Fair and Balanced

Onondaga Lake Clean Up - Two Perspectives

You may have noticed the yellow “No Toxic Waste” signs of the Camillus Community Coalition and the white “Support Camillus” signs of the FactsNOTFear.org organization in some lawns around town. These two groups have established differing perspectives regarding the Onondaga Lake clean up project.

In an effort to provide you with information from both sides of the issue, I’d like to share with you below a recent letter written in support of the Camillus Community Coalition’s opposition to the project, as well as a rebuttal by a representative of FactsNOTFear.org. .

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. .

Dave
......................................................................................
FactsNOTFear.org
A recent letter regarding the Onondaga Lake cleanup from the "Center for Health, Environment & Justice," to EPA Region 2 Director Enck, and co-signed by a variety of other activist organizations, is rift with misinformation, outdated information, and false information. In addition, the "Center" chose to regurgitate the propaganda talking points of the so-called Camillus Community Coalition, rather than conduct its own due-diligence to understand the complexity of the protracted effort to cleanup Onondaga Lake. This is what happens when uninformed outsiders try to unduly influence public policy as it affects CNY, based on the machinations of a small, vocal minority in our community. Camillus residents are tiring of the antics and tactics of the CCC.

Here are numerous, concrete examples of the failure of the "Center" to understand the facts:

1. The "Center" appears to be unaware of the FAQs issued to the public by EPA, the NYS DEC and the NYS Department of Health on April 8, 2010, which found the lake cleanup plan to be "fully protective of human health and the environment" (pg. 1). The "Center also appears to be unaware of the lengthy HHRA health study conducted by the EPA and released a week before the letter sent by the "Center", that reiterated the safety of the plan. The Center's letter makes no reference to either of these documents, yet it makes the unsupported assertion that the plan is "unsafe". Where is the data and research and study conducted by the "Center" that allows it to make this assertion? The fact is the Center presented no research allowing it to make that statement, which erodes the Center's credibility in its demand letter to EPA.

2. The letter from the "Center" is based on outdated information when it refers to the 70 acres SCA footprint and 2.65 million cu.yds. of lake sediment being pumped in a virtual closed system to the SCA. Had the "Center" done its proper research, it would have realized that the new footprint approaches about 50 acres with about a half million cu.yds. less of sediment being pumped.

3. The letter from the "Center" is based on false information when it refers to "over 1000 houses and apartments have been in the past five years within a mile radius" of the SCA. This is false propaganda and probably has the CCC as its source. While Camillus would love to have experienced that kind of housing growth, it is simply untrue. The "Center" has either allowed itself to be misled by the CCC or lacks the competence to make the kind of assessments it asserts in its letter to EPA. Either way, this does not speak well for the credibility of the "Center". The "Center" has a moral obligation to produce the research that it conducted to prove its statement of 1000 new housing units or apologize for its misleading effort.

4. The "Center" appears to be unaware of the likelihood that the number of residential homes within a one-mile radius of the SCA may actually be fewer today that it was in 2005. This likelihood is due to the fact that the footprint of the SCA has been significantly reduced, notwithstanding the residential construction since 2005. In 2005, the SCA size was about 163 acres, because the original design incorporated an open-air lagoon as the mechanism to dewater the lake sediment, a common approach. In its current design, the footprint is about 50 acres, a reduction of nearly 70% in size.

5. The brilliance of the DEC/EPA revised design is found in the use of geotube technology for dewatering, which has been used in thousands of locations around the world and allowed for the elimination of the open-air lagoon. The revised design virtually eliminates pathways for public exposure to the pumped lake sediment. This revised design was partly a response to the diligent efforts of the 2005 Camillus Town Board and Town Supervisor, expressed in their February 2005 letter to DEC, along with the DEC's willingness to address the community's concerns. Unfortunately, today, there are people who are more interested in using the Camillus SCA for political grandstanding, which was not the motivation of the 2005 Town Board.

6. The Center's suggestion of reopening the ROD to incorporate sediment beds beyond sediment bed 13 demonstrates its failure to conduct its own investigation, choosing instead to regurgitate the CCC's propaganda. The ROD is related to the actual Onondaga Lake superfund site and the SCA site as part of the remediation of the lake, which the other sediment beds in Camillus are unrelated. Further, the state agency that regulates the sediment beds has given them a classification of level 3, meaning that they are not a sufficient threat to the general public to warrant giving them a higher priority than the lake superfund site, which is classified as level 2. This classification method belongs to the State of New York and the Center presented no evidence that warrants the intervention of the federal government.

