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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 April 2017 at 3:23 pm
File photo by Tom Rivers: The Farm-To-Table dinner in Medina is featured in a new video about attractions in Orleans County. There were 137 people who participated in the first dinner last Aug. 4.
ALBION – A new video highlighting Orleans County attractions has gone live on YouTube.
The video, “Discover Orleans County from a New Perspective,” includes footage shot from drone. The 3:23-long video was put together by Lynne Menz, the county’s tourism coordinator.
It includes video of Courthouse Square, the Cobblestone Museum, the tower at Mount Albion Cemetery, Medina Railroad Museum and Thomas the Train Engine, warm weather parades in Albion and Lyndonville, 4-H Fair rides and the grease pole, Canal Culvert tunnel in Ridgeway, kayakers, Holley waterfalls, Metro 10 race in Albion, Farm-To-Table dinner on Main Street in Medina, a farm market, the Oak Orchard Harbor at Point Breeze, concerts at the Orleans County Marine Park, sailboats on Lake Ontario, fly fishermen on the Oak Orchard River, the Kendall scarecrow fest and country barn quilt tour. The video concludes with images from the Parade of Lights in Medina.
Menz showed the video in Wednesday’s County Legislature meeting. Legislators and others at the meeting applauded and congratulated Menz.
She said she would like to work on themed videos for agriculture, fishing and other attractions in the county.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Theresa Asmus-Roth, program coordinator for the Justice for Children Advocacy Center, is pictured in the agency’s new Albion office on Wednesday. The site is suite 156 in the Arnold Gregory Office Complex, 234 South Main St.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 April 2017 at 11:29 am
ALBION – An organization that serves about 50 to 75 Orleans County children each year has opened a satellite location in Albion to improve access for counseling and other services.
The Justice for Children Advocacy Center has its main office in Batavia. That location was a challenge for many children and their families to reach on a regular basis, said Theresa Asmus-Roth, program coordinator for the Justice for Children Advocacy Center.
Theresa Asmus-Roth, program coordinator for the Justice for Children Advocacy Center, chats with Terri Drennan (left), the crime victims’ coordinator in Orleans County, and Susan Howard, an assistant district attorney. They are members of the center’s multi-disciplinary team. They are pictured during an open house on Wednesday.
The center on April 13 opened a satellite location in Albion in the Arnold Gregory Office Complex at 234 South Main St. The center has its office in suite 156 open on Thursdays in Albion. (The center has also opened a satellite location in Warsaw, Wyoming County.)
“It will be a huge asset for the community,” said Terri Drennan, the crime victims’ coordinator in Orleans County. “It will be much closer for our families.”
The center offers counseling for children who have been abused or victims of other crimes.
The center has specialists for “forensic interviewing,” helping to determine if a crime has been committed and the extent of the wrongdoing.
The center wants to reduce the number of times a child victim is interviewed and to take those interviews out of intimidating locations such as police stations, hospitals or the district attorney’s office, Asmus-Roth said.
The Albion office suite has one room with toys, and another is decorated with a design of a tree. Asmus-Roth said she wants a child-friendly setting during a difficult time for victims.
The Justice for Children Advocacy Center also does medical exams to confirm whether there has been physical or sexual abuse.
The center also has advocates who connect children and their families to other services in the community.
The Justice for Children Advocacy Center started in 1998 in Batavia. It has been serving children in the four rural GLOW counties (Genesee-Livingston-Orleans-Wyoming) for the past 10 years.
Asmus-Roth said some of the children need therapy every week, and that can be demanding on a family if they have to travel from Orleans to Batavia.
The center doesn’t charge the children and their families for the services. The state Office for Children and Family Services, and the state Office for Victim Services fund the program, as well as donations.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 April 2017 at 9:05 pm
Medina seeks to reduce board seats from 9 to 7
Candidates have come forward to run for volunteer positions on the Board of Education.
The five local districts had a candidate filing deadline on Monday. They will be on the ballot during the May 16 annual budget votes and elections.
Medina also is seeking to reduce the number of positions on its board from nine to seven. If the proposition passes, the board would remain at nine seats in the 2017-18 school year, with the reduction taking effect beginning July 1, 2018.
• ALBION – There are three candidates running for two five-year seats on the board. Wayne Wadhams, Kathy Harling and incumbent Marlene Seielstad are all running. Dean Dibley decided not to seek another term on the board.
• HOLLEY – There are two open seats and both incumbents – Robin Silvis and Sal DeLuca – are seeking re-election to three-year terms. Andrea Newman also is seeking election to the BOE.
