Orleans County

Outstanding youths, adults honored for service

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Youth Bureau on Thursday recognized three adults - Medina teacher Eric Gross, Holley school social worker Samantha Zelent, and Albion youth football coach Geno Allport - for their service to youth. The following students were also recognized: Serenity Baumgart, Hannah Biedlingmaier, Emily Blanchard, Anna Brasted, Thomas Bummer, Sarah Granchelli, Ashley Kingsbury, Brandon Miller, Chad Miller, Charles Edward Moore II, Tiffany Petry, Zachary Petry, Hayley Rowley, James Sharp, Ashley Sietmann, Nicholas Smith, Robert Vidovich III and Vincent Viterna.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 May 2017 at 2:51 pm

Keynote speaker, Sheriff Randy Bower, tells group to follow moral compass, be challenge-driven

Vincent Viterna, 17, of Medina accepts a youth recognition award on Thursday. Vincent has been active as a firefighter with the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, taking numerous training courses and helping with fundraisers.

MURRAY – The Orleans County Youth Board honored three adults and 18 young people for their service to the community during the 35th annual Youth Recognition Banquet on Thursday at Hickory Ridge Golf and Country Club.

The youths do numerous acts of service, from volunteering at animals shelters, their local fire department, nursing homes, Scouts and other community organizations.

The following students will be recognized for their outstanding service in the community and/or family: Serenity Baumgart of Medina, Hannah Biedlingmaier of Holley, Emily Blanchard of Albion, Anna Brasted of Holley, Thomas Bummer of Lyndonville, Sarah Granchelli of Medina, Ashley Kingsbury of Kendall, Brandon Miller of Kendall, Chad Miller of Kendall, Charles Edward Moore II of Albion, Tiffany Petry of Medina, Zachary Petry of Medina, Hayley Rowley of Holley, James Sharp of Holley, Ashley Sietmann of Kendall, Nicholas Smith of Holley, Robert Vidovich III of Medina and Vincent Veteran of Medina.

The Youth Board also recognized three adults for their service to youths.

Eric Gross

Eric Gross and Samantha Zelent received the Helen R. Brinsmaid Memorial Youth Worker Award, given to a paid professional whose work exceeds normal expectations.

Gross is a physical education teacher and coach at Medina’s Clifford H. Wise Intermediate/Middle School. A co-worker, Kristy Young, said Gross is a humble person with a contagious positive attitude. He gives his own money and time to help student athletes at Medina, taking them to appointments and making sure they have the proper equipment.

Gross grew up in Medina and has worked as a teacher for 16 years, coaching cross country, track and wrestling.

Samantha Zelent

Gross said he is fortunate in his job to have strong support from Medina families, his co-workers and the staff at the school, as well as his own family.

Samantha Zelent is a social worker for grades 7-12 at Holley Junior-Senior High School. Her dedication, compassion and genuine concern for her students are exhibited on a daily basis, the Youth Board said.

Penny Cole, a secretary in the guidance office at the school, said Zelent has a heart for the students at the school and a radar for their needs. She gives students and their families her personal cell phone number to reach out to her off hours if necessary.

Zelent thanked the entire school community of teachers, staff, administrators, students and parents for stepping forward to support kids in crisis.

“Holley is a wonderful community and I’m so blessed,” she said. “I can ask for help and they’re right there.”

The Holley students are “awesome kids” who make her career so rewarding. “They are a tremendous part of my life,” Zelent said.

She also thanked her parents, former Holley principal John Heise and retired Albion teacher Sandra Heise, for instilling a love for community service and people. Zelent’s husband John is a second grade teacher at Brockport. He had a bone marrow transplant two years ago. Zelent thanked the community for their support during her husband’s illness.

She and John have a son Alex, 8, who is his mother’s driving force to do good.

“It’s my responsibility to make this world a little better for him,” she said.

Geno Allport was recognized for his years of volunteering with the Albion youth football program.

Geno Allport of Albion received the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Award. He is always setting a great example of guidance, values and respect when working with the youth in the community in his role as a youth football coach in the Albion Youth Sports Athletic Program and as an official with the Niagara Orleans Football Association, the Youth Board said.

D.J. Moore has been alongside Allport for years as a youth football coach. Moore said Allport spends 12 hours at the field on game days, setting up the field, making sure officials are on time, leading his team and cheering on the others. He makes sure everything is put away.

Allport has been a leader in the region for player safety, Moore said. Allport also finds grants for the program that make Albion’s football registration the lowest cost in Western New York “so our parents can afford it.”

“He teaches the kids about not just football, but about life itself,” Moore said. “Without Geno, our program would not survive.”

Allport said he considers the Youth Board recognition “a team award.” He thanked his sister Jaime Allport, Moore and other volunteers in the program.

Randy Bower holds one of the compasses he handed out on Thursday when he was keynote speaker during the annual Youth Recognition Banquet.

Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower was the keynote speaker for the event. He shared about the challenge of becoming paralyzed at age 18, four months after high school graduation.