7. The Center's demands of the Region 2 portion of EPA is another sign that it doesn't understand the Onondaga Lake cleanup effort. The lead agency in the cleanup of Onondaga Lake is New York State through its Department of Environmental Conservation. This is because EPA insisted that the State of New York address the pollution of the lake. It would be outrageous if the federal government attempted to wrest control of the lake cleanup from the state after demanding that the state take responsibility for the cleanup, particularly because the entire process has been a partnership between the state and federal governments.

8. The Center's attempt to blame George W. Bush for the cleanup plan is another sign of the Center's ignorance of the facts on the ground and feeble attempt to politicize the lake cleanup. The Onondaga Lake cleanup plan, which became the source of the federal court January 2007 Consent Decree, was part of a remedy review process that involved scientists and engineers from each and every region of EPA through the U.S. So, EPA's fingerprints extend beyond Region 2 or the EPA head. Of course, defenders of the current White House are also trying to blame the previous administration for the failures of the federal government in its response to the BP gulf oil spill. Once more, the Center has allowed itself to become caught up in the political propaganda of the CCC.

9. We should be safe in assuming that all of the other organizations that have co-signed this flawed document issued by the "Center" also failed to conduct their own due-diligence to understand the facts of the lake cleanup. Not only does their participation undermine the credibility of their organizations, but they should also be embarrassed for being duped by the CCC.

10. The Center appears to be unaware of the irony that while it is appealing to EPA to revise the ROD (even though it is not the lead agency), members of the CCC have made unsupported accusations that the EPA and DEC are pawns of Honeywell and that the EPA is a prolific liar (e.g., Town of Camillus Councilor Dick Griffo and Councilor Mark Kolinski's newsletter Vol.1, No.1, pg. 2). Further, the Center's founder, Lois Gibbs, who played a crucial role in the efforts to cleanup the infamous Love Canal toxic waste dump in the New York state and to promote the Superfund legislation, appears to be unaware that members of the CCC have made the despicable claim that the EPA and DEC are intent in making another Love Canal in Camillus. To compare Love Canal to the Camillus SCA reflects poorly on the Center's willingness to become associated with people who espouse these kinds of outrageous hyperbole.

The Center has a duty and moral obligation to apologize to Central New Yorkers and each and every person who received a copy of its flawed letter.

Rick Hevier
Anytime: 315.308.1001
rick@rickhevier.com
www.factsNOTfear.org

......................................................................................
In Support of Camillus Community Coalition
Judith A. Enck
Region 2 Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
290 Broadway
New York, NY 10007-1866

June 25, 2010

Dear Ms. Enck:

Our organizations are writing to you in regard to the proposed cleanup of Onondaga Lake in Syracuse, New York. We strongly support cleaning up the polluted lake however, the plan to place the remediated waste in a landfill in a residential area is unsafe and inappropriate.

We support the Camillus Community Coalition’s opposition to the proposed 70 acre landfill with an estimated 2.65 million cubic yards of toxic waste which would be within a few hundred yards of homeowners, schools and parks. Over 1000 houses and apartments have been built in the past 5 years within a mile radius, many as close as 500 yards, from the proposed site. Unfortunately, many more homes are under construction. In the last five years, EPA, DEC and Honeywell did nothing to notify future homeowners in the newly constructed residential area of Camillus about the proposed site.

We urge your agency to halt the process to site the toxic waste dump in Camillus. We request that the Onondaga Lake Record of Decision (ROD) be reopened to assess alternative permanent remedies and treatment technologies pursuant to the Federal Superfund law. In addition, the ROD needs to be reopened so that the old waste beds can be fully tested and remediated.

We see the selection of this site as an example of the environmental problems that occurred under the Bush administration EPA. It is clear when reviewing the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study, Remedial Action Plan and ROD that the EPA, DEC and Honeywell did not evaluate any permanent cleanup remedies and treatment technologies. As you know, Section 9621 of the Federal Superfund law prioritizes permanent cleanup remedies and alternative treatment technologies. The EPA under its previous leadership did not adhere to this important Superfund provision resulting in a flawed Record of Decision. We applaud the new guiding principles set forth by EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, which includes that EPA follow the rule of law.

In addition, we urge EPA to conduct a 5 year permanent remedy review as the ROD was issued in 2005. Siting a toxic waste dump in a residential area is not a “remedial action that assures human health and the environment are being protected” (Section 9621). Section 9621 also states that EPA “shall select a remedial action that is protective of human health and the environment, that is cost effective, and that utilizes permanent solutions and alternative treatment technologies….to the maximum extent practicable.”

