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Beginning on January 1, New York’s Minimum Wage Set to Increase to $16-Per-Hour in New York City, Westchester, and Long Island and $15-Per-Hour for the Rest of the State
Governor Secured Historic Agreement to Increase New York’s Minimum Wage Through 2026 and Index to Inflation Beginning in 2027 As Part of FY 2024 Budget
New Yorkers Encouraged to File Wage Complaints Here or By Calling 833-910-4378
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of a statewide public awareness effort to ensure that New Yorkers earning minimum wage receive the state’s historic minimum wage increase when it takes effect next year. On January 1, per an agreement between Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature, New York’s minimum wage will increase to $16-per-hour in New York City, Westchester, and Long Island, and $15-per-hour for the rest of the state. Raising New York’s minimum wage to keep pace with inflation will benefit hundreds of thousands of minimum wage workers across the state.
“On January 1, we are lifting New York’s minimum wage to help hard-working New Yorkers keep up with rising costs and continue supporting their families,” Governor Hochul said. “If you are a minimum wage worker and you don’t see this increase in your paycheck next year, I urge you to file a wage complaint with the Department of Labor to make sure that you are getting the wage increase you deserve.”
As part of the FY 2024 Budget, Governor Hochul secured an historic agreement to increase New York’s minimum wage through 2026 and index it to inflation beginning in 2027. After the initial increase, the minimum wage will increase by $0.50 in 2025 and 2026. In 2027, the minimum wage will increase annually at a rate determined by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for the Northeast Region – the best regional measure of inflation.
The New York State Department of Labor will begin a public awareness effort to remind New Yorkers about the minimum wage increase and encourage minimum wage workers to report missing wages. That effort will include digital outreach via social media, newsletters, and e-mail communications and direct outreach to distribute informational flyers with partnering organizations.
Minimum wage earners who do not see the increase reflected in their paychecks can file a wage complaint on the New York State Department of Labor’s website or by calling 833-910-4378. For more information about NYSDOL’s efforts to combat wage theft, visit the Department’s landing page.
Outgoing Councilman Rick Barber praised for dedicated service
In the first action of the evening, the board tabled Agenda #10 concerning Town Clerk Dianne Miller’s suggestion that the board only meet once a month in 2024. The board doesn’t appear to have reached a consensus on the issue.
JCEO has not been staffing its town hall office, claiming a personnel shortage. The office is important, especially critical on Mondays when the JCEO food truck usually brings in a food shipment. Peru pays $33,000+ a year for JCEO services. Supervisor Brandy McDonald will inform JCEO that the town will not pay for days the office isn’t staffed. McDonald said many people have been calling the JCEO phone. JCEO has not been forwarding the calls to its Plattsburgh office.
Two of Peru’s snowplows are inoperable because of maintenance issues. One, awaiting parts, should be repaired in a few days; however, the other truck has serious engine issues. The board gave Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell authority to purchase a used plow truck from Braintree, Vermont, for $93,175. Farrell said it’s in good shape with 57,000 miles.
The Grand Union Plaza and Lakeshore Pediatric Dentistry are interested in privately funding community-focused murals on their buildings rather than being part of a lengthy grant application process.
The board is hiring Liz Tedford again to update its community income survey in hopes of qualifying for much-needed grant monies. If household incomes within the water and sewer districts fall below a specific number, the town may be eligible for more grants at lower interest rates. Peru is under a mandate from the Clinton County Health Department and NYS DEC to upgrade its wastewater facility at a cost of millions of dollars.
Water-Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault said the vast majority of Peru’s business and household water meters can now be radio-read, enabling his personnel to read the meters from their trucks with a slow drive-by.
Several board members, Town Justice Scott Thurber, Town Historian Helen Nerska, and department heads Michael Farrell and Courtney Tetreault, extended best wishes and thanks to Councilman Rick Barber for this service on the town board, hard work, and cooperation. Elected in 2018, Barber did not seek reelection this year. Farrell called Barber progressive, someone who looks to the town’s future needs. Barber was emotional in his closing remarks. He recalled calling Brandy McDonald five years ago to suggest that the board move the Sunday concerts from Little Ausable River Park to Heyworth Mason Park. Barber went on to oversee and help construct the performance stage. A descendant of the Heyworth family, Barber donated the bell that, in the mid-19th century, signaled lunchtime to workers at the Heyworth woolen mill and later starch mill. Then, he oversaw the construction of the bell tower that holds the bell today.
Plattsburgh, December 11, 2023. The Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) is hosting a free COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.
