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Batavia City Manager Martin Moore’s recommendation to City Council to allocate $175,000 into the Facility Reserve fund tonight has put the municipality’s intention to construct a new police station back into the public eye.

Moore, reporting at Council’s Business Meeting at City Hall, presented his proposal on where to distribute $1.3 million in unassigned fund balance, targeting eight different general reserve funds – Police Equipment, Fire Equipment, Public Works, Sidewalk, Compensated Absences, Parking Lot, Administrative and Facility.

Calling the practice of funding reserves “a critical part of sound financial and project planning,” Moore centered his reasoning on a simple premise – “the more money we have on hand, the less we have to borrow.”

In the case of the Facility Reserve fund, he called for $175,000 to be added to the current balance of $123,400 in anticipation of a new police facility at a cost of $6 to $8 million, to be paid for with a mix of reserves and municipal bonding.

“There are a number of steps involved … expenses leading up to construction,” he said.

Following the meeting, City Council President Eugene Jankowski was asked to provide an update on the status of the new police station. While not identifying the property specifically, he said Council is looking a parcel in the center of the City that already is owned by the City.

A reliable source indicated that the property is the city-owned parking lot bordering Alva Place and Bank Street, the current site of the Downtown Batavia Public Market.

Back in June 2015, the parking lot was the second choice of a task force of several City residents charged with exploring sites for the new police station; a privately owned parcel at 35 Swan St. was the first choice. Task force members, at the time, said that businesses in the vicinity of the Alva Place lot opposed the idea of putting police headquarters there.

Jankowski said Council is "working to make sure that property is going to fit our needs and not affect other properties in the area, so we’re doing a study on that – an internal study."

He added that the City’s debt situation is a major factor in the timeline.

“We’ve done research on our debt and we know that a lot of our debt is going to come free – we’re going to be paying off the City Hall, we’re going to be paying off the stadium, Muckdogs (Dwyer) Stadium,” he said.

“All those things are going to be off debt and that will allow us now to take on the new debt of the police department. So, as debt comes off, the police department will go on, and we’ll have pretty much an even balance. We’re not going to borrow more money while we still owe money.”

Jankowski said the process will take about two years.

“About that time when we’re able to borrow that money, we’ll be ready to go, (and) we can start that construction,” he said. “It’s going to take another 18 months to actually build the building, so we’re talking a minimum of maybe two to two and a half years from today before we start seeing an actual building in place – hopefully.”

He said he didn’t want to disclose the site because “it would probably get people concerned that don’t need to be because we don’t know if we’re even going to do that yet. But we have a good idea where we’d like to build.”

In the meantime, Moore said that part of the Facility Reserve money would be used to repair heating, wiring, plumbing and structural work at the current police station in the old City Hall to keep the current building usable for the next five years.

“We’re planning for the worse-case scenario,” Moore said.

Summarizing his recommendations for the other reserve funds:

-- Police Equipment: Add $20,000 to the balance of $12,761 for aid in the purchase and equipping of an armored vehicle for the emergency response team (to replace its current non-armored vehicle).

-- Fire Equipment: Add $35,000 to the balance of $190,180 to support the department’s fire apparatus replacement plan (which can cost up to $1 million).

-- Public Works: Add $220,000 to the balance of $194,013 to fund a $300,000 purchase for a heavy-duty snowplow and pickup truck with a plow and spreader.

-- Sidewalk: Add $50,000 to the balance of $1,869 to facilitate replacement of more than 500 linear feet of broken sidewalk during the 2020-21 fiscal year. Moore said City crews installed 24,000 feet of sidewalk this past year.

-- Compensated Absences: Add $400,000 to the balance of $18,567 due to an expected cost of $306,000 to compensate a large number of planned retirements this fiscal year and five more who become eligible through 2023.

-- Parking Lot: Add $100,000 to the balance of $46,721.97 as the City plans to spend $135,000 on parking lot improvements from 2020-22.

-- Administrative: Add $300,000 to the balance of $4,136 to address upgrades of the City’s information technology, telephone system, computer network distribution system and cyber security needs as well as management of the City’s software conversion and repayment of a short-term bond anticipation note (BAN).

Moore also said the City plans to increase its Workers’ Compensation self-insurance fund, with a goal of in excess of $1 million due to a deductible of $750,000 per incident.

City Council agreed to move Moore’s proposal to its Business Meeting on Oct. 15, where a vote on the resolution is expected.

