The Times of Wayne County

Town and Village of Macedon – Joint Meeting 5-23-13

administrator — Fri, 24 May 2013 17:33:20 +0000

At their second joint meeting of the year, the Village and Town of Macedon boards met to further discuss their now-defunct sewer facility contract.
The meeting began with a statement from the town that this would be a for discussion to reconcile outstanding differences over the Sewer issues only, and was not a meeting for comments from the public. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Marie Cramer, and Village Trustees: David Kelly, Bev Bassage, and David Sliney; Town Supervisor Bill Hammond, and Town Council members: Dave Maul, Sandy Pagano, Dave McEwen, and Paul Kenyon.
Offered an opening statement, Mayor Marie Cramer simply asked the question: “Why are we here?”
Supervisor Hammond said that the expired sewer contract was a lengthy document, and the point was to outline how the two boards got to where they are, and how they both can move forward in their relationship.
“My question to you is: Does the Village want us (the town) as a Customer or a Partner? If you want us to be just a customer, we can end the discussion here now.”
Cramer asked for an explanation of the terms.
“As partners we work together, and own property together, and both have a vested interest in the facility that we have both contributed to,” explained Hammond. “A customer has no vested interest in the facility, but just pays a reasonable fee for service/usage. The Town does, however has a vested interest in the sewer facility.”
“What does that mean?” asked Cramer.
Councilman Paul Kenyon began to explain by stating that in the 1989 facility upgrade, in which the Town invested $2.5 million for the expansion, gave the Town a vested interest in the facility according to the contract. He stated that the Village could not have done the upgrade without the town at the time. The Town was also told that they could not invest money into the sewer plant upgrade without having a vested interest, according to the law. “We paid into the project for the facility and the town has a vested interest in the facility.”
“What is your interpretation of that interest?” asked the Mayor.
Councilman Dave Maul explained that the Bond Council and the State Comptroller, back in 1972 when the discussion began, told the Town that they could not invest in the upgrade without having an interest in the facility.
“We disagree about that,” Cramer remarked. “I was told by people who were there at the time that the town came to the village for capacity only…and in order to get that they agreed to the capacity as their vested interest, not the ownership of the plant.
“I don’t care who said what to you. We have the documents here in front of us. You can’t compare hearsay with legal documents,” Maul concluded.
Village Trustee Dave Sliney asked the question: “What is it the town wants? What are you actually after? Full ownership? 80%? 50%. What?”
Maul said he thought it might be 50% because that was the most it could ever be, but wasn’t sure what capacity and usage was currently. Sliney thought that it might be about 20/80 or 30/70 currently. He did not believe the Town usage would ever exceed or even get close to 50%. “Well if that is what it is, then that is a place to start,” said Maul.
Supervisor Hammond recalled attending meetings in the early stages of the increased capacity discussions before he was Supervisor. “I was concerned what the outside users would pay in the Town, and that the distribution of payments might not be equal within the town. Both boards at the time agreed that the best thing to do was to work together and share the cost and ownership. It was a wise decision then, and if we work together now, it is still good. “I want to ask, why don’t you want us as a partner,” Hammond questioned.
Trustee Sliney said the a partnership was always meant to be, but some of the things that have occurred between the town and village recently have questioned that partnership. “For instance, when we agreed at our last joint meeting to move forward with Alternate Plan 1 with the fire contract – you signed a contract with Macedon Center Fire in the blink of an eye right afterwards. Partners don’t do that.”
“Why did we all sit there and play nice and then about 72 hours later,, you passed your contract agreement with Macedon Center?”
“It was, first of all, not that fast. But also, what we did with signing a fire contract with Macedon Center Fire Department, does not concern the Village, because we did not exclude our contract with the Macedon Village Fire Department. The contract with Macedon Center Fire Department does not affect the Village, at all,” said Kenyon.
“Haven’t we been good partners?” asked Hammond.
“I would have to say yes, UNTIL you did not sign the Sewer Use contract that was required, said Dave Kelly. It cost us money in extra treatment from a commercial customer during the time we did not have the sewer use contract in place,” said Kelly. “You said it would take a few months to look over and sign the contract and it took two years. It was something that was required for your usage.”
“We had to work out the wording and there were many issues, you know that. It took longer than we imagined. There were BOD problems from 20 years ago also, why wait until 2 years ago to tell us there were issues. We were not made aware of the problems until 2 years ago,” said Hammond.
“And there is still no Sewer Usage contract. We needed that to continue our agreement to continue to offer the Town treatment at the plant. We are floundering and the DEC is on us,” said Trustee Kelly.
The other issue is still with the Sewer Contract, and the Town’s vested interest. The contract expired in December 2012, and an interim contract was proposed by the Village, which was not accepted by the Town, due to verbage asking the Town to give up their claim of any “ownership” of the Sewer Plant facilities.
“We could not accept that contract, because we could not give up our vested interest,” said Supervisor Bill Hammond. That is why were are still talking today. The discussion began early in the Mayor’s new term and Town Board members attended Village meetings asking to discuss the contract before it expired in December. “
Timelines were then discussed back and forth about when the Mayor was told about the problem, and when she said they would address it.
The town concluded that the only time litigation was brought up as an option, was when the interim agreement disallowed the vested interest in the facility, and the village would not budge.
