By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 January 2016 at 12:00 am
Senate leader picks Randy Atwater, president of Barker Central School, for board reviewing Lighthouse Wind
YATES – One of the two local residents who will serve on siting board for the wind turbine project in Yates and Somerset has been named.
Randy Atwater, president of the Barker Board of Education, was appointed by John Flanagan, majority leader of the State Senate.
However, the other local resident was to be named by Carl Heastie, speaker of the State Assembly. But Heastie didn’t act on the matter, an “abdication of his duties,” said State Sen. Robert Ortt.
It will now fall on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to pick someone for the New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment. That board will review the proposed Lighthouse Wind project, which includes up to 71 wind turbines in Yates and Somerset.
“The speaker of the Assembly chose not to do his job,” Ortt said today following a Legislative Luncheon at Tillman’s Village Inn.
Flanagan was charged with picking one of the members, based on four submitted names from Ortt. The local state senator passed along four names of people nominated by Niagara County officials and Somerset Town Supervisor Dan Englert.
Besides Atwater, Cathie Orr, Thomas Staples and Robert Damon were nominated. Orr has been one of the proposed wind project’s loudest critics.
The Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment includes five state officials and two people from the local project area. State Assemblyman Steve Hawley passed along to Heastie four names of people from Yates who were submitted by Orleans County Legislature Chairman David Callard, and John Belson, the Yates town supervisor until Jan. 1.
The four nominated from Yates include Russell Martino, Cynthia Hellert, Glenn Maid and Jeffrey Oakes.
Hawley said he called Heastie’s office several times to press him to name one of the board’s members, but Heastie didn’t act before the deadline.
Hawley and Ortt have been critical of the loss of “home rule” on the project, with the final decision on land use made by the state instead of a local board. As part of a new Article 10 process, the decision for siting large-scale energy projects in New York rests with the Siting Board.
The five state representatives include the chairman of the Department of Public Service, commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, commissioner of the Department of Health, chairman of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and the commissioner of Economic Development.
“I’m against this process,” Ortt said today.
The Siting Board wouldn’t be officially convened until Apex Clean Energy submits a final application for the project in Yates and Somerset. Company officials say they are working to submit that application this summer.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 January 2016 at 12:00 am
File photo by Tom Rivers –Â Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul spoke at Hoag Library on Feb. 18, 2015, touting a $500 million plan to expand broadband Internet access throughout the state. The expanded broadband was part of the governor’s budget proposal and “Opportunity Agenda” a year ago.Hochul visited all 62 counties in the state last year.
GAINES – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce will have its annual “Legislative Luncheon” today, and is expected to be joined by New York’s lieutenant governor.
Kathy Hochul is scheduled to address the Chamber crowd at 1:30 at Tillman’s Village Inn. Hochul will be the highest-ranking state official to address the Legislative Luncheon, which goes back about 20 years.
Hochul plans to outline Gov. Cuomo’s 2016 State of the State Agenda. Hochul has been highlighting that plan in stops around the state.
She is a familiar face in Orleans County after representing the area in Congress until being defeated by Chris Collins.
The luncheon is also scheduled to include remarks from State Sen. Rob Ortt, State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Orleans County Vice Chairwoman Lynne Johnson and a representative from the Business Council of New York State.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 January 2016 at 12:00 am
Judges say Lighthouse Wind PSS not deficient
Photos by Tom Rivers – Three administrative law judges met at the Barker Fire Hall today to decide some issues with the proposed Lighthouse Wind project. The judges include, from left: David R. Van Ort and Sean Mullany of the Department of Public Service, and Richard A. Sherman from the Department of Environmental Conservation.
BARKER Three judges decided today that Apex Clean Energy wasn’t deficient in its preliminary scoping statement filed Nov. 23 and subject to hundreds of comments.
Somerset, Yates and Save Ontario Shores leaders have been among the critics of the PSS from Apex, saying the company didn’t provide specifics on the size of wind turbines, the exact locations and the turbine manufacturer.
The judges said the PSS wasn’t intended to have “precise” information, but instead to begin the public engagement process. The sizes, locations and other issues can be addressed if the application moves forward, the judges said.
Dan Spitzer, an attorney for the Town of Yates, said the town and residents are hampered in offering a meaningful critique and assessment of the PSS with so many unanswered questions.
Apex wants to build up to 71 wind turbines in Somerset and Yates that could be up to 620 feet high.
