County Legislature Honors Outgoing Legislator Chuck Nazzaro

The Chautauqua County Legislature has approved a local law increasing salaries for the Undersheriff, Captain, Warden and Corrections Lieutenant.

Legislator Terry Niebel said when the local law was introduced he asked the County Sheriff and Human Resources to research salary information in other counties for comparison, “They ended up looking at 32 other counties. The salary range before us now puts us somewhere in the middle of those 32 counties. We are looking at an increase of two or three ranges for each position. But given today’s situation with law enforcement, I believe these increases are warranted.”

The local law passed unanimously.

A resolution to increase landfill and transfer station fees also passed by a vote of 16 to 2. Legislators Bill Ward and John Penhollow were the two votes against. The new fees go into effect January 1st.

Legislators approved by block vote a host of resolutions that included several resolutions that adjusted American Rescue Plan funding toward emergency services department projects. Legislator Chuck Nazzaro said while the resolutions were being handled quickly by the full legislature, that they were discussed thoroughly in committee, “As you know, we received $24.6 million in ARPA funding, the American Rescue Plan. And to date, now with what we have before us tonight we will have approved just under $10.2 million in projects. So each year we receive $12.3 million for 2021 and $12.3 million for 2022 and we’ve spent or awarded $10.2 million today.”

Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon presented outgoing Legislators Christine Starks, Chuck Nazzaro, Bob Whitney, and Bill Ward with commendations for their time and service on the Legislature.
Memorials also were read for former County Legislators who died this past year including Ron Szot, Vickye James, Mac Crowe, Bob Duff, and Tom Harte.

The next County Legislature meeting will be its organizational meeting at 4pm, Monday, January 3, 2022.

The Chautauqua County Legislature spent over two hours on Wednesday night hearing comments and discussing the future of the County Home prior to a failed vote to sell the facility to VestraCare. The proposal to sell failed by one vote. (Photo by Jason Sample/WRFA)

MAYVILLE – For the third time this year, the effort to privatize the Chautauqua County Home has been defeated.

Wednesday Night the Chautauqua County Legislature voted to sell the county home to VestraCare at a cost of $16.5 million. The final vote was 16 to 9, which was one vote short of the 17 that is required for a property sale under the county charter.

Prior to the vote, legislators spent an hour discussing the sale. Legislator Tim Hoyer (D-Jamestown) said he was opposed to the sale because he felt the county needs the skilled nursing facility in order to ensure its residents will be properly taken care of.

“When we own our own county nursing home, we can take care of our family. We can take them in, not needing a means test to see if they can help turn a profit,” Hoyer said. “When we own our county home, we can act with compassion for each and promise to provide for each others’ common needs because of our county home. There is no worry about whether or not we will be accepted, only if there is a bed available. That promise of care is what we are being asked to sell tonight.”

However, several lawmakers disagreed with Hoyer, saying that if the county doesn’t privatize the home, it risks being closed down in the near future. Legislator and Republican county executive candidate Vince Horrigan (R-Bemus Point) said that selling the county home shouldn’t be considered a loss, but rather an opportunity.

“If we do not seize this opportunity, if we just continue like in 1987 until now to kick this down the road, I truly believe there will come a time when we will not talking about a buyer, at lest not this quality buyer. We’ll have to face the consequences that could be something much less than the opportunity to privatize. None of us want that.”

Legislator and minority leader Bob Whitney (D-Jamestown) said he was opposed to the sale because he didn’t feel legislators were given enough time to research VestraCare. He accused the process of being rushed for political reasons…

“You can slice it anyway you want but his is not a vote tonight to sell the county home. It’s a vote so one political party can try to make this election about the sale of the county home. Not about the record on job loss, tax increases and political gerrymandering of legislature lines,” Whitney said. “They control the agenda so they are going to use the legislative process in an attempt to influence the election…. you would have to be a fool to think the timing of this vote was just by chance.”

Besides Whitney and Hoyer, the other Legislators voting against sale were: Keith Ahlstrom (D-Dunkirk), Lori Cornell (D-Jamestown), Billy Coughlin (D-Fredonia), Tom DeJoe (D-Brocton), Bob Duff (R-Sheridan), Shaun Heenan (D-Dunkirk) and Bob Scudder (R-Fredonia).