“We need clarifiers now. I have been trying hard to get the sewer plant and equipment healthy. We need to work together on this. If there is true ownership in these documents, we need to honor that and just get on with it. That is just me speaking,” said Trustee Dave Kelly.
“We do have the vested interest, and we are partners,” said Councilman McEwen.
“This is not working for either of us, now. Do you want partners?” asked Maul.
“We want to do what is honorable,” said Kelly.
“You have cost us money with your litigation,” said Cramer.
“We had to defend our rights. It is not litigation, but the right to litigation if we cannot make an agreement, or if we are refused service,” said Maul,
“We never refused you usage. The previous attorney, Mr. Sapienza disagrees that you have any interest in the facility, and so does the village engineer. It was to be for capacity only, no ownership,” said Mayor Cramer.
“ I don’t care what you have heard. Hearsay is listening to something and hearing it said. Hearsay is not a legal document. I can’t believe that if someone back then did not agree with the ownership interest, that they would have signed the document at all….but they did,” said a red-faced Maul.
Cramer said that the town’s position is that they have ownership and she knows for a fact that it is only for capacity. That is her position.
Trustee Sliney sat back, sighing and said: “If we go back to the old contract, and look at the points, are you willing to talk about it and define the ownership and what it means?”
The discussion next went to common ground. Should a committee be set up for 2 board members each and the two attorneys to sit down and work out details – not generalities? Should they look at what works in the old contract and what does not and find common ground?
“To be clear about the legal documents you say you have, and so the public understands,” said Mayor Cramer”, can you read those letters to us?
Dave Maul complied. The first letter was from the Bond Counsel dated September 1972. It stated that, if the town wanted increased capacity, and wanted to invest in the expansion of the plant, it would first have to enter into a contract to have a vested interest in the facility or it could not invest money in such a project, by law. A bond could not be issued without such an agreement in writing.
The next letter was from Mr. Sapienza, the Village attorney at the time. He asked the State Comptroller for an opinion on the possibility of an expansion project, where the town would provide some funding. This letter was written in 1989 (although the actual proposal and contract were not written until 1989).
The third letter which Maul read was from the State Comptroller’s office to Mr. Sapienza stating that the village must give a vested interest in the facility to the town in order for them to legally invest in the project. No Bond could be written for the town’s investment in the expansion without such an ownership interest.
The Comptroller also noted that there did not need to be a public hearing nor was the contract of such an expansion subject to a permissive referendum.
Dave Kelly, after hearing the letter read, asked: “Do we know what the percent of interest of the investment is? No one can actually provide a document stating what the percentage of ownership is. This is why we need discussion further. Let’s discuss it…let’s have a real conversation.”
Another long discussion – back and forth – occurred over when issues were brought up and how long the responses took and who called or emailed whom.
At one heated moment, Councilwoman Pagano said, “Marie, you cannot try to control the Town. You are not helping.”
“Let’s move forward” became the voice of reason from members on both sides.
“Let’s talk about clarifiers, equipment, sewer rates, ownership of building or land. Let’s try to benefit all. We are all members of this town,” stated Trustee Sliney. “We should get this done right – like it should have been done in the first place.
“We can talk structure and rates and let’s get this plant running like a business,” said Dave Kelly. The old contract worked for 20 years despite us all, so there must be something in it that works.”
Mayor Cramer explained that she wanted Mr. Sapienza at the next meeting to hear his side. Mr. Maul concluded that he does not care who comes, but that opinions do not matter. Only facts and contracts and the written word matters.
“Will the Village allow us some ownership? Without that we cannot move on.” said Councilwoman Pagano.
“Do you want us to come up with some bullet points?” asked Cramer.
“We can take the bad parts out (of the old contract), leave in the good parts and spell out the details. We can work this out.” Sliney replied,
“It seems that the majority of us want to proceed and have a meeting to negotiate. Two members each and our attorneys to work on it,” stated Hammond.
“It costs us money to have the attorneys bepart of it,” said Cramer.
“They need to help us and suggest language in the contract that works for us all,” stated Hammond.
Councilman Kenyon also felt that the attorneys might be able to incorporate the sewer use contract into the overall agreement.
“This was a good discussion, we need a time and date to sit down.” Sliney stated.
As the joint meeting wrapped up, Mayor Cramer said we wanted to discuss the Fire Contract issues. Supervisor Hammond suggested that it be done at another meeting, as this had been a long discussion and they still needed to have the regular Town Board meeting. (The joint meeting lasted from 7:30pm – 9:30 pm).
She said we wanted to know why the town did not call her to tell her they were signing a contract with Macedon Center? They explained that the contract did not affect the village at all as it did not exclude the Macedon Fire Department. “How did we know that? We wouldn’t know that. You could have picked up a phone, Cramer countered. “You can’t just do anything you want to.”
“We did not hear back from you about another meeting to discuss the fire contracts alternate plan after our joint meeting. You were always to busy,” said Pagano.
“I was not. I told you that I would get back to you,” Cramer retorted.
“You cannot spin this any way you want,” Pagano said.
“Cooler heads must prevail. We will have our meeting at an agreed upon time and place. Thank you for coming.,” said Supervisor Hammond, calling for a short break before calling the Town meeting to order.

