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Efforts to get a better look at what consolidation of  the city and town might look like is moving forward with the award of a $49,500 Government Efficiency Grant from the state.

City Manager Jason Molino said that the city has not yet received official notification of the grant, but once it does, city and town officials will meet to discuss the next steps.

According to a prior agreement between the city and town, officials must appoint, within 30 days of funding, an interview committee charged with recommending members for a Consolidation Charter Task Force.

Once a charter is written, the city and town will need to seek legislation in Albany to allow a referendum vote in both jurisdictions.

Molino said it's still the feeling in the city that consolidation is "worth looking at."

"That's been the mentality of everybody involved in the process," Molino said. "The mentality has been we have a chance to be handed a clean sheet of paper, so let's understand what can be put on that piece of paper."

The funding for moving forward with consolidation comes just a week after voters in the villages of Sloan and Williamsville in Erie County overwhelming rejected dissolution initiatives -- part of a statewide effort to, at least in theory, reduce the size of government.

Molino said he doesn't know why voters rejected dissolution, but he suspects a lack of information had a lot to do with it.

One of the flaws of the dissolution legislation, Molino said, is that it doesn't require any study or planning. Voters in towns and villages (the legislation doesn't apply to cities) aren't exactly told what will come next if their local government is dissolved.

"There was no plan in place," Molino said. "Whatever you do, whether it's put in sewers or sidewalks, you have to have a good plan in place in order to understand what you're getting into. That's true for dissolution or consolidation, too."

While conventional wisdom around the county is that residents in the Town of Batavia will never agree to consolidation, Molino said the only thing to do is develop a plan, educate the public and let the voters vote.

"It's not my job to predict how voters will react," Molino said.

The interview committee will consist of the city council president and two council members as well as the town supervisor and two town board members. The committee will select eight charter task force members -- four from the city, four from the town -- and each member must be unanimously approved by the selection committee.

Charter task for members cannot be a city or town elected official, a member of planning or zoning boards, an employee of the city or town, and spouse of any such person.

The task force will be asked to submit a draft charter by July 30, 2011 and a final proposed charter by Dec. 31, 2011.

UPDATE 5:15 p.m.: We were finally able to talk with Town Supervisor Greg Post today. Post echoed Molino's "clean sheet of paper" remarks.

"I’m interested in seeing what a new charter looks like," Post said. "That’s been my interest from day one. This is the first opportunity in my experience, and probably in more than 100 years, where a group of citizens from the local smallest entity there is can collaborate on a new charter."

Shawn Robert Hugar, 24, of Vandermark Road, Scio, is charged with DWI, a felony count of driving with a child under 15 in the car, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle and unsafe backing. Hugar was located at  12:55 a.m., Monday, on Route 77, south of Sumner Road, Darien, after backing his car into a ditch. Upon investigation, Sgt. Greg Walker found Hugar to be allegedly intoxicated and driving with a child in his car (a felony violation of Leandra's Law).

Tina M. Whitbeck, 43, of Penn Yan, is charged with a felony count of DWI, criminal contemp, 2nd, and aggravated DWI (drivng with a BAC of .18 or higher). State Police responded to a call at 8:40 p.m., Sunday, of a car partially blocking Pearl Street Road. The driver was also reported to be acting strangely. Upon investigation, Whitbeck's BAC was allegedly found to be .22. Whitbeck is also accused of traveling with a passenger that she was ordered to stay away from.

Jason Cleveland, 27, of Leroy, is charged with DWI and failure to keep right. Cleveland was stopped at 10 p.m., Sunday, by State Police on Route 77, Darien. Upon investigation, Cleveland was allegedly found to be operating with a BAC of .10.

Lansing H. Gardner, 35, of Lyndonville, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .15. Gardner was stopped by State Police at 9:32 p.m., Sunday, on Colby Road, Darien.

Eric J. Goodwin, 31, of Lockport, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .13. Goodwin was stopped at 12:45 a.m., Monday, by State Police, on Route 77 in Pembroke.

James E. Leair, 19, of Depew, is charged with unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under 21. Leair was cited by State Police at 7:30 p.m., Friday, on Sumner Road, Darien.

Keith A. Harman, 50, of Lancaster, is charged with DWI and aggravated DWI. Harman was stopped at 10:39 p.m., Friday, by State Police on Sumner Road, Darien.

