By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 9 May 2017 at 8:35 am
HOLLEY – In their first meeting since it was announced that the Village of Holley Development Corporation received the deeds to the eight Diaz homes in the village, VHDC members Monday evening decided how they plan to sell the properties – once all paperwork has been completed.
Members of the VHDC agreed to list the properties with a local realtor, RE/MAX.
“We want them sold,” VHDC member Krista Wiley said. “We want them rehabilitated. The faster they turn over the better.”
Two properties are zoned two-family – 37 S. Main St. and 26 S. Main St. – meaning the homes could end up as rentals. Some members of the VHDC expressed concern over the possibility all or some of the eight homes might become rentals properties.
“The reality is that is what they were before the Diaz release,” VHDC President Dan Schiavone said regarding the two Main Street properties. “I don’t think beggars can be choosers.”
Additionally, the VHDC voted to list the properties for the appraised value, but will also seek the advice of the realtor. The EPA appraised the homes in 2014, Schiavone said.
The total value of all 8 assessments is $217,000. The VHDC will receive 10 percent of the selling price with 90 percent going back to the EPA.
The homes vary in value from $60,000 for 37 S. Main St., to $0 for 6 Jackson St. Schiavone indicated the house at 6 Jackson St. would best be demolished by whomever purchases it. The VHDC set a value for the site at $5,000 based on the value of the property alone.
Most of the houses are in the $20,000 to $36,000 range. Three of the properties are on South Main Street; four are on Jackson Street and one is on Geddes Street.
Schiavone said VHDC attorney Jeff Martin is continuing the work of filing the deeds of the Diaz homes with Orleans County, and that two additional forms required by New York State are being sought from the EPA to complete the paperwork for the transfer of ownership the properties.
The eight properties were purchased by the EPA following an accidental release of chemicals from the Diaz plant in 2002. The homes have stood empty for more than a decade and have been deemed safe from any Diaz contamination by the EPA.
The federal agency, however, wants homes with lead paint to be abated by an EPA certified contractor.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Dancers in “Me Too” are part of today’s recital for Lisa’s Dance Boutique at Holley’s Junior-Senior High School Auditorium. There are are 250 children in the recital, including this group: Tori Allen, Allison Amoroso, Olivia Amoroso, Julia Frederick, Madison Isenberg, Savanna Isenberg, Kylie Towne and Leah Weinbeck.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 May 2017 at 4:29 pm
Lisa Bower-Logsdon is part of the opening number, “That Girl,” at today’s recital. She is celebrating 40 years of running Lisa’s Dance Boutique. The opening number included 17 dancers in tap.
HOLLEY – Lisa Bower-Logsdon was 15 when she started her dance studio in the basement of the former St. Mary’s School, using a portable record player.
She ran Lisa’s Dance Boutique out of the St. Mary’s hall and then the Presbyterian Church before buying a building in the Public Square in 1991. Lisa’s has been there since, and remains a popular dance studio with 250 students from Holley, Kendall and Albion, with some also from Brockport and Spencerport.
Lisa’s students frequently win awards at the talent competition at the Orleans County 4-H Fair and are perennial contenders at the State Fair, winning the overall title in 2006.
“I love to dance and I love the children,” Bower-Logsdon said before today’s 1 p.m. recital. “It’s my passion.”
In addition to running the business, Lisa teaches 10 of the classes. Other teachers include Alana Bilohlavek, Lora Bower, Malia Frederick and Heather Kelley.
Heather Kelley has been a part of Lisa’s for 36 of the 40 years. Kelley, 38, was a student at Lisa’s, and has been a teacher for the past 20 years.
“She cares about her students and the families,” Kelley said.
Lisa is also very detailed oriented, and that is one reason why her students perform so well, Kelley said.
These young dancers perform “Buzz Off” during today’s recital 1 p.m. The 40th anniversary recital includes 40 different acts and will be back on stage later today at 7 p.m.