LISTEN TO LEGISLATORS COMMENTS AND REACTION FROM COUNTY EXECUTIVE

OVER A DOZEN SPEAK OUT AGAINST SELLING THE HOME

Prior to the legislature discussing the sale of the county home, members of the public were given an opportunity to offer their thoughts on the proposed sale.In all, 15 people spoke, including County Home Resident Joe Carrus, who serves as the president of the home’s resident’s council and made an impassioned plea to the lawmakers.

County Home resident Joe Carrus was one of 14 individuals who spoke out against the sale of the county home on Wednesday. (Photo by Jason Sample/WRFA)

“Can’t you hear that the sick and old and employees are calling out to you, the county legislator? Can’t you hear their cries?” Carrus asked. “Will you grasp their outstretched hands or let them cry in vain when you cast your vote for the buyers? Please don’t cast that vote for the buyers! You did not do enough research to begin with.”

Another who spoke out against the sale was Dunkirk resident Frank Gawronski, who said that several lawmakers have said selling the home will help reduce taxes. Something he doesn’t believe.

“My county taxes come out to about $400 a year. How much are you going to save me by selling the county home? You might save me five buck. It’s not worth the five bucks you’re going to save me to do what you’ve done. You’ll further divide this county into north and south with the false promises of a tax deduction that we’re never going to see.”

Several members of the CSEA Unit 6300 also where on hand and spoke out against the sale.

Of the 15 speakers, only one spoke out in favor of selling the county home, and that was Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce president Todd Tranum, who said that if the county doesn’t sell the home soon, it will risk having to close the facility down. He also said that a sale would benefit more residents than it would hurt.

“For some here tonight, voting ‘yes’ to sell the county home may be a difficult decision,” Tranum said. “However, if you look at it from the framework of saving jobs, saving important services for our elderly, saving an asset, doing what is fiscally and financially right to do, and doing what is right for the taxpayers of Chautauqua County, then it really should not be that hard of a decision.”

EDWARDS PREDICTS VOTERS WILL SHOW DISPLEASURE WITH FAILED SALE

Following the failed vote, Chautauqua County Executive Greg Edwards admitted that the result was what he had anticipated, although he also said that he was still disappointed. He also said that when he contacts VestraCare, he will let them know that the decision was not based on how they run their operations.

“I’m going to compliment them on the fact that despite immense efforts by people opposed to the [the sale] of trying to find something bad VestraCare, not one single negative word was mentioned about the performance of VestraCare,” Edwards stated. “So he should be taking this vote as a compliment, in the sense that not a single person could say anything bad, just not enough people could recognize the value and the opportunity that he proposed.”

Edwards believes that the sale of the home will happen at some point in the near future, and that’s because voters will not re-elect those who voted against the sale.

I’m confident that on Tuesday, voters are going to vote at the polling places with a clear agenda on their minds. That they are going to look to replace those legislators who voted in opposition to their wishes and that their going to put people in those spots that are going to do what they are hired to do, and that is to represent the majority of the people in Chautauqua County.”

As for the buyer of the home, VestraCare co-owner Edward Farbenblum told WRFA earlier this month that if the sale was voted down, he would reconsider submitting another proposal, although there’s no guarantee because he was also looking into purchasing another similar facility, and stated that it would be one or the other, but not both.

Representatives from VestraCare spent nearly two hours meeting with Chautauqua County Lawmakers on Oct. 9, 2013 to answer questions and provide details on their interest in purchasing the Chautauqua County Home. From left to right: Cookie Travis, Admissions Director of Golden Hill Nursing Home; Hector Rodriguez, Golden Hill Community Relations Director; Jaqueline Sylvia, Golden Hill Chief Administrator; and Edward Farbenblum, VestraCare co-owner. (Photo by WRFA)

MAYVILLE – It was a long and at times confrontational special meeting of the Chautauqua County Legislature last night in Mayville as lawmakers met with the latest prospective buyers of the Chautauqua County Home.

Four representatives of VestraCare – including co-owner Edward Farbenblum – sat before the legislature and answered more than two dozen questions regarding their interest in buy the skilled nursing facility in Dunkirk at a cost of $16.5 million.

