HOLLEY – The school district, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will offer free breakfast and lunch to all children age 18 and younger from July 6 to Aug. 14.
Children age 18 and younger who live in the district this summer are eligible for this program, regardless of income level. Pre-registration is not required. Transportation will not be provided by the district for this program.
Grab and go meals, which consist of one breakfast and one lunch per child, may be picked up from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday, in the Elementary School Back Bus Loop.
Adults may also purchase breakfast and lunch during this program. Breakfast is $2.65 and lunch is $4.45.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2020 at 7:37 am
HOLLEY – Voters in Holley gave strong support for the district’s budget, bus purchase and public library funding.
There were 1,378 ballots turned in. That’s about 2 ½ times the number that voted in the previous election, with 525 ballots cast on May 21, 2019.
• Budget, passes 976 to 342: The proposed $25,780,000 budget is the same as the 2019-20 school year.
• Bus proposition, passes 885 to 463: Authorizes the district to spend up to $315,000 for new buses – two large buses and one small bus.
• Community Free Library funding, passes 1035 to 311: The district will be authorized to collect $183,773 for the public library. That is up from $170,197 in 2019-20.
• Board of Election: Two current board members were re-elected. Robin Silvis, the current BOE president, received 883 votes and Andrea Newman was backed by 856 voters. They will start new three-year terms on July 1.
Nancy MacPhee received 533 votes and wasn’t elected.
HOLLEY – The Holley Rotary Club has awarded five scholarship to graduating seniors, including a new Jessica Mandigo Service Above Self Award.
While a student at Holley, Jessica attended a Rotary-sponsored youth leadership camp. She returned from that weekend inspired to start an Interact Club, which she did. Jessica is now a Rotarian.
Each year a new honoree will be selected and their name engraved on the plaque that bears her name. It will be displayed at the high school. The awardee will also receive a $250 scholarship.
Morgan Cary
Kohl Morgan is the first to receive this new honor. Kohl has been an active member of our Interact Club and is always there to assist. He’s the first to step up and lend a hand, without prompting. His presence is nearly a given at community events and volunteer opportunities. Where you find Kohl, you find laughs and you find his peers drawn to him. He’s a natural leader.
Megan Harrington
The Holley Rotary Club also awarded four $500 scholarships for graduating seniors. They are Morgan Cary, Megan Harrington, Olivia Radford and Tyler Jones.
Morgan Cary was a Class Officer, Editor of the Yearbook, played 2 sports, and was an active Interact Club member. She will be going to GCC next year.
Olivia Radford
Megan Harrington was extremely active in Interact and has been from the beginning. She is an officer this year and worked very hard at planning the Day of Caring. She has helped with many Rotary dinners, participated in Slapshot, and also went to Canada last year with Rotary to talk about Interact Club. Megan is going to Ohio State University next year.
Tyler Jones
Olivia Radford was active with Interact during her 8th-10th grade years. She is a very active girl overall as a 3-sport athlete, National Honor Society member, and a volunteer with the Salvation Army, Hamlin animal shelter, Catholic Charities as well as a local food bank. She is going to St. John Fisher next year for nursing.
Tyler Jones recently joined the Interact Club and has been a very active member. For the Day of Caring he and his mom worked to drop off a ton of donations. He is always asking how he can help, what he missed at a meeting, or what is coming up. He will be going to SUNY Brockport next year to major in Political Science.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 June 2020 at 6:05 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MURRAY – Ed Morgan and his wife Dorothy watch a parade of dump trucks pass by his garage at his home on Hulberton Road today in a surprise tribute.
Morgan retired on May 31 after 30 years as the town highway superintendent. Trucks and highway leaders from the 10 towns in Orleans County visited Morgan today. It was also a meeting for the Orleans County Highway Superintendents Association, which Morgan led as president on multiple terms. The group decided to recognize Morgan and show their appreciation for his years of service to the town and also for his assistance to the other highway leaders.
The trucks roll past Morgan’s garage. He was joined at a mini-retirement party by some family members and highway workers across the county.
“We felt he deserved some recognition for his years of service,” said Mike Neidert, Albion town highway superintendent and president of the Orleans County Highway Superintendents Association.
The truck parade “was something extra” for Morgan. The highway group would like to recognize him in August at the group’s next meeting, when Neidert hopes some Covid-19 restrictions will be lifted to allow larger social gatherings.
Neidert has been the Albion superintendent for about 5 years, and a highway worker for 24 years. Highway leaders and employees felt comfortable reaching out to Morgan for advice.