Kim Goldsworthy of Brockport helps her daughter, 8-year-old Skylar Gallagher, get ready for today’s recital. Goldsworthy took dance lessons when she was a kid from Lisa Bower-Logsdon. Heather Kelley also was Goldsworthy cheerleading coach.
“It’s like a whole big family here,” she said.”It’s all very well organized. They’re learning technique. They grow so much here.”
This group performed “Me Too” in front of a set design celebrating 40 years for Lisa’s.
These dancers, including Heather Kelley (center), opened today’s recital. Kelley has worked as one of the Lisa’s dance instructors for the past 20 years.
Lisa’s Dance Boutique donates proceeds from the recitals back to the school district. Bower-Logsdon said that is usually about $4,000 annually, plus concessions revenue. She estimated Lisa’s has contributed $125,000 to the district in the past 40 years.
Today’s recital was dedicated to Bower-Logsdon’s parents, George and Sandy Bower, and all the other dedicated grandparents who support the dancers at Lisa’s.
Lisa Bower-Logsdon for many years danced in one of the acts at the annual recital. She stopped doing that after she turned 50. But for the 40th anniversary celebration, Bower-Logsdon, 55, decided to be a part of the opening number.
Photos by Kristina Gabalski: The Holley Elementary School cafeteria was filled this morning for the annual Senior Citizens Breakfast. Each table featured an arrangement of fresh flowers and place mats made by students.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 4 May 2017 at 9:10 pm
Each participant is presented with a long-stemmed rose as they depart the breakfast
HOLLEY – About 125 people gathered in the cafeteria at Holley Elementary School this morning for the annual Senior Citizens Breakfast. The popular event includes a hot breakfast, coffee, and entertainment from both high school and elementary students.
“It honors our senior citizens,” Holley School Superintendent Robert D’Angelo said. “We have been doing this for years. It’s our way to say ‘thank you’ to them for what they have done for us and for what they continue to do.”
D’Angelo said May is Senior Citizens Appreciation Month. He noted the breakfast provides a way for senior citizens to interact with students and to learn about opportunities available to them – such as the Family Fitness room.
“We want them to know these schools are their schools,” D’Angelo said of the Holley Central School District campus. “It warms my heart to do something so positive.”
Members of the High School Student Council volunteer each year to help with decorating, serving the food, keeping coffee cups full, and cleaning up.
“It’s a great way for the community to come together,” senior Bailey Schubmehl said.
Eleventh grader Tiffany Rowley said the breakfast provides a way to, “Welcome senior citizens into the school community.”
For residents who need it, transportation to the breakfast is also provided.
11th Grader Tiffany Rowley and 12th grader Bailey Schubmehl volunteered to help with the breakfast. They say the event is enjoyable both for senior citizens and students.
Members of the Holley Senior High Chorus sing for guests.
Members of the Holley Central School Class of 2029 (kindergarteners) delight those in attendance at the Senior Citizen Breakfast.
Holley Sr. High School Student Council members present guests with long-stemmed roses as they leave the breakfast.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 3 May 2017 at 3:56 pm
3 running for 2 open seats on Board of Education
HOLLEY – Members of the Holley Board of Education on Tuesday evening held their annual hearing on the school budget.
Sharon Zacher, Holley’s assistant superintendent for business, presented the proposed 2017-18 budget which includes an increase in the tax levy of 1.35 percent, or about $92,000. That increase is below the tax cap of 1.381 percent, she said. The property tax levy ($6,968,766) accounts for about 28 percent of budget revenues.
The proposed budget totals $24.5 million, with a budget-to-budget increase of 0.41 percent or $100,000.
Zacher said Foundation Aid from NYS is up 2.74 percent or by $267,788. She said the district had hoped it would be more but, “We are thankful for what we have.”
She noted Foundation Aid continues to be short of the goals laid out in the original school aid formula agreed upon by state leaders. State aid accounts for about 65 percent of district revenues, she said.
