Village police will add body cameras

HOLLEY – The Village of Holley will seek grant funding to help cover the cost of creating a concept plan and market study for the quadrant of the village which includes the site of the former Diaz Chemical plant.

Trustees voted Thursday evening to have the village’s grant writer, J. O’Connell & Associates, write an application for grant funding under the New York State Department of State’s Brownfield Opportunity Areas (BOA) Program.  The grant would help with the creation of a revitalization strategy for the former Diaz site on Jackson Street and surrounding neighborhood.

Mayor Brian Sorochty said this would be step two in a process towards revitalizing the area. The village completed step one several years ago, identifying areas in the village that are underutilized or affected by negative environmental impacts.

The mayor noted the EPA is expected to start soil remediation soon at the Diaz site.

“We would work with a consultant to develop a concept plan showing re-development and a market study,” Sorochty said of the step two grant. He suggested the site potentially could be used for housing or for a business that would bring jobs to the community.

Once the plan and study are complete, the property would be targeted for tax credits making it, “more appetizing for a developer to come in,” Sorochty said.

According to the NYS Department of State website, the BOA Program provides financial and technical assistance to municipalities for turning, “dormant and blighted parcels into productive, catalytic properties.”

The mayor said he would like to look at the the entire quadrant of the village including the eight Diaz homes, which are still owned by the EPA.

“I don’t know if there is anything (regarding the grant) that can help the homes or the LDC (Village of Holley Development Corporation),” the mayor said.

The grant application is due March 1 and the village will have to work quickly to form a steering committee including representatives from the Board of Trustees, the LDC, the Planning/Zoning Board, and consultants from Bergman Associates to determine the scope of the project.  A larger committee would be formed if the village receives the grant, Sorochty said.

He explained that the grants are 90/10 matching grants, meaning 90 percent of the funds would come from the state and 10 percent from the village. The village’s portion could be in-kind labor.

“It doesn’t have to be cash out of the village coffers,” Sorochty said.

The village will spend no more than $3,000 to have O’Connell & Associates write the grant application.

Regarding the eight Diaz homes, Sorochty mentioned the village has received recent communication from the EPA regarding the agreement to transfer ownership of the homes to the village, indicating the transfer could happen before spring.  The mayor said he is not optimistic based on the history of the village’s relationship with the EPA.

“We’ve been waiting for six weeks for six months,” he told LDC member Dr. Krista Wiley, who attended the village board meeting.

Village Code Enforcement Officer Ron Vendetti told the village board that he plans to contact Congressman Chris Collins over the issue in hopes that the new presidential administration might move the process along faster.

“There is a new outlook on the EPA,” Vendetti said, regarding the incoming Trump Administration.

In other business, Police Chief Roland Nenni reported that Village of Holley police will likely begin wearing body cameras next month.

He said police officers in the Village of Albion, where he also serves as Chief of Police, began wearing the cameras last fall.

“It has been phenomenal,” he said of the body cameras in Albion. “It’s a completely different police department once the cameras go on. There’s been a change in how we handle complaints.”

Nenni said images caught on camera are not reviewed unless there is a need, but they have been very helpful in resolving complaints quickly and easily.

Municipal Electric and Water Department Superintendent Matt Campbell reported that a few complaints continue to “trickle in” over the village’s water. In December, the village worked to address sporadic complaints of a metallic taste and smell to village water.

Tests done by the Orleans County Health Department showed the water was safe to drink and the village has been working to combat the problem through hydrant flushing and adding chlorine.

The remaining complaints, “revolve around a chlorine taste,” Campbell said. The village will begin lowering chlorine levels once the Health Department gives the OK, he said.

“We are doing our best,” Mayor Sorochty said of the village’s efforts to combat the problem.

Campbell said any residents  experiencing problems with their water can call him to have their water tested.

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Photo by Kristina Gabalski: Grace Azzolino is the new children’s librarian at the Community Free Library in Holley.

HOLLEY – A fresh new face at the Holley Community Free Library is helping to create new programming for the library’s youngest patrons.

Grace Azzolino, who received her master’s in library science degree last June, joined the Holley Community Free Library staff as children’s librarian Jan. 3.

“Things are going well,” she said of her new job. “I’m in the midst of coming up with new ideas.”

The creation of a children’s librarian position was made possible by a state grant obtained by Senator Robert Ortt, Library Director Sandra Shaw has said.

In addition to having a children’s librarian who can focus on children’s programming, the library will also start Saturday hours beginning Feb. 4.

Saturday hours will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the months of February through May, and September through December. The library will be closed on Saturdays in June, July and August.

