Planning wisely helps travelers sidestep common pitfalls

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1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION:  Approval of Minutes for the Regular Meeting Minutes of March 13, 2023, and Special Meeting Minutes of March 23, 2023. 

5. MOTION:  To Accept Late Youth Department Report.

6. Community Input.

7. MOTION/DISCUSSION:  Girl Scouts Clean-up Project.

8. MOTION/DISCUSSION: Licensing Fees/Reimbursement Addition to Handbook.

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION::  Acceptance of Internal Audit for the Tax Collector/Tax Collector.

10. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Set up Special Meeting for Interview for Rec. Director.

 11. DISCUSSION:  Other Business.

12. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

13. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay March 2023 Bills.

14. MOTION:  Adjourn to Executive Session.

15. MOTION:  Return from Executive Session. ​

16. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.

Trouble viewing this email? View it online   Today, we’re announcing an agreement that means the UVM Health Network will continue to provide in-network care to patients covered under UnitedHealthcare’s commercial insurance plans through December 31, 2023. Our commercial insurance contract with United had been scheduled to expire April 1. While this extension will put further financial pressure on our health system, our priority is to do whatever we can to minimize disruption for our patients – despite United’s unwillingness to negotiate a fair contract. This extension is a positive development for 2,660 UnitedHealthcare commercial insurance subscribers and their families in Vermont and Northern New York: It gives them more time to identify alternative medical insurance coverage or health care options starting with their 2024 plan year. Based on our conversations with United, and in spite of our best efforts to reach a new agreement, we do not expect our health system to remain in-network for UnitedHealthcare commercial insurance plans in 2024. More information related to the UVM Health Network and UnitedHealthcare, including details on which United plans aren’t affected by these developments, is available at UVMHealth.org/UnitedHealthcare. For information specific to insurance coverage, affected patients should contact UnitedHealthcare directly. I’m hoping that the nine-month extension we’re announcing today eases some of the pressure on those covered by UnitedHealthcare commercial plans, and I apologize for the stress and anxiety this situation has caused in our communities. I also want to point out that this extension is happening only because we are carrying over UnitedHealthcare’s rates from Fiscal Year 2022, with no rate increase for our health system – despite intense inflationary pressures that have driven up our costs significantly. This is a scenario that’s playing out nationwide: Insurers like UnitedHealthcare are posting high profits, while hospitals and health systems like the UVM Health Network continue to struggle with rising expenses, insufficient revenues, increasing patient needs and a national workforce shortage. It’s important to note that, as a safety net health care provider, the UVM Health Network will always provide emergency care to anyone who walks through the door regardless of what insurance they have or whether they have insurance at all. And I want to reiterate that our mission is to provide high-quality health care for everyone we serve. To meet that mission, we need to be able to negotiate reasonable, responsible insurer contracts that allow us to meet our patients’ needs, both now and in the future. Thank you for your continued leadership and partnership. Sincerely, Sunny Sunil “Sunny” Eappen, MD, MBA President and CEO UVMHealth.org University of Vermont Health Network, 462 Shelburne Road, Burlington, VT 05401 Unsubscribe   |   Update your Preferences

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Public Encouraged to Submit Input on Detailed Plan to Reduce Phosphorus

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is extending the public comment period on the draft Watershed Implementation Plan for Lake Champlain to April 5, 2023. The draft plan creates a detailed path forward to reduce phosphorus that impairs Lake Champlain and contributes to harmful algal blooms (HABs).

The plan draws from collected data, modeling, and analysis, identifies potential projects that will significantly reduce the amount of phosphorus entering the lake to improve water quality, and complements the existing Lake Champlain Phosphorus Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) ‘pollution budget’ that established limits from all contributing sources to attain applicable water quality standards.

Highlights of the draft Watershed Implementation Plan include:

• Analysis of ambient water quality trends in the major Lake Champlain tributaries;
• Comparison of in-lake water quality data to TMDL criteria;
• Updated analysis of how different land uses contribute to phosphorous pollution;
• Descriptions of funding programs available to support TMDL implementation; and
• A list of potential implementation projects by sector.

The draft watershed implementation plan is available on DEC’s website. Public comments will now be accepted until April 5, 2023 and can be submitted by email to waterlog@dec.ny.gov.

For more information on the TMDL, visit DEC’s Clean Water Plan webpage.

Christine Peters – Peru Gazette photo of January 4, 2022

The County of Clinton is proud to announce that Christine Peters has been hired as the Commissioner for the Department of Social Services (DSS). Christine Peters has served as the Director of Legal and Social Services for the County since January 2012 and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge as the new Commissioner.

