The Peru Gazette

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Peru Town Board April 22 Meeting highlights: 

Responding to a request from Assemblyman Billy Jones, the board unanimously approved a resolution supporting renaming the “Carpenter’s Flats Bridge” in the Town of Peru (NYSDOT#1005970) the “Captain Christopher J. Garrow Memorial Bridge.” The Town of AuSable passed a similar resolution. The New York State Police presented the name change request to Assemblyman Jones. Possessing the towns’ resolutions, Assemblyman Jones will present a bill to the New York State Assembly requesting the name change. It must go through the normal legislative process.

New York State Police Captain Garrow passed away on June 12, 2023, from an illness stemming from his assignment at the World Trade Center following the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. Garrow was in New York City to aid in the search and recovery efforts as a member of the New York State Police. Captain Garrow was a Peru High School graduate who resided near the Carpenter’s Flats Bridge.

The board debated the town’s sick leave policy.

The town’s personnel handbook states that an employee “may be” required to provide a doctor’s written statement if an absence exceeds three days. The agenda resolution would have changed the doctor’s statement policy to “will be” required. Town Attorney Matt Favro recommended the change in response to a question. He said it would ensure that all employees work under the same policy. Water-Sewer-Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetrault stated that he uses discretion when asking for a doctor’s statement because he knows and trusts his employees. He also cited concerns about confidentiality and insurance deductible costs. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said he always requires a written statement. Following an extended discussion, the board agreed that Councilmen Eric Duquette and Kregg Bruno would meet with department heads to develop a uniform policy. Matt Favro said the board could establish a set number of total days off each year (i.e., replacing sick time and vacation time), leaving it up to employees to take earned days off at their discretion. 

The Zoning Board of Appeals needs alternate members

Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup reported that the Zoning Board of Appeals badly needs alternate members. Guynup mentioned the April 17 meeting when two members had valid reasons for being unable to attend. Because a majority vote is required, the three board members present who attended would have had to vote 3-0 to approve the application. An applicant can request a delay; however, delays hurt Peru’s reputation as an efficient, well-run community. The individual representing the April 17 applicant traveled from New Haven, Connecticut, to attend the zoning board meeting. The board tabled the application pending the applicant’s response to questions the board posed at the meeting. 

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The Town of Plattsburgh is proud to announce the hosting of a Housing Symposium on May 23rd, 2024, at the
West Side Ballroom is at 253 New York Road, Plattsburgh, NY. With the North Country facing its unique challenges amidst the housing crisis, this symposium aims to convene stakeholders, experts, and community leaders to explore solutions and share best practices. The event will commence at 8:00 am and conclude at 1:00 pm. Attendees must pay a $20 registration fee, payable at the door via cash or checks made payable to the Town of Plattsburgh. Registration is open until May 10th, 2024. To register and for more information, please visit the event website at www.townofplattsburgh.com

The symposium boasts an impressive lineup of speakers and panelists representing diverse sectors and expertise. Leaders from government, planning,
real estate, and community advocacy will share insights, strategies, and innovative solutions to address the pressing housing challenges facing the
North Country. Their collective knowledge and experience promise to inspire meaningful dialogue and drive actionable outcomes toward creating more housing solutions for our communities.

Breakout sessions will provide attendees with the opportunity to engage in discussions on topics such as local policies and practices affecting housing development, handling housing proposals in communities, and social barriers to finding and keeping housing.

The symposium will also feature a networking lunch and speaker.

This event is open to all stakeholders involved in housing policymaking and community development, including but not limited to local officials, planning and zoning professionals, housing developers, realtors, lenders, housing coalitions and providers, housing regulators, human and social service providers, and community leaders.

“Don’t miss this opportunity to join the conversation and contribute to the solution to the North Country’s housing challenges. By bringing together stakeholders, experts, and community leaders, we aim to foster collaboration and drive tangible solutions to impact our communities positively. I encourage all those involved in housing policymaking and community development to join us as we work towards creating a stronger future for the North Country.”

Michael S. Cashman, Plattsburgh Town Supervisor

Dr. Moga is the only Northern New York surgeon with dual subspecialty training in joint replacement surgery and orthopedic trauma surgery 

PLATTSBURGH, NY –Iustin Moga, MD, the only orthopedic surgeon in Northern New York with dual subspecialty training in joint replacement surgery and orthopedic trauma surgery, is accepting new patients at the University of Vermont Health Network Orthopedic & Sports Medicine practices in Plattsburgh and Malone.

Dr. Moga studied at Colgate University before attending medical school at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, DC. He completed Orthopedic Surgery residency at Dalhousie University School of Medicine, Halifax, Nova Scotia, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.  He completed two subspecialty training fellowships:  one in total hip and knee replacement at the University of Manitoba, Concordia Hip and Knee Institute, Winnipeg, Manitoba, and a second in orthopedic trauma at the University of Louisville, KY.