We urge the EPA to reopen the Onondaga Lake Record of Decision to reassess, with full community involvement, the most health-protective way to remediate the site, including a full evaluation of applicable permanent and innovative treatment technologies.

Thank you for considering our views on this important environmental justice issue. Would you please send any responses to Anne Rabe, Center for Health, Environment & Justice at anne@chej.org or 1265 Maple Hill Rd., Castleton, NY 12033.

Sincerely,

Lois Gibbs, Executive Director
Anne Rabe, Campaign Coordinator
Center for Health, Environment & Justice
Falls Church, Virginia

Barbara Warren, Executive Director
Citizens' Environmental Coalition
Albany, NY

Erin Heaney
Clean Air Coalition of WNY
Buffalo, NY

Kathleen A. Curtis, LPN, Policy Director
Clean New York
Schenectady, NY

Nancy Snow
Community Concerned About NL Industries
Albany, NY

Sarah Anker
Community Health and Environment Coalition
Port Washington, NY

Robert Spiegel, Executive Director
Edison Wetlands Association
Edison, NJ

Judith M. Anderson, Vice President
Environmental Justice Group of WNY
Buffalo, NY

Linda Ochs, Finger Lakes Citizen's for the Environment
Waterloo, NY

Ellen and Paul Connett
Fluoride Action Network
Canton NY

Laura Weinberg, President
Great Neck Breast Cancer Coalition
Great Neck, NY

Tracy Frisch
Greenwich Citizens Committee
Greenwich, NY

Debra Hall
Hopewell Junction Citizens for Clean Water
Hopewell Junction, NY

Karen Miller
Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition
Huntington, NY
David O. Carpenter, M.D., Director
Ronald J. Scrudato, Ph.D.
Institute for Health and the Environment
University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY

Steven G. Gilbert, PhD, DABT
Institute of Neurotoxicology & Neurological Disorders
Seattle, WA

Jerry Lotierzo
Peace Action of Central New York
Syracuse, NY

Judy Braiman, President
Rochesterians Against the Misuse of Pesticides
Rochester, NY

Jessica Helm
Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter
Albany, NY

Barbara Miller
Silver Valley Community Resource Center
Kellogg, ID

Kelly Travers-Main
United Neighbors Concerned About GE Dewey Loeffel Landfill
Nassau, NY

Peggy M. Shepard
Executive Director
WE ACT for Environmental Justice
New York, NY

CC:
EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson
Governor David Paterson
Senator Charles Schumer
DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis
Senator John DeFrancisco
Assemblyman William Magnarelli
Assemblyman William Barclay
Congressman Dan Maffei
County Executive Joanie Mahoney
County Representative James Rhinehart
Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Minor
Ken Lynch, DEC Region 7
Camillus Town Supervisor Mary Ann Coogan
John McAuliffe, Honeywell Syracuse Program Director


Onondaga Lake Clean Up / Community Health & Safety Plan

State Environmental Authorities have released a Community Health and Safety Plan related to the initial construction activities.

You can view the plan here

As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Dave Callahan

Onondaga Lake Clean Up / Community Health & Safety Plan

State Environmental Authorities have released a Community Health and Safety Plan related to the initial construction activities.

You can view the plan here

As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Dave Callahan

Onondaga Lake Clean Up / EPA Health Assessment

As you know several people, including Senator Schumer and Congressman Maffei, had asked for a Human Health Risk Assessment to be done as it relates to the proposed cleanup of Onondaga Lake. It is now in and it appears, as we had hoped for, that there is no risk to human health even in the worst case scenario.

You can view the Community Update document here

You can review the entire report here

It has always been my belief that we do not want the wastebeds in Camillus but, if it does happen, we want it as safe as it can possibly be. Your Town Board is continuing its efforts to work with the DEC, EPA, and Honeywell to make certain this site is safe for our residents. The report just issued should prove that everything is in place to effect the SCA as a safe and secure place and poses no health risks.

There will be a meeting at the NYS Fairgrounds on July 8th. If you are interested in hearing more about this report, plan on attending. I will send out the times, etc. at a later date. As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Dave Callahan

Camillus Pool Update

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

The Town Board (majority - not unanimously) voted through the Park and Recreation Committee to close Camillus Park Pool this year. The decision was based on the results of the survey that was mailed to the town residents.

