Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation today announced that Beech Leaf Disease (BLD), which affects all species of beech trees, was identified in 35 counties in New York State to date.
DEC began tracking BLD in 2018 after it was confirmed in Chautauqua County. Fourteen of the counties with BLD were confirmed in 2022, and more are likely to be identified. Editor’s note: The DEC reports BLD was first observed in Orleans County in 2020.
“Many American beech trees are already heavily impacted by beech bark disease, but Beech Leaf Disease appears to be an even bigger threat,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “The decline of beech in New York could have far-reaching consequences, including significant changes to the composition of our northern hardwood forests and the loss of a valuable food source for wildlife. Beech Leaf Disease affects all beech, so the impacts would also be felt in our urban forests where ornamental beech trees, including the popular copper beech cultivar, are widely used for landscaping and street trees.”
This leaf shows striping caused by Beech Leaf Disease.
Much is still unknown about BLD, including how it spreads, but it can kill mature beech trees in six to 10 years and saplings in as little as two years. There is no known treatment for infected trees.
BLD symptoms are associated with the nematode Litylenchus crenatae mccannii. It is unknown whether the nematode causes all of the damage, or if it is in association with another pathogen such as a virus, bacteria, or fungus.
DEC is working with the Cornell Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, neighboring states, and New York’s Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management to survey for new infections, track disease progression using long-term monitoring plots, and investigate the nematode’s role in the disease. More information is needed to develop an effective treatment.
DEC’s Forest Health Diagnostic Lab is experiencing a recent surge in requests for BLD diagnosis and treatment options as landowners begin to notice a rapid decline in the health of their beech trees. Most of the reports are from Suffolk and Westchester counties where BLD is widespread.
DEC is asking the public to submit reports through NYimapInvasives if they encounter a beech tree showing signs of BLD, especially for counties where BLD has not yet been confirmed.
The main symptom to look for on beech foliage is darkened striping between the veins, which is best seen when looking up through the canopy. Leaves with severe symptoms can be heavily banded and crinkled, with a thickened leathery texture.
At this time there are no specific recommendations for managing trees that are infected with BLD, however, DEC encourages the public to report potential BLD infections using iMapInvasives to help track the disease while research is ongoing.
Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation (S.4142/A.5061) prohibiting smoking in all state-owned beaches, boardwalks, marinas, playgrounds, recreation centers and group camps. Smoking in these designated areas will be punishable with a civil fine of $50.
The bill exempts the Adirondacks and Catskills from the ban as well as parking lots, sidewalks adjoining parks, and areas not used for park purposes.
“Smoking is a dangerous habit that affects not only the smoker but everyone around them, including families and children enjoying our state’s great public places,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m proud to sign this legislation that will protect New Yorker’s health and help reduce litter in public parks and beaches across the state.”
Many municipalities and local governments already have restrictions or bans on smoking in public spaces. This additional penalty will enforce a statewide prohibition and includes a fine that will be collected by localities.
In addition to the health risks posed by secondhand smoke, cigarette butts are a major environmental hazard due to the non-biodegradable filters that are discarded. They are the leading item found during cleanup projects. Through this prohibition, parks and beaches will be kept cleaner and safer as will our local ecosystems.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the successful implementation of 988 in New York State as the new three-digit number to call or text to be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
All 62 counties in New York State will be covered for the launch of the new 988 Lifeline, which will ensure that anyone with a New York area code contacting 988 will be connected to one of New York’s 988 crisis centers.
“Connecting people who are experiencing a mental health crisis or considering suicide to trained counselors can significantly help them through difficulties that seem insurmountable, and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides hope and support to those who need it most,” Hochul said. “By implementing 988, we are providing these individuals, as well as their families and friends, an easy-to-remember number that will give them access to the services they need.”
The FY 2023 Enacted Budget included $35 million to significantly expand 988 crisis call center capacity throughout New York State. This funding will increase to $60 million on a full annual basis starting in FY 2024.
OMH has also allocated one-time funding of $10 million in federal supplemental Community Mental Health Services Block Grant resources to the 988 crisis call centers, allowing them to expand statewide capacity and infrastructure. New York State also received a $7.2 million federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to aid in the rollout of the new 988 Lifeline.