Yates and Somerset are among the parties that asked the PSS start over with Apex being forced to provide more details. But the judges denied that request today during a meeting in the Barker Fire Hall. The judges include David R. Van Ort and Sean Mullany of the Department of Public Service, and Richard A. Sherman from the Department of Environmental Conservation.
James Muscato, attorney for Apex Clean Energy, said the company is working to provide “robust” answers to questions about the project.
The trio of judges also made a decision on how to divvy up $70,350 in intervenor funds. That is money provided by Apex for municipalities and citizens groups to review the PSS. State law requires the company to provide $350 in funds for every proposed megawatt. Apex is proposing a 201-megawatt project.
The judges asked attorneys for Somerset, Yates and Save Ontario Shores to explain their estimates for expenses. The three entities identified about $140,000 in expenses, however there was only $70,350 from Apex for the review.
The judges met behind closed doors for about 20 minutes to determine how to split up the funds.
“There is just not enough money to go around, so obviously we’re going to have to make adjustments,” said David Van Ort, one of the judges.
Somerset will get the most: $40,350, followed by $20,500 for Yates, and $9,500 for Save Ontario Shores.
Van Ort told the three groups to work together to get the “biggest bang for the buck.” He also said attorneys could reduce some of their costs for postage and printing by using electronic mail.
Somerset officials identified up to $95,550 for reviewing the initial Preliminary Scoping Statement. That includes the expense of attorneys, engineers, an ornithologist to study the impact on wildlife, an expert on raptor migration to study the impact on wildlife, a real estate valuation advisor to study the potential impact on real estate values, and an audiologist to study the potential adverse health effects caused by the proposed project.
Attorneys and representatives for Yates, Somerset and Save Ontario Shores meet in the Barker Fire Hall after today’s meeting. Dan Spitzer, an attorney for Yates, is in center facing camera.
Yates identified $26,381.25 in costs for legal and engineering services, and Save Ontario Shores sought $19,430 to focus on acoustics, electrical issues, viable alternatives, water resources, biodiversity, and wildlife impacts. SOS has hired environmental attorney Gary Abraham.
Even though the judges approved the intervenor funding today, Van Ort said the two towns and SOS will need to submit bills with an explanation of the services provided. Each disbursement will be subject to review and approval by the judges.
Apex has until Feb. 11 to respond to “several hundred” comments on the PSS. After those responses, Apex officials said they look forward to more formal conversations about the project with the community and state agencies, said Taylor Quarles, development manager for Lighthouse Wind.
Jim Muscato, an attorney for Apex, told the judges and about 100 people at today’s meeting that the company is working to address the comments on the PSS.
“We want to provide full and robust and meaningful responses,” he said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 January 2016 at 12:00 am
PEMBROKE – The new National Cemetery in Pembroke will ensure veterans from Orleans County and Western New York have a fitting burial and well-maintained gravesite.
“Right now they have to drive to Bath for a National Cemetery,” said Earl Schmidt, the director of the Veterans Service Agency in Orleans County. “Now it will be within 15 minutes.”
The Department of Veterans Affairs acquired a 132-acre parcel at 1232 Indian Falls Road in 2014 for $625,000. The cemetery will have room for more than 96,000 veterans.
The VA will have a public meeting tonight to share information and solicit feedback on the cemetery. The meeting is scheduled in Batavia at the VA Medical Center from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Building #4.
Speakers will include Joshua M. de Leon, National Cemetery Administration; Glenn Madderom, Department of Veterans Affairs Cemetery Development and Improvement Service; and Mark Tillotson, Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Construction and Facilities Management.
VA officials will provide an update on the project and seek feedback on the master plan and design process.
Schmidt said he welcomes the cemetery to the area.
“A National Cemetery will always be maintained and veterans are honored everyday,” he said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 January 2016 at 12:00 am
Photo courtesy of Ashley Ward –Â This photo, taken approximately in 1983 during the Lyndonville Fourth of July Parade, shows Ashley Ward’s grandson Alan with a 13-foot-long fiberglass salmon.
MEDINA – Orleans County’s biggest fish is making a comeback.
A 13-foot-long fiberglass salmon used to be in parades in the 1980s, promoting the Orleans County Fishing Derby. Al Capurso acquired the giant fish on a trailer and parked it by the Bait Barn on Route 279 in Gaines.
The fish was there for about 25 years. Capurso has given the fish back to promote the fishery in the community.
File photo by Tom Rivers –Â Here’s how the fish looked in 2013 when it was by the Bait Barn.
Medina students led by teacher Todd Eick are working to restore the fish to its original luster. The fish had been painted reddish brown with the words “Go Fish.”
