Update from Farmington Town Supervisor Ted Fafinski:  

SUPERVISOR’S REPORT

By Theodore M. Fafinski

January 4, 2011

As we start a new year, our spending plan for the town of Farmington reflects a sign of the times. I am proud that, despite rising costs for everything from fuel to health insurance, the board was able to keep spending increases at a minimum. The budget process was especially difficult because of some decisions we as a board made into order to more fairly distribute the limited funds we have. Case in point are the three libraries funded in part by the town: Wood in Canandaigua, Victor Free and the Macedon Public Library. Since Farmington does not have a facility of its own, the town for years has allocated a portion of its annual budget toward supporting the three most used by our town residents.

The Town Board decided this year, as was the case with many of our budget lines, not to increase the amount of annual funding split among these three institutions. We kept the funding level flat at the 2010 rate of $98,791.00. The board did, however, change the way that money is distributed to more fairly fund the libraries based on their use by town residents. The Pioneer Library System, which tracks residents’ use of its various libraries through member cards, provided us with numbers showing that in 2009, 62 percent of Farmington residents used the Victor library, with 21 percent using Wood and the remaining 17 percent using Macedon. In contrast, the board found that the way we had been funding the libraries in prior years was vastly disproportionate.

That said, the Town Board decided to use a new formula, paying each library based on the percentage of town users. In doing so we found that Wood would receive $20,746, or 21 percent, while Victor would receive $61,250 and Macedon, $16,795. 

Wood’s funding for 2010 was just over $37,000 -- that seemed far too dramatic a cut to levy to any institution in a single year. Consequently, the Town Board devised a three-year proposal to gradually bring the funding in line with usage. For 2011, Wood is receiving a roughly 5 percent decrease in funding from the town, while Victor and Macedon will see increases.  

We as a board empathize with Wood Library for the looming reduction in funding as we have faced the same situation from many of our revenue streams, coupled with unfunded mandates. However, we hope that making the changes over a longer period of time will enable the library’s board to seek additional revenue elsewhere. Simply put, the change seems the most fair to both the libraries and the residents we are charged with representing.

The board will continue to monitor our residents’ usage patterns in future years and will make adjustments that coincide with any changes.

It won’t be long until we start the budget process for 2012. I encourage anyone wanting to know more about how the Town Board decides to allocate money to contact my office at (315) 986-8193. I am always happy to explain the process and seek input from residents.

I wish all of you, in Farmington and beyond, a happy and healthy new year! 

TOWN HIGHWAY CAMPUS UPDATE

August 2010

Report on the progress of the Highway Campus: The Town Planning Board recently approved the subdivision of the 45 acre, Hook Road lot where we hope to build a new highway garage complex. It’s located north of the Collett Road intersection. Some residents who were not following the progress of this project over the past several months asked some good questions worth a reply for all.

Why do we need a larger highway garage? The simple answer is growth. There are more roads and subdivisions, which means more area for the highway department to take care of, particularly in the winter when our plow trucks are busy. Over the next several years, at the current rate of growth, we will likely add two snow plowing routes. Our current facility lacks the room to accommodate not only the growing fleet of trucks needed to maintain the roads and store salt.

Why not expand at the current site? Engineering studies indicated we would have drainage problems if we expanded there. Runoff could pose a threat to the adjacent Town Park. In addition, any expansion would require the addition of sewer lines, which would cost thousands. The current site also lacks the space for a larger salt storage building. The town loses money when it cannot store salt.

Why was the site on Hook Road chosen? Because it was in close proximity to the needed sewer facilities and near the current highway complex. The site offered the necessary space needed to accomodate the garage and salt barn with room for possible expension in the decades to come (history tell us that the price of land never goes down over time). The site is not far from the current facilities and is centrally located. As an added bonus it’s also adjacent to the railroad line, should the need ever arise for salt or equipment delivery via train.

What will happen to the current Highway facility? The new highway garage project will probably not be completed until early 2012. The western portion of the current building will be partially rennovated to provide for a larger Town Court facility; our case loads have increased significantly and we are out running out of sufficient space in the Town Hall. The east end of the highway building will be used for our parks maintenance department, which is now dealing with space constraints in the transfer station.

How will you pay for all of this? The Town Board has been saving for these anticipated projects for the past 15+ years with some windfalls as a result of Video Lottery Terminal revenues from the state. We hope to be able to complete much of the rennovations without any impact on the tax levy.

Here are a few other updates for Farmington residents:

Sales tax revenue: Second quarter sales tax revenue is up slightly from the same period in 2009, but down from the same period in 2008. We received the check just a few weeks ago. It’s good news, but we’re still not up to where we were in 2008. Economic recovery is a slow process and, as many of you know ,it will take several years for us to see an appreciable difference - regardles of what Washington tells you.

