
• Genuine, kind, indelible: Jim Owen left a lasting impact on Batavia
• Update: Mayor of Redfield Parkway still smiling, wants to do good in community
• From England to Batavia, late music director brought standards and passion for music
• Mayor of Redfield made official during city meeting Monday
• Hochul's former typing teacher says she 'will do her darnedest' for the people of New York State

Photos by Howard Owens

Andy Rich and Brad Meholick at the Franke E. Owen Memorial Piano in the James R. Owen Memorial Library.

Carol Reband and Elain Watson toast Jim Owen.

The leadership at Crossroads House often talks about the importance of the volunteers who assist people in their last stages of life.  For Cathy Winding, volunteering at Crossroads House saved her life.

"I moved here many years ago, and it was hard," Windings said during the 25th-anniversary celebration of Crossroads Hosue at Batavia Downs on Saturday. "I left my family, my friends. I moved to Batavia, and I found Crossroads House. 

"I had read about it in the newspaper, and my mom had passed, then my dad passed, and I wished I had a place like Crossroads House because they had a horrible time."

She said she finds it rewarding to care for the people who stay in Crossroads House.

Julie Tybor, who is also a volunteer, also said it's rewarding.   

"Being with other families, spending time with other families has been the most rewarding part," Tybor said.

Tybor, left, and Winding, right, are pictured above with Benita Scoins, with stars from a wall of honor.  As part of the event's fundraising event, people could buy stars with names on them, either of people who have passed while staying at Crossroads or of the volunteers they appreciate. Scoins is holding the stars dedicated to family members, including Ron Weimer, who was the first resident of Crossroads House.

Paul Figlow and Joanne Patri pull numbers in the night's reverse 50-50 drawing -- when you're number is called, you're eliminated from the drawing.  When there are only two numbers left, the number pulled is the winner ... 

Meghan Gallagher was the winner ... 

She donated her $600 prize back to Crossroads House.

Be like Jim.

You didn’t have to know Jim Owen to want to be like him. You didn’t have to know him to respect the man he was and what he brought to this community. And you especially didn’t have to know him to reap some of the good and kind messages that he left behind.

But if you didn’t know Jim Owen, a Batavia resident whose name has been echoed throughout the city with particular might this past year, it truly was a loss that you never had the privilege to feel. Perhaps you’ve read about Jim recently, about his passion for the city school district as a substitute teacher, supporter, mentor, historian, and music lover who lived long enough to see the high school auditorium named after his father, Frank E. Owen.

Or perhaps you read about him being dubbed the Mayor of Redfield Parkway by Batavia City Council for his efforts to have pillars restored on the westside street, and tireless advocacy for the neighborhood and beyond. Or when he donated funds to make the Owen library at GO Art! a reality.

Make time for others
This piece isn’t so much about Jim as it is about what he created up until he died on Jan. 19 of this year. Yes, he gave the community quite a lot — financial and material donations, camaraderie, encouraging words, bits of history culled from his research, recognition, cheesy jokes that somehow always hit the mark, friendship, and, certainly, time. He always gave his time.

During Owen's funeral service Saturday, the Rev. Vern Saile noted something about Jim’s obituary. Usually, one’s obit states everything about that person, Saile said.

“But Jim’s obituary is almost entirely about the people he wants to thank,” Saile said in a near-packed sanctuary at Northgate Church.

That’s a striking difference. Instead of thinking about how he transformed the world, Jim thought about how others made an impact on him. Outward thinking. Positive thinking. Those weren’t just phrases from a motivational book; they were how Jim Owen lived his life.

Be a friend
“He loved people, he loved to encourage them,” Saile said. “He appreciated family, friends, students, and community. He may have more friends than anybody I’ve ever known.”

While visiting Jim in the hospital one day, Vern logged friends who stopped by while Jim had nodded off. There were a dozen in 90 minutes, Saile said with a hint of astonishment.

You don’t have to be perfect, but you can be positive
When he began his talk, Saile admitted that he first found Jim Owen “a little quirky.” He wasn’t quite sure how to take the man that had volunteered to be part of an important committee.

“He didn’t always say a lot, but when he did speak, it was positive,” Saile said. “I cannot remember him saying anything negative.”

He then joked about how Jim would check to see if he was in the minutes. He would sometimes make the first or second motion just to ensure his name was documented. He was the same with local events — often attending ribbon cuttings and business openings, somehow appearing in the media photos.

Quirky? Perhaps. His mom, dad, brother and sister have died, leaving Jim as the remaining Owen, and it seemed as though he wanted his life to be known. To be worth something. Sound familiar? Who can say that’s an unfamiliar notion for most mortals?

Be interested in others
Jim’s good friend Michael Marsh gave an example of how caring and genuine Jim was with everyone he met. He would ask your name, where are you from, “and on and on, and on and on,” Marsh said.