Village of Lyons – May 14, 2013

administrator — Fri, 24 May 2013 17:30:51 +0000

Discussion on consolidating Sewer Systems
Mayor Kleisle introduced Ryan Colvin, President of MRB/group. Mr. Colvin gave background information of the engineering report for the Feasibility of Consolidating the Village of Lyons Sanitary Sewer with the Village of Newark. The Village of Newark’s Wastewater Treatment Plant is currently under design to fulfill necessary improvements to existing aged infrastructure as well as to bring it into compliance with current regulatory requirements as imposed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). With these upgrades, the Newark Waste Water Plant will be able to handle more sludge. A study was done, at the Village of Newark’s cost, to see if Lyons sewer could be conveyed to the Newark WWTP. Mr. Colvin explained that currently there is a window of opportunity for grant funding. The first step is to apply for funding under this program to see if we qualify. If we do qualify, we get on a list. We then have an option to proceed with this project or not. At the March 12, 2013, the Village Board passed a resolution authorizing MRB to submit the application to the EFC Clean Water Loan Fund for Waste Water Treatment Plant related costs for sharing sewer treatment as proposed by the Village of Newark. Mr. Colvin wanted to emphasize sending in the application does not commit the Village of Lyons to anything. The application is currently being prepared by MRB/group at no cost to see if we can obtain the funding. The next step is the completion of the application and Mayor Kleisle to sign the required paperwork to be sent in.
Mayor Kleisle then asked Mr. Colvin and Michael Salerno, Department of Public Works Foreman, to explain the situation with the Sohn Alloway Water Tank. The Sohn Alloway water tank has been overflowing. The valves are not holding. The tank has been taken out of service and needs to be drained. This has been declared an emergency, the Department of Health has been notified and the Lyons Fire Department is aware of the situation. Estimated cost for the repairs is $35,000-$50,000. Repairs should start next week.
The Village Board declared an emergency need for repair to the water tank valves, etc. (per attached MRB estimate of approximately $50,000); and a budget amendment was approved to pay for said emergency repairs with transfers
Permission was granted for the Mayor, Village Board, Chief of Police, Village Justice, Village Attorney, and Clerk-Treasurer to attend the Wayne County Village Officials meeting to be held May 15, 2013, hosted by the Village of Sodus Point at The Heights (Golf Club) in Sodus Point. All expenses to be borne by the Village of Lyons.
Permission was granted for the Clerk-Treasurer to attend the Employer Education Seminar hosted by the NYS Retirement System on May 30th at the Wayne County Fire Training Facility.
Lyons National Bank was awarded the Serial Bond for the Water Meter Replacement Project and the Equipment Purchases at an overall interest rate of 2.4288%.
Lyons Police Department will continue the same health, vision and dental insurance with a rate increase of 13%.
Authorization is granted for the Clerk-Treasurer to transfer funds from the Water Fund to the General Fund to pay back funds loaned to the Water Fund in the amount of $252,694.31 as directed by New York State Office of the State Comptroller.
Budget was amended for $1,589.43 in the Lyons Police Department uniform line A3120.486 for vest paid by the New York State Soft Body Armor reimbursement program.
Mayor Kleisle stated the Memorial Day Parade will take place May 27, 2013. Lineup is at 9:00 A.M. and the parade will start at 9:30 A.M.
Authorization was granted for the Lyons American Legion Post 227 to use the streets, Police, and safety barricades to host the Memorial Day Parade on May 27, 2013, at 9:30 A.M.
Village Board, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals are authorized to attend “Your Urban Trees from the Soil Up” seminar hosted by NYS DEC, Friday, May 31, 2013, in Oswego
Permission was granted for the Mayor, Village Board, and Robert Stopper to attend “Where Canal Meets Commercial Corridor” unlocking investment opportunities in your downtown on Wednesday, June 19th in Schenectady.
Notification was received from New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (NYSEG) for plans to upgrade the natural gas main and associated services on Spencer and Lawrence Street.
Mayor Kleisle reviewed the results from the inspection of the water system serving the Village of Lyons from New York State Department of Health. The Department of Public Works is working on the recommendations from NYSDOH. A letter was also sent to the Town of Lyons advising them the water district issues need to be addressed.
Notification was received from the New York State Public Service Commission that the 315 area code will be out of assignable central office codes no later than the first quarter of 2015. They have resumed looking into a new area code in the 315 region so two area codes would serve the full region. For information only.
Correspondence was received from Dan LaGasse regarding the cold storage building at 52 Elmer Street. This has also been a concern with people in that neighborhood. The building is unsafe and is off the tax role. Mayor Kleisle informed the Board she has sent a letter to Robert McNary, Director of Wayne County Planning, to see if this building would qualify for Brownfields Program.
A notice was received from the Town of Arcadia that the SEQR was terminated for the landfill project.
The chipping bids for the brush pile on Clyde Road be tabled until there is a response from the Town of Lyons on the share of the expense of this.
Authorization is given to Michael Salerno, Tom Gowan, and Rich Wunder to attend the Finger Lakes Water Works Conference Spring Workshop, to be held on June 6, 2013, at King’s Catering in Canandaigua. All expenses to be borne by the Village of Lyons.
Authorization is granted for Newark Electric to install a utility pole, service, entrance and panel in the amount of $4,425 for the installation of the 2nd Gateway for the water meter replacement project at Summit and Culver Street.
Mayor Kleisle’s appointment of Richard Henry to the Village of Lyons Joint Planning Board to complete the term of Andrea Evangelist to December 2013 was approved.
