State of Emergency

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office has issued a warning and reminder for residents to be prepared for an impending storm by taking care of errands in advance, while Gov. Kathy Hochul has already declared a State of Emergency for several New York State counties including Genesee in light of forecasts for strong winds, freezing temperatures and lake effect snow over the next three days.

The feisty winter weather is likely to cause power outages and potentially life-threatening conditions beginning on Saturday, although the call for strong winds have been issued for Friday evening, according to weather forecasts. 

Whiteout conditions are possible Saturday and Sunday, with difficult to near-impossible travel conditions. There is a travel ban for empty and tandem trucks/trailers to begin Saturday at 9 a.m. on Thruway and other  state roads in Western New York.

Hochul has deployed 100 members of the New York National Guard to Western New York to support emergency response operations, and encourages New Yorkers to enjoy the Buffalo Bills game from home. Those planning to attend should pay close attention to weather and travel updates, a press release from Hochul's office states.

New Yorkers Can Subscribe for Emergency Alerts Here

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office further advises that, due to the winter storm anticipated to affect the Genesee County area starting Friday evening with high winds and continuing throughout the weekend with the addition of areas of heavy snow accumulations and zero visibility, residents should "plan ahead, complete any necessary errands now and avoid traveling during these storm-like conditions."

UPDATED 10:28 p.m. from the National Weather Service:

On Wednesday, Batavia First Presbyterian Church issued a statement through Rev. Roula Alkhouri about the church being willing to provide care for any undocumented immigrants that show up in Genesee County during this time of a local State of Emergency and related executive order. 

The order bans entities such as hotels and motels from taking in busloads of immigrants that arrive here, which is a current fear given talk that downstate New York may be sending immigrants elsewhere, including other parts of New York. 

The Batavian asked Alkhouri for clarification about whether the church intended to provide shelter as well as amenities such as food and clothing. She responded with a revised statement Thursday in response to the Genesee County State of Emergency regarding Sustainable Migration.

In short, yes -- shelter is part of the offering.

"We, the spiritual leaders of First Presbyterian Church of Batavia,  are very concerned.  While we can't solve the country's immigration issues, we are a church that helps people, all people.  Our Christian beliefs and mission compel us to show compassion and dignity to all of those in need and don’t believe that should conflict with any laws in our country. By example our church is part of a joint ministry of many churches known as 'Los Samaritanos' which provides support on a regular basis to those who are released from the Buffalo Federal Detention Center here in Batavia," she said. "This help takes the form of providing temporary shelter, food, clothing, and/or transportation. We also provide the same kind of help for those who are in a temporary crisis. We will continue to be to help others, all others, who are in need and thus we will respond as Jesus has taught us, “for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Matthew 25:25-36."

In light of the possibility that this church, or anyone in the county, would potentially provide assistance, Landers expressed his concerns and invited others considering such a move to have a conversation with him before doing so.

As Genesee County prepares to enter its third week of not allowing any undocumented immigrants to enter, per an executive order barring busloads of immigrants expected to leave New York City for upstate, at least one Batavia church has extended a welcoming message.

“We are a church that is open to help people, all people. We know we can’t solve the political problem of immigration.  However, our Christian beliefs lead us to show compassion and dignity to those in need,” said the Rev. Roula Alkhouri of Batavia First Presbyterian Church Wednesday. “For us, the help we are prepared to offer is no different than the help we currently offer people that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement release from the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility on a regular basis. Los Samaritanos, a joint ministry of multiple churches, supports those who are released from the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia.

“If the need arises for us to help others, we will respond as Jesus has taught us”:

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you  welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.  Matthew 25:25-36

Alkhouri spoke on behalf of the church elders after a meeting this week to discuss the issue that has caused a local and regional State of Emergency and ongoing executive order that is being evaluated five days at a time.

In short, the order may fine anyone that harbors undocumented immigrants and zeroes in on hotels and motels. Law enforcement has been on heightened alert for busloads of visitors to the county.

Because First Presbyterian Church has been involved in the Los Samaritanos program and other civil rights initiatives, The Batavian asked how its leadership and congregants felt about this ongoing immigrant situation.

County Manager Matt Landers issued the local State of Emergency and related executive order on May 15 and has extended it once already. During Wednesday’s county Legislature meeting, he said it was likely that he would extend the order again for five more days at the end of this week.

Landers noted that Genesee County is not alone in its concern, as there are some 22 state counties with similar executive orders also in effect.

During the manager’s initial announcement, he mentioned that the county was already “stretched too thin” to be able to deal with — and pay for — additional people seeking shelter, food and similar amenities.

The county already has a “homeless” problem, he said. The Batavian asked him to clarify that.