Bower was working a full-time job at the time as a line technician for a cable company. He had all the overtime he wanted and enjoyed an active social life.

On Oct. 10, 1983, Bower was driving home from a friend’s house at about midnight. He fell asleep at the wheel. Clarendon firefighters saved his life that night, Bower said.

When he awoke paralyzed at Strong Memorial Hospital, facing the greatest challenge of his life. His family and friends pushed him to overcome the challenge. Bower said most people with his spinal cord injury are hospitalized for six months. He was able to push himself to be home in 2 months after the accident, in time for Christmas that year.

Bower said he has adopted a “challenge driven” approach to life. Challenges develop mental and physical toughness, challenges stand down fear, inspire courageous acts, tests your limits, builds self confidence, empowers freedman mold who we become, Bower said.

The sheriff urged people to volunteer. He cited the service of coaches and firefighters who give to others, not seeking any compensation. Even the current crisis with the flooding on lake Ontario was a testimony of volunteerism, with neighbors helping to fill and distribute heavy sandbags, Bower said.

He gave everyone a compass. A moral compass should always be used when making decision, he said.

“Your moral compass is the thing inside us that tells us which direction we should go when we have to make a decision involving right and wrong,” Bower said. “Use your moral compass, fly straight, embrace challenges, think forward and always, when able, be there for others.”

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Cardone won’t seek county judge position

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 May 2017 at 9:09 pm

Joe Cardone

ALBION — Joe Cardone, the Orleans County district attorney, said he is happy in his job and won’t be seeking the impending vacancy for county court judge.

James Punch announced he is retiring on July 29 after nearly 27 years in judge for Criminal Court, Family Court, Surrogate Court, and some State Supreme Court cases.

Punch, before he was judge, served as district attorney for five years.

Cardone praised Punch for his service to the community. Cardone, however, won’t be following Punch’s trajectory, going from DA to county judge.

“I love my job and the people I work with,” Cardone said today.

Cardone has been district attorney for about 25 years. The DA was re-elected in November to another four-year term. He didn’t face any opposition.

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Captain’s Cove owner says building will have to be torn down due to flood damage

Photos by Tom Rivers: George Lacey, owner of Captain’s Cove in Carlton, is pictured with two of his employees – Vicki Hollenbaugh, left, and Sheila Schlichter. The site has been flooded with water, making the 21 boat slips unusable and forcing them to clear out the building.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 May 2017 at 3:46 pm

George Lacey has emptied Captain’s Cove. He said the building will be torn down, and he will work to have a new one constructed.

CARLTON – George Lacey and his employees have emptied Captain’s Cove of all the bait, fishing lures and other merchandise.

The rising Oak Orchard River has submerged his docks, and flooded part of the building on the river. The furnace in the building is underwater.

Captain’s Cove includes 14 motel rooms and many of the people who had planned fishing trips for the LOC Derby have cancelled motel rooms and a spot at one of Captain Cove’s 21 dock slips.

The high waters and the flooding are battering his business, Lacey said today.

“Normally we’re full for the derbies,” he said this afternoon.

The water damage is going to force him to take down the marina building on the property, which he acquired in August 2015. He plans to build a new one.

The docks are also twisted and badly damaged from the high water and waves.

“People come here to have fun,” Lacey said. “This isn’t fun for anyone.”

He is working on a claim with his insurance agent, but Lacey said he didn’t have flooding insurance. He doesn’t think too many people do. It’s rare to have the Oak Orchard and Lake Ontario turn so destructive to property, not like what’s happening now.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, told members of the Albion Rotary Club today. He updated the group, which includes some residents near the lake, about the problem.

“It’s unbelievable,” he said about the damage. “It’s something one never expects to see.”

Hawley visited property owners in Orleans County and Hamlin last Friday, when waves were crashing against the shoreline.

He is hopeful there can be some direct financial assistance for the property owners, but right now there isn’t, he said.

New York State sent a trailer – a Mobile Command Center – to Point Breeze to help residents file insurance claims.

Some of the lakeshore residents were disappointed when they went to see a mobile command center from the State Department of Financial Services, which is set up at the Orleans County Marine Park on Route 98 in Point Breeze. The center will have staff at the Marine Park today from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today.

Residents were hoping the state officials would have good news with assistance with breakwalls or funding for some of the property damage.

But the state agency is there to help people submit insurance claims. If people are denied from their insurance company for a valid claim, an official at the command center said the state agency could help challenge that denial.

Mike Walsh, a lakeshore resident at Point Breeze, said he was disappointed by the Department of Financial Services. He said residents know how to work with their insurance company to submit a claim. He said residents need more direct assistance.

Walsh said his home now has mold and other problems from the flooding.

“We’re not done with the damage,” he said. “There’s more damage coming.”

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8th Judicial District says interim judges will fill in for short term after Punch retires

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 May 2017 at 9:07 am

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Courthouse is pictured last week. Judge James Punch has worked out of the building the past 32 years, with 27 as county judge and five as district attorney.