• VIEW COUNTY HOME PROPOSED PURCHASE CONTRACT FROM VESTRACARE (59 PAGES)

Lawmakers were especially interested in what VestraCare’s immediate and long-term plans would be for the home, including what services they would offer and what type of staffing they would provide for patients in their care. Officials with VestraCare explained that they would like to eventually expand services that would include a medical daycare facility as well as a provide homecare services.

Administrator Jaqueline Syliva – who is the head of VestraCare’s Golden Hill skilled nursing facility in Ulster County, NY – said that they would most like expand the number of nurses they have on staff at the facility. And both Sylvia and Farbenblum explained the company’s hiring practices, saying they would interview all current staff of the county home and work toward hiring those individuals, prior to going out and seeking other candidates. They also said wages would be similar to what is currently being offered, but could not make any guarantee that they could match the current benefits.

Oct. 30 decision deadline too soon?

One of the main issues of concern that was brought up by some lawmakers was the timeline given for the legislature to act on the sale. Under the submitted contract, VestraCare is requesting the county act on the contract by Oct. 30.

However, legislators Billy Coughlin (D-Fredonia), Bob Whitney (D-Jamestown) and Chuck Nazarro (D-Jamestown) questioned the date, saying they felt more time would be needed.

Coughlin was especially confrontational with the buyers, questioning their past history with other facilities and alleging they did not have strong oversight with some companies they subcontracted for certain services. He also said he wanted more time to investigate VestraCare.

Twenty of the 25 legislators were in attendance for the Oct. 9 meeting. (Photo by WRFA)

“This is what I’ve been able to come up with in nine days, just nine days,” Coughlin said, pointing to his notes on the company. “This is very difficult for me. I think we need an extension, for our due diligence, to maybe get an answer to some of these things. Real answers.”

Nazarro was also against the deadline, but for a different reason. He felt that it was poor timing, considering a local election was just around the corner and it may led to some legislators voting against the sale.

“I have been on record that I want to see the home privatized to the best buyer,” Nazarro said. “I think that’s a trend your going to see for all the reasons stated. However, I think that putting that October 30 date on there is going to jeopardize the entire process.”

Despite Nazarro’s and Coughlin’s concern with the Oct. 30 deadline, other lawmakers felt that it wasn’t a major issue. Vince Horrigan (R-Bemus Point), Larry Barmore (R-Gerry) and Keith Ahlstrom (D-Dunkirk) all pointed out that lawmakers actually had since the end of August to research the buyers, since that was when they were first introduced to lawmakers.

In addition, legislator Mark Tarbrake (R-Ellicott) said delaying the vote would only result in more money being lost in the long-run.

“The problem with postponing the vote, is the fact that we’re losing money on this facility every single day,” Tarbrake said. “I agree with what Mr. Ahlstrom said. He’s got a lot of wisdom here and he’s served on this body for a long time. We’re here to serve our constituents and if you can’t vote now with your conscience, then there’s a problem. I don’t think we should postpone the vote. I think it is important for the citizens of this county.”

Waiting to vote could be a gamble

Farbenblum said that he would prefer the legislature stick with the Oct. 30 deadline since that was what was agreed to during negotiations. After the meeting, WRFA asked him what would happen should the legislature vote against the sale on Oct. 30, which is a likely scenario. One of the options is that another vote could come forward later this year or even early next year, although Farbenblum said he can’t guarantee VestraCare would still be interested.

“if it comes to it, I’ll play the waiting game, but I can’t promise that I’ll be here,” Farbenblum said. “I will tell you that there are two county facilities for sale right now that we are interested in and it’s going to be this one or that one at the end of the day. And if that one turns into a sure thing, I can’t say ‘no’ because this one is a maybe.”

The legislature is expected to act on the sale of the home on during a special voting session on Oct. 30. A total of 17 ‘yes’ votes would be required in order for the sale to go through. In January of this year, the legislature voted 16 to 9 in favor of selling the home to Altitude Health Services of Chicago – which was one vote short of the required 17. A second attempt in February to sell to Altitude Health Services also failed.

In all, the special meeting lasted an hour and 45 minutes. A total of 20 legislators were in attendance, with Bob Duff (I-Sheridan), Shaun Heenan (D-Fredonia), Bob Stewart (R-Conewango), Lori Cornell (D-Jamestown) and Tim Hoyer (D-Jamestown) all absent – although Farbenblum said that both Cornell and Hoyer have been in contact with him to ask questions about VestraCare.

