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Farmington Supervisor's Update
February 2010

The time has come for new highway facilities

Farmington has seen much development in the past decade, from commercial buildings near the intersection of Routes 332 and 96 to housing tracts across town. Consider the numbers: When complete, the Auburn Meadows subdivision will add 469 homes to the town, The Estates at Beaver Creek and Phillips Landing will add a combined total of 148 homes and still dozens more residences are planned in expansions of existing developments.

Make no mistake, the growth helps spur the regional economy, in part with the added property tax revenue. But it's also taxing on school districts and local government. More housing tracts, for instance, means more roads for our town highway crews to maintain and plow. To keep up with the growing demand, myself and other town officials for the past several years have been anticipating a future expansion of our Highway Department.

That day has come.

We have literally outgrown our current salt shed at the 4.5 acre Collett Road Highway Department campus. It was, after all, built when we had 33 percent fewer roads to maintain. Additionally, we need a larger highway garage to house additional trucks we plan to add to our fleet in the next few years, starting with one this year. What's more, after studying the current site, we found that the property is not large enough for the needed expansion. Furthermore, if we did proceed there, it could create drainage problems for the adjacent parkland. In addition, we learned we needed a sanitary sewer to meet environmental factors associated with the maintenance of the vehicle fleet.

We believe we can move forward with this project with little if no impact to taxpayers. The town has been saving funds for the project in reserve accounts for a decade. We now boast about $1.6 million in one such account for the highway building project, and an additional $900,000 in savings for the purchase of land. The estimated cost to purchase the land, add a sewer line and cover various engineering fees will be about $400,000; estimates for a building have not yet been drafted.

The town is in the process of acquiring approximately 45 acres on Hook Road, not too far from the current highway barns. Why Hook Road? Because it is fairly close to an existing sewer line and it offers the necessary space for the needed expansion.

Here's a snap-shot of the long range plan:

2010: Acquire the land, construct the sewer to the site and hopefully get the design of the Highway Garage and salt barn.
2011: Begin construction of the garage and salt barn and hopefully complete it by early 2012.
2012: Move the highway department to the new site - we plan on leaving some of the useable facilities used for cold storage of equipment at the present site to minimize costs.

What will happen with the former highway department facilities? The plan is to turn them into a home for the Town Court, now located in the Town Hall on County Road 8. We have outgrown our court -- it's not uncommon for over 100 criminal cases to pack the small space on evenings court is in session. Once the highway department is moved, we will begin renovating the west end of the current highway garage for a larger court. It will be a good use of half of the current highway garage. The other end of the current highway building will be used to accommodate the Parks Department. Our town parks have expanded over the years and the current building at the transfer station cannot accommodate that growth, in the form of refinishing all the picnic tables and maintaining the mechanical equipment associated with the parks.

In 2013, we hope to have completed the renovations to move the Town Court. There are no plans yet for the current Town Court space.

Based on our planning and creating reserve funds, and to a smaller extent, saving some money from the 2007 Video-Lottery Terminal funds we received from the state because we're home to Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack, we hope to contain the costs for these projects without adding to the tax burden.

Annual Joint Chamber Meeting/Dinner January 21, 2010

Event: Annual Joint Chamber Meeting
Farmington, Macedon / Palmyra, Shortsville / Manchester and Victor Chambers
Host Chamber: Farmington Chamber of Commerce
Where: Legacy At The Fairways Champion Hills Country Club
675 Champion Hills Drive, Victor, NY (off High Street in Victor)
When: January 21, 2010
Time: Social Hour: 6 pm (cash bar)
Dinner: 7 pm
Program 8 pm
Menu: Champion Hills Gourmet Buffet
Cost: $25 per person (tax and gratuity incl.)
Program: Debra Martin
Assistant Attorney General in Charge
Rochester Regional Office
Topic: Consumer Scams, ID Theft and Deceptive Business Practices
FOR RESERVATIONS: PLEASE call Rose Kleman, 585-398-2331 or Sue Stehling, 585-924-3409.
RSVP Required by January 14, 2010

SEE YOU THERE!!!