Azzolino said Saturday, Feb. 4, is “Take a Child to the Library Day” and the library will celebrate with a special reception planned at 10 a.m. to initiate the new Saturday hours as well as welcome her as children’s librarian.  She said Senator Robert Ortt is expected to attend.

New weekday hours beginning Feb. 4 are Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m.; and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Summer weekday hours will be Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m.; and Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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The Murray Town Board passed a resolution on Tuesday asking Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the State Legislature to end the large disparity in AIM funding between cities and villages.

The Town Board moved on the issue on Tuesday, a day after Orleans Hub urged local municipal boards to pass resolutions about the gap in per capita funding with Aid and Incentives to Municipalities. There is a huge gap in per capita AIM funding between cities ($277 per resident on average) and villages and towns (an average of $7 per resident).

John Morriss, the Murray town supervisor, said Murray has passed similar resolutions before and wants to press the issue again.

Morriss, a Holley resident, said the village has aging infrastructure, and tries to offer a quality services with police, streets, water, sewer and other quality of life issues.

“In little Holley our waterlines are antiquated and the roads need to be fixed,” Morriss said. “We have a lot of older people and they don’t have the extra money to pay.”

The town resolution was sent to Gov. Cuomo, State Assemblyman Steve Hawley and State Sen. Robert Ortt.

“We gladly passed it,” Morriss said. “If they can’t out it on the table to discuss, it will never go anywhere.”

To see the article Monday about the AIM disparity, click here.

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CLARENDON – Members of the Clarendon Town Board met Tuesday, Jan. 3, for their annual organizational meeting to set pay rates and make appointments for the new year.

The board decided to stay with the current monthly regular meeting date of the third Tuesday of each month. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall, 16385 Church St.  The August meeting is held at the Historical Society Museum Barn at 16426 Fourth Section Rd.

Allen Robinson was again designated as deputy town supervisor and council members keep their standing committee assignments. Marc Major and Allen Robinson are on the Highway Committee; Major and Paul Nicosia are on the Building Committee, and Richard Moy and Robinson are on the Budget Committee.

David Griggs was re-appointed chairman of the Planning Board and Kevin Johnson was re- appointed deputy chairman; Marge Morse was re-appointed chairman of the Zoning Board and Sheron Pedley deputy chairman.

Council members will receive an annual salary of $3,731.25, the town supervisor salary is $10,200.  The town justice will receive a $13,770 annual salary and the superintendent of highways salary is $59,956.  The Town Clerk/Tax Collector will receive an annual salary of $38,097.

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Photos by Tom Rivers

CLARENDON – A vacant home at 16379 Munger Rd. was badly damaged this morning by a fire.

A school bus driver saw smoke coming from the building and firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 8:11 a.m.

The house was engulfed with flames with multiple fire departments helping to put out the fire.

The house is listed for sale by Results Realtors. The listing says the house is 1,216 square feet and was built in 1900 with a renovation in 1989.

Firefighters and an Orleans County sheriff’s deputy at the scene didn’t know who owns the house. Fire investigators were being called to the scene.

Clarendon, Holley, Fancher-Hulberton-Murray, Kendall, Albion, Barre, Kendall, Brockport, Byron and South Byron firefighters all responded to the fire. Firefighters had to haul water to the scene because there isn’t public waterlines on Munger Road.

Provided photo: This photo shows the house fully engulfed by flames.

Clarendon brought its ladder truck to the scene. A firefighter uses a chain saw to try to vent the roof.

Larry Babcock from the Holley Joint Fire District fires up a cutter.

The house suffered extensive damage.

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Photos by Tom Rivers: Richard Brummel is pictured in Holley last February, protesting the Squirrel Slam hunting contest.

HOLLEY – An environmental advocate trying to stop the “Squirrel Slam” hunting contest sponsored by the Holley Fire Department sees new life for a lawsuit trying to stop the hunting contest held in late February each year.

James Punch, acting Supreme Court justice in Orleans County, on Feb. 19, 2015 dismissed a lawsuit “in its entirety.” Richard Brummel was in court that day after travelling from Long Island.

The case was formally brought by a Wayne County woman, Lauren Sheive, who said the “Slam” wiped out thousands of local squirrels. The lawsuit contended the event required an environmental impact review to assess the impact on the squirrel population.

Punch on Feb. 19, 2015 compared the Squirrel Slam to fishing contest. He said no laws were being broken.

The Appellate Court on Dec. 23 reversed Punch’s decision, and sent the case back to Orleans County.

The Appellate Court didn’t give an opinion on the “Squirrel Slam” itself, but said Punch should have allowed the case to be presented in court instead of dismissing it.

