The Peru Gazette

Click here for the Press-Republican story 

Click here for the Detroit Free Press Story 

January 7, 2023 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik today was sworn in to represent New York’s 21st District during the 118th Congress.

“Tonight, I proudly took the oath of office to continue representing New York’s 21st District and bringing their concerns to the highest levels of government. I will work tirelessly to deliver real results for Upstate New York and the North Country. In this new Republican majority, I stand united with my colleagues to provide a critical check on the reckless policies of the Biden Administration and reverse the crises created by one-party Democrat rule in Washington by enacting House Republicans’ Commitment to America. This Congress, we will work to deliver on those promises by creating an economy that is strong, a nation that is safe, a future built on freedom, and a government accountable to the people.”

In the 118th Congress, Stefanik will serve in Majority leadership as the House Republican Conference Chair.

Click here for the FDA.gov story 

TO FOLLOW ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING at 6:00 PM

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION/DISCUSSION:  To Accept Reports from all Departments: (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Nov./Dec. Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; JCEO; and Banking Reports) 

5. MOTION:  Approval of Minutes for the Public Hearing of December 29, 2022 and Town Board Regular Meeting of December 29, 2022. 

6. Community Input

7. DISCUSSION/MOTION:  Elm St. Project Escalated Pricing Request from Luck Bros. 

8. DISCUSSION/MOTION:  Approval of Clinton County Planning Dept. Waiver Agreement.

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval of the Reappointment of Richard Williams as Planning Board Chairman.

10. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval of the Reappointment of Ryan Davies as Planning Board Vice Chairman.

11. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval of the Reappointment of James Falvo as Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman.

12. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval of the Reappointment of Sean Lukas as Zoning Board of Appeals Vice Chairman.

13. DISCUSSION:  Postage Meter Savings.

14. DISCUSSION:  Other Business. 

15. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

16. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay Bills- December 2022

17. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay Bills- January 2023

18.   MOTION:  Adjourn to Executive Session.

19. MOTION:  Return from Executive Session. 

MOTION:     Adjourn

1. Call Meeting To Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Establishment of 2023 Salaries for Elected Positions:

5. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Approval of 2023 Appointees.

6. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Establishment of 2022 Appointee Salaries and Frequency of Payments

7. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Establishment of Town Department Liaisons.

8. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Establishment of 2023 Regular Town Board Meeting Dates and Times.

9. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Approval of 2023 Contracts.

10. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Establishment of 2023 Town Mileage Reimbursement.

11. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Designation of Town Depositories.

12. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Designation of Town Newspaper.

13. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Town Procurement Policy.

   MOTION:                      Adjourn

A legislative column from Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury)

A recent poll from Siena College showed that a majority of New Yorkers believe our state is heading in the wrong direction. From public safety to economic issues, it’s clear that the status quo just isn’t working. The 2023 Legislative Session offers an opportunity to address these concerns and more, and offer a better path forward for the North Country, Adirondacks and entire state. To that end, I’m putting forward a robust agenda and set of priorities that will improve the quality of life for all of us.

Reining in our out-of-control state spending (New York spends more than Florida and Texas combined) and providing substantive tax relief is also essential. In the short-term, I’m calling for the state to continue the gas tax holiday to help keep down prices at the pump. Over the long term, we must remove the mandates, taxes and fees that drive up the cost of living and working in our state. This year, I will be co-sponsoring a series of bills that would remove many of these financial hurdles and make it more affordable to be a New Yorker.

Last year, the state Comptroller released an audit on the Department of Labor’s unemployment insurance assessment surcharge. It revealed that billions in improper payments from businesses and overpayments to New Yorkers were issued, due to poor oversight and an antiquated system. This is deeply troubling, and I’m looking to remedy this situation moving forward. First, we must take steps to shore up the infrastructure and operations at the DOL to ensure further waste and fraud is prevented. Offering financial remuneration to small business owners for their overpayments, which only exacerbated the economic difficulties they faced during the pandemic and its aftermath, is also essential.

Public safety and protection remains of vital importance. To protect law-abiding residents from violent and repeat offenders, I remain committed to backing a full repeal of the state’s bail and discovery reform laws and engaging law enforcement on a series of common sense reforms. Fully addressing public safety doesn’t end with repealing bail reform, however. The 45^th District is home to several correctional facilities and in the wake of the state’s HALT Act severely curtailing the use of special housing units, corrections officers and civilian staff have been targeted by violent and disruptive incarcerates at an alarming rate. Let’s put the safety of these men and women first, provide them with the resources they need and repeal HALT.