“It's currently a challenge in Genesee County because we don't have a homeless shelter. We use our local motels, and they fill up at times, and there's situations where somebody presents as homeless to DSS, and we don't have space for them now. So under those conditions, similar to Orleans County, they specifically did their state of emergency, I believe, because of homelessness,” Landers said. “That is a factor of us not having the resources to take care of our own homeless. So, therefore, we really are not in a position to take on busloads of other homeless."

How many homeless people do we have here?
“It’s fluid,” he said. “I do know that at times it is not uncommon that we have to utilize a shelter in Buffalo or Rochester for our own homeless.”

Can others step in to help?
As for another organization, in this case, First Presbyterian Church, offering assistance to immigrants, "Genesee County is not in a position to house and handle an influx of asylum seekers," Landers said.

"These individuals need more than just a place to sleep, and any organization that circumvents the County is only doing a disservice to both the people of Genesee County and the asylum seekers," he said.  "I welcome any group to reach out to my office to have an open and honest dialogue on the County's capabilities."

Citing “an abundance of caution,” County Manager Matt Landers declared a local state of emergency for Genesee County earlier Wednesday in response to rippling speculations about potential busloads of undocumented immigrants being sent this way from New York City.

One of the last straws — in an untidy political mix of statements about where immigrants should and should not go — was Orleans County’s declaration issued prior to Genesee County on Wednesday, Landers said. That was apparently one of the reasons for an executive session called abruptly after the Ways and Means meeting at the Old County Courthouse.

The private, executive session was called for what Legislator Marianne Clattenburg termed “what happened this afternoon.”

So The Batavian asked, what happened this afternoon?

“Well, a lot of it was just meetings with various stakeholders, Orleans County issuing their state of emergency was probably a prompt. Because of that, we took notice of that, there was a lot of speculation that raised our concerns about how easily a group of asylum seekers could end up at our doorstep without us even knowing,” Landers said. “So I guess it was our vulnerability that came to light of how simple and how easy and how fast that could happen, that we wanted to have this in place, in case that were to happen.

“So that was probably some of the prompts that happened throughout the day that caused us to take this action,” he said.

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney had previously issued a press release opposing a move to send immigrants to upstate SUNY campuses, though that doesn’t seem to be any official step being taken by the state government at this time. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been pushing to move immigrants north.

Landers said that, because Genesee Community College receives both county and state funding, that he isn’t certain whether he would include GCC at some point in the list of entities discouraged from taking in busloads of immigrants during the county’s state of emergency. But for now, he is instead emphasizing hotels and motels.

The Batavian asked if he was aware of two busloads of people dropped off at The Clarion on Wednesday, rumored to be immigrants and news that was shared with us by a Batavian reader. They were confirmed by Sheriff’s Office personnel to be National Guards here for training, Landers said.

“Because it's about doing a good job of being aware. You know, we have contacts throughout the county that are in positions to help give any kind of advanced notification if there was an issue that came to light,” he said. “So there is a heightened awareness for county operations right now.”

State Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a State of Emergency for New York State for similar reasons, and for what Landers believes is to probably try and capture federal government financial resources, “which is understandable,” he said.

“This is more to get a better handle on control in Genesee County, and have the situation to an abundance of caution to be able to respond to a situation where we're not aware of asylum seekers coming to our community, there’s channels out there, and I do have confidence in the governor's office, through their representative, that they would try to reach out to us if there was a group that was heading to Genesee County, but there's different avenues of which that they can come from and it's not all through the governor's office,” Landers said. “So I am in consultation with the governor's office and, and the representative has been very forthcoming and upfront with me, and I think we've got a great working relationship. But that's only one piece of the puzzle. So the state of emergency is kind of trying to cover multiple scenarios, you know … And, again, we'll evaluate the state of emergency in the next five days, and see if we've covered everything, and maybe we strengthen it, modify it, or let it expire.”

The county’s Local State of Emergency was declared for Genesee County, due to New York City's program to rapidly increase the number of migrants in this County to unsustainable levels.  

“Pursuant to NYS Executive Law § 24, when a State of Emergency is in effect, the County  Manager may promulgate local emergency orders to protect life and property or to bring the emergency situation under control.

By law, upon reconsideration of all the relevant facts and circumstances, such an order may be extended for additional periods not to exceed five days each during the pendency of the state of emergency.  

Press release:

Out of an abundance of caution, a local State of Emergency has been put into place by County Manager L. Matthew Landers as of May 17, 2023, in response to New York City’s program to bus migrants and asylum seekers to other counties in New York State. Genesee County is not equipped for a rapid increase of persons in need of services, and if the City of New York or other municipalities were to flood the County with migrants and asylum seekers, the situation would only worsen.

