Saturday morning in the pre-dawn hours, I was awakened by the sounds of what I can only describe from my youth as a flotilla of B-52 bombers flying low over the house. It being too dark to see if anything was amiss, and not entirely certain I was not dreaming I floated in and out of conscious sleep until twilight arrived and I could investigate the source of the horrific noise that rattled windows and made it nearly impossible to think. At first light I was out on the porch checking the area and discovered three large combines and other assorted farm implements only 100 or so feet from the house harvesting the lush and plentiful soy bean crop. Another reminder that summer will soon be over, the Pod Squad was on sight and for more than 10 hours they harvested the fields in front and back of the house.
Last Monday the town board met minus Supervisor Babbitt-Henry who was away on vacation with her family and Councilman Phil Viruso who is still out due to illness. This was the last meeting where public comment on the proposed water rate changes was allowed and of the eight people in attendance, only four homeowners were directly impacted. They asked how it would impact their quarterly bill and were satisfied by the answers given by Deputy Supervisor Larry Gnau.
It was also announced that Lynn Holmes has successfully passed the required Waste Water Licensing program and a motion was made to appoint him as the Senior Waste Water Supervisor. Motion was carried with all ayes and congratulations were offered by board members as well as the audience. Holmes also noted that Jim Cowley, his assistant, has successfully completed his licensing requirements.
Many of you may not know that the town’s small John Deere tractor was stolen earlier this summer. Since it had a Blue Book value of only $2,800, the insurance carrier will only reimburse the local government for $1,000. This is not enough money to replace the tractor so other measures were discussed to fulfill the town’s responsibilities for maintaining the properties at the Sewer Plant, East Avenue Water Tower, and the town-owned cemeteries.
An emergency situation, such as this, allows the Supervisor to make an interim short-term agreement with a company who can provide the necessary service. In this case the board authorized the existing contract holder to expand his scope of responsibilities for an additional $135 per visit. Gnau stated he believes this is very short term as the season for mowing is ending and the town probably only needs the extended service twice more this year. If the perpetrators are arrested, those costs can be reimbursed to the town if the presiding Judge orders it, so this may be money that eventually is returned to the town coffers.
Saturday morning in the pre-dawn hours, I was awakened by the sounds of what I can only describe from my youth as a flotilla of B-52 bombers flying low over the house. It being too dark to see if anything was amiss, and not entirely certain I was not dreaming I floated in and out of conscious sleep until twilight arrived and I could investigate the source of the horrific noise that rattled windows and made it nearly impossible to think. At first light I was out on the porch checking the area and discovered three large combines and other assorted farm implements only 100 or so feet from the house harvesting the lush and plentiful soy bean crop. Another reminder that summer will soon be over, the Pod Squad was on sight and for more than 10 hours they harvested the fields in front and back of the house.
Last Monday the town board met minus Supervisor Babbitt-Henry who was away on vacation with her family and Councilman Phil Viruso who is still out due to illness. This was the last meeting where public comment on the proposed water rate changes was allowed and of the eight people in attendance, only four homeowners were directly impacted. They asked how it would impact their quarterly bill and were satisfied by the answers given by Deputy Supervisor Larry Gnau.
It was also announced that Lynn Holmes has successfully passed the required Waste Water Licensing program and a motion was made to appoint him as the Senior Waste Water Supervisor. Motion was carried with all ayes and congratulations were offered by board members as well as the audience. Holmes also noted that Jim Cowley, his assistant, has successfully completed his licensing requirements.
Many of you may not know that the town’s small John Deere tractor was stolen earlier this summer. Since it had a Blue Book value of only $2,800, the insurance carrier will only reimburse the local government for $1,000. This is not enough money to replace the tractor so other measures were discussed to fulfill the town’s responsibilities for maintaining the properties at the Sewer Plant, East Avenue Water Tower, and the town-owned cemeteries.
