The Peru Gazette

Source: How the toy shortage could affect your holidays – syracuse.com

Highlights of Peru Town Board’s October 14th Meeting by John T. Ryan 

Peru has a major sewer system upgrade in progress; now, the town board is planning a significant upgrade to the wastewater treatment facility. After treatment, Peru’s wastewater flows into the Little Ausable River and then Lake Champlain. NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has given Peru until 2024 to install a wastewater disinfectant system. Water-Sewer-Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetrault said Peru would like to install a UV treatment system, a technology that he says has several advantages over the age-old chlorine treatment process. Click here to view a UV system in Scottsdale, AZ. 

At its October 11, 2021 meeting, the town board hired a bond counsel, declared that the project would not have an adverse environmental impact, and initiated a grant application process by authorizing AES Engineering to act as its agent in securing New York State Water Infrastructure Improvement Act funding. Town officials believe grants will finance a significant portion of the project; however, it still must pass a resolution to borrow $9,954,421 via serial bond funding. The public will have a chance to learn more about the upgrade and its funding at an October 25, 5:45 p.m. public hearing.  

In other actions, the board determined that Clifton Christon has satisfactorily completed a 90-day probationary period.  He is now officially Peru’s Dog Control Officer (DCO), paid at a $13,000 annual pay rate. Town Supervisor Brandy McDonald commented that Clinton County is considering taking over dog control with dog control officers serving several towns.  

Renadette Road residents submitted a speed reduction request that the board accepted.  The board will forward the request to county and state officials for review. Town Supervisor Brandy McDonald remarked that NYS just denied a similar request from Telegraph Road residents. He did not give the reason for that action, but he has often stated that NYS doesn’t approve speed reductions until after one or more severe accidents occur. 

By John T. Ryan

Peru – The U.S. Census Bureau recently released the 2020 census data.  The North Country data reflects the nationwide rural population declines.

Peru’s 2020 population increased by 6.2% since 2000; however, between 2010 and 2020, its population declined by 3.3%, from 7,000 to 6,772. Between 2000 and 2010, Peru enjoyed one of the state’s highest growth rates at 9.9%.

The Town of Plattsburgh’s 2020 population of 11,886 is a 5.3% increase since 2000; however, its population increased by only +0.3% since 2010.

The City of Plattsburgh’s 2020 population of 19,841 is a 5.2% increase since 2000; however, it declined by 0.8% over the past ten years.

The Town of Altona’s 2020 population of 2,666 declined by 15.6% since 2000 and 7.7% since 2010. Altona is also home to a corrections facility.

The Town of Ausable’s 2020 population declined by 5.5% from 2000  to 3,183; however, it grew by 0.1% between 2010 and 2020.

The Town of Beekmantown’s 2020 population of 5,508 is a 3.7% increase compared to 2000 and a 0.7% decline compared to 2010.   

The Town of Champlain’s 2020 population of 5,745 is a 0.7% decline compared to 2000 and a 0.2% decline compared to 2010.

The Town of Clinton’s 2020 population of 652 is an 11.1% decline compared to 2000 and a 10.8% decline compared to 2010.

The Town of Dannemora’s 2020 population of 4,037 is 21.6% less than 2000 when it stood at 5,150. Between 2010 and 2020, it fell by 17.6%. The reduced number of inmates at the Clinton Correctional Facility probably accounts for most of that change.

The Town of Ellenburg’s 2020 population of 1,842 is 2.2% higher than in 2000 and 5.6% higher than in 2010.

The Town of Mooers’ 2020 population of 3,467 is 1.8% less than 2000 and 3.6% less than in 2010.

The Town of Saranac’s 2020 population of 3,852 is 5.2% less than 2000 and 3.9% less than 2010.

The Town of Schuyler Falls’ 2020 population of 4,843 is 5.5% less than 2000 and 6.6% less than 2010.

New York State’s 2020 population of 20,201,249 is a 6.5% increase compared to 2000 and 4.2% compared to 2010.

Clinton County’s 2020 population is about the same as in 2000; however, over the past ten years, the county’s population declined by 2.8%, from 82,131 to 79,843. Neighboring Essex County’s 2020 population of 37,381 decreased by 3.8% since 2000 and 5.1% since 2010. Franklin County’s 2020 population of 47,555 decreased by 7% since 2000 and 7.9% since 2010.  Reduced inmate counts at NYS correctional facilities may account for some of the changes. Jefferson County’s 2020 population of 116,721 is 4.5% higher than 2000, but only by 0.4% since 2010. Ft. Drum is undoubtedly a significant factor in its numbers. St. Lawrence County’s 2020 population of 108,505 decreased by 3.1% since 2000 and 3.1% since 2010. Warren County experienced a 3.8% population increase since 2000; however, its population only increased by 30 individuals since 2010.