The specific plans for the next steps in the lawsuit are known only by the attorneys, Brummel said. Associate Anup Misra from Winston & Strawn, a New York City law firm, is leading the legal effort. The firm is taking the case pro bono, Brummel said.

“The Appellate Court ruled only on the question of judicial procedure, not on our argument that a government-sponsored mass-killing of animals should be subject to environmental review under state law,” Brummel said in a statement.

The Squirrel Slam attracted a media frenzy in 2013, drawing national and international attention from animal rights’ activists. But by last year, Brummel was one of the few protestors in the Public Square when hunters brought their bags of squirrels to be weighed.

The Holley event is capped at 600 tickets or 300 two-person teams, Fran Gaylord, past chief of the Holley Fire Company, has said.

The hunting season for gray, black and fox squirrel runs from Sept. 1 to Feb. 28 and there is a daily bag limit of 6. Red squirrels may be hunted anytime and there is no limit, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Brummel has said the Holley hunt happens at a time when many squirrels are pregnant. He said thousands of squirrels are eliminated with the Squirrel Slam and that kind of environmental impact should be addressed by the Fire Department.

Plaques are awarded to the winning teams.

“It’s really important that these issues be fought,” Brummel told reporters on Feb. 19, 2015. “I couldn’t turn my back on what I thought was an attack on these lovely animals.”

Brummel said Orleans County residents are fortunate to live in an area with open spaces and lots of wildlife. He said Long Island is congested with lots of traffic and not much wildlife.

He didn’t like how Judge Punch compared the squirrel-hunting contest to a fishing derby.

“We have a huge problem with overfishing,” he said. “This isn’t frivolous. We are acting as if we have unlimited resources, whether it’s squirrels, fish, trees or whales.”

Gaylord, past chief of the Fire Department, said none of the hunters are breaking any laws. Although 600 tickets are sold, Gaylord said on Feb. 19, 2015 that only about 120 to 140 of the two-person teams compete. Many people buy tickets to support the fire department and don’t hunt, he said.

The fire department used to only sell about 200 tickets for the fund-raiser, but it could easily sell 1,000 due to the publicity around the Squirrel Slam, Gaylord has said. The event is capped at 600 because that is how many people can fit in the fire hall for refreshments when the hunt is over.

“This is a way of life up here,” Gaylord has said about the contest. “It’s really no different than a fishing derby. You need a license and it has to get weighed.”

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CLARENDON – The Town Board is considering not keeping an attorney on retainer, and is also asking the state to lower the speed limit on Upper Holley Road.

Clarendon Supervisor Dick Moy recently discussed the possibility of the town ending its practice of keeping an attorney on retainer.

Moy said the town pays $8,000 a year to keep attorney Karl Essler on retainer. Essler is required to make six board meetings a year, but Moy questioned the need for the expense.

“What are we getting?” he asked. “Not much.”

Moy said he had spoken with Essler about the actual need of the town to keep an attorney on retainer, and Essler said there are no legal requirements for the town to do so.

Moy noted towns in Genesee County do not keep lawyers on retainer, but instead seek legal counsel on an as-needed basis.

The town also has recourse to legal advice from the Association of Towns of the State of New York, which has attorneys on staff, Moy said during Clarendon’s Dec. 20 board meeting.

The town pays $1,000 annually for its membership in the Association of Towns, he noted, and explained that in addition to the cost of the retainer for an attorney, most legal services provided to the town come at an extra cost, such as drafting local laws.

“I’m not sold on the idea,” board member Marc Major said, but council member Allen Robinson said the town could possibly try it for a limited time, to see how it goes. The town has funds in the 2017 budget for the retainer fee.

In other business, Town Board members passed a resolution requesting that the New York State Department of Transportation consider lowering the speed limit on Upper Holley Rd./Upper Holley Rd. Ext.

During the November Town Board meeting, a resident requested that the current yellow signs advising a 35-mile-per-hour speed through the area be changed to white, making the lower speed limit enforceable.

Police chief praises officers for daily commitment

HOLLEY – Repairs to the village police department building on Thomas Avenue will be $7,200, and the cost rises to $12,600 if drainage/parking lot work is figured in, Village Board members were told recently.

Dave Nenni, Department of Public Works superintendent, said the building needs work including replacing and re-pointing of brick, and window and gutter improvements.

Nenni said the work would be completed next summer. Additionally, Nenni discussed replacing the village’s decades old leaf sweeper. He noted the trucks are costly and it’s difficult to find a used one in good condition.

Because of their cost, municipalities, “usually keep them until they are shot,” Nenni said. He said it might be possible for the village to obtain a grant through the Clean Water Act to help cover some of the cost.