Jim Owen had a sincere interest in people — it wasn’t just small talk, but a need to know more about someone. He “strongly believed in education, and giving tools” for students to believe in themselves, Marsh said.

Jim was a coach, and often told his students that “it’s not important if you come in first or come in last, but that you come in.”

“He would slide into your life and just be there,” Marsh said.

And without Jim’s jovial one-liners, questions, historical trivia, upbeat adages, and other topics of discussion, “you find yourself missing it,” Marsh said.

Jim was diagnosed with esophageal cancer last year, and during his last days in hospice care, he wondered aloud if he would be forgotten. Alas, no.

Leave a piece of yourself
“His presence has caused all of us to form new friendships, and to foster those friendships,” Marsh said. “It’s our responsibility to carry this legacy on.”

Marsh reminded folks to take time to appreciate one another. It only takes moments to enjoy a conversation, share encouraging words, or make someone smile.

Another one of Jim’s favorite sayings was that “a setback is just a setup for a comeback.” Saile believes that he got the ultimate comeback and is safe and at peace.

Meanwhile, Jim left behind plenty of people to carry forth his legacy of not just seeing the glass as half full, but making it wholly delicious.

Be like Jim.

Top Photo of Michael Marsh speaking about Jim Owen during Owen's funeral service Saturday at Northgate FMC in Batavia; musical performances included vocals, piano, violin and "Battle Hymn of the Republic," a special request that Owen had made when planning his service. Photos by Howard Owens.

A driver has reportedly fled the scene after his car struck a pole in the area of 8113 Lewiston Road, Batavia.

The pole is down and wires are down.

Town of Batavia Fire dispatched.

UPDATE 10:26 a.m.: Oakfield Fire requested for traffic control at Galloway Road.

 

Press release:

GO ART! will be celebrating the life of James R. Owen on Sunday at 1 p.m. All are welcome to attend. The mic will be open for anyone that wants to speak or share a story about Jim.

The beautiful white baby grand piano in the Owen Library, donated by Mr. Owen, will be played with any and all welcome to sing along. Jim would sit for hours in the Library sharing stories, talking about his father and music, and doing his best to entertain. And entertain, is what we plan to do during this celebration. Food will be provided, and the bar will be open.

When Mr. Owen donated the funds to make the library a reality, he did not want his first name associated with it. He said it was because he did not want to ruin his reputation as a frugal man, but we all know it was because he was humble and did not want the credit. He made GO ART!'s director promise that his first name would not be associated with it while he was alive. Please join GO ART! at this celebration of life event in the renaming of the Owen Library to the James R. Owen Library.

The event will be held at GO ART!'s Seymour Place, 201 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020, on Jan. 29 at 1 pm.

Brian Cousins, the new president of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, mingles with local business owners and community leaders on Thursday at Eli Fish Brewing Co. at a meet-and-greet set up so community members who might not yet have met Cousins could get a chance to shake his hand and say hello.

He's been on the job for about a month so we asked him the best part of the job so far, and the worst part.

"The best part is learning something new every day," Cousins said. "The worst part is learning something new every single day."

Previously: Second career path means representing 'best place on earth' for former Darien Lake executive

Press Release:

The City Batavia Water Department is working to repair a water main break on River Street. Water has been shut off Between West Main Street and South Main Street on River Street.

Traffic in the vicinity will be congested while crews access the break and make the repair. If possible, please use an alternative route when traveling through the City today.

Residents in other parts of the Batavia Water Plant Service Area may notice issues with water pressure. Residents in affected areas will be without water until the repair is made. The length of time the water will be off is unknown.

As always, when the water is restored, it may be discolored. Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.

We apologize for any inconvenience, and the public’s patience is greatly appreciated. 

UPDATE 3:30 p.m.: The water main break is repaired. Road work is continuing. Traffic remains congested in the area.

UR Medicine at 7995 Call Parkway plans to reopen for all services beginning Jan. 30, staff member Kim Hally-Hettrick says.

Hally-Hettrick had the unfortunate duty to inform patients in late December that the Batavia-based facility would be closing due to frozen pipes and resulting flooding. The site is now ready for business, she said. 

Practices include Primary Care 585-345-1779; Allergy and Immunology 585-486-0930; Medical Oncology 585-602-4050; Neurosurgery 585-225-5767; Otolaryngology and Audiology 585-758-570; and Urology 585-275-2838.

File Photo by Howard Owens.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated on 1/26/23 to include details of the future facility upgrades.

A project at two major city facilities that began more than five years ago is finally coming to fruition after City Council approved the use of post-COVID funds for the work this week.

During a special business meeting on Monday, council approved reallocating $635,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds for upgrades at the City Fire and Bureau of Maintenance department facilities. Funds of $400,000 and $235,000 are being diverted from prior projects of Cohocton water and Austin Park’s playground, respectively.

