The Peru Gazette

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Recent Forest Ranger Actions

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from across New York State.

South Dakota, California, and Colorado
Fighting Wildfires: On Oct. 16, DEC welcomed back the State’s third team of Forest Rangers, staff, and volunteers deployed to help battle and contain wildfires raging in western states. The wildland firefighting crew began their assignment on Sept. 30. The crew includes a DEC Forest Ranger crew boss and nine firefighters from the ranks of Forest Rangers and other DEC programs. The returning New York crew joined federal, state, and local fire agencies battling wildfires in Gibbons, South Dakota, and was tasked with securing control lines. In addition, three DEC Forest Rangers assisted in fighting fires in California and Colorado. One Ranger was assigned to the August Complex fire in California, while another served as Task Force Leader for the Castle fire in California. A third Ranger served as Ordering Manager for the Williams Fork fire in Colorado.

The returning crews of New York Forest Rangers, staff, and volunteers are:

• Robert Praczkajlo, Forest Ranger, Crew Boss, Essex and Franklin counties
• Brendan Aschmutat, DEC Division of Fish and Wildlife, Saratoga County
• Aimee Bills, Forest Ranger, Herkimer and Oneida counties
• Michael Giocondo, DEC Forester, Lewis County
• Joseph Hess, Forest Ranger, Saratoga County
• Captain Jaime Laczko, Forest Ranger, DEC Central Office
• David Nally, Forest Ranger, Fulton County
• Hannah O’Connor, Forest Ranger, Warren County
• Jeremy Oldroyd, Forest Ranger, Broome and Chenango counties
• Kyle Olson, DEC Division of Fish and Wildlife, Tompkins County
• John Rusher, Forest Ranger, Ulster County
• Neilson Snye, DEC Division of Operations, Franklin County
• Daniel Wehn, DEC Division of Environmental Remediation, Fulton County

A fourth crew left on Oct. 17 for deployment from the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center in Denver.

DEC Forest Rangers, staff, and volunteers fight western wildfires in South Dakota

DEC Forest Rangers, staff, and volunteers fight western wildfires

New York State wildland firefighter in South Dakota

Town of Wells
Hamilton County
Wildland Fire: On Oct. 18, DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch was notified by Hamilton County 911 of a fire on Dunham Mountain in the Silver Lake Wilderness Area. Reports placed the fire on the side of the remote mountain, which has no easy access. The reports also indicated the fire was rapidly spreading and moving vertically from the ground up into the trees. Forest Ranger Lt. Kallen, and Rangers Milano, Kerr, and Thompson responded. Over the course of several days, more than a dozen Rangers, as well as a logistical support long line utility flight courtesy of New York State Police Aviation, worked to suppress and put out the fire. After several days, the fire was placed in patrol status totaling approximately 10 acres burned. Rangers traced the fire’s ignition back to an unattended campfire.

Town of Bolton
Warren County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 23 at 11:30 a.m., DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch received a request for assistance for a 40-year-old woman from Schenectady who became disoriented while hiking Cat Mountain. Coordinates provided by Warren County 911 placed her in the area of Edgecomb Pond. Forest Ranger Lt. Ganswindt responded to assist, arrived on scene at 12 p.m., and headed in on the trail. Using the coordinates provided, Lt. Ganswindt located the hiker at 12:40 p.m., and escorted her back to the trailhead. The incident concluded at 1:10 p.m.

Town of Johnsburg
Warren County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 24 at 4:50 p.m., DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch received a call reporting a hiker who hurt their ankle while hiking on Peaked Mountain in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area. The injured hiker was continuing to walk out, but the caller stated they were having difficulty and needed Forest Ranger assistance. Forest Rangers Kabrehl, Donegan, and Quinn responded to assist. At 6:30 p.m., Ranger Kabrehl located the 38-year-old hiker from Ballston Spa near the lake and advised they would continue walking out. At 7:52 p.m., the group was back at the trailhead and the injured hiker stated they would seek additional medical attention on their own.

Town of Indian Lake
Hamilton County
Wilderness Search: On Oct. 24 at 5:31 p.m., Hamilton County 911 transferred a call to DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch reporting a missing 68-year-old hunter from South Glens Falls in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area. Forest Rangers Thompson, Hanno, Gullen, Murphy, Donegan, and Quinn responded to the hunting party’s camp to begin search efforts. At 8:30 p.m., Rangers were on scene and broke into groups of two for a Type II search by voice along the route of the hunter’s last known location. The hunter responded to a gunshot with one of his own at 1:30 a.m. The hunter was located by Rangers at 1:46 a.m., in good health and had built a fire to stay warm. Rangers walked him back the two miles to the hunting party’s rowboat and crossed the lake back to camp. Rangers were brought out by other camp members by UTV and were cleared of the scene at 5:15 a.m.