Calling 988 provides a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health or substance abuse related distress. A chat feature will also be available through the Lifeline’s website (988lifeline.org).
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline will be able to:
Connect people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis to a trained counselor who can address their immediate needs and help connect them to ongoing care.
Reduce health care spending with more cost-effective early intervention.
Reduce use of law enforcement, public health, and other safety resources.
Meet the growing need for crisis intervention.
Help end stigma toward those seeking or accessing mental healthcare.
The new 988 Lifeline will also help achieve another one of Governor Hochul’s goals – removing obstacles to healthcare and reducing disparities in access, quality, and treatment outcomes for historically marginalized, underserved and unserved populations. This includes people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, older adults, rural New Yorkers, veterans, immigrants, people with disabilities and people who have limited English proficiency.
There are currently 13 operating 988 crisis contact centers in New York State and two in the development stage.
988 History
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated 988 as the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act was signed into law in October 2020, with the requirement for phone service providers to transition to 988 as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by July 16, 2022.
Since then, New York has been working with a large coalition of diverse community stakeholders to plan for the implementation of 988 in the State. The Statewide coalition members represent New York’s diverse population and includes individuals with lived experience, advocates, law enforcement, representatives from state agencies, counties, 911 representatives, emergency services, and more. All have contributed their expertise and commitment to the implementation of 988, and their ongoing collaboration and dedication to this groundbreaking work will benefit all New Yorkers.
About the Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was originally funded by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and has been administered by Vibrant Emotional Health since it began in 2005. It has served as an invaluable resource, helping thousands of people overcome suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress every day. With the transition to 988, these life-saving services will be even easier to reach.
Numerous studies have shown that the Lifeline works—most callers are significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to a Lifeline crisis counselor.
Statistics on New York/National 988 Call Volume
Between 2005 and 2020, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline received a total of 20,478,698 calls.
In 2019, the NSPL received 137,481 calls originating from New York, a 73 percent increase since 2016. In 2020, NYS received 142,827 calls, a 13 percent increase in just one year. New York’s robust investments and advanced planning will ensure that calls originating from New York are answered by a local 988 crisis contact center and that we are prepared for the significant increase in call volume that is expected over the next five years.
New York State Senate Republican Leader Robert Ortt, Assemblyman Angelo J. Morinello and Congressman Brian Higgins sent a letter to the Canadian Ambassador, calling for an end to the “ArriveCAN” app requirements for Americans crossing the northern border.
“Americans and Canadians are frustrated and confused by Canada’s preclearance policy, especially the use of the new ‘ArriveCan’ app. Many Americans and Canadians have realized crossing the border is too difficult due to these policies, and have ultimately decided not to do so. This is evident from the number of border crossings over the Peace Bridge which have dropped precipitously from 171,000 in May of 2019, to a meager 101,000 in May 2022,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Morinello in their joint letter.
In conjunction with the Senator and the Assemblyman, Congressman Brian Higgins issued a Federal letter to Canada’s Ambassador to the United States as well, citing how communities along the US-Canada border are struggling economically.
Higgins, Ortt & Morinello argue ArriveCAN – the Canadian government’s system which requires both Americans and Canadians crossing the border into Canada to input mandatory information within 72-hours prior to travel – is a burdensome visa-like prerequisite never-before imposed between the two friendly nations.
The leaders note the impact this has on the Niagara region’s economy: “According to the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, more than 650,000 jobs in New York State depend on trade investment with Canada. This is especially critical in Western New York, where our economy is strongly tied to our strong partnership with our Canadian neighbors. The border restrictions implemented by the Canadian government put that economic activity at risk.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 July 2022 at 8:52 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The band Eagle Creek performed on Thursday evening to start Albion’s Canal Concert series.
Albion has six concerts scheduled in the series from 6 to 8 p.m. by the fire hall on Platt Street.
Eagle Creek plays rock and roll with songs by the Beatles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers, Deep Purple, Black Crowes, Bob Seger, Joe Walsh, Robin Trower, ZZ Top, Gin Blossoms and Stone Temple Pilots. Here the band is performing, “867-5309/Jenny.”
