By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 July 2024 at 11:23 am
Lynne Johnson has been named vice chair of the Law Enforcement Subcommittee for the National Association of Counties.
ALBION – Lynne Johnson, the Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, has been named vice chair of the Law Enforcement Subcommittee for the National Association of Counties.
Johnson was appointed to the post during the NACo annual convention at the Tampa Convention Center in Hillsborough County, Florida. The convention from July 12-15 includes leaders from many of the 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs in the country.
Johnson of Lyndonville is in her fourth two-year term for the County Legislature chairwoman.
Johnson also is on the Public Safety Committee for the New York State Association of Counties, an organization working for 62 counties in the state.
“Additionally, Chairwoman Johnson has been a vocal advocate for improving access to high speed broadband in rural counties, launching the Niagara-Orleans Regional Alliance to definitively map broadband coverage needs in Orleans county and attract new investment from Internet Service Providers,” NYSAC posted on social media on Monday, highlighting Johnson.
“Congratulations Chairwoman Johnson on your new appointment and thank you for your service to Orleans County and counties across the state and nation!” NYSAC stated.
Press Release, Orleans County Local Development Corporation
ALBION – The Orleans County Local Development Corporation is pleased to announce registration has begun for the Microenterprise Assistance Program (MAP).
Beginning Sept. 19 and running through Nov. 21, MAP classes will be held on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Albion. This comprehensive business education initiative is funded in part by a Federal Community Development Block Grant and the OCLDC to foster small business growth and entrepreneurship within Orleans County.
Prospective entrepreneurs aged 18 and older, who maintain a permanent residence in Orleans County, are encouraged to apply. The course fee is $300. However, financial aid is available for qualifying applicants based on financial need.
Participants will benefit from a new curriculum designed to provide essential business education, training, technical assistance, and access to potential capital resources.
Led by industry professionals, the course spans a 10-week period and covers topics such as: legal requirements for starting a business, forms of ownership, business plan development, taxation for sole proprietors, marketing and advertising strategies, bookkeeping and record keeping, banking essentials, pricing goods and services, and cost analysis.
“The Orleans Microenterprise Assistance Program is a resource for individuals looking to establish or expand their small businesses,” said Matt Holland, MAP manager. “We are committed to providing participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in today’s competitive business environment.”
Since 2002, there have been 544 MAP participants. Over 200 of them started a variety of businesses in Orleans County, while more than 120 were already in business.
About the Orleans County Local Development Corporation:
A division of the OEDA, Orleans County Local Development Corporation (OCLDC) is committed to fostering sustainable economic growth in Orleans County, New York. Dedicated to building a supportive ecosystem that nurtures entrepreneurship, OCLDC improves access to small business development opportunities, education, and training, while ensuring greater equity for our rural communities to thrive in the global marketplace.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 July 2024 at 3:08 pm
About $3 million in state funds will go towards replacing two bridges and one culvert in Orleans County, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced.
The projects in Orleans include:
$959,000 million to Orleans County for the replacement of Gillette Road bridge
$1.151 million to Orleans County for the replacement of Lakeshore Road bridge
$1.035 million to Orleans County for the replacement of Eagle Harbor-Knowlesville Road culvert carrying the tributary to Oak Orchard Creek
The governor announced $484 million state-wide has been awarded through the Bridge NY program, which includes 216 bridges or culverts in 137 communities. The bridges and culverts will either be replaced or receive major rehabilitations to enhance safety and improve the resiliency and sustainability of New York’s transportation infrastructure, Hochul said.
“As New York continues to experience the effects of climate change firsthand, we need to make critical infrastructure upgrades so our communities can withstand the extreme weather to come,” Hochul said. “Working closely with local governments, we are investing millions to harden more than 200 bridges and culverts across the State, enhancing public safety and make these structures ready for whatever mother nature can throw at us.”
