Month: January 2022

January 12, 2022

CANISTEO, NY – Canisteo signed a fair housing resolution last night, at the regular monthly village hall meeting. Officials say, the resolution is a result of cooperation with the state’s Community Block Program.

See Full Resolution Below:

Village of Canisteo Fair Housing Resolution #2022-01-01

Trustee _¬¬¬¬¬¬¬_Grant Seaman__ offered the following Resoltion and moved its adoption, seconded by Trustee __Michael Delaney Jr.____.

LET IT BE KNOWN TO ALL PERSONS of the Village of Canisteo that discrimination in the sale, rental, lease, advertising of sale, rental or lease, financing of housing or land to be used for construction of housing, or in the provision of brokerage or rental services because of race, color, religion, sex, disability (physical or mental), familial status (children) or national origin is prohibited by Title VIII of the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988. It is the policy of the Village of Canisteo to support the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and to implement a Fair Housing Program to ensure equal opportunity in housing for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability (physical and mental), familial status (1. children, and 2. actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status or its members), or national origin. Therefore, the Village does hereby pass the following Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that within the resources available to the Village through city, county, state, federal and community volunteer sources, the Village will assist all persons who feel they have been discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, disability (physical and mental), familial status (children) or national origin in the process of filing a complaint with the Department of HUD and/or the New York State division of Human Rights, that they may seek equity under federal and state laws.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Village shall publicize this Resolution and through this publicity shall cause real estate brokers and sellers, private home sellers, rental owners, rental property managers, real estate and rental advertisers, lenders, builders, developers, home buyers and home or apartment renters to become aware of their respective responsibilities and rights under the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and any applicable state or local laws or ordinances.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Village of Canisteo shall appoint the Clerk-Treasurer as the acting Fair Housing Officer. The Fair Housing Officer will receive, review and respond to all complaints received on behalf of the Village of Canisteo. These duties are further explained in the Village’s Fair Housing Plan.

THE FAIR HOUSING PROGRAM, for the purpose of informing those affected of their respective responsibilities and rights concerning Fair Housing law and complaint procedures, will at a minimum include, but not be limited to: 1) the printing, publicizing and distribution of this Resolution; 2) the distribution of posters, flyers, pamphlets and other applicable Fair Housing information provided by local, state and federal sources, through local media of community contacts; and 3) the publicizing of locations where assistance will be provided to those seeking to file a discrimination complaint.

EFFECTIVE DATE
This Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Dated: January 11, 2022

Board Vote:
Mayor : Monica Recktenwald- AYE
Trustee: Grant Seaman- AYE
Trustee: Paul Cone Jr. – ABSENT
Trustee: Jack Beers- AYE
Trustee: Michael Delaney Jr.- AYE

CERTIFICATION OF THE VILLAGE CLERK

CERTIFICATION, I hereby certify that this is a true copy of resolution #2022-01-01 passed by the Village of Canisteo at their regular board meeting held on January 11, 2022.

Dated this _12_ day of January, 2022

_______________________________________
Katrina Oliverio, Clerk-Treasurer

(SEAL)

January 12, 2022

ALBANY, NY – From Governor Kathy Hochul: “I’m so proud of New York’s educators for all they’ve done for our kids throughout this pandemic. I know it’s been tough—thank you for everything you do. We will continue to make sure schools have the tests and resources they need to keep students and staff safe in the classroom.”

January 12, 2022

NEW YORK – Today, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), who has been declared the presumptive nominee for Governor of New York by both the Republican and Conservative Parties, issued the following statement following Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office downgrading another felony robbery charge to a misdemeanor of petit larceny:

“The rest of us refuse to accept this as the new normal in Manhattan. Commit a robbery, threatening to stab your target with a knife, and under new Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg your charges will be reduced across the board! It’s clear Alvin Bragg sides with criminals with long rap sheets rather than law-abiding New Yorkers and law enforcement. The DA is refusing to do his job so Kathy Hochul must do hers and use her explicit constitutional authority to remove Alvin Bragg. Her pathetic silence is deafening!”

January 12, 2022

FROM STATE POLICE: Clarification regarding pistol permit recertification due dates

The New York State Police have become aware of information incorrectly reported that ALL pistol permit recertifications in New York State are due by January 15, 2022.

To clarify, the next five year due date is here for some, but not all pistol permit holders.

An individual’s recertification due date is dependent on their initial recertification date, and must recertify every five years.

For example, a pistol permit holder who recertified on January 15, 2017 would be due to recertify by January 15, 2022.

A pistol permit holder who recertified on March 8, 2017 would be due to recertify by March 8, 2022.