I was not in favor of closing the pool this year, as I felt the survey dealt with what to do in the future. The good news is that the money budgeted for its operation this year will be set aside to help finance some immediate upgrades to the park other than the pool. In addition, the Parks and Recreation Director, Eric Bacon, has indicated he will begin a study of how to upgrade this wonderful park so it will be used in many new ways. He will be looking for volunteers to help with this long range project, so if you are interested, please email him and throw your hat in the ring. (ebacon@townofcamillus.com)

We discussed many things during the committee meeting, including fundraising by the residents.

Rest assurred that this will always be a park. Who knows, perhaps a better water facility will be there in the future. As the saying goes, "one door closes and another one opens".

I will be following this closely and keep the momentum going to enhance the park as quickly as possible. In the meantime, please enjoy the walking and biking trails and soon there should be some new playground equipment for the children. It may be sparce at first but it will be a start. Dave

May 11, 2010

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

Soon you will be seeing activity on the wastebed near Reed-Webster Park. It is a joint activity of Honeywell and SUNY-ESF for a renewable energy project. Read what follows for more details on the activities that will be taking place: Shrub Willow Fact Sheet

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.

Dave Callahan

April 12, 2010

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

In my recent newsletter I discussed the cleanup of Onondaga Lake and how it may affect Camillus. We now have a response from the DEC regarding the questions that were posed to them at an informational meeting back in February.

In the response, the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC), working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the NYS Dept. of Health has provided answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the plans to remove material from Onondaga Lake and pipe them to an engineered containment facility where they will be permanently stored.

If you have any questions after reading the material, contact DEC directly at 315-426-7403.

Some things you should know:

a. The attached FAQ's response is a result of questions asked at the informational meeting held at Town Hall in February.
b. The Town engineers have proposed alternative sites for the disposal of this waste and our engineers have met last week with the DEC in Albany to review alternative locations and proposals.
c. The Town has sent resolution 55 to the DEC and Honeywell stating that we are opposed to using Honeywell bed 13.
d. The Town has hired an environmental lawyer to review the present EPA/DEC proposal, to support the use of alternative locations and review the potential challenges to the use of bed 13.
e. A Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) should be completed by DEC on bed 13 by the end of this month. I will send that to you as well.

I believe it is important that you read the attached for the simple reason that if the DEC goes ahead with their plan, you will have great assurance that the Town Board has done its job of following this since 2005 and making certain the residents are kept safe through many requests by our Town engineers for more and more safety measures. The DEC and Honeywell have complied in addition to their own measures.

Thanks for taking time to read the FAQs.

Dave Callahan

March 31, 2010

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

Please note the following notice, from Parks & Recreation Director Eric Bacon:

Beginning on Sunday, April 4th from Noon to 5:00 PM, I have granted permission to the “Amtgard Medieval Recreation Society” to use Camillus Park on a weekly basis. This organization is a group that dresses in medieval clothing and uses foam swords/shields/etc. to simulate medieval battles.

Their representative is a Camillus resident. Before granting permission, I asked him to speak with the Police Department so they would know this activity is taking place in the park and the Police Department was fine with this.

Eric

Please call or email me if you have any questions.

Dave Callahan>

March 15, 2010 - Statement-Onondaga Lake Remediation

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

What follows is a statement I read at the March 9, 2010 Town Board meeting related to the Onondaga Lake Remediation / Wastebed 13 Use. I'm sharing it here so that the true details of my statement can be known.

There have been some questions as to how I have handled notifying my constituents about Waste Bed 13, DEC, EPA and Honeywell.

At the last meeting I had indicated I would notify the people of the 6th Ward as to what is going on regarding Wastebed 13 and that I had planned a meeting for the 11th of March to further educate them.

I sent my winter update of the 6th Ward and I opened with a concise explanation of the current developments and stated I will be having smaller group meeting once we have some additional information from our new environmental attorney as well as getting specific questions answered by the DEC as posed by the residents of Golden Meadows at our first meeting.

I want to make it clear that when we discuss things at the Town Board Meeting we are no way held to statements unless there is a resolution and it is voted on.

Several things have occurred making my decision to cancel the meeting of the 11th and to hold meetings in a different format:

1. I believe there may be some errors in the information being handed out at the last two meetings and I am checking the facts before I allow anyone to hand out anything with errors.

2. Smaller meetings are more manageable to the extent tempers and emotions do not play as big a part as they do in a large meeting.

3. I want the answers from DEC and EPA that were asked, but unfortunately not able to be given, at the meeting they held because it was a repeat of the first meeting to which all the questions were asked again. There was not a chance for them to answer on Feb. 11th.