Family members, friends and fellow firefighers gathered at the Corfu Fire Hall this morning for a memorial service for William Dix, who died Wednesday at his business, Jay E. Potter Lumber. He was 56.

Dix served the local firefighting community, and the community of Genesee County, for 40 years.

"He will be with us wherever we go," said Betsy Abramson during a short and dignified graveside service in Alabama following the memorial service. "Everyone who knew Bill so intimately, please, please, tell these precious little ones what a wonderful grandfather they had."

Three Batavia men were injured in a weekend accident in Alabama, according to State Police.

None of the injuries were life threatening, but the driver, 23-year-old Adam L. Durfree, of Bank Street, Batavia, was charged with DWI.

Sgt. Kurt Schmidt said investigators concluded the accident was the result of alleged speeding and drinking.

Durfree's car struck a tree at 6324 Knowlesville Road, Alabama, after he apparently lost control of it and it slid off the roadway.

Also injured were William Morgan, 18, of North Lyons, Batavia, and Anthony Ogden, 18, of Holland Avenue, Batavia.

The accident occurred at 5:47 a.m., Saturday.

Durfree was treated and released at UMMC. Ogden was taken to UMMC and Morgan was taken to ECMC by ground ambulance. Schmidt said Morgan suffered multiple cuts.

I met Marc Coppola on Saturday and today he sent along this note, which I thought worth sharing:

Howard,

Nice running into you at Summer in the City in Batavia this past Saturday. As I mentioned, I thought it was ironic that someone commented on your site that I was anti-gun when in fact I hold and carry permits for my own guns (and have) for almost 19 years now. And, in case anyone should ask, I do support the right to keep and bear arms. I believe that while the approval process for obtaining a pistol permit in NYS could be quicker, we do it right, trying to assure that those who pose a real threat to society or themselves, don't wind up with a dangerous weapon.

On a more current legislative issue, microstamping, I think that the reasoning and idea behind it has merit, but there are two things lacking that would prevent my support: technology and economics.

My understanding is that the technology of microstamping is still in its evolution stage. Given this, I think it is a large step and therefore premature to enact such a law for NYS at this time.

Secondly, since the law would only apply to guns legally purchased in NY state, and data shows that most guns used in the commission of a crime originated from outside NYS, you have to question the true impact of the legislation.

On the economic side of the equation, this may cause just another burden on NYS businesses that sell or deal guns and related equipment. It puts NYS again, in a less competitive position, which could hurt a strong industry, especially in upstate NY.

Sorry if I sound like I'm on the soap box, just something I wanted to clarify since it was mentioned.

Unfortunately our government leaders, well-intentioned at times, take knee-jerk reactions to things without fully exploring and considering the true impacts, both positive and negative. Using guns for hunting and sport is a tradition and culture particularly in upstate, throwing the baby out with the bathwater so to speak is not good policy.

Take care,
Marc Coppola

(Note: He is a Democrat running for state Senate in the 61st District.)

A 17-year-old from Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. The youth allegedly became involved in a verbal argument with another person during "Summer in the City." When police officers approached, the youth allegedly yelled obscenities at the officers. When the officers, who were on foot patrol for the festival, attempted to arrest the youth, the youth allegedly resisted.

John Martin King, 34, of Cockram Road, Byron, is charged with harassment, 2nd. King allegedly placed his hands around a woman's throat during an argument. King was jailed without bail and an order of protection was issued.

Joshua Stanley Martaus, 26, of Overlook Drive, Batavia, is charged with menacing, 3rd, harassment, 2nd, and possession of a controlled substance outside its original container. Martaus is accused of striking a female family member several times and causing fear of serious physical injury. He also allegedly choked her. Martaus was jailed on $500 bail.

Elizabeth Leach, 19, of Le Roy, and Cassandra Majors, 18, of Le Roy, along with a 17-year-old from Stafford and a 16-year-old from Le Roy, are charged with criminal mischief, 4th. The four teenagers are accused of vandalizing park benches on Main Street in Le Roy.

Tyler Ewell, 18, of Le Roy, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Ewell is accused of borrowing a car and not returning it within the "short period of time" he agreed to borrow the car. He was jailed on $250 bail.

Jeffery J. Cervone, 42, of Trumbull Parkway, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Cervone is accused of making verbal threats toward another person. He was jailed on $750 bail.

Jose Lopez-Torres, 21, of Oak Orchard Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, illegal entry, speeding and unlicensed operation of a vehicle. Lopez-Torres was stopped at 9:21 p.m., Saturday, on Route 98, Batavia, by Sgt. Brian Frieday. Lopez-Torres was handed over to the Border Patrol following his arrest.

