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.