The Jamestown Post-Journal is reporting this morning that Legislator Bob Duff (R-Sheridan) took issue Wednesday night with the Chautauqua County Legislature providing a total of $90,000 in funding for the Chautauqua Lake Association, who’s primary duty is to help in the removal of  lake weeds on an annual basis.

After the legislature unanimously approved the funding amount, Duff questioned why it should be the county’s responsibility to care for the lake when it doesn’t even own it. Instead, the Sheridan Republican said that since the lake is the property of New York State, it should be the state that funds the clean up and treatment of the lake, not the county government.

On Wednesday night the legislature soundly defeated a resolution sponsored by Tim Hoyer (D-Jamestown) calling for the legislature to stop reciting the pledge and saying a prayer before each legislative session and replacing it with the New York State Oath of Office. Prior to the vote, Hoyer – who also serves as a Lutheran pastor in a local church – explained his reason for introducing the legislation.

• LISTEN TO COMMENTS FROM HOYER, BORELLO AND COUGHLIN

“Faith is important to people. And here we take our faith, whatever it is, for granted. So when we say a prayer here…our prayer’s are always Christian, not realizing there could be amongst us the Jew, the Hindu, the Buddhist, the atheist,” Hoyer explained. “In our New York State constitution, it says in the bill of rights that everyone has liberty of conscience. That no one will be forced to believe something or worship something they don’t believe in. So when we have a prayer here, we are forcing people to believe the way that we believe and not allowing others to have the freedom of conscience.”

However, the vast majority of lawmakers disregarded or disagreed with Hoyer’s reasoning, including George Borello (R-Hanover), who said that while the First Amendment says the government shall not establish any single religion, it also says that it shall not prohibit the free exercise of religion.

“That’s what this first amendment is about,” Borello said, adding, “Our founding fathers did not come to this nation because they wanted to cast away religion. No. They came here because they wanted to freely practice their religion without being persecuted. Millions and millions of people have come to this country over the past 200 years so that they can escape religious persecution.”

In the end the legislature overwhelmingly defeated Hoyer’s resolution by a vote of 18 to 5. Voting in support of the resolution were Hoyer, along with legislators William Coughlin (D-Fredonia), who was concerned with the legal implications that opening legislative session would have on the county, based on past Supreme Court Rulings; Tom Erlandson (D-Frewsburg); Rod Rogers (Green – Forestville); and Bob Whitney (D-Jamestown).

Both Vicki James (D-Jamestown) and Bob Duff (R-Sheridan) were absent from the vote.

The final vote was 16 for the sale and nine against, meaning it came just one vote short of the super-majority needed to make the sale final.

Prior to the vote, legislators spent more than 45 minutes discussing the sale. Among those in favor of selling the home was Legislator Vince Horrigan (R-Bemus Point), who said the sale would be a “triple win” for the county.

“Ladies and gentleman, this is not a win-lose. This is not a good-bad. This, in fact, is triple win. It is a win, if we approve this contract, where we protect the nursing home residents. Where we protect the jobs of county home employees. And where we protect the taxpayers.”

Majority Leader Larry Barmore (R-Gerry) was also in favor of the sale. He said that given the fact the County Home could be out of money by the middle of 2014, the legislature should approve the sale now because there might not be a county home to sell in the future.

“When the county home runs out of money the administrator is going to be forced to stop accepting new patients and form a plan for closure,” Barmore said. “Little by little, the patient numbers will decrease in the county home as we accept nobody new. The county home will be forced to close. We will no longer have a county home and we will lose everyone of those jobs.”

New Minority Leader Bob Whitney (D-Jamestown) was among those who voted against the sale, and gave a number of reasons for his vote.

“I’m voting ‘no’ because I don’t feel we’ve fully implemented the CGR report. I’m voting ‘no’ because I don’t think the sale’s price coming in 20 percent lower than what they projected is right. I’m voting ‘no’ because the contract [with Altitude Health Services] came out fast – it was given four days before committee. I’m voting ‘no’ because I don’t like the buyer. And I’m voting ‘no’ because I tried to get language in the contract about [Altitude Health Services] not being eligible for IDA money but that couldn’t be put in. For all these reasons, I’m voting ‘no,'” explained Whitney.