The band members include Nick Salvatore, lead guitar and vocals; Dick Brant, rhythm guitar and vocals; Gary Bassman Tarr, bass guitar and vocals; and Jimmy Joe (Woody) Woodroe, drums.
Nick Salvatore sings and plays the guitar for Eagle Creek.
Dawn Marciszewski fills a bag with popcorn. The Albion Fire Department also sells hamburgers and hot dogs at the concerts.
The attendees at the concert included a boater.
The concerts are sponsored by the Village of Albion with support from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2022 at 10:41 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – The Kendall Firemen’s Carnival returned today for another three-day run of fun. The top photo shows people riding the Super Trooper, one of several classic midway rides. They are set up at the Kendall Fire Department’s grounds on Kendall Road behind the fire hall.
The annual carnival is a big fundraiser for the fire department with proceeds paying the department’s bills, including buying EMS equipment and materials for the ambulance and other expenses.
“we look forward to it every year,” said Kendall Fire Chief Dan Schultz. “We appreciating the community spending their money and supporting us.”
A big group of volunteers, including many from outside the fire department, put on the annual event.
Vinnie D’Agostino, center, tries a ring toss game. He was joined by several of his teammates on Kendall’s U15 baseball team. They won their game before heading to the carnival.
Kaylynn Villane, 7, of Brockport rides the Sky Fighter, a ride that resembles an old fighter plane.
Julie Kludt, right and Stephanie Holland make waffles that would be covered in powered sugar. Kludt has been working in the booth for at least 20 years.
“We can’t keep up with them,” she said about the waffle demand. “We go through a lot of batter.”
Troy Legault, 16, of Brockport, left, and Gabe Loran of Kendall serve up an order of a dozen steamed clams. Troy’s mother is a teacher at Kendall. Gabe is an incoming high school senior working on his community service for the school.
Kendall has 1,200 dozen of the steamed clams ready for the carnival.
The Who Dats performed tonight at the carnival. John Borello plays the guitar at left and Lonnie Froman is the lead singer. Other band members include Alona Kuhns on guitar, Ed Hilfiker on guitar and Alex DeSmit on drums.
Alex DeSmit performs with the Who Dats.
Friday’s schedule is highlighted by a parade at 7 p.m., a ride matinee from 6 to 10 p.m. and the band 7th Heaven from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Saturday’s schedule includes a corn hole tournament starting at noon, lawn mower pulls at noon, a ride matinee from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m., a chicken barbecue at 4 p.m., the community band at 5 p.m., music by Highway 31 at 9 p.m., fireworks at dusk and a $1,500 giveaway after the fireworks. (There is also a car cruise in from 4 to 7 p.m. with best of show award and door prizes for cruise participants.)
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
New York will once again be taking part in a nationally coordinated effort to halt the spread of raccoon rabies in 16 states.
Ongoing field evaluation of a new oral rabies vaccine (ORV) called ONRAB will occur in Clinton, Essex counties in the Empire State as part of an evaluation that also includes parts of northern Vermont and New Hampshire.
Additionally, evaluations will also occur in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Wyoming counties.
These sites were selected in part because of ongoing collaborations with Quebec and Ontario, Canada in the fight against rabies to protect human and animal health and reduce significant cost associated with living with rabies across broad geographic areas. Aerial and hand distribution of baits will take place in New York from July 26 – August 19, 2022.
Rabies is a serious public health concern because if left untreated it is generally fatal. Costs associated with detection, prevention and control of rabies conservatively exceed $500 million annually.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, greater than 90 percent of reported rabies cases in the United States are in wildlife. The cooperative USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services National Rabies Management Program (NRMP) was established in 1997 to prevent the further spread of wildlife rabies in the United States by containing and eventually eliminating the virus in terrestrial mammals.
The majority of the NRMP efforts are focused on controlling raccoon rabies, which continues to account for most of the reported wildlife rabies cases in the U.S. Raccoon rabies occurs in all states east of the established ORV zone that extends from Maine to northeastern Ohio to central Alabama. Continued access to oral vaccine and bait options that are effective in all target wildlife species remains critical to long-term success.
