ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature on Wednesday voted to continue a tax exemption for Cold War veterans. The exemption was due to expire on March 31, 2018, but no longer has an expiration date.

The county enacted the exemption 10 years ago and it was due to sunset. The exemption is good for up to 10 percent or a maximum of $4,000 off the assessed value of a property.

With a county tax rate of about $10 per $1,000 of assessed property, the maximum exemption would save a Cold War veteran about $40 in county taxes.

There are about 100 veterans in the county currently receiving the exemption, said Dawn Allen, the county’s director of Real Property Tax Services Department.

Earl Schmidt, the director of the county’s Veterans Service Agency, has been pushing county officials to renew the exemption. During a public hearing last month, Schmidt said some counties may have a gap in the exemption due to it expiring. He doesn’t want that to happen in Orleans County.

The exemption is good for eligible veterans who served in the military from Sept. 2, 1945 to Dec. 26, 1991.

The exemption also includes up to $20,000 off the assessment value for property owned by disabled veterans.

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John DeFilipps, chairman of the Orleans County Legislature, presents a “Special Recognition Award” on Wednesday to Susan Heard, who is retiring after 24 years as county treasurer.

ALBION – When Susan Heard took office as county treasurer in January 1994, the county needed to take out a $975,000 revenue anticipation note to help with cash flow.

The county was in that position other times early in her career. But as the years went by, Heard was determined to boost the county’s reserves. On Wednesday she gave her treasurer’s report to the County Legislature. The county has a cash balance of nearly $10 million.

“This is what I’ve been doing the past 24 years,” she told legislators.

That $9,877,873 on Wednesday compares to $1,957,272 in January 1994, with the amount 24 years ago including the $975,000 that was borrowed.

Heard retires on Dec. 31 after 24 years as treasurer. She was chosen by peers as a county treasurer of the year. She worked in the Treasurer’s Office for 16 years prior to that. She is taking that 40 years of experience to a new job as Gaines Town Clerk.

On Wednesday, county legislators praised her “commendable service and dedication to the County of Orleans.”

She was presented a “Special Recognition Award.” Heard has said she serves as the “watchdog” of the county’s finances, an annual budget of about $65 million with hundreds of line items.

“Through your extreme professionalism serving as our Orleans County Treasurer, our county has benefitted from your extensive knowledge and service,” the citation reads from the Legislature. “Your fiscal oversight to Orleans County and beyond is widespread and long lasting. The Orleans County Legislature does hereby wish you success and happiness in all of your future endeavors, along with thanking you for your service and dedication to the county you were raised in.”

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Percentage is much higher than women serving in elected roles

Photos by Tom Rivers: Melissa Blanar, director of the Orleans County Office for the Aging, speaks to senior citizens on Wednesday about the Yellow Dot and Vial of Life programs that include information about emergency contact numbers and medical histories. Blanar is one of 12 women leading a county department.

ALBION – In Orleans County, only 3 of the 15 elected officials for county positions are women. That 20 percent rate mirrors the state-wide average of 21.7 percent. (There are 257 women in county elected positions out of 1,187 total, according to the New York State Association of Counties.)

However, the Orleans County government’s leadership has a much higher percentage of women in leadership roles. The county has 26 department heads and women are serving in 12 of those jobs or 46 percent of the total.

John DeFilipps, chairman of the County Legislature, said the county looks at the qualifications when picking a department head. Women often are the top candidates for the job.

He noted the recent hiring of Joanne Best as the county’s public defender. She succeeds Sandy Church, who was elected county judge. Best stood out among many qualified applicants, DeFilipps said.

The management team members for the county government who are women include:

Nadine Hanlon, clerk of the Legislature; Karen Lake-Maynard, county clerk; Janice Grabowski and Kathleen Case, election commissioners; Lynne Menz, tourism director; Kelly Kiebala, Job Development director; Melissa Blanar, Office for the Aging director; Lucille Welch, Probation director; Joanne Best, public defender; Dawn Allen, director of Real Property Tax Services; Kimberly DeFrank, county treasurer; and Jocelyn Sikorsky, Youth Bureau director.

The management team members who are men include:

Gerald Gray, county high and buildings and grounds superintendent; Chuck Nesbitt, county chief administrative officer; Edwin Moss, director of computer services; David Schubel, county attorney; Joe Cardone, district attorney; Dale Banker, Emergency Management director; Matt Ballard, county historian; Mark O’Brien, director of Mental Health Department; Jack Welch, personnel/self insurance director; James Bensley, director of the Planning Department; Paul Pettit, director of Public Health; Randy Bower, sheriff; Tom Kuryla, director of Department of Social Services; and Earl Schmidt, director of Veterans Service Agency.