A pistol permit holder who recertified on January 15, 2018 would be due to recertify by January 15, 2023.

New York State pistol permits issued prior to January 31, 2013 were first due to be recertified with the New York State Police by January 31, 2018.

The pistol permit recertification website was first opened to allow recertifications on January 1, 2017. This date range created a 13 month window to allow New York pistol permit holders enough time to submit their first recertification. The due dates for the second round of pre-2013 issued pistol permits will range between January 1, 2022 to Jan 31, 2023.

Pistol permits issued after January 31, 2013, were due to recertify 5 years after the permit issue date, and every 5 years thereafter.

To see when your current recertification expires please visit the New York State Police website at https://firearms.troopers.ny.gov/pprecert/welcome.faces.

The website link will also allow you to submit your next recertification online.

January 12, 2022

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) joined Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay, Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, members of the Republican Conferences and law enforcement professionals on Tuesday to advocate for greater public safety measures. Crime in New York state has been spiking since 2019 when Albany Democrats passed ‘bail reform.’ Republicans have introduced the ‘Restore Order Anti-Crime Initiative’ to directly address failed and dangerous policies of the past.

Republicans presented the following statistics at their press conference:

● In Albany, those killed by gun violence has increased 700 percent;

● In Rochester, those killed by gun violence has increased 174 percent;

● Shootings in NYC are up over 100 percent;

● Statewide, shooting incidents and victims are up at least 42 percent in each of the five major cities;

● Statewide in 2020, 21 percent of defendants arraigned on felony charges were rearrested for a new crime following pre-trial release; and

● Nearly 50% of all offenders in New York City who are out on bail are re-offending

“Law enforcement officials across the state are sounding the alarm on our criminal justice reform measures. Violent offenders are being put back on our streets where they are often re-offending. Many citizens no longer feel safe in their communities; we must do better for our neighbors, crime victims and their families and the brave men and women of law enforcement who are on the front lines and make public safety an absolute priority for the people of New York State.

“Our Restore Order package is crucial to curbing this violence. This legislation would restore judicial discretion in regard to bail, stopping the revolving door of criminals being processed and released with no accountability. The legislation also requires a unanimous parole board vote when it comes to granting an inmate early release,” said Palmesano.

Assembly Republicans will continue to advance the ‘Restore Order Package’ along with other critical public safety measures, including:

● Restoring Judicial Discretion (A.5265, Reilly) – Restoring judicial discretion to allow judges the ability to determine whether a violent criminal poses a dangerous threat to the community and can be held without bail.

● Bail for Gun Crimes (A.7066, Barclay) – Removing all gun crimes from the no-bail list of offenses Democrats established in 2019.

● Parole Reform (A.5737, Barclay) – Requiring a unanimous vote of at least three parole commissioners to grant a prisoner early release, and allowing a majority vote of the Legislature to remove a commissioner from the Parole Board.

● Three Strikes & You’re In (A.5334, Brabenec) – Authorizing life in prison without parole for persistent violent felony offenders.

● Shooting Into Crowds (A.4259, Jensen) – Making it a Class B violent felony to fire into a crowded space with the intent to harm.

● Additional 5 Years for Possession (A.4762, Mikulin) – Providing for an additional 5-year term of imprisonment for committing a felony while possessing a loaded firearm.

● Bail for Hate Crimes (A.3986, M. Miller) – Making a hate crime a qualified offense for purposes of bail issuance and denying pre-trial.

● Paula’s Law (A.6017, Lawler) – Preventing the parole of anyone who sexually assaults and murders a child under 18 years of age.

● Ramona’s Law (A.8382, J.M. Giglio)- Extending the maximum number of months, from twenty-four to sixty, as the time within which the Parole Board must set for reconsideration of a denied application for parole in cases where an inmate was sentenced for a specified violent felony offense.

● Bail Reform Repeal (A.6963-A, Brabenec) – Repealing bail reforms and other criminal justice reforms enacted in Chapters 55 and 59 of the Laws of 2019 and Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2020 and restore prior language.

● Judicial Discretion for Additional Crimes (A.7772, Lawler) – Adding any crime resulting in death or physical injury to the list of qualifying offenses which allows a judge to impose bail or deny pretrial release, including previously carved-out violent felony crimes.

● Risk Assessment (A.6933, Tannousis) – Restoring judicial discretion relating to bail reform, and providing that when the defendant is charged with a felony, the court shall request of the applicable county pretrial services agency that a risk and needs assessment be conducted.