NEW polling places: The Ontario County Board of Elections has designated the Lodge at Mertensia Park as a polling place for Election Districts 5, 6 and 8. This will alleviate the congestion at the Town Hall. The new polling place will be in effect for the Primary Elections on Sept. 14, 2010, along with the new voting machines. As an aside, since Primary day falls on the second Tuesday in September, the Town Board meeting had to be moved to Wednesday Sept. 15 and the Planning Board moved to Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010. This proves that nothing in government is simple or easy.

Your 10 minutes is invaluable!

March 2, 2010 

In March 2010, more than 130 million addresses will receive a 2010 Census form by mail or hand delivery. The 2010 Census will document the changes in our nation since the last decennial census in 2000, and tell us how we’ve evolved as a country. Because census data affect how more than $400 billion in federal funding is distributed to tribal, state and local governments, the census also will frame the future of our country and our community for the next 10 years.

During Census 2000, the mail participation rate was 72 percent as of the April 2000 cut-off. About $85 million is saved for every one percent increase in mail participation. For these and many other reasons, we must work to encourage everyone’s participation in the census.

Here’s what you should know about the 2010 Census:

It’s easy. One of the shortest census forms in history, the 2010 Census form asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. The individual in whose name the housing unit is rented or owned should complete the form on behalf of every person living there, both relatives and nonrelatives.

It’s important. Census data are used to reapportion seats in Congress and ensure proper district representation in state and local governments. Information from the census helps determine locations for child-care and senior centers, new roads, hospitals, schools and community centers.

It’s safe. By law, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

Finally, the most efficient way to respond to the 2010 Census is to complete the form as soon as it arrives and return it in the postage-paid return envelope. Census workers will visit households that do not return forms to take the count in person.

Town Water and Sewer chief honored

Feb. 14, 2010

Farmington Town Supervisor Ted Fafinski presented a plaque to Jim Crane, the head of the Water and Sewer Department, at the recent Town Board meeting, recognizing the 2009 Engineering Excellence Gold Award.

The award was made by the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York to the MRB Group for its Farmington Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvement Project.

The treatment plant serves residents and businesses in the towns of Victor and Farmington and the northern portion of the town of Canandaigua. Work at the plant was done to meet residential, commercial and industrial growth, and has improved the water quality, air quality, and the economic health of the region. At the same time, energy use at the facility has decreased markedly.

James R. Gresens, president of MRB Group, who has worked with the town on the project, accepted the award from ACEC during an awards ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

Fafinski said the plaque is now hanging at town hall.

WANTED: A few good residents!

More than 50 youngsters and their parents turned out at the Lodge at Mertensia Park in December to meet Santa Claus and his wife, who were on a break from the North Pole.

The event included plenty of hot cocoa and cookies to be decorated by guests. It was deemed a success by its organizer, the town of Farmington’s newly minted recreation director, Mark Cain.

Cain hopes it is the start of many more such community programs for kids and grown ups alike.

But he needs the public’s help.

The Town Board is looking for seven Farmington residents to serve on its recently created Recreation Advisory Board. The unpaid, volunteer board will look at ways to expand the town’s current recreation offerings and assist Cain in organizing events. It will also:

·        Make recommendations for capital and operating budget items

·        Look for ways to work collaboratively with neighboring communities

·        Help in the selection and development of parks and facilities

·        Seek out revenue sources for the expansion of parks and trails

The Town Board in late December passed a resolution officially creating the Advisory Board. It replaces a Recreation Commission that was disbanded by the town in keeping with the recommendations of a parks and recreation Master Plan that was created last year.

Advisory Board members will be appointed by the Town Board. Three members will serve for two years, two members will serve for three years and two members will serve for four years.

Anyone who wishes to serve on the Advisory Board should write a letter of interest with general biographical information to Town Supervisor Ted Fafinksi at 1000 County Road 8 in Farmington, 14425.

Questions may be directed to his office at (315) 986-8193 or to hfarming@rochester.rr.com.

Town launches new Web site

Residents wondering what their elected officials are up to now have an easy means of finding out, right at their fingertips.

The town of Farmington has just launched a new and vastly improved Web site that features everything from agendas for upcoming board meetings and minutes from previous sessions to contact information for government leaders and information on community events.

The site, www.townoffarmingtonny.com, has been up and running for a few weeks. It is the product of a months-long undertaking by Town Board member Peter Ingalsbe, Town Clerk-elect Michelle Finley and Farmington resident Stephan Schmidt.

Schmidt, a computer whiz, generously donated his time to launch the site. There’s no fee to the town for the site’s first year of operation.

“The site opens local government to our citizens and quite frankly, the rest of the world,” said Town Supervisor Ted Fafinski. “For a long time we had a ‘static’ Web site that just gave basic information. We searched for the best venue to bring the kind of information people wanted to them.”