In addition to Whitney, the other legislators voting against the sale were Keith Ahlstrom (D-Dunkirk), Lori Cornell (D-Jamestown), William Coughlin (D-Fredonia), Tom DeJoe (D-Brocton), Bob Duff (R-Sheridan), Shaun Heenan (D-Dunkirk), Tim Hoyer (D-Jamestown) and Bob Scudder (R-Fredonia).

Although the legislature did not approve the sale of the home to Altitude Health Services, it did vote in favor of a follow-up resolution to sell the Chautauqua County Home, if the right conditions were in place. That resolution passed by a vote of 18 to 6.

The legislature also approved a resolution to appropriate $693,000 from the county’s fund balance as matching funding for the federal Intergovernmental Transfer program, which will be used to help keep the County Home operational.

WRFA will present more comments and reaction regarding the sale of the Chautauqua County Home during our Community Matters program, which airs Thursday night at 6 p.m. (and is rebroadcast Sunday at noon).

Prior to voting on the spending plan, lawmakers spent more than two hours discussing amendments to the budget. In all, the panel approved six additional amendments to the revised spending plan that was finalized last week by the Legislature’s Audit and Control committee, reducing the tax levy in that version of the budget by $1,870,000, or $.26 per thousand assessed value.

Several of last night’s amendments increased projections in revenue, including $320,000 in sales tax revenue. Legislator Chuck Nazzaro (D-Jamestown) explained why he felt the increase projection in sales tax was warranted.

“These numbers, in my opinion, are conservative, they really are,” explained Nazzaro, adding, “And I think we owe it to the taxpayer not to underestimate the numbers.”

Lawmakers also increased federal aid through the county Department of Social Services by $250,000, and they decreased employee post-retirement benefits by $1 million and IGT funding for the county home by $250,000.

After approving the amended spending plan, leaders from both parties expressed their view on the process. Majority Leader Larry Barmore (R-Gerry) said that in his mind, it wasn’t the best plan but it was one he could support.

“I am not totally happy with this budget as it has been amended,” Barmore said prior to the actual vote. “However, as I look on things that we discussed this evening – we won some, we lost some. I think the public at large looks to us to work together and to compromise. I’m sure that some people on the other side are as unhappy with what they didn’t get as I am unhappy with what they did get.”

Minority Leader Lori Cornell (D-Jamestown) said she was pleased that lawmakers could find a way to reduce the tax rate.

“Bottom line is we are passing along a tax cut to the people of Chautauqua County by passing along a savings in the budget. That money is theirs and it belongs in their pocket now, not next year and I think we’re doing the right thing.”

The four lawmakers who opposed the spending plan were Republicans Fred Crosscut (Sherman), P.J. Wendel (Lakewood) and Mark Tarbrake (Ellicott) and Democrat Keith Ahlstrom (Dunkirk) who felt it was an irresponsible spending plan.

“All we accomplished in three and a half hours tonight was some smoke and mirrors with the numbers,” Ahlstrom said. “We actually increased spending because the only real change in the budget in the budget was to spend $230,000 in funding for equipment in [the Department of Public Facilities]. Other than that, we were using our fund balance in different places. We used it to decrease the tax rate and, as everybody said tonight, ‘kick the can down the road’ again for future years. This is a false budget for the taxpayers. There are no savings to the taxpayers. We did not do anything about the spending side of the budget.”

A total of $5,241,000 was taken from the county’s unreserved fund balance to help offset a tax increase that at one point was $.18 per thousand higher than the current year’s tax rate. Heading into next year, the county’s undesignated fun balance is now just over $4,000,000 – while it faces a budget gap of an estimated $14,000,000 for 2014.

The 2013 budget will now go before County Executive Greg Edwards for his authorization. He can either sign off on the spending plan or veto it, sending it back to the legislature where it would need 17 votes for an override. Again, it was approved last night by 19 votes. Legislators Bob Duff (R-Sheridan) and William Coughlin (D-Fredonia) were both absent from last night’s meeting.

Despite failing to receive committee endorsement, the resolution will still head to the full-body legislature next week for an official vote.

