ARKPORT, NY – Hornellsville Deputy Supervisor Dan Broughton had some kind words for long serving and recently deceased Town Supervisor Ken Isaman. “I’m sure everyone’s aware that Kenny has passed on,” said a somber Broughton, “He will be sorely missed and I hope everyone remembers him in a good light.” Isaman passed away October 2nd after a long struggle with Lewey Bodies Disease Dementia.
Also fellow board member Bob Mauro asked Broughton if they could officially appoint him Supervisor now, with Broughton firmly stating “no.” “I talked with our attorney Pat McAllister to see what he thought about it, and he explained that I would be better off to just wait until after the election, and I kind of agreed with him.”
ARKPORT, NY – At Tuesday night’s Hornellsville town board meeting planning board head Joe Dick updated everyone on the progress of the new hospital and Nissan dealership.
According to Dick, Bergmann Associate’s engineering team met with the planning board last Tuesday and decided again that they will be changing the site plans for the new Simmons Rockwell Nissan dealership. The entrance will now be off County Route 66 facing their current location instead of on 36 as originally planned. The new plans should be in the hands of Dick the planning board within a week.
Also on the new hospital Dick said that there’s plenty of movement going on but they are still waiting on the prints for the Medical Arts building. “We currently have the original blueprints for the hospital itself, and you have all seen those, now its just a waiting game for the other building,” explained Dick. Also the Town Hall will be getting a new computer with Pictometry (aerial image capture process) to assist in construction and planning board reviews.
DANSVILLE, NY – At 11:19 am on Saturday morning, State Police responded to a serious injury accident on Redmond Road in the Town of Dansville. According to troopers, a driver struck a deer and left the roadway, overturning several times. The driver was ejected from the vehicle and transported to Strong Hospital with serious injuries. Investigators believe speed may be a factor. The investigation is continuing.
HORNELL, NY – Senator Tom O’Mara visited the republican headquarters Friday afternoon to support mayoral candidate John Buckley. Buckley, who has gotten support from nearly all local and district republicans, as well as some unions, is in a three way race with Independent John Lewis and Green Party candidate Joe Duffy. The election takes place in less than a month.
HORNELL, NY – The Hornell BOE heard a presentation Wednesday afternoon from Chad Snowburg of Hunt Engineers about the possible replacement of all stadium lights surrounding the football field. The current light fixtures are over 25 years old and the price of energy and upkeep has become an issue with the district. The new plan, as presented by Snowburg, would be to replace the 125 foot poles with 85 foot ones and install much more efficient LED lighting system.The new lights would last three to four times longer with a projected lifespan of around 20 years, with 10 of that guaranteed.
The big question seems to be, should they replace the poles too at an additional $50,000, or keep them and install the new lighting on top of them? According to Snowburg, the new LED lighting is not meant to function properly at 125 feet, with its optimal height being around 85 feet, so if you decide to install the new lights on the old poles there’s no guarantees on accuracy and performance. The total cost of the project is estimated at around $350,000-$400,000 depending on the pole option chosen.
Palotti stated that the money for this is well on hand as the district has been tucking away funds from capital projects for a while now with a reserve of over $1.5 million. “This is something that definitely needs to be addressed,” said the Superintendent, “People think that when one of those old bulbs go out we can just scale the pole and replace it. We are beyond that point on many sections. Whole circuit panels are corroded beyond repair, and as far as electricity and upkeep are concerned were looking at some major bills down the road.”
Palotti stated that if the board acts fast on the issue, they can have the new lighting system in place for the fall of 2018. One question that was brought up by board member John McNelis and probably was on a lot of people’s minds was the cost savings over time switching from florescent to LED. The city of Hornell recently underwent a similar streetlight replacement project and are reporting huge energy savings over time.
Snowden did not have those figures at the time but said they would be provided to board members as soon as possible. No decisions on the project were made last night and further discussion was recommended.
HORNELL, NY – Hornell school superintendent Jeremy Palotti hopes to get a good turnout from the community on a new program seeking community feedback on the direction of the districts long term strategic plan for students in the upcoming school years. A flier has been mailed to most residents with more details about the event.
A facilitator will lead discussions and gather comments from a select group of individuals on October 25th or 26th from 6pm to 8pm at a location to be announced. Refreshments will be provided.
Eligible candidates should not have any children currently enrolled in the school system, and not employed in any capacity by the district. According to Palotti, space is limited and community input will be greatly appreciated. If you are interested in participating in one of these focus groups you can call the district office directly at 324-1302 (ext 1450) by October 13th and reserve a space.
CANISTEO, NY – The Village of Canisteo swore in a new clerk/treasurer Monday night replacing recently departing and long tenured Melissa Day. According to an unofficial source, Day announced her retirement last month in order to pursue a new career path.
Lifelong resident and Canisteo-Greenwood Central School graduate Katrina Oliverio took the oath of office Monday night to at least fulfil the remaining term of Day with the hopes of possibly being the full time replacement. Oliverio is 27 years old.
