Village also adopts law for temporary storage shelters

Photo by Tom Rivers – Craig Lacy addresses Medina village officials on Monday during a public hearing. The group includes, from left: Village Clerk Debbie Padoleski, Village Trustee Mark Kruzynski, Trustee Marguerite Sherman, Mayor Andrew Meier, Trustee Mike Sidari and Trustee Mark Irwin.

MEDINA – The Village Board approved two local laws on Monday, one that establishes a 15-minute parking space on North Main Street in front of Napa Auto Parts and another law that regulates temporary storage shelters.

Craig Lacy, owner of Napa, said his customers are often frustrated with the parking situation near the store at 345 North Main St. The village has a 2-hour parking limit on Main Street, but many vehicles seem to be there much longer, making it a challenge for merchants, Lacy said.

His store and others on North Main Street don’t have the option to park behind the building, freeing up space on Main Street. He tries to point some customers to a lot in the Canal Basin, but customers prefer being closer to the store.

Lacy requested two 15-minute parking spots and the Village Board voted to give him one from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Trustee Marguerite Sherman said Lacy’s building is in an unusual spot at an intersection with a bump-out.

“There is a need for something,” she said about the parking situation. “I can feel for what Mr. Lacy has to say. You hate to open up a can of worms, but something needs to be done to help out.”

The board approved the 15-minute spot and Mayor Andrew Meier said the board would consider such requests on a case-by-case basis. Meier said Lacy faces competition from the chain auto parts stores that have their own parking lots.

The board and Medina Business Association said they would again remind downtown business owners and their employees to park behind their buildings if possible and use municipal lots to free up space on Main Street.

Police Chief Jose Avila reported to the board that the police enforce parking laws, and wrote 180 parking tickets throughout the village last year.

The board also approved a law for temporary storage containers – Pods and shipping containers – that are becoming increasingly popular.

Some of these containers stay on sites for months, resulting in deteriorating appearance in property and in complaints, village officials said.

The new regulations for temporary storage containers establish them as portable storage units without a permanent foundation. They may include cargo containers, truck trailers, construction trailers and bulk solid waste containers.

The village is limiting sites to a maximum of two cargo containers for no more than 60 days per calendar year. If homeowners suffer a fire or flood and need the container longer, they can seek a demolition or building permit with the cargo container to be removed a week after the demo or building permit expires.

The regulation proposes similar standards for portable storage containers and establishes setback requirements.

Semi-truck trailers are limited to commercial or residential sites. Construction trailers are allowed in commercial, residential and industrial sites but must be removed a week after a building permit expires or certificate of occupancy is issued.

Bulk solid waste containers are allowed for up to 45 days in a year. They must be kept at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines and at least 10 feet from front property lines, according to the new regulation.

Photo by Tom Rivers – Jonathan Higgins, a captain with Medina Fire Department, speaks to the Village Board tonight, asking the group to pursue a federal for more firefighters.

MEDINA – The Village Board will pursue a federal grant to add staff for the Fire Department. Whether the village will seek two or four full-time firefighters remains to be decided.

Jonathan Higgins, a captain with the Medina FD, presented the grant program to the board during today’s board meeting. The federal Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response grants would cover firefighters’ salary, benefits and retirement contributions for three years, as long as Medina maintains its existing staffing levels of 13 full-time firefighters.

The department also has two temporary paid positions. Those spots could be made full-time without the temporary status as part of the grant, Higgins said. He would the department to add four staff, making the two temporary part of the regular paid crew and adding two more.

Medina Mayor Andrew Meier wants to pursue the grant, but he isn’t convinced the village should go after four more paid positions. He worries if the community could afford the salaries after the grant expires in three years.

Medina isn’t obligated to continue the positions after three years.

The village tried for the SAFER grant last year and sought two positions. It wasn’t approved for the grant. Higgins believes the Fire Department has a compelling case for the grant.

The department responded to nearly 3,000 calls last year. The Fire Department went from six to 13 full-time staff in 2006 when it took over the ambulance service in western Orleans from Rural Metro.

The Fire Department estimated then that there would be approximately 1,500 annual calls for service. Last year it responded to 2,986 calls. The call volume has been growing about 200 calls a year since the village become primary ambulance providers for western Orleans.

“If we keep increasing our calls by 200 we’ll be drowning,” Higgins told the Village Board.

He said the department’s application would have a better chance for approval by seeking four firefighters, rather than two.

The Village Board agreed to pay $1,800 to Grantmasters Inc. in Lewiston to write the grant, which is due to the Federal Emergency Management Agency by March 6.

The board, however, wants more time to decide whether to seek two or four firefighter positions. Meier said the department may not be able to offset 17 full-time positions through ambulance-generated revenue.