As part of $33 billion capital plan adopted in 2022, $1 billion was committed to Bridge NY, effectively doubling the size of the program. The projects selected were picked based on input from Regional and Metropolitan Planning Organizations and the funding will support all phases of project delivery, including design, right-of-way acquisition and construction.
The projects approved last year in Orleans County included:
$1.295 million to Orleans County for the replacement of the Route 279 bridge over Beardsley Creek.
$1.535 million to Orleans County for the replacement of the Groth Road bridge over East Branch Sandy Creek.
$952,000 to Orleans County for the replacement of the Eagle Harbor Road culvert carrying the tributary to Otter Creek.
$1.038 million to the Town of Albion for the replacement of the Phipps Road culvert carrying the tributary to Otter Creek, Orleans County.
Press Release, Orleans County Mental Health Department
ALBION – The Orleans County Care & Crisis Helpline – (585) 283-5200 – will be down for two hours between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. this Wednesday, July 10th, according to Danielle Figura, Director of Community Services in the Orleans County Department of Mental Health.
The system will be undergoing scheduled maintenance during that time.
Figura said anyone who is experiencing a mental health crisis or mental health distress, and needs immediate support during that time, should call the Orleans County Mental Health Department at (585) 589-7066 or call or text the National Suicide and Crisis helpline at 988.
“We appreciate everyone’s understanding as we recognize there is never a good time to do this maintenance work that takes our system down even for a couple of hours, but it is necessary to keep our system in good working order,” said Figura. “We do have our backup plans in place and encourage anyone who needs our help to call the alternative numbers.”
ALBION – Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon today announced that the county’s Department of Motor Vehicles will be closed from July 22 through July 26 to complete Phase II of the DMV office renovations.
In addition, beginning Friday, July 19, the DMV will cease issuing new permits, enhanced and real IDs, and license renewals that require a photo, as the camera will be temporarily removed at that time.
During the week of closure, DMV staff will continue processing dealer transactions and items that are either mailed to the office or deposited in the drop box located outside the main entrance of the County Office Building.
“We apologize for the inconvenience, but these are necessary renovations that will upgrade our office for both customers and employees,” Hanlon said. “If you have transactions that cannot wait, please visit us during the next two weeks or take advantage of the mail-in or drop box options that many people have found to be very convenient.”
According to Hanlon, the work done in Phase I – which was completed June 12 – and Phase II includes repainting the office, installing new floors, updates to the back office, and a new back counter for customers that has outlets for charging cellphones and hooks to hang belongings while completing their paperwork. The office will have ADA compliant counters.
“When we reopen on Monday, July 29, I think our residents will like the changes we have made,” said Hanlon, who noted the camera for licenses will not be available until Tuesday, July 30. “I want to thank everyone in advance for their patience while this work is completed.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: from left include Job Corps students Infinity Hall-Caswell, Trevon Stringer and Luke Kantor, Admissions and Career Transition Services manager for the Iroquois Job Corps.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2024 at 3:26 pm
ALBION – Students and a manager at the Iroquois Job Corps in Shelby visited the Orleans County Legislature last week to highlight the 60th anniversary of the Job Corps program.
The local Job Corps is one of 120 across the country. Job Corps says millions of young people have been changed because of the transformative nature of the program.
Born out of the War on Poverty and signed into law as the Economic Opportunity Act on August 20, 1964, Job Corps has provided safe housing, education, career and technical training opportunities, and support services for deserving young people, Job Corps officials said.
The Iroquois campus can serve 225 students who are ages 16 to 24. They receive training in six main programs: brick masonry, carpentry, electrical, commercial painting, clinical medical assistant, and certified nursing assistant.
Students stay on campus and receive other education. Some of those programs include work towards an equivalency diploma, and driver’s education.
The local Job Corps is drawing more students from Western New York, including the rural GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming), Wayne, Monroe and Niagara counties, said Luke Kantor, Admissions and Career Transition Services manager for the Iroquois Job Corps.
“They can better themselves, earn their GED and a trade or skill,” Kantor told county legislators.