“With common-sense, but important reforms we can rein in the scourge of violent crime across our state. For too long, the Democrat Majority in Albany has passed policies that have favored dangerous criminals at the expense of crime victims and their families, those in law enforcement and public safety. We can see its ripple effects as Manhattan’s new district attorney has pledged to prosecute as few people as possible, even for dangerous crimes such as robbery, drug dealing and trafficking, resisting arrest and vowing to never seek a sentence more than 20 years or life without parole, no matter how heinous the murder. This is wrong and flies in the face of the rule of law and common sense.

“I will continue to stand with and advocate on behalf of our crime victims and their families, the brave men and women of law enforcement and for increased public safety. We need to Restore Order, repeal bail reform and enforce the rule of law to protect our families and local communities from violent crime,” concluded Palmesano.

January 11, 2022

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer sent a letter urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Defense to give full and fair consideration of the proposal submitted by Corning Incorporated to expand domestic industrial base capabilities for bioproduction and diagnostic consumables production. Schumer said that the proposed expansion of their Oneonta Life Sciences Facility would preserve the existing 150 jobs at the facility and create as many as 275 new construction and permanent manufacturing jobs, investing in an economically disadvantaged area of the Mohawk Valley Region, and importantly strengthen the U.S. domestic supply chain for the production of vaccine research and diagnostic consumables, and sterilization capacity.

“New variants, like Omicron, underscore the necessity to plan for and invest in our nation’s ability to address the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health emergencies. Innovative proposals like Corning Incorporated’s expansion of the Oneonta Life Sciences facility will help address the nation’s medical supply chain vulnerabilities that the pandemic has exposed, strengthening the U.S. response to public health emergencies and boosting American innovation and manufacturing,” said Senator Schumer. “Innovation plus federal investment is how we better equip America to deal with health threats. Corning’s proposed project would be a shot in the arm for the Upstate New York economy, creating hundreds of jobs and would be a booster for the domestic medical supply chain. I strongly urge the federal government to give full and fair consideration to the project to safeguard against any possible research and diagnostic shortages.”

Ron Verkleeren, Corning Incorporated’s senior vice president and general manager, Life Sciences, said, “Corning is grateful for the support of Senator Schumer, who has played a critical role in the fight against the pandemic for our communities, state, and nation. We’re proud that our employees and technologies have been vital in the nation’s response, and are honored for the opportunity to further partner with the U.S. government to expand domestic manufacturing and strengthen the supply chain for critical life sciences consumables.”

“I would like to thank Senator Schumer for continuing to fight to bring good paying jobs and expand manufacturing here in Otsego County. If enacted, Corning Inc’s proposal will strengthen both America’s ability to protect public health and be a tremendous economic boost for the our region. I look forward working with Corning Inc and fellow stakeholders to try to make this expansion a reality,” said David Bliss, Chair of the Otsego County Board of Representatives.

“Thank you Senator Schumer for your efforts to highlight this project for federal investment and fighting to bring these jobs to the Mohawk Valley. Increasing the domestic production capacity for products supporting COVID-19 vaccines and testing will help not only our country future pandemic response, but can mean hundreds of good paying jobs right here in Otsego County,” said Jody Zakrevsky, CEO of Otsego Now. “Corning’s proposal, to streamline all life science processes, will reduce the timeframe for delivery from manufacturer to consumer, which in the case of public health emergencies is critical. I look forward to working with all partners involved to try to make this project a reality.”

Schumer explained that the COVID–19 pandemic exposed the lack of a coordinated federal strategy for the supply of many essential medical items and revealed the dire vulnerability faced by the United States of having limited domestic supply chains of items like diagnostic consumables and other products related to vaccine development and distribution. Schumer said that investment in projects, like the one proposed by Corning, is a vital step that will help enhance our nation’s efforts to better prepare for and respond to public health emergencies.

Schumer has long been an advocate for ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place to protect Americans during public health emergencies. Last year, Schumer announced that Corning received over $204 million in federal funding, more than doubling employment at their Big Flats facility, from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to expand Corning’s manufacturing capacity of Valor® Glass vials for the rapid production and secure delivery of the COVID-19 vaccines and other critical drugs. Later that year, Corning was awarded an additional $57 million from BARDA to further increase the domestic manufacturing capacity of pharmaceutical glass tubing and vials to support the accelerated mass vaccination effort, making a total of $261 million invested for Corning’s pharmaceutical vial and tubing manufacturing capacity.

Schumer has championed programs like BARDA and its critical role in supporting the development of medical countermeasures needed to effectively respond to public health crises, since the Agency’s inception in 2006. Schumer secured over $26 billion for BARDA to respond to COVID-19 through the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities Act (CARES Act), the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act of 2020 and the Consolidations Appropriations Act, 2021. Most recently, in the American Rescue Plan Schumer negotiated an additional $5.2 billion to support advanced research, development, manufacturing, production, and purchase of vaccines, therapeutics, and ancillary medical products for COVID-19.