This Local Emergency Order will remain in effect for five days unless sooner modified, extended or revoked. It may be extended for additional periods not to exceed five days during the pendency of the local state of emergency. This order may be referred to as the “Genesee County Sustainable Migration Protocol."

Press Release

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a State of Emergency was issued Thursday morning for 11 counties as a winter storm is forecast to impact portions of upstate New York with intense lake effect snow through Sunday. The most significant snowfall is expected Thursday and Friday with accumulations of up to four feet of snow possible in the Buffalo area and up to two feet or more of snow possible in the Watertown area, with snowfall rates of three or more inches per hour. Hazardous travel conditions and local power outages as a result of the storm are likely due to the combination of snow and wind in the forecast. Lightning and thunder may also occur in the heavier, more intense bands. Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel Thursday evening through Friday, particularly in the Buffalo and Watertown areas.

The State of Emergency applies to the following counties, as well as contiguous counties: Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Niagara, Oneida, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Wyoming.

"We all have to do our part to make sure that everyone stays safe during this winter storm — that's why I have declared a State of Emergency for impacted counties, which will free up resources and boost our readiness," Governor Hochul said. "My administration has been preparing around the clock for this potentially life-threatening weather event, bringing in additional safety personnel and equipment, closing down the New York State Thruway, and activating Emergency Operation Centers. I urge all New Yorkers to stay prepared and vigilant over the next few days, making sure to look after vulnerable loved ones and neighbors."

Lake Effect Snow Warning and Winter Storm Watches are in effect through Sunday evening for several counties in the Western New York, Finger Lakes, Central New York and North Country regions. As of Thursday, the National Weather Service forecast anticipates several feet of snow for multiple locations over the duration of this storm.

For a complete listing of weather watches and warnings in your area, visit your area's National Weather Service website.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "I can't stress enough the need for anyone in the path of this dangerous snowstorm to take action to prepare for several days of heavy snow, wind, dangerous travel conditions and the potential for power outages. New Yorkers are familiar with this kind of weather, but it's our first major snowstorm of the season, so let's please be careful, do your shopping and other errands now before the heavy snow starts falling, if you can, and touch base with friends and neighbors to make sure they are ready for the storm, too."

Agency Preparations:

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is closely monitoring weather and travel conditions, coordinating State agency response operations, and will be communicating with local governments throughout the event.

The State Office of Emergency Management's Emergency Operations Center is activating Thursday and the State's stockpiles are prepared to deploy assets to localities to support any storm-related needs.

The State Office of Fire Prevention and Control has assets such as emergency response vehicles, UTVs ready to deploy for mutual aid requests, as needed.

Department of Transportation (DOT)

The State Department of Transportation is responding with 3,287 supervisors and operators. Staff can be configured into any type of response crew that is required, including snow and ice operations, drainage, chipper, load and haul, and cut and toss. Additionally, 75 Incident Command System (ICS) personnel are available to support the upcoming event.

To support lake effect snow response in critical areas, a total of 112 staff from other regions, including 92 plow truck operators/supervisors, 11 equipment operator instructors, six mechanics, one operations manager, 1 ICS support staff, one safety representative, and one ICS support staff member were deployed to impacted regions. Additionally, 15 plow trucks, 6 medium duty trucks with plow, and 1 bulldozer were also deployed. They are distributed as follows:

Western NY/Buffalo - Personnel Deployments (87):

·         70 operators

·         7 supervisors

·         4 equipment operator instructors

·         4 mechanics

·         1 operations manager

·         1 ICS support staff

Equipment Deployments (22):

·         15 large plow trucks

·         6 medium duty plow trucks

·         1 bulldozer

All out of region resources will be in place by Wednesday afternoon or evening. The need for additional resources and equipment will continue to be re-evaluated as conditions warrant throughout the event.

All residency locations will remain staffed for 24/7 operations throughout the duration of the event and priority cleanup operations. All available snow and ice equipment is ready to deploy. Fleet mechanics in affected areas will be staffing all main residency locations 24/7 to perform repairs and keep trucks on the road. Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

·         1522 large plow trucks

·         140 medium duty plows

·         50 tow plows

·         329 large loaders

·         38 snowblowers

DOT is implementing a full commercial vehicle ban at the following locations beginning Thursday at 4 P.M.:

·         Interstate 190 - Route 62 to I-90

·         Interstate 290 - full length

·         Interstate 990 - full length

·         Route 33 - full length

·         Route 219 - Route 39 to I-90

·         Route 400 - full length

·         Buffalo Skyway Route 5 - full length

·         I-81 - Exit 33 to Canadian border - trucks use right lane only

To find the latest traffic and travel conditions, call 511, visit www.511ny.org or download the free 511NY mobile app. The online system and mobile app include a state road map, indicating which roads are experiencing snow conditions and where conditions are normal.

