ThisIsRochester.com: Local Government

Police Accountability Board proposal tabled

Jan. 10, 2019 -- As expected, the Rochester City Council tabled Mayor Lovely Warren's proposed legislation creating a Police Accountability Board.

Under the mayor's plan, a nine-member board with subpoena power would be able to make recommendations on police discipline, though the chief of police could reject those recommendations.

City Council President Loretta Scott said the legislation was nearly completed and would be made public, followed by forums to solicit public feedback.

Complicating matters is the fact that officers' discipline is covered by a collective bargaining agreement that specifies only the police chief has the authority to impose penalties.

Warren wants a nine-member board -- three people nominated by the Police Accountability Board Alliance, three by the mayor, and three by City Council. All would have to be approved by City Council.

Civil lawsuits filed against ex-Henrietta supervisor, others

Jan. 10, 2019 -- Two civil lawsuits alleging discrimination, sexual harassment and a hostile work environment were filed against former Henrietta town Supervisor Jack Moore, Deputy Director of Engineering and Planning Craig Eckert, and Deputy Town Supervisor Peter Minotti.

The lawsuits were filed by former town employees Marlene Youngman and Barbara Bresnan.

Youngman, who had been employed as a management assistant in the Public Works/Highway Department, alleged that under Moore she was "routinely bypassed for overtime opportunities" and that a program was installed on her computer to monitor her activities. She claims her complaints to the town were met with a proposed transfer, which would result in a pay cut and loss of hours.

In her lawsuit, Bresnan claimed Moore made inappropriate comments towards her, including referring to her as "my girl."

She claimed Moore later made offensive comments regarding her sexual orientation and that her work assignments changed after Moore learned she was a lesbian.

TV meteorologist fired after on-air gaffe

Jan. 7, 2019 -- WHEC-TV fired chief meteorologist Jeremy Kappell after a controversy that began three days earlier with him uttering a racially offensive word on the air. In talking about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park during a newscast, Kappell appeared to instead say Dr. Martin Luther Coon King Jr. Park.

A clip of the broadcast made its way to social media, and Mayor Lovely Warren issued a statement calling for Kappell's firing. Warren also suggested it was part of a larger issue of how people of color are referred to in local media and that its time to deal with these issues "head on."

The Rochester Association of Black Journalists issued a statement saying the incident is "completely unacceptable" and that they expect a "complete explanation of what happened and why nothing was done immediately after broadcast."

Channel 10 Vice President and General Manager Richard Reingold issued a statement a day before the firing apologizing for the incident and followed up the next day to say Kappell was no longer with the station. "We believe strongly in holding our reporters and anchors to the highest standard," he said.

Morelle lands key appointment

Jan. 4, 2019 -- Rochester-area Rep. Joe Morelle has been appointed to serve on the House of Representatives Rules Committee, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced.

The Rules Committee determines how and when bills are brought before House members, assists in scheduling them for floor action and creates special rules for debate. Morelle's predecessor, the late Louise Slaughter, was the chair and ranking member of the Rules Committee.

Proposed Pittsford nano-brewery clears hurdle

Jan. 3, 2019 -- A proposed nano-brewery along the Erie Canal in Pittsford can proceed after a decision by the village's Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals.

The board voted to deny an appeal by the village trustees who disputed a determination by the then-village building inspector that cleared the way for the Hawley Brewing Co., a 1,500-square-foot establishment at 50 State St., near Schoen Place. The next step will be for the brewery to secure building permits.

The village currently has a moratorium on new construction projects while it updates its comprehensive plan. Brewery co-owner Bryan Meyer told the board there are no plans to renovate the exterior of the building or for outdoor seating.

The village's Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals heard from both parties in a two-hour meeting in December. Thursday's meeting lasted 90 minutes and the board of appeals determined that it was only responsible for considering whether or not the production of beer constituted an agricultural process (from agricultural products).

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	A summary of noteworthy news about Greater Rochester government
	More from early 2019 Police Accountability Board proposal tabled Jan. 10, 2019 -- As expected, the Rochester City Council tabled Mayor Lovely Warren's proposed legislation creating a Police Accountability Board. Under the mayor's plan, a nine-member board with subpoena power would be able to make recommendations on police discipline, though the chief of police could reject those recommendations. City Council President Loretta Scott said the legislation was nearly completed and would be made public, followed by forums to solicit public feedback. Complicating matters is the fact that officers' discipline is covered by a collective bargaining agreement that specifies only the police chief has the authority to impose penalties. Warren wants a nine-member board -- three people nominated by the Police Accountability Board Alliance, three by the mayor, and three by City Council. All would have to be approved by City Council. Civil lawsuits filed against ex-Henrietta supervisor, others Jan. 10, 2019 -- Two civil lawsuits alleging discrimination, sexual harassment and a hostile work environment were filed against former Henrietta town Supervisor Jack Moore, Deputy Director of Engineering and Planning Craig Eckert, and Deputy Town Supervisor Peter Minotti. The lawsuits were filed by former town employees Marlene Youngman and Barbara Bresnan. Youngman, who had been employed as a management assistant in the Public Works/Highway Department, alleged that under Moore she was "routinely bypassed for overtime opportunities" and that a program was installed on her computer to monitor her activities. She claims her complaints to the town were met with a proposed transfer, which would result in a pay cut and loss of hours. In her lawsuit, Bresnan claimed Moore made inappropriate comments towards her, including referring to her as "my girl." She claimed Moore later made offensive comments regarding her sexual orientation and that her work assignments changed after Moore learned she was a lesbian. TV meteorologist fired after on-air gaffe Jan. 7, 2019 -- WHEC-TV fired chief meteorologist Jeremy Kappell after a controversy that began three days earlier with him uttering a racially offensive word on the air. In talking about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park during a newscast, Kappell appeared to instead say Dr. Martin Luther Coon King Jr. Park. A clip of the broadcast made its way to social media, and Mayor Lovely Warren issued a statement calling for Kappell's firing. Warren also suggested it was part of a larger issue of how people of color are referred to in local media and that its time to deal with these issues "head on." The Rochester Association of Black Journalists issued a statement saying the incident is "completely unacceptable" and that they expect a "complete explanation of what happened and why nothing was done immediately after broadcast." Channel 10 Vice President and General Manager Richard Reingold issued a statement a day before the firing apologizing for the incident and followed up the next day to say Kappell was no longer with the station. "We believe strongly in holding our reporters and anchors to the highest standard," he said. Morelle lands key appointment Jan. 4, 2019 -- Rochester-area Rep. Joe Morelle has been appointed to serve on the House of Representatives Rules Committee, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced. The Rules Committee determines how and when bills are brought before House members, assists in scheduling them for floor action and creates special rules for debate. Morelle's predecessor, the late Louise Slaughter, was the chair and ranking member of the Rules Committee. Proposed Pittsford nano-brewery clears hurdle Jan. 3, 2019 -- A proposed nano-brewery along the Erie Canal in Pittsford can proceed after a decision by the village's Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals. The board voted to deny an appeal by the village trustees who disputed a determination by the then-village building inspector that cleared the way for the Hawley Brewing Co., a 1,500-square-foot establishment at 50 State St., near Schoen Place. The next step will be for the brewery to secure building permits. The village currently has a moratorium on new construction projects while it updates its comprehensive plan. Brewery co-owner Bryan Meyer told the board there are no plans to renovate the exterior of the building or for outdoor seating. The village's Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals heard from both parties in a two-hour meeting in December. Thursday's meeting lasted 90 minutes and the board of appeals determined that it was only responsible for considering whether or not the production of beer constituted an agricultural process (from agricultural products).