In fact, Ingalsbe spent months checking out Web sites for municipalities across the state before coming up with a plan for Farmington.  Schmidt took most of the photographs of local places of interest for the Web site. The site allows residents to register their e-mail addresses to receive regular updates from the town. The hope is to also provide regular updates for the town’s new Recreation Office, which will be based in the Lodge at Mertensia Park and headed up by Mark Cain. Already posted is information about the “Evening with Santa” at the lodge this Friday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.

The site remains a work in progress. Town officials hope to add minutes from the 2009 meetings for all of the town’s various boards as well as a section specifically for senior citizens. Town department staffers are being trained to provide regular updates on the site.

“We’re always open to suggestions to help make this Web site the best it can be,” said Fafinski.

For more information, contact Jessica Youngman in the town supervisor’s office at (315) 986-8193.

Celebrate the holidays with Santa

Dec. 9, 2009

Have a youngster with a Christmas wish to share with Santa?

Mr. Claus and his wife will be on hand at the new Lodge at Mertensia Park from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 18 for “An Evening with Santa.”

Town residents are welcome to attend the free event where cookies and hot chocolate will be served.

Not only is it a chance for the little ones to meet Santa and pose for pictures (bring your camera), but it’s also an opportunity to check out the lodge, which opened in the park on Mertensia Road this past May. The future home of the town’s Recreation Department, it’s available for special events and will be used for various community functions like Santa’s visit.

For more information on the event, contact Jessica Youngman in the town supervisor’s office at (315) 986-8193. For more information on renting the lodge, contact the Town Clerk’s Office at (315) 986-8100.

SUPERVISOR'S REPORT

By Theodore M. Fafinski

Nov. 12, 2009
 
2010 Farmington Town Budget:  The budget was adopted at the November 10, 2009 Town Board Meeting.  The Tax Rate will go DOWN to $1.066 per thousand from $1.187 this year.  After the Public Hearing the town board found a way to cut an additional $20,000 from the preliminary budget to bring the tax rate down even more.
 
HAIL AND FARWELL;  Farewell to  Councilman Rudy vanderVelden who decided to “retire” early and resigned effective October 31, 2009, in order to enjoy their new winter retirement home and spend more time with family.  Rudy contributed to the town heading up many projects:  Chairing the all hazard mitigation plan for Farmington which the State of NY finally approved for all of Ontario County, He oversaw the construction of the permanent records storage vault along with climate controls for the records stored there, working with Councilman Mike Casale on the Town Board Public Safety and Town Operations / Human Resources Committees.  We wish Rudy and Diana well in their retirement. 
Hail to Councilman Elect Steven M. Holtz or Weigert Road who the town board appointed to fill the remaining two months of Rudy’s un-expired term, at the November 10, 2009 Town Board Meeting.  Steven attended all the 2010 Budget Workshops in preparation for his new roll.  He will serve on the same town board committees that Rudy served on.  Steve will begin his elected term on January 1st 2010.  We anticipate that all the 2010 elected Officials will take their oaths of Office immediately following the December 22,2009 Town Board meeting.
 
TRANSITION PLAN TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE:  In discussion at the November 10th town board meeting – the board asked the current town clerk to come up with a transition plan to ensure continuity of that office.  Based on that discussion I appointed the Town Operations Committee to work with the outgoing and incoming Town Clerks in formulating a plan for transition and “hand off” of responsibilities.  The Town Board Town Operations Committee (Casale/Holtz) will update the board on the progress.  Councilman Ingalsbe expressed his concern about moving forward pointing out  that there were 33 working days left before the actual transition.
 
CONFIDENTIAL SECRETARY TO THE SUPERVISOR:   The Town Board created a temporary training position for the Confidential Secretary to permit the smooth transition of that position on Jan 1, 2009.  That position serves at the pleasure of the Town Supervisor and is a civil service exempt position and has many functions that affect every employee in the town.  I anticipate filling that position by December 7, 2009.
 
RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:  The Town Board will be transitioning from the Recreation Commission to a Recreation Advisory Board based on the Recreation Master Plan recommendations of Passero and Associates that was completed in 2008.  The advisorary board will have more defined duties that will be expanded to facilitate improvements in the town’s recreation programs over the next several years.  We anticipate needing some town residents who are interested in our Parks, Expanding our Trails and Recreation Programs.  If you have served on the Recreation Commission and want to continue on the Recreation Advisory Board or are just interested in getting involved in the Recreation Advisory Board please submit a letter of interest to the Town Supervisor’s Office.  Your letter should tell why you are interested in serving, what qualifications you would bring to the board and most importantly how much time each month are you willing to devote to the position if appointed.  This is a rare opportunity to make things happen in a growing community.