Two current students spoke to legislators last week and praised the program.
Infinity Hall-Caswell and Trevon Stringer are both from Rochester. Hall-Caswell is in the CNA program and will be going to GCC with a goal of becoming a registered nurse.
“It’s been a life-changing experience,” she said about Job Corps.
Stringer, 23, enrolled in Job Corps in the electrical program. He said Job Corps has built his confidence to live by himself and equipped him with more skills to be successful.
“I’ve seen a lot of violence and people on the wrong path,” Stringer said. “I didn’t want that for myself.”
Job Corps students do many projects in the community, including helping to build dog runs at the PAWS Animal Shelter, constructed benches and chairs for Medina Rotary, and painting rooms at the Shelby Town Hall.
The center also has a local community relation council and a workforce council. The workforce council includes union reps and business leaders who give insight on how Job Corps can best prepare students for careers when they graduate.
The Iroquois Job Corps will celebrate graduation on Aug. 16.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2024 at 9:22 am
County looking to do study for short-term, long-term options locally
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Association of Municipalities last week at the Clarendon Rec hall watched the documentary, “Honorable but Broken: EMS in Crisis.” The film is about an hour long and explores the world of EMTs and paramedics, and the collapse of the EMS system, while offering ways to save it.
CLARENDON – Officials in Orleans County last week watched the documentary, “Honorable but Broken: EMS in Crisis,” and could relate all too well to the film.
The county in 2022 experienced the end of COVA Ambulance and the volunteer ambulance through the Kendall Fire Department.
Seven towns in central and eastern Orleans County in 2023 started paying Monroe Ambulance in a contract for ambulance services. Medina Fire Department is the primary provider on the western end of the county. Medina often loses some of its paid staff to larger departments that offer bigger paychecks.
The documentary shows a profession with a high burnout rate due to low pay, the emotional toll of many traumatic and stressful calls, and danger through exposure to Covid and people overdosing on fentanyl and other drugs.
“This is a national issue, not just a New York or Orleans County issue,” said Justin Niederhofer, the county emergency’s management director.
He screened the documentary for the local officials last week and also for the community on June 20 at the Carlton Rec Hall. Niederhofer wants the local officials to keep discussing the issue, and the public to be aware of the challenges in providing the service.
EMS providers have a challenging business model, especially in poorer communities where there is a higher mix of patients on Medicare and Medicaid, where the reimbursements may only be 20 to 30 percent of the bill.
EMS providers also tend to only be paid of patients are transported, and not for responding to a scene where there isn’t a transport.
The documentary said ambulances should be able to bill for providing care, and not just for transports. If there was more revenue for the businesses, non-profit organizations and municipalities providing EMS, staff could be paid a living wage, and not have to juggle two or three jobs, with some living out of their cars, the documentary said.
Orleans County may do a study of the local EMS system, and consider alternatives for how to best provide the service in the short-term and long-term. That study could look at what reimbursement rates are needed to make the service more viable, with more ambulances based locally so there is a better response time throughout the county.
The study could also look at a scenario where there are ambulances run by the county with staff who are county employees, looking to fill some gaps or augment coverage with the current system.
The county Emergency Management Office is applying for a grant to do the study, Niederhofer said.
“This is an issue that won’t go away,” County Legislator Ed Morgan said. “We can’t stick our heads in the sand.”
Medina is the only fire department with paid career firefighters in the county. They are cross-trained as both firefighters and for EMS services.
The Medina model could be looked at as an option around the county, not only for EMS, but also to shore up the firefighting response. Niederhofer said many of the departments have a shrinking base of volunteers who are getting older.
Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson said she sees the county taking a bigger role in the challenge, with EMS and the fire service possibly becoming a county-run issue.