Town of Hadley
Saratoga County
Wilderness Search: On Oct. 25 at 12:02 p.m., Saratoga County 911 transferred a call to DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch reporting a missing 15-year-old boy from Latham on the summit of Hadley Mountain. The boy’s mother advised that her son had hiked ahead of her to the summit but was not there when she arrived. Forest Rangers Poulton and Donegan responded to assist. Ranger Poulton was first on scene and proceeded up the trail along with Saratoga County Sheriff’s Deputies and New York State Police with negative results. Upon his arrival at the trailhead, Ranger Donegan was advised that the hiker had made it out of the woods and was given a ride back to the trailhead by a passerby who had seen him on the side of the road. The remaining rescuers hiked back to the trailhead with the boy’s mother where she was reunited with her son.

Town of Harrietstown
Franklin County
Wilderness Search: On Oct. 25 at 7:23 p.m., Franklin County 911 transferred a call to DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch reporting a lost hunter who left Coreys Road in Harrietstown, although 911 coordinates placed the subject near the northern end of Long Lake. Forest Rangers Russell and Temple responded by boat to the hunter’s coordinates where they sounded shots to make contact with the hunter without success. At 11:34 p.m., Franklin County 911 received another call from the 32-year-old hunter from Peru, New York, with coordinates still placing him near Long Lake. Using his cell phone, the hunter provided coordinates that placed him closer to Rock Pond off Coreys Road. Forest Ranger DiCintio swept the shore of Rock Pond and interviewed members of the hunting party who advised that their lost party member was supposed to go from Pickerel Pond to Rock Pond. Ranger DiCintio searched the surrounding hills in the area of Rock Pond until he was joined by four additional Forest Rangers at first light. At 7:45 a.m., Forest Ranger LaPierre advised she had located the hunter north of Rock Pond in good condition and they were walking back to the trailhead. All units were cleared of the scene at 9:15 a.m.

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s Hike Smart NY and Adirondack Backcountry Information webpage for more information.

Source: Rand report shows that UVM Medical Center is the most expensive Vermont hospital – VTDigger

Source: City & State Coronavirus Update co-sponsored by CMW Strategies

Peru – At the Monday, October 26, Peru Town Board meeting, department heads answered questions from the Town Board regarding how they will provide essential services if one or more employees test positive for COVID-19 during the coming winter months. Beginning November 1, all Highway and Water-Sewer Department personnel will have their temperatures taken before beginning work. Mike Farrell said neighboring towns might ask to assist with snow plowing, or Peru may have to ask for assistance. Employees have asked what their pay status will be if they test positive.  Both Farrell and Water-Sewer Superintant Courtney Tetrault are planning for as many contingencies as possible. 

Residents reported street signs and Halloween decoration thefts, resulting in expenses to the town and confusion for some delivery drivers. It could also mean the loss of life in an emergency response situation. Supervisor Brandy McDonald said thieves had taken at least 15 street signs and some attached poles. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said he had replaced some signs, but he is concerned about the $37 per sign expense. All residents should watch for the thieves and get them on camera, if at all possible. 

The Board authorized the no-bid emergency purchase of essential parts for the sewage treatment plant’s sludge collection system at the cost of $46,600. The repairs must be done as soon as possible to reduce the possibility of the release of untreated sewage into the Little Ausable River. 

In other actions: 

The Board accepted James Bosley’s resignation from the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Board thanked Bosley for his service to the community. 

James Akey was appointed to the Zoning Board to complete Thomas Fusco’s unexpired ending on December 31, 2023. 

A Special Board Meeting was scheduled for November 12 at 5 p.m. to accept the tax relevy list.  Residents must pay water and sewer by November 6 at 3 p.m. to avoid having water and sewage charges included on their property tax bill. 

The sewer system trunk line upgrade will go out to bid on Saturday, October 30th. 

Youth Director John Flynn reported that the Youth Commission’s “Moving Up” day will take place this Wednesday. 

Highway Superintendent Farrell said it appears that 2021 New York State highway paving assistance (CHIPS) monies will only be at 80% of this year’s level. 