During 2011, the NRMP worked with other Federal, State and local partners to conduct the first raccoon ORV field trial in the U.S. in over 20 years. This field trial was designed to test the safety and immunogenicity (provoke an immune response in the body of a human or other animal) of the oral human adenovirus-rabies glycoprotein recombinant vaccine ONRAB (Artemis Technologies Inc., an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Ceva Sante Animale S.A., Guelph, Ontario, Canada), which has been successfully integrated into comprehensive rabies control programs that resulted in elimination of raccoon rabies from Canada.
Encouraging results from the U.S. trial in West Virginia represented a major milestone that led to expanded evaluations in 4 additional states (NH, NY, OH, and VT) in 2012-2021 and expansion into 2 new states (PA and TN) last year.
Data from these evaluations could lead to licensing of this vaccine for broader, more aggressive management of raccoon rabies by the NRMP and partners, with the goal of eliminating the variant of the rabies virus that cycle in raccoons.
The ONRAB bait consists of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) blister pack, containing the vaccine. To make the baits attractive, the blister packs are coated with a sweet attractant that includes vegetable-based fats, wax, icing sugar, vegetable oil, artificial marshmallow flavor, and dark-green food-grade dye.
Humans and pets cannot get rabies from contact with the bait. However, people who encounter baits directly are asked to leave the bait undisturbed.
Should contact with bait occur, immediately rinse the contact area with warm water and soap and contact your local health department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 for Genesee County or 585-589-3278 for Orleans County.
Please do not attempt to remove a bait from your dog’s mouth. The bait will not harm the dog. If you have additional questions related to the field evaluation in New York, please contact the Wildlife Services office in Rensselaer, NY at (518) 477-4837.
BATAVIA – “Parent and Family Resources in Our Communities” is the topic of the next quarterly meeting of the GOW Opioid Task Force.
“Local professionals will be joining us to discuss this important topic,” said Christen Foley, coordinator of the group that includes members from Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
The hourlong meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 21 at The Recovery Station, 5256 Clinton St., Rd., Batavia. Foley said that this will be the first exclusively in-person meeting since January 2020.
Speakers include:
Jessica Budzinack, case manager at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, specializing in services for pregnant and post-partum women, and for those who have had children born with exposure to substances;
Dawn Stone, peer specialist with Spectrum Health & Human Services, who provides mentoring services to individuals and families in recovery;
Angela Angora, director of Reintegration Services at Caz Recovery.
“All will be presenting on their roles and their experience working with families, women and children, and will outline all of the services they provide,” Foley said.
A free Narcan training session will take place at 11 a.m. at The Recovery Station. All participants will receive a Narcan kit.
Click here for a link to register for the meeting and/or the training.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2022 at 2:24 pm
ALBION – A man who fired shots from a gun last Sept. 1 in Ridgeway was sentenced last week to six months in the Orleans County Jail.
Paul Gulczewski, 28, was charged on Sept. 1 after police were called with reports of gunshots from a Ridgeway residence.
Gulczewski had a loaded 9 mm handgun, a large capacity ammunition feeding device which held 30 bullets, and was in possession of cocaine.
He pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. Gulczewski, who is now an Albion resident, also will be on probation for five years. He was sentenced by County Court Judge Sanford Church.
In another case in county court, Dale Shawver, 60, of Albion pleaded guilty to first-degree sexual abuse, a D felony, and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, which is a misdemeanor.
He allegedly touched a 12-year-old girl in an intimate area. When he was charged, he turned in his weapons and a gun met the criteria for being an assault rifle under the state’s SAFE Act.
Shawver faces up to 6 months in jail and 10 years of probation when he is sentenced on Sept. 14.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 14 July 2022 at 2:06 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf: The Ryan children enjoy ice cream treats at the new food truck Rush’s recently put at their farm market on Eagle Harbor Road, Waterport. From left are Demetrius, 11; Piper, 5; Devin, 8; and in back, Mary Jane, 12.
WATERPORT – There’s something new in the neighborhood and it’s drawing a lot of attention at Rush’s Farm Market on Eagle Harbor Road.