ALBION – The impending retirement of James Punch as a judge for several courts in Orleans County will leave a void that may take more than one judge to fill after Punch retires on July 29.

The 8^th Judicial District is working on a plan to have coverage in Orleans County for the different courts led by Punch: Criminal Court, Family Court, Surrogate’s Court and State Supreme Court.

Punch is retiring after 27 years on the bench. Before he was elected judge, he was the county’s district attorney for five years.

James Punch

“Judge Punch is a highly respected judge in the 8^th Judicial District and he will be missed,” said Andrew B. Isenberg, the district executive for the District based in Buffalo.

The Honorable Paula L. Feroleto, the District Administrative Judge, will have interim judges serving in Orleans County in the four different courts currently led by Punch.

“She is putting together that plan,” Isenberg said. “I can assure you there will not be a drop in judicial coverage.”

Punch is a “multi-hat” judge, serving in several roles or different courts, which isn’t unusual in a small rural county. Isenberg said the county’s next judge will have to serve in multiple roles.

The 8^th Judicial District will have a mentor judge to help Punch’s replacement, and an outside judge will likely handle the Supreme Court cases in the short-term while the new judge gains experience, Isenberg said.

Punch is retiring with about three years left on a 10-year term. The remainder of the term will likely be on the ballot in November.

Ed Morgan, the Orleans County Republican Party chairman, said he has contacted the State Board of Elections and an election law attorney to check for the proper procedures to have a candidate on the ballot in November. The Republican Party made its endorsements on April 27 for county level positions in November.

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Judge Punch announces he will retire July 29

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 May 2017 at 9:45 am

James Punch

ALBION – Orleans County Court Judge James Punch has announced he is retiring on July 29. Punch has served as County Court judge for nearly 27 years.

Prior to being elected judge, Punch served as the county’s district attorney for five years.

Punch issued this statement announcing his retirement:

“In the last 27 years of my 32 years in public office, I have been honored to serve in the County Court, Family Court, Surrogate Court, and Supreme Court of our county. I also served as Drug Court and Domestic Violence Court Judge.

“I came in as the youngest county level judge in New York State, and I leave as the senior county court judge in Western New York.

“It is with some sadness that I leave, but I look forward to new challenges, as well as spending more time with my wife, Suzanne, and our children and grandchildren. I am also looking forward to exploring new ways in which to contribute to our community.

“I wish to thank my wonderful staff (both current and former), the many attorneys, case workers and law enforcement personnel I have worked with, and the people in this county who put their faith in me to help protect them and our community for these many years.”

Punch is a 1973 Medina graduate. He was inducted into Medina’s Alumni Hall of Fame in November 2014.

After graduating from Medina, Punch earned his bachelor’s degree from the University at Buffalo and then earned a law degree from the University of Dayton School of Law in 1980.

Punch has been active in the community, in addition to serving in a high-profile and demanding position.

He has served as legal advisor to Medina High School’s mock trial team. He also has been active with the Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, YMCA Board, Boy Scout Executive Committee, and the Holy Trinity Parish.

Punch, during the Hall of Fame induction in November 2014, addressed high school students and encouraged them to always move forward. They shouldn’t sit back and dwell on either success or failure.

“Don’t define yourself as ‘having succeeded’ and decide nothing more needs to be done – ‘I’m perfect,’” Punch told students during the Nov. 7 Hall of Fame celebration. “Equally, don’t define yourself by your failure and decide nothing more can be done – ‘I’m hopeless.’”

Punch said during the Hall of Fame induction he is grateful for a career in Medina and Orleans County. He told the students he hopes many of them will be able to stay in the Medina area and contribute to the community.

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Cuomo deploys mobile command centers to assist Lake Ontario flood victims with insurance claims

Photo by Tom Rivers: Warren Kruger, Kendall town highway superintendent, checks a backyard on Ed Rose Shores on Sunday. Kendall has distributed nearly 40,000 sand bags the past two weeks.

Posted 9 May 2017 at 10:27 pm

Center will be at OC Marine Park on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Cuomo today announced that Department of Financial Services Mobile Command Centers will be deployed to the region to provide insurance help to residents affected by the flooding along Lake Ontario.

Additionally, Cuomo is formally requesting assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under their Advanced Measures and Emergency Ops Flood Fighting Programs. Together, these programs can deploy federal resources to prevent loss of life and protect critical public facilities and infrastructure. Corps assistance may include the construction of temporary flood barriers to protect communities, and the positioning of additional personnel and equipment to expand ongoing state and local efforts.

Sandbagging operations remain active in the region and as of today, 771,000 sandbags and seven sandbaggers have been distributed by the state to shoreline communities to protect homes, businesses and infrastructure from rising water levels. Some coastline roadways and lawns have standing water, and many docks and boat launches are submerged. To date, there have been no evacuations.