Farrell also reported that the 180 foot long, 15 foot wide, 9 ft. 6-inch high cement-steel reinforced culvert needed for the Telegraph Street/Sullivan Rd. would cost almost $400,000 without installation. He is looking into steel alternatives. 

The meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m.

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The Town of Peru, Town Board has scheduled a Special Meeting for Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 5:00 PM at the Peru Town Hall.  The purpose of the meeting will be for the Town Board to approve resolution for 2020 water/sewer levy.

S

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Thursday, October 15, 2020, at the Peru Town Hall.  Those present were Mr. Brandy McDonald Supervisor; Mr. James Douglass, Councilman; Mr. Melvin Irwin, Councilman; Mr. Richard Barber; Councilman; Mr. Kregg Bruno, Councilman and Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk.  Also present were Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent; Mr. Bob Guynup, Zoning Officer; Ms. Pamela Barber, Confidential Secretary to the Board, Mr. Matthew Favro, Town Attorney and Mr. Dave Drollette, Dog Control Officer.

The meeting was called to order at 6:03 PM by Mr. McDonald, with the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Motion by Mr. Barber, seconded by Mr. Bruno to include the reports from the following departments into the meeting record: Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Dog Control; Code/Zoning Report; Supervisor’s Report; Court Reports; Web Site Report; Banking Report and Enterprise Report, Town Clerk and Youth reports.

Ayes 5 Nays 0                                                                                                Motion Carried 

Motion by Mr. Douglass seconded by Mr. Barber to accept the minutes from the September 26, 2020 Regular Meeting.

Ayes 5 Nays 0                                                                                                 Motion Carried 

Community Input

NONE

Set Sewer Workshop Date for October 26

Motion by Mr. Irwin; seconded by Mr. Barber to set October 26, 2020 at 5 PM for Sewer Workshop to be held at the Town Hall. 

Approval to Put the Sewer Trunk Line Project Out for Rebid

Mr. Tetrault stated that Elm Street will be extra but on the bid as an alternate (separate).

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 20.10.15-1

A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE AES NORTHEAST TO PREPARE BID SPECIFICATIONS AND ADVERTISE FOR RECEIPTS OF BID ONCE COMPLETED FOR THE PROJECT KNOWN AS “TRUNK SEWER MAIN AND PUMP STATION RECONSTRUCTION”.

Motion: Mr. Douglass                                    Second: Mr. Bruno

WHEREAS, to authorize AES Northeast to prepare bid specifications and advertise for receipts of bid once complete, for the project known as “TRUNK SEWER MAIN AND PUMP STATION RECONSTRUCTION”.

WHEREAS, Bid specifications, timing, and authorization, will be in accordance with all applicable funding agency requirements, including, but not limited to, US Rural Development.  THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, said proposed authorization is approved as per requirements.

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays 

Approval of Auctions International Contract

Mr. Farrell stated this is the opportunity to sell surplus equipment. Equipment that will go out for bid are old roller trailer, spare bucket for the 644 loader, screening plant, 1998 Tandem Axle plow truck, 2 sets of axles and the paver. Bids do not need to be accepted and items are picked up by bidder.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 20.10.15-2

A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF PERU AND AUCTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

MOTION: Mr. Barber                                   SECOND:  Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS the Town Board members have the Contract between Auctions International, Inc. and the Town of Peru before them, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, said proposed Contract is approved and the Supervisor be and hereby is authorized to execute said contract, AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays

Set Date for Emergency Health Plan Workshop

Ms. Barber stated she attended a webinar offered from The Association of Towns and an Emergency Health Plan needs to be put in place by February 5, 2021 mandated by The State of New York. Ms. Barber has the template and power point and will forward to all councilmen and Mike Farrell and Courtney Tetrault.

Mr. McDonald stated the workshop will be held after budget sessions.

No motion needed to set date until November.

Sewer Project Update

Mr. Tetrault stated the bid goes out on October 31, 2020.

Temporary easements need to be redone at the beginning of the new year.

Other Business

Mr. Douglass stated the flooring at the schoolhouse looks nice and Mr. Stewart has two more coats to apply. Mr. Douglass thanked Courtney and his co-workers for the assistance of moving the furniture and supplying generator.