During the past few weeks, Kenneth Rush decided to do something he has thought about for a couple of years – get a food truck.
“I thought this would be a positive thing to do,” said Rush, who is the fifth generation on the Rush farm. “There’s nothing like it in the neighborhood.”
Nicci Nicholson works in the truck with Ken.
In addition to soft ice cream cones, floats and Sundaes, they sell burgers, hotdogs, French fries, blooming onions and friend pickles.
The Ryan children who live nearby, love to walk to the market for ice cream on a hot day. Mary Jane Ryan, 12, likes the floats, but she is going to try a fried pickle one of these days, she said.
Demetrius, 11, said they sometimes come several days in a row, and hopes there will be more ice cream flavors added.
Rush’s Farm Market is owned by Gregg and Elizabeth Rush. In addition to selling homegrown produce, Elizabeth runs a flower shop on the site.
“The food truck has brought people out of their houses after Covid to share an ice cream cone together,” Elizabeth said. “Grandpa Ken likes to come up and enjoy a hotdog. The truck is a complement to my flower shack.”
The food truck is open from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and noon to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Elizabeth said the market expected to have homegrown corn this week.
SHELBY – The New York State Canal Corporation today announced a seepage mitigation project along the Erie Canal in the town of Shelby, Orleans County will begin the week of July 18,.
The Canal Corporation and its contractor will be pumping grout into the canal’s southern embankment near the Jeddo Creek culvert to mitigate water that is seeping through the embankment at this location.
Throughout the duration of the project, residents will notice contractors, wearing hard hats and high-visibility vests, as well as heavy equipment operating at and near the construction site.
The seep being mitigated through this project is one of more than 200 known seeps on canal earthen embankments, which comprise approximately 125-miles of the Canal system. The Canal Corporation continuously monitors and inspects these earthen dams on foot via daily monitoring with our staff, as well as using advanced technologies like drones and thermal imaging.
The work being performed along the Erie Canal in Shelby has been reviewed under a project specific State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) evaluation and is not part of the Canal Corporation’s proposed Earthen Embankment Integrity Program.
It is anticipated that this work will be completed in approximately one week and will not impact the Empire State Trail.
The Canal Corporation appreciates the public’s patience while this work is completed.
Photo by Tom Rivers: A big group of cyclists stop by Tinsel and the Lockstone in Albion on Monday morning, where they were offered orange slices. About 750 cyclists passed through the community on the Cycling the Erie Canal journey, which covers about 400 miles over 8 days.
By Jules Hoepting, Guest Contributor
BROCKPORT – If you passed by the Erie Canal in Orleans County Sunday evening or Monday morning, you probably noticed an abundance of cyclists gliding through.
From July 10 to 18, 750 cyclists are pedaling from Buffalo to Albany along the historic 360 mile Erie Canalway Trail. Organized by statewide nonprofit Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), the 24th annual Cycle the Erie Canal is bringing cycling enthusiasts, volunteers and history buffs from 40 states to local canal towns. The median age of riders is 63 with the eldest aged 83 and the youngest aged 10.
Photos by Erica Schneider: Volunteers offer the cyclists refreshments and souvenirs during a stop in Brockport on Monday.
When asked about their experiences at a rest stop in Brockport, tour participants had plenty of compliments about the community — both in the towns passed through and within the tour itself.
Couple Stan and Laurie Frey from Wisconsin are embarking on their second Cycle the Erie Canal tour and are bringing along Laurie’s sister, Linda for her first tour. The group talked fondly of going into canal communities, stopping for food and enjoying the atmosphere.
“All these little towns [are] welcoming, doing all the music and [sending free canal-themed] postcards, free fruit — it’s just really delightful,” Laurie Frey said.
Her sister, Linda agreed, saying the local towns “seem like warm, tight communities” adding “When I think of stopping at little towns, it’s this right here.”
Linda also praised the ability to “see the depth of the history” of the canal through trail signage and lectures for tour participants. Stan Frey found the Canal Culvert in Ridgeway — the only place you can drive under the Erie Canal — to be highly interesting as well.