A deal has finally been reached with Boces on acquiring the old fire truck and a mutual agreement is currently being written to finalize the transfer.
Also the village passed a resolution allowing the sharing of newly acquired police vests, helmets, and rifles acquired by a grant to be shared throughout the County in case of an emergency. According to Police Chief Kyle Amidon, this was a prerequisite when obtaining the grant.
In other police news, it was announced that part time officer Cody Recktenwald has resigned in order to take a full time position in the Elmira Police Dept. When asked about his replacement, Amidon stated that he currently has the manpower to cover Recktenwalds duties and no permanent replacement will be sought until at least after December and the next Civil Service exam. There are currently four part time police officers in the village.
And finally discussions continued under old business about the possibility requiring a license for all cats in the village and the changing of a lone parking sign on Depot Street from two hour parking to 15 minutes.
HORNELL, NY – Now that the Hornell IDA’s budget calendar year starts January 1st instead of a fiscal year budget synonymous with city halls, it was time to submit their budget for 2018. “The reason we have to have a budget completed now is that we have to submit it to the state,” said IDA Director Jim Griffin.
Two unexpected estimated expenses from last year that did not appear on the budget were the purchase of the Sunset restaurant and their eventual demolition totaling $175,000, and also the approval of a new roof on plant 3 (old SKF building) for Alstom totaling $225,000.
“That’s an additional $400,000 that does not appear on the sheet,” explained the Director, “Which actually makes this year’s total $791,000, and considering next year were only at around $542,000, we will be down a substantial amount.” You can see the itemized 2018 budget below:
HORNELL, NY – Hornell IDA Director Jim Griffin reassured the IDA Board of Directors Wednesday afternoon that the recent announcement of a merger between Alstom and Siemens’s Corporation based in Germany will be a smooth transition and not affect the big Amtrak job recently acquired by Alstom.
“The Siemans/Alstom merger announced today was huge, and it means nothing but positive for our community,” said IDA director Jim Griffin. “They will actually compliment each other in the field and we probably will not see a lot of changes locally, at least for a year or two.”
Also the IDA will be working with Alstom on a brand new building to be constructed in the South Yards approximately 800 feet long with three new test tracks adjacent to the main building. According to Griffin, the IDA plans on working with Alstom in the near future to get a demolition contract for the old Sunset restaurant as there has been no interest in acquiring the building.
HORNELL, NY – Mayoral candidate and Alderman John Buckley made it a point to praise the Hornell PD for the recent drug arrests in the city and saving another life with the quick implementation of Narcan.
The Hornell PD recently arrested four suspects recently in connection with an overdose, Jessica Davis, 25, of Hornell, Damon Flurshultz, 24, of Hornell, Amanda Alexin, 23, of Hornell, and Keith Cline, 27, of Belfast.
“Within the last 7 or 8 days the HPD encountered 5 instances where Narcan had to be administered to save a life from an opioid overdose,” said Mayor Hogan. “We understand that this is a big problem everywhere, not just our community, and I think our city has been very proactive about the problem, more so than most.” Hogan was also pleased that the state is now providing Narcan free to communities such as ours saving our taxpayers money.
In other news the new Taco Bell planned for the corner on 41 Main Street is moving forward at a brisk pace with the Common Council passing both a SEQR and NEPA Monday night. Hogan expects the new restaurant will bring in 40 total jobs, 9 full time and 31 part time.
Also the Youth and Recreation board lead by Alderman Jim Bassage continues moving ahead with a new pay scale and requirements for summer recreation help. Hogan noted that any decisions on a new pay scale for the summer employees needs to be reported to him ASAP so it can be included in next year’s budget. Hogan estimated the city employs about 60 youths through their summer rec programs and they are responsible for the total expense, with no grants or subsidies to help out, noting that that should kept in mind when adjusting their pay scale.
HORNELL, NY – Independent Mayoral candidate John Lewis held a meet and greet Saturday afternoon from 1pm to 4pm at Marino’s restaurant on Loder Street in the city. Beverages, appetizers, and handshakes were plenty as Lewis touched base with a community he hopes to govern in the upcoming November election.
Friends, relatives, and family were present to show support as Lewis talked his love for the community, and maintaining what long standing Mayor Shawn Hogan has established over the years. “My previous experience puts me in a great position to recruit new business to our area, manage a tight budget, and maintain the infrastructure our previous mayor has worked so hard to establish over his tenure.”
Lewis, considered a political newcomer, will be starting in the same situation that Hogan did 32 years ago when he took office. “I consider that an advantage,” Lewis told WLEA news, “I will be approaching the position with a fresh set of eyes.”
Lewis does bring a rather impressive resume into the race having 10 years recruiting students to Alfred University and also managing WLEA/WCKR radio station the last 2 years. In the later, Lewis’s love of music and his ability to oversee a budget has turned the small local business around.
Lewis finished our interview saying that he hoped everyone will get out and vote this November, no matter what candidate or party they vote for. Below John Lewis with his father Leroy and mother MaryBeth:
