$319 million facility is second to build at STAMP, following Plug Power

These are renderings from the Governor’s Office show phase 1 of the new facility to be built for Edwards Vacuum.

Press Release, Governor Kathy Hochul’s Office

TOWN OF ALABAMA – Governor Kathy Hochul and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer today announced the start of construction on the first phase of the $319 million Edwards Vacuum dry pump manufacturing facility, located in the Genesee County town of Alabama.

The British-based global leader in vacuum and abatement equipment for the semiconductor industry, part of the Atlas Copco Group, chose the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park in Genesee County as the location for its new U.S. dry pump manufacturing facility.

The technology produced at the new facility is a vital component to controlling the highly sensitive environment of semiconductor manufacturing processes. Edwards Vacuum’s decision to invest in New York State followed passage of the federal CHIPS and Science Act, New York’s Green CHIPS legislation, and the domestic semiconductor industry growth the complementary programs have spurred, including Micron’s unprecedented $100 billion commitment to Central New York, which is expected to create nearly 50,000 jobs.

“As a Western New York native, I experienced the years of decline from the exodus of manufacturing from Upstate New York,” Governor Hochul said. “Those days are over. The start of construction on the newest Edwards Vacuum facility signals the beginning of a new chapter for both Western New York and the Finger Lakes regions.  Edwards’ choice to build in New York State brings hundreds of good paying jobs and millions of dollars in investment Upstate while helping strengthen our domestic semiconductor supply chain, shorten delivery times for suppliers like Micron, reduce carbon emissions, and bolster national security.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “Today is a great day for the Western New York and Finger Lakes region, with Edwards Vacuum breaking ground on its $300+ million manufacturing plant, which will create an estimated 600 good-paying jobs and boost New York’s already booming semiconductor supply chain. Thanks to my CHIPS & Science Act, which continues to deliver investment after investment for Upstate NY, we are adding another stop to our semiconductor superhighway along the booming I-90 corridor Tech Hub with Edwards Vacuum’s groundbreaking today. This is yet another example of my CHIPS & Science Law bringing manufacturing back to America, especially Upstate NY, and is only the beginning of the next chapter in Upstate NY’s manufacturing renaissance.”

Construction on the $127 million first phase of Edwards Vacuum’s 240,000 square-foot campus will include manufacturing, warehouse, and administration facilities, with a capacity to produce 10,000 dry pumps per year. The all-electric facility will strive for LEED certification, with a majority of the power generated via hydroelectricity.

Edwards’ commitment to build in the U.S. comes after significant investments by the Biden Administration to increase domestic chip manufacturing, and the passage of the federal CHIPS and Science Act and New York’s Green CHIPS legislation, as well as a growing need to support its customers in North America.

Edwards dry pumps are currently manufactured in Asia. By bringing manufacturing to New York, Edwards customers – including Micron and GlobalFoundries in New York, and Intel in Ohio – will experience shorter wait times, improved responsiveness and reduced CO2 emissions from an American-made product. Edwards estimates that when phase one is operational, it will reduce CO2 emissions by 13,000 tons per year.

Empire State Development has awarded Edwards Vacuum up to $21 million through a combination of performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits and Investment Tax Credits in exchange for 600 jobs, and an additional $1 million to support workforce development efforts and the training of a diverse and inclusive workforce. Additionally, the New York Power Authority is supporting the project though a 4.9-megawatt (MW) low-cost Niagara hydropower allocation and a 2.1 MW of High Load Factor power allocation that NYPA will procure for Edwards on the energy market. Low-cost Niagara hydropower is available for companies within a 30-mile radius of the Power Authority’s Niagara Power Project or businesses in Chautauqua County.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The start of construction for Edwards Vacuum’s new facility signals that hundreds of good jobs and millions of dollars in investments are headed to Upstate New York. We are well on our way to becoming a global hub for advanced manufacturing and building a strong semiconductor ecosystem in New York State.”

 Semiconductors, and their supply chain partners, are vital to the nation’s economic strength, serving as the brains of modern electronics, and enabling technologies critical to U.S. economic growth, national security, and global competitiveness. The industry directly employs over 277,000 people in the U.S. and supports more than 1.8 million additional domestic jobs. Semiconductors are a top five U.S. export, and the industry is the number one contributor to labor productivity, supporting improvements to the effectiveness and efficiency of virtually every economic sector — from farming to manufacturing.