Legislator Lynne Johnson, pictured during a County Legislature meeting in January, is the only woman on the seven-member Legislature.

“When we interview department heads, it’s a very intense interview,” said Lynne Johnson, a county legislator. “We go by qualifications and the best candidate for the job. It has nothing to do with female versus male.”

Johnson is the only woman on the County Legislature, which includes seven members. Since the Legislature replaced the former Board of Supervisors nearly 40 years, only two women have been elected to the body: Johnson and Marcia Tuohey.

Johnson said local politics can be difficult.

“Thin-skinned can not be part of your makeup when you run for an elected position,” she said.

She said the local political parties would welcome more women as candidates.

“It’s open for anyone to run,” Johnson said. “I would hope anybody who wants to throw their hat in the ring does. It has nothing to do with your sex or color of your skin.”

Johnson said the county has been fortunate to have many dedicated and qualified department heads.

“For a small county we’ve done extremely well with the department heads we have,” she said. “We’ve had the cream of the crop turn out.”

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Press Release, Sheriff Randy Bower

ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has established a Confidential Tip Line. It can be reached by dialing (585) 283-4960.

Anyone with information about criminal activity, including those who wish to remain anonymous, may call this number and provide information to the Sheriff’s Office. This service will enable tipsters to give information without the threat of retaliation. This is especially important with the ever-growing opiate epidemic.

After hearing a short recording, an anonymous message can be left.

All information is considered confidential. Please provide as much detail as possible. It is helpful to know if the information you provide is from your direct knowledge, or is something you’ve heard or may believe to be true.

Keep in mind, that anonymous information may limit our ability to investigate. Because of this, please consider providing contact information when using the tip line.

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Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower

Orleans County Stop DWI Coordinator Sheriff Randall Bower announced the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, along with Medina, Albion and Holley Police Departments, and the NY State Police will participate in the STOP- DWI Holiday Season Crackdown from Dec. 15 to Jan. 1.

This crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and implemented by the STOP-DWI Foundation.

Each year around holiday time there is an increase in drinking and driving, which can prove deadly, Bower said.

In 2015, 311 people died on New York State highways due to Alcohol Impaired Driving. In New York State, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher.

The key to keeping yourself and others safe on the highway is to “Have A Plan.”

Drivers are urged to do the following:

• Plan a safe way to get home.

• Call for a ride from a sober friend, family member, taxi, public transportation, or Uber.

• “Have a Plan” Mobile App can downloaded to your smart phone (click here).

• Uber apps can be found at Android (click here) and I phones (click here).

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File photo by Tom Rivers: Developers eyeing the old Holley High School want to use tax credits to help make the project work financially.

ALBION – The Orleans Economic Development Agency is worried about tax plans that call for either eliminating or reducing federal tax credits for renovating historic buildings.

“It will have an impact on many adaptive reuse projects,” Kevin Zanner, an attorney for the Orleans EDA, said during Friday’s EDA board meeting. “Any time you take money out, the developer has to find it somewhere else.”

Republicans in the House of Representatives approved a plan that would eliminate the 20 percent federal investment tax credit for historic preservation projects. The Senate plan would reduce the credit to 10 percent.

The developers of the old Holley High School want to use the tax credit as a piece of a $17 million plan to renovate the old school, turning the site into 41 apartments and the village offices.

“It makes everybody nervous,” said Jim Whipple, CEO of the Orleans EDA.

The agency the Holley project and another in the pipeline could potentially be adversely impacted by the Republican tax plans in Congress.

The historic downtown business districts are all ripe for the preservation tax credit to help make projects more economically manageable. Zanner said the tax credits have been a key to many recent redevelopment projects in Buffalo.

“The beautiful buildings in downtown Albion are all elgible for it,” Zanner said about the tax credit.

If Congress ultimately cuts the tax credit or reduces it, Zanner said it could approve a transitional system preserving the credit for projects like Holley’s old school where developers have already applied for the credit.

“It won’t just be gone,” Zanner said, “But it creates uncertainty.”

The tax credit has been used for 491 properties in New York State from 2002 through 2016. Those credits added up to $680 million for the projects, which have generated more than $4 billion in new state taxes and 52,000 new jobs, according to Ryan Silva, executive director of the NYS Economic Development Council.

He sent a letter last week to the Orleans EDA and other members of the NYS Economic Development Council. Silva, in his letter, said reducing or eliminating the historic tax credit “is not the right approach.”

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Photo by Tom Rivers: Art Hill Excavation works on the site work at the Pride Pak vegetable processing plant in Medina in this file photo from November 2015. The EDA would like to create a database of local contractors like Art Hill that could work on some of the building projects assisted by the EDA.