Students will paint the fish a shiny silver, refurbish the fiberglass and put in on a new mount. The county’s sportsfishing promotion department is buying a new trailer so the fish can be taken in parades and moved around the county, said Mike Waterhouse, the county’s sportsfishing promotion coordinator.
Money from the World Fishing Network, which named Point Breeze the “Ultimate Fishing Town” in 2013, will be used towards the project.
“We’ll get it done and get it up to snuff,” Waterhouse said.
However, the fish might not be ready until 2017, or it may make its new debut this year.
The fish was originally used to promote the Orleans County Fishing Derby. It was created by Chuck Wind of the Medina Rotary Club, said Ashley Ward, a long-time coordinator and volunteer for the derby.
The Medina, Holley and Albion Rotary clubs used to work together running the fishing derby. The Albion Rotary Club has been running the derby each August since 1984.
This year’s derby will be from Aug. 6-21. There are usually about 700 entrants with grand prize $4,000 for the biggest fish. For more on the derby, click here.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 21 January 2016 at 12:00 am
Photo by Kristina Gabalski – Sixth-grade members of the Kendall Elementary School Student Council stand behind their new “Buddy Bench” as they explain its meaning and function to members of the Kendall Central School Board Wednesday evening at Kendall Jr./Sr. High School.
KENDALL – Sixth-grade members of the Kendall Elementary School Student Council presented a new “Buddy Bench” to Board of Education members during their meeting on Wednesday.
The new bench will be a place for students to sit who are looking for a friend.
“The Buddy Bench is for children feeling lonely or sad, or who want to make new friends,” the students explained.
Student Sara Mattle even wrote a poem about the project which was inspired by Christian Bucks, a second grader in Pennsylvania:
“We made it with some tools, some screws and a wrench.
So when you’re feeling lonely, you can have a seat on the buddy bench.
And then a friend will come, and ask you to play.
Then you and that new friend will have fun all day!”
Advisors Amy Leone and Vicki Spurr assisted the students with the project.
“The teachers talked about it and presented the idea to (Principal) Sharon Smith and (Superintendent) Julie Christensen,” Spurr said. “We felt it was something we needed.”
The bench is painted in a bright and welcoming shade of red and will be located on the elementary school playground. It will be installed in the spring.
“Thank you for all the work you have done,” Superintendent Christensen told the students.
The Buddy Bench will be dedicated with a plaque in memory of the father of Principal Sharon Smith, who said the students are already working to raise funds for a second Buddy Bench.
56 others charged with fraud, misuse of food stamps
Taras Salamaca
MURRAY – A fourth Salamaca brother has been charged in a food stamp trafficking scheme and sale of untaxed cigarettes at the Murray Superette, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force announced today.
Taras R. Salamaca, 51, worked as an employee of the store. The resident of 2910 Kendall Rd. has been charged with one count of misuse of food stamps, food stamp program coupons, authorization cards and electronic devices (Class D felony); one count of grand larceny in the third degree (Class D felony); 1 count of scheme to defraud in the first degree (Class E felony); and one count of criminal sale of untaxed cigarettes.
Three other Salamaca brothers – Alexander, Myron and Olec – were all arrested on Oct. 27 following a 15-month investigation into a food stamp trafficking scheme and the sale of untaxed cigarettes from July 2014 to October 2015.
The Task Force and Orleans County Department of Social Services Welfare Fraud Unit have interviewed 130 people who have used their EBT cards over the past several years at the Murray Superette.
As a result of those interviews, Taras Salamaca was charged, along with 56 people who used their EBT cards in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for “SNAP” benefits and received untaxed cigarettes, alcohol, lottery tickets, gasoline or cash in exchange, the Task Force reported today.
Taras Salamaca was arraigned on Tuesday by Murray Town Justice Gary Passarell and released on his own recognizance. He is to appear in the Murray Town Court on March 9 at 6 p.m.
The 56 other people who were charged were issued tickets for welfare fraud and misuse of food stamps. They are to appear in Murray Town Court.
The investigation is ongoing with more arrests and charges pending, said Joseph Sacco, supervising investigator for the Task Force.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 January 2016 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Bruce Krenning relaxes at home today on the one-year anniversary of suffering from cardiac arrest.
ALBION – Bruce Krenning made the 7-hour drive from Albion to the Boston area on Jan.16, 2015. He didn’t feel his best, but Krenning pushed through.
He reached the area just in time for the birth of a new grandson, Jacob. He was born to Andrew and Nicole Krenning.