Thruway Authority

Thruway Authority personnel are staffed around the clock and ready to respond to the lake effect storm with 657 operators and supervisors statewide. Thruway has shifted and deployed additional staff and equipment from its New York, Syracuse, and Albany Divisions to support snow and ice operations in the potentially hardest hit areas in Western New York. Deployed resources include operators and supervisors, mechanics, large plow trucks, and large snowblowers.

Additionally, Thruway Emergency Operations Centers will be staffed in Buffalo and headquarters for the duration of the storm to assist with managing snow and ice operations, traffic incident response, emergency management, and real-time traveler information.

Beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday, all commercial traffic will be banned on the New York State Thruway (I-90) from exit 46 (Rochester I-390) to the Pennsylvania border, and the Niagara Thruway from I-90 to exit 22 (Route 62). ALL commercial traffic heading eastbound on the Thruway must exit at exit 61 (Ripley - Shortman Rd).

Commercial traffic heading westbound on the Thruway towards Pennsylvania from points east, should use exit 46 (Rochester - I-390) for I-390 to I-86 West.

Thruway statewide equipment numbers and resources are listed below:

·         346 large and medium duty plow trucks

·         9 tow plows

·         66 loaders

·         More than 132,000 tons of salt on hand

Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the Thruway.

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic information, live traffic cameras, and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway. You can follow the Thruway Authority on Twitter: @ThruwayTraffic and @NYSThruway and on Facebook at NYS Thruway Authority.

Division of Military and Naval Affairs (DMNA)

DMNA will have 60 personnel on duty as of 6 p.m. tonight to assist with the state's response: soliders from the 2nd Squadron 101st Cavalry, which is based at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station and the 105th Military Police Company at the Masten Avenue Armory, and Airmen from the 107th Attack Wing.

Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

DEC police officers, forest rangers, emergency management staff and regional staff are on alert and monitoring the developing situation and actively patrolling areas and infrastructure impacted by severe weather. DEC is coordinating resource deployment with agency partners and all available assets are positioned to assist with any emergency response.

DEC is advising backcountry users to be aware of and prepared for winter conditions. Winter hiking safety and preparedness are extremely important regardless of a hiker's physical ability or destination. Properly preparing for winter conditions is essential for a more enjoyable and safer experience. Additional information on winter hiking is available here.

DEC reminds those responsible for the large-scale removal and disposal of snow to follow best management practices to help reduce the potential for pollutants like salt, sand, oils, trash and other debris in snow from affecting water quality. More information is available here.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Park visitors should check parks.ny.gov or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings, and closings.

Department of Public Service

New York's utilities have approximately 5,730 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts. This includes an additional 230 external FTEs secured by National Grid. NYSEG has increased its contractor support in the Western New York area in preparation for the lake effect snow. DPS staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

State Police

The State Police is adding extra patrols to the areas that will be most impacted by the lake effect snow, and will also be staging additional specialty vehicles, including utility task vehicles and snowmobiles, in those regions. All four-wheel drive vehicles will be deployed, and troop emergency power and communications equipment has been tested.

Winter Safety Tips

Winter Travel

Some of the most important tips for safe driving include:

·         When winter storms strike, do not drive unless necessary.

·         Use caution on bridges as ice can form quicker than on roads.

·         If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods, and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.

·         If you have a cell phone or other communications device, such as a two-way radio, available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.

·         The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.

·         It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit, to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, as this is the most efficient and safe way to clear several lanes at one time.

·         Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions. Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while its operating.

Heavy Exertion

Heavy exertion, such as shoveling snow, clearing debris or pushing a car, increase the risk of a heart attack.

 

To avoid problems:

·         Stay warm, dress warm and SLOW DOWN when working outdoors.

·         Take frequent rests to avoid over-exertion

·         If you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain in your jaw radiating down your arm, STOP and seek help immediately.

Power Outages

·         Call your utility to determine area repair schedules

·         Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored; leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored

·         If heat goes out during a winter storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need

Heating Safety

·         Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters

·         Always follow manufacturer's instructions

·         When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation

·         Keep curtains, towels and potholders away from hot surfaces

·         Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors and make sure they work

·         If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of heat, follow these safety tips:

-Follow the manufacturers' instructions

-Use only the correct fuel for your unit

-Refuel outdoors ONLY and only when the unit is cool

-Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects

-When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly

For more safety tips, visit https://dhses.ny.gov/safety.

 

Genesee County has gotten some attention from the Department of Homeland Security due to a severe weather watch for the next few days.

Department Commissioner Jackie Bray was heading this way to work alongside the county’s Emergency Management Services team, Legislature Chairwoman Shelley Stein said Wednesday evening.

