ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Two defendants in the torture and killing of 24-year-old Sam Nordquist were sentenced Tuesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole, as his family confronted …

Public health officials told the committee about two confirmed measles cases (plus a probable case) among unvaccinated individuals, an increase in latent TB detections since 2020, and ongoing lead-poisoning work backed by a lead grant and outreach.

The board authorized a contract amendment and extension with Lavelle Associates for the FLCC Facility Master Plan (Capital Project H085-22), approving the county's continued engagement with the design consultant.

An amended resolution rejecting a proposed federal renaming of Lake Ontario drew comments from supervisors, including Supervisor Yapke who said renaming would create "chaos, disruption, and distraction." The board laid the matter over until next month for further review.

Dr. Eric Lewandowski presented fish-sampling results from seven Finger Lakes, reporting persistent PFAS (notably PFOS/PFOA), evidence of trophic magnification, and that Seneca Lake shows elevated PFOS concentrations compared with other lakes; he urged more sampling, isotope analysis and risk assessment.

Staff described a large multi-part flood-mitigation effort tied to a $2.65 million New York State Department of State grant for bridge and culvert upgrades; the project includes local matches, a small bypass basin and a larger design effort with MRB and Colliers, including a basin that holds an estimated 9,000,000 gallons.

Staff presented proposed language to amend the state occupancy tax law—striking an exemption and removing a 3% cap—so the county could set a rate up to 6%, with revenues dedicated to tourism, parks, water resources and conservation.

The committee approved changing ARPA subgrant deadlines: substantial completion moved from June 30 to Sept. 30 and final payment from Aug. 31 to Nov. 1. Staff estimated roughly $70,000 may remain unclaimed but could be used to reimburse lost revenue under Treasury guidance.

The board approved a narrow, conditional recommendation for the Geneva PUD (referral 136) after extended discussion about incomplete plans, unclear phasing, traffic on Route 14 and decommissioning concerns. The applicant emphasized agritourism and farm‑worker housing; the board required that only the improvements shown on the 08/26 plan for specified tax parcels be approved now.

MSW Consultants are preparing an organics management plan and outreach; county waste characterization studies show about 35% of local waste is compostable organics, and staff plan targeted site visits, surveys and workshops to shape program design.

Staff reported Ontario County retains $4,395 monthly ($52,740 annually) for mortgage-tax processing while total costs were estimated at $189,775 per year, producing a shortfall near $137,000; the committee asked staff to study legal requirements and options including a mortgage-tax-rate increase (possible effective date 4/1/2027).

Staff delivered a detailed exemption-impact report showing roughly 17% of equalized value in exemptions and reviewed alternative veterans-exemption limits; the committee asked for address-level reports and asked staff to model impacts of changing veterans-exemption limits.

County reviewers urged Geneva to clarify definitions and methodologies in proposed BESS and solar local laws — especially the 600‑kWh/600‑kW threshold, the 110% on‑site energy metric, ag‑soil protections and decommissioning/security funding — and to involve the local fire department on larger battery proposals.

Staff briefed the committee on two request‑for‑solutions responses. One firm signaled flow control would be needed and increased its minimum tonnage from 120,000 to 200,000 tons/year; the other seeks county property and does not include single‑stream recycling.

The Ontario County Planning Board recommended approval with comments for proposed local laws addressing battery energy storage (BESS) and multiple solar code amendments, urging towns to specify decommissioning funding, consult fire departments on Tier 2 BESS, and clarify methodology for 110% on‑site solar calculations and agricultural soil mapping.

The county committee voted to send a resolution to state lawmakers seeking expanded allowable uses for the county occupancy tax and recommended a not‑to‑exceed rate of 6% to be considered by state representatives. The measure clarifies tourism‑related infrastructure, parks, water resources and conservation as eligible expenditures.

County staff and LSI representatives discussed a proposed Building 8 at 7796 State Route 251 — a four‑story, 56‑foot facility for healthcare training, manufacturing expansion and lecture space on a 59‑acre parcel, with 160 parking spaces and upgraded stormwater. Reviewers urged DEC and DOT coordination and asked for clarity on stormwater depth and access.

Currently I am gauging interest in an Ontario County (and surrounding areas) Mutual Support group. About me; I am a transplant from Texas and am absolutely in love with West NY and the community here ...