Authorization was granted for Mayor Kleisle to sign Change Order #1 with Blair Supply in the amount of $6,750 due to a decrease in the contract price. Authorization was granted for Mayor Kleisle to sign the Certificate of Substantial Completion for Blair Supply. Authorization is granted for Mayor Kleisle to sign Change Order #3 with T. Wilson & Associates in the amount of $26,175 due to a decrease in contract price. Authorization was granted for Mayor Kleisle to sign the Certificate of Substantial Completion for T. Wilson & Associates.
Hugh Compton, Town of Lyons Dog Control Officer, and Glen Wallis from 69 Pearl Street were in attendance to discuss dogs along the Canal front. Mr. Wallis stated that on two different occasions his dog has been attacked while walking along the Canal Trail. The Village ordinance does state dogs of certain breed are not allowed in our downtown business district. Mr. Wallis would like to extend dogs of aggression not to be allowed on the Canal Trail as well. Village Attorney, Arthur Williams, explained the leash law is enforceable. He was not sure if we can ban a type of dog breed downtown or anywhere. Village Attorney Williams will look into this and report back.
Mayor Kleisle introduced Chris Mierke, representative of CAM’S Feline Rescue. She presented the Village Board a proposal from the Humane Society of Wayne County to the spaying and neutering of feral cats currently under the care of CAM’s Feline Rescue. Ms. Mierke reviewed the rules and guidelines CAM’s has set up and are required to be adhered to regarding feline rescues. This is on file with the Village Clerk. Mayor Kleisle asked where the money is being used for the donations being made directly to CAM’s. Ms. Mierke explained they have purchased traps and are helping people with feral cats outside the Village.
Sergei Bartishevish, Chairman of the Dissolution Committee, briefed the Village Board on the Dissolution Committee’s progress. Mr. Bartishevish stated the committee is moving along. The Sub-Committees are making their final recommendations. There will be a meeting at the Fire Department on Thursday, May 23rd. There will be public comment time, and discussion as to where cuts can be made. Reports are still needed from the Department of Public Works. He stated everyone is welcome to attend the meetings.
A discussion took place regarding the elimination of sanitary sewer cross connection for the Catherine Street storm sewer. It was determined this is something that cannot be done in house.
RESOLUTION offered by Mr. Dobbins, second by Ms. Greco
RESOLVED that the project for the elimination of sanitary sewer/storm sewer cross connection on Catherine Street go to bid.
Mayor Kleisle updated the Village Board on the Canal Trail. The Village is still waiting to hear if they have been granted an extension to complete the project.
Mayor Kleisle informed the Board two quotes were received to move the generator from the water plant to the sewer plant. O’Connell Electric $84,534 and Newark Electric $59,760. Quotes to move the generator from the Water Plant to the Sewer Plant be tabled.
General Foreman, Michael Salerno, reported the 1992 Mack Truck will no longer pass inspection. Authorization is granted for General Foreman, Michael Salerno, to purchase a used plow, salt, wing truck not to exceed $90,000.
A discussion took place regarding purchasing a sewer jet, or hiring out the jobs when a sewer jet is needed. It was determined to purchase a used sewer jet.
Authorization was granted for General Foreman, Michael Salerno, to purchase a used sewer jet, not to exceed $70,000.
Trustee Dobbins informed the Board three quotes were received for lab testing for the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Based on the recommendation of Waste Water Chief Operator, Mark Chadwick, Certified Environmental Services, Inc. was selected. Village of Lyons Waste Water Plant analytical testing services be collected and tested by Certified Environmental Service, Inc. ; and Mayor Kleisle was authorized to sign the contract with them.
Trustee Dobbins reported the estimated cost for the Wi-Fi down by the Canal would be approximately $1,000. Police Chief Bogan suggested this be paid from the donation from Empire Merchants. Chief Bogan will follow up with Empire Merchants.
Police Chief Bogan informed the Board the Civil Service “Certified List of Eligible” Police Officer test was certified and two of our part-time officers are reachable. Authorization is granted to hire Joshua Weddell for the vacant full-time position as a police officer retroactive May 6, 2013. Authorization is granted to hire Michael Fera as a police officer as part-time competitive.
AYES: Mr. Alvaro, Mr. Dobbins, Ms. Greco
The Village of Lyons authorizesd Chief Bogan to pursue the appointment of Brian Ritchie, who is currently employed as a part-time police officer with the police department of the Village of Lyons , to a full-time competitive position as a police officer with the Village of Lyons; Ritchie shall be otherwise subject to the merit and fitness provisions of the civil service law applicable to full-time police officers.
The village was authorized to offer an optional twenty year retirement plan to Charles Witt who is employed by the Village of Lyons.
Trustee Alvaro reported he did meet with Roger Clark in regards to the handicapped parking space St. Michael Roman Catholic Church requested on Holley Street. Mr. Alvaro explained to him back in 2008 NYS DOT did agree to allow them to park parallel to Route 14 and to be pull through so no vehicle backing should occur on Route 14. Trustee Alvaro advised him the Holley Street request was not approved.
The following member was discharged from the Lyons Fire Department due to not fulfilling the training requirements; Dain VanHousen; and the Village of Lyons accepts the following resignation from the Lyons Fire Department from Christopher Santelli.
Permission was granted for the Lyons Fire Department to use William Street, between Pearl and Water for a water ball competition on July 13, 2013; and Permission is granted to use the water from the hydrant.
Permission is granted for the children carrying the banner for the Lyons Fire Department to ride on the fire truck to and from the parades the Lyons Fire Department participates in.