The commissioner — whose most recent Twitter posts include news that Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency -- planned to be embedded with county workers throughout the weather event, Stein said. Hochul's declaration Thursday morning was for 11 counties in New York predicted to be impacted by heavy lake effect snow.

The counties include Genesee, as well as  Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Jefferson, Lewis, Niagara, Oneida, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Wyoming. As of 4 p.m. Thursday, all commercial traffic had been banned on multiple state roads and state Thruway I-90 from Exits 46 to 61.

Citizens are to brace for the most heavy accumulations of up to four feet of snow in the Buffalo area. Hazardous travel conditions and local power outages may occur as a result of the combination punch of snow and wind that's been prevalent in weather forecasts. Hochul has urged New Yorkers to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel Thursday evening (tonight) and Friday.

Several people have been dispatched to combat the elements, including 70 operators, seven supervisors, four equipment operator instructors, four mechanics, one operations manager and one support staff in the Western New York region, the press release stated.

The City of Batavia is prepared, Manager Rachael Tabelski said, and she has been talking with police, fire and public works departments, and county, utility and state leaders all day to ensure storm protocols are in place. Tabelski was glad to see that state roads and the Thruway are being partially shut down early as a proactive measure.

"I think shutting down truck traffic early is very helpful ... and rerouting trucks -- We just want to keep as many arterial roads open as we can," she said Thursday afternoon. "We will be determining early in the morning if we will close City Hall. We're hoping to remain open to serve all of our residents."

During talks with municipal leaders, Tabelski was reminded that commercial trucks that use the Thruway and other major highways have gotten stuck idling during intense storms, and that makes it nearly impossible for snowplow operators to do their jobs and clear snow. Rerouting that traffic well before a storm hits was a good move to help alleviate that issue, she said. 

All major department personnel from the police, fire, public works, snow removal and water and sewer plants will remain open Friday, but the mall market slated for Saturday has been canceled, and the Yard Waste Station will be closed this weekend as a precautionary step, she said. 

"I'm not saying we're rusty, but it's our first snowstorm (this season); we've got a great team in the city and county," Tabelski said. "Stay safe, stay home, use your generator outside and not inside, don't use stoves to keep warm, make sure you've got batteries ... don't light candles inside. We feel as prepared as we can be for one of these events."

As for feeling confident that a storm of the predicted intensity -- with quantity and speed of potential snowfalls -- Tabelski couldn't commit to that. "We just don't know," she said. But, per the popular adage, it's better to be safe than sorry.

She also wanted to extend a "thank-you" to those city, county and state employees that are out there in the middle of the night plowing and clearing roadways "so that we can live our lives" and remain safe.

Batavia City School District and all after-school activities will be closed Friday, Superintendent Jason Smith said. The Batavian will be publishing an ongoing list of closures and cancellations as they are received.

So hunker down, snuggle up, and get ready for some wintry weather to safely endure from inside.

File photo of January's snow clean-up, by Howard Owens.

A statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley on Gov. Cuomo's decision to end COVID-19 State of Emergency in NYS June 24:

“While this should’ve happened months ago when my colleagues and I in the Assembly Minority called on those in the Majority to restore checks and balances to state government, I am happy that a return to constitutional state government is imminent.

"The needless restrictions the governor mandated within our businesses, schools, places of worship and communities caused a great deal of struggle and suffering, so it is heartening to know the days of living at the mercy of the governor’s whims are coming to an end.”

City of Batavia State of Emergency Proclamation

A State of Emergency is hereby declared in the City of Batavia, New York for a period of time beginning at 4:30 p.m. on May 20, 2020 and continuing in effect until 4:30 p.m. on June 8, 2020.

This State of Emergency has been declared due to emergency conditions produced by: the continuing Nationally declared state of emergency, the New York State declared state of emergency, the County of Genesee declared state of emergency, and the anticipated arrival of the COVID-19 New Coronavirus in the City of Batavia. Such conditions threaten or imperil the public health or safety of the citizens of this municipality.

As Chief Executive of this municipality, I have exercised the authority given to me under New York State Executive Law, Article 2-B, to preserve the public safety and hereby render all required and available assistance vital to the security, well-being and health of the citizens of the City.

I hereby direct all City Departments to take those steps necessary to protect life and property, public health and infrastructure and other such emergency assistance as deemed necessary. In addition, I direct the following specific actions.

1. All City offices are closed to the public, except that the office of inspection and code enforcement will be open to the public beginning May 26, 2020, in accordance with the New York Pause Phase1 Reopening. The City will conduct business with the public remotely through the use of phones, computers, mail, or other means. These offices are otherwise closed to the public, unless a situation requires interaction with a member of the public as determined by the respective City Department on a case by case basis. The drop box for the payment of bills is still available at the front of City Hall.

2. City Council meetings will be closed to the public until further notice. Provision will be made for the public to observe or listen to City Council meetings.