Dr. Moga said he believes in a patient-centered approach to providing care. “My favorite part of practice is involving the patient, caregivers, and other professionals in a team approach with the shared goal of restoring function and reducing pain. I like to listen to my patients and to hear how their joint and muscle problems affect them so that I can understand how best to help. I use a variety of techniques for treating arthritis as well as bone and soft tissue injuries and like to work in a stepwise manner, from non-invasive treatments to surgery,” he said.

In addition to routine total hip and knee replacement, Dr. Moga specializes in complicated revision hip and knee replacement and posttraumatic arthritis. Furthermore, Dr. Moga’s orthopedic trauma training allows him to manage more significant fractures, such as those around knee, ankle, shoulder or elbow joints – meaning improved access to specialized fracture surgeries in the North Country.

“He is a great addition to our orthopedic services and compliments our outstanding team of providers in Malone, Plattsburgh and across the Network,” UVMHN Orthopedic Site Leader David Christensen, MD added.

In addition to Dr. Christensen, Dr. Moga joins C. Philip Volk, MD, Marissa Matarrese, MD, Pamela Reinhardt, MD, Jesse Hahn, MD and a team of highly trained, patient focused physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses and support staff in providing comprehensive orthopedic care for patients in Plattsburgh, Malone, and Northern New York.

Dr. Moga sees patients at CVPH Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, 206 Cornelia St., Suite 201, Plattsburgh, phone 518-561-5516, and at Alice Hyde Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, 187 Park St. Malone, phone, 518-481-2790.

WESTPORT, NY – The Champlain Area Trails (CATS) Grand Hike post-hike party at Winton’s 1898 Tavern in Westport will feature the Headwall Band, an Adirondack-based classic rock band. The party will take place on May 11th to celebrate the completion of the 14-mile Grand Hike, a town-to-town walk through forests and fields from Essex to Westport.

“We are thrilled to have the Headwall Band return as our live act this year,” said Chris Maron, CATS executive director. “Their focus on classic rock will be a crowd-pleaser, as it was last year, and since they are locally based, we know they have a great vibe and feel for the crowd. It will be an excellent opportunity for walkers, hikers, and the general public to celebrate local hiking trails and how they connect our communities.”

The hike will begin between 10:00 and 11:00 am at the Essex Gateway Trailhead in Essex and end at Winton’s 1898 Tavern at the Westport Golf Club, where hikers and non-hikers can join the “après hike party.” Along with live music from Headwall Band, the party will offer drinks and food for purchase, an outdoor games area, camaraderie, and a post-hike celebration.

Hikers will check in starting at 9:30 at Ballard Park in Westport and then catch a bus to start the walk at the Essex Gateway Trail. Along the way, hikers will find three “oases” where they can have snacks, water, and portpotties. Hikers can also opt for shorter hikes by stopping at any oases and taking a shuttle from the oasis to the finish line.

Past event participants have praised the event’s organization, saying it’s “super organized and a good distance for hiking in a group or on your own” and that they “loved being outside, helping CATS, and enjoying the company of other enthusiastic hikers.”

The après-hike party is free for everyone, including non-hikers. The hike costs $30 per person and $60 per family until May 6th. After that date, the price is $35 per person and $70 per family. Children under 18 can join for free. To register for the Grand Hike and learn more about the event, please visit www.champlainareatrails.com, email info@champlainareatrails, or call 518-962-2287.

Brooklyn-NY…“Anyone who views this state budget as a victory is deluding themselves. It’s too expensive, too expansive, too progressive, and too self-serving for the Democratic Party. The People of New York deserve to be outraged.

“Governor Hochul, who loves to claim victory by saying how much worse her budgets could have been, has again done nothing to address the screaming needs of New Yorkers. New York has a serious housing crisis, yet we see abandoned properties everywhere. Rent regulated landlords can’t keep properties up with Major Capital Improvement (MCIs) reimbursement rates capped at $30,000. And now, after destroying much of New York City’s housing market with counterproductive rent regulations, Mrs. Hochul and the Democrats are bringing regulations statewide with ‘Good Cause Eviction.’

“Low-income parents across New York, the very population Democrats purport to champion, are desperate for more charter school slots, while Mrs. Hochul and her colleagues continue to dump money into a broken system that necessitated charter schools in the first place. The Governor talks a big game about cracking down on crime, but does nothing  — zero —  to roll back cashless bail or to bring back crime fighting tactics that actually work. Approximately 1.4 million former New York neighbors have abandoned the state for lower-tax environs since 2010, and the Democrats keep piling on more. It will now cost you $15 to drive into midtown Manhattan.

“Everywhere you look, New York is out of the mainstream, as it continues to rank as the state with the worst business outlook in America. One would think that Mrs. Hochul and the Democrats would finally wake up. This budget makes it clear they will not. It will be up to voters to save New York. Those running Albany have their heads in the sand.”