January 11, 2022

From Assemblywoman Byrnes: Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (R,C-Caledonia) joined Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, members of both Conferences, and members of the law enforcement community at a press conference in the state Capitol today to highlight the need for public safety measures and additional resources for police. The group is calling for legislation to better protect the citizens of New York from the rising scourge of crime that has been plaguing the state since Cuomo’s bail reforms were enacted.

“People don’t feel safe. Whether it’s a constituent who is concerned about getting carjacked or a small business owner having to make security investments, New Yorkers from Buffalo to Long Island don’t feel safe at work or at home. Sadly, the numbers back up these fears,” said Byrnes, who had a career in criminal justice before entering the state Assembly. “We are here today to tell people, we hear you and we are doing something about it. We are working with law enforcement to try to provide them with the tools they need, but leaders in Albany must listen too. Gov. Hochul and legislative leaders need to join us. There’s no time like the present to do so.”
State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) and the Senate and Assembly Republican conferences today unveiled a comprehensive package of public safety priorities aimed at protecting crime victims, law enforcement and correctional officers, and communities across the region and state from dangerous pro-criminal, anti-police actions being enacted in Albany.

From State Senator Tom O’Mara: O’Mara, a member on the Senate Codes and Judiciary committees, said, “Today, we again stand with law enforcement, speak out, and fight against the pro-criminal mentality and anti-police policies that keep going too far in New York State. The Democrat supermajorities in control of the State Legislature show no signs of letting up in their push for a so-called progressive agenda that only stands to embolden criminals and keep making this state, our communities, and our neighborhoods less safe. It has been alarming to district attorneys, law enforcement officers, and criminal justice experts alike. We need to enact legislation that puts crime victims, law enforcement, and safe communities first and begins restoring responsibility, sanity, and common sense to criminal justice and public safety in New York State.”

From Assemblyman Phil Palmesano: “Law enforcement officials across the state are sounding the alarm on our criminal justice reform measures. Violent offenders are being put back on our streets where they are often re-offending. Many citizens no longer feel safe in their communities; we must do better for our neighbors, crime victims and their families and the brave men and women of law enforcement who are on the front lines and make public safety an absolute priority for the people of New York State. Our Restore Order package is crucial to curbing this violence. This legislation would restore judicial discretion in regard to bail, stopping the revolving door of criminals being processed and released with no accountability. The legislation also requires a unanimous parole board vote when it comes to granting an inmate early release,” said Palmesano.

Republicans presented the following statistics at their press conference:

● In Albany, those killed by gun violence has increased 700 percent;

● In Rochester, those killed by gun violence has increased 174 percent;

● Shootings in NYC are up over 100 percent;

● Statewide, shooting incidents and victims are up at least 42 percent in each of the five major cities;

● Statewide in 2020, 21 percent of defendants arraigned on felony charges were rearrested for a new crime following pre-trial release; and

● Nearly 50% of all offenders in New York City who are out on bail are re-offending

January 11, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of the Senate Banking Committee’s confirmation hearing for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is urging Powell to address the Federal Reserve’s trading rules for Federal Reserve officials, policymakers and senior staff. While the Federal Reserve announced it would issue a new set of rules that purports to “prohibit the purchase of individual securities, restrict active trading, and increase the timeliness of reporting and public disclosure by Federal Reserve policymakers and senior staff,” the recent resignation of the Federal Reserve’s vice chair, who faced questions about trades made in 2020, raises the urgency about the need to codify these rules into law. In October 2021, Gillibrand introduced the Ban Conflicted Trading at the Fed Act, legislation to prohibit Federal Reserve officials from trading individual stocks and ensure Americans can trust that the Federal Reserve is acting in the best interest of all Americans. The legislation was introduced with Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) is also a cosponsor.

“Serious and important questions remain about Federal Reserve officials trading stocks while setting U.S. economic policy,” said Senator Gillibrand. “While Federal Reserve Chair Powell has previously announced that rules would be implemented to restrict trading by Federal Reserve policymakers and senior staff, it is clear that my legislation, the Ban Conflicted Trading at the Fed Act, is necessary. The bill would ban Federal Reserve officials and leadership from trading stocks and penalizes them if they do so. Powell must answer questions about the stock trading by Fed officials and proposed legislation to address this problem.”