Lyons School Board – May 14, 2013

administrator — Fri, 24 May 2013 17:29:53 +0000

Budget presentation
Mrs. Denise Dzikowski, Superintendent recommended that the Board of Education go into Executive Session to discuss the medical, financial, credit or employment history of a particular person or corporation or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal, or removal of a particular person or corporation.
The Board of Education went into Executive Session at 6:31 p.m.
The Board came out of Executive Session at 7:04 p.m.
A budget hearing and regular meeting of the Board of Education was held on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at the Lyons Middle/High Library, 10 Clyde Road, Lyons, New York.
Mr. Rich Henry, President called regular meeting of the Board of Education to order at 7:06 p.m.
Chris Congdon, a parent of a Leadership Class student voiced his concerns regarding the Board’s decision regarding the Costa Rica trip. April Wilhelm and Debbie Coons, Chaperones on the Band trip spoke in open session and thanked the Board of Education for their support in allowing the students to go to the band competition in Virginia Beach.
Mr. Mike Pangallo, Assistant Superintendent for Business presented the budget to the public. Questions were asked by staff members regarding the 2013-2014 school year budget. Mark Clark, Elementary School Principal spoke to the Board of Education regarding his staff members who were eligible for tenure.
The Board of Education
• Granted tenure to the following staff members:
Ms. Jennifer Bernhardt, of Williamson. Tenure Area is Special Education. Effective August 31, 2013
• Mr. Zachary Young, of Waterloo. Tenure Area is Physical Education. Effective August 31, 2013.
The Board of Education
- accepted a letter of resignation for the purpose of retirement from Mrs. Camille Clark of Lyons, New York from her position as a Lyons Band Instructor effective June 30, 2013.
- approved the appointment of Mr. Patrick Tyler of Lyons, New York to a three-year probationary term as a 1.0 FTE Teaching Assistant effective May 15, 2013 through May 15, 2016 or sooner upon termination by the Board. The certification area(s) and status is Initial/Music Education. The tenure area is Teaching Assistant.
- accepted a letter of resignation from Mr. Reginald Weems, of Lyons, as a bus monitor effective April 29, 2013.
– approvef the continuation of the employment of the following:
1. Gregory Maddock of Clyde, as a substitute teacher, assistant, monitor or aide.
2. Erin Maslyn of Lyons as a substitute bus monitor.
3. Sandy Amrose of Lyons as a part-time long-term substitute Teaching Assistant.
Denise Dzikowski, Superintendent announced that our next Board of Education meeting on May 28, 2013 will be canceled.
The next meeting will be an Executive Session meeting on May 21, 2013 at 7:30 to discuss the medical, financial, credit or employment history of a particular person or corporation or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal, or removal of a particular person or corporation.
The next regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting will be June 11, 2013.
The Board approved the posting of the Senior Bus Driver position for the 2013-2014 school year.

Gray, Margaret

administrator — Thu, 23 May 2013 23:52:18 +0000

SODUS: Age 98, died peacefully on May 22nd at the Wayne County Nursing Home in Lyons. She was predeceased by her husband Glenn; daughter Mary Lou; and son Wayne. Margaret and Glenn moved east from South Dakota during the depression. She was an active member of the community, and the First Presbyterian Church of Sodus. She is survived by sons Merril (Cheryl), and James (Sonja); grandchildren Tammy Gray, Kerry Barnes, Noel Gray, Jayde Gray, Emily Wishart and Heather Rooze; great grandchildren Caitlyn, Alex and Alyssa; many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday June 1st, 1:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, West Main Street in Sodus. Margaret’s family has requested that memorial contributions in lieu of flowers be sent to the First Presbyterian Church of Sodus. On-line condolences to the Gray family may be sent to www.hsnorton.com

Whitt, Judy M.

administrator — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:27:45 +0000

CLYDE: Age 69, of 4037 Lakes Corners-Rose Valley Rd., died unexpectedly on Tuesday (May 21st) at Newark-Wayne Community Hospital following a brief illness. Judy was born in Beavertown, PA., on September 14, 1943, the daughter of William and Laura Ernest Knepp. Mrs. Whitt was a life member of the Wolcott American Legion and the Wolcott VFW. She worked many years in the labeling department of the Duffy Mott Corp in Williamson. Surviving are her husband of the past 14 years, Corbin Whitt of Clyde; her sons Bill (Velma) Frank of Wolcott, David (Chris) Frank of Red Creek and Mike Huff of Clyde; Dan (Doris) Whitt of Clyde, Fred (Rachel) Whitt of Martville; her daughters Babette Frank of Clyde, Denise (Mike) Baldwin of Savannah; Janine (Alan) Smith of North Rose; and Becky Serens of Beaufort, SC; 27 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren; her brothers John Knepp of Clyde and Patrick (Sherry) Knepp of Newark; her sisters Linda (Hiram) Frank of Wolcott, Annie Hoeffner of Wolcott, Shirley (Albert) Joslyn of North Huron, Betsy Masser of Sodus and Teresa (Larry) Rodis of Clyde. Judy was predeceased by her parents, her grandson Jacob Frank and her brothers Bill Knepp, Clifford Knepp, Richard Knepp and Boyd Knepp.
Family and friends are invited to call on Friday (May 24th) from 4-7 PM at the Baris Funeral Home, 87 W. Genesee ST., Clyde. Mrs. Whitt funeral service will be held in the Alton Free Methodist on Saturday (May 25th) at 10 AM. Rev. Chris Leach will officiate. Burial will follow immediately after in York Settlement Cemetery, North Rose, NY.
Memorial contributions in her memory to the Rose Fire Dept. or to the Rose Ambulance Squad, PO Box 63, Rose, NY 14542 would be appreciated.