Volunteer Mark Proia from Pavilion, NY, uses the tour as a way to give back to a cycling community that helps support his 7,000-plus miles in annual cycling. Proia’s been a regular Cycle the Erie Canal volunteer and tour rider since 2007, and his favorite is befriending people from all over the U.S. Tour participants cover between 40–60 miles a day, which is “a huge milestone” for some of them, and Proia enjoys watching the joy that comes from personal achievement.
Proia also enjoys the canal towns and the variety of ways they welcome cyclists coming through. He said he often comes to Brockport and utilizes the charging station at the Brockport Welcome Center for his hybrid car, then goes for a bike ride.
According to Susan Smith, the Director of the Brockport Welcome Center, the center additionally offers a kayak launch, a bike fix-it station, showers, laundry facilities and camping options. The center is a prime example of PTNY’s Erie Canalway mission: connecting the Erie Canalway Trail to Erie Canal towns.
In early 2022, the “Victorian Village on the Erie Canal” was selected by PTNY and the New York State Canal Corporation (NYSCC) as the pilot community for the new Empire State Trail Town program, based on its long-standing connection to the canal and commitment to the trail.
Cyclists in Brockport were greeted by musicians on Monday as part of the Cycling the Erie Canal trek.
The Erie Canalway Trail is a portion of the Empire State Trail. Over the last six months, PTNY has been working with village officials and a dedicated group of volunteers to help Brockport attract and profit from the growing bicycle tourism market, improve the trail and infrastructure for those that walk and bike in the village and establish a strong identity tied to the trail.
According to Margay Blackman, Brockport mayor, the village “proudly” defines itself as an Erie Canal community and is “passionate” about being selected as the first Empire State Trail Town.
“When I first moved here in 1977, the [trail] path wasn’t well groomed… there was talk of filling in [the canal] for years and years,” Blackman said. “Parks & Trails has helped a tremendous amount with bringing in recreation and tourism to the canal.”
Another initiative PTNY and NYSCC has taken to tie communities to the canal is the Bike-Friendly Business Certification program, which recognizes and promotes businesses that provide special accommodations for cyclists.
In Orleans County, Bike-Friendly certified locations include Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, Bunkhaus Hostel, Orleans County YMCA and Hart House Hotel in Medina, The Downtown Browsery Inc., Hoag Library, The Coffee Joint and Tinsel ice cream in Albion.
For more information on Cycle the Erie Canal and PTNY’s programs, visit ptny.org/cycle-the-erie-canal. To stay up to date with the tour, follow Parks & Trails New York on Facebook (@parksandtrailsny and @eriecanalwaytrail), Instagram (@parkstrailsny and @eriecanalwaytrail) or Twitter (@PTNY and @cycletheeire).
The tour is in partnership with the Canal Corporation, a subsidiary of the New York Power Authority. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is the premier heritage sponsor of the event. Nine regional tourism agencies, including Orleans County Tourism, also sponsor the ride.
Editor’s Note: Jules Hoepting of Albion is an intern with Parks & Trails New York.
Photo by Jules Hoepting: The pins are from riders marking where they are from.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2022 at 9:25 am
Roofs, grants, amenities at park among issues that need attention
Photos by Tom Rivers: Holley village officials discuss village business during their monthly meeting Tuesday evening. Pictured from left include Trustee Rochelle Moroz, Deputy Mayor Connie Nenni, Mayor Mark Bower, Village Attorney John Sansone, Trustee John Morris and Trustee Jim DeFilipps.
HOLLEY – Mayor Mark Bower, who was elected last month and started on July 4, spent two years as a trustee on the Village Board.
He said many issues are often discussed at length, but then continue to linger with little action.
He wants to the Village Board and officials to push to complete projects and address issues in a more timely manner. He acknowledged the village has a small staff and limited resources.
Mayor Mark Bower said he doesn’t want issues to linger in the village.
But he said he will push each month to highlight needed work in the village, and give an update on the status of addressing the issue.
“We have talked about certain issues for month after month,” he said. “Let’s nail down completing a few things that we have been talking about.”
Bower presided over his first meeting on Tuesday evening as mayor. He brought up many issues that he said need attention.