After that initial excitement, Krenning remembers feeling a constant cold. He was snuggled up in blankets, including on his head. On Jan. 20, a year ago, he ate dinner, settled into a recliner and was watching TV at his daughter Sarah’s house in the suburb of Chelmsford. (Sarah and her husband Peter live near Andrew and Nicole.)
Krenning told his daughter Sarah that something was wrong. He didn’t feel right. She was walking past him, when Krenning called out to her, “Sarah, help me.”
Krenning was in cardiac arrest, lifeless on the chair.
Sarah’s husband Peter called 911 and the dispatcher said to start CPR. Peter started chest compressions right away after he and Diane, Bruce’s wife, got him off the chair.
Four minutes after the call to 911, firefighters from the Chelmsford Fire Department arrived and took over CPR. They shocked Krenning with a defibrillator and his heart started beating again.
Krenning would go to Lowell General Hospital, when he spent nearly two weeks in recovery before coming home to Howlett Road in Albion. He received numerous get well cards while in the hospital and at home, and he said those lifted his spirits.
He didn’t suffer any stroke-like symptoms. He has continued an active life, although the pace is a little slower after retiring from farming and later insurance.
He remains chairman of the board of directors for Orleans Community Health, the parent organization of Medina Memorial Hospital. The board in April re-elected him as chairman.
Krenning, 72, and his wife both said they feel fortunate he survived.
“We know the statistics are not good,” Mrs. Krenning said.
The American Heart Association says only 8 percent of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital survive. Effective bystander CPR can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival, the American Heart Association reports.
Krenning said he is fortunate he had his “episode” at his daughter’s home. If he had been at his own home in rural Albion near Knowlesville, there likely wouldn’t have been enough time for paramedics to arrive with a defibrillator. Or he could have gone into cardiac arrest on the drive to Boston, when he was alone. His wife headed to the Boston area a week before he did so he could tidy up his office to tend to matters as he tried to transition into retirement.
Cardiac arrest is different than a heart attack. With cardiac arrest, the heart’s electrical system malfunctions. It may be caused by an irregular heart beat. A heart attack is caused by a blockage that stops blood flow to the heart.
Krenning, on the one-year anniversary of his cardiac arrest today, said he is grateful for the quick response a year ago, for the support of family and friends, and care from doctors at Lowell General, locally in Medina, and his cardiologist through Catholic Health, which is affiliated with Medina Memorial.
One doctor told Krenning he suffered “sudden death,” and is fortunate he didn’t die. Krenning said he doesn’t remember anything from his cardiac arrest. He doesn’t remember seeing a “white light” or anything like that. When he regained consciousness in the hospital, he recalls being disoriented and in pain.
He has been diligent in exercising, riding a bike on Howlett Road in warm weather and eating right. At 72, he walks with a cane, but that is due to arthritis.
The incident a year ago had a big impact on the immediate family in the room. Diane said she feels her faith in God is stronger. Her son-in-law, who gave Bruce CPR, quit a career in the high-tech industry and has become a financial advisor, helping people get insurance and plan for the future, including an unexpected loss.
Bruce and Diane have four grown children and 13 grandchildren. He was honored by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce in September 2014 with a “Lifetime Achievement” award for his many years of community service, including on the Albion and Lyndonville boards of education, the Orleans County and New York State Farm Bureau leadership, and with the hospital board.
Krenning these days is committed to the local hospital and wants to encourage people to learn the basics of CPR.
He and his wife also are active members of the East Shelby Community Bible Church.
“We’ve always had a strong faith,” Mrs. Krenning said. “But it has developed more. We’re calmer about things now. We know the importance of caring about other people.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 January 2016 at 12:00 am
Governor wants to limit outside-income for state legislators to 15 percent of base salary
Provided photo –Â Steve Hawley speaks during a rally in Canandaigua last month for more state funding for roads, bridges and infrastructure. A report on outside-income for state legislators shows Hawley earns the most of all 213 members of the State Legislature.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to limit state legislators’ outside income to no more than 15 percent of their base salary, currently $79,500. That limit is part of his ethics reform package for state legislators, following years of scandal in the state capitol.
If that limit is approved by the Legislature, state legislators could earn no more than $11,925 in outside income each year, based on the $79,500 base salary.
Two members of the State Assembly who both have districts that include portions of Orleans County make far more in outside income that the limits proposed by the governor.