A tragic accident on Jamestown’s north side has taken the life of an 11-year old boy. Police say the boy – whose name has not been released – was killed when he walked from between two parked cars into the path of an oncoming vehicle at 4 p.m. Wednesday near the intersection of North Main and 12th streets. Police say the vehicle was traveling north on Main Street and the driver was unable to avoid hitting the child. EMS officials responded to the scene quickly and the youth was taken to WCA Hospital, where the boy was pronounced dead.

The investigation into the accident is continuing with assistance from the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Dept.’s accident reconstruction team, but police say it doesn’t appear any negligence was involved on the part of the driver. Following the accident, residents on the north side lit candles and created a memorial at the scene of the accident.

COUNTY IDA DIRECTOR PRESSES CHARGES AGAINST LEGISLATOR BOB DUFF

MAYVILLE – The head of the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency is pressing harassment charges against the man he’s accused of assaulting. The Jamestown-Post Journal is reporting today that IDA Director Bill Daly filed harassment charges against Legislator Bob Duff with the Erie County Sheriff’s Department.

In addition to pressing charges against Duff, Day also filed a report alleging that Duff violated the county’s Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Anti-Bullying policy. The IDA head also sent a letter to Legislature Chairman Jay Gould, R-Ashville, announcing that he had filed charges with the county against Duff.

Earlier this week, Duff claimed that he had filed charges against Daly for the altercation, which allegedly tool place Thursday in Irving during a meeting between county lawmakers and leaders of the Seneca Nation. County officials were on the Seneca’s territory to discuss business opportunities with the local officials. The incident reportedly took place during the break between the conference portion of the evening and the dinner which followed.

PRELIMINARY HEARING FOR THE FOUR TEENS CHARGED WITH BEATING A CITY MAN RESCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, FEB. 10

JAMESTOWN – The Four city teens connected to the beating of a city man last week will now have to wait until Friday before their bail is set. The Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office tells WRFA that the preliminary hearing for the four teenagers that was initially set for Wednesday as been adjourned for Friday morning.

The four teens – 17-year-olds Christian Pagan, Shaquille Rahim and Monti Sell and 16-year-old Carlton Williams – allegedly attacked and beat an unidentified man around 9 p.m. on Tuesday – January 31. The man’s wallet was also stolen in the incident. Two additional teens – whose names aren’t being released because they are minors – remain at large.

After an investigation, the four were arrested last Thursday and arraigned the following morning in city court, where they were then sent to the county lock-up without bail – pending recommendation from the District Attorney’s office.

The man, victim, whose name was not released, was taken to WCA Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries.

GO JTNY TO BE FEATURED LATER TODAY ON WRFA

JAMESTOWN – A local initiative is hoping to help shine the spolight on all that downtown Jamestown has to offer by taking a Do-it-Yourself approach to promoting businesses and events. Go JTNY is a public awareness campaign started by Jamestown residents Frank Besse and Jonathon Bell – who not only work but also operate their own local business in the city.

The two describe Go JTNY as a grassroots group of forward thinking entrepreneurs, community leaders, and creative individuals who believe strongly in the rebirth of the greater Jamestown area. Bell and Besse say they strive to for optimism and want to encourage the community to pursue fresh, progressive ideas.

The two will be featured later today during Community Matters, at 6 p.m. right here WRFA.

COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY ANNOUNCES PET PHOTO WINNERS

JAMESTOWN – A St. Bernard who’s final act was to help save her family from a house fire earlier this year has been named The Chautauqua County Humane Society’s “Pet of the Year” – as determined by its Hot Dogs, Cool Cats pet photo contest.

Officials with the humane society say Nana Petscher – the St. Bernard from Kiantone who awoke her family in the early morning hours to warn them of a fire and then died as a result of blaze – was this year’s winner. Her photo was submitted by Ashley Smith of Kennedy.

Smith will claim the top prize package that includes a fully installed fence from Invisible Fence Inc., of Erie and a “Monster Package” photo session and prints from Jon Elder Photography Productions.

The Humane Society would like to everyone who participated and donated in the 4th annual contest. The fundraising contest provided a return of $11,688.00 that will go to cover the costs of providing basic care and medical treatment for the pets under the animal shelter’s care.

To view the final photo contest rankings visit www.spcapets.com.

MAYVILLE – The Chautauqua County Home will be on the market starting January 1. That after the Chautauqua County Legislature approved a resolution last night 13 to 11 to enter into an agreement with the Marcus and Millichap firm to market the potential, sale, lease, or other disposition of the County Home. Following the voting session, County Executive Greg Edwards commended those who helped to pass the resolution.

