Contract with U.S. Marshals could net county several hundred thousand dollars annually

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Jail and the County Courthouse are pictured recently. The jail on Platt Street in Albion has a capacity for 82 inmates but has been well under that in the past year.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature approved a three-year contract on Wednesday with the U.S. Marshal’s Service to house federal detainees in the county jail, an agreement that could net the county several hundred thousand dollars a year.

The county agreed to house the detainees at $115 a day. The Sheriff’s Office also will transport detainees to court appointments in Buffalo, Rochester and Niagara Falls, and will be paid $40 per hour for each of two staff members assigned to the transport and court appearance. The county will also be paid the current IRS mileage reimbursement rate, which currently is 56 cents a mile.

Sheriff Chris Bourke said the agreement could net the county $500,000 or more. It also won’t overwhelm the jail, which currently has 30 inmates in a facility with a capacity for 82. Of those 30 inmates, 12 are “state-ready” inmates who have been sentenced to state prison. The local jail population during the pandemic in the past year and in the era of bail reform has been about 15 to 20 inmates a day.

Even at the smaller inmate population, the county still must maintain full staffing.

“We have the same costs,” Bourke said. “With the agreement with the Marshals, we’d just have more food and some over-the-counter medications.”

Bourke said the county plans to have up to 10 detainees from the U.S. Marshals at the beginning of the agreement, and then expects to increase it to 15 to 20 detainees.

At 10 detainees a day, the county would be paid $1,150, and that doesn’t include any additional money for transport.

If the county averaged 10 detainees over a year that would be $419,750 in revenue. If the county averaged 15 detainees in the county jail, that would be $629,625 for the year.

The agreement approved on Wednesday runs for a year, from March 1, 2021 to Feb. 28, 2024. county can opt of the agreement with 30 days notice.

County officials will ask towns, schools to contribute some stimulus funds to expand high-speed internet

ALBION – The American Rescue Plan includes several millions for local governments, money that the Orleans County Legislature leader says would be put to good use by expanding high-speed internet throughout the county.

Lynne Johnson

The American Rescue Plan also includes $7.9 million for Orleans County, and an additional $4.4 million for the 10 towns and four villages, and $12.5 million for the five school districts.

“If we’re all in this together, it makes it affordable,” said Lynne Johnson, the Orleans County Legislature chairwoman.

The county has been working for about a decade to expand broadband or high-speed internet, but has largely missed out on state and federal grants. The county has data points where the service is currently unavailable. It would cost an estimated $4.2 million to fill all of those gaps.

Johnson would like to bypass another state and federal grant cycle and move quickly to use some of the stimulus funding to bring in broadband. The state and federal grant programs can take many months of waiting to find out if an application is approved, and then many more months to get a project complete. Johnson said it would likely be 1½ to 2 years before broadband could be expanded in Orleans County if the project was funded through a grant.

The Covid pandemic exposed the shortcomings in the county for high-speed internet service, with many households unable to log on to the internet to do homework assignments or to have the option of working from home, Johnson said.

The federal stimulus funding encourages municipalities to use the money for infrastructure projects, including expanding high-speed internet.

“I think the timing is just right,” Johnson said about the funding.

County leaders will be meeting with Niagara County officials to see if they want to do a joint project for broadband. The two counties have been working together on the issue through the Niagara Orleans Regional Alliance. Estimates for bringing high-speed internet in the two counties is over $10 million, with the areas in Orleans at $4.2 million.

Johnson also said she will be convening a roundtable discussion with town and school leaders in Orleans County, trying to get them to help pay for the cost. The county has a breakdown of the internet gaps in all 10 towns, she said.

The county’s $7.9 million from the federal government in the American Rescue Plan doesn’t come in one lump sum. The county gets half this year and the other half next year.

“We would like to move forward immediately,” Johnson said. “We’re ready to go.”

Protests, new state laws seen as deterrent for people pursuing law enforcement as a career

ALBION – The list of exams for Civil Service positions currently available in Orleans County includes deputy sheriff. Today is the last filing deadline for the position with the agility exam on April 24 and then the written test on May 15.

Normally there are nearly 100 people who file to take the exam. This time there have only been 18 so far, said Sheriff Chris Bourke.

Not only has the position been listed by the Orleans County Personnel Department (click here), but local media have shared press releases from the sheriff, encouraging people to take the exam.

The protests against law enforcement and new state laws, including bail reform, have discouraged people from pursuing a career with the Sheriff’s Office, Bourke said Tuesday during a conference call with local elected officials.

“Police feel we’re under attack,” Undersheriff Mike Mele said about law enforcement as a profession.