Steve Hawley of Batavia owns The Insurance Center, Stephen M. Hawley and Associates in Batavia. He reported a net personal income of $450,000 to $550,000 as owner of the insurance company in 2014. That was more outside income than any other state legislator. Hawley’s 139th District includes all of Genesee, most of Orleans and a portion of Monroe County.
Jane Corwin of Clarence represents the Town of Shelby, as well as portions of Erie and Niagara counties in the 144th District. She reported an outside income of $100,000 to $150,000 in 2014 for serving as a director for Gibraltar Industries.
Hawley’s outside income at $450,000 minimum is more than double the next highest state legislator, Sen. Michael Nozzolio at $203,000. Nozzolio works as an attorney for the Harris Beach lawfirm.
Common Cause reviewed the disclosure forms submitted by lawmakers for 2014. (Click here to see the report.)
Some of the legislators, such as Rob Ortt, did not serve in the State Legislature in 2014. He was the mayor of North Tonawanda and was elected state senator in November 2014, replacing the retiring George Maziarz. Ortt took office as senator in January 2015.
Of 183 legislators elected prior to 2014, 110 or about 60 percent did not have any outside income and consider their role as assemblyman or state senator a full-time job, Common Cause reported.
The other 40 percent, or 73 of 183, report supplemental income with an average outside income between $47,216 to $80,216.
“The Legislature’s part-time structure allows professionals from diverse industries and backgrounds to serve the public,” according to Cuomo’s policy book for 2016. “This offers the distinct advantage of legislators who are not career politicians but, instead, have a diverse set of interests and experiences. To strike the right balance, the Governor proposes that New York State adopt limits on outside income akin to the limits our federal government places on legislators’ outside income. The proposal will limit state legislators’ outside income to 15 percent of their base salary.”
Hawley issued this response last week to the governor’s proposal:
“Rather than trying to limit outside income as the governor proposed, the legislature should have a tighter schedule, stricter deadlines and cut salaries so that citizens become involved in politics for the right reasons. Many legislators used to be farmers, as the governor mentioned, so maybe we should actually work like farmers.”
Hawley has served as assemblyman for 10 years. He said he doesn’t quote insurance for school districts, towns, villages, fire departments or any other municipalities.
Hawley said he was investigated by the Moreland Commission, which found no corruption or ethical wrongdoing on his part in December 2013.
Hawley said he supports “stringent ethics reform” that would strip corrupt politicians of their pensions and retirement benefits.
“I also support the Public Officers Accountability Act, which would institute term limits for legislative leaders, restrict the use of campaign money, and ban corrupt officials from running for future office,” he said.
Hawley worked on the family farm before getting in the insurance business in 1991, growing it from 1 1/2 to nine employees, and from $250,000 in premium to more than $10 million in premium now, he told Gannett News Service.
“I am an honest representative of the people of New York and work 80 hours a week between growing and operating my small business and representing my district in Albany,” he said in a previous statement. “The chance to give back to my constituents and represent the families and businesses of Western New York is a distinct honor and means more to me than any monetary compensation I receive.”
Hawley told the Orleans Hub he believes the public benefits from citizen legislators who work other jobs and businesses. Having a business, while also serving as a state legislator, gives elected officials “a reality check” when debating legislation and the state budget, Hawley said.
1,600 indirect supply chain jobs estimated to be created
Press Release, Genesee County Economic Development Center
BATAVIA – The Genesee County Economic Development Center and 1366 Technologies have developed an online intake form for local companies interested in pursuing potential supply chain/operational opportunities.
The form can be accessed at www.1366tech.com or www.wnystamp.com.
The 1366 Technologies solar wafer manufacturing facility will be constructed in the town of Alabama and is scheduled to open in 2017.
“There is a tremendous amount of talent and skill in the Genesee County area,” said Brian Eller, chief operating officer for 1366 Technologies. “We’re excited to begin the process of identifying those companies across the region that will contribute to the success of our project and our operations in Alabama.”
informANALYTICS, an economic development software tool, calculated that approximately 1,600 indirect jobs will be created. The overall economic impact of the direct, indirect and induced jobs is expected to be in the range of $1.5 billion.
“The exciting thing about economic development is not only the direct jobs created by companies like 1366 Technologies, but the indirect jobs that are created through supply chain opportunities,” said Steve Hyde, GCEDC president and CEO.
One of the ways in which 1366 Technologies will conduct outreach to the supply chain network is through the marketing and business networking assistance of Buffalo Niagara Enterprise and Greater Rochester Enterprise both of which played a key role in attracting the company.