ALBION – The Orleans County Economic Development Agency has launched a new website for local contractors, vendors and suppliers.

OnlyinOrleans.com is where businesses with brick and mortar operations in Orleans County can now register to be included in the economic development agency’s supplier and contractor database.

The Orleans County EDA will make the list available to companies seeking local contractors or vendors and suppliers when building or expanding operations in Orleans County, New York.

“We believe the Only in Orleans website will increase opportunities for our contractors and suppliers to be recognized and considered for future construction and development projects in Orleans County,” said Jim Whipple, Orleans EDA chief executive officer.

General, electrical and mechanical contractors and those who perform site work, masonry, roofing, paving, excavating, survey, engineering and landscaping services can review the criteria and registration form at Only in Orleans.

Vendors that also supply equipment or materials for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing or excavation projects or have lumber, computers, fixtures, furniture or greenhouses in Orleans County are also encouraged to register on the website annually.

The EDA board of directors and staff discussed Only in Orleans this morning during the EDA’s monthly board meeting. Whipple said the site isn’t a “look-up directory” that will compete with a business directory put together by the Chamber of Commerce, for example.

The Only in Orleans database instead is a resource for companies doing construction in the county that are looking to hire locally for the work.

Local contractors and suppliers are urged to sign up on the list and renew annually. There is no charge to be included on Only in Orleans.

“With this new website, our agency hopes to stimulate activity for local contractors and other Orleans County-based companies with equipment or materials that would benefit new projects down the line,” said Gabrielle Barone, EDA vice president.

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Photo by Tom Rivers: The United Way of Orleans County has a new director, Kaitlyn Delamarter, center. She is pictured with the new president of the board of directors, Jackie Gardner, and Jason Smith, vice president of the board.

ALBION – The United Way of Orleans County has welcomed a new director, Kaitlyn Delamarter. She started the job this week after working the past two years as an executive assistant with the Orleans Community Health Foundation.

Delamarter, 25, of Albion has a degree in graphic design from Bryant & Stratton in Henrietta. She also worked a year at CRFS, where the United Way has its office at 231 East Ave.

Delamarter said she will focus on marketing and getting the word out in the community about the United Way, and its fundraising efforts on behalf of 16 agencies in the county. Those agencies run programs that serve youth, senior citizens, people with disabilities and people in crisis.

In September the United Way kicked off a $190,000 campaign. Delamarter welcomes the chance to give workplace presentations about the campaign.

“I definitely have a passion for the community,” she said. “Once I was thrown into the non-profit world, I fell in love.”

Delamarter said the United Way is an effective way to direct funds to many agencies serving Orleans County residents.

She is the lone employee for the United Way in Orleans. In addition to the campaign, she will plan other fundraising events, including a golf tournament. The United Way also volunteers once a month at the community kitchen at Christ Church in Albion.

Delamarter welcomes donations to the United Way and also volunteers who want to help at the community kitchen or with United Way events. For more information, click here.

In addition to a new director, the United Way board of directors met this morning and picked a new president and vice president for the board. Jackie Gardner, a vice president at CRFS, is the new president. She was the vice president of the board. She succeeds Dave Cook.

Jason Smith, the superintendent of Lyndonville Central School, is the new board vice president.

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Orleans County is just about at the state average for women in elected county positions. In Orleans, three of the 15 elected officials in county positions are women or 20 percent.

State-wide there are currently 245 women in elected county offices out of 1,187 outside New York City or 20.6 percent of the total, according to the New York Association of Counties.

Kim DeFrank

The November election boosted the number of women in elected county positions to 257 or 21.7 percent, beginning on Jan. 1.

The three women in Orleans who were elected to county positions in November include Kim DeFrank as county treasurer, Karen Lake-Maynard as county clerk, and Lynne Johnson as one of the seven county legislators.

In 2017, NYSAC launched the Women’s Leadership Council for women elected to county office.

“The Women’s Leadership Council is focused on providing training, resources, and recruitment,” said NYSAC President MaryEllen Odell, Putnam County Executive. “We welcome the newly-elected women in counties throughout New York. We encourage them to take advantage of the support provided by the Women’s Leadership Council and of the many resources available through NYSAC.”

Nassau County elected its first female County Executive. In St. Lawrence and Columbia counties, women were elected to the position of county coroner. In Tompkins County, the legislature will have as many women on the board as men for the first time in its 200-year history. And throughout New York State, women were elected county legislators, town supervisors, county clerks, and county district attorneys. In all, 62 women were elected to county positions in New York State this past November, NYSAC said.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Susan Heard was honored in October by the Orleans County Republican Party, including Chairman Ed Morgan, left. Heard is retiring as Orleans County treasurer after 24 years. She is the longest-serving woman in an elected position in Orleans County.