Bourke said the atmosphere against law enforcement is resulting in a much smaller pool of people interested in the test for deputy. That could result in “slim pickings.” Usually half of the people are eliminated after the agility test, he said.

Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, believes the Sheriff’s Office is a great place to work. She encouraged people to consider it for their career.

“The Sheriff’s Department is very well supported in Orleans County,” she said during the conference call.

The schedule is set for food distributions through late April.  Those events have been held most weeks since last April due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

At each distribution, held on Fridays, about 300 boxes of food will be given away in the “Families Food Box Program” which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The distributions are scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m.

The schedule includes:

• March 19, Community Action Main Street Store, 113 South Main St., Albion
• March 26, Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H Fairgrounds on Route 31 in Knowlesville
• April 2, Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H Fairgrounds on Route 31 in Knowlesville
• April 9, Medina High School, Mustang Drive, Medina
• April 16, Community Action Main Street Store, 113 South Main St., Albion
• April 23, Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H Fairgrounds on Route 31 in Knowlesville
• April 30, Community Action Main Street Store, 113 South Main St., Albion

“We remind people not to block driveways,” said Melissa Blanar, director of the Office for the Aging, which helps organize the events. “We want to thank all the volunteers. Without them there would be no events. Please be patient and kind.”

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Employees of Baxter Healthcare in Medina clean up the lawn at Head Start on Ensign Avenue in Medina in this photo from May 9, 2019. From left are Tammy Pogel, Tim Ingrassia, plant manager Kevin Foley and Melinda Pitcher.

After Covid-19 forced organizers to cancel the Day of Caring last spring 2020, United Way of Orleans County is bringing back the day on April 30.

Day of Caring is a volunteer-oriented event of United Ways nationwide, which encourages volunteerism in the community by helping people and non-profit agencies in need.

Creig Shockley, left, and Brian Hosmer, both Baxter employees, repair and put up swings at Camp Rainbow during the Day of Caring on May 9, 2019. Four more Baxter employees painted cabins, while another cleaned the bathrooms.

“The day combines volunteers with work projects county-wide,” said Dean Bellack, director of United Way of Orleans County. “It highlights giving back. If we can get 150 to 200 that will be great.”

Any company employee or member of the community is urged to volunteer for a couple of hours that day in performing simple tasks for agencies or individuals, such as painting a fence, raking a lawn, sorting donated food, delivering meals to the elderly, landscaping or other minor tasks.

“It is an exciting day that offers a unique opportunity for businesses, employees and individuals to participate in making a difference, and to see first-hand how their donations to United Way are benefiting the lives and vitality of our community,” Bellack said.

Not only are volunteers needed to perform various tasks, but projects to do are also needed to make the day a huge success.

Registration forms are available on United Way’s website by clicking on “volunteer” and then “Day of Caring.” Registrations forms should be returned by April 10.

On April 30, volunteers should report to the Trolley Building at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds at 8 a.m. for breakfast. They should dress in comfortable clothing to suit the day.  Volunteer projects will begin immediately following the breakfast and typically last from 9 to 10 a.m. and/or from 2 to 3 p.m.

“This is a great day,” Bellack said. “It promotes good deeds – and the United Way.”

The $1.9 trillion “American Rescue Plan” that passed the U.S. Senate today includes nearly $8 million for the Orleans County government. The plan now goes to vote to the House of Representatives next week and then President Biden for his signature.

The New York State Association of Counties is praising the Senate for approving the funding, which includes $2.2 billion for 57 counties in the state. The funding is divvied up to counties based on population.

NYSAC said the funding amounts for local counties includes:

• Orleans, $7,887,187
• Genesee, $11,195,927
• Livingston, $12,297,147
• Wyoming, $7,790,825
• Niagara, $40,905,985
• Monroe, $144,986,083
• Erie, $179,569,145

The New York State Association of Counties issued the following press release this afternoon:

After a year of fighting on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, counties applaud the Senate’s passage of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan and encourages swift adoption by the House of Representatives, according to the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC).

The package, passed today, includes $350 billion in emergency funding for state, local and territorial governments, including $65 billion for counties, a restoration of $5 billion as championed by the Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer. This emergency funding provides direct aid to counties, supporting the essential local government workers who have been on the front-line of the pandemic response.

“We commend our great Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and many members of the New York Congressional Delegation for fighting to ensure that our local governments get the help they deserve. This historic legislation supports the local heroes who have been fighting this pandemic on the front lines and also makes key investments in the future prosperity of our communities,” said NYSAC President Jack Marren, chairman of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors.

The American Rescue Plan includes $3.8 billion for the 57 counties ($2.2 billion) of New York State and New York City ($1.6 billion) based on population. New York City will receive another $4.0 billion through CDBG formula funding.