Phyllis Arlene Brew, 40, of 6741 Main Road, Stafford, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Brew was arrested following a report of a physical altercation between mother and daughter. Brew was jailed on $500 bail.

John Alfred Jensen, 43, of 5751 Little Canada Road, East Bethany, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Jensen was arrested following a report at 7:01 a.m., Saturday, of a man sitting in a car drinking on Federal Drive, Batavia. Upon investigation, he was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance.

William Floyd Engle, 43, of Sackett Road, Bergen, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, refused breath test and unsafe start. Engle was allegedly involved in a motor vehicle accident at 1:08 a.m., Sunday. He is accused of driving his motorcycle while intoxicated.

Brenda Lea Freida, 43, of Munger Road, Holley, is charged with DWI and unlawful parking on a highway. The Sheriff's Office received a report of an unresponsive woman in a vehicle in the parking lot of Batavia Downs at 4:05 p.m., Saturday. Deputies responded with Mercy EMS. Upon investigation, Sgt. Greg Walker concluded that Freida drove her 2000 Jeep to the parking lot in an intoxicated condition and parked in a driving lane. Freida also allegedly refused a chemical test.

William A. Muoio, 39, of Byron, is charged with a felony count of DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to obey traffic control device, driving while using a mobile phone, and running a red light. Muoio was allegedly observed by Le Roy Police Officer Emily Clark talking on his phone while stopped at a green light. Clark then reportedly observed Muoio drive through a red light.

Kristina Marie Green, 22, of Buffalo Street, Attica, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Green is accused of being involved in a single-car accident on Alexander Road, Alexander, at 3:25 a.m., Saturday.

Robert C. Hinett, 22, of 5682 McPherson Point, Livonia, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI - driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and failure to yield right-of-way when entering roadway. Le Roy Sgt. Michael Hare reports that Hinett nearly hit Hare's patrol vehicle at 3:45 a.m., Saturday, when Hinett attempted to pull out in a lane of travel, causing Hare to break abruptly to avoid a collision. Upon investigation, Hinett was allegedly found to have a BAC more than three times the legal limit.

The following people were arrested in connection with the Disturbed concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center:

David D. Bull, 27, of West Avenue, Attica is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd, and criminal mischief, 4th. Bull allegedly damaged two vehicles parked in the concert venue parking lot. He was jailed on $500 bail.

Josua N. Roshia, 27, of Van Allen Road, Watertown, is charged with disorderly conduct. Roshia allegedly got into a fight with another patron in the concert area. He was jailed on $250 bail.

David P. Zimmer Jr., 24, of Chapman Parkway, Hamburg, is accused of pushing a security guard while inside the concert venue. Zimmer was jailed on $500 bail.

Michael J. Hayes, 25, of Berger Road, Port Byron, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Robert P. Albini III, 29, of Sunrise Drive, Amherst, is charged with disorderly conduct and trespass. Albini is accused of fighting with security while being ejected. Albini later allegedly returned to the concert venue, leading to the trespass charge.

Christina T. Anderson, 35, of Fry Street, Rochester, is charged with trespass. Anderson allegedly re-entered the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

David Leake, 45, of Strohm Street, Rochester, is charged with trespass. Leake allegedly re-entered the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Patrick J. Brink, 36, of Janet Street, Auburn, is charged with trespass. Brink allegedly re-entered the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

James M. Quinlan Jr., 25, of Essex Street, Syracuse, is charged with trespass. Quinlan allegedly re-entered the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Amanda K. Jutze, 23, of Allegheny Road, Darien, is charged with trespass. Jutze was reportedly told several times to leave the concert venue and allegedly refused to leave.

Jason W. Senik, 29, of Upper Mountain Road, Sanborn, is charged with disorderly conduct. Senik is accused of throwing a lit cigarette and striking a security guard with it.

Nicholas P. Miano, 20, of South Lane, North Tonawanda, is charged with false personation. Miano is accused of providing a false date of birth. He was also issued a citation for alleged possession of alcohol under age 21.

A 16-year-old, of Warner Avenue, North Tonawanda, is charged with false personation. The youth is accused of providing a false date of birth. He was also issued a citation for alleged possession of alcohol under age 21.