The clinic will be held from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at CCHD’s offices, located at 32 Court Street in Plattsburgh. This clinic is open for all residents ages 12 and older.
“Staying up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccination helps protect you from severe illness,” stated Debra Tackett, Director of Health Care Services at CCHD.
Residents should preregister for this clinic by visiting https://apps2.health.ny.gov/doh2/applinks/cdmspr/2/counties?DateID=0C04C389CB8703A4E0630A6C7C151282 or contacting CCHD at 518-565-4848.
Ava Currie with Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York Council Staff.
Assemblyman Billy Jones presents Ava Currie with a proclamation.
Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York CEO Brenda Episcopo presents Ava Currie with Medal of Honor.
Plattsburgh, N.Y. – Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York (GSNENY) recently recognized 11-year-old Cadette Ava Currie from Plattsburgh, who earned the Medal of Honor from Girl Scouts USA for rescuing a four-year-old boy from drowning when he fell into a pool while throwing pool toys into the pool from the deck.
While numerous adults were on and around the deck when the accident occurred, Ava’s no-hesitation and actions ensured the safe rescue. When she saw the boy fall into the pool and immediately swam to him and pulled him up and out of the water, all before he could start choking on the water.
The Medal of Honor is a rare award given to Girl Scouts for saving a life or attempting to save a life under circumstances that indicate heroism or risk of her own life. Since 2017, only 196 Girl Scouts nationwide have earned the Medal of Honor.
Girl Scouts between the ages of five and 17 can be awarded this award if they fit the criteria for consideration. The criteria considered for receiving a Medal of Honor include: if the Girl Scout acted at or above her age, maturity, or training; to what degree was this a girl-led/directed rescue effort; degree of difficulty of the rescue and danger to the life of the person(s) being rescued; nature of risk to Girl Scout’s life; the amount of assistance received by others; whether proper first aid/emergency care procedures were followed; extent of good judgment; and circumstances surrounding the event. Awards are made by a special committee of Girl Scouts of the USA.
Other examples of acts that have earned the Medal of Honor include Girl Scouts who have addressed life-threatening cases of respiratory failure, loss of consciousness, airway blockages/choking, water rescue/drowning, stroke, seizure, heat exhaustion, cardiac arrest, accidents (like car crash, machinery accidents), diabetic emergencies, severe sickness and more.
MOTION/DISCUSSION:To Accept Reports from all Departments: (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; and Banking Reports) No JCEO;
MOTION:Approval of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of November 20, 2023.
Community Input.
RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:Possibility of Purchasing a Used Dump Truck for Highway Dept.
DISCUSSION/MOTION: Opportunities for Grants for a Mural and Windows on the Heyworth/Mason Building.
RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:Approve Contract for Income Surveys for Water and Sewer Depts. by Liz Tedford.
DISCUSSION/MOTION:Changing Back to One Regular Meeting a Month.
Sunday, December 10, Peru – Pancakes, French Toast, Sausage, Scrambled Eggs, Hash Browns, Real Maple Syrup and more! That’s the menu for the Sunday, December 10 Community Pancake Breakfast hosted by St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus. Served in the St. Augustine’s Parish Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $10 for adults, $5 children 5 to 11, Children under 5 are Free. Take-outs are $10. Everyone is invited!
The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the High School Community Room. It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 6:00 PM start, and that the Board will reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM. The meeting will be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org.
The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal safety procedures and protocols will be followed.
Currently, two (2) public comment opportunities are planned as follows:
First public comment: Related to items on the agenda. Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.
Second public comment: Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.
Individuals who are unable to attend the regular meeting in person may submit public comments by emailing perucomments@perucsd.org no later than 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, December 12th. Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.
Anticipated topics include:
Capital Project Planning
State Testing
Personnel Appointments
Donations
Bus Purchases
The complete agenda will be available on the District’s website (perucsd.org).
(PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Dec. 6, 2023) The Strand Center for the Arts expresses gratitude to Adirondack Regional Theatre for their $10,000 donation toward the Strand’s Theatre Lighting Project. This contribution has allowed the Strand to upgrade its lighting console with the goal of enhancing the overall quality of productions, thereby creating a more immersive community experience.
Adirondack Regional Theatre has been a steadfast supporter of the Strand Center for the Arts over the years, and their dedication to the arts has played a significant role in the Strand’s success. Their commitment to enriching the lives of the Plattsburgh community has been evident through both their financial support and active involvement in the theatre community.