• KENDALL – Lisa Levett and Jason ReQua are running for two spots on the board. There is one five-year term and another to fill about a year on the board, from May 17, 2017 to June 30, 2018. The latter term is to fill the spot vacated when Martin Goodenbery moved out of the district. Levett is currently on the board, filling a different vacancy created when Chris Gerken resigned.
• LYNDONVILLE – Two people – Penny Barry and Darren Wilson – are running for two open seats. Susan Hrovat isn’t seeking re-election to her spot on the board, and Michelle Dillenbeck resigned from her seat last month. One of the open seats is for three years and the other is to fill the remainder of Dillenbeck’s term, which runs to June 30, 2018.
• MEDINA – In Medina, four people are running for three open seats, including incumbents Dave Sevenski and Bill Keppler. Mary Hare and Arlene Pawlaczyk are also running. Chris Keller isn’t seeking re-election.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Lake Ontario pounds the shoreline near the Yates-Carlton townline at about 10:30 this morning.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 April 2017 at 5:48 pm
ALBION – David Callard, chairman of the Orleans County legislature, has declared a state of emergency in the lakeshore towns of Yates, Carlton and Kendall.
The lake levels are about 2 feet higher than normal. Water is already starting to flood some areas, and endangering property.
“This state of emergency has been declared due to preparedness measures being taken in anticipation of the Lake Ontario water level continually rising into late spring and becoming a long term hazard,” Callard said in the declaration, which went into effect at 2 p.m. “Presently the water level continues to rise and there has been minimal flooding impacting low lying areas based on wind direction and water levels. There is presently no immediate public safety threat, the situation will continually be monitored and orders will be executed based on the circumstances at the time of concern.”
Local officials check the lakeshore communities. They fear Park Road (shown here) could be washed out by tomorrow. These officials include, from left: Murray Highway Superintendent Ed Morgan, County Legislator Fred Miller and Carlton Highway Superintendent David Krull.
Orleans is the third county to declare a state of emergency from Lake Ontario. Wayne County was the first on Wednesday, followed by Niagara County.
In Orleans, the declaration is in effect until rescinded.
Callard also issued an emergency order, limiting boats to operating at an idle speed to cause no wake within 500 feet of the shoreline.
“This order is for the safety of boaters and residences along the lake,” Callard stated in his declaration.
The Orleans County Highway Department delivered 32 tons of sand to the Carlton Highway Department today. The county also took loads to Kendall and Yates highway departments.
Orleans County delivered sand to the three town highway departments. There will be 30,000 sand bags picked up Friday from the State Emergency Management in Chili. Those sand bags will need to be filled. They can be used by homeowners to help protect their property, said Dale Banker, the county’s emergency management director.
“We’re getting things in place in case this gets worse,” Banker said. “We’re hearing the lake could go up another 11 inches.”
The water is up at the Oak Orchard River near The Bridges in Carlton, with many of the docks now submerged from the water.
Photos by Tom Rivers: David Krull, Carlton town highway superintendent, stands near the shore of Lake Ontario, where the water is about 2 feet higher than normal. Krull said homes, cottages and land are in danger of the rising lake.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 April 2017 at 3:01 pm
CARLTON – At Captain’s Cove marina today, Sheila Schlichter worried as water went above docks and reached the marina at The Bridges.
“The water is right up to the building,” Schlichter, Captain’s Cove manager, said about 11 a.m. today.
She was checking a boat to make sure it didn’t drift away. It was still tied to the dock.
Most of Captain Cove’s docks are under water.
Sheila Schlichter, Captain’s Cove manager, looks out and sees docks submerged from the water. “The water is right up to the building,” Schlichter said.
The county has 24 miles of shoreline along Lake Ontario. Some areas are vulnerable to water levels that are about 2 feet higher than normal, and rising.
“It’s going to be horrible,” said Fred Miller, an Orleans County legislator. “We’re going to lose our land.”
He was out surveying the shoreline late this morning with representatives from Congressman Chris Collins. They were joined by Carlton Highway Superintendent David Krull, Murray Highway Superintendent Ed Morgan, and County Legislator John DeFillipps.
The county has been worried about a new plan for regulating the lake levels. The International Joint Commission, which includes representatives from the U.S. and Canada, gained final approval for the plan last year, despite the objections from many south shore communities. The officials in Orleans and on the southshore worried the new IJC plan would result in bigger swings in higher and lower lake levels. Miller said the fear is now coming true.
“This is serious,” he said about the high waters. “Even if it’s minor damage, it could be thousands of dollars.”
The water is getting close to Park Road in Carlton. Officials expect the road could be washed out by tomorrow as the lake rises and the waves get bigger.
Wayne and Niagara counties have already declared states of emergency because of Lake Ontario’s high water level, which has damaged property and flooded some areas by the lake.
Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower last week said boaters need to stay at least 500 feet from shore to avoid creating more waves to the vulnerable shoreline.
The Army Corps of Engineers said the level of Lake Ontario is 18 inches higher than the long-term average for April, with a further rise of 11 inches forecast by mid-May, The Buffalo News reported today.
Waves are pounding against the shoreline in this spot near the Yates-Carlton townline.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 April 2017 at 7:33 am
Provided photos
KNOWLESVILLE – These kids in the 4-H program picked up trash along Route 31 on Monday evening near the 4-H Fairgrounds in Knowlesville. The 4-H Senior Council at the Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Orleans United Drug-Free Coalition worked together on the cleanup.
They picked up six bags of trash on their first roadside cleanup. They have adopted a 2.1-mile stretch of Route 31 from Long Bridge Road to Snell Road.
Pictured, from left, include: Peggy Gabalski, Pat Crowley, John Gabalski, Amelia Sidonio, Grace Gregoire, Joan Gabalski and Jessica Downey.
Crowley serves as project director for the Drug-Free Coalition. Downey is executive director of the United Way in Orleans County.
The 4-H group and DFC members are committed to collecting litter at least four times a year.
Photo by Kurt Wannenwetsch: The SAFE Boat for the marine patrol of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office is out patrolling in the water.
Posted 13 April 2017 at 3:21 pm
Press Release, Sheriff Randy Bower
Due to the high water levels on Lake Ontario, Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower is asking boaters to stay as far away from the shoreline as possible.
We are concerned about shoreline erosion and submerged docks, as well as debris close to the shoreline. While State Navigation Law requires a 100-foot No Wake Zone, we ask all boaters to voluntarily observe a 500-foot No Wake Zone on Lake Ontario.
Photo courtesy of Governor’s Office: Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks in Syracuse on Wednesday. He touted his plan to make local governments come together and come up with a shared services plan to reduce taxes.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 April 2017 at 10:14 am
‘Now, every government likes to be its own fiefdom, right? Every government likes to have control of everything itself. It can’t work that way anymore. It is just too expensive.’ – Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaking in Syracuse on Wednesday
The new state budget, passed over the weekend, will make local government leaders across the state meet in each of their counties and work together on a shared services plan to reduce the cost of local government.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said local governments – towns, villages, cities, schools, counties, and fire departments – are at fault for the crushing property tax burden in the state, particularly Upstate.
He wants to see the local governments share more resources, and even consolidate to reduce the layers.
Cuomo, speaking in Syracuse on Wednesday, said local governments account for two out of every three tax dollars in the state through property taxes. He said the state has too many local governments, 10,500 altogether.
“It’s the property tax in the state of New York that is crushing,” Cuomo said. “And we have to get property taxes under control. We tried doing this. I passed a 2 percent property tax cap which made a difference. Property taxes were going up 7, 8, 9 percent. Now they go up 2 percent. The bad news is, they still go up 2 percent.”
Cuomo’s claims have been refuted by associations representing villages, towns and counties. They say the state has many unfunded programs, such as Medicaid, that drive up local costs. Orleans County taxpayers pay about $8 million annually towards Medicaid, about half of the county’s tax levy. Indigent defense, another state mandated program, cost Orleans about $500,000 a year.
Chuck Nesbitt
“This is a state-driven problem,” said Chuck Nesbitt, Orleans County chief administrative officer.
Nesbitt said the county has been a recognized leader in shared services, including a partnership with Genesee County in public health. The two counties have a merged Board of Health and share the same director and other staff.
The county and local towns and villages share manpower and equipment for paving and other road projects, a relationship that has been going on for decades.
Nesbitt and the local officials submitted a shared services plan to the state in 2015 that showed $3 million in savings annually. (See more on those savings near end of the article.)
‘It’s demanding things to be done that we’re already doing.’ Chuck Nesbitt, OC chief administrative officer
Cuomo and the State legislature have empowered the top-ranking county official in each county to bring together all of the local governments and develop shared services plans.
Nesbitt said it’s unclear in counties like Orleans, without a county executive, who would lead the shared services plan. Would it be Nesbitt as chief administrative officer of the county or the chairman of the seven-member County Legislature, currently David Callard of Ridgeway? The county is seeking a legal opinion on the issue.
Cuomo said the local governments can learn from the state in paring costs and sharing services.
“Now, every government likes to be its own fiefdom, right?” Cuomo said in Syracuse. “Every government likes to have control of everything itself. It can’t work that way anymore. It is just too expensive. Not every government needs to have its own purchasing department, its own legal department, its own assessing department, its own fleet management department – find ways to work together. We do this on the state government side all the time.”