The board also advanced to the Business Meeting the following resolutions:

-- Acceptance of a pair of grants to the fire department – one for $4,762 to purchase outside noise-cancelling wireless communication headsets and the other for $3,200 to support the child safety seat program.

-- Permanently keeping four 400-watt light fixtures, at an annual cost of $700, on Central Avenue, Watson Avenue and State Street – lights that originally were rated at 100 watts. DPW Director Matt Worth said that National Grid requires City Council action to make this happen, noting that the wattage was increased to deter criminal activity and with the safety of officers in mind.

-- Authorizing an easement for Charter/Time Warner to install underground communication cable in the Court Street parking lot, along the property line of businesses on Main Street that currently do not have high-speed communication access.

-- Amending the zoning code to include self-storage facilities in I-1 and I-2 zones and setting a public hearing for Nov. 12. This became an issue about eight months ago when Peter Yasses (54 Cedar St. LLC) requested to erect a self-storage business on Cedar Street, across from the DeWitt Recreation Area.

The City Planning & Development Committee and Genesee County Planning Department reviewed the request and recommend permitting public storage units/building in the Industrial zones with the issuance of a special use permit.

-- Authorization of a lease agreement with Batavia Players theatrical troupe for three parcels at the City Centre, an agreement that calls for the nonprofit organization to pay rent on a scale ranging from $1 per square foot to $4 per square foot over the life of the (renewable) five-year contract.

Batavia Players is looking to lease 11,000 square feet downtown, fulfilling plans outlined in the City’s 2012 Community Improvement Plan and 2017 Comprehensive Plan and, more recently, as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative award.

Council Member Robert Bialkowski said that the City would receive $187,884 in rent over the five years, but would lose $77,364 in mall merchant fees that would be passed on to taxpayers. The net amount coming into City coffers would be $110,520.

The lease calls for Batavia Players to pay for any improvements and utility bills and to purchase liability insurance.

Jankowski said he understood Bialkowski’s concerns over the loss of mall merchant fees but was in favor of the deal.

“As long as we are breaking above even,” he said. “In five years, we can always re-evaluate it.”

Council Member John Canale said he heard that Batavia Players may be interested in buying the property, a move that would be welcomed by City Council.

Photo at top: Council Member Robert Bialkowski reads a proclamation for Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 6-12) as members of the City Fire Department look on. Chief Stefano Napolitano, in white shirt at left, said he is "blessed to have an amazing group of people" in the department and thanked the City water, police, and building codes employees for the work they do in supporting the firefighters. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Photos and information provided by Sarah Gahagan:

As part of the ongoing kindness project at Batavia Middle School (hashtag #makeKINDNESSloud), Kim Argenta, owner of Art Ah La Carte, followed suit with a random act of kindness.

Argenta volunteered her time and passion for art to help produce a set of wings that will be used as a display in the sixth-grade hallway of BMS.

The BMS kindness group wanted to create a set of wings to remind students to "lift each other up."

The girls' next step is to find inspirational quotes that fit this theme to be used with the wings as a photo background for students/teachers/support staff who participate in random acts of kindness to be displayed in the building proudly.

Press release:

Batavia Varsity Basketball Coach Buddy Brasky will hold a Basketball Mini Camp at the Batavia High School gym this fall.

This Mini Camp is for boys in grades seven through 12.

The camp will start Monday Oct. 7^th, from 7-9 p.m. and run every Monday and Thursday until Oct. 31^st.

This program is for the experienced and serious player only!

The program will consist of one hour of skill training and one hour of playing.

The cost is $95.

For more information call Coach Brasky at 585-356-4050 or email mbrasky@bataviacsd.org  

PLAYERS MUST BRING THEIR OWN BASKETBALLS.

For a PDF of an application, click here.

On Saturday, we reported that this week is Rail Safety Week, when nearly a thousand rail safety events will occur throughout North America.

​In Genesee County, there will be an event billed as a "motorist safety blitz" on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the railroad crossing on Colby Road in Pembroke, south of Route 33 (Genesee Street). The sponsors are the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, CSX and Amtrak.

The time frame was not yet determined on Saturday. Today we confirmed with the Sheriff's Office that it is set for 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Seventy-five people have died in New York State from collisions with trains since 2017. Nearly 125 more people statewide have been injured during that period.

For the previous post, click here.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) departed to Washington, D.C., for his 12^th annual Patriot Trip last week.

Hawley, local veterans and their family members will visit a host of famous military memorials in the area of the nation's capital.