One of the most controversial (and likely unconstitutional) measures to pass last year was a gun control law concerning concealed carry permits that essentially made it illegal for people In the Adirondack Park to exercise their second amendment right. In its wake, we’ve seen chaos and confusion and the cancellation of several historic re-enactments. This has had a serious impact on our local economy and our way of life. Last year, I authored legislation to exempt the Adirondack Park from this nonsensical gun control law, so residents and visitors alike can fully exercise their constitutional rights and take part in the traditions that make our region unique.

While bail reform and the state gun control law are among the highest profile issues affecting our region, there’s also a host of locally specific matters I’m seeking to take up and remedy this year. Rural health care is a major issue, and to that end I have two major focal points. Last year, I sponsored legislation allowing the creation of local EMS districts in the Adirondacks. This measure would help improve response times and service to residents in times of crisis. I plan on re-introducing this bill, and continuing to work with community stakeholders on measures to provide swifter EMS services and improve volunteer recruitment efforts.

Our nursing homes are currently severely distressed. Between state-imposed staffing and financial difficulties, it’s become extremely difficult for these facilities to stay open and offer essential care. To remedy this, I’m calling on the state to take action. There must be no further state cuts to the nursing home industry. Instead, there needs to be a substantive investment. I’ll be calling for a significant increase in the state Medicaid reimbursement rate and for a new formula for rebasing Medicaid nursing home reimbursement rates. By doing this, we can ensure our most vulnerable residents receive the compassionate care from dedicated nursing staff.

Affordable housing and economic development must also be taken up this year. Recently, the state released a report on closed correctional facilities and their reuse. I will be pushing to ensure that the closed Moriah Shock facility is put into reuse sooner than later. From commercial space to apartments, there are numerous possibilities for the site and it is crucial that we make use of these opportunities and ensure the former Moriah Shock benefits our residents.

I will also continue carrying constitutional amendments for Camp Gabriels and Debar Pond Lodge. Much like Moriah Shock, the Camp Gabriels site offers great economic potential and allowing the state to sell it would create a needed economic boost for the region. Offering a land exchange with the Debar Pond Institute would enhance the size and beauty of the forest preserve in the Adirondacks. Additionally, ensuring affordable broadband access for everyone remains a focus. We took steps toward making it a reality last year by eliminating the costly fiber-optic tax. I will be using my role as Ranking Minority Member on the Senate Internet and Technology Committee to ensure we meet that important goal.

Given the economic and social uncertainty a majority of New Yorkers are feeling, we must use this year’s Legislative Session to meet the challenges ahead. I’m confident we can and I look forward to working with my colleagues and all our residents to ensure we achieve smart, proactive solutions to the issues we face.

First responders found car submerged in a creek at about 9:30 p.m.

Click here for the Sun Community News story

Click here for Syracuse.com story 

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Click here for the Fox5 Report 

Ausable River Association photo

Ausable River Association News Release 

A request from the Ausable River Association (AsRA) for $2 million was included in the 2023 Federal Omnibus Bill, signed into law last week by President Biden. AsRA’s request was shepherded through the appropriations process, through subcommittee review and approval, by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.

These funds will help build flood resilience and health in the Town of Jay. They will advance critical river restoration projects detailed in the East Branch Ausable River Restoration Plan and expand the Plan, which currently includes the Town of Jay, to include the upstream half of the East Branch in the Town of Keene.

This funding request and Congresswoman Stefanik’s backing were a direct response to the ice jam and flood that devastated parts of the hamlet of Au Sable Forks on February 18, 2022. That same day, 10 miles upstream in the hamlet of Upper Jay – where ice jams normally develop first – an AsRA-coordinated stream restoration project completed in 2021 successfully broke up large slabs of ice, storing them on newly rebuilt streambanks. But downstream in Au Sable Forks, where similar projects lack full funding, the ice built up, forming dams that shifted thousands of gallons per minute of rushing icy water through homes, properties,and town infrastructure.

