The Peru Gazette

WESTPORT, NY – Champlain Area Trails (CATS) is thrilled to announce a $100,000 grant from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund to establish a new permanent position: Land Conservation Manager. This vital role will spearhead land protection efforts throughout New York’s Champlain Valley, advancing CATS’s mission to maintain trails to connect people with nature and ensure long-term access to outdoor recreation, all promoting economic vitality in New York’s Champlain Valley.

“This role strengthens our commitment to protecting critical lands, building partnerships with private landowners, and creating lasting connections for future generations,” said Arin Burdo, Executive Director of CATS. “The Land Conservation Manager will be pivotal in expanding our ability to preserve the natural beauty of our region.”

In addition to general land conservation initiatives, the Land Conservation Manager will focus on implementing critical current projects, including:

·       A New York State Smart Growth grant focused on converting temporary trail agreements into permanent trail easements, ensuring lasting public access to these natural spaces.

·       The acquisition of the Twin Valleys Outdoor Education Center, which will expand public opportunities for outdoor education, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

“This new position allows us to take bold steps in advancing our conservation mission,” added Burdo. “We’re excited to grow our team and strengthen our efforts to protect and share the beautiful landscapes of the Champlain Valley with everyone.”

Since its founding in 2009, CATS, an accredited land trust, has made remarkable strides:

·       Created and maintains over 100 miles of trails

·       Conserved over 3,000 acres of land directly and through partnerships

·       Hosted hundreds of hikes, educational outings, and volunteer events, engaging both residents and visitors

This new position, funded through a grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, will focus on major ongoing conservation projects, identify future opportunities, and collaborate with local landowners, communities, and conservation partners. The Land Conservation Manager will also play a key role in securing grants and donations to support future projects.

“We are grateful to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Land Trust Alliance for their support,” added Burdo. “Their commitment helps ensure that everyone has the chance to experience the beauty and wonder of the Champlain Valley.”

The Land Conservation project is supported with funding from the New York State Conservation Partnership Program (NYSCPP) and New York’s Environmental Protection Fund. The NYSCPP is administered by the Land Trust Alliance, in coordination with the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Please visit www.champlainareatrails.com for more information about the Land Conservation Manager position or to apply by the July 6^th deadline.

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; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; Banking Reports, and JCEO);

5. MOTION: Acceptance of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of May 29, 2025

6. Community Input. 

7. DISCUSSION: Update from AES Engineering on Peru WWTP Upgrade Project.

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:   Approval of Location of the Flagpole for America 250 Celebration.

9. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of Triangle Electrical Systems Pay App. #1 for Peru WWTP Project. 

10. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of John W. Danforth Company Pay App. #1 for Peru WWTP Project. 

11. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Peru Town Clerk Internal Audit.

12. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Peru Tax Collector Internal Audit

13. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Acceptance of Richard Williams’ Resignation from the Peru Planning Board.

14. DISCUSSION: Telegraph Road Culvert Project Engineering Update. 

15. DISCUSSION: Other Business: Council Comments

16. DISCUSSION: Other Business: Department Head Comments.

17. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

18. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay June 2025 Bills.

19. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

20. MOTION: Return from Executive Session. 

21. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

June 21 celebration to highlight the adaptive launch- the first of its kind in the area

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

New York Council on the Arts Program Will Embed Artists Within NYS Agencies To Bring Innovation and Foster Community Engagement for Key State Initiatives

Three State Agencies Selected for Pilot Program

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of a new opportunity for New York State artists to partner with State agencies to develop innovative engagement for key state initiatives. Administered by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), the State of the Arts Fellowship will bring artists and State government together to foster community connection, enhance public spaces, and amplify vital public service initiatives. 

“New York State artists inspire audiences worldwide with their artistry and innovation and are one of our most important resources,” Governor Hochul said. “By combining our renowned creative talent with our hard-working State agencies, we will discover new solutions to important state initiatives.”

Guidelines for the program are available at arts.ny.gov/SOAfellow. The deadline is July 8, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Fellows will be announced by fall 2025.

The State of the Arts Fellowship will embed selected artists within three State agencies for year-long residencies beginning in fall 2025. Artists from all disciplines — including visual, performance, literature, film, and interdisciplinary practices — are invited to apply for this unique opportunity

The inaugural placements are:

• Office of General Services (OGS): revitalizing the Empire State Plaza through creative, community focused programming. (Albany)
• Office of Mental Health (OMH): destigmatizing mental health issues and promoting access to OMH services. (at least one facility serving a rural upstate area and at least one in the NYC region)
• Office of Victim Services (OVS): working with underserved populations to reduce barriers to access the Fair Access to Victim Compensation Act. (Brooklyn or Albany)

The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 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 open 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, June 10th.  Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.

Anticipated topics include:

• Retiree Recognition (includes a recess)

• Personnel Appointments

• Data Privacy

• Code of Conduct

• Review Two (2) Policies

The complete agenda will be available via BoardDocs on the District’s website (perucsd.org).

Flags To Be Flown at Half-Staff Across New York on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7, 2025

In 2024, there were 322 intrusions in New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) work zones. These intrusions resulted in the deaths of two drivers who entered the work zones and 138 additional injuries to highway workers and the traveling public.

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed that flags on all State government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of Department of Transportation Highway Maintenance Supervisor Robert Bornt, who passed away after suffering catastrophic injuries related to a work zone intrusion in Pittstown last week. Flags will be at half-staff Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7, 2025. 