“Water levels are continuing to rise, threatening homes and businesses in the Lake Ontario region,” Cuomo said. “By deploying these mobile command centers to help residents with insurance claims, we continue to take aggressive action to protect the people who live and work in the affected communities.”

Last week, Governor Cuomo declared a State of Emergency in Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Wayne counties in order to expedite repair to impacted structures and construction of shoreline stabilization projects.

Additionally, at the Governor’s direction, a coordinated Lake Ontario Rapid Response Team was sent to the region which includes experts from the State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, State Police and Office of General Services, along with city and county agencies.

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management continues to coordinate with county and local partners in monitoring the rising levels of Lake Ontario and additional resources from state stockpiles have been shifted to locations in Monroe county in the event that conditions worsen.

The DFS Mobile Command Center will be at the following locations over the next three days. The state will also deploy two additional Mobile Command Centers with more locations and dates to be announced soon:

• Monroe County, Wednesday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Town of Greece Department of Public Works, 647 Long Pond Rd., Rochester.

• Orleans County, Thursday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Orleans County Marine Park in Carlton, Point Breeze Road (Route 98)

• Niagara County, Friday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Olcott Fire Company, 1691 Lockport-Olcott Rd. in Newfane.

Currently, assets have been deployed to the following counties:

• Cayuga County – 1 Sandbagger, 75,000 Sandbags

• Jefferson County – 70,000 sandbags, 1 inmate crew from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to fill sandbags

• Monroe County – 2 sandbaggers, 172,000 Sandbags

• Niagara County – 1 sandbagger, 60,000 sandbags, 6″ pump with 100 feet of suction and 300 feet of discharge hose for Town of Olcott

• Orleans County – 90,000 sandbags, 4 inmate crews from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision which consists of six to eight inmates per crew to fill sandbags

• Oswego County – 1 sandbagger, 89,000 sandbags, State sandbagging operations continue at the Department of Transportation facility in Mapleview with NYS Department of Transportation personnel

• St. Lawrence County – 10,000 sandbags

• Wayne County – 2 sandbagger, 205,000 sandbags, 1 additional sandbagger, loaned from Ontario County is also operational

The Department of Environmental Conservation continues to provide support to communities through expedited permitting, site inspections, and technical guidance.

DEC Region 8, which includes Monroe, Orleans, and Wayne counties, has received 24 applications. Three General Permits has been issued, as well as nine Individual Permits, and eight Emergency Authorizations. Remaining applications under review.

Property owners can contact DEC Region 8 for assistance with obtaining permits for on-site corrective actions or site inspections. Contact the Regional Permit Administrator, 6274 East Avon – Lima Road, Avon, NY 14414-9519. Phone: 585-226-5400; Fax: 585-226-2830; or email: dep.r8@dec.ny.gov.

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High-level concern as erosion brings lake closer to lighthouse at Golden Hill

Photos by Tom Rivers: Golden Hill State Park Manager Renee Campbell, left, and Adrienne Clark, office manager, stand by a fence near the lighthouse at the park. Chunks of land near the lighthouse slid into the lake over the weekend.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 May 2017 at 2:55 pm

Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse has been a landmark along Lake Ontario since 1875.

BARKER – Land is being chewed away by Lake Ontario near the 30 Mile Point Lighthouse, a landmark in Barker since 1875.

The lighthouse is a focal point of Golden Hill State Park, not far from the Orleans County line.

“There are big chunks of land that are falling in,” said Renee Campbell, the park manager.

There was a small landslide over the weekend that shaved off a slice of land near a fence that was on the edge of the park by the shoreline.

There used to be enough room by the fence to mow the grass. Now, after a chunk of land collapsed into the lake over the weekend, there is a tiny sliver separating the fence from the edge of the land.

The high lake level, and crashing waves, have eaten away lots of soil and land at the park, taking some big bites out of the land. A maintenance road used by the park employees has been declared off limits after erosion took down trees and land along the road.

“The maintenance road has been undercut by the lake,” said Renee Campbell, the park manager. “It’s not safe for vehicles.”

Other sections of shoreline, including a camp site by the lake, have been deemed off limits, with yellow caution tape warning the public.

Campbell has worked at the park for 17 years. She said the lighthouse is an important treasure for the community. The building’s fate is her main worry.

“You can move a driveway but the lighthouse has been here since 1875,” she said.

Campbell and the park staff go to work each day, worried the shoreline will look different by the end of the day. They were thankful the wind died down the past two days, giving a little reprieve from the lake.

“The past week and a half it’s changed a lot,” Campbell said. “We need rip-rap and boulders. You’re talking major bucks.”

The lighthouse, shown in this historic photo on an interpretive panel at the park, once had much more land separating it from the lake.

Trees are leaning over and some spots by the lake are marked off with yellow caution tape after the lake undercut the shoreline.

Photos courtesy of Adrienne Clark: This photo from the top of the lighthouse shows a shoreline under assault from the lake.

The park maintenance road has been shut down due to erosion.