Village of Palmyra – May 20, 2013

administrator — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:46:37 +0000

Mayor Piccola called a Village of Palmyra meeting of the board to order at 7:00 PM in the Village Hall. Meeting minutes from the May 6th, 2013 and May 8, 2013 meetings were approved, as presented. The board also approved Vouchers #909-941stract #12 B , in the amount of $55,673.18. Under correspondence, it was shared that a mandatory violence training for village employees and volunteers from the fire department will be held on June 6th at 9:00 am in the Village Hall. Additionally a letter regarding the Dixie Prix award presentation was received, naming Barb Calla, Dick Kirchoff, Dot Manske, and Pic Schade as those being honored. Lastly it was noted that the village has been notified that it is estimated that by 2015 the “315” area code will no longer have available phone numbers available and an additional zip code will need to be created.
During Trustee reports, Trustee Luke reported that the community garage sale went well, with a steady stream of shoppers throughout the day. Additionally she noted that all performance contracts have been sent out to the musicians slated to perform throughout the summer months. Lastly Ms. Luke reported the Palmyra PCC offered to relocate the box and place fencing around it, because they would prefer to not move it back to its original location. Mayor Piccola responded that unfortunately it would infringe on property lines and would not be an acceptable solution.
Trustee Nolan reported that the Wastewater Plant has performed all maintenance and had no safety violations for the month. Additionally he reported that the Water Plant is producing 334,000 gallons of water daily, and changed out 28 water meters to drive-by remote meters, with no safety violations for the month.
Mayor Piccola reported that he attended the Genesee Special Olympics Track & Field events with over 500 participants, saying it was a tremendous event. He also reported that the surplus equipment sold at the municipal auction did very well, and that brush pick-up is continuing with the Memorial Day Parade as a target date for completion. Lastly he noted that the archaeological study will be conducted next week.
In other business the board approved the following business items:
• Resolution to adopt the tax levy with an additional motion to instruct the Clerk Treasurer to execute the tax warrant
• Authorization for the mayor to sign a contract with the MRG Group for the Park Street project in the amount of $3,500.00
• Approval of two Palmyra Community Library requests
• Approval of 8 Fairground Event Requests
• Approval of a Micro-Enterprise Loan Committee application request for a handicap accessible ramp in the amount of $15,000.00
No other business came before the board and the public meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM to meet in ExecutiveSession regarding real property negotiations. The next regular meeting of the Village Board will be held on Monday, June 3rd at 7:00 PM in the Village Hall, and will begin with a joint meeting of the Village and Town boards.
By Becky Block

Village of Macedon – May 21, 2013

administrator — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:54:07 +0000

Community Concert Series in Village announced
Mayor Cramer called to order a regular Meeting of the Village Board at 7:00 PM, and the board approved the Meeting Minutes dated April 9th, May 8th, and May 13th, 2013 were approved as presented, with one amendment. The board then approved the Abstract dated May 22, 2013, in the amount of $83,301.42. Reported correspondence was received regarding an Employer Education Seminar, and notification from the NYS Public Service Comment regarding the 315 area code which will soon be maxing out new numbers and is looking for how to proceed.
Public comment was received where a resident asked where he can view written minutes from the Fire Protection Public Hearing meeting minutes and the first joint Town and Village of Macedon meeting minutes. Deputy Bassage responded that the Town of Macedon web site has the public hearing minutes posted and the village approved their joint meeting minutes during this board meeting.
Under new business, a reminder regarding the joint board meeting with the Town of Macedon to be held on Thursday, May 23rd at 7:30 PM. An application for membership into the Fire Department and Ambulance was received and approved by the board for Mr. Ryan McMeekin.
Mayor Cramer announced that the village will host this year’s annual Memorial Day Parade on May 27th beginning at the Canal Park at 11:00 AM. She also noted that job descriprions have been formally created and the village will be conducting employee job performance evaluations within the next few weeks. A Summer Sidewalk Festival will be held on June 15th from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. The Community Concert Series will be the second Thursdays of June, July, and August at 7:00 PM behind the fire hall.
Trustee Sliney reported that exiting Race Street is becoming increasingly difficult with the increased traffic from Wal Mart and additional stores. Mr. Sliney proposed that the “No Parking Here To Corner” signs on the east and west sides of Race Street, which were removed by the state when crosswalks were put in, be moved further back in an effort to increase a motorist’s line of vision for safety by at least two and a half car lengths. Additionally he noted that the board had approved the planting of perpetual flowers around the cemetery sign, which were supposed to be planted by the end of April, and have not yet been planted. The board agreed that notice to the company be delivered with a request that if the contract is not executed by an agreed upon date, the contract will be considered null and void and the village will place the job out to bid again.
Trustee Kelly reported that the de-watering machine is running well and until a final agreement is created with the Town of Macedon the sludge needs to be shipped out to Ontario County landfill for processing, at a cost of $43.50 per ton. Sludge is processed weekly and the first run took approximately 4.5-5 tons. Lastly he noted that a water report will be generated shortly.
Deputy Mayor Bassage reported that the Movie in the Park will be held on June 27th, and will be showing “Madagascar 3”. The Summer Concert Series contracts and final details are being handled. Tree trimming at Bickford Park is being done, and the pavilion roof will also be replaced. Lastly, she reported that two picnic tables will be built for Bickford Park.
Code Enforcement Officer, Mr. Don Morrill, completed a fire inspection at the Bickford Home, and posted an occupancy load sign at the Macedon Manor. Violations on Kemp Drive are now being handled, and the Kemp Drive storage shed on village property has been relocated. Additionally Salvatore’s Pizzeria has received their certification letter, and a final inspection can now be conducted to open for business. Lastly, Mr. Morrill reported having been contacted regarding the apartment building which suffered a structure fire, in order to move forward with the rebuild of the structure.
DPW Superintendent, Mr. Dave LeMoyne, reported that the Water Department made a leak repair at Routes 13 and 350; purchased new water meters. At the Waste Water Treatment Plant the de-watering machine is up and running. The Highway Department is continuing brush clean-up; black topping has been done at the cemetery; crosswalks were re-striped; flowers, benches, and trash receptacles have been put out on Main Street; and flags are also now out. Mayor Cramer asked Mr. LeMoyne about ordering a new parking sign to be made for the new tenant in the old Post Office building from 15 minute parking to 2 hour parking. It was determined that the change needed to be approved by the state as a new law, and the board approved the motion.
No other business came before the board and the public meeting was adjourned at 8:08 PM and board then met in Executive session regarding a litigation and possible employment matters. The next regular meeting of the Macedon Village Board will be held on Wednesday, June 12th, at 7:00 PM in the Village Hall.
By Becky Block