“He was always someone you could go to with questions,” Neidert said.
Ed Morgan is pictured with Josh Veronica, director of community relations for State Sen. Rob Ortt, and Eileen Banker, chief of staff for Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
The State Senate approved a Legislative Resolution on May 27 commending Morgan for a 30-year career.
Morgan helped the town construct nearly 60 miles of water districts during his tenure. As highway superintendent, he oversaw 30 miles of town roads, and was responsible for plowing 17 miles of county roads and 16 miles of state roads.
He also helped put in the infrastructure for the Holley Business Park, made improvements to the town hall and highway department facilities, including construction of a new salt storage building, as well as a computerized fuel system to better serve the town and first responders.
Morgan served multiple terms as president of the Orleans County Highway Superintendents Association.
“For three decades, Edward F. Morgan rendered faithful, conscientious and valuable service to the Town of Murray, truly earning the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues,” according to the Senate resolution. “Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that demonstrated by Edward F. Morgan over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others.”
The State Assembly also approved a citation for Morgan.
Dennis Mandigo joined the dump truck parade to honor Morgan. Mandigo has worked 20 years as a motor equipment operator for Murray.
“You couldn’t find a better man,” Mandigo said about Morgan. “He’s been a great boss and a great friend.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 June 2020 at 10:27 am
‘Our school communities have the power to turn pain and prejudice into healing and understanding. Let this moment in history be defined as a tipping point – a moment to truly come together.’
The school district superintendents at Holley and Kendall have joined Monroe County school leaders in a joint statement, denouncing racism and acknowledging “that discrimination exists in all of our communities.”
Brian Bartalo, Holley Central School superintendent, and Julie Christensen, Kendall Central School superintendent, are among 23 district superintendents pledging to take action to equity and inclusion for all students.
The statement from the 23 superintendents is as follows:
We, the superintendents of Monroe County school districts, stand together against racism.
We acknowledge that discrimination exists in all of our communities. We see it in the bias that exists within our districts. We see it in the trauma that hatred and oppression inflict on our students and families. We see it in the educational inequities that continue to perpetuate glaring disparities in student outcomes.
We know that the fight against racism, oppression and hate cannot fall solely on families of color or within the confines of only some school districts. We all must lead this transformation together. That’s why today, we are publicly committing to leading the change that will create lasting equity in our schools.
We will listen, and learn from those who have experienced these tragedies and who live with the fear and pain of racism every day. We take responsibility for educating ourselves and will be intentional in rebuilding our education system which has not served underrepresented student populations well.
All Monroe County school superintendents pledge to:
Assess policies and practices in order to ensure equality in hiring practices, provide access to high quality instruction, and decrease disproportionality in student achievement and discipline
Accelerate professional development in areas including culturally responsive education and restorative practices
Participate in the Regional Equity Network to promote equity in schools across the county
Partner with BOCES and the University of Rochester Center for Urban Education Success to develop common units of study to be included in the curriculum across all of our schools that will focus on how race, class and inequities have shaped Monroe County from 1964 to today
Listen and respond to the voices of our students and families of color, respect and value their experiences and perspective
Engage our students in student-led change initiatives (i.e., ROC2Change)
We stand united in our support of equity and inclusion and we claim schools as a place of love and acceptance for all. Our school communities have the power to turn pain and prejudice into healing and understanding. Let this moment in history be defined as a tipping point – a moment to truly come together.
Our children deserve better and we will do better.
In solidarity,
The Superintendents of the Monroe County Council of School Superintendents – BOCES I, Daniel White; BOCES 2, Jo Anne Antonacci; Brighton, Kevin McGowan, Ed.D.; Brockport, James Fallon, Interim; Churchville-Chili, Lori Orologio; East High School, Shaun Nelms, Ed.D.; East Irondequoit, Mary Grow; East Rochester, Richard Stutzman, Interim; Fairport, Brett Provenzano; Gates Chili, Christopher Dailey;
Greece, Kathleen Graupman; Hilton, Casey Kosiorek, Ed.D.; Holley, Brian Bartalo; Honeoye Falls-Lima, Gene Mancuso; Kendall, Julie Christensen; Penfield, Thomas Putnam, Ed.D.; Pittsford, Michael Pero; Rochester City, Lesli Myers-Small, Ed.D.; Rush Henrietta, Lawrence Wright; Spencerport, Daniel Milgate; Webster, Carmen Gumina; West Irondequoit, Aaron Johnson, Ed.D.; Wheatland-Chili, Deborah Leh, Ed.D.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Hurd Orchards saved this nearly 200-year-old barn last year. This photo was taken in November. Amy Machamer, farm co-owner, said the older barns, cobblestone houses and other historic structures can help Murray stand out from other communities, and preserve a sense of place.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 June 2020 at 7:01 pm
‘Have the confidence to say this is really a great place.’ – Amy Machamer
Town Supervisor Joe Sidonio speaks during Tuesday’s Zoom meeting about the town’s comprehensive plan, which will be a guide for land use and economic opportunities for the next decade.