4. Although I am on board with trying to prevent Honeywell from building the site, I am also responsible to my constituents to let them know that if it gets built, we have taken the initiative over the last several years to protect our citizens and residents. So, I intend on having my constituents hear both sides of the controversy.

5. I do not want my meeting being turned into a political football as I witnessed at the Camillus Firehouse when an office member from Assemblyman Stirpe's office stood up and did his thing bashing who was not there at the Feb. 11th meeting from the party opposite his... this in not a political issue and once we recognize this the better off we all will be.

6. Lastly, I believe the last thing we should be doing is to draw attention to our Town and giving us a bad name such as a dumping ground. I believe we should be going about this quietly so that in the event we do not come up winners in getting this site moved out of Camillus, we hold our heads high, accept what has to be done with such oversight that no one will think of Camillus as a dumping ground but a place that has done its homework to make its residents safe.

I want everyone here to know, also, that in spite of many people not admitting to knowing about Wastebed 13 prior to August of this past year, the former 2nd Ward Councilor, Kathy MacRae, held numerous meetings and I went to at least two of them and there were less than a dozen people, including Town Officials, at each. In her last newsletter mailed in June of 2009 to the residents of the 2nd Ward, she invited anyone and everyone to tour Wastebed 13. 6 people responded.

When I get what I need to hold "fair and balanced" meetings I will proceed. In the meantime I have done what I should do and that is put out a newsletter leading off with what was asked of me: to inform the people of the 6th Ward about what the residents of Golden Meadows are experiencing.

There is something else that I believe many are forgetting and I ask you to consider the fact that many of the residents of Golden Meadows made statements to the effect that they chose to move to Camillus because it was a good place to live, good schools, pleasant surroundings, and etc. This didn't just happen folks, the Town Boards prior to the makeup of this one, that included Diane Dwire from 2004 thru 2007 and Tom Dugan, has worked hard to develop a community you wanted to come to. Consider our parks, schools, the re-birth of Fairmount Fair and Camillus Commons, the streetscape, and the programs for the children and adults. We have seen to it there is a good Planning Board to make certain development is done correctly, a Zoning Board of Appeals to assist its residents when they need help. We have a Highway Superintendent who gets things done – snowplowing in the very early morning so everyone gets to work on time. Our roads are paved on a regular basis. All of these things – this why we are all here. And what about our great Police Department?

What we must do now is keep our heads and try to beat this site buildup. Your current Town Board is representing everyone in the Town so please let us do our jobs as we were elected to do. The residents of Golden Meadows have spoken, we have listened, we have re-acted and we are on board. Although you may not agree with the way each one goes about doing their job, it is our right to represent our constituents as we see fit. Please give us that courtesy.

Dave Callahan

March 4, 2010 - Onondaga Lake Remediation (Clean up the Lake)

Onondaga Lake Remediation (Clean up the Lake) Use of Sediment Containment Area (SCA) Waste bed 13:

Plans from the EPA/DEC are almost finished which includes the use of Honeywell Bed 13 for the major portion of the dredging.

The Town Board has adopted Resolution 55 stating: “to unequivocally oppose and not allow the DEC and Honeywell plan for the SCA in the Town of Camillus”. A letter has been sent to that effect to the DEC and Honeywell. In addition , the Town Board stated at a DEC public hearing in Feb. 2005 that we were opposed to this site and were given alternatives sites.

The neighborhoods nearest Bed 13 have organized to oppose this project.

The Town Board has hired an environmental lawyer to review the EPA approved project to determine if we have cause to start a law suit to stop the use of SDA Waste Bed 13. If we cannot stop this project what must be done is to ensure all safety Environmental Standards will be met when located near residential areas. Analysis had been started.

The EPA/DEC will be presenting more detailed Environmental Data to support the present Site priority Classifications Class 3 and 4 after closure. Click here for more info.

The Town engineering firm in 2005/2006 and again in 2010 as well as a local engineer who is a resident have proposed alternate sites which the DEC is now looking at.

I had originally planned to hold a meeting next week for the residents of the 6th and 3rd Wards. I want to hold off for just a short time so we will have more information from our new environmental lawyer as well as solid information as to the ingredients of the sludge and answers to questions our residents have asked of the DEC, EPA and Honeywell.

I want to hear from our environmental lawyer about what our chances of winning this battle that is driven by Super Fund regulations and what will be the estimate of the cost to the taxpayers for a protracted legal battle. The Town must have oversight to insure that if this project gets built will it be built to specifications so we protect the health and welfare of our citizens. With this information we will be in a better position to determine the next move before your tax dollars are spent.