The following people received citations for alleged possession of alcohol under age 21:

Gabrielle M. Rosen, 19 of Pino Alto Court, Williamsville
Patrick R. McNally, 19, of Columbia Street, Hamburg
Katherine T. Lauricella, 19, of Giblin Drive, West Seneca
Sydney R. Lauricella, 19, of Giblin Drive, West Seneca
Timothy J. Giesser, 20, of Twain Court, Tonawanda
Tyler L. Coy, 20, of E. Shelby Road, Medina
Nicholas P. Massong, 20, of Holley Brook Road, Penfield
A 16-year-old, of Basket Road, Webster

Stafford Trading Post, 6173 Main Road, Stafford, NY: Lunch or dinner, Stafford Trading Post offers a variety of fresh, homemade meals, as well as snacks and drinks. Now in a new, expanded location. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center, 3646 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Get started on your spring gardening projects. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Give yourself the gift of flowers, or give to a friend. We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.50.

Oliver's Candies, 211 W. Main St., Batavia, NY. Oliver's, a Batavia landmark, offers the finest chocolate and confections in the area. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

The Daily Grind, 85 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: For Batavia's finest coffee, smoothies, as well as fast and convenient breakfasts and lunches, stop into The Daily Grind. We have a $10 gift card for $5.

Carlson's Studio, 39 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Weddings, new babies, family portraits, pet portraits and group events -- preserve those memories with professional photographs. We have a $120 gift card for $60 (+$2 PayPal Service fee).

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, NY: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kraving's offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

Present Tense Books and Gifts, 101 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY: Whether your taste runs to local authors, the finest in fiction or nonfiction or you're looking for a unique and special gift, this charming store in a cozy Victorian house on the edge of downtown is a great place to stop and shop. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

The Enchanted Florist

Batavia Fire is responding to a report of a transformer arcing in front of the Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St.

UPDATE 11:01: p.m.: National Grid requested to the scene. It's described as primary wires arcing at the top of the pole.

View Larger Map

Hundreds of Genesee County's firefighters were in Corfu this evening to pay respects to William Dix, who died Wednesday.

Dix served as a deputy fire coordinator with Genesee County Emergency Services for 22 years as well as past chief of the East Pembroke Fire Department and most recently as commissioner with the East Pembroke Fire District.

Services for Dix will be tomorrow (Monday) at 11 a.m. at the Corfu Fire Hall with burial to follow in Alabama.

Food, music and a day out with your friends and neighbors -- Downtown Batavia's 6th Annual Summer in the City festival appeared to be a success on all of those counts yesterday.

Main Street was bustling all afternoon and into the evening.

More photos after the jump:

Thanks to Abby Scalia and Samantha Luce for helping with balloons at The Batavian booth.

Tom Monnier submitted this photo of a frog that he found in his backyard a couple of days ago.

He writes:

I did a bit of research because I'm no frog expert, but I found it to be a tree frog. I live right in the Village of Oakfield so it's rather rare to see this frog on my grill! Had to take a picture and it seemed very photogenic! Figured maybe someone might be able to tell me if I will be seeing more of them around this season.

Three people were transported to area hospitals Friday evening following a two-car accident on Sumner Road and Route 77 in Darien.

One car allegedly stopped on Sumner at Route 77 but then pulled out on Route 77 while making a left-hand turn and was struck by the second vehicle, which was traveling southbound on Route 77.

The accident occurred at 7 p.m.

The driver of vehicle one is identified as Melissa M. Kenney, 40, of Exchange Street, Irving.

The second driver is Frederck W. Burtis, 30, of First Avenue, North Tonawanda.

Kenney had a passenger in her car, Rosemarie DeGeorge, 41.

Kenney and DeGeorge were taken to ECMC. Burtis was transported to UMMC.

While our initial report indicated that Mercy Flight was dispatched and did land, the accident report indicates all three passengers were taken by ground ambulance to the hospitals.

A driver says a female passenger struck him in his arm while he was driving, causing him to lose control of his car Thursday evening, resulting in a one-vehicle rollover accident.

No one was injured. The accident occurred at 6:43 p.m. on Route 33 near Caswell Road, Stafford.

The 2008 Chevy sedan was driven by 27-year-old Romer M. Williams, of East Bethany-Le Roy Road, East Bethany.

Williams told Deputy Matthew Butler that when he was struck in his arm, he lost control of the car. He swerved to the right shoulder, tried to correct and the car went into a sideways skid across the roadway and onto the opposite shoulder, where it rolled onto its side.