In the FY 2025 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul doubled down on her commitment to establish New York as a global hub for semiconductor research and manufacturing, including:

• $100 million in funding for additional rounds of the FAST NY program.
• $500 million for NY CREATES’ Albany Nanotech Complex – with total State investment of $1 billion – to jumpstart a $10 billion partnership that will bring the future of advanced semiconductor research to New York’s Capital region by creating the nation’s first and only publicly owned High NA EUV Lithography Center.
• $200 million to establish One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships (ON-RAMP) – a network of four new workforce development centers to prepare New Yorkers for the jobs of the future created by companies like Micron and Edwards Vacuum.

Assemblymember Steven Hawley said, “I’m proud to see the announcement today that Edward’s Vacuum is starting construction at the STAMP mega-site. The 139th Assembly District has always been a hub of innovation and it’s only fitting that it will be at the center of New York’s emerging semiconductor industry. This project is another step in the right direction toward growing the local economy, creating good-paying jobs and making New York a leader in this sector.”

Town of Alabama Supervisor Rob Crossen said, “We congratulate Edwards Vacuum on the start of construction at the STAMP mega-site. This latest milestone in the development of STAMP continues the realization of our shared vision for investments that improve the economy, attract good paying jobs, and enhance our community.”

GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde said, “As we work to grow our economy and deliver family-sustaining careers at the STAMP mega-site, having partners like Edwards Vacuum, Senator Schumer, and Governor Hochul is gratifying. The start of construction for this critical semiconductor industry project demonstrates the impact that STAMP provides in our shared state and federal vision to grow semiconductor and related advanced manufacturing sectors.”

Provided photos: Medina students Alexander Balaban, Isabella Gray and Elaina Bitsas pitched their idea of Pets & Found.

Press Release, Medina Central School

BUFFALO – Medina Junior-Senior High School business students competed and won top honors at the first-ever 43North Students to Startups Finals! The event was held at Seneca One Tower in Buffalo, NY.

Medina students Alexander Balaban, Isabella Gray and Elaina Bitsas competed against nine other teams, most from larger districts, and came home with first place and $1,000 for their hard work and effort.

Their business idea – Pets & Found – was a subscription style app to help owners find their pets and partner with local veterinarians to develop a kind of animal patient portal to benefit both pet owners and veterinarians.

43North is an accelerator program for seed-stage startups and has given over $5 million annually into growing Buffalo’s startup ecosystem. 43North is excited to collaborate with educators to inspire entrepreneurship and innovation in their classrooms.

“We are so proud of these students,” says Jody Sargent, one of the school’s business teachers.  “We want to congratulate them for their hard work and effort as well as Business/Computer teacher Mrs. Krista Lindke who worked extensively to prepare these students for their success.”

The students were featured on  the news television stations in Buffalo last night.

From left include Mr. Jody Sargent, Isabella Gray, Elaina Bitsas, Alexander Balaban and Mrs. Krista Lindke at the 43North Students to Startups Finals.

Provided photo: The new inductees of the National Junior Honor Society are pictured at the middle school on Thursday evening.

Press Release, Albion Central School

ALBION – Carl I. Bergerson Middle School inducted 31 students into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) on Thursday.

The current members of NJHS led the ceremony, explaining that the organization is built on the four pillars of scholarship, service, leadership and character and that inductees must exhibit all four qualities and be recommended by a faculty member in order to be eligible. The current member of NJHS include Aubrielle Barry, Sophia Bouchey, Maliyah Carithers, Makenzie Cook, Peyton Dimatteo, Alivia Dumrese, Lillian Fisher, Anna Gillette, Julia Graham, Sadie Money, Dakota Palmer, Adelaide Pettit, Drake Schomske, Keira Sidari, Katelyn Viza, Tra’Monie Walker, Nathan Wehling and Aniela Wilson.

Some of the current members were recognized with the Service Pin for completing 25 hours of service. Those members include Sophia Bouchey, Makenzie Cook, Julia Graham, Dakota Palmer, Adelaide Pettit, Drake Schomske, Tra’Monie Walker, Nathan Wehling and Aniela Wilson.