I am offering small meetings if you interested in finding out more about the issue and how it will be handled in the event Camillus must be host to these dredgings. I urge you to attend. If you are interested in attending, please call me at 488-7408 or email, and I will accommodate you to the best of my ability.

Dave Callahan

January 19, 2010

The Camillus Police are launching a new Community Information Service. Please read the following press release from Chief Winn for details:

CAMILLUS POLICE LAUNCH NEW COMMUNITY INFORMATION SERVICE

CAMILLUS, NEW YORK
January 15, 2010


The Town of Camillus Police Department is launching a new Community Information Service designed to deliver important and timely information to residents in our area using the latest technology.

This service, created by Nixle, LLC delivers trustworthy and important neighborhood-level public safety and community event notifications by web, e-mail, and cell phone.

Nixle is a new community information service provider built exclusively to provide secure and reliable communications. Its authenticated service connects municipal agencies and community organizations to residents in real time, delivering information to geographically targeted consumers over their cell phones (via text messages), through e-mails and through Web access. Nixle is offered at no cost to all governments, their agencies and organizations, nongovernmental organizations and consumers.

Nixle is simple, trusted and available at no cost.

Residents of the Town and Village of Camillus can now take advantage of Nixle! Nixle is a community information service that notifies you of public safety alerts, advisories and community events via web, e-mail, and cell phone. Sign up at www.nixle.com to register.

Register now and learn more at www.nixle.com. Then share this new service with friends and neighbors to spread the word!

We are very excited to have you experience it for yourself.

“This additional communication tool will allow our residents to become better informed of matters regarding public safety within our wonderful community”

Chief Thomas M. Winn
Camillus Police Department

For now, Camillus residents will be able to receive police-related information and municipal government information via Nixle. Channels providing other kinds of information are expected to be introduced in the future.

Craig Mitnick, the founder and CEO of Nixle, said Nixle differs from current services such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, which provide unauthenticated platforms for connections. Nixle solves that problem by providing a single standardized service for consumers to receive immediate and credible neighborhood-level public safety and community information.

“Nixle is a first-of-its-kind tool for communities that need to provide critical information to their residents,” said Craig Mitnick, founder and CEO. “When it comes to public safety information, you have to trust the source. Residents of Camillus can rest easy that the local messages they receive are authentic.”

About Nixle: Nixle is a community information service provider built exclusively to provide secure and reliable communications. It is the first authenticated and secure service that connects municipal agencies and community organizations to residents in real time, delivering information to geographically targeted consumers over their cell phones (via text messages), through e-mails and via Web access. Nixle has secured a partnership with NLETS (the International Justice and Public Safety Network), allowing local police departments nationwide to send immediate alerts and advisories. Privately funded Nixle, which has offices in New Jersey and California, is available at no cost to all governments, their agencies and organizations, nongovernmental organizations and consumers. For more information, visit www.nixle.com or the Camillus Police Department website at www.camilluspolice.com

Finger Lakes Railway Information

There has been a great deal of interest lately about the increased traffic on the Finger Lakes Railroad so I thought I would post some relevant information about it:

1. The speed on the main line of the railroad is 25 mph. This means it can only go that fast when it is outside of villages or towns and up to posted limits. Once a train enters the posted limits it must reduce its speed to 10 mph and go no faster.

2. In Camillus, the mile marker starts at Knowell Rd. and continues to Bridge St. in Solvay. That is a distance of seven miles and the train must travel no faster than 10 mph.

3. All train engines are equipped with the equivalent of an airplane’s black box. This G.P.S. instrument is monitored along with a camera and a train traveling faster than the posted limits can and is detected. Engineers are fined for speeding.

4. Whistle Blowing: A train must start blowing its whistle at least 400 feet before it approaches a street grade crossing. This signal is one short blast followed by two long blasts. This continues until the train is in the crossing. Incidentally, this is a federal regulation.

5. At present there are two trains daily each way and no plans for more unless there is a huge surge in the business climate.

6. For your additional information, the following are engine whistle or horn signals provided by the Finger Lakes Railway. The signals are illustrated by “o” for short sounds and “—“for long sounds. The sound of the whistle or horn should be distinct, with intensity and duration proportionate to the distance the signal is to be conveyed. The unnecessary use of the engine whistle or horn is prohibited.

Engine whistle or horn signal must be sounded as follows:


---                    Indicates crew members apply brakes.   