“Across the country, women claimed victory in elections at all levels of government – many of them first-time candidates,” said Stephen Acquario, executive director of NYSAC. “The same was true in counties throughout New York State.”

In Orleans County, the elected county positions include seven county legislators, the county judge, the sheriff, district attorney, three coroners, treasurer and county clerk.

Of those 15 positions, three are currently held by women – Susan Heard as county treasurer. Heard is retiring from that position after 24 years. She was elected Gaines Town Clerk and starts the new job on Jan. 1. Heard’s deputy in the treasurer’s office, Kim DeFrank, ran for treasurer and was elected without opposition.

NYSAC wants to see more women pursuing public offices.

“The increase in the number of women running for and being elected to public office is historic,” Acquario said. “We are excited to see more women leading New York’s counties, and we are committed to supporting our newly elected members as they learn the workings of public office and the issues impacting our counties.”

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Photos by Kristina Gabalski: Joan Navarra-Mrzywka receives the Friend of Master Gardeners Award from Ed Neal, president of the Extension board of directors. Navarra-Mrzywka has helped the past several years at the annual Master Gardeners Holiday Wreath making workshop, providing materials and tools for participants.  
“Joan has helped the workshop grow to become a favorite of the community and a holiday tradition,” said Kim Hazel, Master Gardener and OCCCE Sr. Ag/Hort. Administrative Assistant.  
Navarra-Mrzywka has also provided ideas, assistance and donations for other Master Gardener projects including the annual Mothers’ Day tea cup garden class.

KNOWLESVILLE – Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension Board of Directors were joined by OCCCE staff, program participants, volunteers, community partners and friends at The Black North Inn Tuesday evening for the 2017 annual meeting.

The dinner meeting included a review of the 2017 Annual Report, election of the 2017 Board of Directors and presentation of special awards.

Robert Batt, Extension executive director, discussed 2017 highlights which included 422 youth, ages 5-19, enrolled in 4-H; 89 4-H leaders and volunteers; 73 4-H participants in public presentations; and more than 3,000 exhibits at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. Over 26,000 people attended the week-long 4-H Fair in July.

Batt also noted the Ag in the Classroom program which brought science, STEM, and agriculture education programs to three school districts in Orleans County.

Fifty-five adults and 47 youth participated in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program through workshops  supported by the EFNEF educator, and 75 participants took park in Master Food Preserver Workshops.

“Master Food Preservers sold out both their workshop series,” Batt said.

Orleans County Master Gardeners had an “extraordinary year,” Batt said. Their list of programming included Spring Into Gardening Education Day, a Rain Barrel workshop with the Orleans County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Medina Summer Enrichment Program, and the first-ever Garden Party at the gardens of the Riley Family in Albion.

Friend of Extension

Anne Preston was honored with the Friend of Extension Award. Batt said Preston has volunteered extensively for 4-H programs, “and done so much more … Anne has always been willing to help out,” he said, especially with making phone calls to remind volunteers of upcoming committee meetings.

Preston, who was not able to attend Tuesday’s meeting, has also given generous donations to both the 4-H program and 4-H Fair, Batt said.

4-H leaders recognized

Janet Klossner

Janet Klossner and Marsha Cook received recognition for 4 years as leaders; Erik and Marlene Seielstad, six years; Barb Kurzowski, 19 years; Bill Gerling, 27 years; Sarah Johnson, 29 years;  and Pauline Lanning, 51 years.

Neil and Joanne Johnson received diamond clovers for reaching their 40-year benchmark as 4-H Leaders.

Bill Gerling

4-H Horse Program Wranglers Club leader Janet Klossner received the Outstanding 4-H Leader Award.

Bill Gerling accepted the Friend of 4-H Award for H.H. Dobbins, Inc. Missy Call, 4-H Youth Program Coordinator, said Dobbins has donated fresh fruit for the annual pie baking workshops in the Trolley Building prior to Fair.

The donations have helped the Leaders Association overcome the challenges of no longer being able to serve fruit pies made at home in the Leader’s Pie Stand during Fair due to Health Department regulations. Dobbins has also provided additional donations to OCCCE including the Ag in the Classroom program, Call said.

Retiring Board of Directors members recognized 

Board Vice President Erin Anheier, Vincent Flow and Peter Toenniessen are retiring, and Ed Neal is retiring as president of the Board of Directors.

Kevin Bedard, Natalie Bokman Seal, Amanda Pollard and Marlene Seielstad were elected to the Board of Directors.

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