Once the Service Pins were awarded, Mrs. Robin Bower addressed both current and new members of NJHS as the night’s guest speaker. In her speech, she highlighted students’ perseverance and love of learning, commending them on their hard work and their well deserved success.

The soon-to-be new inductees were then asked to stand and recite the NJHS pledge before crossing the stage to receive their certificates and sign the registry book. The newly inducted members of NJHS include Madison Blount, Colson Braley, Stryker Braley, Aubrey Bruning, Kelsey Crawford, Blake Coty, Jax Gotte, Lena Grillo, Rianne Hand, Sophie Kozody, Carter Krull, Maddax Krull, Noah Latz, Nicole Loney, Adele Mathes, Logan Mayes, Mary McCormick, Brooklynn Miens, Tatiana Morales, Jane Nesbitt, Hannah Olles, Kamryn Peruzzini, Kendall Peruzzini, Brooklyn Pisano, Parker Roberts, Thailer Seibert, Scarlett Stambach, Oliver Stoffa, Caden Woolston, Chloe Mosele, and Kasia Robinson.

Congratulations everyone!

Membership Dinner, Historic Masonry Workshop also planned for May

CHILDS – The Cobblestone Society has announced the first of its special events for the 2024 season.

The first will be an educational program May 3 by coverlet enthusiast Marty Schlabach on the Cobblestone Museum’s Orleans County 19th century coverlet collection. A guided tour of the coverlet collection is including in the evening, which begins at 6 p.m.

Marty Schlabach

Cobblestone director Doug Farley explained that coverlets are woven bedcovers, which were popular in the 19th century when most American homes had spinning wheels and looms. A wide array of cloth was woven by the women of the family for household use, including geometric patterned coverlets.

There were also professional weavers who wove specialty textiles and earned some or all of their living practicing their trade. Figured and fancy coverlets were one of the specialty items and required special equipment usually only found in the professional weave shops.

Following an introduction to coverlets, the coverlet weavers of Orleans County will be highlighted in the evening’s presentation.

Marty Schlabach came to appreciate coverlets through his wife, Mary Jean Wesler, who has been interested in and collected textiles for many years, with a particular interest in quilts. Sometime more than 10 years ago, while pawing through a pile of textiles at a local estate sale, Mary Jean came across two whole late 18th century cloth quilts and one geometric patterned coverlet. It was this that started their interest in exploration and collection of coverlets.

As a retired Cornell University librarian, Marty particularly enjoys the historical research associated with learning about coverlets and their weavers.

A free-will donation will be accepted at this presentation, and reservations are strongly encouraged by calling (585) 589-9013.

File photo by Tom Rivers: On May 8, the Cobblestone Society will host its annual Membership Dinner at the Carlton Recreation Hall. Here, Randy Bower lends his talent as auctioneer at one of the events.

The second event in May is the annual membership fundraising dinner at Carlton Recreation Hall. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with dinner served at 6:15 p.m. A buffet catered by Zambistro’s will include chicken piccata and Italian meatballs.

Farley said this is the Cobblestone Society and Museum’s 64th year of service to the community, but there is still much important work to continue.

“With your help and generosity, the Cobblestone Museum will be able to maintain our 10 historic buildings and provide educational programming for generations to come,” he said.

Tickets for this year’s membership dinner are $67 per person or $124 per couple. Each package includes a full year’s membership to the Cobblestone Society and Museum (good through April 30, 2025).

The Carlton Recreation Hall is located at 1853 Oak Orchard Rd., Albion (in Carlton).

The third event announced by the Cobblestone Society is a hands-on Historic Masonry Workshop on May 18 presented by Brian Daddis Heritage Masonry at the Thompson-Kast Visitors Center, listed on the New York State Register of Historic Places.

The full day workshop will focus on maintaining a historic masonry structure. Topics include the importance of using lime mortar when reconditioning historic masonry structures, with a hands-on demonstration involving repointing a stone foundation, repointing brick, extracting and replacing bricks and composite patching of bricks.

Cost for the full day working, which includes lunch, is $90 for Cobblestone Society members and $100 for all others.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Alexandria Purnell, left general manager of the Walsh Hotel, and bar manager Emily Plumb stand in the dining room, where Monday night euchre is going to be offered beginning April 29.