“We have to do something,” Nenni said, and noted he could look into purchasing a truck that would have additional functions such as street sweeping.

He said the equipment is an important part of the work of the DPW which ensures the community is kept clean.

“It’s part of the everyday stuff we do for a better community,” Nenni said.

Village Board members agreed Nenni should look into the cost and the opportunities that exist for grant funding.

Police Chief Roland Nenni reported to board members that staffing of the department is an ongoing struggle, particularly with part-time officers, however, the department’s two full-time officers are making a big difference.

“They are out there everyday,” Chief Nenni said. “They care about what they are doing and have raised the level of what we do here. The product we are putting out there is tremendous now.”

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New Interact Club has focus on community service

Article and photos from Holley Central School

HOLLEY – In late November, Holley High School students volunteered to set up the Elementary Primary Gym for the Holley Days of Shopping event on Dec. 1-2.

The students worked with Social Worker Samantha Zelent to bring donated gift items to the Elementary School, sort them into categories and arrange them on tables, floors, shelves and the stage so that district families could shop for holiday presents.

The shopping event helped 53 families, including 141 children, receive gifts this year. Any remaining items went to the Community Center.

“A big thank you to those who donated their time, money and/or gifts to make this event so wonderful,” said Erica Bailey, Elementary School social worker and coordinator of Holley Days of Shopping. “All who attended were very appreciative of the opportunity. Several stated that without this support, their children would not be receiving gifts this year. I am proud to be part of a wonderful district that truly cares for its community.”

Many of the students who volunteered their time at the shopping event are part of the new Interact Club at Holley Middle School/High School (MS/HS). This group is sponsored by the Holley Rotary Club.

About 30 students in grades 7-12 have joined in its first year. Their focus is on volunteer work at both local and global levels. They have already volunteered at the Rotary Beefeater dinner, and shopped and wrapped presents for seven Holley children, using money provided by the Rotary Club.

They are assisting teachers at the Elementary School, and they will help with a spaghetti dinner in January to benefit a Holley family. They plan to volunteer at a soup kitchen soon and conduct a prom dress drive in the winter for the MS formal dance. They’re also planning a book drive in the spring, where books will be shipped to children in another country.

Rotary member John Heise is the Rotary Club liaison and Holley MS/HS Social Worker Samantha Zelent and Art Teacher Evinn Neadow are the staff advisors.

“Whatever volunteer work the students want to do or ideas they have to help, we make it happen,” said Zelent, who is Heise’s daughter and very familiar with Rotary Club efforts over the years. “This is a great opportunity for students to interact with the community, and it empowers them to help meet some of the needs they’ve identified in their environment that need support.”

Zelent has been excited to see so many students who want to participate in the Interact Club. She has also been happy to see the support from Holley alumni to provide donations for the Holley Days of Shopping and to sponsor about 30 students this holiday season.

“Former students who have graduated in the last five years have been contacting me asking how they can help,” said Zelent. “Many of them are still going to school or just getting started in their careers, but they still want to give back. Isn’t that fantastic? We live in such a caring community.”

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Photos by Kristina Gabalski

HOLLEY – There was lots of red, Santa hats, and reindeer antlers made of construction paper on Friday when Holley Elementary School had a Winter Sing Along led by members of the chorus and band.

This photo shows teachers, staff and students teaming up with visual aids for a rendition of “Must be Santa…”

Students and their teachers in the audience enjoy singing along with the chorus.

Holley Elementary Chorus Director Sally Martin, left, and Band Director Hannah Bock dance while students sing “Jingle Bell Rock.”

The Holley Elementary Band brass section plays “Heaven and Nature” (Joy to the World).

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HOLLEY – The Holley cheerleading squad, which includes 30 girls and two boys, visited The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center on Thursday evening.

The cheerleaders presented each resident of the nursing home in Albion with a Christmas card and a teddy bear. They also sang a few songs to some residents.

“The kids were so wonderful and took time to chat with the residents and wish them Merry Christmas,” said Heather Kelley, the cheerleading coach. “It is an amazing experience! We are going to organize a trip back for Valentine’s Day.”

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Photo by Kristina Gabalski: The Clarendon Historical Society is working to restore the chapel at Hillside Cemetery.

CLARENDON – The Clarendon Historical Society this week received a $10,000 grant from the Orleans County Foundation/Curtis Foundation for restoration of the historic Medina Sandstone non-denominational chapel in Hillside Cemetery.

“Their continued support of this project as well as others in Orleans County, demonstrates their active interest in the betterment of our community through engaging with organizations working to improve a variety of programs and places,” Clarendon Historical Society member Erin Anheier said of the Orleans County Foundation/Curtis Foundation.