MURRAY – Town officials are looking for opportunities to increase tourism and economic activity in Murray.
Agriculture is a leading industry in the town, home to some of the most productive soils in the world. Those soils should be considered strong assets for the town as it looks to update a comprehensive plan, which is a land use guide for the community.
Updating the plan is a chance to look at possible zoning changes or other strategies that could help local businesses better capitalize on the town’s assets. Besides its farmland, Murray benefits by having the Erie Canal and a number of historic sites, panelists said during a Tuesday evening Zoom meeting about the plan.
Murray also has 401 camp sites between campgrounds at Red Rocks Ponds RV Resort and Hickory Ridge Golf Course and Resort.
Better promoting other sites in town, and developing more biking and walking trails could get campers out into the community more, spending more time and money in Murray, said Barbara Johnston, a planning consultant with LaBella Associates.
“It seems to me Murray has an incredible opportunity to capitalize on the recreation and tourism sector,” Town Supervisor Joe Sidonio said during the meeting.
Murray has several strengths – agriculture, campgrounds, historic sites, tourism opportunities, Sidonio said.
Developing a plan to better promote and encourage those strengths can be a boost for the entire town, he said.
He would like to see the town implement a farmland protection plan to preserve the prime agricultural land.
Local agricultural could also be helped with more siphons for irrigation from the Erie Canal, said County Legislator Ken DeRoller.
The two campgrounds said developing walking and biking trails would make their sites even more attractive, and give campers more to do locally. That way they would likely stay in Murray longer.
Max Han of Red Rocks Ponds RV Resort said there is a lack of campgrounds and other amenities for cyclists on the western end of the canal closer to Buffalo. Many people who travel the canal on bike start in Rochester and head east towards Albany because of the big gap in amenities once you leave Buffalo.
If there were more places to camp and rest, Han said more people will pass through the canal from Buffalo to Rochester, which would be a boost to Orleans County.
The Corning Museum of Glass brought a barge to Holley and Medina in Orleans County, as well as other canal towns in New York, during the summer of 2018. Glassmakers did demonstrations on the barge.
Jim Bensley, the county’s planning director, is part of a Erie Canal waterfront development plan for several municipalities. That effort has shown a need for more places on the canal for people to launch kayaks and canoes. Bensley said there is a big movement now for “car top boating,” where people can bring a small vessel on their car. There are few spots on the canal in the county where it is easy to launch a canoe or kayak, he said.
“We think the Erie Canal is a very big resource,” Bensley said. “It’s such an important part of our history and hopefully an important part of our future.”
Bensley said more entertainment on the canal, such as the Corning Museum of Glass Barge which visited in the summer of 2018, would be welcome attractions to the county and would bring more people to the canal.
There is also a need for a marina where boaters could get gas. Many won’t venture to Orleans because it’s far from marinas and the boaters worry they could run out of gas, Bensley said.
Dawn Borchet, the county’s tourism director, said the 401 camp sites at Red Rocks and Hickory Ridge are a major asset for bringing in visitors.
The Tourism Department has worked to package tours locally to keep the campers in the community longer. Borchet urged the local businesses to talk up their sites to visitors, so they will check out other businesses, too.
Max Han, Red Rocks manager, said cyclists often avoid stretch between Buffalo and Rochester because few places to stop in between.
“It would be great if there were other accommodations along the way,” he said. “It would encourage other people to travel out our way.”
Red Rocks is right on the canal. The campgrounds would like to see a boat launch nearby. Han said the closest is a 10-minute drive away.
He also said the community’s high tax rate is a burden for businesses. He pays a tax rate that is two to three times higher than what his competitors pay in other communities.
Cindy Diehl of Hickory Ridge agreed the high taxes in Murray are a strain on the businesses.