But Morgan said a feasibility study, looking at many options, will be an important first step to help the local officials with a plan for providing the services.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 July 2024 at 6:18 pm
District attorney in Orleans County praised for strong leadership, innovative programs
Photo by Tom Rivers: Joe Cardone holds an award he was presented on Saturday by the New York Prosecutors Training Institute and the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York. Cardone was named “Prosecutor of the Year.” The organizations cited his nearly 33 years as Orleans County district attorney, and his efforts to introduce innovative programs, restructure the local court system, and be a law enforcement leader for the community. “It’s a great honor,” Cardone said about the award. “These are fabulous and brilliant people.”
ALBION – The association of district attorneys around the state presented Orleans County DA Joe Cardone with the “Prosecutor of the Year” award on Saturday during a conference for the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York and its training arm, the New York Prosecutors Training Institute.
Cardone was picked for the award because of “his strong leadership, innovative programs, and impeccable character, enhancing the criminal justice in New York State for decades,” the group said in recognizing the Orleans DA.
Cardone is one of the longest tenured district attorneys in the state. He started the position in March 1992, when he was 34 and the job was considered part-time. It has been full-time for about three decades. Cardone has successfully prosecuted many murder cases and other serious crimes during his career.
He also has pushed to introduce a Drug Court (now known as Treatment Court) to reduce the severity of some felonies if people can successfully complete drug treatment programs. The court also imposes sanctions if people miss appointment or have lapses and use drugs.
Cardone also pushed to create a Traffic Diversion Program to reduce the severity of some traffic violations, which don’t take points off motorists’ driving records and also keeps more fine money in the local community (just over $2 million since 2011).
“It’s not all about convictions,” he said. “You have to show humility and compassion.”
He has since been elected to eight consecutive terms. He will be retiring from the position on Dec. 31, and intends to pursue some business interests and remain working as an attorney.
Cardone, a Medina resident, said being the district attorney in his home county for more than three decades has been a great privilege.
“I was bound and determined to make people’s lives better, for the both the victim of a crime and the defendant,” he said. “The goal of this office is to do justice.”
Cardone was also cited by the DAs’ Association for his efforts to restructure local justice courts. During his tenure the number of town and village justices is down from 24 to the current 12. Albion and Medina have dissolved their village courts, with the caseloads shifting to the towns in those municipalities.
Most towns have gone from two justices to one. Cardone is trying to bring a district court to a public vote, which would combine many of the court functions from multiple municipalities into a centralized location.
The County Legislature won’t put the issue to a vote this year because the State Legislature needs to first give the county permission to have a referendum. Cardone said Orleans has been a leader for the rest of the state in court efficiency through consolidation and dissolution.
Provided photos: (Left) Orleans County District Attorney Joe Cardone was joined by his family on Saturday when he accepted the “Prosecutor of the year” award at a ceremony in Bolton Landing. From left include Alex Eaton, Rosalind Cardone Eaton. Sophia Cardone, Jenifer Cardone, Joe Cardone, Michael Cardone and Alexis Barcena. (Right) Joe Cardone is presented with the award by Sean Smith, deputy director of the New York Prosecutors Training Institute.
Cardone will likely be succeeded in the office by Susan Howard, an assistant district attorney for the county since 2005. She defeated John Sansone in a Republican Primary last week. She also has the Conservative Party line in the November general election.
Howard has been a full-time first assistant DA since 2011. Sansone also worked as an assistant DA for Orleans since 2007. He resigned from the position last week, a day after he was defeated in the primary.
“John gave us many years of service,” Cardone said in his office during an interview on Monday.
Cardone didn’t pick a side publicly in the primary.
“I’m very appreciative of both Sue and John,” Cardone said. “They gave the county a choice at great personal and financial expense. I’m extremely sad for one and happy for the other.”
Howard has the skills and dedication to take the reins and lead the office on Jan. 1, 2025, Cardone said.
“She has been nothing but a significant force in this office,” Cardone said. “She will do a great job.”
Cardone said many attorneys and staff have contributed to the local DA’s Office during his career. He said the local law enforcement leaders and officers have been great partners, too.
“So many people have helped me along the way, great men and women of law enforcement,” he said. “From Sheriff (David) Green to Sheriff (Chris) Bourke, everyone has had the community’s best interest at heart.”
Cardone shared during the awards presentation that he is often motivated by the case of DeVante Boston, who was 4 years old when he was badly injured when his mother’s boyfriend threw him to the ground. David Ricks was convicted of first-degree assault in 2003. DeVante would live in a vegetative state for 15 ½ years, functioning at about a 6 month old level. He died at age 20 in 2017.
When DeVante died, Cardone brought a first-degree manslaughter against Ricks, who had served 17 years in prison. Ricks pleaded guilty and his sentence was extended to a maximum 25 years. (He is due to be released on Sept. 27, 2024.)
Cardone said he often found inspiration in the life of DeVante Boston, who was a cheerful presence despite his extensive injuries.
“I felt like he showed us, ‘If I can persevere, so can you,’” Cardone said.
These four are the longest tenured district attorneys in the state. From left Robert M. Carney, Schenectady County (since 1989); Joe Cardone (since March 1992); William J. Fitzpatrick, Onondaga County(since February 1992); and Joseph Fazzary, Schuyler County (since 1997).
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 July 2024 at 11:18 am
County also approves how it will spend $238K from opioid lawsuit
ALBION – Orleans County has been approved for $275,119 as part of a $462 million multistate settlement secured by Attorney General Letitia James from JUUL Labs Inc. for its role in the youth vaping epidemic that led to a dangerous rise in underage e-cigarette use nationwide, James said.
The Orleans County Legislature last week voted to accept its allotted money from the settlement. The funding must be spent on the approved uses as provided by the NYS
Attorney General’s Office, such as prevent youth and young adults from initiating vaping, support community, school, college and university-based anti-vaping programs, to help people quit vaping, enforce vaping laws and regulations, as well as research and surveillance, according to a county resolution.
The Orleans-Niagara BOCES also will receive $507,353 in the settlement. The Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES will receive $492,991.
Other nearby counties were approved for the following: Niagara County, $1,062,901; Genesee County, $366,508; Livingston County, $345,541; Monroe County, $2,293,678.
“JUUL preyed on young people across our state by putting addictive products into their hands and convincing them that they were harmless,” Attorney General James said in a statement last month, announcing the settlement funds. “Their actions put a generation of children at risk, fueling physical and mental health problems among young New Yorkers.”
The County Legislature last week also approved how it will spend $238,008 from distributors of multiple pharmaceutical companies that were sued for allegedly helping to fuel the opioid epidemic.
The settlement funds need to used for treatment programs, prevention, and other
strategies that may be categorized as restricted or unrestricted use, according to a County Legislature resolution.
The county approved spending the funds in the following areas:
$10,000 for Medical Examiners Fees for Service
$38,028 for equipment for Sheriff’s Office
$38,028 for equipment for Probation Department
$39,657 for special grants for County Jail
$64,295 for equipment for Major Felony Crime Task Force
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 July 2024 at 12:21 pm
Job Development leader will continue in that role
Kelly Kiebala
ALBION – Orleans County is turning to an established leader in the county government to run the Orleans County Youth Bureau.
Kelly Kiebala, the director of Job Development for the county, last week added Youth Bureau director to her responsibilities. The County Legislature agreed to expand her work week from 35 hours to 40 as part of her added duties.
Kiebala has been director of Job Development the past nine years. She said that department already works to provide services and job opportunities for youths.
Orleans for about 30 years paid Genesee County to administer youth bureau services for Orleans using Genesee County staff based in Batavia. But that arrangement ended in December last year.
Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer, led the youth bureau program on an interim basis.
The Youth Bureau administers funding to counties made available by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. The Youth Bureau contracts with agencies and municipalities to provide prevention, intervention and recreation programming.
Some of the programs include Orleans Juvenile Adjustment Services, ARC Camp Rainbow, Hoag Library and the LIFE Program.
Youth recreation programs serve youth year round or during the summer months through drop-in programs and structured sports. The programs that receive state funds are Albion, Holley, Kendall and Medina recreation programs.
Before she was Job Development director, Kiebala worked the director of the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce and the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.
Photo by Tom Rivers: More than 1,000 tires were piled up during the Orleans County household hazardous waste collection on Aug. 12, 2023. The tires will be collected again on Aug. 10 as long as they are off the rim. The event is outside the Orleans County DPW on West Academy Street in Albion.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 June 2024 at 2:27 pm
ALBION – Registration is open for the Orleans County annual household hazardous waste collection day on Aug. 10.
There are more than 500 slots available, and 67 had been taken as of Thursday evening, said Corey Winters, the county’s interim deputy director in the Planning Office.
The event is open to all Orleans County residents but registration is needed and can be done by calling the county Planning Office at (585) 589-3198 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The event will be at the Orleans County Highway Garage on West Academy Street in Albion. The county will collect all acceptable items from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. is reserved for tire collection only.
“This is Orleans County’s annual collection event that I know a lot of residents like to plan for to get rid of those leftover chemicals, batteries, tires and other items that are lying around in the garage, basement or shed,” Winters said. “And more than just getting rid of this clutter, people can be assured these items are being disposed of in a safe and environmentally-responsible way.”
Acceptable items include pesticides, motor oiler & filters, adhesives, antifreeze, solvents, tires (limit 10), batteries, fluorescent bulbs, aerosols, old-based paints and empty propane tanks.
Items that cannot be accepted include explosives, pressurized tanks, ammunition, PCBs, radioactive waste, medical water, electronics, tires on rims and commercial tires.
“We have opened up registration early so we can properly plan and be ready to accommodate as many residents as possible who want to take part,” Winters said. “When you call to register, please be prepared to generally describe the type of chemicals and/or the number of tires you will be disposing.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2024 at 9:03 am
Job Development worker honored for commitment to youths
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Brian Ettinger, left, receives a citation on Tuesday from the County Legislature in appreciation for his 32 years of service to the county. He retired on May 28. He accepts a certificate from County Legislator Ed Morgan and John Papponetti, commissioner of the Department of Public Works.
Ettinger started working with the county in 1992 as a custodian in the Building & Grounds Department. He was promoted building maintenance worker in 1993 and to senior building maintenance worker in 2007.
Ettinger in 2009 transferred to the Highway Department as a motor equipment operator.
“Your efforts across our County will forever be widespread, long lasting and extremely appreciated,” the citation states from the Legislature.
Peter Anderson, an employment & training counselor at Orleans County Job Development, also was recognized during the Legislature meeting. He accepts a citation from County Legislator Fred Miller.
Anderson received the Helen R. Brinsmaid Professional Award from the Orleans County Youth Board. The award goes to a youth-serving professional whose work exceeds normal expectations.
Anderson has worked with Job Development since October 2018, exhibiting tremendous dedication to the youths and their families, the Youth Board said. He coordinates work experiences for youths and young adults. He interviews young people, provides an orientation and educates them on their responsibilities at the job sites. He also assists with administrative services, trainings for youths, and seeking out work placements.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2024 at 8:28 am
CLARENDON – The Orleans County Legislation on Tuesday accepted bids for two big infrastructure projects.
Keeler Construction in Barre will be paid $741,742 to replace a culvert on South Holley Road over the east branch of Sandy Creek in Clarendon. Keeler was the low bidder for the project, which will be paid from the county’s Road Fund capital bridge budget.
This is different from the emergency culvert replacement that was completed last week by Keeler on Upper Holley Road. The county hired Keeler for that project last month to replace the culvert after an inspection showed a partial culvert pipe failure.
In a smaller project, the Legislature on Tuesday approved paying Keeler $7,000 to assist the county Department of Public Works with asphalt shimming at the Blood Road bridge approaches in Yates. Keeler will provide a paver, operator and screedman.