Federal aid for the district is at $780,000 and has been experiencing a slow decline over time, Zacher said.
Appropriated Fund Balance in the proposed budget totals $1.04 million, which is down from the the $1.3 million appropriated in the 2016-2017 budget.
On the expenditure side, the administrative component is $3.2 million; the program component is $16.2 million and the capital component is $5.2 million.
The proposed budget does not include any changes in academic programs, school officials said.
District residents will vote on the budget on May 16 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the foyer of the Middle School/High School.
Three propositions will appear on the ballot:
• Proposition No. 1 – the Annual District Budget of $24.5 million;
• Proposition No. 2 – authorizing the purchase of school buses (two large and two small), a pickup truck, grounds maintenance equipment and choral risers – at a total cost not to exceed $496,600;
• Proposition No. 3 – support of the Holley Community Free Library. The proposed library budget for the 2017-2018 school year is $125,247.
Library Director Sandra Shaw told board members Community Free’s budget is up from 2016-17. She said the library must pay its staff minimum wage, which is up 7.69 percent. The cost of supplies such as paper, toner, toilet paper and books is also rising. Shaw noted the library has been able to expand programming significantly for both adults and children and has added Saturday hours.
“Our goal is to reach every stratus of the community,” she said.
There are three candidates on the ballot for two open seats (3-year terms) on the Board of Education. Incumbents Robin Silvis and Salvatore DeLuca Jr. are running for re-election. Andrea Newman is also on the ballot.
Photo by Kristina Gabalski: Village of Holley Development Corporation President Daniel Schiavone, Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty, Village Trustee Connie Nenni, and Orleans County Legislators Ken DeRoller and John DeFilipps gather on the porch of 37 S. Main St. in Holley Tuesday afternoon. They announced that the VHDC has now taken possession of the deeds of the eight “Diaz Homes” in the village, including this house at 37 S. Main.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 3 May 2017 at 8:12 am
Village will put houses on market with EPA getting 90% of sale
HOLLEY – The effort by the Village of Holley Development Corporation to obtain ownership of the eight vacant “Diaz homes” in the village has finally proven successful.
VHDC President Daniel Schiavone and Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty Tuesday afternoon announced that after a more than two years of negotiations with the federal Environmental Protection Agency, the VHDC has secured ownership of the homes and is in possession of the deeds.
“Our attorney is filing the deeds with the county to finalize the property transactions,” Schiavone said. “We are excited to be removing eight ‘zombie’ homes from the community and getting them revitalized in one way or another.”
The EPA purchased the homes following a release of chemicals from the former Diaz plant in January 2002. Diaz declared bankruptcy and abandoned its manufacturing plant on Jackson Street.
Holley Village leaders made the announcement that the eight “Diaz Homes” are now in the possession of the VHDC on the porch of 37 S. Main St., which sits at the corner of Jackson St.
The eight houses are in the southwest quadrant of the village near the former Diaz site, which has been dismantled and removed by the EPA. The houses have been sitting empty and off the tax rolls for more than a decade.
The Village of Holley Development Corporation will sell the homes with 90 percent of the sale price going back to the EPA and 10 percent going to the VHDC. Schiavone had worked during negotiations to get a more favorable split for Holley.
“We were hoping to start a bankroll for other projects,” he said. As it stands, the VHDC may be able to accrue some funds from the sale of the homes for future projects.
“We may make a little bit to keep (the VHDC) alive and operating,” he said.
Members of the VHDC – all volunteers and members of the community – will meet May 8 to decide the best way to sell the homes. Schiavone said utilizing a local realtor and placing the homes on the market has been the only option studied so far.
“Those who purchase the homes must agree to do lead clean-up,” Schiavone explained. During negotiations, the EPA demanded that buyers agree to have lead abatement completed by an EPA certified contractor.
Schiavone emphasized lead is the only issue the EPA found in the homes. The EPA has cleared the homes of any other contamination.