3. All other regularly scheduled Board, Committee, Task Force, or other official City of Batavia meetings are closed to the public, and shall be either conducted by electronic means (phone, video conferencing, etc.) or cancelled.

4. City Parks remain open to public use provided that the State of New York declared restrictions on congregating are followed. However, all rental or reservation uses of city owned facilities are suspended until further notice. This includes parks, sports complexes, buildings, roadways, or public walkways. If any actions outline in this Declaration contradict any order issued by the State of New York then the State order shall control.

Martin D. Moore, Ph.D.,

Manager, City of Batavia

From Village of Bergen Mayor Anna Marie Barclay:

After much consideration, and collaboration with the Village Board of Trustees, Town Supervisor Ernest Haywood, and the Bergen Volunteer Fire Department, and determining what is in the best interests of the Village of Bergen and our residents and businesses, a new State of Emergency for the Village of Bergen will take effect at 3 p.m. today, April 15.

The declaration allows the Mayor discretion to use all facilities, equipment, supplies, personnel and other resources of the Village of Bergen to cope with the COVID-19 emergency.

It is anticipated that it will be critical to have Village of Bergen personnel available to respond to various needs arising in the Village. Assuredly, we will all rise to the occasion to help each other, to keep everyone as safe as possible, during this time.

Public Notice

The County of Genesee and the State of New York have declared States of Emergency in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The outbreak poses and immediate danger to public health and safety which endangers the residents and businesses of the Village of Bergen.

I believe it is in the best interest of the Village of Bergen and our residents/businesses for me to issue a State of Emergency in the Village of Bergen, which will allow me the discretion to use any and all facilities, equipment, supplies and other resources of the Village of Bergen in such a manner as may be neceesary or appropriate to cope with the disaster of emergency resulting there from.

In particular, but with no limitation, I anticipate that it will be critical to have the Village of Bergen personnel available to respond to specific, but currently unforeseen, needs arising in the Village. The Village of Bergen will be coordinating efforts with the Town of Bergen.

Therefore I have exercised the authority given to me and the Mayor and Chief Executive Officer of the Village of Bergen, pursuant to Article 2B of the Executive Law of the State of New York, and hereby declare a state of emergency effective this date, April 15, 2020 at 3 pm. in the Village of Bergen, Genesee County, New York.

This state of emergency shall remain in effect for the next 30 days unless and until rescinded or extended by me for additional 30-day period.

Any residents in need of special or emergency assistance are advised to contact 9-1-1. All residents are advised to monitor the Village of Bergen website, local media reports for continued updates and advisories.

Anna Marie Barclay

Mayor

Village of Bergen

Public Notice

David Miller, supervisor of the Town of Alexander, declared a State of Emergency at 10 a.m.. on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 and issued Emergency Orders effective at 10 a.m. March 25, 2020.

Town of Alexander Town Offices and Highway Garage are closed to the public for five  days unless rescinded earlier or renewed in five-day increments.

Taxes, dog licenses and other payments or applications may be placed in the drop box located near the front door of the Town Hall, or mailed to the Town Hall at 3350 Church Street, Alexander, New York 14005.

Receipts will be mailed to you after they have been processed.

The Alexander Town Clerk is also available by email at:   clerkax@rochester.rr.com

David Miller

Supervisor of the Town of Alexander

Public Notice

By order of Town of Bethany Supervisor and Chief Executive Officer Carl Hyde Jr., a State of Emergency is hereby declared in the Town of Bethany, effective at 3 p.m. on March 19, 2020 due to the ongoing viral pandemic of COVID-19 and the existing States of Emergency at the Federal, State, and County level.

This State of Emergency is declared in an effort to protect public health and safety and will remain in effect for 30 days or until rescinded by a subsequent order.

As the Chief Executive of the Town of Bethany, County of Genesee, State of New York, I, Carl Hyde Jr., exercise the authority given me under Section 24 of the New York State Executive Law, to preserve the public safety and hereby render all required and available assistance vital to the security, well-being, and health of the citizens of this Municipality. I hereby direct all departments and agencies of the Town of Bethany to take whatever steps necessary to protect life and property, public infrastructure, and provide such emergency assistance deemed necessary.