Mr. Mills, Youth Commission Chairman asked Mr. Bruno why he suggested term limits. Mr. Bruno stated to get new blood and new ideas. Also, Mr. Bruno had been asked by two residents about participating in the Youth Commission. Mr. Mills stated volunteers were always needed and there was no term limit on members of the commission. A letter of interest to the Youth Commission is then forwarded to the Town Board for an approved resolution. Mr. Favro explained to Mr. Mills the reason for the question asked by Mr. Bruno is that in some organizations, the use of a term limit is to attract new or other individuals. Mr. Bruno stated there was no need for term limits after Mr. Mills’ and Mr. Favro’s explanation. Mr. Favro spoke of a concern for the towns’ liability and legal issues with the Youth Commission. Mr. Mills stated the Youth Commission an advisory board to the town. Mr. Favro also asked if minutes were taken at the meetings. Mr. Mills said yes and copies were forwarded to the members and liaisons. Mr. Favro stated each Board member and Ms. Barber are to receive copies of the minutes also so that here is a record at the Town Hall. Mr. Mills assured that would be done. Mr. Favro said the more information in the Town Hall is beneficial for all involved in the Youth Commission and the Town. Mr. Favro also mentioned driving by Lapham Mills Field on his way to the meeting there were easily more than 50 individuals on the field with many not wearing masks. Clinton County Health Department is doing spot checks. The decisions made by the Youth Commission for example wearing of masks, social distancing can affect the Town Board as the liability and the Town as a whole. It is very important for the board to know their policies and decisions made that affect the athletes participating in the programs. Mr. Mills felt the question about mini-mites should have been asked prior to the board making the decision that they could use town property while not being a part of the Youth Commission. All of the confusion, was due to the lack of communication from the Youth Director conveying this decision not to have the mini mites play.

The current Peru Commission members are:

Greg Mills – Chairman – 15 years of service

Emily Sypek – Vice-Chairman – 2 years of service

Brian Marino – 10 years of service

Bill Myers – 8 years of service

Carrie Beattie – 7 years of service

Jim Bousquet – 7 years of service

Jonathan Whitmarsh – 4 years of service

Kirsten O’Jida-Blair – 2 years of service

Krista Bull – 6 months of service

Mrs. Miller stated the Local Law for solar energy development has been filed and accepted by the state. Mr. Guynup has received a phone call from a firm from Buffalo showing interest in the possible development of solar energy.

Mr. Drollette passed all inspections by the Department of Agriculture and Markets, Janet Collier.

Mr. Tetrault went over the maintenance on sewer plants that have been performed and Hometown Hero Banners will be taken down the week of October 19, 2020, due to poles being replaced.

Mr. Farrell stated hole on Lyons Rd. will be repaired by Luck Brothers. The paver is now repaired and will be put up for auction.

C & S Engineers has been chosen to do the design on Telegraph Rd. bridge.  The swale on Lapham Mills Rd and Cayea Rd will be repaired to prevent runoff in residents’ yard.

Mr. Favro was glad to hear about the Emergency Health plan.

Mr. Farrell will be attending the State Highway meeting to hopefully get information of the CHIPS money reimbursement plan. Mark DeCresente from Engineering Ventures is working with Mr. Farrell on the culvert replacement. A price from Camp Precast will be submitted. 

Public Comments on Agenda Items Only

NONE

RESOLUTION NUMBER:  20.10.15-3

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE POST-AUDIT PAYMENT OF CERTAIN CLAIMS, BILLS AND INVOICES OF THE TOWN

MOTION: Mr. Douglass                                    SECOND:  Mr. Bruno

WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed and audited the following claims, bills and invoices for services rendered and goods provided to the Town in October 2020:

From Town of Peru Vouchers in August 2020; #202001055 through and including #202001121,

Abstract dated October 15, 2020

For the dollar amount totaling: $137,362.68, of that, $22,132.08  was wired, credit cards and prepaid; and $115,230.60  is remaining to be paid and

WHEREAS, the Town Board finds said claims, bills and invoices to be acceptable in form and reasonable in amount;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, that payment of the aforementioned claims, bills and invoices is approved and the Supervisor be and hereby is authorized to make such payment; and be it further

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Carried: 5 Ayes 0Nays

Motion by Mr. Barber; seconded by Mr. Douglass to adjourn Regular meeting at 6:48PM to go into Executive Session.

To discuss a personnel issue.

No decision will be made.

Motion by Mr. Douglass; seconded by Mr. Irwin to return from Executive Session meeting at 7:21 PM.

Ayes 5 0 Nays                                                                                                  Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Barber; seconded by Mr. Bruno to return the regular meeting at 7:22 PM.        Ayes 5       Nays 0                                                                                               Motion Carried 

Motion by Mr. Douglass; seconded by Mr. Barber to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:23 PM.

Ayes 5 Nays 0                                                                                                 Motion Carried 

_________________________Supervisor        _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman       _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman