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Eleven new cases of coronavirus reported today in Genesee County

By Press Release

Press release:

New Cases – As of 2 p.m.

  • Genesee County received 11 new positive cases of COVID-19.
    • The new positive cases reside in Alexander, Batavia, Byron, Elba, Le Roy, Pembroke and Stafford.
    • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 50s, and 60s.
    • None of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
    • Due to the new "test-out" option and the discrepancies in reporting domestic travel we will currently not be reporting precautionary quarantine data.
    • Two of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
    • The Health Department has been notified of a positive student at the Elba Elementary School. The student was not in school two days prior to testing positive, therefore no school impact. The individuals are on mandatory isolation until recovered. Contact tracing is in process for those who are considered close contacts and will be placed on mandatory quarantine for 14 days from the last contact with the positive individual.

 

  • Orleans County received seven new positives case of COVID-19.
  •  
  • The new positive cases reside in Albion, Carlton, Yates, Shelby, Barre and Ridgeway.
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 80s.
  • One of the individuals was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Due to the new "test-out" option and the discrepancies in reporting domestic travel we will currently not be reporting precautionary quarantine data.
  • One of the previous positive individuals has recovered and has been removed from the isolation list.
  • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.

The Health Department has been notified of a positive student at Albion Elementary School. The student was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive, therefore no school impact. The individual is on mandatory isolation until recovered. Contact tracing is in process for those who are considered close contacts and will be placed on mandatory quarantine for 14 days from the last contact with the positive individual.

Active COVID cases hit 43, highest since April 10

By Press Release

Press release:

New Cases – As of 2 p.m.

  • Genesee County received 10 new positive cases of COVID-19.
    • The new positive cases reside in Batavia, Bethany, Darien, Elba and Pembroke.
    • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 80s.
    • Three of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
    • Fifteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
    • Six of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
    • Two of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
    • The Health Department has been notified of a positive student at the Alexander Middle / High School. The individuals are on mandatory isolation until recovered. Contact tracing is in process for those who are considered close contacts and will be placed on mandatory quarantine for 14 days from the last contact with the positive individual.
    • The Health Department has been notified of a positive student at the Batavia High School. The student was not in school two days prior to testing positive, therefore no school impact. The individuals are on mandatory isolation until recovered. Contact tracing is in process for those who are considered close contacts and will be placed on mandatory quarantine for 14 days from the last contact with the positive individual.
  • Orleans County received six new positives case of COVID-19.
    • The new positive cases reside in Gaines, Lyndonville, Clarendon, Ridgeway and Albion.
    • The individuals are in their 20s, 50s and 60s.
    • None of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
    • Fifteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
    • One of the previous positive individuals has recovered and has been removed from the isolation list.
    • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.

Law and Order: River Street woman accused of selling crack cocaine twice to Drug Task Force agent

By Billie Owens

Jennifer M. Moore, 35, of River Street, Batavia, is charged with: two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony; and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that Moore sold crack cocaine to an agent of the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force on two separate occasions. Moore, who had an active arrest warrant, was located sitting in a vehicle that was parked in a parking lot on Park Road in the Town of Batavia, where she was taken into custody. She was also allegedly in possession of crack cocaine at the time of her arrest. Moore was arraigned in Genesee County Court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice. The task force is comprised of law enforcement officers from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, the Batavia Police Department, and the Village of Le Roy Police Department. The task force was assisted by deputies and the District Attorney's Office.

James O. Weathers, 47, of Teralta Street, Rochester, and Ayeola N. Williams, 46, of East Path Rise, West Henrietta, were arrested on Oct. 31 on Route 33 in the Town of Stafford. At 12:38 a.m., Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore was on patrol in a marked Sheriff's vehicle and stopped their vehicle after observing a traffic violation. Williams was the driver and was put through field sobriety tests, which she allegedly failed. Further investigation and a vehicle search allegedly found marijuana and a loaded firearm. She is charged with: criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree -- a loaded firearm, which is a Class C felony; driving while ability impaired by alcohol, a violation; speeding -- over 55 mph, a violation; and operating a motor vehicle while having an open container of an alcoholic beverage in the vehicle. Her passenger, Weathers, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, too. The District Attorney was consulted for bail recommendations and the defendants were arraigned by Town of Alabama Judge Pamela Thurber via Skype due to COVID-19 protocols. Both were then put in jail with Williams bail set at $1,000 cash or bond; Weathers' bail was set at $15,000 cash or $30,000 bond. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.

Charlene Rae Cook, 31, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment, resisting arrest and second-degree criminal contempt. Cook was arrested after a domestic incident at 1:10 p.m. Oct. 25 on Liberty Street for allegedly violating an order of protection. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail on $5,000 cash bail, $10,000 bond, or $20,000 partially secured bond. She was due to return to city court on Oct. 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Kevin Maurice McCoy, 54, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt and failure to appear in court as ordered. At 7:54 p.m. on Oct. 31, McCoy was arrested after allegedly violating a stay away order of protection by being in the presence of the protected party on East Main Street. There was also an arrest warrant for him out of Batavia City Court. McCoy was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail, with bail set at $1,500 cash, $3,000 bond or $6,000 partially secured bond. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer John Gombos, assisted by Officer Samuel Freeman.

Brandon C. Dodd, 33, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny -- theft of a motor vehicle; and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. At about 1 a.m. on Nov. 1, Dodd was arrested after the theft of a motor vehicle at a residence on Highland Park. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court via Skype and is due there on Nov. 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Joshua Girvin, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Mathew Ray Albaugh, 35, of Townline Road, Bergen, is charged with driving while intoxicated and speeding -- exceeding 55 mph. At 1:42 a.m. on Nov. 1, Albaugh was arrested on Townline Road in Bergen after a traffic stop for speeding. It is alleged he was driving over 55 mph while having a BAC of .08 or more. He was released on an appearance ticket to be in Bergen Town Court on Nov. 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.

Kristen Elizabeth Sekuterski, 34, of Orleans Avenue, Batavia, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs -- first offense; and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Following a "check-the-welfare complaint" at 10:04 a.m. Oct. 30 on Alleghany Road in the Town of Pembroke, Sekuterski was arrested. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Pembroke Town Court on Nov. 19. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Justin D. McQuillen, 32, of Freeman Road, Byron, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- with a BAC of .08 percent or more; DWI -- common law; and speeding. McQuillen was arrested Oct. 31 on Oak Street after allegedly being observed speeding at 8:52 p.m. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Benjamin G. Evans IV, 32, of Federal Drive, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested Oct. 30 after allegedly not following court mandate on Oct. 19. Evans was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on Nov. 10. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy  Jacob Gauthier, assisted by Kenneth Quackenbush.

Tricia Marie Ruth Martinez, 27, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested after allegedly agreeing to purchase a Halloween costume from the victim and then taking the costume without paying for it at 5 p.m. Oct. 30 on Colby Road in Darien. Martinez was issued a ticket to appear in Darien Town Court on Dec. 1. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Gauthier.

Walter Tomlin Snell, 32, of Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with failure to appear. He was arrested Oct. 26 when located by Genesee County Probation after allegedly failing to appear in court as scheduled. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due back in city court Nov. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Liquidity analysis and management firm honors county treasurer with national award

By Mike Pettinella

 

With a company name of three+one, it was appropriate that four members of the Pittsford investment firm’s leadership team traveled to Batavia on Wednesday to present Genesee County Treasurer Scott German with the National Leadership Award for his role in maximizing the municipality’s assets.

Company CEO/Co-founder Joe Rulison, Vice President Garrett Macdonald, Relationship Specialist Alex DeRosa and Public Partnerships Director William Cherry each spoke of German’s exemplary efforts.

The presentation took place at the start of the County Legislature’s Ways & Means Committee meeting at the Old County Courthouse.

“This is a really special time for us to come together and honor the county … honor Treasurer Scott German for excellence in leadership across the nation,” said Macdonald, a Batavia native. “We have partnership with the National Association of Counties and we’re looking for counties that have exemplified strategic liquidity management for their taxpayers. We really couldn’t think of a better treasurer to honor than Scott German.”

The county treasurer’s office has been working with three+one for just over three years, Macdonald said, adding that his firm has agreements with county governments across the United States.

He credited German for considering any and all prospects of saving money for taxpayers.

“When it comes to looking at every single opportunity to earn and save on the taxpayer dollar, whether it be investment for a week, two weeks, a month, two months, longer, it’s a lot of work to look for opportunities to create value for the taxpayers,” he said. “And that’s what we’re all here for – to create value for taxpayers.”

Macdonald said that over the past 12 months, the county’s liquidity analysis and management practices have resulted in a benefit of $1 million “when (interest) rates were little to nothing.”

“That one million dollars, looking at the county’s tax levy for 2021 of about 31 million dollars, equates to about 2.89 percent – which would mean having to raise taxes in order to generate that kind of income,” he said.

Rulison emphasized German’s commitment to the firm’s “cutting-edge” strategies and recognized the impact German has had on other financial officers.

“It’s amazing to know that you adopted it (three years ago) and he (German) has taken it and implemented it,” Rulison said. “I can’t tell you how significant that is. There is only one person in the country that gets this award. And we’re thrilled for it to be able to be your treasurer, Scott German.”

Rulison recalled a phone call he received from a person from Washington who attended, along with German, a conference in the Midwest.

“Who is Scott German, the person said. I said he’s the treasurer of Genesee County. He goes, ‘He resonates what is a best practice that should be followed nationally.’ And he goes, ‘I think seeing that he is able to give and show his experience to others, is what really is going to be incredible – and that helped us to become a part of the National Association of Counties.’”

Cherry, retired Schoharie County treasurer and former president of the New York Association of Counties, said that he has known German for about 20 years, noting the latter’s participation in the state County Treasurers Association.

“Scott is always the first in line to want to learn how to do something better – best practices put into place – and he’s recognized throughout the country,” he said.

DeRosa said Genesee County has set a great example for him in his two years with three+one.

“I couldn’t think of a better example, a better county government for me to learn from – not only in your liquidity management practices but just how you treat your staff and it’s clear that you are a family together,” he said. “It’s truly going above and beyond the call of duty to make sure the taxpayers are getting that maximum value – and it’s an incredible example for counties across the state and the country.”

Afterward, German said he was surprised to learn that he was this year’s recipient of the award and said it is all about being responsible to county residents.

“I worked with them now for just over three years, and it’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it to my taxpayers. They pay me to do what I do so I’m doing what I can for them,” he said, noting that the county has earned around $3 million through its partnership with three+one.

Photo: From left, Alex DeRosa, Joe Rulison, County Treasurer Scott German, Garrett Macdonald and William Cherry. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Landers dives into key factors that went into 2021 proposed county budget

By Mike Pettinella

Supported by an audience of department heads and legislators, first-year Genesee County Matt Landers tonight formally presented the municipality’s 2021 proposed budget, a $142,953,227 all funds spending plan drafted in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. It increases the tax levy by $400,069 but lowers the property tax rate by 31 cents per thousand of assessed value.

No one from the public signed up to speak at the budget hearing at the Old County Courthouse.

That left it to Legislature Chair Rochelle Stein to credit management and departmental leaders for being able to “flex and pivot” to develop a budget that doesn’t override the New York State tax cap, and to Landers to summarize – or “Landerize” as he put it – the path that got the county to this point and set a course heading into 2021.

“It certainly was a challenge to put together a 140-plus million dollar budget in a pandemic, but here we are today able to present a balanced budget that is under the tax cap,” he said.

Aided by PowerPoint slides, Landers presented the following key dollar amounts and percentages for 2021:

  • Recommended All Funds Budget is $142,953,227; a decrease of $759,766 or .53 percent;
  • Recommended General Fund Budget is $110,241,924, a decrease of $3,767,378 or 3.30 percent;
  • Recommended Property Tax Levy is $31,451,727, an increase of $400,069 or 1.28 percent;
  • Tax Rate Decrease from $10.11 to $9.80, approximately 3.06 percent;
  • Recommended Fund Balance Usage of $2,334,857, an increase of $534,822 from 2020 adopted budget.

Although the tax levy is going up, the tax rate is going down due to an increase in the county’s assessment.

To illustrate the property tax impact, Landers showed a slide depicting the median residential household in Genesee County with an assessed value of $106,800. It revealed that the 31-cent tax rate decrease amounts to a decrease of $33.11 in property taxes, assuming no assessment increase.

Barring any last minute adjustments by the legislature, the budget as it currently sits is scheduled to be adopted on Nov. 23.

Landers outlined several parameters that needed to be followed before his team, that included Assistant County Manager Tammi Ferringer and Executive Assistant Vicky Muckle, could dive into the numbers. Those instructions were to keep county support to the various departments “flat,” hold the line on contributions to outside agencies and funding of Genesee Community College, taking a team approach and, per the legislature’s wishes, not overriding the tax cap.

“It was a consensus that we would not be cutting them (outside agencies) but we would be at flat funding, which in itself is asking a lot of some of these agencies that are feeling the same budgetary constraints and costs and COVID-related items that we are,” Landers said. “So, I was pleased that they would accept flat funding, and most were appreciative that we did not cut them.”

He said it was a difficult decision to not increase funding to GCC, which he called “an excellent economic engine” in the county.

Landers also mentioned other factors, some triggered by COVID-19, that carried much weight in the formation of the budget, notably word out of Albany of a 20-percent reduction in state aid for most programs, double-digit increases in health care and retirement costs, $23 million in yearly state mandated services provided by the county – “with no end in sight,” he said – plus a 10- to 15-percent loss in sales tax revenue and decrease in projected interest earnings.

In response to these challenges, Landers pointed out he used more of the unexpended fund balance that he was anticipating and hopes that the county will be able to replenish it over time. He gave credit to former County Manager Jay Gsell for implementing a strategic hiring freeze, furloughing employees and deferring capital projects as the pandemic took hold.

The county also made the decision to reduce its revenue sharing with towns and villages, with Landers stating that the previous agreement was “unsustainable” in this current economy.

On the bright side, Landers said this allowed the county to increase its budget for infrastructure by $1 million next year -- $900,000 for bridges and culverts and $100,000 for roads -- a benefit that will “lessen the blow” to towns and villages because "that money will be going into their communities."

He said the budget also calls for the creation of three full-time positions (a dispatcher and two human resources employees) and a part-time person to assist the veterans service coordinator.

Looking forward, Landers said the focus will be on six areas:

  • Sales Tax Revenues;
  • Status of a Federal Stimulus Package;
  • Status of State Aid Reductions;
  • Status of COVID-19 and a Hopeful Vaccine;
  • Effects of Bail Reform on Jail Population;
  • State Allowing Possible Joint Jail with Orleans County.

“The (new) Genesee County Jail, pre-COVID, was the biggest story going on – right up there with water (the county’s water project),” he said. “It will be getting started shortly … as a consolidation effort with Orleans County.”

At the present time, state law prohibits joint county jails, but Landers said he his hopeful that the governor could change his position in his 2021-22 budget.

Landers acknowledged that legislators could make some “tweaks” to the budget before stating “that it is in the legislature’s hands now.”

Stein closed the session by saying the legislature is determined to fund the operations of this county, adding that the manager’s and budget office “door is open” for people to express their feelings.

“We are here to serve with you and for you,” she said.

Photo: Genesee County Manager Matt Landers at tonight's budget public hearing at the Old County Courthouse. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Number of COVID-19 cases spike in Genesee County: 20 in last two days

By Press Release

SITUATIONAL UPDATE: STAY HOME; WASH HANDS; SOCIAL DISTANCING; WEAR A FACE COVERING!

New Cases for Nov. 3-4, as of 2 p.m.:

  • Genesee County received 20 new positive cases of COVID-19.
    • The new positive cases reside in Alabama, Batavia, Bergen, Elba, Le Roy, Oakfield and Pembroke.
    • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 80s.
    • Two of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
    • Twenty-eight new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
    • Sixteen of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
    • Two of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
    • The Health Department has been notified of two positive students, one staff member at the Alexander Middle / High School and one Alexander Central School District staff member. The individuals are on mandatory isolation until recovered. Contact tracing is in process for those who are considered close contacts and will be placed on mandatory quarantine for 14 days from the last contact with the positive individual.
    • The Health Department has been notified of a positive staff member of the Genesee Valley BOCES, Batavia Center. The individual is on mandatory isolation until recovered. Contact tracing is in process for those who are considered close contacts and will be placed on mandatory quarantine for 14 days from the last contact with the positive individual.
  • Orleans County received six new positives case of COVID-19. 
  • The new positive cases reside in Gaines, Barre, Clarendon and Murray.
  • The individuals are in their 20s, 30s, 50s and 60s.
  • Three of the individuals were not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Twenty new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • Four of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.
  • The Health Department has been notified of a positive staff member at the Kendall Central School District. The individual is under mandatory isolation until they are recovered and released. All close contacts have been identified and placed under the NYS Contact Tracers and placed on mandatory quarantine for 14 days from last contact with the positive individual.

City Youth Board says it had no chance to weigh in on 'detrimental' proposal to dissolve youth director contract with county

By Press Release

Update: 9:15 p.m.

The Genesee County Legislature's Ways & Means Committee this afternoon tabled the resolution to terminate the county's youth bureau operating agreement with the City of Batavia.

When asked the reasoning behind the action, both Legislator Gary Maha and Legislator Chair Rochelle Stein declined to comment.

Contacted tonight, Interim City Manager Rachael Tabelski said that City Council plans to address a similar resolution at its Nov. 23 Conference Meeting, but speculated that the situation may come up at next Monday's Business Meeting.

"At this point, City Council and I are considering cost-saving measures in all departments while still trying to maintain the level of services that our residents, including our youth, deserve," Tabelski said.

Previously, Tabelski reported that the city would save $20,000 in salary expenses (for Youth Bureau Executive Director Jocelyn Sikorski) by ending the youth bureau agreement with the county.

While unable to confirm, it is believed the following letter also was obtained by Ways & Means Committee members prior to their decision to table the resolution.

Posted by Mike Pettinella.

------------------

An Open Letter to City Council on Behalf of the City of Batavia Youth Board

The City of Batavia Youth Board serves in an advisory capacity regarding youth services for the City of Batavia. At the Oct. 27 board meeting the Interim City Manager (Rachael Tabelski) was present to inform the board of the changes occurring to youth services in the City of Batavia.

Currently, the resignation of the program coordinator, the layoffs of Liberty Center staff, and the request from the current Director Jocelyn Sikorski* to end her contracted services with the City of Batavia would result in zero staff for City of Batavia Youth services.

The Youth Board is not in favor of the dissolution of the intermunicipal contract with Genesee County regarding the Youth Director position. This would be detrimental to youth services for the City of Batavia.

Although the board understands the financial concerns of the City of Batavia, the youth services budget amounts to roughly 1 percent of the City of Batavia budget. The board would have appreciated an opportunity to discuss alternative options with the Interim City Manager, but was not afforded that opportunity prior to her decision.

Due to the hiring freeze which has resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic and budget shortfalls, the Youth Board feels it is in the best interest of the City Youth programs to retain Ms. Sikorski until the end of the contract to rebuild the youth programming once it is safe to reopen the Liberty Center for Youth and resume the Summer Recreation Program provided by the City of Batavia.

The board does not feel the same level of services can be achieved by outsourcing these programs, which was suggested by the Interim City Manager or charging for these services.

The Youth Board feels an obligation to inform the community of the changes that are being proposed for youth services. Youth programming in the future, including the Summer Recreation Program, will look much different. Please consider contacting your council member regarding these changes.

Sincerely,

City of Batavia Youth Board Members,

Dave Twichell, President

Paula Fischer

Nick Russo

Kathryn Fitzpatrick

Kristen Gloskowski

********************************************

*Jocelyn Sikorski currently serves as executive director of the Genesee/Orleans County Youth Bureau and City of Batavia Youth Bureau.

Previously: County's termination of youth bureau agreement to save the City of Batavia $20K next year

Working house fire reported on Judge Road in Alabama

By Billie Owens
Video Sponsor
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A second-alarm house fire is reported in Alabama at 1368 Judge Road. It started in the chimney and is now in the attic.

The location is on the south side of the road, just east of Route 77.

Called to the scene in addition to Alabama Fire Department are: the city's FAST team, Darien, Pembroke, East Pembroke, Oakfield and Elba fire departments, and Mercy medics.

UPDATE 4:45 a.m.: Shelby Fire Department is en route to fill in at Alabama's Station #2. Plus, "Alabama Command, you've got two interiors and the FAST Team coming your way."

UPDATE 5:04 a.m.: Fire command requests food/beverage refreshments for about 30 firefighters to be brought to the scene. 

UPDATE 7:11 a.m. (by Howard): Three residents were able to get out of the house safely.  One resident was evaluated at the scene and she is fine. Two dogs are also fine. The fire started in a chimney. Many of the responding agencies have cleared the scene and the road is reopened.

Karas in position to keep Councilman-at-Large seat; leads DiSalvo by 636 votes

By Mike Pettinella

According to unofficial results just posted on the Genesee County Board of Elections website, incumbent Jeremy Karas holds a substantial lead over challenger Sammy DiSalvo in today’s voting for the Councilman-at-Large seat on the Batavia City Council.

Karas tallied 2,474 votes on the Republican line and 281 on the Conservative line for a total of 2,755 votes while DiSalvo received 2,119 votes, all on the Democratic line.

“We did what we could and it’s in the hands of the voters,” Karas said earlier tonight prior to the Board of Elections’ reporting.

Karas, who was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Adam Tabelski in 2019, said he would be unavailable for comment after that, noting that he had to be in Buffalo at 6 a.m. for work. He is the service department manager for Temp-Press, a Rochester company.

DiSalvo did not concede as he pointed out there are around 1,172 absentee ballots yet to be counted.

“We’ll see what happens with absentee votes when they are counted in about a week and we’ll move forward from that point,” he said.

DiSalvo would have to take about 78 percent of the absentee ballots to overcome the 636-vote deficit.

Last year, DiSalvo was unsuccessful in a bid to capture the Ward 5 seat on City Council, losing to Kathleen Briggs, 215-157.

Preliminary Genesee County Election Results

By Howard B. Owens

These results do not include absentee/mail-in ballots (there are more than 3,000) and have not yet been certified.

President:

  • Donald Trump -- 17,340
  • Joe Biden -- 7,048
  • Joe Jorgensen -- 412
  • Howie Hawkins -- 83
  • Brock Pierce -- 45

State Supreme Court Justice, 8th District:

  • Gerald Greenan -- 16,186
  • Amy Martoche -- 7,229

NY-27 Congressional District:

  • Chris Jacob -- 17,126
  • Nate McMurray -- 6,497
  • Duane Whitmer -- 480

61st State Senate District:

  • Ed Rath -- 17,937
  • Jacqui Berger -- 5,671

139th Assembly District:

  • Steve Hawley -- 20,594
  • Mark Glogowski -- 1,614

Genesee County Sheriff:

  • William Sheron -- 17,086
  • David Krzemien -- 6,962

Batavia City Council At-Large:

  • Jeremy Karas -- 2,755
  • Sam DiSalvo -- 2,119

Alabama Town Council:

  • Kevin Veazey -- 465
  • Terry Thompson -- 295

Le Roy Town Council:

  • Ron Pangrazio -- 1,752
  • Write-in -- 965

Pavilion Highway Superintendent:

  • James Cleveland -- 794
  • Todd Hackett -- 282

Bill Sheron wins re-election as Genesee County Sheriff

By Howard B. Owens

In results tabulated by Genesee County election officials, though still unofficial, incumbent Sheriff William Sheron beat challenger David Krzemien 17,096 to 6,067 votes.

With a more than 11,000-vote lead and too few absentee ballots left to count, Sheron said tonight he felt comfortable declaring victory.

We were unable to reach Krzemien tonight. 

Sheron said, "I'm very pleased with all the people who supported me. Genesee County is my home. I love the community and I believe it's the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Law enforcement has been calling for me from a very young age. Of course, I've been able to surround myself with great people. I'm thrilled with the results."

Krzemien ran an aggressive race, which Sheron recognizes.

"Any time you have a challenger, people told me, you need to take them seriously," Sheron said. "I wouldn't say I was nervous. It was concerning. But any time you have opposition you have to take it seriously."

Sheron vowed to continue the tradition in Genesee County of providing outstanding law enforcement to local residents.

'Graying' of the county population presents multiple challenges for Office for the Aging

By Mike Pettinella

In 10 short years, all baby boomers will be 65 years of age or older. That bit of information about Americans born between the years of 1946 and 1964 is much more than a mere statistic to Diana Fox, director of the Genesee County Office for the Aging.

It represents the fact that the demographics of the county are showing an increasingly aging population – and it presents new challenges for the agency as it continues to provide a variety of services for seniors.

Fox, during a departmental review Monday at the Genesee County Legislature’s Human Services Committee meeting, said she and her staff are considering the best ways to meet the needs of residents in the 65-and-over age group, which is expected to exceed 15,000 – about a fourth of the county’s population -- in 2030.

In her seven-page report, Fox said the OFA’s priorities include: the need for home care workers; funding for home-delivered meals; navigating the health insurance system; and dealing with rising health care costs; assessing senior citizens’ housing requirements; and exploring the impact of opioids (prescription medication) on older adults.

“Even with COVID, the numbers continue to rise,” concerning caregivers who need help and request for meals, Fox said, reporting that the median age in Genesee County is 43.3, with many of those in that age group falling into the “caregiver” category (also known as the “Sandwich Generation”).

Fox said the OFA coordinated the delivery of more than 30,000 meals to residents’ homes this year (frozen, sandwich and emergency meals), but “getting food out to people will (continue to) be a challenge … so we are investigating other opportunities.”

She said some communities partner with restaurants to deliver meals, but it has to be worthwhile for restaurant owners for it to be successful.

“Housing is a need,” she said, noting that older adults have to consider whether a ranch home would be better than an up-and-down dwelling.

“It’s important that we continue to work on building our county to be more livable, as well as creating more home and community-based supports and options, ranging from housing to in-home care to keeping older adults in our county so they may live out meaningful lives in settings with services that meet their needs,” she wrote.

Along those lines, Fox said that home care aide availability is “critically low nationwide,” and while the OFA has access to state “Unmet Needs” funding, it’s “not going to solve the overall problem of those who truly need in-home aides to help with personal care.”

Fox said the OFA offers wellness and recreation programs to address social isolation issues and services that include review of health insurance options and eligibility for benefits, but more support is needed as premiums and prescription drug costs increase and chronic health conditions worsen.

She said the OFA is “partnering with the community” (with agencies such as Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse and the Department of Social Services) to identify the various problems stemming from the use of opioids such as oxycodone.

On a positive note, she said that her department has not been informed of a 20-percent cut in state aid, which seems to be affecting most programs and municipalities, but she is concerned by several potential retirements of OFA staff members in the next few years.

The Genesee County Office for the Aging proposed budget for 2021 shows total appropriation of $2,070,640, with $1,580,316 in revenue and $490,324 in support from the county. With a staff of 21.8 full-time equivalent, salaries and fringe benefits make up about 64 percent of the budget.

Health department takes steps to be prepared when COVID-19 vaccine is rolled out

By Mike Pettinella

Paul Pettit, public health director for Genesee and Orleans counties, is determined to look beyond the rumors and posturing to make sure his department is ready when federal and state governments roll out the first phase of a COVID-19 vaccine.

“There’s a lot of chatter out there … locally, we’ll have our plan ready,” Pettit said on Monday afternoon as he advised the Genesee County Legislature’s Human Services Committee of the importance of three resolutions pertaining to the health department’s readiness to administer a vaccine.

The first resolution renews the county’s agreement with Genesee Community College to use the campus – at no charge -- as a Point of Dispensing Clinic during an emergency for the period of Jan. 1, 2021 through Dec. 31, 2023.

Pettit said GCC (possibly the new athletic facility) is an ideal site for distributing the vaccine, which he said likely will be made available in phases – first to elder care facilities such as nursing homes and then to healthier adults and children.

He mentioned that there could be up to 30 million doses by the end of the year, but didn’t know how many the county would get, speculating maybe 50 to 100 doses of the initial outlay. He noted that as the number of public vaccinations increase, private providers and pharmacies would be enlisted to support the health department’s efforts.

For smaller clinics, Pettit said the county already has the use of the fairgrounds and County Building II.

Pettit also responded to Legislator John Deleo’s comments about New York State wanting to review any federally approved vaccine before allowing it to be dispensed to its residents and about talk that the proposed vaccines are not sufficient for minorities.

That’s when he said he and his staff are focused not on the “chatter” but on making sure they are prepared when the time comes.

A second resolution was an agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta for the CDC to provide vaccine to the Genesee County Health Department at no cost to the county.

“This is the first step for us to receive the vaccine when it becomes available,” Pettit said, adding that he hasn’t heard of any vaccines that have cleared phase three of their trials yet.

A third resolution was a request to create a full-time COVID-19 Response Specialist, a Civil Service position, effective Nov. 12, 2020. The position would be funded by COVID-19 monies until June 30, 2022, at no cost to the county.

Pettit said coronavirus funding previously created one job and now the department needs this one, borrowing the title from a similar position in Wyoming County.

He said he wasn’t sure of the pay rate, thinking it was around $17 to $18 per hour, and noted that the job is tied to Orleans County and could lead to a full-time position.

Responsibilities of the Response Specialist would be to assist with contact tracing, testing and – eventually – vaccination. Pettit said the county continues to utilize the services of contact tracers employed by the state.

The Human Services Committee approved all three resolutions, which now will be forwarded to the Ways & Means Committee on Wednesday.

In a related development, the committee approved a contract renewal with Mary Younge of Rochester to provide nursing services on an as-needed basis for 2021. Pettit said Younge provided support to the county at the outset of the coronavirus outbreak in March, April and May.

Six new coronavirus cases in Genesee County reported today

By Press Release

Press release:

Due to Election Day, there will be no press briefing, no update on the map, nor on the respective county websites. Updates will resume on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

New Cases: As of 2 p.m. 

  • Genesee County received six new positive cases of COVID-19.
    • The new positive case resides in Batavia, Bergen, Elba, Le Roy, Oakfield and Pavilion.
    • The individual are in their 30s, 50s, and 60s.
    • One of the individuals was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
    • Sixteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
    • Sixteen of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
    • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.
    •  
    • Orleans County received three new positives case of COVID-19.
    •  
    • The new positive cases reside in Albion, Barre and Murray.
    • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 30s and 60s.
    • The individuals were not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
    • Seven new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
    • Twenty-five of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
    • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.

Offices to be Voted on in 2020 in Genesee County

By Mike Pettinella

Offices to be Voted on 2020
Election Day – Tuesday, Nov. 3

Title of Office

Name, Party

(Vote for One)

President of the United States and Vice President of the United States

Joseph R. Biden & Kamala Harris D, WOR

Donald J. Trump & Michael R. Pence R, C

Howie Hawkins & Angela Nicole Walker G

Jo Jorgensen & Jeremy Cohen LBT

Brock Pierce & Karla Ballard IND

Supreme Court Justice 8th JD

(Vote for One)

Amy C. Martoche D, WOR

Gerald J. Greenan, III, R, C, I

Representative in Congress 27th Dist.

(Vote for One)

Nathan D. McMurray D, WOR

Chris Jacobs R, C, IND

Duane J. Whitmer LBT

State Senator NY 61

(Vote for One)

Jacqualine G. Berger D

Edward A. Rath, III, R, C, IND, SAM

Member of Assembly NY 139

(Vote for One)

Stephen M. Hawley R, C, IND

Mark E. Glogowski LBT

Family Court Judge

(Vote for One)

Thomas D. Williams R

Sheriff

(Vote for One)

David H. Krzemien D, PRO 2nd AMEND

William A. Sheron Jr. R, C, IND

County Treasurer

(Vote for One)

Scott D. German R, C, IND

County Coroner

(Vote for Two)

Karen A. Lang R

Adam L. Palumbo R

Genesee Co. Legislator Dist. #1

Unexpired Term (Vote for One)

Chad A. Klotzbach R

City of Batavia Councilman at Large

Unexpired Term (Vote for One)

Samuel V. DiSalvo D

Jeremy W. Karas R, C

Town of Alabama Town Council

Unexpired Term (Vote for One)

Terry R. Thompson D, IND

Kevin J. Veazey R

Town of Pavilion Highway Supt.

Unexpired Term (Vote for One)

James D. Cleveland R, IND

Todd Hackett Pavilion Roads

Note: There are several other town elections where candidates are running unopposed.

Source: Genesee County Board of Elections

Genesee Community College eliminates six, doesn't renew seven full-time positions

By Mike Pettinella

Genesee Community College has cut 13 full-time jobs -- a move necessitated by the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the two-year college’s financial picture, an official of the two-year institution said today.

“We did have some full-time positions that were not renewed or retrenched,” said Justin Johnston, vice president of Development & External Affairs. “Notice was given today but it doesn’t take place until the end of December. Thirteen positions.”

Johnston said that six of those positions are traditional faculty members and seven are non-teaching administrative employees. He would not disclose the specific job titles.

“These individuals will continue to work in their roles for the next two months and may seek employment elsewhere, so we cannot comment on personnel matters on an individual level,” he said. “Seven folks’ positions will not be renewed, which is part of our process that we follow in a regular union model, and six of the positions are being eliminated.”

This latest action comes on the heels of the summer layoff of 27 part-timers at the college, which previously had enacted measures in reaction to reduced funding and revenue triggered by COVID-19.

Five-Step Plan in Place

“We had a five-step plan to respond to the pandemic and the associated budgetary impact,” said Johnston, who moved into his position nine months ago. “The decline in funding that we’ve received has necessitated this plan and this is going back to the beginning.”

He mentioned an across-the-board pay freeze -- management, confidential and our union positions – and “sizeable reductions in our operating budget, given the move to lessen the effect on personnel.”

“So, although ultimately we did have those 13 positions eliminated, it was greatly reduced from what it might have been had we not done that,” he offered. “We took proactive measures to curb spending early on and those aggressive measures were part of our plan to balance the budget the best that we could.”

Noting that GCC hasn’t been immune to the effects of the pandemic, he disagreed with the contention that the college’s financial situation wasn’t very good prior to mid-March.

“To my knowledge, our financial position was strong prior to the pandemic. This was a disruption that really no one could have predicted,” he said.

President: Drastic Measures Taken

GCC President James Sunser, when addressing the Genesee County Legislature in June, said the college took “painful” measures -- retrenchments, pay freezes, deferral of capital projects and supply purchases, and the use of $2 million in reserves -- to reach the $38.1 million budget that was submitted to the state.

At that time, he indicated that the cuts announced today, which affect the unionized faculty/administrative group, were part of the management's plan.

Genesee Educational Association President Karyn S. Bryson said the union knew these notices were coming because it has been working with GCC administration since May on finding a solution to the SUNY funding gap.

Calling it a “difficult day when jobs are cut,” Bryson said the union is concerned about the long-term funding issues and noted that today’s cuts were distributed among all levels of employees.