“People may be suspicious that chemicals from Diaz are still present,” Schiavone said. “That was not confirmed by EPA testing.”
People who purchase the properties will be provided with full EPA reports on the homes.
Schiavone and Mayor Sorochty thanked Senator Chuck Schumer, Congressman Chris Collins, local, county and state representatives for all of their help during the negotiation process.
“Dan didn’t ask for any thanks,” Sorochty said of Schiavone. “He volunteered and other members of the (VHDC) volunteered. Their efforts are very appreciated.”
Sorochty discussed the long-term “ripple effects” of the Diaz 2002 chemical release, which resulted in lawsuits, families moving away, the eventual bankruptcy of Diaz, and the loss of a major employer in the village.
The demolition of the Diaz site is now complete, the mayor said, and he explained that onsite soil remediation will now begin. The village is currently seeking a BOA (Brownfield Opportunity Area) Step 2 Program Grant with the hopes of re-developing the Diaz site, Sorochty said.
Both Sorochty and Schiavone said Tuesday was an exciting day for the village, which will now be able to move forward with the houses.
Schiavone said he was village mayor in 2002 when the chemical release occurred. He said he watched as events unfolded over the years and is happy now to see some closure.
“On a personal level it’s nice to see,” he said. “We hope people will see the potential in the homes and make them beautiful again.”
Orleans County legislators Ken DeRoller and John DeFilipps attended the announcement.
“It’s fantastic,” DeRoller said of the transfer of the deeds. He commended the members of the VHDC for their work.
Sorochty said the VHDC, which was formed to obtain ownership of the eight properties and get them back on the tax rolls, paid off for the village. The village’s comprehensive plan and the BOA Step 1 pre-nomination study recommended the formation of an LDC as a way to address the issue of the empty homes.
The return of the properties to local ownership and “may be a stepping stone for bigger things,” Legislator DeFilipps said.
Schiavone noted that the village has faced some setbacks lately with the loss of a bank and grocery store in the business district, but the successful acquisition of the Diaz homes shows, “the future is not so bad.”
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 27 April 2017 at 10:33 am
Photo by Kristina Gabalski: Holley Senior Kayla Thrower reports to Holley School Board members Tuesday evening about the High School Humanities Class’ recent trip to the State Capitol in Albany.
HOLLEY – Members of the High School Humanities class reported to members of the School Board of Education Tuesday evening about their recent trip to the State Capitol in Albany.
The class traveled to Albany on March 26-27 to learn first-hand about the workings of state government and to meet with local representatives. The students thanked board members for approving the trip.
In addition to visiting the Capitol building, including the floors of the State Assembly and Senate, students were able to visit the New York State Museum.
The students noted the floor of the New York State Assembly was “more laid-back,” while the floor of the State Senate was “more formal.” They also were able to meet with local Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, to discuss issues of interest to them.
Class member Kayla Thrower told board members that the students were in Albany during the celebration of Women’s History Month, which made an impression on her.
“It was really exciting for me,” Towner said. “I want to be a history major.”
Class members presented board members with photos of the class taken in the State Capitol during the trip.
In other business, board members unanimously adopted a Bed Bug Protocol for district schools. Members had received the document for review during their March meeting.
The district dealt with bed bug issues over the winter and board members had requested a protocol be developed in order to have a documented procedure for handling any future incidents.
Photo by Kristina Gabalski: Work is underway on new tennis courts on the Holley Central School campus. The tennis courts are part of the final phase of a $30 million capital improvement project.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 26 April 2017 at 11:56 am
HOLLEY – Representatives from SEI Design Group updated members of the Holley School Board of Education on the final phase of the district’s more than $30 million capital improvement project during the board’s regular meeting Tuesday evening.
“The project as a whole is on track,” Becky Cokelet of SEI told board members and administrators. “We got more work done on break (the district’s spring break) and during off hours than we expected.”
