The Peru Gazette

Source: All-season destinations: 10 of Upstate New York’s best four-season towns – syracuse.com

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.

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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       

Late in being posted, but it’s a great story.

Source: Ausable Forks Elementary School teacher’s Story Time is virtual hit | News | pressrepublican.com

Chicken ‘n’ Biscuits 

Coleslaw 

Mashed Potatoes & Gravy 

Dessert 

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

Saratoga, N.Y.  – Congresswoman Stefanik released the below statement following the Senate’s Confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett as the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court:

“I congratulate Justice Barrett on her confirmation to the United States Supreme Court after this evening’s Senate vote,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Judge Barrett is an exceptional legal scholar and is uniquely qualified to fill this seat. She is deeply respected among her legal peers and has a record of dedication to the Constitution. In addition, she makes history as the first working mother to serve on the Supreme Court. Justice Barrett will serve as a role model for young women for generations to come. I look forward to witnessing her service on the Court for decades to come, and I applaud the Senate for this confirmation.”

Source: New community arts center opens downtown | Sun Community News PLATTSURGH | The Link aims to unite the local artistic community here in the North Country.

DMPs Available Nov. 1 at License Sales Outlets

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that remaining Deer Management Permits (DMPs) in several of the State’s Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) will be available to hunters beginning Nov. 1.

“New York’s hunters are setting records this year, but there are still opportunities for Deer Management Permits across the state. Deer populations are generally at or above desired levels in the units with leftover DMPs,” Commissioner Seggos said. “In these areas, DEC encourages hunters to hunt safely and responsibly and to prioritize doe harvest and share extra venison with friends, neighbors, and the Venison Donation Coalition.” (link leaves DEC’s website)

DMPs, which allow hunters to harvest antlerless deer, are issued for specific WMUs to control deer populations. In some WMUs, applicants received permits during the initial application process, and the DMP target has not been reached. In these units, DEC will re-open the DMP application process on a first-come, first-served basis. Hunters may apply for up to two additional DMPs in these WMUs at any DEC license sales outlet beginning Nov. 1, 2020.

Leftover DMPs are not available by phone, mail, or internet. Applications must be made at license issuing outlets. Applicants who previously paid the $10 DMP application fee during the initial application period, or are exempt from the application fee, will not be charged for this additional application. Hunters who did not previously apply for a deer management permit are required to pay the $10 application fee.

Applications for leftover DMPs will be accepted for the following WMUs: 1C, 3M, 3R, 3S (bowhunting only), 4J (bowhunting only), 6P, 7F, 7H, 7J, 7R, 8A, 8C (bowhunting only), 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8M, 8N, 8R, 9A, 9F,and 9G. In addition, bonus DMPs are available for hunters who successfully take an antlerless deer in WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J, or 8C.

For WMU locations, refer to the 2020-21 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide or visit DEC’s website.

During this extended application period, DEC will issue DMPs for an individual WMU until the target issuance quota is achieved. The status of permits will be reviewed each night, and as individual units are filled they will be removed from the list of those available effective the following day. A list of units with available leftover DMPs will routinely be updated on DEC’s website or via the DMP Hotline at 1-866-472-4332.

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

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Source: Cuomo’s trick-or-treat advice: Stay home, or close to it – syracuse.com

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Source: Positive COVID test moves Cumberland Head Elementary to remote learning | Sun Community News CUMBERLAND HEAD | Cumberland Head Elementary students will now start the week with at least two days of remote learning after a staff member tested positive for CO

Source: Early Voting in Essex Co. sees lines | Sun Community News Polls opened in Lewis Sat. at 9 a.m.., wait was about 45 minutes

Source: BHSN expands services to Warren, Washington counties | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | Behavioral Health Services North has received endorsement from Glens Falls Hospital and the Warren/Washington Community Service Board to move forward with becoming the

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Source: Long lines at Capital Region polling places

WEDNESDAY, November 11, 2020 @ 7:00 PM

TOWN OF PERU

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL of October 14, 2020 minutes.
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing via Zoom meeting application (Covid-19)
6. APPLICATIONS:

1. Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2020-022 Hometown Nutrition

Site Plan Review – for Building Sign and a Freestanding Sign, 280.-1-32.2, 686 Bear Swamp Rd., Peru, NY 12972

2. 2-Lot Minor Subdivision with SEQR: P-2020-023                                                                                                                               Bruce and Mary Dimock 2-Lot Minor Subdivision, 256.-5-7, 683 Rt. 22B, Peru, NY 12972

7. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS:
8. CEO REPORT:
9. 9. ADJOURNMENT

Grand Isle, VT – The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) seeks proposals for services to work with farmers in the New York portion of the Lake Champlain Basin to install temporary manure stacking pads on livestock grazing farms. The LCBP will provide up to $25,000 to support this effort to reduce sediment and phosphorus inputs from farms.

Reducing phosphorus inputs from farms is a critical step in improving the health of Lake Champlain. Proper grazing of livestock and management of waste is one of the most important steps to reduce erosion. Locating temporary manure stacking pads in fields has been found to prevent nutrient and sediment pollution to waterways.

The LCBP funding will support outreach to make farmers in New York aware of the opportunity, solicitation of willing farmers to participate, and technical assistance in installing storage areas. A cost-share incentive to farms will also be included in the program. Farmers who are working fields near or adjacent to water bodies flowing into Lake Champlain will receive priority. The LCBP anticipates granting one award from this opportunity.

This project will further the goals of the Lake Champlain Basin Program’s long-term management plan Opportunities for Action. Support is provided with funds awarded to NEIWPCC on behalf of the Lake Champlain Basin Program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The deadline for proposals is December 1, 2020. The successful applicant will be notified in January 2021 for project initiation by April 2021. Details about the Request for Proposals are available online at lcbp.org/grants or by calling the Lake Champlain Basin Program office at (802) 372-3213.