Union Rep: Provisions Will Help

“GEA (which represents both faculty and staff) did everything possible to minimize the number of members retrenched, including agreeing to a wage freeze for the 2020-21 academic year, but it wasn't enough to save everyone's job,” she said. “We sincerely wish it had been enough. Our contract is strong, and there are some provisions which will assist some of the affected employees going forward. We wish nothing but the best for our colleagues in the future.”

Bryson is the director of Paralegal Studies at GCC.

Johnston said that management has no plans to make further retrenchments in 2020-21 as long as “the funding models and the enrollment models trend as we expect them to.”

He acknowledged the anguish of having to eliminate so many positions.

“It’s certainly not something that we had planned to do. It’s just a result of the environment that we’re in so we can continue to forge ahead for the success of our students,” he said.

Johnston commented on other aspects, as follows:

  • Instruction: “We are primarily virtual (online learning). We do have some on-campus course work but only until Thanksgiving and that’s in compliance with the State of New York (SUNY) guidelines.” After Thanksgiving, all virtual learning.
  • Enrollment: “The college is sitting at a 10-percent decrease right now, with the actual Fall 2020 numbers fluctuating at plus or minus 10 percent. We are fortunate that we’ve stayed fairly close to last year given the pandemic.” GCC’s full- and part-time enrollment during the Fall 2019 semester was 5,324. Tuition for 2020-21 for New York State residents is $4,550.
  • Possible elimination of programs: “I can’t really speak to that piece. The process of program determination is something that plays out over a number of years. If you were to eliminate a program, it gets taught for several years following to ensure that all the current students within it can complete it.”

David Saleh, dedicated attorney, judge, civic leader, succumbs to cancer

By Mike Pettinella

David J. Saleh, well-known attorney, judge and community volunteer, died on Thursday after a short battle with brain cancer, leaving behind many heartbroken colleagues and friends. He was 67 years old.

“As my former partner (with Oshlag, Saleh & Earl), Dave was an excellent attorney in all areas of the law, and especially liked the challenge of criminal law and criminal trials,” said Kevin Earl, current Genesee County attorney, as he fought back the tears. “More importantly, he was an outstanding human being – very involved in his community through civic activities.”

Saleh lived in the Village of Corfu for many years before relocating to the city in 2013. Last December, he was appointed as part-time City Court judge, filling the vacancy created by former part-time Justice Durin Rogers’ election to the full-time post.

Both Rogers and Paula L. Feroleto, administrative judge of the Eighth Judicial District in Buffalo, expressed their sadness at Saleh’s passing.

“The City of Batavia and our community have experienced a great loss,” Rogers said. “I will very much miss my friend and colleague Judge David Saleh. Judge Saleh had a passion for the law and was highly regarded by his friends and colleagues on the bench and bar.

“He strove to be just and compassionate, treating people who came before him with fairness. I learned from him both as an attorney and a judge. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Feroleto said that the “judges and nonjudicial employees at Batavia City Court and the Genesee County Courthouse will very much miss Judge Saleh.”

“During his brief tenure as a Batavia City Court Judge, he was a diligent, hard-working jurist,” she said. “He enjoyed a reputation of being kind to the staff at the court. Despite experiencing personal health challenges, he continued his work on the bench to serve the public in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was a consummate professional and will be missed by the Court.”

Prior to accepting the city judge position, Saleh served as the City of Batavia Republican Committee chair.

“Dave was just a great asset to this community, and not only respected by Republicans, but also by many of our Democratic friends,” said Richard Siebert, chairman of the Genesee County Republican Party. “He was so dedicated – fund raising for the party and instrumental in getting great candidates for the City of Batavia.”

Siebert said he was impressed by Saleh’s dedication to any cause that he supported.

“He was so active. Some people get in and then get out, but when Dave got into something, he stuck with it,” said Siebert, also mentioning that Saleh was a well-respected attorney and served as party chairman for the Town of Batavia for many years.

Saleh had been a lawyer for more than 40 years, with experience in various disciplines, including being both a defense attorney and prosecutor as well as practicing corporate and municipal law.

Saleh, vice president/general counsel for Inlighten Inc., of Clarence, also was involved in several community and civic organizations, including president of the Batavia Lions Club and was recognized for his volunteer efforts to support the residents of Corfu.

In September, he was honored by the Village of Corfu with the dedication of a new bench at the village hall.

As indicated in a story on The Batavian, Saleh used his legal expertise to help the village and the volunteer fire department. In 1995, he helped lead the effort to create a fire district to support the department and relieve the village of the expense. He's volunteered with the department for more than 40 years.

Three months earlier, Corfu volunteer firefighters supported Saleh in his fight against cancer by conducting a parade past his home and showing off their new fire engine tanker.

Telephone calls to Corfu Mayor Tom Sargent for comment on Saleh’s passing were not returned at the time of the posting of this story.

Saleh is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and four children. His obituary can be found by clicking on the Obituaries tab at the top of this page.

Law and Order: Man accused of driving wrong way on one-way street charged with pair of felony DWIs

By Billie Owens

Glennder J. Velez, 24, of Moulson Street, Rochester, is charged with: felony driving while intoxicated -- with a BAC greater than .08 percent; felony DWI -- common law; aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; driving in the wrong direction on a one-way street; operating a motor vehicle without an ignition interlock device. Velez was arrested at 8:14 p.m. on Oct. 23 on North Spruce Street in the city following a traffic stop. He was processed by Batavia police and is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Cowen Mitchell, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

Joel Morales Cruz, 46, of Swan Street, Batavia is charged with: speeding; illegal turn signal -- made less than 100 feet from turn; failure to notify a change of home address; driving while intoxicated -- first offense; and operation of a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more. Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis stopped Morales Cruz for allegedly speeding on Oak Street in Batavia at 4:38 a.m. Oct. 25. He was put through field sobriety tests, resulting in his arrested. He was processed then released with an appearance ticket for Jan. 26 in Batavia City Court. Batavia Police Officer Connor Borchert assisted in the case.