--- --- o --- :  1. Approaching public crossing at grade and at a whistle post indicating “W” or “W/MX.” This signal is to be prolonged or repeated until engine or train is on the crossing, or, where multiple crossings are involved, until the last crossing is occupied. The whistle or horn
must not be sounded at a whistle post indicating “W/R,” except in case of emergency.

                        2. Approaching locations where Roadway Workers may be at work on tracks, bridges and other points.

                        3. Approaching and passing standing trains.

Succession of Alarm for person or animal on or about the track.short sounds

--- o                 When running against the current of traffic:

                        1. Approaching stations, curves, or other points where view may be obscured.

                        2. Approaching passenger or freight trains; when passing freight trains.

                        3. Preceding 19(b), (1) and (2).


o o o   1. When standing: warning or acknowledgment that the train is to back up.

           2. When running: acknowledgement that the train is to stop at next Passenger station.

o o     1. Acknowledgment of a Stop Signal other than a fixed signal.

           2. Acknowledgment of any other signal not otherwise provided for.

o o o o Call for signals.

--- --- --- --- Member of crew providing protection may return.

If all engine whistles or horns fail en route, the Engineer must take the following actions:

1. Notify the Dispatcher as soon as practical.

2. Ring the bell continuously, if equipped.

3. Approach all public crossings at grade prepared to stop.

4. Reduce speed to not exceeding 30 MPH while approaching locations where employees are known to be working.

5. Reduce speed at other locations where warranted by the prevailing conditions.


Engine Bell

If a train is equipped with an engine bell, it must be sounded:

1. When the engine is about to move.

2. When running through tunnels.

3. While approaching and passing public crossings at grade.

4. When approaching locations where Roadway Workers may be at work on tracks, bridges, and other points.

5. When passing a train standing on an adjacent track.

6. In an emergency.

In cases where a momentary stop and start, forward and backward movement is part of a switching operation that does not involve movement over a public crossing at grade, the engine bell need not be sounded, unless Roadway Workers are known to be in the area.

There were some additional concerns about garbage hauling to the Seneca Landfill on this railroad as a result of a newspaper article. I spoke with the superintendent and although there have been talks there is nothing that has been done to date. In addition, he said it can’t happen without improvements to the infrastructure of the railroad. Thus, nothing can happen for three or four years and there will be plenty of time for residents to make their views known.
 

Background

I have been a Camillus resident since 1965, along with my wife of 43 years, Suellen. Together we have raised 5 children, Sean, Anastasia, Brendan, Joseph, and Michael, and are proud grandparents to 9 grandchildren.

I possess a B.S. from The College of the Holy Cross and was a self-employed businessman for 23 years, retiring in 2009. I have a long history of community involvement, including 10 years on the West Genesee School Board, a past trustee of Maxwell Library, former Boy Scout Leader, former WOYSA soccer coach, former Co-director of the RCIA program at Holy Family Church and a past trustee of Holy Family Church. Camillus is a great place to live and raise a family!

Making a Positive Impact in Camillus

WAVES Facts...

WAVES was in trouble due to federal and state regulations that increased their costs and reduced aid to them. The Town did not bailout WAVES! Instead the Town purchased from WAVES its building, and from their equity in the building WAVES paid its losses and accumulated deficits. This decision by the Town Board resulted in the Town paying for its own building instead of giving to WAVES money in its budget requests to make mortgage payments. This was a good business decision - now the taxpayers own a building they have been paying for indirectly. WAVES continues to protect our community at a cost of $.338 per thousand of assessed valuation. This amounts to less than one month's average cable bill. WAVES is considered a special district and there is a budget on file and always has been.

Scrap Metal Facts...

Scrap metal money has been handled this way for many years including the years my opponent was Town Supervisor. He attended the employee appreciation parties that the proceeds of the scrap metal paid for. Our attorney has ruled that according to municipal law, this is a way to recognize our valuable employees with unanticipated revenues. There are checks and balances on the receipts and expenditures.

Sunflower Maze Facts...

The Sunflower Maze project at Veterans Park was recognized County wide for its uniqueness. Once again we are criticized for doing something the residents of Camillus can benefit from. The Parks and Recreation Dept. staffed the project with its summer help and our Highway Superintendent cut the paths in the maze at his own expense and on his own time. The Sunflower Maze project contributed $11,726.85 to the general fund AND introduced something new for everyone to enjoy.

Gillie Lake Lease Facts...

