Save Modified Sports Fundraiser
Dear Neighbors,For those of you interested in participating in the West Genesee Save Modified Sports program's walk/run event, which will take place on Sunday, June 3 at 9:00 a.m., here is the registration form
Increased Finger Lakes Railway Activity
Dear Neighbors,Below you will find information I have received from Fingerlakes Railroad in regards to the change in the schedule.
Due to increased business they have started a new run this week and it is expected to continue. Due to the increased business they are unable to do all the work in the daytime so it necessitated the night time run.
I was asked about the legality of the hours they can operate and according to the FRA (Federal Railroad Association) they are allowed by law to run 24/7 if they have the business. I will have the Town attorney check on this for us.
In the meantime, the operations manager has assured me they are working with the engineers to minimize the whistle noise yet still be legal so as not to cause accidents. Our problem is there are three crossings very close together so the whistle has to go off at Knowell Rd., Hinsdale Rd., and the Staple/HomeDepot entrance.
There is a website for the FRA in the event you are interested in checking on things yourself.
It is a good thing there is increased business because that means jobs, but the unfortunate side is they have been in business since 1836 and owned the rights long before Camillus was built up.
Incidentally, Solvay, Auburn, and Elbridge residents are complaining as well.
I expect to hear more from them today and I will pass along any new information I find out.
I am out of town but if anyone would like to talk with me about it, I can be reached on my cell phone @ 315-427-2114. I would like to thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to work with Fingerlakes Railroad.
Regards,
Dave Callahan, 6th Ward Councilor
=============================================
UPDATE:
Dear Neighbors,
I have spoken with the operations manager this a.m. and he has related the work at night should be done after tonight.
Finger Lakes RR had been doing repairs in Solvay that necessitated their bringing in fill at night So, for the time being there will not be further activity like this past week.
However, they cannot rule out future runs in the evening hours due to increased business. What they are trying to do now is adjust all runs and that has to be worked out as business increases.
The man I spoke to has agreed to let me know if and when evening work will resume so everyone can be made aware of any changes being made.
Please call or email me if you have any further questions or concerns.
Dave Callahan
Camillus Park Update
For those interested in the progress Mary Flynn's committee to assist in the improvements for Camillus Park, please read the minutes from our last meeting.Click here to read the minutes of the last meeting.
Mary has done a great job in moving this project forward by advancing a program not previously addressed: that of something for "Active Older Adults" - trails. exercise stations and making certain the building scheduled for the park has the ability to hold exercise classes and other functions not previously thought of.
If you have any interest in helping this committee, come to the meeting in March. They need volunteers to help the process.
Any questions, let me know.
Dave Callahan
Camillus Park Update
It is a pleasure to let everyone know that we have some activity going on for the re-birth of Camillus Park.Mary Flynn, longtime Camillus resident of the 6th ward, has organized a committee, under the direction of Eric Bacon, Director of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Camillus, to establish extensions of the walking trails in the park. Mary has engaged the help of the forestry college (ESF) to assist in identifying trees that should be removed as well as the layout of trails best suited for the perimeter of the park.
I have attached notes from the first meeting and encourage anyone interested to attend the 2nd meeting on February 23, at 6 p.m. in Town Hall (large conference room; main level).
Mary's email address is mbflynn@twcny.rr.com. Please contact her if you have interest in helping develop these trails and related subjects.
Mary has established a group she has named A.O.A.(Active Older Adults) who she feels would benefit from the improvements she has put forth.
I will be sending you the minutes of the next meeting as well.
As a side note, this activity does not supercede the plans for the park identified in the 5 year Master Parks Plan adopted by the Town Board. Mary has taken the step to enhance the plan with the assistance of the park director and the ESF. The other improvements are under way via grant writing to get the funds to get started.
Please let me know if you have any questions. I am very grateful to Mary for this initial step that can be achieved with little of no cost to the Town at this time.
Click here to read the minutes of the last meeting.
Dave Callahan
Trash Pickup Information
The Town has a new contract and new vendor for trash pick-up beginning January 1, 2012. The new company is Dependable Disposal, owned and operated by Steve Morgan.We have a very favorable rate for the residents that was achieved by the vendor going to a four day workweek. As a result some people will have their pickup date changed. Fortunately for all of us our day will stay the same - Monday. If for some reason it wasn't Monday then please refer to this map of trash pickup routes, which outlines the streets and their respective dates for trash pickup.
Information on the new hauler, Dependable Disposal, and all of the usual information is included in the 2012 edition of the Town's "Insight" newsletter.
I would suggest that you have your trash out the night before or at least out by 6:00 a.m. the day of your pickup. Since I don't know where they will begin a route they could be some areas as early as 6:00 a.m. or shortly after.
Please feel free to call me if you have any questions or concerns.
Dave Callahan
Onondaga Lake Cleanup Update
A major milestone has been reached in the Onondaga Lake Cleanup Project with the completion of the barrier wall that prevents the primary source of contaminated groundwater from reaching the lake.Click here to read an informational flyer from Honeywell on this achievement.
Parks & Recreation Master Plan
The Parks & Recreation Committee has issued a draft Parks & Recreation 5 Year Master Plan. You can view the plan on the Town's website. Informational meetings have been scheduled; click here for more information.Onondaga Lake Cleanup
The NYS DEC has issued a final construction fact sheet regarding the dredging of Onondaga Lake Sediments, scheduled to begin in 2012. You can review the document here.New Stop Signs
At the last Town Board meeting a resolution was passed to erect stop signs at the northeast corners of West Way and Southwest Way @ Northwood Way.The Camillus Police Dept. determined these two intersections emptying onto Northwood Way presented a possible hazard for drivers to make turns without adequate slowing down to observe walkers, bike riders, etc.
Please be aware that those signs will soon be going up.
Litter & Brush in Roads
The Code Enforcement Office would like all residents to assist in keeping our environment clean and safe and avoid a ticket for littering! Please refrain from depositing anything on the road pavement. The street, and specifically the gutter, is part of the storm drainage system. Deposition of grass, leaves and other debris wash into the storm drains causing increased street maintenance and possibly contributing to flooding due to blocked storm inlets.The street pavement is not a safe place to deposit junk and debris like, brush and other household material. Please place items for town pick-up on the lawn next to the road pavement, or put it on your driveway if you do not want to damage the lawn.
If items sit in front of your house after the trash pickup day then it is your responsibility to properly dispose your material that the town does not take.
The town does not pick up GRASS CLIPPINGS! Lawn clippings are your responsibility to dispose of. TIP: Do what golf courses do, cut often and leave the grass on your lawn... it is the green thing to do.
Willow Cap Presentation
On February 9, the Town Engineer attended a willow cap presentation given by Dr. Volk fo EST at the Lake Cleanup and SCA Citizen’s Working Groups meeting.Click here to review his notes on the presentation explaining the cap.
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
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.