Senator Gillibrand is a leading advocate for increasing transparency and accountability in Congress. Gillibrand supports banning members of Congress from owning individual stocks and in 2020, Gillibrand, lead sponsor and author of the original STOCK Act, announced the STOCK Act 2.0 with Representative Katie Porter (D-CA). This bicameral legislation would expand the STOCK Act by strengthening disclosure rules and preventing individuals in trusted positions of public service — including members of Congress, their families, and their staffs — from using their access for self-enrichment. The original STOCK Act bars a member of Congress, the president, vice president and high level staff from engaging in insider trading or otherwise using nonpublic information for their own benefit. It also included important updates to financial transparency, by requiring these high ranking government officials to expeditiously disclose financial transactions to the public.

January 11, 2022

From Steuben County Public Health:

In alignment with updated NYSDOH – New York State Health Department guidance and practice, we now offer self-service orders at www.steubencony.org/publichealth.

The state has implemented this significant change in contact tracing procedures due to the overwhelming spread of COVID-19 at this time. It is not feasible for our small staff to personally reach every positive and contact because of the volume of cases. Although guidance has been updated recently, the basics of staying home as a positive or contact has remained the same.

Under this NYSDOH policy change, lab tested positives will get a text message or phone call from the state call center once test results have been received. Positives will be reminded of steps on how to protect others and will be asked to notify any contacts that may have been exposed.

From Darlene Smith To Wlea News: Those who will get telephone calls about their test results will be: Seniors who are 70 years old and up, those who live in congregate settings, younger people, and school systems. Those who will get texts: everyone else.

Individuals who test positive using a home test must still report their positive home test to Public Health at www.steubencony.org/publichealth. Once the information has been added to the home test reporting portal, orders will be made available for download to the individual.

Individuals who test positive must remain at home for five days from symptom onset or from their test date if they do not have symptoms. If the positive has no symptoms or symptoms are resolving at the end of the fifth day, they may end their isolation as long as they can wear a well-fitted mask around others for five additional days. If they cannot wear a mask or are moderately to severely immunocompromised, they must remain isolated for 10 days from symptom onset or test date if asymptomatic.

Contacts of positives must quarantine for five days from the date of their most recent exposure to the positive. For some household contacts, this may lead to a 10 day quarantine if they do not separate from the positive during the positive’s five-day isolation period. Contacts must also wear a well-fitted mask for an additional five days or should remain quarantined for 10 days if they are unable to wear a mask or are moderately to severely immunocompromised.

It is recommended, but not required, that all contacts get tested on day five.
Anyone who entered isolation or quarantine under the 10 day guidance who has now reached five days and is not experiencing symptoms may end their isolation or quarantine. Anyone who previously tested positive within the last 90 days is not considered a new case and is exempt from an additional isolation or quarantine.

Positives and contacts may acquire isolation or quarantine orders from Steuben County Public Health by visiting the website and inputting their information. The orders are court documents and falsification or misuse of the orders are punishable by law.

January 11, 2022

Here is an Alfred-Almond bus update: it’ll be the same as yesterday and Friday, the Students who ride bus 105 will be picked up approximately 20 minutes early • Students who normally ride bus 104 will be picked up by bus 105 approximately 20 minutes late • Students who normally ride bus 100 will be picked up by bus 109 approximately 20 minutes early.

“Temperatures are expected to remain frigid this week, especially in the mornings. Students who are waiting for the bus can remain inside. Our buses will take a longer pause at pick-up sites in the morning to allow students enough time to get outside. Please signal to the bus driver that your student is on the way if you see the bus waiting outside at pick-up time.
In addition, the school building will open at 7:30 a.m. each morning this week for parents who choose to transport their students and need to drop them off early to accommodate work schedules. Students will be able to enter the building, get breakfast and wait for the school day to begin.
On another note, we met with the Allegany County DOH along with our School Medical Director and Allegany County Superintendents to review the newly released ACDOH COVID guidelines. Currently we are in the process of reviewing our protocol with our School Medical Director in relation to the new guidance and will release updated information soon for the Alfred-Almond Central School District.”

January 11, 2022

Superintendent Tom Crook reported that NYSDOH and the local school districts (including CG) will no longer be doing contact tracing when students are covid positive. The contact tracing will now be done by VCC (Virtual Contact Centers). Mr. Crook and his staff will still be in touch with families to communicate new cases in the school but will not be contacting families regarding the quarantine and isolation process, that will now be done by VCC.
*To date there have been 219 positive cases in the district (including students and faculty/staff). At this time last year, there were only 79 positive cases.
In other news, the state has canceled all Regents exams that were scheduled for January due to the pandemic. Also, CG got a quote from LaBella for installation of new hot water tanks. The amount is $41,000.