Roofs on village-owned buildings
That includes several roofs on village-owned properties, including the sewer plant, bathrooms and shower building by the canal, gazebo by the canal and the Holley-Murray Historical Society depot.
Estimates for the sewer roof came in at $20,000 to $22,000. The board didn’t vote to accept a bid yet. It is considering using some of its federal American Rescue Plan Act funding or supplementing money from insurance.
“We have a lot of roofs that are sadly in need of a lot of repair,” Bower said.
The board also is considering using its share of the ARPA for a new police car and paving High Street.
The depot for the historical society is owned by the village, with the historical society owning the contents. Bower said non-profit organizations have a better chance of securing grants for building upgrades. He said it may make sense to transfer ownership of the depot to the historical society. Not only would the historical society be in a better position to obtain a grant, but the historical society can actively do fundraising for the project. The village shouldn’t seek donations, Bower said.
He wants to discuss the issue with the historical society.
Fireman’s Field
The village also owns the fireman’s field across from the elementary school on North Main Street. The land is leased to the fire department, which maintains the field and also rents out a lodge area for events.
Bower would like to see more amenities at the field, including a splash park, and possibly an ice rink in the winter and covered bocce courts in the warmer weather.
He thinks the fire department would be in a better position to receive grants and do fundraising for upgrading the park. That may mean transferring ownership to the fire department. The village would keep the land for a telecommunications tower and continue to receive that revenue. He wants to talk with fire department leaders about how to best improve that site.
Grants
The village with its high poverty index is eligible for may state and federal grants, Bower said. Holley should identify projects and go for funding, he said. However, those grants often still require some local dollars and time from village personnel. Bower said it will be a balance for how much Holley can handle financially and also with its limited manpower.
He would like to see Holley pursue grants for upgrading waterlines, the sewer plant, sidewalks and other infrastructure. There are also grants for homeland security for the police station, community development and other projects in the village.
The village is working to finish up a sidewalk and waterline project, and wants to repave High Street.
Bower said the board should identify projects and see where Holley has the most need and best chance for securing funding.
The board already is going after one grant. The board voted on Tuesday to pursue a grant to develop a new comprehensive plan for the village, which could mean updating zoning and codes.
That grant could be for up to $180,000, with Holley paying 10 percent or $18,000 of the cost.
The project would include putting Holley’s local laws online so people could easily look up the local codes. People could also see zoning maps online.
Mylynda Kuba, the Holley code officer, said the comprehensive plan hasn’t been updated since 2010.
“Our zoning map has some holes in it where there isn’t zoning,” she told the board. “That’s kind of scary.”
The board voted to hire Bergmann, a Rochester planning firm, to prepare the application for the grant which is due to be filed by July 29. Bergmann will be paid $105 an hour for its work on the grant application, at a maximum of $5,000.
Mayor Mark Bower said more signs are needed to direct people to the Holley waterfalls.
Bower also said a grant is due next month that could add signage in the village to direct people to attractions, including the Holley waterfalls. He said many business owners tell him visitors aren’t sure how to get to the waterfalls. He also wants signs directing people to the community garden and original canal loop.
Police Chief get formal appointment
Bob Barton speaks during a forum in March 2021 during a meeting about police reform and community policing in Holley.
The Village Board removed “acting” from the title of Police Chief Bob Barton. He has been leading the department for about a year following the retirement of Roland Nenni.
Barton is retired from the Greece Police Department and worked as a part-time officer in Holley for several years.
He will be paid $35,000 annually to serve as police chief. He was praised by Village Board members for getting the department to full strength by hiring several part-time officers.
Barton was appointed as permanent chief after he recently passed the police chief test through Civil Service.
“He’s performed the duties quite well,” Bower said. “He presents himself as a chief. He is professional in every way. His reports are detailed.”
Holley raises rates for food vendors
The board voted to increase the daily fee for food vendors from $25 to $30 a day. The yearly permit will go from $250 to $300 a year. Debbie Schaivone, the village clerk, said Holley’s rates for food vendors are lower “than just about everybody.”
Other action
The village will bring back the Mayor Vaughn Appreciation Award. Bower said he discovered Holley used to give out these awards to citizens. It was last presented in 1983.