Murray’s Ridge Road Corridor has a nice mix of businesses – including farm markets, a winery, antiques – on a historic road with cobblestone homes. The Ridge passes many country scenes – fruit orchards, corn fields and historic cemeteries.
Amy Machamer, co-owner of Hurd Orchards, said the town is “beautiful” and it stands out on the canal system, where many are communities are too developed and have been inundated with chain stores.
Hurd Orchards has been operating for more than 200 years. She said the farm and other sites that rely on visitors and tourism are facing a new challenge in the Covid-19 era.
“We’re struggling to find new footing and to perhaps build new models,” she said.
Machamer, who is married to Sidonio the town supervisor, has worked with her mother as co-owner of the farm for the past 35 years.
Sal DeLuca tosses a bocce ball during a game last Sept. 1 during the bocce tournament at St. Rocco’s Italian Festival in Hulberton. The festival and tournament are one of the “authentic” activities that make Murray an appealing and unique community, said Amy Machamer.
Hurd Orchards has been to survive by creating farm products and an experience “that is authentically us.” Machamer said the area’s historic assets are part of the community’s authenticity and attraction to visitors.
She said the community is diminished every time an old barn or cobblestone home is lost on the landscape.
“Don’t let the treasures get lost,” Machamer said.
Hurd Orchards has worked the past year to preserve one of its oldest wooden barns, dating back nearly 200 years.
She praised the work by local officials to save the old Holley High School and work with a developer, Home Leasing of Rochester, to repurpose the school into 41 senior apartments and the Holley village officials. That $17 million project is nearly done.
“The preservation of old Holley High School is a crown jewel, that was a huge effort,” Machamer said. “It took the initiative.”
Holley also worked to create a canal park that runs from near the lift bridge to waterfalls. That park is a major asset in bringing people by the canal and enjoying the village.
She also noted some of the unique aspects to Murray – the many garlic farmers and the annual St. Rocco’s Italian Festival near Labor Day. They are part of what makes Murray authentic.
Hurd Orchards is on Ridge Road, a route which has been described by the late author Arch Merrill as “a special continuous village.”
She highlighted another advantage of Murray: the real estate is much more affordable than in neighboring Monroe County.
Machamer would like to see the community better promote Murray, and feel more pride in the town.
“Have the confidence to say this is really a great place,” she said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 June 2020 at 11:30 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty speaks on Dec. 11, 2018 during a “Preservation Celebration” to kick off a $17 million construction project at the old Holley High School. The project is nearly done and has turned the school into 41 apartments and the Holley village offices.
HOLLEY – Brian Sorochty won’t be seeking re-election to continue as Holley’s mayor. Sorochty said his responsibilities at his job have increased. He plans to resign next month as mayor.
Holley’s election was slated for June 16, but has been moved by the state to Sept. 15.
Sorochty wanted to let the community know his intentions so potential candidates could consider serving the village as mayor.
He works as vice president of engineering for an engineering/construction company. He also said he wants to be more available for his family.
Sorochty has been on the board for seven years. Holley has tackled many ambitious projects during that tenure, highlighted by a $17 million transformation of the old Holley High School. That building had been vacant for more than 25 years.
Home Leasing of Rochester is turning it into 41 apartments and the Holley village offices.
“It is truly awesome to see the lights on in that beautiful old building and to know that people are living there and that very soon the Village offices will be there as well,” Sorochty said in a letter to the editor sent to the Orleans Hub. “Our community and officials at all levels pulled together working with the developer to make that project a success and it is wonderful to be a part of it! Our Village will be a better place with that historic building revitalized and I am truly happy for our community.”
Holley also will soon start construction on a $4.5 million waterline and sidewalk project that will take about a year.
The village also is seeing the federal EPA spend $12.5 million in the latest cleanup of the Diaz Chemical site on Jackson street.
Holley also has partnered with the Landmark Society of Western New York to draw attention to historic sites in need of attention. The “Five to Revive” designation for the old school helped connect Home Leasing to the project.
The Landmark Society also has listed a commercial building in the Public Square to the “Five to Revive.”
Sorochty said he has enjoyed working with the many officials in the community and region, to move Holley forward with several initiatives.
“Having the privilege to be your Mayor and being able to work with everyone I have met along the way is a great honor and a time I will always cherish,” he wrote in his letter.
Photo by Tom Rivers: This bicycle with flowers is pictured last August by the Erie Canal in Hulberton.
Staff Reports Posted 2 June 2020 at 8:51 am
MURRAY – The Town of Murray is hosting a meeting through Zoom videoconferencing today, welcoming feedback on how Murray could better utilize agricultural, historic assets and other natural resources in the community.