The last phase of the project includes new tennis courts; renovation of a current tennis court to two basketball courts; replacement of heating, ventilating and air conditioning units at both the Elementary School and Middle School/High School; replacement of windows, doors and masonry work on the Elementary School; the construction of two new playgrounds at the Elementary School; and a reconfiguration of the Elementary School bus loop which will separate bus traffic from car traffic.
“A paved island will separate the bus loop and car traffic to provide more safety,” Cokelet said.
The reconfiguration will also allow for parents picking up children to progress to the school entrance rather than wait behind buses.
Additionally, Cokelet explained that instead of using an access road to construct a new playground on the southeast side of the Elementary School, crews will enter the worksite from the school sidewalk. The change means that neighbors will not be disturbed by construction vehicle traffic. Contractors will replace the school sidewalk once the project is completed, she said.
Cokelet confirmed for Superintendent Robert D’Angelo that construction work would be completed by the third week of August, allowing for school staff to come in during the final week before classes begin.
In his report, Superintendent D’Angelo discussed the new Excelsior Scholarship offered by New York State.
The scholarship will provide free tuition at all CUNY and SUNY colleges for middle class families and individuals.
D’Angelo said he serves on an advisory council at Genesee Community College and learned more about the Excelsior Scholarship during a recent meeting.
“I’m excited about it,” D’Angelo said.
He explained students receiving the scholarship must complete 30 credits in a given year (which can include credits earned in summer classes and Genesee Promise Plus classes), and students must stay in New York State following graduation for the same duration they were in school under the scholarship. If they move out of state before that time, they must pay back tuition as in interest-free loan.
D’Angelo said it is important for parents to be kept informed about the scholarship by school administrators, particularly through emails.
“The more information we provide our parents, the better off students will be,” he said. “If we can help them along the way, we are ready to do that.”
Photos by Kristina Gabalski: Melissa Ierlan speaks last Wednesday evening about the Clarendon Cheese Factory at the Historical Society building in Clarendon.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 25 April 2017 at 9:40 am
This large tool was used in the Clarendon Cheese Factory for production.
CLARENDON – There was a full house at the Clarendon Historical Society last week as the 2017 special program season got underway with a very “cheesy” presentation by Town Historian and Historical Society President Melissa Ierlan.
She spoke about the Clarendon Cheese Factory which was opened in the mid-1890’s by George Tuttle. He had opened the first cheese factory in Orleans County on Telegraph Road in the Town of Murray before opening the Clarendon factory.
He died in 1899 and his son, Elmer, took over the business, but closed the factory a few years later.
In 1914, Herb Keople came to Clarendon, encouraged by William Inman, and built the Clarendon Cheese Factory, which was located on Hulberton Road just north of the Rt. 31A intersection. Ierlan said he ran the factory for 30 years.
Inman was a respected resident and the first who provided milk for the factory, thus encouraging other farmers to do so. The factory building still stands on the same footprint, Ierlan said, but now is a private home.
She said Clarendon Cheese was known for its quality. Local milk was used and the high quality of local water which the cows drank was given credit for the flavor of the cheese.
Ierlan also explained that cheese factories were a common sight in small towns across New York State from the mid-1800’s on into the 20th century, as cheese production moved away from the home.
“There were more than 1,500 cheese factories (in NYS) after 1850,” Ierlan said.
She also mentioned the “Big Cheese Caper” – an incident in which the cheese factory was broken into and 30-pound wheels of Clarendon cheese stolen. Troopers arrested Medina men for the robbery after they discovered the cheese in the men’s car.
A slide shows the inside of the cheese factory during production.
Keople was very active in the Clarendon community serving as a town justice and member of the school board. He died in 1978 and is buried in Clarendon.
The Clarendon Historical Society has special programs scheduled through October on the third Wednesday of each month.
Appropriately, Clarendon Historical Society members served cheese and crackers during the presentation.