Chamber Recognizes Rose Kleman's 26 Years as President
Also Honors 2009 Business of the Year FSI Systems Inc.

The Farmington Chamber of Commerce recognized Rose M. Kleman's 26 years as President at a dinner held in her honor on September 15, 2009 at Finger Lakes Gaming and Race Track. The chamber also honored 2009 Business of the Year FSI Systems Inc. and its President John Malvaso.

Nearly 80 business members and guests attended the evening festivities, emceed by chamber board member Marc A. Mothersell. A very special opening ceremony featured the United States Marine Corp Color Guard, who led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the national anthem. Co-chairs of the event were Diane Mordue, chamber treasurer, and board member Sherry Canzano, who enlisted the participation of the Marine Corp Color Guard.

Cal Cobb, the chamber's newly elected president, briefly described Rose's many accomplishments, then presented her with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the board of directors and a personal special red rose. Ed McGuigan, Ontario County Humane Society, who has known Rose for many years, also spoke to her decades of honored service. Rose then addressed the audience, enumerating the chamber's outstanding successes during her tenure as president, thanking those who supported her during this historic time. Next, presenting State Resolution Bill # J2814 in appreciation of Rose's many years of dedicated chamber and community service, was State Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb (R. 129th Dist.) on behalf of State Senator Michael Nozzolio (R. 54th Dist.) who was unable to attend.

Cal then introduced the 2009 Business of the Year award to John Malvaso and FSI Systems Inc. John recognized his dedicated staff for their important contribution toward winning the award. He also spoke about the chamber's newly formed adjunct called the Farmington Business Council (FBC) he was asked to Chair.

The featured speaker for the evening was State Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb. Assemblyman Kolb stressed the need for the state legislature to stop the bipartisan bickering and perform its elected task of serving the needs of the people of New York State.

Closing off the evening's celebration, Cal emphasized the chamber's renewed dedication to serving its member businesses on every level possible and welcomed the audience to visit the chamber web site at www.farmingtoncofc.com, which is now being updated more frequently, for news about the many upcoming exciting chamber events scheduled through 2010. He thanked the chamber board of directors for their hard work during the past year and the giving of their time as volunteer members. He also mentioned the new chamber business directory now in the mail to members and the colorful chamber brochure recently printed and left at each table setting as part of the chamber's new profile as it looks to a healthy and prosperous future for its growing number of member businesses, now standing at over 150 strong. "Farmington is a growing community," he said. "Come, grow with us."

FSI SYSTEMS INC. PRESIDENT JOHN MALVASO ELECTED TO CHAMBER BOARD

Local industrial and business leader John Malvaso, President of FSI Systems Inc., located at 5847 Cty. Rd. 41 in Farmington, was elected to the Farmington Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors by a unanimous vote of the board at its August 10, 2009 meeting held at the Farmington Town Hall. He brings strong business leadership skills to the chamber, offering several decades of industrial experience and community involvement.

John was recently asked by Chamber President Cal Cobb to Chair the chamber's newly formed Farmington Business Council (FBC). The FBC is an adjunct to the chamber's member services program whose mission it is to aid Farmington in developing existing potential within the business and industrial community. It is comprised of local member industry executives who meet monthly to identify common business problems and formulate solutions using their shared experience. The FBC has held four meetings and is currently hosting an invitation-only Business Information Session with Congressional Representative Eric J. Massa, 29th District NY, on August 25 at the Legacy at the Fairways Senior Living facility in Victor.

FSI Systems Inc. is a full-service electronic product solution provider, specializing in embedded microcontroller solutions and internet data and device monitoring and control. FSI has been in business for well over 25 years. The company's engineering and manufacturing facility is relatively new and spans over 25,000 sq. ft. and is unique in that the building entryway consists of two large dome-shaped, glass enclosures. Customers include industrial, military, and consumer-based original equipment manufacturers. Contact FSI by phone at 585-924-7510.

Please join with us in welcoming John to the chamber board!