The Erie Canal, streams and lakes, historic sites and agriculture support the region’s tourism economy, including agri-tourism, providing recreational opportunities, and represent the natural, historic and cultural richness of the Town of Murray.
As part of its Comprehensive Plan Update, the Town of Murray has organized a “virtual” public forum from 5:30 to 7 p.m. today to explore opportunities to build on these resources to benefit the Town and region.
The forum will include presentations from representatives of businesses and county government, who will share their perspective about these resources and how the Town can leverage them to improve the area’s quality of life and support local businesses. The Town’s planning consultants will describe the Town’s natural, agricultural and historic resources and their significance to the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.
Panelists include James Bensley, Orleans County Planning Director who is working on the Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan for the Erie Canal; Dawn Borchert, Orleans County Tourism Director who will discuss tourism promotion; Ken DeRoller, Orleans County Legislator who will offer a county government perspective and share ideas to better utilize the Erie Canal; Max Han of Red Rocks Ponds RV Resort; Amy Machamer, Hurd Orchards owner who will discuss agri-tourism; and Cindy Diehl, owner of the Hickory Ridge Golf Course and Resort.
LaBella Associates will host the meeting an offer an overview presentation.
The agenda includes:
5:30 – 5:35: Joe Sidonio, Town Supervisor, and Chad Fabry, Chairman of Comprehensive Planning Committee, will open the meeting and welcome the participants.
5:35 – 5:45: Barbara Johnston, Planning Consultant for the Comprehensive Plan, will give an overview of the Comprehensive Plan process, briefly summarize the natural, historic, agricultural, recreational and tourism resources in the Town and existing programs and regulations, and present the objectives of this workshop.
5:45 – 6:15: Panelist presentations (5-10 minutes each.) Each panelist will address the following questions from their perspective:
What assets or resources in the Town of Murray are most valuable for recreation or tourism?
How do these resources or assets support business development and/or recreational opportunities for residents?
What are some of the challenges or obstacles affecting tourism and recreation in the Town?
Are you aware of any Town zoning regulations that may unreasonably restrict business development relating to recreation or tourism, including agri-tourism?
How can the Town or other entities support business development relating to its natural, historic and agricultural resources? Do you have any ideas for specific projects or programs?
6:15 – 6:30: Questions/Discussion with Comprehensive Plan Committee members
6:30 – 6:55: Questions/Discussion with the public
6:55 – 7:00: Wrap-up/Next steps
Check the town’s website (click here) for the Zoom instructions.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 May 2020 at 11:34 am
Mark and Rose Porter’s house was damaged by blaze
Provided photo: Firefighters respond to a fire on Wednesday evening at North Main Street at the home of Mark and Rose Porter.
HOLLEY – An on-line fundraiser has been started to assist Mark and Rose Porter, whose home was damaged in a fire on Wednesday evening.
Firefighters were dispatched to the Porter residence on North Main Street at about 7 p.m. The front porch was engulfed in flames.
The Porters are active community members. Mrs. Porter works as a nurse. Mr. Porter is a past Holley fire chief. He is a member of the Holley Board of Education and works as the communications captain for Monroe Ambulance.
“Mark is a pillar of the Holley community and beyond, always willing to put his fellow man first, and himself second,” Timothy Wood wrote on the GoFundMe page for the Porters.
“Victims of fires face tremendous emotional stress and financial costs, and we hope this fund will help alleviate some of the challenges that Mark and Rose are facing as they try to move on, and rebuild their lives,” Wood wrote.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 May 2020 at 8:57 pm
MURRAY – The developer of a potential senior housing community in Murray is looking at Gulf Road for the project, not four different locations in the town.
The Murray Town Board on Monday evening voted against changing the town’s zoning ordinance to allow for senior housing on Gulf Road; Lynch Road; Route 31, east of the Village of Holley; and on 31, from the Fancher Curve to Paddleford Road.
David Paul said the multiple locations may have stirred opposition to the zoning amendment. The town can’t only make one zoning amendment for high-density senior housing because that would be considered spot zoning.
Murray instead proposed four different options, even though Paul said only he is only interested in Gulf Road. He wants to start with five mobile homes, which would have a 12-by-12-foot breezeway and 1 ½ car garage. The development would be limited to people 55 and older.
He said his plan would be to max out the number of homes to 25 on Gulf Road, and they would be set back from the road.