The group left from Batavia Downs at 7 a.m. last Thursday and will spend four days visiting historical sites such as Arlington National Cemetery, the Capitol rotunda and the Vietnam War Memorial to name a few.

The group made a stop in Gettysburg, Pa., to visit the Civil War battlefield, and then headed to the Air Force Memorial in Arlington County, Va.

“I’m eager to embark on this journey with some of our finest veterans,” Hawley said. “This trip is consistently one of the highlights of my year.

"I’m grateful to spend time with our heroes and visit some of the most important sites in our nation’s history.”

Joseph Charles Barone, 39, of North Pearl Street, Batavia is charged with: obstruction of government justice; second-degree harassment; unlawful possession of marijuana; and trespass. Barone was arrested at 2:04 a.m. on Sept. 21 at a business on East Main Street in Batavia after he allegedly refused to leave and attempted to strike an employee. He also allegedly physically resisted Batavia police. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 1. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

Jacob L. Hernandez, 25, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass in the second degree. He was arrested at 5:54 a.m. on Sept. 22 on Prune Street in Batavia after he allegedly entered a residence without permission and refused to leave. He was processed and is due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 1. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Arick Perkins.

Zachary John Gillard, 24, of West Avenue, Elba, is charged with driving while intoxicated, and aggravated driving while intoxicated -- a BAC of .18 percent or more. Gillard was arrested by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post at 2:44 a.m. Sept. 22 on East Main Street in the City of Batavia. He was arrested after a disturbance at a local business. He was subsequently release to a third party and is scheduled to be in Batavia City Court on Oct. 2. Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider assisted in the arrest.

Andrew J. Rock, 33, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. He was arrested at 8:26 p.m. on Sept. 6 while in Genesee County Jail for allegedly contacting the protected party of a stay away order of protection. He was issued an appearance ticket for Oct. 1 in Batavia City Court, then released back into custody of the jail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider.

Grace Crystal Murray, 20, of Pratt Road, Pavilion, is charged with petit larceny and conspiracy. She was arrested at 11:06 a.m. on Sept. 18 following a shoplifting incident at Dollar General on East Main Street in Batavia. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 1. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jordan McGinnis, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

A two-vehicle accident is reported at Swan and East Main streets in the city. Injuries are believed to be minor. City fire, police and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 12:14 p.m.: This accident involved three vehicles. An SUV rear-ended another vehicle, which shoved it into the back of another vehicle. Minor, if any injuries, and little damage to the vehicles involved.

Submitted photo and information:

Part-time Batavia City Court Judge Durin Rogers has received the endorsement of the New York Police Investigators Association supporting his effort to become Batavia’s next full-time city court judge, citing his experience and years of public service.

NYSPIA represents more than 2,000 active and retired State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation officers.

Association President Christopher Quick and Troop A Delegate Michael J. Connors stated in a letter to Rogers:

“It is with great pride that we support your candidacy for City of Batavia Court Judge. For almost four years, you have served on the bench…following a unanimous appointment by the Batavia City Council.

"During that time you have had the opportunity to handle thousands of cases, including criminal, civil, housing, drug court and Veterans Court; gaining valuable experience throughout."

Quick and Connors also noted Rogers’ “successful, long-term career as a prosecutor with the Genesee County Attorney’s Office, handling family offense domestic violence petitions…juvenile delinquency petitions, pistol permit hearings and child abuse and neglect filings.

"The New York State Police Investigators Association appreciates your years of service and our membership has great confidence in your ability and foresight…we offer our full support in your candidacy.” 

Rogers said: “I am honored and grateful to the New York State Police Investigators Association for their endorsement. Their support, along with the many other public officials and community members who have supported me in my effort to become Batavia’s next City Court Judge, only serves to confirm my commitment to our great community.

"As I canvass this great City and visit with our local citizens, I continue to listen to the people and their concerns and issues with our system of Justice. If elected, I look forward to serving this community faithfully, professionally and with the highest standard of excellence and ethics."

For further information, please contact the Committee to Elect Judge Rogers by visiting their Facebook page @electjudgerogers (facebook.com/electjudgerogers); by visiting www.electjudgerogers.com;  or by email at electjudgerogers@gmail.com

(Photo: Full-time Batavia City Court judge candidate Durin Rogers, left, with Michael J. Connors, Troop “A” Delegate for the New York State Police Investigators Association.)

From NYS Police, Troop A:

On Sept. 22, the New York State Police conducted a sobriety checkpoint on State Route 20 in the Village of Alexander.

The purpose of the checkpoint is to deter drunk driving.

The following subjects were arrested and released to appear in the Alexander Town Court at a later date:

John E. Manser, 56, of Canandaigua, is charged with driving while intoxicated.

Brian J. Swimline, 50, of Pembroke, is charged with driving while intoxicated.

Approximately 210 vehicles traveled through the checkpoint. In addition to the two DWI arrests, eight traffic tickets were issued for various violations of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.

We would like to thank all the designated drivers and those that chose to use hired transportation for keeping the roadway safe on this date.

Out and about in Bethany and Stafford today, I snapped a couple of scenic shots.

Above, an outbuilding that is starting to fall down from Transit Road near East Bethany Le Roy Road. Below, a barn on Route 5 across the street from the Original Red Osier Landmark Restaurant. Both shots are in Stafford.

A one-vehicle rollover is reported on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 380.4. Unknown injuries. Le Roy Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 2:26 p.m.: The responding Le Roy unit is told to continue in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 2:31 p.m.: No injuries; medics can go back in service.

Mary Thompson took this picture this morning of the sunrise over the travel plaza in Pembroke.

Lisa Felicia sent over this picture she took at Genesee Community College on Friday of a pair of contrails crisscrossing for an interesting photographic composition.  

Raelene and RoseMary Christian found this three-legged dog, apparently lost, on Williams Street in Batavia this evening.

Raelene can be reached at (585) 330-8869

UPDATE: Raelene informs us the owners had called police this morning and are picking up the dog.

A motorcycle accident with injuries is reported at 7192 Pekin Road, Elba. The motorcyclist is down. Elba Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

Bethany Fire Police are asked to shut down Dublin Road at East Road, at the county line, to provide mutual aid to Wyoming County first responders who are working at an accident site in the vicinity.

A head-on two-car collision is reported at 8042 Lake Street Road in Le Roy. Unknown injuries. There is entrapment.

The vehicles are blocking traffic. Smoke is coming from one of the vehicles.

Le Roy fire and ambulance are responding, and Bergen and Pavilion are called for mutual aid.

UPDATE 1:14 p.m.: Le Roy Fire Police are called to shut down Route 19 in the area of the accident.

UPDATE 1:25 p.m.: Mercy Flight has been dispatched.

UPDATE 1:29 p.m.: Mercy Flight is hovering nearby and plan to land in the roadway. The pilot asked for a fire engine to be moved and for firefighters to vacate the landing zone.

UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: Both ends of Parmalee Road are shut down for traffic control. The trapped patient has been extricated and will be boarded on Mercy Flight.

UPDATE 1:56 p.m.: Fire police are or have opened Parmalee Road.

UPDATE 2:12 p.m.: Route 19 is reopened. The assignment is back in service.

Information from a press release:

U.S. senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today (Sept. 21) announced $1.3 million for Genesee County under the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program.

The senators explained that the funding will allow Genesee County to continue addressing and removing lead-based paint hazards in homes, a problem it has grappled with for years.

The purpose of the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program is to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately owned housing for rental or owner-occupants. These grants are used to assist municipalities in carrying out lead hazard-control activities.

Schumer explained that following his relentless advocacy for Genesee County, HUD Secretary Ben Carson called him directly Friday afternoon to confirm the funding.

“During my call with Secretary Carson, I made it clear that even 40 years after the federal government banned the use of lead paint, children in the Rochester-Finger Lakes Region still continue to suffer the insidious consequences of toxic lead," Schumer said. "I’m pleased to announce that he agreed with me, and committed to sending Genesee County $1.3 million to remove lead hazards from communities.

"I’ve long fought tooth and nail for federal funding and programs that work to remove lead in area homes, because lead poisoning is an irreversible, preventable tragedy that robs too many children across the region of their futures. I couldn’t be more thrilled to announce today’s fantastic news, which will be a major boon for public health."

"No child in the Finger Lakes Region should be forced to live in a home with dangerous lead," Gillibrand said. "This funding is a critical investment to start remediation and help keep some of our most vulnerable families safe. I will continue fighting so that our communities have the federal support they need to remove lead from their homes."

A caller on East Main Street in Batavia reports the padlock on his bicycle is broken and "he's insisting that police have the tools to remove it," says a dispatcher. "He won't take no for an answer."

Batavia police just arrived at his location.