“We would like to reactivate the award and acknowledge contributions made to the village and show our appreciation to residents,” he said.
The board responded to a request from the Orleans County United Way to have a sign displayed about its annual fund-raising campaign. Bower said he would talk with the DPW staff to pick a spot. He wants to know how long the United Way would like the sign to be displayed.
The board approved spending $425 for eight weeks of summer concerts by the canal. That is in addition to funding from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.
The board voted to coordinate with the county cleaning up 54 South Main St., a site that has been “seemingly abandoned” with tall grass, vines and shrubs “encapsulating the entire structure.”
Neighbors have complained about the unsightly appearance, and the “proliferation of vermin,” according to the village resolution.
Holley officials are hopeful the site will be sold through the county tax auction next year. In the meantime, village officials want the site maintained. The board said it will pursue having any expenses to village be recouped as part of the sale at the auction.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2022 at 7:33 am
BARRE – The community has been working to bring electricity to the town park on Route 98, but some of the Town Board members want a breakdown of the costs and how the town will pay for the expense.
The board on Wednesday evening discussed a proposal from National Grid for $15,351 to run electricity to the park. That proposal is good for 90 days.
The town highway department has already put in conduit and a pull box. That total cost of putting in electricity will be close to $40,000, said Town Supervisor Sean Pogue.
When the town was first working on the project before Covid in 2020, Pogue said the overall costs would have been about $18,000. But the costs have really climbed since then.
The Barre Betterment Committee has been raising money for the project, and Apex Clean Energy has donated at least $2,000 towards the effort.
Pogue said the town can tap part of the $210,000 approved for Barre as part of the American Rescue Plan.
Town Councilman George McKenna said it felt like the town was approving the expenditure “willy nilly.” He wanted to see in the town record where the board voted to bring electricity to the park.
Pogue said he would try to find it in the previous minutes. He said the push to bring electricity to the park has been an ongoing public effort for several years.
Town Councilwoman Kerri Richardson said she would like to see a detailed breakdown on the costs for the project and where all the money will be coming from to pay for it. She said she believes the community supports the electricity, but wants to see a cost breakdown before moving forward.
She was joined by McKenna and Councilman David Waters in tabling the National Grid proposal for a month. Pogue and Councilwoman Margaret Swan opposed that, wanting to approve the proposal on Wednesday evening.
Pogue said the board was functioning as a “circus” with the majority tabling routine votes, such as transferring funds and adjusting fees.
Richardson said Pogue often doesn’t provide enough information to board members to make responsible decisions.
McKenna and Waters both started on the board in January and they said there is a learning curve in understanding how the board handles town business.
With the electricity to the town park, Pogue said he would provide a breakdown to the board before the next meeting, showing the costs and revenues for the project.
• The Town Board during the meeting also heard a presentation from TextMyGov where the town would pay $3,200 annually, plus a one-time $1,600 setup fee, to send text messages to residents in a mass notification system. Residents could also text town departments for information or to report potholes, code violations and other issues. The contract is good for up to 25,000 text messages a year. Pogue said the town is just looking into a mass notification service.
• RTO, a company bringing wireless internet to fill gaps in Orleans County, also will be putting dishes and antennas on the railing of the Barre water tank behind the fire hall on Route 98, Pogue said.
RTO finished putting equipment in Lyndonville and now is in Kendall, said County Legislator Bill Eick.
• Highway Superintendent Dale Brooks said the department is looking to spend $2,500 from its budget for a diamond stick that would allow highway employees to have very precise locations for valves, signs, fire hydrants, waterlines, culverts and curb stops. The software program is being encouraged by the Village of Albion Water Department, which provides water for Barre.
Brooks said the system would be an asset for the department, providing an easy-to-access database in the field. For example in the winter the highway workers often use a metal detector to find a valve that is buried in the snow. With the diamond stick, it pinpoints the location within 2 inches, Brooks said.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the successful implementation of 988 in New York State as the new three-digit number to call or text to be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Rabies is a serious public health concern because if left untreated it is generally fatal. Costs associated with detection, prevention and control of rabies conservatively exceed $500 million annually.