He has asked town officials to try again with the zoning amendment, but to limit it to two locations: Gulf Road and Route 31, east of the village near Bennetts Corners Road. He wants the town to not put Lynch Road or Route 31 near the Fancher Curve as amendment options. Those locations concerned town officials and some residents in the community.
The second option on Route 31, just east of the village, would allow the town to make the make the argument it isn’t spot zoning for the project pursued by Paul, because there would be another option in the town for senior housing.
Paul said the smaller houses are popular in Florida. He thinks they would be attractive for people in Murray, and would boost the local tax base.
The Orleans County Planning Board on Jan. 23 recommended the town make the zoning change to allow for a senior housing district.
Normally, it would take a super-majority vote, at least 4-1, to override the county. But town officials said because it was a legislative action, and not a land-use action, a simple majority vote was enough.
Town Board members Paul Hendel and Lloyd Christ voted for the amendment change, while it was opposed by Town Supervisor Joe Sidonio and board members Randy Bower and Mike Mele.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 May 2020 at 9:49 pm
MURRAY – The Town of Murray voted against changing the town ordinance to allow for a senior housing district for people 55 and older.
Town officials in a meeting over Zoom said there isn’t an application for a project yet. Local resident David Paul has pushed for the zoning change so he could pursue senior housing for land on Gulf Road. The zoning amendment would have also included land for senior housing on Lynch Road; Route 31, east of the Village of Holley; and on 31, from the Fancher Curve to Paddleford Road.
Paul told the town during a March 5 hearing the senior-only housing district would appeal to seniors and allow boost the town’s tax base.
During that hearing several residents on Gulf and Lynch roads voiced concerns about a high-density senior housing district in the rural community. Residents said the housing would take away from the wildlife resources and also wasn’t a good fit near a business district on Fancher Road.
Some residents also felt there was already a lot of traffic on Lynch Road, which leads to the junior-senior high school. One resident said many children walk along Gulf Road.
The Orleans County Planning Board on Jan. 23 recommended the town make the zoning change to allow for a senior housing district.
Normally, it would take a super-majority vote, at least 4-1, to override the county. But town officials said because it was a legislative action, and not a land-use action, a simple majority vote was enough.
Town Board members Paul Hendel and Lloyd Christ voted for the amendment change, while it was opposed by Town Supervisor Joe Sidonio and board members Randy Bower and Mike Mele.
In other action at this evening’s Town Board meeting:
• Town Supervisor Joe Sidonio said Murray needs to reduce water leaks in the water system, getting the water loss down to 10 percent.
The town could hire a contractor to help identify leaks in the system, Sidonio said.
The town highway and water employees are also working to identify sources of water loss.
• The town voted to start having monthly workshop meeting the second Wednesday each month at 7 p.m. Sidonio said he would like to make a plan for reducing water loss a priority at these meetings, as well as a plan for reducing town expenses due to the economic downturn from Covid-19.
• The town will have a public forum on June 2 about how to better capitalize on recreation and tourism opportunities in Murray. That meeting will be through Zoom videoconferencing with more details to be posted on the town website. The forum will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with assistance from Labella & Associates. Sidonio urged residents to attend the meeting through Zoom and share their ideas.
• The board appointed Town Councilman Randy Bower as Town Board representative to Assessor’s Office and Youth Commission.
• Town departments were urged to develop safety precautions for the reopening of the town hall, once Murray gets that approval. Town Clerk Cindy Oliver said she already has plans for emphasize social distancing of at least 6 feet in the building, wearing of masks or facial coverings by employees and visitors to the town hall, a hand sanitizer station and other precautions, including a possible Plexiglass barriers at the clerk’s office.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 May 2020 at 9:00 pm
Ed Morgan
MURRAY – Ed Morgan, the Murray highway superintendent the past 30 years, has resigned, effective May 31.
The Murray Town Board accepted the resignation this evening. Morgan has been influential in the town’s expansion of public water service, and also helped construct the Holley Business Park.
In November, he was elected to another four-year term. His resignation comes too late in the election cycle for the usual petition process to become a candidate. The political parties in town can instead nominate a candidate to run this November to fill the remaining year of the term.
The parties have until July 23 to submit a certificate of nomination to the Orleans County Board of Elections. The Town Board is discussing if it should appoint someone to fill the remainder of the year as acting highway and water superintendent.
