tch-2023

City of Hornell Employee Spotlight: Michael Losecco

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 15:16:35 GMT

City of Hornell Employee Spotlight: Michael Losecco

The City of Hornell Employee Spotlight proudly shines on Officer Michael Losecco. Officer Losecco is a six-year member of the Hornell Police Department and currently serves as the School Resource Officer (SRO) for the Hornell City School District at the High School.

Mayor John Buckley, accompanied by Sergeant Ryan Harrison who nominated Losecco, Chief Ted Murray, and Hornell School District Superintendent Jeremy Palotti, presented the Employee Spotlight certificate to Officer Losecco on-site at the high school.

Mayor John Buckley highlighted the vital role an SRO plays and Officer Losecco’s exceptional performance, stating, “Officer Losecco does a phenomenal job building relationships with students, district staff, and parents. While the job of an SRO can certainly be challenging, Officer Losecco's infectious smile, friendliness, and approachable demeanor help with daily interactions which makes him a great fit for the School District."

Sergeant Ryan Harrison detailed what prompted his nomination, “I have received nothing but positive feedback for Officer Losecco’s work from parents and staff, but also, most importantly, the students, and they tend to be the most truthful. Officer Losecco is a great mentor for students. A student can come in with a down expression, and they see him and his smile, and it’s contagious. He brightens and improves their day.”

Superintendent Jeremy Palotti noted Officer Losecco’s impact on the building, “The Hornell City School District has enjoyed working with Officer Losecco for the last three years. As School Resource Officer, he works hard to support the school and students and promote a safe and healthy environment. Officer Losecco works hard to build relationships with students, parents, and employees to help them feel safe and comfortable in school and with law enforcement. Officer Losecco has been a positive contributor to the school for the last three years and is well deserving of this honor!”

Chief Ted Murray identified Officer Losecco’s contributions, “Officer Losecco is energetic, personable, and has been a fabulous role model for the children in our school district. His positive attitude, demeanor, and focus are exemplified daily as he deals with issues involving the safety and well-being of all that attend Hornell High School. It is clear that Officer Losecco views his position at the school as more than a job, his passion to help and assist all students is paramount to who he is.”

Thank you and congratulations, Officer Losecco!

Photo (from left): Superintendent Jeremy Palotti, Sgt. Ryan Harrison, Officer Michael Losecco, Mayor John Buckley, Chief Ted Murray, Police Chief Secretary Jennifer McLaughlin.

Carney Appointed as Plant Operator at Water Pollution Control Plant

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 15:05:01 GMT

Carney Appointed as Plant Operator at Water Pollution Control Plant

The Board of Public Works unanimously appointed Jimmy Carney as Wastewater Treatment Plant Assistant/Shift Operator during their March meeting. Jimmy will assume his position effective immediately.

Carney has been employed with the City of Hornell’s Department of Public Works since May 2002, and began working at the Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) in February 2022. He passed the State 1A exam on January 30th and, on February 17th, he placed in the top three for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee Civil Service exam, fulfilling all requirements for certification and the position.

Chief Operator Richard Dunning II outlined the rigorous requirements for employment within a WPCP, explaining, “The State of New York requires applicants to work for at least one year in a plant with comparable complexity to the facility in which they desire to work.” Dunning noted Hornell’s WPCP is a technically complex facility, with recent upgrades adding to its complexity. Dunning also highlighted the comprehensive operator certification process, stating, “A candidate must complete at least 1 year in operations, take classes at SUNY Morrisville instructing how plants operate, and pass the testing required. The test includes questions on all types of sewage treatment plant processes and equipment, not just the processes we use in Hornell, but every treatment technology presently in use.”

Mayor John Buckley was enthusiastic for the appointment, stating, “I am really excited for Jimmy to transition to his new role. He has been a great employee for the City of Hornell, and we are fortunate to have him at the WPCP. The operators at the WPCP provide a vital service to residents. This involves working holidays, evenings, and weekends to ensure the plant operates within parameters. We appreciate Jimmy for accepting these responsibilities, and the dedication of all our plant operators.”

Streetscape & Alleyway Improvement Projects Kick Off

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:09:49 GMT

STREETSCAPE & ALLEYWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS ARE NOW UNDERWAY

Streetscape & Alleyway Improvement Projects Get Underway

The City of Hornell hosted an Open House meeting at the Arts Center on February 27, 2024 to discuss the Streetscapes, Alleyways, Wayfinding and Public Art project, which begins construction this week. Mayor John Buckley, along with Scott Baker, Project Manager for C.P. Ward Inc., and consultants Andrew Smilinich and Doug McCord from LaBella Associates, presented project details to an audience of approximately 50-60 attendees, which included a strong representation from the local business community.

The project entails renovation and beautification of the City’s downtown that includes sidewalk replacement, additional electric, public art installation, addition of benches, lighting enhancements, and tree planting, that are more conducive to beautifying the downtown area.