“Because of the highly-skilled and talented workforce in the Finger Lakes and Western New York regions, 1366 Technologies is not going to have any problems finding the right partners to make their operations in New York State a tremendous success,” said Mark S. Peterson, president and CEO of the Greater Rochester Enterprise.
“The launch of the 1366 Technologies intake form provides great opportunities for Western New York companies and their employees to capitalize on this exciting high tech industry,” said BNE President and CEO Thomas A. Kucharski. “It also reinforces the longer term value of our economic development efforts by reminding us that 1366 Technologies’ economic impact extends well beyond their initial investment and job creation. That benefit will continue to grow with the success of this great company in our region.”
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 20 January 2016 at 12:00 am
KENDALL – The Cottages at Troutburg is proceeding, slower than originally projected.
Town Councilman Bruce Newell provided an update on Troutburg during Tuesday’s Town Board meeting.
The Wegman Group is developing the 126-acre former Salvation Army camp along Lake Ontario into seasonal homes. The developer says the site has room for 400 units.
Newell and Code Enforcement Officer Paul Hennekey reported that the town recently received a letter from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation informing them that it has raised the number of cottages from 8 to 20 that can be served by a temporary sewage treatment process by which an on-site facility is used as a holding tank and pumped. Hennekey said there are currently eight cottages onsite.
“I would like to hear more explanation about why the DEC thought it was appropriate,” Newell remarked regarding the increase in allowable cottages built before the treatment plant is fully operational.
Hennekey said an official at the DEC told him the holding facility, which will eventually function as a treatment facility, will function better in that capacity once 20 cottages have been built and that there would be no problem constructing additional cottages and issuing certificates of occupancy.
Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata said he wants Hennekey to contact the DEC again in order to pin down a time for the DEC to come out and inspect the facility.
“If they can give you factual data (the town) would be more comfortable with where we are at this point,” Cammarata said, and explained that if the current set-up is adequate, the cottages could proceed, but if it is not, the DEC could make recommendations regarding what should be done.
Hennekey noted that work is progressing on getting the treatment plant operational.
“They are working on it – it could be weeks away or months away,” he said.
In other action at the town meeting, Kendall Highway Superintendent Warren Kruger was welcomed to the regular Kendall Town Board meeting Tuesday evening with a round of applause from Town Board members. High winds and snowfall this week have kept Kruger and members of his department busy. Cammarata noted Kruger had spent the better part of the previous 24 hours working.
“Warren has been out all night and all day and has done a terrific job to keep our roads safe and clean,” Cammarata noted earlier in the meeting. Kruger joined the meeting in progress and Cammarata had given the highway department report prior to his arrival.
“We very much appreciate everybody in the highway department’s efforts to make Kendall a safe community to drive through,” Cammarata said.
Kruger noted that crews and plows are holding up well.
“Winter’s here and it’s blowing and drifting, it’s not the snow it’s the wind,” he said.
A series of new laws for women’s equality took effect today, including legislation for pay equity and more protections for victims of domestic violence.
“New York continues to lead the nation in promoting fairness, equality and justice for all,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “More than a century ago, our state was the birthplace of the national women’s rights movement, and now we are building on that legacy with the enactment of the women’s equality agenda.”
The new laws include:
Achieve Pay Equity: This bill (S. 1 / A. 6075) would strengthen New York State law to truly prohibit employers from paying women less than men for performing the same work. The bill eliminates a loophole in the current law that allows employers to prohibit employees from discussing their salaries under threat of termination or suspension. Specifically, the bill would allow employees to discuss their wages with each other. Further, the bill increases the amount of damages available to an employee if an employer willfully violates the law.
Protect victims of sexual harassment: This bill (S. 2 / A. 5360) protects all employees from sexual harassment in the workplace regardless of the size of the employer. Currently, the definition of “employer” excludes employers with fewer than four employees, thus prohibiting individuals from filing harassment complaints with the Division of Human Rights against those employers. This new law expands the definition of “employer” to cover all employers within New York in sexual harassment cases so that an employee of any business can file a workplace sexual harassment complaint.
Remove Barriers to Remedying Discrimination: This bill (S. 3 / A.7189) allows successful plaintiffs to recover attorneys’ fees in employment or credit discrimination cases based on sex. This law enables victims, most of whom are women, to have the opportunity to vindicate their rights and be made whole in cases where they prevail. Under existing New York State law, plaintiffs cannot recover attorney fees at trial for employment discrimination cases, making it costly to bring a case.