Morgan on Jan. 30 was recognized as the Public Works Leader of the Year by the Genesee Valley Branch of the American Public Works Association
Morgan was first elected highway superintendent in 1990. In the past 30 years the town constructed nearly 300,000 linear feet of water main to serve the residents of the community.
The highway superintendent also oversees maintaining about 30 miles of roads throughout the town, along with total winter maintenance on 17 miles of county roads and 16 miles of State roads.
Morgan and the Town of Murray Highway Department staff completed the replacement of the Highway Department flat roof with a new truss roof, built a large storage building and expanded the Town Hall to accommodate the expanding court system with accessibility for town residents and operational staff.
The Highway Department also built a 1,200-ton salt storage building and installed a computerized fuel system to accommodate not only the Town’s needs, but also service two fire departments.
Morgan also has served as President of the Orleans County Highway Superintendents Association several times over the past 30 years.
He is the fourth long-time highway superintendent to retire in the county. Larry Swanger of Clarendon (30 years), Ron Mannella of Gaines (26 years) and Mike Fuller of Shelby (44 years as employee including 14 years as superintendent) ended their careers on Dec. 31.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 May 2020 at 9:51 am
Trek will pass through 4 village business districts, 8 towns
HOLLEY – A caravan of trucks and other vehicles head down Route 31 near the start of a 50-mile trip throughout Orleans County to highlight small businesses in the community. Art Hill Excavation in Medina is in front in the yellow trucks.
The caravan had more than 100 vehicles when it started at 9 a.m. at the Holley Business Park.
These two head down Route 31 in Holley. The route turned on Countyline Road to head to Kendall.
After Holley and Kendall, the caravan then goes to Carlton, then to Albion, Medina and concludes in Lyndonville. Adam Johnson, organizer of the ride, estimates the route will take about 2 hours with the group finishing in Lyndonville at about 11 a.m.
Larry and Edie Hendershott of Wheatland brought a 1949 Studebaker for the ride. They said they were thankful to be out of their house.
“We’ve been home too long,” Mr. Hendershott said.
Adam Johnson, owner of the 39 Problems bar and restaurant in Albion, checks the lineup of vehicles at the Holley Business Park.
Johnson said many businesses are eager to reopen. They have been sidelined the pass two months and are feeling financial pressure. They are concerned about the businesses’ viability and also about their employees.
Today’s ride was intended to showcase small businesses in the community.
Some of the participants wait for the ride to start in Holley this morning.
Orleans Hub expects to have more coverage later of the ride.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 May 2020 at 11:30 am
(Editor’s Note: This article was updated. An original post said Holley had granted the waiver, allowing the 21 extra days before there is a late fee. However, the village needs permission from the state before the waiver can go into effect.)
HOLLEY – The Village Board voted on Tuesday to ask for state permission to give taxpayers 21 extra days to pay their village taxes without getting hit with a 5 percent penalty.
Village tax bills are due June 30. The board wants to waive the late fee until July 21. Any payments the rest of July will be assessed a 5 percent late charge. In August, the late fee goes up to 6 percent.
“In these times I don’t have problem giving them those 21 days,” said Deputy Mayor Kevin Lynch. “Some of the residents will just be getting back to work.”
The governor needs to allow villages the waiver on the late fees. Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty has sent an email to the governor’s office, requesting the waiver.
The Village Board has approved a budget that would reducing the tax rate from $16.41 to $16.20 per $1,000 of assessed property.
Although the tax rate will be going down, the village will be collecting more in property taxes. The tax levy will go up 2.3 percent or by $20,483 from $887,999 to $908,482.
The tax rate will go down because the village’s tax base grew by about $2 million. The village assessed value is up 3.6 percent or $1,967,513, from $54,098,660 to $56,066,173.
The village fiscal year runs from June 1 to May 31.
In other action at Tuesday’s Village Board meeting:
• The board approved the purchase from Admar of a Kubota Wheeled Skid Steer at a cost of $26,855.29 to be split between the Water, Electric and DPW Departments. The current Skid Steer is 20 years old with more than 3,000 hours.
It is used by to plow sidewalks and also for conduit trenching by the electric department, among its many uses for the village staff.
• Mayor Brian Sorochty updated the board on the village elections. The election was scheduled for June 16 but has been moved by the state to Sept. 15. The state has provided other information on the petition process and the time frames for getting signatures, the mayor said.
• The village and Town of Murray are holding off on deciding about the summer youth program. “We’re taking a wait and see approach,” Sorochty said.