An emergency situation, such as this, allows the Supervisor to make an interim short-term agreement with a company who can provide the necessary service. In this case the board authorized the existing contract holder to expand his scope of responsibilities for an additional $135 per visit. Gnau stated he believes this is very short term as the season for mowing is ending and the town probably only needs the extended service twice more this year. If the perpetrators are arrested, those costs can be reimbursed to the town if the presiding Judge orders it, so this may be money that eventually is returned to the town coffers.
Town attorney James Campbell passed out draft copies of the proposed Adult Entertainment Law with new language that is more succinct and more in line with the community at large. There is still much that has to be discussed and a review done by the county planning board to see if there are any areas that may eventually be designated as appropriate for these types of businesses if someone requests it. Lynn Homes suggested that if an area is finally designated as appropriate for these types of businesses, we let our adjoining neighboring county know so they can take their own pre-emptive measures.
Homes also reminded the town board that the Rural Water personnel are coming into town to determine where leaks are occurring in the town’s water system. The hydrants have to be flushed and people are complaining of dirty or discolored water. Run your cold water a minute or two before washing laundry or brushing your teeth, and if the problem persists, contact Lynn at 585-519-1823.
Wednesday evening, a dozen people, two of them visitors and one a candidate, came out for the Democratic caucus. It was decided that the Democrats would cross-endorse Jade Perkins for the position of Town Clerk in the November election. Perkins, the acting Town Clerk, is running to complete the three years left on Claudia Gauer’s term.
After the caucus was closed out, Greg McCaffrey, acting district attorney since May 2012, and candidate for the position in November’s election, addressed the people. Stating he is running as a candidate for all people regardless of their political beliefs, he described some of the changes he has already made to the office since his appointment. Some of these changes include streamlining the paperwork and working more closely with law enforcement personnel so there are fewer gaps in the necessary paperwork which means criminals can be prosecuted in a more timely fashion; eliminating some of the budget overlaps that has resulted in a more efficient and prudent spending of the taxpayer’s money; and creating a more open atmosphere to improve the interaction between members of the district attorney’s office, crime victims and concerned citizens.
Key to his remarks was emphasizing that while he is younger than either of his opponents, he also brings a wealth of experience from his years in Monroe County as an assistant district attorney where he worked from 2002 to 2006 handling as many as 1,000-plus misdemeanor and felony cases per year. He also noted that the Livingston County District Attorney’s office only processes about 100 felony cases annually. McCaffrey also worked in the Major Felonies Bureau (2004-2006) and Felony DWI Bureau (2004) in Monroe county, and together with his time as an associate at the firm of Jones & Skivington (2006-2012) in Geneseo, he has gained a well-rounded legal background.
McCaffrey is a native son and a graduate of York Central High School, Nazareth College, and the University of Buffalo Law School. He is married and has cousins through marriage in Springwater. He is the father of three young sons.
A fundraiser for Congresswoman Kathy Hochul, district attorney candidate Greg McCaffrey, and Assembly candidate Randy Weaver will be 4-6 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Big Tree Inn in Geneseo. There will be light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. There are three tiers of supporter levels: $10 students, $30 individual or $50 for families. The Burn Brothers Band will provide musical entertainment. Anyone wishing to meet the candidates may attend.
Next Monday, the town board meets at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall. Tuesday, the Springwater–Websters Crossing Historical Society meets at 6:30 p.m. for a dish-to-pass dinner and a program on the History of the Springwater Fire Department. Thursday is primary day for Republicans and Conservatives from noon until 9 p.m. Our town is busy and I hope to see some of you at one of these places.
Tuesday, Sept. 11, is also the 11th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York City. Take a few minutes to remember the events of that day, say a prayer for those we lost, and thank the first responders who serve our communities.
Wednesday, Sept. 5, the children return to classes for the 2012-13 school year. School buses will be on the roads and rambunctious children will once again be gathering on the road side at designated bus stops. It is illegal to pass stopped school buses, so plan your own departure times for work accordingly.
To all of the students, good luck in the coming school year. Stay safe and be careful. To all of our readers, have a great week.