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Motorcyclists urge public to share the the road

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 May 2017 at 3:58 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Members of ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) in Orleans County held their annual motorcycle safety awareness rally and ride this afternoon.

They gathered at the steps of the Orleans County Courthouse for the rally and start of their ride.

This group includes, from left: Mike Clemons, Charlene Heschke, Randy Fuller (ride captain), Jody Ferrara, Chuck Persons (president of the local ABATE chapter) and Mark Loodwoood.

There are 116 members of ABATE in Orleans County.

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Orleans and county administrator extend contract for 5 years

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 May 2017 at 10:05 am

Chuck Nesbitt has helped county reduce workforce, tackle many infrastructure projects

File photos by Tom Rivers: Chuck Nesbitt, the Orleans County chief administrative officer since 2006, is pictured to a budget hearing at the County Courthouse in December 2013.

ALBION – The county’s top administrator has signed a contract extension to serve in the post for another five years.

Chuck Nesbitt, the chief administrative officer since 2006, and the Orleans County Legislature approved the five-year contract last week.

“Quite frankly I think he has been outstanding,” said David Callard, the County Legislature chairman.

Nesbitt has led a push to streamline county government, while tackling a series of infrastructure projects with county buildings, roads, bridges and culverts, while also establishing a partnership with Genesee County for public health.

“He plans a very conservative budget and we stick to the budget,” Callard said. “Chuck is good not only in short term operational improvements but in long-term visionary planning.”

Callard said Nesbitt was influential in a $7 million upgrade to the county’s emergency radio system. He also has been a key in the push to expand broadband Internet in rural parts of Orleans, a shared initiative with Niagara County.

Jail Superintendent Scott Wilson, left, and Orleans County Chief Administrative Officer Chuck Nesbitt stand on a new roof on top of the county jail in this file photo from August 2013. The roof was part of more than $1 million in upgrades at the jail.

“Some ideas may take 3, 5, 7 years to bring into fruition,” Callard said.

The county is currently leading a study and discussion for shared or consolidated law enforcement services in the county.

Nesbitt is an Albion native who lives in his hometown. His father Charlie is a former state assemblyman.

Nesbitt is active in the New York State Association of Counties, currently serving as the group’s second vice president. He is also president of the NYS County Administrators’ Association.

Callard said those roles have given Nesbitt insights to successes in other counties.

“Those contacts are invaluable,” Callard said. “We like good ideas. Some pop on the local level and some pop on the statewide level.”

Nesbitt is currently paid $110,134. His contract gives him 2 percent annual increases. From 2018-2020, he is also eligible for an additional COLA (cost of living adjustment) in the management contract. That is typically about 2 percent. The COLA isn’t included in the final two years of the contract.

Callard noted that Nesbitt does the job, overseeing an annual budget of about $65 million, without any assistant county administrators.

“He has to assume more responsibilities,” Callard said. “He is doing more than one person’s job.”

Orleans County officials were joined by State Sen. George Maziarz in turning a ceremonial shovel of dirt during a ground-breaking for a new $7.1 million emergency communications system on Jan. 15, 2014. Pictured outside the Emergency Management Office include, from left: County legislators John DeFilipps, Ken DeRoller, Lynne Johnson, Bill Eick, Eileen Banker (chief of staff for Assemblyman Steve Hawley), Maziarz, County Chief Administrative Officer Chuck Nesbitt, Legislature Chairman David Callard, and Paul Wagner, the former EMO director.

Nesbitt said he is happy in his job and to stay committed to Orleans County for another five years. He and his wife Elissa have two children, Jane, 5; and Benjamin, 3.

He said the seven-member County Legislature and team of department heads are all hard-working and focused on delivering quality service at a low cost to the taxpayers.

“We have a group of hard workers committed to doing best thing for the county,” Nesbitt said.

The county has reduced the size of its government from 455 full-time, 157 part-time and 9 seasonal employees in 2005 to the current 324 full-time, 90 part-time and 11 seasonal.

The county sold its nursing home and has streamlined other departments.

“We’ve reduced the size but the complexity of county government hasn’t gotten easier,” Nesbitt said. “It’s become harder.”

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Cuomo says ‘extreme weather’ becoming norm with frequent flooding in NY

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 May 2017 at 9:50 pm

‘I’m sorry for all the hardship the residents who are affected by the Lake Ontario flooding are going through right now.’ – Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Photo from Governor’s Office: Gov. Andrew Cuomo sees the sandbagging operation in Rochester today.

ROCHESTER – In declaring a state of emergency today for the southshore counties along Lake Ontario, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the designation will speed up the permitting process for putting in breakwalls and other short-term efforts to fight flooding.

He also is tasking the Department of Environmental Conservation and state agencies to work on a long-term solution to combat flooding and extreme weather.

“There is no doubt that Mother Nature is royal and we’re seeing extreme weather. Just to give you an idea: my six years as Governor, I’ve had nine weather-related emergencies,” Cuomo said today in Rochester, according to a transcript of his remarks released by his office. “My father was governor for 12 years. He only had 11 weather-related emergencies. During my father’s tenure, the weather emergencies were high levels of snow on the Thruway. There were no hurricanes, floods, Storm Irene, Storm Sandy.”