MEDINA – The staff of the Walsh Hotel is going all out to bring new life to the historic building, after an extensive remodeling by Tim Cooper and subsequent purchase by local developer Rollin Hellner.

General manager Alexandria Purnell has announced new features about to be launched, including extended hours, expanded menu and euchre games on Monday nights.

Purnell and bar manager Emily Plumb will welcome guests to the facility which, since 1852 has served the community as a bar, restaurant, hotel and speakeasy.

New hours of operation will be 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

“We are getting busier and busier, and that is wonderful,” Purnell said. “We have even booked our first wedding and reception here for October.”

“It is so much fun to see the support from the community,” Plumb said.

Hellner reports that he expects to begin renovation of the upper floors by fall, creating 22 studio and one- or two-bedroom apartments.

Perhaps the most exciting news is the start of euchre games every Monday night. Seating is available for up to 48 players.

Games will begin at 6:30 p.m., and players can earn substantial prize money, based on the number of players.

A veteran euchre player, Lee Smith of Lyndonville will oversee the games and be a substitute player if someone ends up without a partner. No one will have to worry about getting a seat to play, whether they come with a partner or not.

A server will be available to take orders from the card players, so they won’t have to interrupt a game to get a drink. Free coffee and snacks will be provided.

The cost to play will be $5 per person, plus $2 to get in a loner pot. Prizes will be paid for first, second, third and last place.

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today announced the launch of the Community Project Funding (CPF) process for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). The deadline for this year’s submissions is Monday, April 29, at close of business.

The CPF process is an important way for members of Congress to advocate for essential projects that benefit our communities. It provides transparency, accountability, and oversight of the funding process rather than simply relying on bureaucrats to make critical funding decisions behind closed doors without congressional input.

The CPF program allows local governments and non-profits to submit requests for federal funding for high-priority community projects in New York’s 24th District. All projects are vetted thoroughly, are subject to strict oversight, and must demonstrate strong local support.

All CPF applications supported by Congresswoman Tenney’s office must meet rigorous eligibility requirements, as outlined in the appropriations guidance, and must provide a clear plan to execute funds promptly with strong accountability measures built in. Tenney’s office works closely with all grantees to ensure awarded funds are spent responsibly and for their intended purpose.

Local elected officials and non-profits interested in submitting applications for projects should visit Tenney’s website (click here). Those with questions should contact Tenney’s Washington, DC office directly at 202-225-3665.

Provided photo: Scott Schmidt of Medina, who will play the organ at three locations for the Cobblestone Museum’s progressive organ concert on May 26, is shown at the 156 rank Margaret Wendt Memorial Organ in Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Buffalo, where he has been given permission to practice.

ALBION – The Cobblestone Society and Museum’s progressive organ concert on May 26 promises to be a memorable and entertaining afternoon, featuring local organist Scott Schmidt playing the organ at three local churches.

The concert begins at 2 p.m. with a wine and cheese reception at the Pullman Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church on Main Street in Albion, next to the Orleans County Courthouse. Next stop will be the First Presbyterian Church on the other side of the Courthouse Square, with the final concert at the Cobblestone Church on Ridge Road, Childs.

At each church, Schmidt has planned a program that will demonstrate the breadth of the musical instruments selected, said Cobblestone Museum director Doug Farley.

Following introduction of the program and instructions by Maarit Vaga at the Pullman church, Bill Lattin will welcome visitors. Schmidt, who will play the church’s 1894 William Johnson and Son Opus 812 organ, has chosen three selections, each of which will be followed by singing of a congregational hymn.

At 3:15, guests will progress to the neighboring First Presbyterian Church, where they will be welcomed by Kevin Gardner. Again, three selections played on the 1875 E. & G.G. Hook and Hastings Opus 789 organ will be followed by singing of congregational hymns.

The Presbyterian Church’s organ has special meaning for Schmidt, as he donated a Zimbelstern for the organ in memory of his grandfather.

He explained Zimbelstern means “cymbal star” in German and is a “toy” organ stop consisting of a metal or wooden star or wheel on which several small bells are mounted. When engaged, the star rotates, producing a continuous tinkling sound. In some Christian liturgical traditions, it is run during the singing of the Sanctus, or on doxological stanzas of hymns.

At the Cobblestone Church, Holley pianist Raymond Santoro will present a musical interlude upon arrival. Farley will welcome guests, followed by three musical selections and congregational hymns played on the 1904 Estey Reed organ.