The "agricultural lease" was a verbal agreement with the former owner of the Gillie Lake property. This continued with the Town when the Gillie Lake property was purchased during the time my opponent was Town Supervisor and has not changed to this day. The fact remains that the Town has documented receipts for this lease money every year.

Tax Facts...

Please review your tax bills and compare the tax rate from last year to this year. The true cost of the Highway Department was incorrect in past budgets but it is correct now. My opponent is aware of this as he oversaw the budget during his term in office. The increase he refers to is not new expense but has finally been accounted for in the proper place. Highway budget increased but Town General decreased. Total tax rate including Town General, Highway and Water:

2008 - $7.3427 per thousand
2009 - $7.3402 per thousand

Net decrease in tax rate for 2009 $.0005

Streetscape Facts...

Streetscape funds were furnished by Community Development grants along with federal and state grants. Our Highway Department did the work which allowed us to accomplish more without paying the costs of prevailing wages had we gone out to bid; another additional savings for the taxpayer. I believe this is, and will continue to be, an asset to our community.

Sales Tax Facts...

The Town Board had considered taking sales tax money due from the County but after considerable discussion among the Town Board members and the Comptroller we decided not to when we were able to give you a tax rate for 2009 with no increase. (sales tax receipts from the County are used to offset the County tax rate).

Track Record Facts...

Now, I would like you to consider a few of the issues and programs I have worked diligently on to improve the Town of Camillus and the lives of our residents and business owners.

1. As Chairman of the Finance Committee, I implemented improved reporting and more understandable statements by which we monitor income and expenses. In addition I helped secure a new health insurance plan for employees that will save the Town more than $250,000.00 annually.

2. I also was instrumental in implementing shared services with Van Buren for the Animal Control Officer and shared services soon to be enacted for the Assessor with Elbridge. This was accomplished without additional personnel, and the revenues from those two towns will offset expenses for Camillus.

3. I have worked tirelessly to keep the Camillus Park Pool open and to initiate plans to make it an even more enjoyable place for your children and grandchildren.

4. I was one of three members of a special committee formed to bring the Fairmount and Camillus Fire Departments into the improved working relationship that exists today.

5. I continue to explore improved systems for leaf pick-up and circulate reminders for residents on how to keep brush from encroaching on the streets thus preventing possible accidents.

6. I have worked to get more street paving in the 6th ward in the past four years than any other ward.

7. I continually keep you up-dated with newsletters and email announcements.

8. I always respond to your calls and either complete the task you request or tell you why it can not be accomplished. This includes alerting the codes enforcement officer to address all issues you bring to my attention.


Vision For the Future

While local government can't dictate what happens in a town, you can help move things along with a vision to the future. Would our two large malls be what they are today without the vision of the West Genesee St. streetscape project that is inviting people to come to Camillus? And the upcoming Township 5 project is another indication that additional merchants want to join the Camillus business sector. Working together with the West Genesee School District with shared services makes Camillus a great place to raise a family. Funding our two libraries fulfills a need and keeps that "community" feeling. Maintaining roads and keeping our water and sewer lines in proper service is essential so residents will come and stay.

The economic climate at the national and state level poses the problem of how do we maintain services and keep the tax rate from rising. Last year in the face of rising gas and petroleum prices we were able to keep a tax rate with no increase. This was done by all department heads working together with our Town Board to budget their departments with little or no increases (other than contractual) over the previous year. This year will be no different, but with mandates from governmentt agencies above us they will be pushing these down and we will be faced to go very lean and mean.

We have already consolidated Van Buren's Dog Control Office into Camillus'. The Town of Van Buren pays Camillus and it helps reduce that department's expenses. We have approved the consolidate of the Town of Elbridge Assessor's office into Camillus'. Camillus will be paid to do the work for Elbridge, and we do not have to add personnel to accomplish this. We are looking at other avenues for shared service and other areas to reduce expenses. Earlier this year we changed health insurances carriers, which netted us an overall savings of $250K. That alone will make a positive impact on our budget this coming year. Our community's greatest asset is our residents. My involvement over the years has shown me the great pride and hope the people have for this community. I don't think government can say they will take advantage of that but rather work along side of them to help foster even greater pride and hope.

We have an inviting climate for both business and residential growth. This doesn't just happen. We have a Planning Board to see that development is done according to codes and reflects our long range plan. Our Zoning Board of Appeals helps those residents who have special circumstances get things done when possible.

Camillus is a residential and business friendly community, and although the West Genesee School District is its own taxing authority separate from the Town, they have worked hard to give our residents a school district to be proud of and where they can have their children and grandchildren attend.