Sectional Results – May 22, 2013

Wade Holdraker — Thu, 23 May 2013 03:37:46 +0000

Boys Varsity Baseball

Class C quarterfinals
No. 1 Clyde-Savannah 3, No. 9 Keshequa 0
Kam DiSanto pitched a one hitter with eight strikeouts and allowed only two batters reach base for the Golden Eagles (12-5). Ryan Groat was 2-for-3 with two RBI for C-S. Kyle Houtz blooped a single to right-center field in the first inning for Keshequa (7-14).

Class CC quarterfinals
No. 4 Campbell-Savona 5, No. 5 Lyons 1
D.J. Loucks pitched a four hitter with six strikeouts and was 2-for-4 from the plate to lead Campbell-Savona (16-2). Jesse Swaan finshed 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored and Zach Cosco doubled in two runs in the third inning for the Panthers. Kyle Bliek had an RBI single in the fourth inning for Lyons (10-6).

Class CCC quarterfinals
No. 1 Holley 10, No. 8 Sodus 1
Jon Bower finished 3-for-4 with three RBI and Hunter Keys drove in two RBI on two hits for the Hawks (16-2). Joe DeFelice allowed two hits with four strikeouts over four innings for Holley.

Class CCC quarterfinals

No. 4 Mynderse 2, No. 5 Gananda 1
Cody Jones hit an RBI single and Michael Wood hit a sac fly for Mynderse (10-9). Eric Mucci had an RBI single for Gananda.

Girls Varsity Softball

Class A first round
No. 8 Eastridge 11, No. 9 Wayne 5
Riley Finnegan went 2-for-3 with a three run double and Jenna Capuano hit a two-run triple for Eastridge (9-12).

Class B first round
No. 8 Palmyra-Macedon 7, No. 9 Penn Yan 6
Sam King hit a walk off single up the middle to score Suzanne Welch with one out bottom of the seventh inning to lift Pal-Mac (7-14). King finished 2-for-4 with a double, single and two RBI and Welch was 2-for-3 for the Red Raiders. Kelsei Nau was 3-for-4 with two doubles and struckout 11 in a complete game four-hitter for Pal-Mac. Matty Ponsetti was 1-for-2 with two RBI and Larissa Hall was 2-for-4 for Penn Yan.

Class C3 first round
No. 8 Kendall 10, No. 9 Marion 3
Jourdan Heller was 3-for-3 with a triple, double and two RBI and Taylor Kingsbury was 3-for-4 with a triple and an RBI for Kendall (8-11). Allie Moore was 2-for-4 with two runs scored for Marion (5-12).

Class C3 first round
No. 7 Clyde-Savannah 17, No. 10 Dundee 8
Catianna Cushman finished 3-for-5 with a double and three RBI and Nikki Wright was 3-for-5 with a double and two RBI for C-S (8-11). Sierra King collected two hits with a double and two RBI for the Golden Eagles. Dundee is 5-13.

Girls Varsity Lacrosse

Geneva 15, Pal-Mac 8
Alisia Griffin scored five goals and Ali Turner and Brooke Racicot added three each for Geneva. Rylee Arnold scored twice for Pal-Mac.

Bordwell, Marian

administrator — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:52:00 +0000

VICTOR: Marian J. Bordwell, age 84, died May 20, 2013. A graveside service was held May 24th at Rushville Cemetery. Surviving are three children: Susan (William Elmer, Jr.) Bushart of Palmyra, Lori (Leo) Vetter and Thomas (Beth) Bordwell; six grandchildren, Tyler, Bill and Jeffrey Bordwell, Molly and Sadie Vetter, and Courtney (Scott Coats) Bushart, and Scott’s children, Darren and Ashley Coats; sister, Delores Lee; sister-in-law, Janet Bordwell; and several nieces and nephews.