“I see four firefighters as being a very tough pill for the community to swallow,” Meier said.

Higgins said the increasing call volume has generated larger than expected revenues for the fire department. The village in October also approved higher mileage reimbursement rates for the ambulance (from $20 to $30) and a $50 out-of-district surcharge for calls outside western Orleans.

Over a full year, Higgins said those charges should add another $250,000 in revenue for the department.

The Village Board voted to start the grant application process, while Meier and the fire department look at revenues and costs for the department, trying to project the future.

If the village is approved for the grant, the new firefighters likely wouldn’t be hired until early 2016 with the grant covering their salaries until early 2019.

MEDINA – The Board of Education will take comments from the community on Tuesday about whether the district should adopt a tax exemption for veterans.

School districts can offer up to a 15 percent reduction in assessed value on property owned by veterans who served during a time of war. They may receive another 10 percent if they served in combat zones.

If a veteran was approved for a 15 percent exemption that would save them $349 for a house assessed at $100,000. (The school district’s tax rate is $23.31 per $1,000 of assessed property.)

Districts also have the option of giving veterans a reduction based on service-related disabilities. For example, a veteran with 100 percent disability could get a 50 percent property tax reduction.

The Board of Education will have a public hearing on the issue at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Board Room located at the District Office, One Mustang Drive.

The district has estimated the impacts of the Alternative Veterans’ Tax Exemption for other property owners.

On a $100,000 home, with the minimum or lowest option, the estimated increase for a non-veteran would be a $32.00 or 1.37 percent tax shift. If the maximum exemption was offered, nonveterans would see a $51.00 or 2.19 percent increase in their taxes, according to school officials.

Approving the exemption would also reduce the STAR payments for district residents. The STAR is applied after other exemptions are factored.

The district is expected to discuss those impacts at Tuesday’s meeting.

Photos by Tom Rivers – Former Village of Medina Trustee Owen Toale, left, and current Trustee Mike Sidari share their views on why they oppose dissolution of the village government, which goes to a vote on Jan. 20.

MEDINA – Two sides, one for dissolving the Village of Medina government and the other in favor of keeping it, shared their views during a debate on Orleans Radio this afternoon.

Dissolution opponents say Medina Mayor Andrew Meier has pushed too hard and too fast for dissolution before exhausting possibilities of shared services and cooperation with the towns of Ridgeway and Shelby.

Village Trustee Mike Sidari and former Village Trustee Owen Toale say dissolution would result in less services for villages residents, and they are doubtful they would see much tax savings.

“I’m disappointed we basically had this dissolution vote shoved down our throats,” Toale said in the debate. (Click here to be directed to Orleans Radio, and then click on the podcast to hear the debate.)

Meier and OneMedina leader Dean Bellack spoke for dissolution, which goes before village voters on Jan. 20 from noon to 9 a.m. at the Senior Center.

The village has suffered from falling tax assessments, a shrinking population and rising tax rates, the two said.

Meier said the village government is an unsustainable model. A dissolution plan would preserve existing services while reducing the tax rate in the village by $6 per $1,000 of assessed property.

(The vote on Jan. 20 will be whether or not the village should dissolve, and won’t be about a specific plan.)

OneMedina leader Dean Bellack, left, and Medina Mayor Andrew Meier both spoke in favor of the village dissolution, saying it would reduce taxes, making the community more attractive for residents and businesses.

The village has been forced to pare back some services and cut back on employees in recent years, Meier said. He only sees more reductions without a major change in how the services are provided.

“We will see declining services and staff until we fix this problem,” he said.

The $54 overall tax rate in the village is the highest in the Finger Lakes region. It is a major disincentive for investment and retaining and attracting residents and businesses, Bellack said. Meier said the high tax rate in the village has trapped the community “in a downward spiral.”

Bellack said dissolution would be a first step in reducing government costs and drawing more state aid for the community. If the village dissolves, OneMedina will then push to have the towns of Shelby and Ridgeway consolidate into one. That would provide a more efficient government, and also give the community more clout, Bellack said.

Without dissolution and its promise of reduced taxes, Bellack only sees more decline in the village. He also worries for the current village workforce with the existing village model.

“If I were a village employee I am working for a municipality that is running out of money,” Bellack said.

Sidari believes there can be savings with more shared services, perhaps through code enforcement and clerk functions, as well as highway duties.

Meier said there won’t be significant savings by “tinkering” with shared services. The village will still be stuck in a model that oppresses village residents, he said.

Sidari said the village should press for more state funding through Aid and Incentives to Municipalities. Villages only get $7 per capita in AIM while cities get an average of $277 per capita. Sidari would like to see all of the local municipalities pass resolutions, and see if a movement can spread around the state for fair treatment in AIM for the villages.