Those include Richard Reisem and Andy Olenick on June 21 discussing their book Erie Canal Legacy; Village of Bergen Historian Raymond MacConnell on July 19 speaking on taxidermist Joseph Santens; Marlies Adams DiFante, author of Queen of the Bremen on August 16; Michael T. Keene, author of Vietnam Reflections – The Untold Story of the Holley Boys, Sept. 20; and Ken McPherson on Oct. 18 speaking about the Charles Howard Santa Claus School.
The programs are free and open to the public and take place at the Clarendon Historical Society – 16426 Fourth Section Rd., at the intersection of Rt. 31A and Church Street.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 20 April 2017 at 11:36 am
Project will be phased in over 3 to 4 years
HOLLEY – Mayor Brian Sorochty is thrilled with the announcement from Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday that the village has been approved for a $1,780,000 state grant to construct curbs and sidewalks that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“We are very happy and excited,” Brian Sorochty said. “This is a big one for us to win.”
He thanked the village’s grantwriter, J. O’Connell & Associates for the firm’s work on the grant application.
Sorochty said the village has been discussing how to repair/replace sidewalks for quite some time.
The grant will allow the village to replace about one-third of the sidewalks in the village, he said. That includes sidewalk along Rt. 237 – both north and south of Rt. 31 to the village limits, as well as Geddes Street from Rt. 237 to the Public Square, and all sidewalks north of Rt. 31 and east Rt. 237 – the northeast quadrant of the village.
“That will be a huge amount of new sidewalk that is code compliant and ADA compliant with ramps at intersections,” Sorochty said.
The program phases the improvements out over a three or four year span, he said.The first year will include engineering and planning work and then construction will be completed in phases over a couple of years.
The village Department of Public Works will be completing much of the work and the phases will help to complete the project in, “manageable chunks,” Sorochty said.
As part of the grant application process, residents were asked to submit letters, explaining their need for safer walkability in the village. Those letters were an important part of the village receiving the grant.
“It made a big difference,” the mayor said. “We need the new sidewalk… the current infrastructure has been in poor shape for years.”
Connie Nenni was one of the village trustees who pushed for Holley to apply for the grant.
“I am beyond excited about the village receiving the TAP grant for sidewalks,” Nenni said. “It is such a great thing not only for the village but for the entire community. Many people that do not live in the village use the village to walk or run or trick-or-treat. It will be a huge benefit to so many.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 April 2017 at 9:11 am
MURRAY – The powerful wind storm last month blew off numerous shingles and caused other significant damage to the roof on the Murray highway garage.
“Two thirds of the roof came off,” Highway Superintendent Ed Morgan told the Town Board during its meeting last week.
The roof is currently leaking, and needs to be repaired soon, Morgan advised the Town Board.
He is seeking bids on the roof repairs, which could top $15,000.
In other action:
• Morgan also said three canal bridges in the town are due for major overhauls. The bridges on Bennetts Corners, Telegraph and Transit roads are all planned for extensive work by the state Department of Transportation. The projects are expected to cost about $1 million to $2 million each.
One bridge on Hindsburg Road has now been closed about 15 years. Morgan said the DOT has no plans of fixing that bridge.
• The Town Board held a hearing on a moratorium on installation of ground-mounted solar energy systems in the town for six months.
The Town Planning Board wants time to write zoning regulations for commercial-scale solar systems that are ground mounted. The moratorium doesn’t affect residential projects.
The town wants to have zoning in place for removing the solar systems when they are obsolete, and wants to establish setbacks, screening from glare and glint, and address other issues with the projects.
Code Enforcement Officer Ron Vendetti said he expected the regulations would be complete in about 60 days.
• Morgan also reported the town will be receiving $13,500 more in CHIPS funding from the state for road maintenance as part of the new state budget.
• The Town Board passed a resolution supporting a legislative proposal that would limit the SAFE Act to New York City.