ARPA money was from 2021 Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to assist municipalities with post-COVID measures to rebound from financial losses.

These two capital projects were first eyed in 2017 and were then put on hold in 2020 due to the pandemic.

“We finally got a project engineered and out to bid. It came back much higher,” City Manager Rachael Tabelski said.

She recommended taking funds previously allocated for the Cohocton Water and Austin Park playground projects and reroute them to the fire station and Bureau of Maintenance projects.

She wasn’t suggesting scrapping the other projects, but to finance Cohocton Water and find other grants for the playground later on, she said.

The city received a total $1,474,764.79 of ARPA funding, $722,000 of which has already been spent at the fire station for water system engineering, apron accessibility, a new sewer camera and water meter reader, she said.

Public Works Director Brett Frank outlined details of both new projects.

Fire Department work is to include:

• General Improvements
• Fire Suppression System
• Fire Alarm System
• New generator
• Plumbing improvements
• Electrical improvements
• HVAC improvements

Bureau of Maintenance work is to include:

• Completely reconstructed trench drain
• Plumbing tmprovements
• HVAC improvements

A total price tag of nearly $1.9 million for the fire station and bureau of maintenance projects includes that $635,000 reallocated from ARPA, $1,100,000 from facility reserves, $55,000 from FEMA and another $100,000 from ARPA.

Previously, when the city received the ARPA funds, the city was only allowed to spend those funds on water, wastewater, or public health-related expenses,” Tabelski said in a memo to the council. “The definition of allowable use has been expanded, and I recommend that we utilize ARPA funds to complete this project. The total construction will cost $1,472,315 (after HVAC change order), while design, engineering, bidding, and construction inspection is estimated to cost $415,475 for a total project cost of $1,887,790.”

The Cohocton Water project includes the potential to remove an existing line and replace the waterline on Walnut Street as well, she said. That project has now swelled to $2.6 million and will need to be financed by a bond, she said. The park playground has an opportunity for future grant funding, so she recommended taking both ARPA funds for the facility improvements.

In related votes, council approved contracts with Camco General Contracting, Inc. for general contractor, DG Messmer Corporation for plumbing, and Concord Electric Corporation for electrical.

Council also reviewed additional future expenses to be completely financed, including $1.5 million for a new ice rink chiller and Zamboni ice machine, $1.7 million for a street light LED conversion, $1 million for sanitary line work at Maple and Mill streets, and $12.5 million for a new police facility.

Top Photo of city fire station from City of Batavia; above of CIty Manager Rachael Tabelski by Howard Owens.

A Monroe County man injured in a motorcycle accident at 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 9, 2021, is suing the Town of Batavia, alleging that a sign on Batavia Stafford Townline Road was pointing in the wrong direction causing him to misread a curve in the roadway.

Daniel W. Felix, Sr., is claiming he sustained significant injuries as a result of the crash.

Attorneys for the Town of Batavia have filed a response denying many of the allegations in the lawsuit.

According to the suit, filed in June, Felix was directed to the right by a road chevron sign when the road actually curved left.

The suit states, "The improper and unsafe right-facing road chevron sign existed for a sufficient period of time prior to the crash to serve as actual and/or implied constructive notice of the defect which existed through negligence, carelessness, and recklessness."

The suit does not state for how long a period of time the plaintiff believes the chevron pointed in the wrong direction.

The suit also states that double yellow lines also indicated he needed to move further to the right on a left curve, "causing him to exit off the road to the right with his motorcycle."

Felix is represented by C. Daniel McGillicuddy of Williamsville.

The town's answer was filed by Michael P. McLaren and Peter L. Powers, of Buffalo.

In the response, the town "explicitly denies any negligence, culpable conduct, or liability."

The filing advances a number of defenses.  Some of them are technical in nature.

Among them:

• "Pursuant to applicable statutes, ordinances, rules and/or regulations, the Town of Batavia is liable only if, prior to the alleged incident complained of, the Town of Batavia received written notice of the alleged effect proximately causing the alleged injuries to the Plaintiff. No such written notice was ever received by the Town of Batavia."
• "The condition of the area at issue was the result of certain various municipal planning decisions, thereby providing the Town of Batavia with immunity from suit and/or liability."
• "Upon information and belief, Plaintiff's alleged injuries and damages were caused in whole or in part by his own negligence, carelessness, or want of care."
• "Plaintiff crashed his vehicle in the Town of Stafford, outside the jurisdictional limits of the Town of Batavia; therefore, Plaintiff fails to state a cause of action upon which relief can be granted against the Town of Batavia." 

The attorneys call upon the court to either dismiss the case entirely or reduce the Plaintiff's damages if any.  The town also asks to recover its attorney fees if it prevails.

The County, Town of Stafford and Town of Elba were all originally named as codefendants, but the action against those agencies was discontinued by stipulation last month.