“These projects led by the Ausable River Association make a real difference for our communities,” said Town of Jay Supervisor Matt Stanley. “They avert ice jamming and flooding and are examples of how humans and towns can cohabitate with each other and how river restoration really works.” Stanley reached out to Congresswoman Stefanik’s office and to AsRA that day last February to ask if funding could be identified to move more AsRA-coordinated projects in the Town forward to construction.

New York State Senator Dan Stec wrote in support of the request, noting, “Planning and implementing these projects will increase stability and confidence for businesses and residents alike. Where infrastructure cannot be adjusted, stream restoration projects promote stability and sustainability that incentivize economic growth.”

Town of Keene Supervisor Joe Pete Wilson said, “The Town of Keene is grateful for this support. The Ausable River and its tributaries are essential to our town’s well-being. But we also know their devastating power firsthand. This funding will enable us to make significant progress in planning coordinated restoration projects along the Ausable River. These projects are essential for flood resilience and for habitat protection and it’s a real success to have projects that are good for the environment and for the communities along the river.”

Since 2010, AsRA’s staff – working with local towns, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other public and private partners – has designed and constructed several significant stream restoration projects on the East and West Branch Ausable Rivers. These projects have demonstrated time and again that natural stream restoration techniques alleviate ice jams, absorb flood waters, increase flood resilience, and improve the health and visual appeal of the river corridor. From 2018 to 2019, with funds directed by the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery (GOSR), AsRA’s staff and a team of experts developed the comprehensive East Branch Restoration Plan for 12 miles of the river in the Town of Jay. GOSR and the Town of Jay funded the successful restoration in Upper Jay.

Clinton County News Release  

January 5, 2023 – Plattsburgh, NY – The Clinton County Legislature held its 2023 reorganizational meeting on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. The Legislature reappointed Legislator Mark Henry (R-Area 3, Chazy) as its Chairperson with a unanimous vote of 10-0. The Legislature also reappointed Robert Hall (D-Area 10, Plattsburgh) as Deputy Chair, which was also unanimously supported by the legislative body.

“Mark Henry has done an impeccable job leading the Clinton County Legislature through some of the most tumultuous times that we have ever experienced,” said Rob Timmons (R-Area 7- Peru.) “I am proud to have nominated him to continue to forge pathways and relationships that continue to benefit the residents of Clinton County.”

            Rob Timmons was also elected Republican Leader of the Legislature, while Patty Waldron (D-Area 6, Saranac) was elected as the Democrat Leader of the Legislature.

“The Clinton County Legislature strives to provide a government that is right-sized and responsive to its’ constituents,” said Chairperson Mark Henry. “We will continue to prioritize economic growth for our region but do so in a holistic way that benefits everyone. When our economy grows, we are better positioned to help our seniors, our veterans, and our families and ensure that no individual is left outside the gates of prosperity. It has been my distinct honor to lead the legislature through these challenging years and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in a completely bipartisan fashion because when we work together, we get things done.”

            “Mark Henry and I may be from different sides of the aisle, but the reason I serve as the Deputy Chairperson is because we take great pride in operating in a bilateral manner that serves the greater good,” said Deputy Chairperson Robert Hall. “I applaud Mark’s continued leadership and I look forward to continuing to work with him, and all my fellow Legislators, to provide common sense solutions that work within the framework of the responsible budget that we have built for 2023.”

$1.5 Million in Lost Money Returned Everyday

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli oversees more than 46 million unclaimed funds accounts valued at $17.5 billion. Staff from the Comptroller’s office will attend community events this month to help residents search for lost and forgotten money, also known as unclaimed funds.

“In 2022, we gave back over $400 million in lost or forgotten money,” DiNapoli said. “Every month, we host events to spread awareness and encourage people to search for unclaimed funds that made be owed to them. The process is simple. Search for yourself or for family members, friends, neighbors, churches, synagogues, mosques or any organization you care about to see if money is owed, and then claim it! In this new year, don’t wait to claim your money.”

The Comptroller’s Office has an online database where New Yorkers can check to see if they are owed money. The billions of dollars in unclaimed funds come from utility deposits, old bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance claims, stocks and other sources that have been dormant for years. The Comptroller’s Office is able to go back several decades to retrieve lost money from various accounts.

Residents who cannot make it to the events can search for and claim their money by using the online claiming system or by calling 1-800-221-9311.

View a map of unclaimed funds owed to New Yorkers by county and region. Learn more about Unclaimed Funds.