An added feature will be a narrative by Lattin of the previous hymn and introduction of his 1857 melodian.

Then the guests will depart for the Tavern on the Ridge across the corner (formerly Tillman’s Village Inn) for dinner. A choice of menu selections will be available for concert guests.

Schmidt is an accomplished organist with a lifelong love of the instrument. He first began taking piano lessons at the age of 8, then, following in his grandfather Bill’s footsteps, began taking organ lessons at the age of 12 after his family moved from Tonawanda to Middleport. When his teacher moved away after six lessons, he continued playing on his own, with encouragement from his grandfather.

At age 15, Schmidt became junior choir accompanist at the Middleport United Methodist Church. He has served as organist and choir director at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Lockport, prior to attending college and taking a position as organist at Gloria Del Lutheran Church in Potsdam. After college, he returned to Mount Olive, where he was organist from 1983 to 1988.

He transferred membership to Concordia Lutheran Church in Kendall, where he was organist from 1995 to 1999. In November of 2000, he ordained as a music minister in the First Presbyterian Church USA and was installed as organist and choir director at Barre Center Presbyterian Church. He currently continues as organist there.

Schmidt, a resident of Medina, often plays for other churches in the area. He is also a funeral director with Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals, and has spent his entire funeral service career in Orleans County. He is the county’s chief coroner and is a member of several professional and service organizations. He is president of the New York State Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners and president of Orleans Recovery – a community support organization for those affected by the opioid addiction/overdose epidemic.

He has two daughters, Hayley Schmidt, a clinical mental health counselor with Orleans County Mental Health, and Danielle Schmidt, a student at Nazareth College studying communications.

Tickets for the afternoon are $35 for Cobblestone Society members and $40 for all others. Space is limited and tickets are presale only. Dinner at the Tavern on the Ridge (formerly Tillman’s Village Inn) is included.

To order tickets or for more information, call (585) 589-9013 or log on to www.CobblestoneMusuem.org.

Press Release, Genesee County Economic Development Center

BATAVIA – “The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) is pleased to announce that we are working closely with the towns of Oakfield and Alabama, along with the village of Oakfield and regulatory agencies to construct a force main to accommodate the current projects at STAMP and a potential future project.

“This project would result in capital improvements to the Village of Oakfield wastewater treatment plant, including the installation of equipment to reduce the current phosphorus discharge into Oak Orchard Creek.

“As the Oakfield line cannot fully replace Orleans County line we will continue to pursue the force main to Oak Orchard Creek in the town of Shelby through a different construction method and we look forward to working with United States Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Tonawanda Seneca Nation as this process moves forward. The Oakfield plan alleviates the timing pressures for the build-out of the force main to Oak Orchard Creek.

“As a result of being recently notified by the USFWS that our permit for horizontal directional drilling for the force main to Oak Orchard Creek in the town of Shelby has been terminated, we are in the process of submitting a new permit application to propose an open cut construction method which will avoid the types of incidents that resulted from the former method.

“The determination by USFWS is unrelated to claims made by Orleans County regarding the force main to Oak Orchard Creek.  Those claims brought by Orleans County were recently dismissed by State Supreme Court following an Article 78 hearing.”

Photo by Karen Sawicz: Congresswoman Claudia Tenney speaks during a news conference after a roundtable discussion with law enforcement officials today at the Orleans County legislative chambers. From left include County Legislator Skip Draper, Sheriff Chris Bourke, State Sen. Rob Ortt and District Attorney Joe Cardone.

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

ALBION – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today hosted a roundtable discussion in Albion to provide a forum for local law enforcement leaders and elected officials to discuss the challenges facing the community.

Tenney was joined at the event by elected officials including, New York State Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt, Orleans County Legislature Vice Chairman Bill Eick, Orleans County Legislator Donald Allport, Orleans County Legislator John Fitzak, Orleans County Legislator Skip Draper, Niagara County Legislator David Godfrey, and a representative from the office of Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

Law Enforcement Officers present included Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron Jr, Genesee County Undersheriff Bradley Mazur, Niagara County Deputy Attorney Brian Seaman, Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti, Orleans County District Attorney Joseph Cardone, Orleans County Sheriff Christopher Bourke, Wyoming County Sheriff David Linder, Lewiston Police Chief Frank Previte, Lockport Police Chief Steven Abbott, Middleport Police Chief John Swick, Holley Police Chief Robert Barton, Village of Albion Police Chief David Mogle, Village of Medina Police Chief Todd Draper, and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

“Thank you to all the public servants who attended our Law Enforcement Roundtable today to discuss the ongoing challenges facing our law enforcement community,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Every day, these courageous men and women risk their lives for our community, and they must have the tools they need to continue to keep themselves and our communities safe. I am eager to bring the feedback I received from our roundtable to Congress to continue advocating for the resources and legal protections our law enforcement officers deserve!”

“I want to thank Congresswoman Tenney for putting this roundtable together and I thank all of the attendees for taking the time to join us today to share exactly what our law enforcement officers are facing each and every day,” said Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt. “We continue to witness our brave men and women in law enforcement come under attack by individuals who feel emboldened by Albany’s soft-on-crime policies. It is paramount that we protect those who are tasked with protecting us and today granted me the opportunity to learn first-hand of the ongoing challenges and reaffirm my support to our law enforcement personnel.”

“Our police officers have always had our backs and it’s about time we had theirs,” said Assemblyman Steve Hawley. “We spoke firsthand with our law enforcement officers today about the issues facing them and their community. For far too long, the Majority in Albany has supported initiatives that support criminals and undermine our police. I’ve always been a staunch advocate for law enforcement in New York and I will continue to fight to make sure they have the resources they need to do their jobs.”

“I, along with other law enforcement leaders, appreciate the support and communication we receive from Congresswoman Tenney,” said Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti.  “The anti-law enforcement politics by the majority in the New York State Legislature are taking a toll on law enforcement across this state. Law enforcement has been pushing and asking for change to laws that favor criminals and forget about the public we serve. The Congresswoman understands the importance of law enforcement and has offered assistance to help keep our communities safe.”

“On behalf of Orleans County and our local law enforcement agencies we would like to thank Congresswoman Tenney for continuing to address our public safety issues,” said Orleans County District Attorney Joseph Cardone. “There has been no stronger advocate in Congress supporting our efforts and introducing legislation to make policing more effective. It’s refreshing that our Representative in Washington has a sincere interest in what problems we are experiencing in our communities and that she has taken the time to understand our concerns. Claudia has repeatedly demonstrated a genuine concern for her constituents and our quality of life.

“I would like to thank Congresswoman Tenney for taking the time to meet with local Law Enforcement Partners to learn more about the difficult challenges we are facing as a northern border county in New York State,” said Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke. “The radical left wing arm of the Democrat Party continues to champion woke policies that put our Law Enforcement Officers and citizens at risk. N.Y.S. continues to celebrate criminals and criminal behavior with draconian laws such as ‘bail reform,’ ‘raise the age,’ ‘less is more,’ ‘green light law,’ ‘Halt Act’ and the list goes on. We have definitely reached a new low with respect to Public Safety in New York State. I have personally never seen anything like this in my 39 years with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. Thank you Congresswoman Tenney, along with our local and state Republican representatives for continuing to stand up against evil and fight for the safety of our citizens.”

This is the third Law Enforcement Roundtable Tenney has hosted this year, emphasizing her commitment to the law enforcement officers in our community.

Photo by Tom Rivers: A Monroe Ambulance is parked near the scene of a fatal Albion fire at Oak Orchard Estates in the early morning hours of April 15. Monroe became the primary ambulance responder in central Orleans County after COVA Ambulance ceased operations in December 2022.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature is backing a package of state legislation that officials believe will help make emergency medical services more sustainable financially and with personnel.

The county said EMS providers are in crisis due to rising costs of care and high demand for increasingly complex services.

Locally, COVA Ambulance and the Kendall Fire Department both ceased their ambulance services after 2022.

The seven towns in eastern and central Orleans now are contracting with Monroe Ambulance to keep an ambulance in the county and be the primary responder. That contract is for $300,000 in 2024. The towns weren’t paying anything for the service in 2022. The Medina Fire Department handles most of the calls in western Orleans.

“EMS is a form of healthcare and is subject to the same escalating costs as the rest of the healthcare industry,” county legislators stated in a resolution on Tuesday. “Municipalities that operate EMS departments, or contract for services with those that do, feel the ongoing financial strain of these costs that are far outpacing inflation.”