Farmington Chamber of Commerce
2009 Recognition Dinner

Please join us as we celebrate Rose Kleman's 25 years of dedicated service to the Farmington community and as President of the Farmington Chamber of Commerce

Guest Speaker - Brian Kolb, R-Canandaigua - State Assembly Minority Leader

Tuesday, September 15, 2009 6:00 PM Open Bar
Fingerlakes Gaming & Race Track 6:30 PM Buffet Dinner
Rte 96. Farmington, NY 7:30 PM Program & Guest Speaker

Call 585-752-4142 for reservations
RSVP by August 21, 2009 $25.00 Per Person

Ginger Bedard of Buffalo Hotel Supply Co. Elected to Chamber Board

The June 8, 2009 board meeting of the Farmington Chamber of Commerce produced a new director: Ginger Bedard, Vice President of the Buffalo Hotel Supply Co., Inc., located at 5801 County Rd. 41 in Farmington.

Ginger has been a member of the Farmington business community for several years and brings a wealth of leadership experience to the chamber board. She was most recently on the founding committee of the chamber's newly formed adjunct Farmington Business Council, which meets at FSI Systems Inc. the 4th Tuesday of every month.

Buffalo Hotel Supply Co., Inc. has served its long list of satisfied clientele for over 70 years from its Farmington site as well as the company's two additional locations in Buffalo and Albany. Buffalo Hotel Supply offers the total package of commercial kitchen design, commercial interior design, equipment and supplies, cash and carry stores, fabrication and project management. The company designs, delivers and installs for Hotels, business, government, non-profits, healthcare, colleges, country clubs, restaurants, casinos and schools. Phone: 585-398-3270, Fax: 585-398-3209 and Web Site: http://www.buffalohotelsupply.com.

Please join with us in welcoming Ginger to the Farmington Chamber Board.

Update from Farmington Town Supervisor Ted Fafinski
April 16, 2009

2010 Census - We have received information from the census bureau that between April and July 2009 U.S. Census employees will be visiting every housing unit in every neighborhood of Farmington in order to conduct the 2010 Census. They will wear official identification and carry handheld computers to capture information. The census is important to communities because many things like state and sometimes federal aid, representation tin congress and the state legislature are tied to population figures. We of course hope they get the count for our town correct.

Financial Accounting for the Town of Farmington. We have submitted the Annual Update Documents to the NYS Comptroller's Office for the Fiscal year ending 2008. This is the equivalent of Financial Statements that corporations file annually. The Town of Farmington is Financially stable and our 2008 budget is in balance as we ended the year. Copies of these documents are available for review at the Town Clerk's Office during normal business hours.

Wastewater Treatment Plant - The American Council of Engineering Companies of New York recognized the Farmington Waste Water Treatment Plant Phase 1 and 2 Improvements for the organizations Excellence Gold Award. The MRB Group, the Town's Engineering firm who designed the plant renovations and oversaw the construction accepted the award at a black tie event in New York City.

WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK - The town has been working on gathering information for the update of the Town's Comprehensive Plan and a Recreation Study. As part of that process we have contracted with BRX Research Inc. to prepare a20survey and distribute it to some 2.200 residences and to tabulate the results. BRX will be sending out post Cards to alert the residents to be surveyed about a week before the survey arrives. When the survey arrives please take time to give us your opinion on the various issues. The information is totally confidential and tabulated by BRX and only the total results tabulated will be furnished the town. This information will guide the Town Board in making decisions concerning the future of our town and our Recreation Programs.

THE LODGE AT MERTENSIA PARK - construction is coming along well and we are anticipating the facility will become available to the public at some point in June. As we get closer to that date we will announce when reservations will be accepted and the costs of rental and clean-up deposits. A grand opening is being pla nned by the Town Board and parks staff. We have ordered the kitchen furnishings; tables and chairs. Landscaping is being planned. The interior painting will begin in late April or May as well as installation of interior trim. So stay tuned as we get closer to June.