County leaders will need to bring all of the local officials together to publicly discuss a shared services plan. Cuomo initially was pushing for that plan to go before the public in a referendum. As part of the state budget discussion, he backed off the referendum. However, the local officials can vote yes or no on the plan. Cuomo said the process needs to conclude by Oct. 15. (Nesbitt said the local officials have until Aug. 1 to develop a plan that goes to the county. Then there are more public meetings.)
“I think people will engage,” Cuomo said about the shared service meetings. “I think they’re very concerned about property taxes. They get it. Upstate New York has the highest property taxes in the United States of America. You bring the power of democracy to this discussion and you’ll see how local governments can actually find ways to save money and get creative, and I’m very excited about that because that can make a dramatic, dramatic difference.”
Orleans County is currently working on a law enforcement study, looking for efficiencies in providing police service in the county among the Sheriff’s Office, and police departments at Albion, Medina, Holley and Lyndonville. Nesbitt isn’t sure if the state shared service push will effect the law enforcement study, if it will continue as a separate effort or if it will be folded into a bigger discussion.
Bryan Hazel, an employee with the Orleans County Highway Department, operates the paver on Hamilton Street in Albion on Oct. 26, 2015 while Tim Banker of the Village of Albion DPW works behind the big machine. The county shares the paver and some of its personnel for paving projects around the county with towns and villages.
The governor and State Legislature would be more effective in cutting property taxes by relieving local governments of paying for many state-mandated programs, Nesbitt said.
“This is more about the governor running for president than finding practical solutions for New York State,” Nesbitt said. “It’s a burning dumpster fire of a proposal. It’s a condescending and insulting proposal.”
The New York Conference of Mayors said the governor’s focus on reducing taxes is misdirected at the local level.
“Municipal government is and will continue to be the shining example of efficient government in New York.,” said NYCOM Executive Director Peter A. Baynes.
Here are some highlights from the “Local Government Tax Efficiency Plan” in 2015 in Orleans County:
In Orleans, the four villages, 10 towns and county government that took in about $27 million in taxes in 2014. The state told the municipalities in each county to identify at least 1 percent in savings for the total tax levies. For Orleans County, that 1 percent represented $273,001.
But the county’s efficiency plan is far greater than that: $3,207,502 in savings or $2,934,501 above the target.
“This is what we must do to survive,” David Callard, chairman of the Orleans County Legislature, said in June 2015 when the plan was complete. “We’re really doing some consequential things.”
Some existing efficiencies at the county level include:
• The partnership with Genesee County, where the two counties share a public health director and three other staff, as well as a joint contract for busing disabled preschool children, has saved Orleans about $328,275 annually.
• Orleans also contracts with Genesee for youth bureau administration services, which saves Orleans $13,490 a year. Genesee also provides tax mapping services to Orleans, saving Orleans $12,500 a year.
• Orleans has also reduced 22 staff positions from Jan. 1, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2014, which has a annual savings of $1,020,058. This reduction does not count the 100-plus workers at the former county nursing home. That site became privately owned in January 2015. Selling the county nursing home and moving those employees from the public to private payroll saved taxpayers $1.5 million a year, according to the county’s efficiency plan.
At the town and village level, savings noted in the report include:
• The Village of Albion counts $36,000 in savings through shared paving services with local towns and the county, and $63,000 by running Holley’s sewer plant.
• Carlton included $1,300 in savings through new energy efficient lighting at the town buildings.
• Clarendon replaced a full-time employee with a part-time employee at annual savings of $14,054.
• The Village of Holley says it saves $40,000 a year through a contract with Albion, having Albion personnel paid to run Holley’s sewer plant rather than Holley staff or an outside company.
• Kendall counts $20,000 in savings through a consolidation of fire districts. Kendall also said it saved $31,200 by sharing an assessor with Carlton, $20,000 by working to establish a health insurance consortium, and $1,000 through more efficient utilities.
• Murray counts $70,000 in savings by combining fire districts.
• Shelby counts $4,762 in savings new water meters that need less manpower, $3,865 in savings for joint park maintenance with Ridgeway and the Village of Medina, $1,165 in savings for joint procurement with Ridgeway and the Village of Medina, $3,026 for jointing water billing with Medina, and $385 in savings for an automatic flushing system.
• Ridgeway sees $2,222 in savings through a joint purchase and ownership of an equipment trailer, $500 in savings through joint purchasing with Shelby and Medina, and $200 in benefit through energy efficient lighting.
• Yates put down $500 in savings through energy efficient lighting at the town hall and highway garage.
Orleans and the local governments have proven they are willing to share resources and cut costs, Nesbitt said.
“The governor’s assertions are untrue,” Nesbitt said. “It’s demanding things to be done that we’re already doing.”