Legislators said local governments are hindered by the current laws in collaborating on joint EMS services across municipal and county boundaries. The laws prohibit counties and local municipalities from creating joint taxing districts for EMS services.

“Orleans County urges the State Legislature to amend the General Municipal Law to allow flexibility within local governments to help solve the issues within the EMS crisis and to consider EMS an essential service,” legislators stated in the resolution.

The current law should be changed to allow for joint taxing districts, property tax exemptions, EMS medical reimbursements, income and property tax credits and increase of tax income credit, legislators said.

The County Legislature said it is in “full support” of the “Rescuing Local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Package” proposed by the New York State Association of Counties.

The NYSAC package includes:

• S.4020-B (Mayer) / A.3392-B (Otis): Special Taxing Districts & EMS Being Deemed an Essential Service. This comprehensive legislation package allows special taxing districts to be created to fund EMS services. In addition, this legislation would recognize EMS as an essential service and provide reform to the Emergency Medical Services Council.
• S.5000 (May) / A.4077 (Lupardo): Property Tax Exemption for EMS Services. This Legislation would remove EMS services from the real property tax cap, which would allow local municipalities to expend and better support their local EMS services. This measure is needed in the short-term while other solutions are being discussed.
• S.8486 (Hinchey) / A.9102 (Kelles): Authorization of the Reimbursement for Treatment in Place and Transportation to Alternative Destinations. This Legislature authorizes Medicaid reimbursement to emergency medical services (EMS) agencies for providing Treatment in Place (TIP) to a patient at the point of response; as well as Transportation to an Alternate Provider (TAP), getting a patient to the most appropriate health care setting other than a hospital, such as a mental health clinic rehabilitation facility or urgent care.
• S.6630 (Mannion) / A.6274 (Barrett): Income tax and Property Tax Credits. This legislation allows volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers’ personal income tax credit from $200 to $800 for eligible individuals and from $400 to $1,600 for eligible married joint filers.
• S.3223 (Sanders) / A.9237 (Hevesi): Targeted Medicaid Rate Increase for EMS Providers. This bill would create a methodology for ambulance reimbursement under Medicaid that more closely approximates the cost of providing services. Ambulances are required by law to pick everyone up, including Medicaid patients. It is unfair to require these ambulances companies to accept Medicaid patients and then not fairly reimburse them for the costs of providing services to these patients.
• S.6645 (Comrie) / A.6136 (Eachus): Thruway Permits for EMS Vehicles. This legislation requires the thruway authority to issue emergency services permits to EMS vehicles as is already done for fire apparatus, which would exempt EMS from being required to pay tolls while transporting patients on the NYS Thruway.

Kimberly Stawicki sent in these photos from Glenwood Lake in Medina. The photo on the left shows her rescue dog, Larry Douglas, while the one on the right shows ducks enjoying the water.

Today will be sunny, but the high will only reach 47, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

The temperatures will climb on Friday to a high of 59, followed by a high of 63 on Saturday.

The forecast then shows highs of 74 on Sunday, 76 on Monday and 68 on Tuesday.

Fire Department leaders say Albion FD has long been underfunded; bigger budget needed for equipment

Photos by Tom Rivers: Albion Fire Department Deputy Chief John Papponetti, standing at lower right, goes over the current budget issues and challenges facing the Albion Fire Department. He presented benefits of a new Albion Joint Fire District to about 80 people this evening during a public hearing about the joint fire district. The hearing was held in the LGI room at Albion High School.

ALBION – The Town Boards for Albion and Gaines, as well as the Albion Village Board were unanimous this evening in voting to form a new Albion Joint Fire District.

The new joint district will be its own taxing entity, with its own elected fire commissioners. It will replace the current setup where the Albion Fire Department is part of the Albion village budget, with the Albion Village Board serving as a commissioners overseeing the department and determining its funding.

The towns of Albion and Gaines both provide funding through fire protection contracts with the village.

The new joint fire protection district would likely have an annual budget of about $750,000 to $850,000. That is more than double the current $350,000 for the fire department.

That amount is much too low and doesn’t include any money for reserve funds to help pay for fire trucks and equipment, said John Papponetti, the deputy fire chief.