This funding can be used to respond to the public health emergency caused by the coronavirus as well as address the economic devastation that came with it, including assistance to households, small businesses and nonprofits, aid to impacted industries such as tourism, travel and hospitality. The funding may also be used to help governments provide services and make investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure.

“This is a victory for all of the counties in the State of New York and the residents we serve. In a time when so much of our politics is bitterly divided, county leaders from both ends of the political spectrum advocated for this package because it will help them help their communities recover from this pandemic,” said NYSCEA President and Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro.

“We acknowledge the leadership of Senator Schumer and the members of New York’s Congressional Delegation who supported our local governments throughout this pandemic. Without our Senator Schumer, this package would not have included the federal assistance to counties and local governments. He has always been there for New Yorkers, and his resolve has only been strengthened during this this pandemic,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario.

Group also wants to honor adults who work and volunteer on behalf of children in Orleans

The Orleans County Youth Board wants to honor local youths for their community service and adults for their work on behalf of children in Orleans County.

The Youth Board for the past 39 years has recognized youth, usually about 20 each year for their outstanding community service or if they have taken on an extraordinary role in their family.

In addition to the youth awards, at least two adults will be honored for their service to young people.

The Helen R. Brinsmaid Memorial Youth Worker Award recognizes a youth-serving professional whose work surpasses normal expectations.

The Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Recognition Award is given to an adult who provides service as a volunteer to Orleans County youth.

Nominations are due March 26. The form can be downloaded by clicking here. For information about this event, contact the Youth Bureau at 585-344-3960 or youthbureau@co.genesee.ny.us.

Michael Dobell

MEDINA – The new leader of Orleans Economic Development Agency has more than a decade of experience working for major hotels in Buffalo, Rochester and Minneapolis.

Michael Dobell, 36, of Lyndonville said he brings a customer service focus to the job as executive director for the EDA. He started the position last week and succeeds Jim Whipple, who has retired but is staying on in a part-time advisory role through the end of April. Whipple led the EDA for 15 years.

Dobell, 36, was director of sales and marketing at Hyatt Regency Buffalo the past five years. Prior to that he worked for the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis and Radisson Rochester Riverside. In that career, it wasn’t just the hotel he was promoting to clients: it was the overall experience in the community.

Dobell sees a similar message in his role with the EDA. Businesses will be looking at the “total experience” in Orleans County.

“How can we best showcase the entire community?” he said. “We’re in this together. It’s really a team effort.”

Dobell said it will take the efforts of local and state officials, as well as citizens in the county, to make the community an enticing place to live and work.

He sees lots of assets for the EDA to promote to businesses, especially the 300-acre Medina Business Park, which is one of the largest certified shovel ready sites in the state. Whipple in the EDA worked more than a decade to create the park with infrastructure.

“What Jim and his team have done the past 15 years is an amazing job,” Dobell said the EDA conference room at 121 North Main St., Albion. “He laid the groundwork to take Orleans County to the next level.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: The 300-acre Medina Business Park is one of the largest certified shovel-ready sites in the state. It has all the infrastructure in place.

Dobell lives in Lyndonville with his wife, Clancy. She is the daughter of Lynne Johnson, the Orleans County Legislature chairwoman. Dobell was drawn to the Lyndonville community because it is similar in size to where he grew up on a dairy farm in Andover, Allegany County. Dobell was active in the 4-H program as a kid. He earned a bachelor’s degree in financial planning from Alfred University.

“In a small town there is the camaraderie of the community and the business owners,” he said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to be part of the up and coming Orleans County development.”

Paul Hendel, the Orleans EDA board chairman, said Dobell is a “forward-thinking” leader who will make serving the local businesses and prospective companies a priority.

“He is a great fit for this organization and the entire county,” Hendel said. “He has the knowledge, skills and personality, and he has a proven track record in sales.”

Dobell is one of the three full-time staff for the EDA. Hendel agrees with Dobell’s philosophy that economic development will take the work of many in the community.

“As an organization we cannot exist in a bubble,” Hendel said. “We need support from towns, village and county and our state legislators.”

The EDA is in a good position with several sites that should be attractive to companies around the county. Hendel praised Whipple for bringing municipal partners together for EDA projects.

“Jim did a great job putting Orleans County on the map,” Hendel said. “Jim was a superstar for the agency, in my opinion. With Michael, I see a person with lot of same skill sets as Jim and a vision to take organization to the next level.”

Hendel said the economic development business is also about relationships, and building trust with business leaders. Orleans in recent years has welcomed several companies from Southern Ontario, Canada.

That Canadian province has been a “great partner” in bringing jobs to Orleans County, Hendel said.

Hendel expects to see more economic development as more progress is made getting Covid-19 under control.