“We are profoundly grateful to Adirondack Regional Theatre for their continued support,” said Jerrod Olsen, the Director of Operations at the Strand Center for the Arts. “This generous donation has empowered us to take a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering exceptional theatrical experiences to our community.”
The impact of Adirondack Regional Theatre’s support extends beyond the walls of the Strand Center’s theatre; it resonates with individuals who attend productions, workshops and classes.
“We are privileged to have Adirondack Regional Theatre as a partner in our mission to enrich, energize and engage the community through the arts,” Olsen said.
“Adirondack Regional Theatre and its Board of Directors admire the work the Strand Center for the Arts does in the community and its diligent efforts to improve the world around us,” said Tom Lavin, the Executive Director of Adirondack Regional Theatre. “The Strand’s efforts are greatly appreciated, not only by ART but by most members of this community. We look forward to seeing the continued progress the Strand will make in the near future.”
As the Strand Center for the Arts embarks on this new chapter with enhanced lighting capabilities, members of the organization “invite the community to join us for upcoming performances and witness the transformative power of the arts!”
For more information about Adirondack Regional Theatre, please visit adktheatre.com
For more information about the Strand Center for the Arts, visit StrandCenter.org
The 2023 Peru Tractor Parade is on Saturday, December 9, beginning at 6 p.m. It is on the same route as last year. It starts at the Irwin farm on Jarvis Road, left on River Rd., right on Laflure Lane, Right onto Rt. 22, right over the bridge, Right at Liberty’s on Union Rd., left on Cross St, left onto Route 22, back over the bridge to Stewart’s, left on Holden Ave, left on School Street to 22, and done.
The 2023 Peru Tractor Parade is on Saturday, December 9, beginning at 6 p.m. It is on the same route as last year. It starts at the Irwin farm on Jarvis Road, left on River Rd., right on Laflure Lane, Right onto Rt. 22, right over the bridge, Right at Liberty’s on Union Rd., left on Cross St, left onto Route 22, back over the bridge to Stewart’s, left on Holden Ave, left on School Street to 22, and done.
Peru Gazette Note – Twenty people volunteered to donate blood on Monday, December 4 in Peru with eighteen units collected.
If you couldn’t donate in Peru there are several other December opportunities.
The Adirondack Regional Blood Center, a program of the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH), makes giving blood easy with drives planned throughout the region and convenient Donor Center hours.
The December blood drive schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, December 5, Malone Fire Department, 2 to 6 p.m.
Wednesday, December 6, Essex County Department of Social Services, Elizabethtown, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursday, December 7, Mooers Fire Department, 3:30 to 7 p.m.
Friday, December 8, Burke Adult Center, 9 to 11 a.m.
Monday, December 11, Chateaugay American Legion, 4 to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, December 13, Bloomingdale Fire Department, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 14, Champlain Centre Mall, 2 to 6 p.m.
Friday, December 15, Clinton County Government Center, first floor meeting room 8:30 a.m. to 12:30pm
Tuesday, December 19, Ellenburg Knights of Columbus, 4 to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, December 20, Alice Hyde Medical Center, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday, December 21, Franklin County Court House, second floor conference room, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tuesday, December 26, CVPH Laboratory Conference Room, Miner Medical Arts Building, 214 Cornelia St., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, December 27, Cumberland 12 Cinemas, 4 to 8 p.m.
Thursday, December 28, Holy Name Parish Center, AuSable Forks, 4 to 7 p.m.
Walk ins are always welcome at the Donor Center, located at 85 Plaza Blvd. It’s open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Blood collected by the Adirondack Regional Blood Center stays in the North Country, helping hundreds of people in this region. Its success rests on the generosity of donors and sponsors.
A donor card or another form of identification is required to donate. Learn more about the Adirondack Regional Blood Center, giving blood and becoming a sponsor at UVMHealth.org/GiveBlood or call (518) 562-7406.
Beginning on January 1, New York’s Minimum Wage Set to Increase to $16-Per-Hour in New York City, Westchester, and Long Island and $15-Per-Hour for the Rest of the State
Plattsburgh, December 11, 2023. The Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) is hosting a free COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.
(PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Dec. 6, 2023) The Strand Center for the Arts expresses gratitude to Adirondack Regional Theatre for their $10,000 donation toward the Strand’s Theatre Lighting Project. This contribution has allowed the Strand to upgrade its lighting console with the goal of enhancing the overall quality of productions, thereby creating a more immersive community experience.
Peru Gazette Note – Twenty people volunteered to donate blood on Monday, December 4 in Peru with eighteen units collected.