His passengers were Yalawn J. Christin, 22, and Charles A. Small Jr., 26.

No citations were issued.

The following arrests were made in conjunction with the Toby Keith concert on Friday at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.

Ethan J. Young, 20, of North Road, Churchville, is charged with trespass. He is accused of returning to the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Young was jailed on $250 bail.

Stephen Masich IV, 27, of Broad Street, Tonawanda, is charged with disorderly conduct, harassment ,2nd, and robbery, 3rd. Masich allegedly pushed two females while inside the concert venue and stole a cell phone from another woman and threw it. Masich was released on $5,000 bail.

Emily M. Skotnicki, 22, of Sand Pebble Drive, Chili, is charged with disorderly conduct. Skotnicki allegedly yelled obscenities while being ejected from the concert venue.

James R. Phalen, 18, of Four Rod Road, Alden, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Phalen is accused of pushing a security guard to the ground while inside the concert venue.

Tristen L. Johnson, 26, of Cedar Grove Drive, Rochester, is charged with trespass for allegedly being found on the roof of the box office of the concert venue.

Kevin A. Olewniczak, 20, of Lockwood Drive, Lockport, is charged with trespass after allegedly re-entering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

The following people received citations for alleged underage drinking:

Christina N. Limura, 19, of Southwind Way, Rochester
Breanna M. Leiby, 19 of Stony Point Road, Spencerport
Carly A. Barner, 20, of Lambeth Loop, Fairport
Christopher M. Weber, 18, of Crittenden Road, Alden
(name redacted upon request), 18, of Pohl Road, Alden
Zachary R. Garbacz, 18, of Rusher Road, Alden
A 17-year-old of Cedar Street, Alden
Nicholas J. Theodorakos, 18 ,of Oak Orchard Road, Albion
Ciara L. Livecchi, 18, of Spruce Street, North Collins
Emily E. Ricotta, 19, of Elm Street, North Collins
Kristen F. Beaver, 19, of Kenview Avenue, Tonawanda
Courney A. M. Moccia, 18, of Park Dale Avenue, Fort Erie, Ontario
Zachary M. Pronti, 20, of Townline Road, North Tonawanda
Richard M. Ferguson, 20, of Aiken Road, Lockport
Katelyn E. Moore, 20, of Rosedale Drive, Amherst
Eric M. Dimarco, 20, of Indian Trail Road, Williamsville
Mitchell D. Silverberg, 20, of President’s Walk Williamsville
Travis T. Mattison, 18, of Ridge Road, Brockport
Andrew T. Wahls, 18, of Campbell Road, Spencerport
Salvatore M. Marascio, 18, of East Canal Road, Brockport
Brendon A. Sodoma, 18, of Gordon Road,  Brockport
Abby L. White, 19, of East Wautoma Beach Road, Hilton
Sherry L. Mogavero, 19, of Isherwood Road, Niagara Falls
Jason T. Lamanna, 19, of Nickerbacker Road, Ontario
Chelsea M. Guererri, 19, of Pleasant Street, Seneca Falls
Jessica D. Prokop, 20, of Bowen Road, Elma
A 17-year-old, of Bettylou Lane, Cheektowaga
Chelsey M. Bloom, 19, of West Avenue, Medina
Amanda L. Grant-Revels, 19, of Mead Avenue, Medina
Kelly L. Wass, 20, of Brown Schoolhouse Road, Holley
Codey W. States, 20 of Petersmith Road, Kent
Tyler J. Aina, 19, of Waterport-Carlton Road, Albion
Gregory G. Lioy, 20, of Hillary Lane, Penfield
Eric G. Ramsperger, 20, of Winchester Drive, Fairport
Demetri S. Athanasopoulos, 20, of Sarah Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Dylan J. Joudrey, 20, of Chippawa Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Citizen tips have led to the arrest of a suspect in an alleged hit-and-run accident on Richmond Avenue early Saturday morning.

David R. House, 28, of 140 Summit St., Batavia, is being charged with leaving the scene of a personal motor-vehicle accident, moving from lane unsafely and operating a vehicle without insurance.

House is accused of hitting a car that was legally parked on Richmond Avenue near VanDetta Stadium around 2:15 a.m., Saturday.

A woman who had attended an event at the stadium that evening was sleeping in the car.  She was injured in the accident.

On Monday, Batavia Police issued a statement to local media asking for information that might help investigators identify a suspect.

State Police assisted in the investigation.