“We are primed to just explode with the assets in our county and the infrastructure,” Hendel said.

Legislators also highlight Probation Department, Arc of Genesee Orleans

Robert Batt and Melissa Blanar have both been recognized as alumni of the year by Leadership Orleans.

The Orleans County Legislature last week recognized two leaders with special recognition awards, and also highlighted the Probation Department.

The Legislature also issued a proclamation declaring March as “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.”

Robert Batt and Melissa Blanar were recently announced as the Leadership Orleans alumni of the year.

Blanar is director of the Office for the Aging and Batt is executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County. Blanar completed the year-long Leadership Orleans program in 2019 and Batt was in the inaugural class in 2018.

The two have stepped up leading their agencies or organizations in the past year, with added responsibilities due to Covid-19 and the restrictions from the state due to the pandemic.

Blanar and Batt also have been critical to food distributions which started last April and are currently being held most Fridays at a site in the county.

“You have gone far and beyond your professional leadership roles in serving the aging of our county during the Covid-19 pandemic through your extreme efforts in organizing multiple food distributions and other pandemic realities,” The Legislature said in the Special Recognition Award for Blanar. “This will forever be widespread, long lasting and extremely appreciated. The Orleans County Legislature does hereby commend you for your passion and dedication to our Orleans County residents.

Batt was praised his “extreme efforts in organizing multiple food distributions and other pandemic realities. This will forever be widespread, long lasting and extremely appreciated. The Orleans County Legislature does hereby commend you for your passion and dedication to our Orleans County residents.”

• Probation Department: The Legislature also presented a Special Recognition Award to Orleans County Probation Department, congratulating the department on being recognized from NYS Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives. The state praised the county Probation Department for developing a “Best Practice” procedure for the return of Violation Of Probation: Declaration of Delinquency Petitions from the courts.

Probation also was recognized by the state for creating and using a “Probationer Handbook” which is a document developed to assist adult offenders placed under probation supervision with all aspects of their sentence.

“The Orleans County Legislature wishes to share our appreciation for your passion and dedication to the duties of your department and does hereby commend you and your team in the services you provide Orleans County and beyond,” the award states.

• Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: The Legislature also issued a proclamation declaring March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The Legislature said developmental disabilities affect more than 7 million Americans and their families.

“People with developmental disabilities can be vital and vibrant members of our communities, improving the quality of life for all of us,” the proclamation states.

There are about 600 ARC chapters in the country, including the Arc of Genesee Orleans.

“The Orleans County Legislature proudly recognizes the achievements of Arc of Genesee Orleans and supports this organization’s mission of being a partner for people with disabilities, and a gateway to opportunities for each person to experience their desired potential,” the proclamation states.

ALBION – A $200,000 grant for the Microenterprise Assistance Program would offer funding for graduates of the small business class run by the Orleans Economic Development Agency.

An article last week on the Orleans Hub said the $200,000 grant would be to extend the program another two years to 2023.

But the Orleans EDA isn’t seeking the grant for the costs of operating the MAP class. Instead, the grant would allow the EDA to make grants available to graduates of MAP, ranging from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $35,000, said Diane Blanchard, manager of MAP.

That funding would be available to graduates of the spring and fall classes this year and in 2022. The grants to the small business owners would be for working capital, advertising, marketing and needed equipment.

More than 500 people have graduated from the Microenterprise Assistance Program since it started in 1999. The 10-week program is offered in the spring and fall and gives small business owners tips in marketing, handling stress, computers, legal issues, bookkeeping and taxes – all factors that are key to running successful businesses. They also must complete a business plan.

The spring class that starts April 6 is already full. The class sessions are held at the Arnold Gregory Office Complex in Albion.

The Orleans County Legislature is applying for the grant on behalf of the Orleans Economic Development Agency from the New York State Community Development Block Grant Program.

The food distributions that started last April during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic will continue in March and through April.

At each distribution, held most Fridays, about 300 boxes of food are given away in the “Families Food Box Program” which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The distributions are scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m.

The schedule for the next five weeks includes:

• February 26^th – Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 NYS Route 31, Knowlesville. The line of cars needs to form south on Taylor Hill Road. There will be no entrance on Route 31.
• March 5 – Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 NYS Route 31, Knowlesville
• March 12 – Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 NYS Route 31, Knowlesville
• March 19, Community Action Main Street Store, 113 South Main St., Albion
• March 26, location to be determined

The distributions will continue through April but those dates and locations haven’t been set.

Organizers ask that people not line up before 8 a.m. due to possible winter weather conditions.  “We remind people not to block driveways,” said Melissa Blanar, director of the Office for the Aging, which helps organize the events. “We want to thank all the volunteers. Without them there would be no events. Please be patient and kind.”