“We are elated to have Christine Peters step into the role of Commissioner,” said Chairperson Mark Henry (R-Area3-Chazy.) “Christine has dedicated over 19 years to Clinton County helping families around the county receive the services they need to thrive. I have always been impressed with her ability to handle complex situations, balanced with her empathy to help those in peril. I look forward to continue working with her to address the needs of our all our residents.”

For the last ten years, Peters served as the Director of Legal Services where she not only oversaw other DSS attorneys, but assisted with Drug Court and a small caseload. She also oversaw the Child Protective, Adult Protective, Child Preventive, Adolescent Preventive and Foster Care and Adoption units. Peters has also made headway to fight human trafficking in Clinton County by coordinating trainings and programs throughout the community. Peters also sits on the Child Advocacy Center’s multidisciplinary team and the steering committee for Substance-Abuse Prevention and Recovery of Clinton County while also working with schools regarding trauma-informed schooling.

“As the chairperson for the Children and Family Services Committee I have been privileged to work with Christine over the course of my term,” said Rick Potiker (R-Area 5-Plattsburgh.). “Christine’s compassion for her clients truly shines, and her ability to advocate for their needs to the legislature is unmatched. I am proud to continue working with her to help support adults and children alike, in need.” 

 “Christine constantly works hard to help not just the families that walk through our doors, but her colleagues as well,” said Mike Zurlo, County Administrator.  “I am very pleased to welcome her to our management team. I’ve always admired her open-door policy and her desire to empower both clients and employees. She is a true asset to our County and I am confident she will build upon the success of our outgoing Commissioner, John Redden.”

In addition to her time with Clinton County where she began as a Social Services Attorney in 2004, Peters was an Americorps intern at the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, and maintained a private practice in Plattsburgh from 2001 until 2004. Peters graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1997 and graduated from Vermont Law School in 2000.  A Peru native, Peters is proud to call the North Country her home with husband, Benjamin and two children, Greyson and Mallory.

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Most snow accumulation expected in the Greens and Adirondacks through Sunday

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Be the One Scholarships offered for first time since 2019

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L-R Town Attorney Matt Favro, Councilmen Melvin Irwin, Kregg Bruno, Supervisor Brandy McDonald, Town Clerk/Tax Collector Dianne Miller, Jim Douglass & Rick Barber

 By John T Ryan 

March 22, 2023, Peru – On November 7, Peru voters can elect two town board members. Having completed a four-year term incumbent, Democrat Councilman Kregg Bruno announced that he would seek reelection, while Republican Councilman Rick Barber stated he would not seek another term. 

Peru Republican Party Chairman Melvin Irwin told the Peru Gazette that Eric Duquette, a local building contractor, is interested in being elected to the board on the Republican ticket. Peru Democratic Party Chairman Marque Moffett said that her party hadn’t established a caucus date, but as of today, no Democrat has expressed interest in running. However, both Irwin and Moffett said they’d welcome more candidates. Neither party has set a caucus date. 

Rick Barber told the Peru Gazette why he isn’t seeking reelection. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my five years working with this board and for the town. As you know, life takes twists and turns. Kay and l bought a place in Florida and really enjoying retirement. I won’t say l ‘m done … maybe down the road, if things in our lives change, l would run again if the townspeople would have me. Right now, l can’t devote time to the town and be in Florida with my wife and family. As you are aware, l am the 7th generation of my family to hold office for the Town of Peru. I greatly appreciated being elected and l hope the people of the town have appreciated and enjoyed the work we’ve done.” 

Editor’s Note – The Peru Gazette will publish a story regarding Clinton County election contests at a later date. 

Correction – Melvin Irwin’s name was incorrectly written as Melvin Bruno in paragraph #2.

Features 10,000 eggs and a visit from the Easter Bunny

PLATTSBURGH, NY – A family favorite Easter tradition returns to the front lawn at The University of Vermont Health Network-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH). The Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for Saturday, April 8 at 10 a.m. sharp.

Known as the fastest event in Plattsburgh, there will be nearly 10,000 brightly colored eggs scattered on the lawn that will be scooped up in about two minutes. The eggs will be stuffed with candy, and some will include a coupon for a free kid’s meal at Texas Roadhouse.

The egg hunt is free and open to children ages ten and younger, with a separate hunting ground for children 3 and under. Hunters should be dressed according to weather conditions. The event is BYOB (bring your own basket), and kids will get to say hello and pose for pictures with the guest of honor: the Easter Bunny.

There will be convenient parking in the Medical Office Building lots just off the Cornelia Street entrance, and CV-TEC students will help provide security services. For more information, contact Michelle Senecal at (518) 314-3359 or msenecal@cvph.org.

Shaun Akin elected mayor of Dannemora

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Two men charged with 2nd degree murder in Keeseville death

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