“We’re not going to get anything if we don’t ask for it,” Sidari said. “It’s time to fight for what is ours.”

Meier said dissolution would provide $541,000 annually in new state aid. That is a state law to encourage dissolution, he said.

Toale and Sidari both said they have misgivings if the state would come through each year with that money.

Dissolution also would provide $277,000 in efficiency savings, which is less than 3 percent of the village and two towns’ budgets. That is a narrow margin, dissolution opponents said.

Bellack and Meier both see more savings through attrition as employees retire and village debt is paid down.

If the dissolution vote fails on Jan. 20, it can’t be brought up again for at least four years. If it passes, the village and towns would have at least two years to implement a transition plan.

Bellack said the community needs a change, otherwise it could see more population loss and higher taxes.

“People are choosing not to live in the village,” Bellack said. “That is our story. Nothing our opposition says will change that.”

Toale said he hopes the dissolution vote fails, and the community gets more time to pursue shared services. He believes significant savings and partnerships can be reached while keeping the village government structure.

“There is more than one solution, but we haven’t worked hard enough to find it,” he said.

It will take strong leaders at the village and town levels, working for the good of the community, Toale said.

File photo by Tom Rivers – A souvenir glass from the Ale in Autumn is pictured in September 2013. Ale in Autumn started in 2009 and sells out with 750 participants at each event.

MEDINA – The postcard mailer proclaimed there would be no more Ale in Autumn, Wine About Winter and other events if dissolution goes through on Jan. 20.

Medina’s heritage is at stake with the vote, according tot the mailer from “Taxpayers for Medina.”

“If the village was dissolved we would lose our history and identity,” the mailer states. “Our rich cultural traditions set us apart from other communities. Events like Wine About Winter and Ale in Autumn make Medina great. They would not continue.”

The mailer has irked the Medina Business Association’s president. Cindy Robinson, leader of the group, said the dissolution vote won’t have an impact on the events, which are paid for and planned by the Business Association.

“The events will go on regardless of dissolution,” she said. “They are being done by the MBA. There is no reason we would stop doing it.”

The MBA teams with the Village Tourism Committee for the Olde Tyme Christmas celebration the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, an all-day celebration that is capped with a Parade of Lights. If the village dissolves and the Tourism Committee goes away, Robinson said MBA could step up and fill the roles from the Tourism Committee.

The postcard includes images of downtown banners and decorations that were paid for by the MBA, not the village. The clock at Rotary Park, also featured on the postcard, was a local fund-raising effort, and wasn’t paid for by the village.

MEDINA – Orleans Radio, an on-line site that has been streaming music by local musicians, will host a live debate on Sunday about the proposed dissolution of the Village of Medina.

The debate will be broadcast live from 1 to 3 p.m., and can be accessed at OrleansRadio.com. Alex Feig is the site’s founder and he will host the debate on Sunday, trying to help educate the public before the Jan. 20 vote. Village residents will go to the polls from noon to 9 p.m. at the Senior Center to decide if the village government should be dissolved.

The debate will include dissolution supporters and foes. Medina Mayor Andrew Meier and One Medina leader Dean Bellack will have a chance to advocate for dissolution. Dissolution opponents – Village Trustee Mike Sidari and former Trustee Owen Toale – will get a chance to share their views.

Feig will moderate the debate, which will be broadcast from the conference room at the Paper Boys. The speakers are expected to discuss the dissolution proposal, impact on village services and taxes, voting eligibility and collateral effects on the community, according to Feig.

The debate will be available to hear in a podcast after the live broadcast.

Village, about same size as Medina, dissolved after 2011

MEDINA – On March 16, 2010, the Village of Seneca Falls made history. In a narrow vote, village residents approved the largest village dissolution in New York.

Seneca Falls had 6,681 village residents in 2010, according to the Census. That is just a little bigger than the Village of Medina, which has 6,065 residents.

Dissolution barely passed in Seneca Falls with a 1,198-1,112 vote. Dissolution took effect on Dec. 31, 2011.

Don Earle, Seneca Falls town supervisor, will be in Medina on Jan. 16 to share his community’s experience with dissolution, discussing impacts on taxes and services, and the community’s reaction to the changes.

He will be at Medina Theatre on Jan. 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. He will be joined by Don Colquhoun, chairman of the Medina Dissolution Committee; and Dean Bellack, one of the leaders of One Medina, which favors the village dissolution.

“It’s very important to hear from someone who has done a successful dissolution,” Bellack said. “We want to show people the end result.”

Earle’s presentation will be from 5:30 to 6:30 with a reception to follow for residents to meet Earle and the other presenters.

Medina village residents will vote on the issue on Jan. 20 from noon to 9 p.m. at the Senior Center.