Emergency Orders

These orders took effect March 19, 2020 at 3 p.m. and will remain in effect for five days unless rescinded earlier or renewed in five-day increments by the Chief Executive Officer:

• Town of Bethany Town Hall, Town Offices and Highway Garage are closed to the public. Employees will continue to receive regular pay and be considered as on-call in the event of an emergency. Employees are encouraged to take all steps to avoid personal infection of the virus so that they remain ready in case of further emergency.
• Bethany Town Board meetings are cancelled until further notice.
• All Bethany Town Court matters are cancelled until further notice.
• Taxes, dog licenses and other payments or applications may be placed in the drop box located near the front door of the Town Hall or mailed to the Town Hall at: 10510 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany, NY 14054. Receipts will be mailed to you after they have been processed.
• ​The Town of Bethany Transfer Station will be open for use for Bethany residents on Saturday, March 21 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. ONLY and will close permanently thereafter. Residents must dispose of their trash as quickly as possible with as little personal contact as possible. (The Transfer Station will not be open as previously planned on March 28, 2020.)

These actions are in the interest of protecting public health and reducing transmission of COVID-19.

Carl Hyde, Jr.

Town Supervisor

Town of Bethany

March 19, 2020

The Town of Byron Supervisor, Peter Yasses, has declared a State of Emergency on today, March 20, 2020 at 3 p.m. and issued an Emergency Order effective Saturday, March 21, 2020 beginning at 12:01 a.m.

• The Town of Byron Town Office and Highway Garage are closed to the public effective March 21, 2020 until further notice.
• The Town will conduct business with the public via telephone, email or other means.
• All Town Board, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings are cancelled until further notice.
• All Town of Byron Court matters are cancelled until further notice.
• The transfer station will continue to remain open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

All Town Clerk, Tax Collecting and dog license matters can be deposited in the secure drop box in the foyer or mailed to the Town of Byron, P.O. Box 9, Byron, NY 14422.

Please email (townclerk@byronny.com) or call (585-548-7123, ext. 10) the Town Clerk with any questions you may have.

Public Notice

Greg Rogers, Village of Le Roy mayor, declared a State of Emergency at on March 19, 2020 and issued an Emergency Order effective March 19, 2020 beginning at 1 p.m.

Village of Le Roy Office and DPW Garage are closed to the public effective March 19, 2020 for fivedays unless rescinded earlier or renewed in five-day increments.

The Village will conduct business with the public remotely through the use of phones, computers, mail, or other means.

Sewer bills will be received by mail, and may be dropped off in the drop box located on the west side of Village Hall. They will be processed during regular business hours. You may email the Clerk-Treasurer to inquire about other services.

Village Clerk-Treasurer:  sjeary@villageofleroy.org

Phone number (585)768-2527, ext. 2216

Public Notice

By order of the Town Supervisor a State of Emergency is hereby declared in the TOWN OF PAVILION, effective at 3 p.m. today -- March 19, 2020 -- due to the ongoing viral pandemic of COVID-19 and the existing States of Emergency at the Federal, State, and County level.

This State of Emergency is declared in an effort to protect public health and safety and will remain in effect for 30 days or until rescinded by a subsequent order.

As the Chief Executive of the Town of Pavilion, County of Genesee, State of New York, I, Robert J. LaPoint , exercise the authority given me under Section 24 of the New York State Executive Law, to preserve the public safety and hereby render all required and available assistance vital to the security, well-being, and health of the citizens of this Municipality. I hereby direct all departments and agencies of the Town of Pavilion to take whatever steps necessary to protect life and property, public infrastructure, and provide such emergency assistance deemed necessary.

Robert J. LaPoint

Town Supervisor

Town of Pavilion

March 19th, 2020

Public Notice

A State of Emergency is hereby declared in the Town of Pembroke, New York for a period of five days beginning at 5 p.m. today -- March 20, 2020 -- with possible extension if needed.

The State of Emergency has been declared due to the continuing nationally declared state of emergency, the New York State declared state of emergency, and the County of Genesee declared state of emergency due to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus.

Such conditions threaten or imperil the public health or safety of the citizens of this municipality.

As Chief Executive of this municipality, I have exercised the authority given to me under New York State Executive Law 24, to preserve the public safety and hereby render all required and available assistance vital to the security, well-being and health of the citizens of the Town.

Town offices are hereby closed to the Public and all nonemergency functions will be postponed. A drop box will be made available outside the Town Hall for the public to drop off important business.

The scheduled three-year assessment revaluation has been postponed until 2021.

Town meetings scheduled for next week are canceled.

For the duration of the State of Emergency, Town employees are being directed to work from home to the extent practicable and can access email and phone messages from home.   

Town Clerk, 585-762-4105, town-clerk@townofpembroke.org

Please mail all payments/paperwork to: 1145 Main Road, Corfu, NY 14036. Receipts will be mailed back to you. All March and April Dog License renewals will have until May 31^st to renew. Funeral Directors, please call to file a death certificate. If you need to renew a handicap permit, please call and one can be mailed out to you.

Town Assessor, 585-356-2150, assessor@townofpembroke.org

Call for appointment.

Building and Zoning, 585-762-4108, zoning-codes@townofpembroke.org  

Town Court, 585-599-4817, ext. 5

Town Court will be CLOSED until further notice. Please call with questions.