Town of Ontario – May 20, 2013

administrator — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:46:19 +0000

Hearing on Pawn Shop Law
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. with all Board members present. The first order of business was a Public Hearing for Local Law #2 2013 Chapter 113.5 – Second Hand Dealers, commonly known as the Pawn Shop Law. This proposed law requires recordkeeping and a holding period of 20 business days before offering the property for resale. This proposal will assist in making the sale of stolen property more difficult, will help in the recovery of identifiable property, and will discourage larceny in and around the Town. Every person, firm or corporation engaged in the business of dealing, purchasing, selling, or acquiring secondhand articles shall, before 10:00 a.m. of each business day, prepare a report of all articles received since the accounting of the previous day. The business shall be required to maintain a copy of these daily reports for a period of 5 years. Exemptions shall apply to auto dealers, bulk estate sales, non-profit, private individual sales, church sales, clothing sales/consignments, antique and firearms dealers. First to speak was Anne Johnson, owner of Rocgold, a business that buys precious metals such as gold & silver, and has been in business for 3 years with no apparent problems. She asked the Board to table the law and look further into its justification; in her years of operation, no Sheriff’s Deputy has ever stopped to check the store’s inventory or records. Currently her business has a 5 – 7 day time frame for holding merchandise; since the gold market fluctuates, the longer holding period could change the money given to customers, as a dip in the market would have to be taken into consideration. There is no tolerance for under-the-counter transactions. Several questions were brought up during the hearing: What are the statistics that make this necessary? What and how many items have been stolen? How many businesses are affected? How can it be ascertained that the documentation won’t be used for a “fishing operation”? Other comments included: odds are that items will go to a farther away area and not be sold in the same area; this law violates constitutional rights; the L.W. Emporium would be exempt since their vendors are the dealers, not the owners; it was noted that Heritage Square and its antique sales are exempt under the non-profit clause. Councilman Jason Ruffells responded that the Sheriff’s Department requested that Ontario should be proactive and consider this law, patterning it after Newark’s law that is in effect. It was suggested that the Sheriff should present a program sometime in October to discuss the need for this legislation in Ontario. The Board is going to keep the Public Hearing open until their June 17th workshop meeting in order to continue receiving comments and questions from the public.
– Justice Report – Hon. Reginald Higgins reported that in April, his court received 196 criminal cases and 3 civil cases; of these, 136 of the criminal cases were disposed, and 2 of the civil cases were disposed. There were 8 immediate arraignments and one Magistrates meeting.
- New Business –
1. Supervisor Robert Kelsch will sign citations recognizing 19 Girl Scouts who have achieved awards as follows: Gold – Lindsay Brewer; Silver – Grace Dana, Hailey LaRosa, Julie Lieberman, Kelsey Mullin, Laura Lang, MacKensie Hadcock, Michaela Johnstone, Morgan Pevear, Morgan Waasdorp, Paige Steffen, Samantha Smith, Stephanie Rosenzweig, Zoe Olivia Foery, Alesha Griffo, Alyvia Rauen, Brook Larner, and Cassidy Hadcock; Bronze – Olivia Condon. The recipients were commended by the Board for their accomplishments.
2. Melissa Holstead was authorized to attend Appraisal Principles and Procedures from 7/15 – 7/19 at Cornell at a course cost of $575; all necessary expenses are a budgeted charge.
3. The Town will enter into a Block Hours agreement for 50 hours of professional services with Advance 2000 for an amount not to exceed $5500 per a quote submitted by Pam Grundman.
4. Authorization was given to purchase a computer from Advance 2000 for the Town Historian’s office for an amount not to exceed $579.41 and software from Dell for an amount not to exceed $318.12
5. A motion was passed to surplus one Dell computer; the hard drive has been removed and destroyed and sent to the Town Clean-Up. This computer is from the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
6. Approval was give to contract with Siewert Equipment for repairs to high lift pump #2 for a price of $6958.
– Appointments & Resignations -
1. The Board established the standard work day for an appointed official, Court Clerk Sara DeMay, which will be 8 hours/day, 22.21 days/month, for a term of 1/1/12 – 12/31/15. This data will be reported to the NY State & Local Employees’ Retirement System and will be posted on the Town’s website and the bulletin board at the Town Hall for 30 days.
2. A motion was passed to approve the appointment of John S. Gommenginger to fill the position of part-time seasonal laborer within Water Utilities. The starting wage is $10/hr. with no benefits; the start date was 5/2/13.
3. The appointment of Kristen L. Killion as trustee of the Ontario Public Library for the remaining term of 5/21/13 – 12/31/16 was ratified. This position became open on 3/31/13 when former trustee Gail Grinnel relocated out of town.
- Information Forum -
County Business: Supervisor Kelsch shared information regarding the lake level concerns (BV7), which have in no way gone away; Jim Walsh is coming to Ontario on May 28th to discuss this issue. Fire Station #2 had its opening on May 18th. This additional location is good for homeowners’ protection and insurance rates; now no one in the Town is any more than 5 road miles away from fire protection.
Board Reports: Councilman Ruffells stated that there was a meeting hosted by the BID regarding the proposed monument at the corner of Furnace Road and Ridge Road. The organization also hosted the Clean Sweep operation this past weekend. He also asked that at the Town Board Workshop meeting on June 17th there should be a discussion regarding the Town Hall space concerns. Councilman Robusto would like a workshop on the topic of cost-saving measures, including job-sharing. One example would be forming a DPW; much data needs to be gathered for this discussion.
– Workshop Items – Economic Development Director William Riddell spoke about the Timothy Lane extension. The project has been stalled due to many questions; he will be meeting with the appropriate parties on 5/21.
The Ontario Memorial Day Parade will be held on Thursday, May 30th at 6:30. A note was made to take a moment out to remember those who have served our country and those who continue in that effort. Resident Bob Steele reminded people to say thanks to the veterans for their service.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. The next workshop meeting will be on 6/17 at 7:00; the next business meeting will be on 6/10 at 7.
Submitted by Monica Deyo