Press release
On June 12, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed Executive Order #203, titled “New York State Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative”. This Executive Order mandates every police agency in New York State to engage with stakeholders in their communities to review current police
policies and procedures and then develop a plan to adopt and implement the recommendations resulting from the review and consultation.
In response City Council adopted a resolution to create the City of Batavia Police Collaboration Advisory Stakeholder Group. This group consists of citizen representatives, the business community, religious community, Batavia City School District, criminal justice partners and industry experts.
The following members were selected and agreed to participate;
Jerry Ader Public Defender
Brandon Armstrong Business Leader
Kathy Briggs City Council Member
Chris Camp City of Batavia Assistant Police Chief
Raelene Christian Resident
Kevin Finnell First Assistant District Attorney
Bill Hayes Resident
Shawn Heubusch City of Batavia Police Chief
Marty Macdonald Religious/ Pastor
Francis Marchese Resident
Gregory Munroe II Resident
Anibal Soler Batavia City School Superintendent
Rachael Tabelski City of Batavia Manager
Victor Thomas Community Group Representative
Millie Tomidy-Pepper YWCA- Non Profit Representative
George VanNest City of Batavia Attorney
Nate Varland Batavia Housing Authority
Matt Wojtaszczyk Batavia Police Benevolent Association,
President
The Stakeholder Group will help identify recommendations for more effective strategies, policies, and procedures to better serve all residents within the City of Batavia.
This plan will be developed over the fall and winter, and must be adopted by the City of Batavia by April 1, 2021, per Executive Order No. 203.
Other industry experts have been invited to attend the meetings and participate to assist the group in developing the plan.
These industry experts represent the following organizations:
Genesee County Department of Social Services
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
Genesee County Mental Health Services
Lake Plains Community Care
RESTORE Sexual Assault Services
City of Batavia Youth Center
Genesee County Sheriff’s Office 911 Center
Facilitators/Moderators:
Jay Gsell
Erik Fix
“The advisory group will open dialogue and add value to the relationships between City government employees, the police department and community residents,” said Rachael Tabelski, Interim City Manager.
“As we move forward, the stakeholder meetings will be open for the public
to attend, while adhering to COVID-19 protocols.”
“We look forward to positive dialogue that will bring this community closer together and foster positive relationships between those we serve and the stakeholders in our community.”, stated Chief Shawn Heubusch.
The first meeting will be September 24, 2020 starting at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Board, One Batavia City Centre, 2nd Floor.