Town Supervisor, cell 585-762-4107 or 585-409-8429, supervisor@townofpembroke.org

Please call with questions, concerns.

Highway Superintendent, cell 585-506-2690, highway@townofpembroke.org

Thomas C. Schneider Jr.

Town Supervisor

Public Notice

Norman Itjen, Village of Elba mayor, declared a State of Emergency at 12 p.m. today -- Friday, March 20, 2020 -- and issued an Emergency Order effective today, March 20, 2020 beginning at 12 p.m.

The Village Office, will be closed to the public effective March 20, 2020 for five days unless rescinded earlier or renewed in five-day increments. This is in an effort to do our part to control the coronavirus pandemic. The Village office for now will be open remotely through the use of phones, computers and mail, or through the Village drop box.

All scheduled meetings are postponed until further notice, please stay safe and keep your social distance.

Contact Information:

      Mail – Village of Elba, 4 S. Main St., P.O. Box 55, Elba NY 14058

      Email – elbavillage@rochester.rr.cm

      Phone – (585) 757-6889

      Website – elbanewyork.com

      Fax – (585) 757-9064

Public Notice

Donna Hynes, Town of Elba supervisor, declared a State of Emergency at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2020 and issued an Emergency Order effective today, March 20, 2020 beginning at 12 a.m.

In the Town of Elba, our physical office and highway department will be closed to the public effective March 20, 2020 for five days unless rescinded earlier or renewed in five-day increments. This is in an effort to do our part to control the coronavirus pandemic. The Town will still be available to answer your inquiries remotely through the use of phones, computers and mail, or other means.

Town Clerk -- Taxes and dog license requests with required documents should be dropped off in the box located in the vestibule of the Town Hall or mailed in. Tax payments may also be paid online. They will be processed and returned via US Post Service. Please email Town Clerk Trisha Werth to inquire about other services.

Contacts:
Trisha Werth, town clerk

• townclerk@elbanewyork.com
• 585-757-2762, ext. 1

Mark Yungfleisch, superintendent of Highways

• 585-757-2762, ext. 5

Website: www.townofelba.com

Donna Hynes

Elba Town Supervisor

DECLARATION OF A LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY

A State of Emergency is hereby declared in the TOWN OF LE ROY, effective at 12 p.m. today, March 19, 2020.

This State of Emergency has been declared due to the existing and continuing declared States of Emergency at the Federal, State, County, and Town of Le Roy, related to COVID-19.

This situation threatens the public safety.

This State of Emergency will remain in effect for thirty (30) days or until rescinded by a subsequent order.

As the Chief Executive of TOWN OF LEROY, County of Genesee, State of New York, I, James R. Farnholz,exercise the authority given me under Section 24 of the New York State Executive Law, to preserve the public safety and hereby render all required and available assistance vital to the security, well-being, and health of the citizens of this Municipality.

I hereby direct all departments and agencies of TOWN OF LEROY to take whatever steps necessary to protect life and property, public infrastructure, and provide such emergency assistance deemed necessary.

James R. Farnholz

Le Roy Town Supervisor

March 19, 2020

Press release:

Gregory Post, Town of Batavia supervisor, declared a State of Emergency at 6 p.m. on March 18, 2020 and issued an Emergency Order effective March 19, 2020 beginning at 12 a.m.

Town of Batavia Town Office and Highway Garage are closed to the public effective March 19, 2020 for five days unless rescinded earlier or renewed in five-day increments.

The Town will conduct business with the public remotely through the use of phones, computers, mail, or other means.

Town Board meetings will be closed to the public until further notice. Provisions will be made for the public to observe or otherwise remotely participate in Town Board meetings.

Taxes and dog license requests with required documents should be dropped off in the drop box located on the westside of the Town Hall, paid online or mailed in. They will be processed during regular business hours.

The Town Clerk will return your paperwork via U.S. Post Service. Email Town Clerk to inquire about other services.

Town Clerk email:  tmorasco@townofbatavia.com

Phone: 585-343-1729

Website - www.townofbatavia.com

From the Bergen Town Supervisor:

In the best interests of the Town of Bergen and our residents and businesses, and in collaboration with the Village of Bergen and the Bergen Fire Department, I will be issuing  a State of Emergency for the Town of Bergen as of 3 p.m. today (3/18/2020).

The declaration allows the Supervisor discretion to use all facilities, equipment, supplies, personnel and other resources of the Town of Bergen to cope with the COVID-19 emergency.

I anticipate that it will be critical to have Town of Bergen personnel available to respond to various needs arising in the Town. I am sure we will all rise to the occasion to help each other, safely, during this time.

Thank you,

Ernie Haywood,

Supervisor