To our Legislative Representatives in Ontario County:

Priority Transportation (Formerly KJ Transportation) is closing its doors this week. According to the news media, about 100 local folks work there (Ontario - Wayne etc) and many truckers from around the northeast. The reasons cited from media accounts were fuel costs as well as THRUWAY TOLL INCREASES.

I was contacted by the media for comment and said words to the effect:

"It is sad to lose jobs in an area but is even more tragic for the families who are affected. Based upon the reasons cited - fuel and thruway tolls - I hold the New York State Thruway Authority in part responsible for this loss for raising tolls after I and other local elected officials urged them not to, and they failed to listen. The State Legislators got NY State to audit the Thruway Authority and media accounts indicated they were not managed efficiently yet they raised the tolls anyway and failed to listen. Based upon these tragic events I called on our State Legislators to disband the NYS Thruway Authority and make the operation of the Thruway responsible to the people of NY by having the State run it.

The Thruway was an Asset to Towns as it provided an economic opportunity to move goods and services along the roadways and to relocate businesses that provide local jobs, in those towns and the region. The NYS Thruway Authority priced that asset out of the market (coupled with fuel costs.) As our local legislators, I am asking you to work on legislation to disband the NYS Thruway Authority and make it a state agency like the Department of Transportation. Let's make the change to accountability!

Respectfully Submitted

Theodore M. Fafinski
Supervisor, Town of Farmington

Chamber Welcomes Two New Board Members

The Farmington Chamber elected two new board members at its January 14, 2008 Board meeting held for the first time at the Farmington Town Hall.

Marc Mothersell and Sherry Canzano are the latest Board additions. They were elected by a unanimous vote of the sitting members.

Marc, who is Territory Manager for Northrup Materials on Loomis Rd. in Farmington, was re-elected to the Board. Sherry is Manager, Customer Services of the Farmington Post Office.

"We welcome Marc and Sherry to the Farmington Chamber Board and look forward to a long and rewarding working relationship with these two excellent business leaders," said Chamber President Rose Kleman.

NEWS ALERT!

Chamber Board of Directors Approves New Meeting Location

The Farmington Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors' meetings have been moved from McDonald's to the Farmington Town Hall located at 1000 County Road #8 beginning with the January 14, 2008 meeting to be held at 8 a.m. in the small conference room.

All Farmington Chamber members are welcome to attend these meetings held the second Monday of each month at 8 a.m. at the Town Hall.

Please call Chamber President Rose Kleman if you have any questions. Thank you!

315-986-8182

Sue Stehling is elected Board Secretary

The Farmington Board of Directors, by unanimous vote, has elected Board member Sue Stehling to replace Chad Flansburg as Secretary. Chad, who was forced to resign for business reasons, will remain as a member of the Board.

FINGER LAKES THOROUGHBRED ADOPTION PROGRAM OPENS PURPLE HAZE CENTER

April 18, 2008 was a big day for the Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program (FLTAP). The FLTAP, a not for profit, 501 ( c ) 3 status, officially opened the doors of its newly constructed Purple Haze Center, designed as "a holding area for thoroughbreds in transition prior to adoption by private individuals or transfer to regional and national rescue and adoption organizations." Purple Haze Center received its name in honor of Purple Haze Stables, a major donor towards the project. And a grand opening it was. The center is located next to Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack (FLGR) ( a Delaware North Co.), who donated the two-acre parcel. VIPs, guests and visitors gathered to hear welcomes by New York State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio, who secured state funding for the $285,000 facility, Wanda Polisseni, representing Purple Haze Stables, Christian Riegle, President and General Manager of FLGR, and Margaret Ohlinger, DVM, and the Center's Executive Director/Board Member, also FLGR's Examining Veterinarian. The 10,000-sq.- ft. center is open to the public 10-5 daily. It contains 16 - 12x 12' box stalls. Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program was established in the fall of 2004 as a result of a joint effort between Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack and the Finger Lakes Horsemen's Benevolent Protective Association. Over 300 racehorses have found new post-racing homes in the nearly 3-year history of the organization.