Cuomo said the DEC will send coastal engineers to look at the coastline.

“Let’s start to prepare for a future where we have more flooding,” he said. “And rather than respond on an emergency basis, let’s respond on a strategic basis and look at where we have to build, break walls etc. to stop the flooding.”

The governor urged people to call the DEC hotline if a permit is needing for piping or other projects to protect property: 866-244-3839.

The State of Emergency will expedite repair to impacted structures and construction of shoreline stabilization projects in the following counties: Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence and Wayne.

The Governor’s order also empowers the DEC and other state agencies to issue emergency individual permits for those larger-scale response actions that may be necessary.

“I’m sorry for all the hardship the residents who are affected by the Lake Ontario flooding are going through right now,” Cuomo said in Rochester. “We just did a tour and there’s no doubt that homeowners are nervous and many of their homes are being impacted by flooding. Flooding, I’ve been through this many times and the damage it does to a home, it’s not easily resolved.”

Lake Ontario is at its highest level in more than 20 years, and is up 25 inches since the beginning of April, Cuomo said.

“The good news is this is not the first rodeo that New Yorkers have been through,” Cuomo said. “We went through Storm Irene, Storm Sandy. We’ve had our share of emergencies. And the good news is that when things are at their worst, is when New Yorkers are at their best. People really come together and the people of this state come together like a family when people need help.”

Collins says Cuomo slow to respond to high water crisis

U.S. Representative Chris Collins (R-Clarence) released the following statement after Governor Cuomo was in the Rochester area reviewing flooding caused by severe weather and the recent implementation of Plan 2014.

“It’s better late than never that Governor Cuomo has decided to join me in the fight against Plan 2014,” said Congressman Collins. “As he saw today, lakeshore owners need all the help they can get. The recent severe weather combined with the disastrous impact of IJC Plan 2014 has created a dire situation for property owners along Lake Ontario. The only question that remains is whether Congresswoman Slaughter will join us in fighting tooth and nail against the IJC to prevent further damage for our constituents.”

Ortt says emergency declaration will help homeowners, municipalities

State Senator Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) applauded the state’s decision to declare a State of Emergency in several counties due to flooding from rising water levels in Lake Ontario.

“Homeowners along Lake Ontario’s shoreline have been doing everything they can to protect their properties from being washed away. Since the International Joint Commission’s federal Plan 2014 policy went into effect this year, erosion across Niagara County’s entire shoreline has worsened,” Ortt said in a statement.

“Flooding over the weekend has damaged many homes, businesses and infrastructure. For some residents and business owners, the devastation is irreversible. With this State of Emergency, we can now look into funding sources to help municipalities, homeowners and businesses reclaim some of the losses. Along with Congressmen Collins and local officials, I have railed against Plan 2014 for years and I hope the state will step up to find a long-term solution as well.”

Ortt also has requested an expedited DEC Shore Protection Permit process for communities negatively impacted by Lake Ontario’s severe erosion. The permit would allow residents and business owners to protect and stabilize their properties by building out.

Hawley will tour lakeshore sites on Friday

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R-Batavia) announced he will be touring several locations along the Lake Ontario shoreline on Friday to view the devastation firsthand and draw attention to the dire conditions faced by residents and businesses.

He will be visiting the towns of Yates, Carlton, Kendall and Hamlin.

“The devastation along the Lake Ontario shoreline has reached monumental proportions,” Hawley said. “I have reached out to many high-profile elected officials from all over the state, and even the White House for assistance and to join me on this endeavor and I am hopeful that, through a collaborative effort, we can bring relief to the many residents and businesses who have been displaced due to this disaster.”

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Governor declares state of emergency along Lake Ontario

Posted 2 May 2017 at 4:50 pm

NY appeals to IJC to let out more water

Photo courtesy of Nicole Bellnier: Ed Bellnier tries to save the steps that led to the deck at his home along Lake Ontario in Point Breeze on Monday.

Press Release, Gov. Cuomo’s Office

Governor Cuomo today declared a State of Emergency for the following counties in order to expedite repair to impacted structures and construction of shoreline stabilization projects: Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Wayne.

The Governor’s order empowers the Department of Environmental Conservation and other state agencies to issue emergency individual permits for those larger-scale response actions that may be necessary.

Cuomo also announced the deployment of 20 members of the National Guard and a coordinated Lake Ontario Rapid Response Team, including experts from the DEC, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, National Guard, State Police and Office of General Services, along with city and county agencies.

At the Governor’s direction, 365,000 sandbags have been deployed to the region and are ready for placement in lower elevation areas. The deployments by county are as follows: 60,000 for Niagara County, 30,000 for Orleans County, 115,000 for Wayne County, 50,000 for Jefferson County, 30,000 for Oswego County and 80,000 to Monroe County. Five sandbaggers have also been deployed to Niagara, Monroe and Wayne Counties.