“Time and again, I’ve said that the budget is a reflection of the priorities and values of our state government. And it’s clear that this year’s enacted state budget shows that Governor Hochul and Democrat legislative leaders’ priorities are not the needs of our working class families and seniors. The plan they pushed through with next-to-no time for public vetting or input will only make it more difficult for New Yorkers to afford living and working in our state.

“This year’s budget comes in at $237 billion, an $8 billion increase from last year. Even at that bloated number, it somehow manages to shortchange our families and business on the issues that matter most.

“Rather than take major steps to protect vulnerable seniors and nursing homes or make essential fixes to the broken, unpopular Tier 6 pension system, the governor and majority parties made token gestures toward correcting these longstanding problems. While the ‘hold harmless’ provision for our school aid has been restored in this enacted budget, state school aid funding is flat. Given rising costs due to inflation and high taxes, this will make it harder for our schools to operate.

“Instead of providing funding to these vital programs and services, they’re shelling out $2.4 billion and offering free health care to illegal immigrants. While our families, health care facilities, EMS services and seniors are expected to do more with less, Democrat leaders are funneling tax dollars towards a crisis they created with their own failed sanctuary city policies.

“Much will be and has been said about the housing and ‘Good Cause’ eviction policies included in the budget. These will not accomplish the necessary goal of expanding affordable housing. They’re an affront to the rights of property owners and are a slippery slope toward enacting a socialist housing agenda in the years to come.

“While there are certainly several items funded by this budget that I’m pleased with, it is far too expensive overall, contains a lot of bad policy and does nothing to improve public safety.  It places criminals and illegal immigrants ahead of law-abiding taxpayers’ interests and will ultimately continue our state’s long-term, ongoing outmigration woes.”

“We finally have a budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. I will say this budget season has been very frustrating, but we do have a spending plan. I am pleased to deliver funding for many organizations in my district that promote economic development, agriculture, recreation, and veteran services.           

“I am glad that we were able to restore foundation aid funding for public schools, which in turn will help educate our children and keep our property tax level. We also saw an increase in TAP that will help our community colleges and public colleges recruit students and make it more affordable for them.

“We were able to restore infrastructure funding for our local municipalities to take care of our roads and bridges.  We delivered a rise in AIM funding for municipalities as well for the first time in many years. Regarding public protection, I was glad to see increased penalties for assault on retail workers and efforts to thwart retail shopping theft, as well as measures to shutter illegal cannabis shops.

“There is a lot in this budget, some good some bad. Although there are no new taxes, I wanted to see more relief for middle income earners to help with rising costs. I voted against the closure of our correctional facilities statewide and money going to New York City to deal with the migrant crisis they are under right now. I do agree they need help, but they should be getting it from the federal government not New York State taxpayers. There was no accountability in how this money was going to be distributed as well. It is a lot of taxpayer money. We could have done more for DSPs and those with intellectual or developmental disabilities as well. I was also disappointed that we could not do more for our struggling nursing homes to take care of our seniors and am anxious about how CDPAP regulations formula will be implemented.”

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Syracuse.com summary: “Additionally, New York will expedite the closure of up to five state prisons in an effort to save money amid the state’s declining prison population. The governor has until next March to choose which prisons will close. The state has shuttered two dozen correctional facilities since 2011 because of vacant beds, saving about $442 million annually, according to the state corrections department.”

Meat Loaf
Mashed Potatoes
Salad
Dessert

Served 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru, NY 12972

All are invited and welcome!

1. Call Meeting to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call 

4. MOTION:  Acceptance of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of March 25 and Special Meeting of April 10, 2024.

5. Community Input. 

6. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:   Resolution Naming Carpenter Flats Bridge after Trooper Christopher J. Garrow.

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Declaring the Town as Lead Agency for the Water Treatment Plants Project 
8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Call for Public Hearing on May 29^th @ 5:45pm for the Water Treatment Project.

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Handbook Change Regarding Sick Leave.

10. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Hiring New Seasonal Laborer.

11. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  SEQR for Water Project  

12. DISCUSSION:  Other Business.

13. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

14. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: April 2024 Bills.

15. MOTION:  Adjourn to Executive Session.

16. MOTION:  Return from Executive Session. 

17. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.

The governor granted the authority to close up to five state prisons with a 90-day notice

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Eddie & Aii Webbinarro with their kids Isabelle and Zachary

Krista Bull and her daughter Cora worked along Bear Swamp R.

Krista & Cora Bull reported at 8 a.m. sharp. Cora belongs to Girl Scout Troop 4203.

Peru, NY, April 20, 2024—Peru Lions Club President David Dalton reports that many families, young people, and Girl Scouts participated in today’s Peru Clean-up Day, as did several members of a SUNY Plattsburgh fraternity. The Peru Lions Club and the Peru K-5 PTO coordinated the event.

On Saturday, April 20th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Peru Central School High School Golf Team will be hosting a Car Wash at the Peru Fire Department. The cost is $5 per car. Come out and show your support for the 2024 golf team!

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This story reads like a Governor Hochul Press Release 

Study establishes goals and strategies for a grid using multiple power sources

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