The Peru School Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting in the High School Community Room on Tuesday, January 10th, at 6:30 PM.  It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 6:30 PM start and that the Board will reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM.  

Anticipated topics include:

1. Personnel Appointments
2. Bid Award
3. Multi-Year Financial Plan
4. Fall Sports Review
5. CVES Presentation

The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal COVID-19 safety procedures and protocols will be followed.

At this time, two (2) public comment opportunities are planned as follows:

1^st public comment:  Related to items on the agenda.  Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

2^nd 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, January 10^th.  Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.

The agenda will be available on the District’s website (perucsd.org).  The Board meeting will also be recorded and available on the website at a later date.

Following the national trend for kids under 5 over the last five years

Click here for the NBC5 story 

Water temperature records go back to 1972 at the Burlington waterfront

Click here for the NBC5 story 

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Click here for the State of Politics story 

Chatting with Toni Krupka prior to a Mass for deceased members of the Catholic Daughters

Handing out candy in the 2022 Applefest Parade

By John T Ryan 

Peru – Only eight years ago, Leagon Carlin delivered a graduation speech as Peru High School’s 2014 Class President. After college and seminary studies, he has returned to Peru as Associate Pastor of St. Augustine’s Church, St. Alexander’s Church in Morrisonville, and St. James Church in Cadyville. Today, his listeners refer to his talks as homilies or sermons, not speeches. 

Peru classmates probably aren’t surprised by Father Carlin’s career choice. Beneath his yearbook photo, he quoted English writer and philosopher G. K. Chesterton, “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and not tried.” Today he recalls, “My classmates knew I was dedicated to this ‘Catholic thing.’ Of course, several of them asked why I thought of choosing this path, and many were supportive. Some were confused about someone wanting a celibate life. It led to some intense, beautiful conversations.”

Leagon Carlin’s attraction to the priesthood began early in grade school. He stated, “The journey was a bit twisty, but it was in my mind and kept coming back.” Growing up in Cliff Haven in Plattsburgh, his family attended St. Peter’s Church. He said,” Fr. John Yonkovig and Fr. Bryon Stitt were great models. I admired the way Fr. Stitt approached the priesthood and the Mass. There was never a big lightning strike. Just a certain kind of peace came with the idea of being a priest. Whenever I thought of another career path, I returned to this priesthood thing. There was a certain peace to it.”  

Father Carlin is enjoying his first assignment. “It’s beautiful to be in Peru because I feel at home. Of course, I love Morrisonville and Cadyville too, but it’s nice to see people I recognize.” He fondly recalls his days at Peru High School, saying,” The teachers were supportive and were very good at their jobs.” His most vivid memories include Model UN trips, building homecoming floats, and helping form a debate club. Teachers Peter McCormick, Mrs. Ann Mazzella, and Mrs. Debbie Daly quickly came to mind.  

What about marriage and children? Father Carlin responded, “As beautiful as married life is, and I considered it, there was something different God was asking of me. All the vocations in the Church are vocations of love. They are vocations to love in distinct ways. The Lord called me to love in a way that includes the whole Church. The priesthood is not a life alone. It’s lived in community with parishioners and the brotherhood of the priesthood.”  He added, “My sister Sarah and her husband Matt have three kids. Spending time with them brings me great joy.”

Today when things happen as planned, Father Carlin arrives at Planet Fitness at 5:10 a.m. for an hour’s workout. Then, he returns to the rectory in Morrisonville for breakfast, followed by a scheduled or private Mass. After Mass, there’s office work which these days includes redesigning the parish’s website. In the afternoon, he might visit with home or nursing homebound parishioners, meet with couples preparing for marriage, or with people who “just want to talk.” Evenings often include attending organization meetings. 

Several of Father Carlin’s parishioners have remarked that the 26-year-old priest seems mature beyond his years. He isn’t too surprised by those sentiments, recalling his family’s joke, “Leagon was born at 50 years old and has aged since then.” 

What surprised Father Carlin most after seven months in the priesthood? “The Lord does work through we imperfect ministers. It’s easy to get caught up in your failures and weaknesses. How could the Lord ever do anything through me? How could I ever do anything good? But once in a while, I get feedback, and it forces me face to face with the fact that God is doing good things in my life.”

Giltz and McCullough families give $100K to new Plattsburgh YMCA

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the NBC5 story 

Click here for the Sun Community News story