Russell J. Hamilton, 30, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, was arrested and charged with second-degree criminal contempt on Oct. 26. The arrest follows an investigation of a violation of an order of protection that occurred at 1:19 p.m. on Oct. 21, when Hamilton allegedly sent the protected party a text message. He was released with an appearance ticket returnable to Batavia City Court on Jan. 26. Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson handled the case.

Donald V. Notaro Jr., 22, of Deumant Terrace, Tonawanda, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs -- first offense, and operating a motor vehicle with an inadequate headlight. Notaro was arrested after a traffic stop on East Main Street in Batavia at 11:45 p.m. on July 3. He was processed at Batavia Police Department and issued traffic tickets to be in Batavia City Court on Jan. 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Joshua Girvin.

Russell J. Hamilton, 30, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. At 4:58 p.m. on Oct. 26, Hamilton was arrested after an investigation allegedly revealed he violated a stay away order of protection by being at the the protected person's home on Dellinger Avenue in Batavia. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail on $2,000 cash bail, $4,000 bond, or $8,000 partially secured bond. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer John Gombos, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Jamie L. Soto, 45, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt. Soto was arrested at 3:19 p.m. on Oct. 25 after an investigation revealed Soto violated a stay away order of protection by allegedly having physical contact with the protected party. Soto was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer John Gombos, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Rosemary R. Waters, 34, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with having an unregistered motor vehicle and driving while ability impaired by drugs. Waters was arrested on Dellinger Avenue in the City of Batavia at 3:23 a.m. on Aug. 17. She is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman, assisted by Officer John Gombos.

Jose Garcia, 35, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested after an investigation of an incident that occurred at 10:19 a.m. on Oct. 23 on South Main Street. Garcia is accused of kicking and damaging the front door of a residence. He was issued an appearance ticket then released. He is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Brandon C. Dodd, 33, of Highland Park, Batavia, is accused of petit larceny. He was arrested Oct. 23 following an investigation of a larceny that occurred at 2:56 p.m. on Oct. 19 at Tops Friendly Market in Batavia. Dodd was released with an appearance ticket for Jan. 12 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Freeman Samuel.

Genesee County at highest level of identified COVID cases since mid-April

By Press Release

There are now 30 active cases in Genesee County. The highest recorded total since April 15, when there were 32 active cases.

Press release:

New Cases – As of 2 p.m.

  • Genesee County received 12 new positive cases of COVID-19.
    • The new positive cases reside in Darien, Elba, Le Roy, Pavilion, and Oakfield.
    • The individuals are in their 0-19s (1), 20s (4), 30s (2), 40s (1), 50s (3), and 60s (1).
    • Five of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
    • Three of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
  • Orleans County received one new positive case of COVID-19.
    • The new positive case resides in Yates.
    • The individuals are in their 60s.
    • The individual was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
    • Eighteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
    • Three of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
    • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.
    • Orleans County was informed today, Oct. 28, that a staff member of Lyndonville Central School District has tested positive for COVID-19. Last day the staff member was in the school was Friday, Oct. 23. All contacts have been identified and have been placed under mandatory quarantine.

Randsco Pipeline crews return to work on county's Phase 2 water project as contractual issues are put on hold

By Mike Pettinella

Genesee County and Randsco Pipeline Inc., have agreed to put their quarrels on the back burner in order to proceed with a key segment of the county’s Phase 2 Water Supply project, a multimillion venture that is vital to supplying water to residential and commercial users.

The Genesee County Legislature this afternoon voted in favor of a late addition to its meeting agenda – a resolution to approve Work Change Directive No. 1 that directs the water and wastewater pipeline installation company “to promptly complete the work as specified in the (directive) by the completion dates (previously set forth).”

County Attorney Kevin Earl called what amounts to a ceasefire as “very positive because the county needs this portion of the project to proceed so that the rest of the project can be completed, with the ultimate goal of bringing more water to Genesee County.”

“This change directive was approved by the county and also was approved by Randsco’s attorney, so that means that Randsco is going to move forward with its portion of the project and both sides are going to reserve their rights to all issues,” he said. “Disputes regarding money or any other matters will be addressed afterwards.”

Edward Kowalewski Jr., attorney with Hodgson Russ LLP of Buffalo, drafted Work Change Directive No. 1, and it subsequently was reviewed and approved by County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens, Earl and Clark Patterson Lee, the Rochester engineering firm representing Genesee County on the water project.

Randsco Pipeline has contracted with the county to connect water main in the North Road and Vallance Road areas in the Town of Le Roy under the I-90 Thruway as part of the county’s Phase 2 Water Supply Project.

Last Wednesday, the legislature’s Ways & Means Committee passed a resolution authorizing Legislature Chair Rochelle Stein to sign an engagement letter with Hodgson Russ to provide legal advice concerning “serious disputes” with the contractor at the rate of up to $305 per hour.

Today’s action reopens the door for Randsco to resume the contracted work authorized by the legislature.

“This is good news,” Stein said.

The Batavian previously reported that the legislature approved a change to a contract with Randsco Pipeline, adding $125,000 to a pact for the installation of reinforcing sleeves on five tangential tee connections along the transmission main on North Road in the Town of Le Roy.

The modification raised the total contract amount to approximately $5.6 million.

Hens said that the change order related to the reinforcement of five tangential tees or hydrant assemblies off the 36-inch water main on North Road and to prevent any future leaks at the tees due to settlement or car accidents involving hydrants.

Randsco Pipeline’s work is part of a $23.5 million project that will add 2.4 million gallons per day to the county’s water supply from Monroe County Water Authority sources, essentially doubling the current output of 2.5 million gallons per day.

On Tuesday, Hens issued a media release, stating that water main work will be resuming on North Road between Conlon Road and Route 19 in the Town of Le Roy.

The road will be open to traffic, but there will be lane closures and temporary delays starting at 7:30 a.m. through 5 p.m. each day for the remainder of the week.

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