The town leaders in Shelby and Ridgeway have bitterly opposed dissolution since a plan was approved last April by the Dissolution Committee. That plan, which keeps existing village services, doesn’t need to be followed by the towns if dissolution is approved.

Village DPW, police and firefighters all have stepped up efforts in recent weeks to oppose dissolution.

“A lot of people are focused on fear,” Bellack said. “The town supervisor from Seneca Falls understands the issue and the transition. He can help people understand how it can look in the future.”

One Medina wants to dissolve the village, and then work towards a consolidation of the towns of Shelby and Ridgeway. The town leaders say they aren’t interested in a consolidation between Ridgeway and Shelby, but Bellack said a merger would make sense in the future.

“I believe in my heart people will embrace dissolution,” Bellack said. “Ultimately one government rather than three is a better business model for forever. Dissolution is the first step and it’s the hardest.”

The Shelby and Ridgeway town officials also are having a joint public forum on Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. That meeting will be at the Medina High School Auditorium, and town officials will urge village residents to oppose dissolution.

Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Judith Villavisanis spent a month in Medina creating a new children’s entrance at the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library. The public art project resembles a giant book, and Villavisanis created characters and wrote a poem on two pages for the book.

She finished the project just before Christmas. The library sought submissions from artists for the project. Lee-Whedon picked the proposal from Villavisanis, a former Albion resident who now lives in Florida.

Villavisanis created illustrations first for the two giant pages and will then added the words from a poem.

The back side of the book resembles a book cover. Wilbur from “Charlotte’s Web” is one of the characters on the cover.

The portals in the book cover are spots for people to place books.

Villavisanis picked a few popular characters in children’s literature for the art project.

Villavisanis is shown working on the project in mid-December.

Photos by Cheryl Wertman

MEDINA – After four months of taking shape at the corner of Maple Ridge Road and South Gravel Road, a Dunkin’ Donuts opened this morning in Medina.

Dunkin’ opened at 8 today but will be open at 5 a.m. beginning on Wednesday.

The seating area includes a television.

The store is located at the southeast corner of the routes 31A and 63 intersection. JFJ Holdings, based in North Andover, Mass., is the owner of the new store. The company opened a new Dunkin’ in Albion on Aug. 23.

Doughnuts and baked goods are ready for customers.

Both the Medina and Albion stores are 2,000 square feet. The Medina store includes 27 parking spaces with most on the west side of the building.

MEDINA – School officials will have a public hearing at 6 p.m. on Jan. 13 to hear from the community about a tax break for veterans who were honorably discharged from the service.

The Board of Education will share more details at the hearing about the possible exemptions for veterans, including percentage of discount and who would be eligible.

The hearing will be in the board room at the district office, next to Medina High School at 2 Mustang Drive.

Photo by Tom Rivers – Lawrence Nelson, owner of Just Right BBQ, is pictured with chef Sheila Holley at the new food establishment, 701 South Main St.

MEDINA – Lawrence and Juanita Nelson opened a new barbecue business last month in Medina, wanting to showcase the cooking talents of their friends, Johnny and Sheila Holley.

Just Right BBQ features chickens and ribs, and will expand its menu next month, likely adding pulled pork, and side dishes of green beans, and macaroni and cheese.

“I enjoy it, giving people what they want,” Mr. Nelson said. “I’m not going to go cheap on them.”

Nelson is retired from Harrison Radiator in Lockport. The Albion resident also is a Vietnam War veteran.

He has long been impressed by the Holleys and their cooking skills. Mr. Holley is temporarily sidelined due to an injury. His wife has been handling the bulk of the food preparation, slow-cooking the chicken and ribs.

“I enjoy meeting the people and getting their ideas and thoughts,” Nelson said. “There’s a lot of different people that come in and out of here.”

He and his wife put a new kitchen in the business. Mrs. Nelson juggles time between Just Right BBQ and her job at Baxter International in Medina.

The business is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Mondays and Thursdays. Nelson said later hours will likely be added in early 2015.

For more information, call (585) 331-2891.

‘Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols’ celebrated

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Readers and a choir with members from several churches in Albion, Lyndonville and Medina joined together on Saturday night for “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.”

In the top photo, The Rev. Dean Willich reads one of the nine lessons. Willich is pastor of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Medina.

About 200 people attended the ecumenical service at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Medina.

Aaron Grabowski directs the choir in the balcony at St. Mary’s. About 20 people from several churches joined for the festival choir.

Robert Waters, a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Medina, serves as one of the readers at Saturday’s service.

Provided photo

The Rev. Daniel Fawls, pastor of the Holy Family Roman Catholic Parish in Medina, joins the procession at the beginning of the service. There was a free will offering to benefit the charitable works at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Medina.

Photo by Tom Rivers

St. Mary’s hosted the service. The church has many stained-glass windows.