• The federal Environmental Protection Agency, which delayed the start of construction on a $20 million soil cleanup at the former Diaz Chemical site due to Covid-19, expects to start mobilizing construction equipment and work crews later this month.
The EPA is planning to have about 20 personnel on site for phase 2 of the cleanup on Jackson Street.
The EPA has already spent $12.5 million on the cleanup, using money from the Superfund. The EPA has removed buildings, pipes, drums and tanks. Only two warehouses remain from Diaz, which declared bankruptcy and abandoned the site in 2002. The company operated for about 30 years in Holley.
The next phase involves thermal treatment of contaminated soil and groundwater at the site. Besides EPA staff, the phase 2 includes personnel from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and contractors.
The EPA has been working on cleaning up the site for nearly 20 years. With phase 2, the EPA will tackle the contaminated soil on the 5-acre site. The soil poses a threat to the groundwater, EPA officials said.
The EPA and a contractor will drill 600 wells, spaced about 13 to 15 feet apart, and install an underground system where the soil will be heated up. That will remove below-ground contaminates from soil.
Water vapors also will be collected and treated, and then filtered and discharged into the sewer.
Once the contaminant level drops in the soil, about 100 truckloads are expected to be hauled away to a landfill.
The project will be substantially complete in the winter of 2023, according to the EPA timeline. A final layer of topsoil and grass will be added to complete the project.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 May 2020 at 11:02 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Ron Vendetti (left), Holley’s code enforcement officer and grants manager, last month tours the Holley Gardens project with George DeRue, Home Leasing’s vice president of historical preservation and construction manager for the project. Home Leasing turned the former Holley High School into senior apartments and the village offices. This is the last project Vendetti inspected for the village. He has now officially retired as code officer and grants manager.
HOLLEY – Ron Vendetti has officially retired as a municipal official. Vendetti retired last year from Albion and Holley code enforcement officer. He also served in the role for the Town of Murray.
He also was serving as the grants manager for the Village of Holley. But he has resigned from the position to finally be fully retired.
The Holley Village Board accepted his resignation on Tuesday, and thanked him for getting the village in a position to tackle ambitious sidewalk and water projects.
“He will be missed,” said Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty. “Throughout the planning process Ron has been invaluable to me and the village.”
The mayor said Vendetti has often been viewed as a “lightning rod” in his role as code officer. But Sorochty said Vendetti is competent and able to move complicated projects forward.
The $4.5 million waterline and sidewalk project is expected to start soon and will take about a year.
The Village Board on Feb.11 accepted a $2,556,000 construction bid from a contractor on Tuesday to replace sidewalks and water lines in the village. Most of the project is along Route 237 and the northeast section of the village.
Mark Cerrone, Inc. of Niagara Falls submitted the lowest bid for the project. Grants will cover the majority of the costs. Holley is responsible for 20 percent of the sidewalk work and 40 percent of the waterlines.
The village was approved for a $1,780,000 federal TAP grant (Transportation Alternatives Program) to construct curbs and sidewalks that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The grant will allow the village to replace about one-third of the sidewalks in the village.
Holley also was awarded nearly $1.3 million from the state for upgrades to the water system through the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act, as well as the Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grants Program.
The waterline project includes 5,800 linear feet, just over a mile, and involves replacing 4- to 8-inch water mains with 8- to 12-inch water mains.
The village has a $318,100 contract with the Wendel firm for construction administration and observation services during the project. In addition to Wendel, village officials will be involved in the construction, especially Dave Nenni, superintendent of the Department of Public Works, and Matt Campbell, superintendent of the Water and Electric departments.
One responsibility that Vendetti handled as code officer was prosecuting the code violations. Many other towns and villages have the municipal attorney attend court and prosecute the violations.
“The village was very lucky because Ron did them all and it didn’t cost you anything,” said John Sansone, the Holley village attorney.
Sansone has been the village attorney for 19 years and he said only on three occasions did he need to be involved with a code violation case in Holley.
Tracy Van Skiver, the Albion code enforcement officer, also is working part-time for Holley. She wants the village attorney to handle more of the court responsibilities.
The rules have changed since Vendetti retired with the code officer needing to meet the state’s new laws for discovery, which means a faster turnaround for providing documents to the defendant.
Sansone said his contract calls for additional pay for time spent in court representing the village. Many of fines for code violations are $50. That is less than the village would have to pay Sansone to defend the case.
Right now, the local courts are closed until at least June. Sansone said the Village Board should weigh how to proceed in prosecuting the cases, perhaps only using him if there are cases with “huge violations.”