The Governor also announced that the State is formally appealing to the International Joint Commission to release additional water through the Moses-Saunders Dam to lower Lake Ontario water levels and protect impacted communities. The IJC is a bi-national organization established by the federal governments of the United States and Canada under the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909, regulates Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River water levels by controlling water releases through the Moses-Saunders Dam located on the St. Lawrence River between Cornwall, Ontario and Massena, New York.

In addition, the Governor has launched a Lake Ontario Flood Assistance Hotline to provide the latest information to residents affected in their community at 866-244-3839. Residents can call the hotline for the latest flooding forecast, help with flood mitigation measures like sandbags, or for technical assistance regarding on-site repairs.

“With waters on the Lake Ontario coastline rising to the highest levels in 20 years, we are remaining vigilant and will continue to do everything in our power to assist communities with flooding preparation and response measures,” Cuomo said.

DHSES has been in constant communication with county emergency management officials in the region. The New York State Police assets are ready for deployment as needed and troopers are on high alert and instructed to closely monitor flood prone areas for rising waters while on patrol. Two high axle vehicles with zodiac boats and an additional sandbagger has been pre-positioned at DHSES Chili Stockpile, and the Stockpile is also fully stocked with generators, light towers, pumps, hoses and barriers which can be deployed as necessary.

As part of the Lake Ontario Rapid Response Team, DEC is deploying a team of experienced coastal engineers to Lake Ontario to work with property owners to address erosion, conduct site visits, meet with owners, and offer technical guidance. The team will rapidly review all emergency permit applications received. DEC’s engineers stand ready to work with property owners so that protective structures can be repaired and homeowners can take appropriate actions expeditiously. Property owners can contact DEC’s Division of Water at 518-402-8185 or coastals@dec.ny.gov.

As of April 27, Lake Ontario levels rose about 25 inches since the beginning of April, reaching 247.7 feet, which is over 20 inches above the seasonal average. The current Army Corp of Engineers Lake Level forecast indicates that the lake may rise an additional 3 inches through May 28, 2017. The coastal communities of Lake Ontario are at particular risk from wind-driven waves and even higher water elevations from storm surge. Many towns have declared a state of emergency.

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “With increased precipitation and rapid snow melt, record water flows through major tributaries upstream and downstream of the lake, water is high throughout the Great Lakes system. The Governor has directed DEC to take strong actions now to assist local communities and residents with erosion and flooding issues. The State of Emergency and associated actions announced today will reduce flood risk and help speed recovery.”

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Orleans waiting on grant for ‘possible’ addition on County Administration Building

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 May 2017 at 11:38 am

File photo by Tom Rivers: The County Administration Building on Route 31 in Albion may get an addition with some county departments moving to that site, including from the historic Courthouse Square.

ALBION – Orleans County is waiting to hear from the state if there are grant funds available to help pay for an addition to the County Administration Building on Route 31.

The county building, at 14106 Route 31 West, is located behind The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center and the Public Health Department.

The county may shift several offices to the addition, including the Board of Elections and Public Health Department, which is leasing space from Comprehensive Healthcare Management Services, the owner of the nursing home.

The county could also shift information technology (currently in Treasurer’s Office), the legislative chambers (in County Clerk’s Building), the county’s administrative office (also in Clerk’s Building) and create large multi-use rooms to accommodate training for large groups, conference rooms and offices.

The county last year agreed to pay Wendel, a firm in Williamsville, to design the addition to the County Administration Building. Payment for up to $70,000 to Wendel was approved during last Wednesday’s County Legislature meeting.

Legislator Bill Eick, R-Shelby, made the motion to approve the payment, while noting it was a “possible” addition.

“It’s not a done deal yet,” David Callard, the Legislature chairman, said this morning. “We are waiting to hear about grant funding which would further define the project, whether we would pursue it now and to what extent.”

Moving the Elections and Public Health from leased space will free up money that could go towards the addition. The county expected to hear from the state last December if it would assist with the project. Callard said the state hasn’t made a decision yet on whether it will contribute.

Callard said he and county officials looked at existing buildings, including sites in Albion’s historic downtown, but those sites wouldn’t improve efficiency of the county government operations.

The Legislature last week approved two other agreements to advance projects, including $40,000 to the Wendel firm for work on a waterfront revitalization plan for the towns of Kendall, Carlton and Yates.

The county also agreed to pay$14,750 to Delmar Electric Construction Corporation of Tonawanda to upgrade electricity for the docks at the Orleans County Marine Park.

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County keeps lobbyist for $60K a year

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 May 2017 at 10:20 am

File photo by Tom Rivers: The canal bridge on Bennetts Corners Road in the Town of Murray is one of seven on schedule for improvements in the next two years. The bridge has had the weight limit reduced to 4 tons. The county credits a lobbyist for helping to make the canal bridge repairs a bigger priority for the state.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has agreed to keep a lobbyist working as an advocate for the county in Albany at $5,000 a month or $60,000 annually.

The Legislature last week voted to renew its agreement with Park Strategies, effective May 1, 2017 to April 30, 2018.

That is the same amount the county has paid the lobbying each of the past two years.

Legislature Chairman David Callard said Park Strategies has been worth the money, by helping the county better connect with state officials on many issues, including more state investment in canal bridges and the Lake Ontario State Parkway.

The state last year announced an “unprecedented” push to bolster 17 canal bridges in the region, including seven in Orleans County, DOT Regional Director Kevin Bush said.

The state DOT also is planning $14 million in paving and improvements to the Parkway starting at Route 237 in Kendall and heading east into Monroe County.

The DOT’s capital plan for the region also includes $13 million for canal bridges in Orleans in 2017-18. Those bridges are about 100 years old.

The ones identified for improvements include Bates Road in Ridgeway, Bennetts Corners in Murray, Densmore Road in Gaines, Gaines Basin Road in Albion, Marshall Road in Ridgeway, Telegraph Road in Murray and Transit Road in Albion.

The DOT also plans major rehab work to the Main Street lift bridge in Albion as well as the lift bridge in Brockport. The work on those two lift bridges is pegged at $7.8 million in 2018-19.

The county also secured grants for Marine Park upgrades and a planning grant to update a lakefront development study for the towns of Yates, Carlton and Kendall.

“They’re integrally involved in our overall strategy,” Callard said during last week’s County Legislature meeting. “It’s been very worthwhile.”

Legislator Ken DeRoller said Park Strategies has helped get county officials “in the room” with state leaders, so the county officials could press for funding for the bridges, the Parkway and other concerns. Park Strategies helped set up a meeting with the Department of State for the updated plan for Yates, Carlton and Kendall, DeRoller said.

“It’s an opportunity to get us in the right place and right time to influence Orleans County,” DeRoller said.

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GOP makes county endorsements

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 April 2017 at 11:22 pm

Skip Draper picked to succeed David Callard, Kim DeFrank for treasurer

ALBION – The Orleans County Republican Committee met this evening to endorse candidates for county elected office, including successors for two long-time officials who are retiring – County Legislator David Callard and Treasurer Susan Heard.

Skip Draper

Callard represents a countywide position for a legislator who lives in western Orleans. The Republican Committee endorsed Skip Draper, the Shelby town supervisor to take Callard has been a county legislator for nearly 24 years and is the current chairman of the seven-member Legislature.

The five other Republican incumbents were all endorsed for new two-year terms, including Lynne Johnson of Lyndonville (District that includes Yates, Ridgeway and portion of Shelby), Bill Eick of Shelby (District that includes most of Shelby, and Barre and Clarendon), John DeFillipps of Clarendon (countywide position from east end), Ken DeRoller of Kendall (District that includes Murray, Kendall and Carlton) and Don Allport of Gaines (countywide position from central Orleans.)

Allport was challenged by Bilal Huzair of Carlton for the Republican nomination.

Kim DeFrank

The Republicans opted again not to run a candidate, the lone Democrat on the Legislature. Miller represents a district that includes Albion and Gaines.

The GOP Committee endorsed Kim DeFrank of Murray for a four-year term as a county treasurer. She is the current deputy treasurer. She is seeking to succeed Susan Heard, who is retiring after 24 years as county treasurer. Heard has worked in the Treasurer’s Office for 40 years, starting when she was 18 on a summer work program.

DeFrank has worked in the office for 23 years, starting from the bottom like Heard and working her way up.

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County Legislature issues several proclamations

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 April 2017 at 3:56 pm

Motorcycle Awareness and Safety, Armed Forces Week, Foster Care Month, Donate Life Month all recognized

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature issued several proclamations on Wednesday, trying to highlight programs in the county and region.

The top photo shows Legislature Chairman David Callard reading a proclamation recognizing April as “Donate Life Month.” Lori Laine and her husband Tom accepted the proclamation. Mr. Laine received a liver transplant in July 2014.

County Legislator Fred Miller, right, reads a proclamation declaring May as “Foster Care Month.” Tom Kuryla, the Department of Social Services commissioner, accepts the proclamation. The county will have a banner on the Courthouse lawn for two weeks in May, thanking foster care families and encouraging others to serve in that role.

Matt Tracy, vice president of the ABATE chapter in Orleans County, accepts a proclamation from County Legislator John DeFillipps declaring May, “Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month.” ABATE will have a rally and ride in the county on May 7, beginning at noon at the courthouse.

The county also joined seven others in Western New York in declaring May 7-13 as Western New York Armed Forces Week. The proclamation encourages residents to thank active duty members, reservists, military retirees and veterans “for their dedication, sacrifices and service to Our Nation.” County Legislator Don Allport presents the proclamation to Earl Schmidt, director of the Veterans Service Agency in Orleans County; and David Kusmierczak, a veteran from Medina.

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