He went over slide and information for more than a half hour during a public hearing at the LGI of the high school. The hearing went for about 50 minutes.

“The village realizes that the funding for the fire department is insufficient to meet current standards of today and the future, and that the department is not adequately equipped and needs better equipment, vehicles and facilities,” Papponetti said.

Deputy Fire Chief John Papponetti said the fire department needs more funding to meet the demands for new equipment, from trucks to turnout gear. The current budget of $350,000 is less than half of what the fire department needs, he said. The map on the screen shows Orleans County with Albion Joint Fire District in the red outline.

With an $850,000 budget the tax rates for fire protection would change from the current 93 cents per $1,000 in Albion and 80 cents in Gaines to about $2.00 for the two towns and village, according to the presentation from Papponetti.

The new joint fire district is pending a permissive referendum. If there is a petition submitted by enough registered voters in Albion and Gaines, the joint district would go to a public vote. (The attorneys didn’t have all the details on a referendum this evening, but it typically requires a petition with at least 5 percent of the registered voters in the last gubernatorial election. The petition would need to be submitted within 30 days of today’s vote.)

If the joint district stands – with or without a referendum – it would take effect on Jan. 1. That’s when it would start with its own budget, and the joint district would own the fire trucks and equipment. The village is keeping the fire hall on Platt Street and will lease the space to the fire district.

The first five commissioners were appointed this evening and they will serve terms from July 1 to Dec. 31. Al Cheverie and Gary Mumford represent the Town of Gaines. The Village of Albion has one representative, former village trustee David Buczek. The Town of Albion has two appointees, Chuck Nesbitt and Jeremy Babcock. Cheverie and Babcock are current members of the Albion Fire Department.

If the joint fire district goes forward, there will be an election for five fire commissioners in December. In that first election, the candidate with the most votes gets a five-year term, then the fourth most gets four years, down to the candidate with the fifth-most votes getting a one-year term.

After that first election, there will be an election for just one position for a five-year term in the following years.

Doug Heath, attorney for the Town of Gaines, welcomes the public to ask questions during the hearing. He was joined at the table by the Town Boards for Albion and Gaines, and the Albion Village Board, as well as the attorneys for each municipality and advisor Raymond DiRaddo who has provided legal advice to fire districts for 40 years.

Papponetti said residents will have a greater say in the department through the election of commissioners. Any bonding or establishment of reserve accounts by the joint district will also need voter approval.

The fire department faces a need for a new ladder truck and an engine in the not-too-distant future. The cost of the fire trucks has more than doubled since 2011. Papponetti said ladder trucks in 2024 are now about $2.2 million with a fire engine at about $1.2 million.

The Village Board hasn’t established reserve funds to prepare for these big purchases, he said. Papponetti said the fire department currently competes for funds in the village budget with other departments – police, DPW, cemetery, clerk’s office, recreation and other needs.

The fire department currently operates on about a $350,000 budget, with the village paying $113,456 (32 percent), the Town of Gaines at $120,422 (35 percent) and the Town of Albion at $116,122 (33 percent).

Papponetti said the fire department would come out of the village budget with its own tax bill in January. It should result in a lower village tax bill, although village residents would pay the new fire district tax.

Pete Sidari, an Albion firefighter and former Albion Village Board member, asked if the village is keeping the fire hall and leasing it to the joint fire district. Other new joint fire districts have had villages just transfer the fire halls to the new district. None of the questions asked at the hearing were answered during the meeting.

The villages of Holley and Lyndonville both recently moved the fire department out of their budgets and into fire districts. Raymond DiRaddeo, a Rochester attorney, has worked with fire districts for about 40 years. He said more communities are putting the fire service in fire districts to ensure there is proper funding.

One resident, Jake Walter, said he didn’t like that the annual elections are in December, which he said is a busy time for people who haven’t gone south. He said the timing of the vote seemed to discourage voters.

Laura Bentley also said the fire protection taxes would more than double with a joint fire district.

Papponetti said the fire department budget would need to go up significantly, even if the joint district doesn’t go through. He said there isn’t enough money right now to run the department and have money set aside for new trucks and equipment.

“It’s very difficult to operate in this current environment,” he said about having the department in the village budget. “It’s like living paycheck to paycheck. There are no reserve accounts. The funding is inefficient.”