End Family Status Discrimination: This bill (S. 4 / A. 7317) prohibits employment discrimination based on familial status. Currently, New York State law only prohibits discrimination based on familial status in the areas of housing and credit, however, employees often suffer from stereotypes relative to their status as parents or guardians of children under the age of eighteen. Women have been most affected by stereotyped views of parents in the work place and are less likely to be recommended for hire or promoted. This new law prohibits employment agencies, licensing agencies, or labor organizations from discriminating against workers based on their familial status.
Protect Victims of Domestic Violence from Housing Discrimination: This bill (S. 5 / A. 6354-B) prohibits landlords from discriminating against victims of domestic violence. Currently, under New York State law an individual could be denied housing on the basis of his or her status as a victim of domestic violence. This new bill protects victims of domestic violence from discrimination when they attempt to rent or lease housing, and provide them with an affirmative defense in eviction proceedings and a private right of action. Additionally, this bill would create a Task Force to study the impact that source of income has on access to housing.
Protect Victims of Domestic Violence by Strengthening Order-of-Protection Laws: This bill (S. 6 / A. 6262) creates a pilot program to allow domestic violence victims to seek temporary orders of protection through electronic means rather than having to appear in person. Currently domestic violence victims face significant obstacles in securing protection from their abusers. For example, some victims require immediate temporary orders of protection, but have no means to travel to the appropriate family court. To remove these obstacles and ensure these victims are able to secure much-needed orders of protection, this bill would allow the Office of Court Administration to develop a pilot program to allow victims to petition for temporary orders of protection remotely. In addition, this bill ensures that orders of protection are translated, when needed, and makes clear that a victim of domestic violence who has an order of protection against her abuser cannot be accused of violating her own order of protection.
Strengthen Human Trafficking Laws: This bill (S. 7 / A. 506) strengthens existing law in New York State to combat human trafficking. It eliminates the requirement that coercion be proven in a sex trafficking prosecution when the victims are minors, increases penalties for the crime, and creates an affirmative defense in prostitution prosecutions if the defendant was a trafficking victim. In addition, the new law makes it easier for victims of human trafficking to receive support services, and requires training for law enforcement to adequately address human trafficking crimes.
Protect Women from Pregnancy Discrimination: This bill (S. 8 / A. 4272) requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees. Some pregnancies can result in medical conditions requiring certain accommodations within the workplace and current protections for pregnant women are confusing and have been misinterpreted. This new law clarifies that employers must perform a reasonable accommodation analysis for pregnant employees.
“I am proud to see these laws take effect today, and will continue to fight to ensure New York remains a beacon for social justice, fairness and opportunity for all,” Cuomo said.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, issued this statement today:
“I am honored to announce that historic measures to protect New York’s women from things like domestic violence and workplace discrimination have become law today,” Hawley said. “My colleagues and I in the Assembly Minority Conference worked tirelessly to ensure that these individual bills came to the floor for a vote. While members of the Assembly Majority used this issue as campaign rhetoric, we continued our unwavering support and never lost sight of the importance to our state’s women. I am proud to be part of this memorable day and will continue to lead the fight on women’s rights.”
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 19 January 2016 at 12:00 am
Photo by Kristina Gabalski
CLARENDON – After a wintry blast of snow on Sunday and Monday, it looks like January in Orleans County. Kristina Gabalski took this photo this morning of the waterfall in Clarendon on Route 237, just south of Route 31A.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 January 2016 at 12:00 am
File photo by Tom Rivers – An Albion school bus makes a stop Tuesday afternoon on West State Street in the Village of Albion.
Local school districts would receive about $2.6 million more in operating aid in 2016-17, according to the governor’s budget presented last week.
Local school superintendents welcome the additional money, but they also said the state needs to do more in this era of tax caps to help districts provide a quality education without burdening local property taxpayers.
Here is a breakdown of the operating aid for local school districts:
District
2015-16
2016-17
Increase
Albion
$22,148,076
$22,613,231
$465,155 (2.1 %)
Holley
$12,952,601
$13,973,110
$1,020,509 (7.9 %)
Kendall
$9,340,355
$9,909,923
$569,568 (6.1 %)
Lyndonville
$6,947,301
$7,172,378
$225,077 (3.2 %)
Medina
$20,238,422
$20,575,185
$336,763 (1.7 %)
Orleans County
$71,626,755
$74,243,827
$2,617,072 (3.7 %)
Source: NYS Division of the Budget
The governor announced he would work to restore the Gap Elimination Adjustment, which was implemented during the state budget crisis in 2009. However, Cuomo said it would take two years to restore those funds, not all in the 2016-17 state budget.