Key takeaways from the meeting were:

The project is scheduled to begin immediately and is slated for completion before the end of the calendar year.
To minimize disruptions to businesses and residents, replacements will occur in four phases, with construction completion anticipated in each phase before proceeding to the next.
C.P. Ward Inc. will collaborate with all affected businesses to ensure consistent customer access. Businesses will remain accessible with minimal exceptions.
For safety reasons, parking in construction areas will be restricted, and efforts will be made to make handicap parking available in adjacent areas not currently under construction.
Diagonal parking on Main St will remain following project completion, with no loss of parking spaces expected.
There will be no loss of sidewalk footage. The curbing will remain in place in its current location. Bump outs are planned at the Church and Seneca Street intersections to make for safer and improved pedestrian crossing.

Mayor Buckley emphasized the significance of the project, stating, “It’s not often municipalities have the opportunity to replace sidewalks. This project will reshape, beautify, and improve our downtown and its accessibility. We appreciate all that C.P. Ward Inc. is doing to minimize the disruption. We also appreciate the patience and cooperation of residents and business owners during construction. We’re excited for the improvements and look forward to seeing the finished product.”

Residents are encouraged to stay informed on project updates by visiting the City Planner’s page at https://www.cityofhornell.com/planning-office and view storyboards of the project’s timeline. Full-size boards can also be viewed during business hours in the City Hall lobby.

UNION SQUARE PARK RIBBON CUTTING

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 18:34:28 GMT

UNION SQUARE PARK RIBBON CUTTING

It is a day of celebration in the City of Hornell as several state, county, local officials, and community members were present for the ribbon cutting of Union Square Park. Union Square, located at the corner of Genesee and Seneca Streets, brings a downtown, pedestrian park to the City of Hornell and is the first municipal project from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) to be completed. The ribbon-cutting event today showcased the successful completion of the park made possible through collaborative efforts and community support.

Mayor John Buckley was very enthusiastic about the park opening, stating, “We are so excited the Union Square project is completed and the park is ready to be enjoyed by our community. Many hands and hearts have contributed to this project. From completing the DRI application, securing the funding, planning, designing and development, or constructing the park, I’m very grateful to many for their efforts. A big thank you to the Department of State and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for the funding assistance for this project. We are deeply appreciative of Community Bank for their generous donation of the land, and former City attorney Joseph Pelych for his unwavering commitment during the property acquisition process. Thank you to LaBella Associates for the design and engineering work, and CP Ward for development and construction of this park. A giant thank you to City Planner Heather Reynolds, Superintendent of Public Works, Mitch Cornish and our Department of Public Works for their invaluable commitment and contributions.”

Mayor Buckley went on to discuss the park benefits, “This beautiful four-season pedestrian park is very versatile. From being able to host concerts and events under the modern and well-equipped amphitheater, to simply relaxing and watching kids run through the fountain on hot summer days, this park will be a great space for our community to enjoy for generations to come. Union Square adds vibrancy to our downtown and I’m so excited and thankful to be here today at this Ribbon Cutting.”

“Public spaces play a central role in downtown vibrancy, offering a safe place for people of all ages, incomes and backgrounds to gather, engage, play, enjoy entertainment and just take in the energy and diversity of city life,” said New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “Union Square Park is just the beginning of a series of public improvement projects funded by the DRI that will further enhance the vibrancy of the city’s downtown and serve as a catalyst for future downtown investments.”

Chairman of the Youth and Recreation Committee and 8th Ward Alderman, Jim Bassage expressed his thoughts about the park, “Union Square Park is something of which the City can be extremely proud. It will provide a space that will allow people to gather, which will promote the feeling of community, while enhancing the downtown area.”

Union Square Park is the first project completed from the 2019 DRI award. The City of Hornell received $765,000 from DRI/Department of State funding, with an additional $376,125 granted from an Environment Protection Fund (EPF #221628) administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The City provided the remaining funding for the park, as well as provided services in the construction of the park.

Mitchell Cornish, Superintendent of Public Works highlighted the efforts of the Department of Public Works, stating, “Our DPW team provided vital infrastructure support for Union Square Park, which consisted of installing the water and sanitary sewer system. This park features beautiful shrubbery with plenty of green space and landscaping that will be enjoyed by all visitors. Our DPW does a great job maintaining Veteran’s Memorial Park and Shawmut Park, and will be maintaining the grounds of this park, as well, ensuring recreational spaces are maintained for our residents.”

City Planner Heather Reynolds shared her excitement with the project completion, stating, “The DRI committee carefully considered fostering a communal gathering space with an amphitheater during their planning sessions. The greenspace and fountain create a youth-friendly environment, as well as a pedestrian calm, and I’m content with the final product. I can’t wait to start working with organizations on event programming.”

Union Square Park is now open to the public, with residents and visitors encouraged to experience the beautiful park. The City of Hornell looks forward to the many wonderful community events planned at Union Square Park as we look toward the upcoming Holiday and following spring and summer seasons!

Photo: Mayor John Buckley officially cuts the ribbon held by Heather Lisi and Carolyn Campbell from Community Bank while several representatives, officials, and members of the public look on.