“I join the family, friends and colleagues of Robert Bornt in mourning his tragic passing,” Governor Hochul said. “A dedicated highway maintenance supervisor, Hoosick Falls Fire Chief, and a member of the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad, Robert was an extraordinary public servant. I am directing flags to be flown at half staff through Saturday, June 7 to honor Robert’s life and his selfless commitment to his community.”

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The entire NYSDOT family is grieving over the death of Highway Maintenance Supervisor Robert Bornt, who spent his entire life in the service of others, protecting the traveling public through his work at the NYS Department of Transportation and making his community a better place through his dedicated work at the Hoosick Falls Fire Department. My thanks to Governor Hochul for honoring Robert’s life and legacy and his family, in such a touching and meaningful way.”

Governor Kathy Hochul is urging all motorists to drive carefully, stay alert, slow down in work zones and follow New York State’s Move Over Law to protect roadside workers and other drivers. 

In 2024, there were 322 intrusions in New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) work zones. These intrusions resulted in the deaths of two drivers who entered the work zones and 138 additional injuries to highway workers and the traveling public. A total of 59 members of the NYSDOT family have died on the job across New York State, dating as far back as 1939. Distracted driving, following too closely, an unsafe lane change or disregarding traffic warning signs caused the majority of the crashes.

Click here to view the Syracuse.com story 

Congresswoman says the PAC will fund Republican campaigns for local offices.

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Students from 42 local schools are performing in this year’s Jazz Fest. Share Students from 42 local schools are performing in this year’s Jazz Fest. 

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Manicotti 

Vegetable 

Bread 

Dessert

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

All are invited and welcome!

Click here for the Syracuse.ocm story 

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL of  March 2025 minutes
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
6. APPLICATIONS:

1. Z2025-014    Special Use Permit, NY RSA2 Cellular Partnership, d/b/a Verizon Wireless,Valcour Rest Area

2. Z2025-015  Area Variance, Joshua and Diana Bartholomew, 277.-1-10.2, Patent/Mud Pond Rd 

7. CEO REPORT
8. ADJOURNMENT

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL April 2025 minutes
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
6. APPLICATIONS:

1. P2025-0011 Merge, Gary and Julia Liberty, 278.-1-11.41,278.-1-11.5, 278.-1-11.2, 25 Taylor Rd

2. P2025-0012 4-Lot Minor Subdivision, Nathan and Scott Brault, 258.-3-8, Lapham Mills Rd, Rock Rd

3. P2025-0013 Merge, Nathan and Scott Brault, 258.-3-8, 258.-3-11, 328 Lapham Mills Rd.

7.    ANY FURTHER BUSINESS

8. CEO REPORT

9 ADJOURNMENT

By John T Ryan 

The Board approved three contracts:

A $3,000 contract with Artisan Sign and Design to repair the Sullivan Park sign recently damaged by one or more vandals. If Artisan Sign finds damage to the reverse side of the sign, the cost could increase to as high as $5,000. In July 2021, Artisan Sign donated the sign to the town. 

A one-year $5,000 contract with While Knight Kennels for boarding dangerous dogs beginning July 1. 

A $21,795 demolition contract with JEDA Environmental Services to demolish a service building on the town’s 41-acre Brand Hollow Road property. The board plans to either sell the property or put it to some other use. 

Engineers reported that the Telegraph Road bridge/culvert replacement plan is still on schedule; however, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has not granted its approval. 

Town Supervisor Craig Randall complimented Town Historian Helen Nerska for being named a Woman of Distinction by Assemblyman Billy Jones. In her report, Nerska said that she has a Peru History Walk scheduled for Saturday, May 31. 

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported over 900 tires were collected at the May 29 tire roundup, a joint effort with the Clinton County Soil and Water office.

Water-Sewer Department Superintendent Courtney Tetreault stated that work on the wastewater treatment plant will probably not commence until July 1. The town signed a Consent Order with DEC agreeing to begin construction by July 1. If a shovel isn’t in the ground by that date, the town can be subject to daily penalties.

Assistant Highway Superintendent Tyler Jarvis told the board that personnel are repairing Telegraph Road shoulders before beginning paving. Connors Road is next on the department’s paving schedule.

Code Enforcement Officer Boib Guynup described the town’s new housing starts as “strong.” 

On June 11, Richard Williams will chair his last Planning Board meeting. Williams doesn’t keep records, but he thinks he started serving on the board about 24 years ago and has been chairman for about fifteen years.

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

The Peru Youth Football Team is conducting a bottle drive this weekend June 7th and 8th from 9-2 at Lapham Mills field.

Michigan  

Salad

Fruit  

Dessert

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

All are invited and welcome!

Free program offers practical, life-saving tips for handling medical emergencies 

PLATTSBURGH, NY — Life-saving information about responding to medical emergencies is the focus of Staying Alive, a free community health fair sponsored by the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH), Sat., June 7 from noon to 4 pm at Champlain Centre.

The event will feature displays, exhibits about assisting someone who is choking, in need of CPR or having a stroke; use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) and administering Narcan. Information about how to stop bleeding in a severely injured person, the focus of the nation-wide Stop the Bleed program, and caring for yourself in an emergency will also be available.

Shana Riel, CVPH clinical education coordinator explained that Staying Alive is aimed at those in the community without a medical background. “Emergencies can happen at anytime, anywhere to anyone. Having some basic knowledge can make a difference while you wait for medical help to arrive. Our goal is to provide practical, useful information,” she explained.

Staying Alive is not a certification class. Information about certification will be available at the event.  The program is underwritten by The Foundation of CVPH.