The Historical Society previously received grants from the Foundation for exterior mortar repointing and window restoration for the chapel.

Historical Society President Melissa Ierlan said the funds will help cover incidentals and the anticipated need of hiring professionals for the restoration process, which will be in compliance with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

She said she is “thrilled people are still granting us money, considering how long it is taking us to get through this process.”

Ierlan explained there has been much time-consuming paperwork involved in the restoration process, and she is humbled by the support the project has been shown.

Hillside Cemetery was placed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places in 2013 with the chapel being a major contributing asset, Anheier said.  In 2014, the Landmark Society of Western New York named the chapel to their “Five to Revive” list.

The chapel was built in 1894 of locally quarried Medina Sandstone, she said, and is a “fine example of Gothic Revival architecture.”

Restoration plans include replacing the slate roof with new slate, rebuilding the stained glass windows and refurbishing the interior.

“Once restored, the chapel is envisioned as a community meeting place for events such as lectures, art shows, musical presentations and weddings. Work is anticipated to begin early in 2017,” Anheier said.

The Historical Society’s fund-raising campaign for restoration of the chapel began in 2014 and Anheier said tax deductible donations have been received from community members, through grants, and from entrance fees for Historical Society-sponsored events at the cemetery and chapel to support the project.

The Historical Society  is “very appreciative of the support and encouragement they have received from the local community and look forward to holding events in the refurbished chapel,” Anheier said.

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‘Vietnam Reflections’ tells story of 8 men from Holley who died in Vietnam War

Provided photo: Don Sisson presents a copy of the book, Vietnam Reflections by Michael T. Keene, to the Community Free Library in Holley. Sandra Shaw, library director, accepts the book from Sisson, whose brother Ronnie P. Sisson was killed in Vietnam on Dec. 16, 1965.

HOLLEY – The family of one of the eight Holley men killed in the Vietnam War donated a copy of a book to the Community Free Library in Holley.

The book, ‘Vietnam Reflections’ by Michael Keene, profiles the eight men from Holley who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.

Ronnie Sisson was one of the eight from Holley who died in Vietnam. Don Sisson gave a book to the library in memory of his brother.

The death of Ronnie Sisson and the seven other soldiers from Holley is one of the highest per capita losses from the war of any community in the United States.

Michael Keene, a Vietnam War veteran from Pittsford, interviewed family and friends of the eight Holley soldiers for his book.

Other Holley soldiers featured in the book include: John P. Davis, David Duane Case, Howard L. Bowen, Gary E. Bullock, Gary Lee Stymus, George Warren Fischer Jr. and Paul Scott Mandracchia.

Keene will be signing copies of the book and giving a talk about ‘Vietnam Reflections’ on Jan. 14 at the American Legion in Holley from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Murray-Holley Historical Society will be serving punch and cookies during the event.

Marsha DeFillipps, the Murray-Holley historian since 1979, praised Keene for his effort with the book, which she said is receiving positive reviews from the community.

“It’s great that he did this undertaking, especially not being a local guy,” she said. “It’s a fantastic book.”

She said the book is a tribute to the community and its patriotism.

“We’ve had a lot of sacrifices through the years with all of the wars,” she said.

Every year on Flag Day, elementary students march down Main Street past DeFillipps’ home in the village. The students wave flags and go to the Historical Society Depot where citizenship awards are presented.

“We’re one of the few schools that still does a big Flag Day,” she said.

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HOLLEY – Residents who have noticed a metallic odor and taste in their water don’t need to worry that the water is unsafe.

Village of Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty said this morning that tests results of village water have come back from the Orleans County Health Department showing the water is fine.

“There is no reason not to drink or use the water,” Sorochty said. “There is no boil water advisory, people can use their water as normal.”

The mayor reported to Village Board members during their meeting Tuesday evening about the metallic odor and taste sporadically affecting tap water for some residents and businesses in the village.

The village began flushing hydrants on Tuesday and is adding additional chlorine in an effort to combat any unpleasant taste or smell.

Sorochty explained during the Village Board meeting that the water the village receives from the Monroe County Water Authority has a high pH level, which “eats up chlorine.” The village receives some of its water from its own well in addition to water from the MCWA, he said.

Trustee Connie Nenni, who works for the Holley Central School District, said the odor had affected some of the fountains at the school and some district employees who live in the village noted they had experienced minor skin irritation.

The process of flushing the system appears to be helping. Sorochty said this morning that some residents have reported an improvement in their water since flushing began. Officials are not certain what caused the change in odor and taste.

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