The Gazette used April 1st, 2000, 2010, and 2020 census totals.

“Ernst is president of a private investment firm based in New York City.  He owns Elk Lake Lodge in North Hudson with his wife, Margot Ernst.  According to the Adirondack Explorer, Gov. Kathy Hochul approached Ernst recently at a dinner party and asked if he would be willing to take on the position.”

Source: Hochul appoints John Ernst chair of Adirondack Park Agency | NCPR News

Source: Column: Succession planning: farm transfer case study | Sun Community News In the last column, we covered how taxes are incurred when farmland is transferred in different ways (selling, gifting, inheritance, leasing). This week, we’ll talk about how strate

Source: Rangers respond to lost, injured hikers and hunters – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: Best Buy closure set for Oct. 30 | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Vermont leads country in growth of Covid case rate, reports recent record of 55 hospitalizations – VTDigger

Source: FDA OKs mixing COVID vaccines; backs Moderna, J&J boosters

“Samaritan Medical Center’s affiliation with Roswell will give North Country patients access to the leading cancer research, education, and prevention services, overseen by experts at Roswell Park.”

Source: Watertown hospital partners with renowned Buffalo cancer center | NCPR News

“The cost of natural gas is more than double from a year ago. That could produce heating bills up to 50% higher comapred to last year, according to the federal Energy Information Adminsitration.”

Source: Expect to pay more for heat this winter | NCPR News

Source: White House details plan to vaccinate children ages 5 to 11 against Covid-19 – MarketWatch

Click here to review minutes posted on the Town of Peru Website.

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Source: Police say husband of missing woman confessed to killing her in Bolton, body found in his vehicle – VTDigger

Source: When do we turn our clocks back for Daylight Saving Time 2021? – syracuse.com

Source: Brian Laundrie look-alike raided by feds turns out to be an Ithaca man on hiking trip – syracuse.com

Source: Paul Smith’s students to protest harassment and bigotry on campus | NCPR News

Source: Au Sable Forks to vote on new firehouse Oct. 26 | Sun Community News AU SABLE FORKS | Voters in the Au Sable Forks Fire District will go to the polls on Tuesday, Oct. 26, to decide whether to build a new $5.9 million firehouse to replace old and cramped sp

Source: CVAC volleyball: Nighthawks escape Hornets’ hive in five-set thriller | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | The first set was a good indication the Oct. 18 CVAC varsity volleyball match between Peru and Plattsburgh High was going to be a good one.

Democrat Peru Town Supervisor Brandy McDonald is on the ballot for reelection this year. He should be re-elected on November 2nd because no one is opposing him for office. The Peru Gazette posed a few questions to Brandy seeking to inform voters about McDonald’s experience and the issues he sees facing Peru.

Brandy McDonald 

1.      How long have you served on the town board and as town supervisor?

–         I have served on the town board for 10 years, and for the past 4 years as Town Supervisor.

2.      Why are you seeking re-election of this office?

–        I am seeking re-election as Town Supervisor, as I truly enjoy serving my community and aiding in its progress and stability.

3.      How have you been able to balance your professional life with your elected town supervisor position? Do you have regular office hours and if so what are they? 

–        As I previously stated, I am still available 24 hours to this position, and even posted my cell phone number several times for my direct contact information to all Peru residence.

4.      What are your most significant accomplishments as town supervisor?

–        I worked with the town board on collaborative efforts of our implementing the necessary infrastructure upgrades, moving the location of the summer concerts to Heyworth Park, and approving the new monthly Peru Town Market Place.  I am most proud of the accomplishment and maintenance of working productively and effectively with all Town of Peru Board Members and employees.

5.      What have been your biggest frustrations or disappointments as town supervisor?

–        The biggest difficulty as town supervisor is the continual efforts and issues of dealing with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.   I try to make the best decisions to ensure the safety and well-being of the town employees and its residents.  However, this pandemic causes issues that cannot be addressed in a yes or no answer, which is very difficult to navigate at times.

6.      What are the most significant issues facing Peru and how do you plan to confront them?

–        One significant issue is the major sewer project and the issues of backorder for material.  As with any issues, I will work with my fellow town board members to implement the best plans within our control in confronting this issue or any other town issues.

7.      Do Peru residents express their ideas and opinions to you? If so, what major issues concern them the most? How have you responded to their concerns?

–        As with any elected position, residents do and should express their opinions and ideas to me, and I welcome them, which is why I continually advertise my direct contact cell phone number for their convenience.  I embrace my community and want to help any resident whenever possible.

Thank you,

Brandy McDonald, Peru Town Supervisor – cell: 518-593-3078

Source: Plattsburgh State Athletic Hall of Famer, Former Assistant Women’s Ice Hockey Coach Danielle Blanchard Named Head Coach at UMass Boston – Plattsburgh State Athletics