• The Board also passed a resolution urging the state to pay any additional costs for probation and other impacted county departments associated with the “Raising the Age of criminal responsibility” from 16 to 18.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 April 2017 at 3:37 pm
Photo by Kristina Gabalski: Holley village officials and residents have been concerned about deteriorating sidewalks, including this one on Geddes Street, which was pictured last September.
HOLLEY – The Village of Holley will get a major overhaul of sidewalks and curbs.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced this afternoon the village has been approved for a $1,780,000 grant to construct curbs and sidewalks that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The governor announced $112.2 million in funding for 81 projects in the state that support bicycle and pedestrian enhancements, and also improve air quality across New York.
“This funding is critical to enhancing our infrastructure and paving the way for both pedestrian and bicycle travel,” Cuomo said about the projects. “By improving roadway safety and increasing access to healthy transportation alternatives, we are providing both residents and visitors a chance to experience the state’s natural beauty like never before, while supporting a cleaner, greener New York for generations to come.”
The funding, which will provide up to 80 percent of the cost of each project, is made available through the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the New York State Department of Transportation.
Selected through a competitive solicitation process, awardees presented plans that will increase options for non-vehicular transportation, reduce vehicle emissions or traffic congestion, or both. Including additional public and private funding, these projects will leverage nearly $233 million in construction and operational enhancements that will improve air quality, promote walking and biking, expand public transportation access, and boost tourism across the state.
“This massive federal investment will help New York State make important upgrades for pedestrians and bicyclists and, in turn, encourage New Yorkers to travel more by bike or by foot,” said U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer. “Increased biking and walking is good for our collective hearts and lungs; it also reduces congestion and helps boost the economy. These transportation improvements demonstrate the types of important local projects that can only be accomplished with direct public investment.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 April 2017 at 11:40 am
HOLLEY – Firefighters were dispatched to a house fire at 11:26 a.m. today in the Town of Murray, and had the fire knocked down within minutes, an Orleans County dispatcher said.
Firefighters responded to 16629 Route 31, which is between the village line and Lake Road.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 April 2017 at 11:31 am
MURRAY – The town has met its goal in securing enough signatures to move ahead with a new water district.
Water District 3 Extension 1 will serve about 20 homes and 40 parcels. It covers about 3 miles on portions Hindsburg, West Kendall and Center roads.
The extension is off three roads on the western end of Ridge Road in Murray. The project will bring public water to some of the last remaining sections of the town without a waterline.
To move forward with the project, the town needed at least a majority of the homeowners and a majority of the tax base to sign off on the project.
The town has signatures from residents supporting the project from 60 percent of the total tax base owners, and 74 percent of the owner-occupied residences, Town Attorney Jeff Martin advised the Town Board on Tuesday.
“That shows strong support for this proposed water district,” Martin said.
The board set a public meeting for 7 p.m. on May 3 at Town Hall to go over the cost structure of the project. Engineer Paul Chatfield is also expected at the meeting to go over the construction.
Martin said each parcel owner would pay $623.80 annually in debt service for the project. That doesn’t include buying water.
The Town Board thanked Art Knab of Hindsburg Road, Bob Beisang of West Kendall Road and Highway Superintendent Ed Morgan for going door to door and securing some of the signatures needed for the project.
Photos by Kristina Gabalski: Brenna Embury voted for a baby goat to be born on March 27 and that is the day that Hershey gave birth to Millie, making Brenna winner of the “Kids-terry” fundraiser. She was also able to pick a plush goat toy as a prize. The real goats - Hershey and Oreo - are owned by Karen Clark and Fran Gaylord, who also provided the plush toy goats for prizes.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 12 April 2017 at 6:49 pm
Kindergartener Eli Sample won for his selection of April 6 as a date for baby goats to be born. Eli holds the plush toy goat he selected as a prize. Third grader Gianna Brown also won for the second birth date, but was not in school Tuesday. Gianna will also receive one of the toy goats and a certificate.