High-needs and low-wealth districts have already had much of those funds restored. Medina and Albion are considered by the state to be low-wealth and much of their GEA funds have been restored. That’s why Albion is proposed to only receive $4,875 more in GEA money and Medina $11,537 in 2016-17.
However, three other districts in Orleans with higher wealth will see significantly more in 2016-17 in restored funds through Gap Elimination Adjustment. Holley would receive $141,247 more, Kendall would see an additional $117,348, and Lyndonville, $89,700.
“I am pleased that the Governor’s proposal includes full restoration of the GEA over a period of two years,” said Robert D’Angelo, Holley school district superintendent. “For Holley, that is approximately $284,000. The state aid runs show us receiving an increase of 7.8 percent in state aid. However, it is more attributed to expense driven aid such as transportation and BOCES than foundation aid which is proposed at an increase of 1.4 percent for Holley.”
D’Angelo said he would reach out to state legislators about more equity in foundation aid for school districts and elimination of some non-funded mandates “which place a financial burden on public school districts and that burden is further magnified by the tax cap restrictions as well as the small increase in foundation aid.”
Julie Christensen, Kendall school district superintendent, said the state still owes Kendall about 40 percent of the Gap Elimination Adjustment.
“In essence Kendall Schools will be receiving approximately the same amount of operational aid at we did in 2008-09 with this projection,” she said. “Overall, the state aid is better than years past, which is positive as the tax cap will be zero this year. However, the increase in minimum wage becomes problematic as that increases impacts our expenses without an increase in revenues.”
Kendall will get more in building aid as it begins to pay down the debt on its capital project.
“We saw an increase in expense-based aid, mostly BOCES aid,” Christensen said. “This was also expected as we purchased new technology and equipment with the initial phase of the project last year and will use this increase in aid to offset the remaining purchases required to complete the technology upgrade in the second phase of the project.”
Mike Bonnewell, the Albion school district superintendent, said the governor’s budget includes, for the first time, “Community Schools Aid.”
“Little information is out about this new program yet, but it does seem it is dedicated to new student and family support services,” Bonnewell said.
He noted that the tax cap, which was supposed to allow up to 2 percent in tax increases, could be very close to 0 percent for districts.
“This year, even more than past tax cap years, state aid and Albion Central’s continuing commitment to conservative budgeting decisions will be very important,” he said.
Medina also would receive $135,337 in Community Schools Aid, as part of the governor’s budget, said Jeff Evoy, Medina school superintendent.
“Being a new revenue source, we need to review how these funds can be allocated,” he said.
The district saw a sizable restoration in GEA funds in 2015-16, but would see far less in the new state budget.
“We were prepared for our Gap Elimination figure to be lower than other larger districts in WNY,” Evoy said. “The adjustment for MCSD for 16-17 is $11,537 compared to over $300,000 in 2015-16. The overall impact of our budget year to year is $260,900 or 1.7 percent.”
Jason Smith, the Lyndonville school superintendent, said restoring the Gap Elimination Adjustment “will allow schools like ours to explore ways to improve programming for students.”
Smith said he is pleased the governor didn’t bring up teacher evaluations and Common Core. “That is best left to State Ed and local districts to handle and negotiate,” Smith said.
He noted last year the governor “held hostage” state aid due to negotiations about teacher evaluations.
Timothy G. Kremer, executive director of the New York State School Boards Assocoation, said Cuomo’s budget “falls short” for school districts.
“Increasing funding for struggling schools, expanding prekindergarten programs, enhancing school safety and implementing the recommendations of the Common Core Task Force are all positive and sensible goals that lead us in the right direction,” Kremer said. “Unfortunately, the governor’s proposed state aid increase is much less than what schools need to maintain current programs and services – especially in the face of a zero percent tax cap – and will leave districts wanting as they attempt to implement these ambitious programs.”
ALBION – A Rochester man has been jailed after being arrested on several drug charges, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force is reporting today.
The Albion Police Department stopped a vehicle on Clarendon Street on Jan. 15 and arrested the passenger following an investigation into the sale and distribution of crack cocaine from the City of Rochester to the Village of Albion.
Steven L. Carter, 23, of 185 Mount Hope Blvd. has been charged with one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (Class B felony), one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree (Class D felony) and two counts of criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree (Class A misdemeanors).
Carter was arraigned in Albion Town Court by Justice Joseph Fuller and committed to the Orleans County Jail on $50,000 bail. He is next scheduled to appear in Town Court on Thursday at 9 a.m.