The Legislature also accepted a $418,000 bid from STC Construction in Springville to replace a sanitary sewer pump station on Route 31, a project that serves the County Office Building and also the Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center, the former county nursing home. Comprehensive at Orleans LLC, owner of the nursing home, will pay half of the total costs for the project.
The sewer pump station needs to be upgraded due to multiple pump failures and the age of the pump station appurtenances, legislators said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 June 2024 at 6:12 pm
County will take lead from state on whether the issue moves forward
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Courthouse is shown on a foggy evening on Jan. 27, 2024 in Albion.
ALBION – Orleans County voters won’t get a chance to vote this November on whether the county should create a district court.
The County Legislature wanted to put the issue to a public referendum in November, but during two recent public hearings the Legislature has been urged against moving forward with a vote, saying there are too many uncertainties with a district court, especially whether the state would cover the salaries of judges, clerks and security.
“We received a lot of feedback and some really good questions that gave us a lot to ponder,” said Lynne Johnson, County Legislature chairwoman.
She announced during this afternoon’s Legislature meeting that the district court issue won’t be on the ballot in November. But she said it isn’t a dead issue.
The Orleans County Magistrates Association, a group representing town justices in the 10 towns, has been adamantly opposed to a district court, saying the town courts are serving the local citizens just fine and a district court may not function as well and could cost much more.
The county also received a letter on May 30 from James P. Murphy, Justice of the Supreme Court and deputy chief administrative judge for courts outside New York City.
Murphy said the county’s push to establish a district court is partly due to anticipated funding from the state. The county sees how the state is funding district courts in Nassau and Suffolk counties. However, Murphy said those courts were established more than 60 years ago “under very unique circumstances.”
Murphy advised the county officials he is surprised no one from Orleans reached out to the Unified Court System for input on a complex issue.
The county faces “serious constitutional issues” with the district court proposal, he said in his letter. He said the county’s local law establishing the district court is unconstitutional because it first needs permission from the State Legislature to allow the county to consider a district court.
There have been no bills introduced in the Assembly or Senate of the State Legislature, which enable the county to consider a district court, Murphy said.
The county needs the state legislation first, before it can proceed to a referendum.
In his letter, Murphy said the state assumes the expenses of district court salaries for judges , clerks, officers and other expenses, except for providing the courts facility. That would fall on the local government – the county.
“There are several other provisions of your proposed Local Law that are contrary to New York State law, including but not limited to establishing residency of staff, defining who designates the number of judges and determines their salaries,” Murphy said. “I respectfully submit that the passage of your proposed Local Law is unconstitutional and will not achieve the results that you are hoping to accomplish.”
Johnson said the District Court Committee will likely reconvene in the fall, and will work to draft a resolution to submit to the State Legislature requesting legislation to determine the merits of a district court in Orleans County and the process to accomplish that.
“While I think the concept holds tremendous potential for Orleans County, it has become clear we need the state to be fully onboard and have answers to questions like funding the district court, before we can go any further,” Johnson said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 June 2024 at 11:11 am
Provided photos: Paint cans fill large boxes on June 15 during a free community paint recycling event held at the former GCC campus parking lot in Albion.
ALBION – The numbers are in for the first community paint recycling event which was hosted by Orleans County.
There were 346 vehicles that stopped by the former GCC campus in Albion to drop off paint.
The tallies included 41,621 pounds of latex/acrylic/water-based paints and 5,394 pounds of oil-based paints.
The event was funded for by the state’s PaintCare Program, which paid Greensheen to collect and dispose of the paint. County residents were able to dispose of their old paint cans at no charge.
Greensheen reported to the county that approximately 90% of all latex paint and cans were recycled, and the oil-based paint will be sent for fuel blending.
GreenSheen has developed their own innovative process to refine recycled paint to create a premium latex paint for reuse.
Orleans County will have its household hazardous waste collection day on Aug. 10 from 8:30 to 4 p.m. Registration is required by call (585) 589-3198. Click here for more information.
The team from Greensheen accepted paint from 346 vehicles.