HOLLEY – Members of the Holley Elementary Student Council continue to come up with innovative ways to raise funds for local community projects and school programs.
Their most recent effort was “Kids-terry” – a lottery to guess the birth of baby goats. The effort raised money to support After School Friends.
Elementary Student Council advisor Sally Martin says the After School Friends program encourages positive social interaction and the forming of friendships. It is a safe place with a structured environment for students in grades 4-6 which helps them to form friendships through interactive play, craft making, and exploration of new ideas.
Special guests from the community are also invited to help students learn the importance of working together and being part of a community.
The baby goat lottery helped raise funds through purchased “votes” for the date and number of kids that Oreo & Hershey – two mother goats – would have. Each vote cost 50 cents.
“The event raised $100 for ‘Kids-terry,’” Martin says.
An additional $200 was raised through collection boxes placed throughout the Holley community.
Last year, the Student Council raised funds for restoration work on the Hillside Cemetery chapel through the “Chancellor of the Chapel” fundraiser in which votes were purchased to select an animal “Chancellor” for the historic sandstone structure.
Posters were placed around Holley Elementary School during the “Kids- terry” fundraiser. This poster shows the first kid born – Millie. Mom, Hershey, is in the photograph on the right.
Another poster shows mom, Oreo, who gave birth to her kid on April 6.
A photograph of Oreo’s kid shortly after being born. The baby was not yet named as of Tuesday morning.
Fran Gaylord, who owns the goats along with Karen Clark, poses with Oreo’s kid on April 6.
Elementary Student Council President Katelyn Randall (left), a 6th grader, and Vice President Maggie Skehan, a 4th grader, hold a coin collection box for the ongoing “Pennies for Patients” fundraiser. Advisor Sally Martin says the Holley Elementary School Student Council participates in the fundraiser each year, which is part of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Student Series and Philanthropy programs. The fundraiser collects coins to help people in their battle against blood cancers.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 April 2017 at 10:44 am
Revised policy stipulates only town employees can hook up water meters
MURRAY – The Town Board approved higher water rates on Tuesday, an increase from $4.25 to $4.50 per 1,000 gallons.
The town raised the rates “based on our increased costs,” said Ed Morgan, the highway and water superintendent.
He said the rates were last increased in 2014. The town’s primary water supplier, the Monroe County Water Authority, has steadily increased its rates to the town, currently charging Murray $3.25 per 1,000 gallons plus an additional meter charge, Morgan said.
“That doesn’t leave much margin for water loss and operations and maintenance,” Morgan told the board.
He said the average residential water customer uses 9,400 gallons per quarter. Raising the rates by 25 cents will cost the average user an extra $2.36 every three months, Morgan said.
“I don’t believe it’s a hardship on anybody,” he said about the higher rates.
The new rate structure also includes $4.50 per 1,000 gallons for water haulers and $4 per 1,000 gallons for agriculture/farm users.
Morgan and the Town Board also declined to charge users a quarterly water meter fee.
The board also approved revisions to policies and procedures in the water department. Water meters now must always be hooked up by town personnel at hydrants.
Some residents complained last year that some meters used by farmers and other users were put on by the users, and not town employees.
The town will now put on all meters and won’t charge the users the first time. However, there will be a $50 charge each time thereafter the meter is put on.
Some farmers will use public water during dry spells. They might then want the meter back on again a few days or weeks after irrigating a field.
They will now have to pay the $50 to have the meter put back on, or they can keep the meter on at a hydrant for several days or weeks.
However, if the meter is stolen, the farmer or other user will be responsible for paying the town $1,500 for a replacement. Morgan said a meter has only been stolen once, about 20 years ago.
The new policies and procedures give the town more control in the water system, and follows state health regulations, Morgan said.
Morgan and the Town Board were praised by resident Joe Sidonio for the revised procedures.
“I think it’s admirable,” Sidonio said about the changes. “Thanks for hearing our voice.”