“We are scheduled beginning January 1 to lose over $10,000 a day at our county home,” said Edwards. “I want to thank those leaders that agreed to do just that – lead, because you can’t turn a blind eye to a problem, you have to address it, and they did.”

Edwards added that under the agreement with Marcus and Millichap, the county will not pay any money to the firm unless a deal is struck with a potential buyer…

“We’re going to get all of this at no cost to the tax payers by having this done by Marcus and Millichap,” explained Edwards. “We will pay nothing unless a successful deal is brought to the legislature, approved by 17 votes of the legislature, approved by me as well and then goes forward to a successful closing.”

The county will also be able to establish various stipulations regarding the sale of the county home to any perspective buyer.

LAWMAKERS TAKE EACH OTHER TASK FOR VOTING ON COUNTY HOME RESOLUTION

MAYVILLE – To some members of the county legislature, the effort to act on the Marcus and Millichap resolution came as a surprise, considering it was tabled last month with the understanding it would be revisited in January with the arrival of eight new legislators. Keith Ahlstrom of Dunkirk even chastised some of his colleagues for bringing the measure back to the floor last night.

“We have some legislators here tonight that are leaving after distinguished careers as legislators and I would be embarrassed to have one of my last actions be something as dishonorable as this,” said Ahlstrom. “That we are looking at taking the voice away from a good segment of our workforce and from a good segment of the county.”

While Ahlstrom’s was quick to voice his disapproval of how the process was handled, Legislator Larry Barmore of Gerry defended to move.

“You talk about dishonor. Dishonor would be passing it along to the new guys coming next month instead of handling it yourself,”said Barmore. “We are not voting to sell the county home. We are voting to look into the options.”

Barmore was one of the 13 to vote in favor of the measure. Others who supported bringing Marcus and Millichap on board were outgoing legislator Rudy Mueller of Lakewood and Jamestown’s Chuck Nazarro.

To hear more from various lawmakers and individuals on the county home marketing resolution, tune in to Community Matters tonight at 6 p.m. right here on WRFA.

MOTION TO AMEND HUNTING LAW IS KILLED BY LAWMAKERS, TWO OTHER MOTIONS PASS UNANIMOUSLY

MAYVILLE – The legislature last night also killed a measure to amend the county hunting law. A motion that was sponsored by Mueller and Sheridan’s Bob Duff and tabled last month did not receive enough votes to come back to the floor last night. As a result, it was killed and will have to be redrafted and re-introduced at a future date.

Lawmakers also unanimously approved two motions that will be sent on to Albany. One involved requesting the state provide Medicaid relief to the Chautauqua County, eventually taking over all costs within an eight year period. The other was a request that the state cover any local health department costs involving ground water testing associated with hydro-fracking gas well drilling.

ANTI-BULLYING SEMINAR IS TODAY

JAMESTOWN – Local youth and adults who work with young people will be at the Gateway Center today in Jamestown to attend an Anti-bullying seminar. The “End the Silence, Spark the Leader” Anti-bullying seminar will involve two workshops and include discussions, music, food, and give-a-ways – plus a keynote speech from life coach Jerry Ackerman, who will share several tools with those in attendance. The event is being held in an effort to address traditional bullying along with the ever growing problem of cyber-bullying.

The first session is being held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and the second session running from 4 to 7:30 p.m.

JAMESTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS SEEKS REPLACEMENT BOARD MEMBER

JAMESTOWN – The Jamestown School Board has started the process of finding a replacement for outgoing board member Barbara Piazza. Anyone interested in filling the empty seat for the remainder of this term should contact any member of the Board of Education. Interested persons would be able to run in the upcoming elections as well if they wish to continue serving on the board. There will be two seats up for a 3-year term and one seat up to complete the 1-year remaining on the open seat’s term.

Piazza was charged Friday with third-degree grand larceny after an investigation revealed she allegedly took more than $19,000 in cash between 2007 and 2011 while employed with Jamestown Area Medical Associates. Piazza began serving on the Jamestown Public School board in July 2010.

For more information regarding filling or running for the open seat, contact the Jamestown Public Schools district clerk at 483-4420, or email BOE@jamestown.wnyric.org.