The Peru Gazette

Source: Cuomo coronavirus rules for Uber, taxis, limos: Masks, no rides with strangers, windows down – syracuse.com

Source: New York’s new sick leave law: 13 things workers need to know as benefit kicks in – syracuse.com

Source: Media groups condemn Burlington protesters burning newspapers – VTDigger

Source: Burlington records more rainfall in a single day than in previous 50 combined

Source: Plattsburgh man cycles more than 1,000 miles for children’s cancer research | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | It was a busy September for Jeffery LaBombard, who spent much of his time cycling for a cause and raising nearly $5,000 for children’s cancer res

Source: City & State Coronavirus Update

By John T. Ryan 

Peru – The best news at the Peru Town Board’s Monday, September 28th meeting was the news that the Town had received a $20,000 Lake Champlain Basin Program grant. It will finance a Valcour sewer district manhole structure and a chemical dosing pump for the water treatment plant. The Board awarded an $11,500 contract to Camp Precast Concrete Products for the Valcour structure and an $8,272.92 contract to the JEM Company for the water treatment equipment. 

Councilman Kregg Bruno questioned spending $4,000 to refinish the floor at the historic Lyon Road School. He said, “It’s a money pit. Historical funds could be used for other purposes.” Bruno noted that Historian Ron Allen has been spending his entire budget on the school for several years while not announcing a specific plan for the building’s use. Councilmen Rick Barber and Jim Douglass defended the expenditure, saying that Allen plans to open the school to visitors as soon as it is presentable and outfitted like a period schoolhouse. The Board approved the expense 3 to 1 with Douglass, Barber, and Supervisor Brandy McDonald voting yes, while Bruno voted no. Councilman Melvin Irwin was excused because he was out of town. 

Water-Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault commented on a Sunday, September 19th, sewer line brake on the steep hill behind the Old Peru Cemetery. Some sewage found its way to the Little Ausable River.  Tetrault reported the break to DEC and his crews were able to make emergency repairs. A permanent fix will await the sewer system upgrade project. Bidding on that project will be announced on October 31st with a bid opening in December. 

Bruno asked if the Youth Commission has term limits for its members. He said he knows two individuals interested in serving. Bruno felt term limits would be a good idea while Councilman Barber and Councilman Douglass said the Town is fortunate to have volunteers willing to serve. Douglass cited the difficulty in getting volunteers for the Zoning and Planning Boards. Town Attorney Matt Favro said some towns use staggered terms.  Increasing the number of members of the Youth Commission was mentioned. Barber asked for the names of the interested individuals. He said he would talk to Youth Commission Chairman Greg Mills about inviting them to the next Youth Commission meeting. 

Supervisor Brandy McDonald asked Guynup if anything is being done about the small house on School Street that has been in horrible condition for several years.  McDonald has been getting complaints from nearby property owners. Guynup said he took the owner to court several months ago, a fine was levied, and as far as he knows the fine has not been paid. Unpaid taxes on the property were also advertised. He expressed frustration that his recommendations are not yielding results.

Councilman Bruno asked why the Mini-Mite soccer program isn’t being conducted. Youth Commission Liaison Rick Barber said Youth Director John Flynn worried about young children congregating, a danger in these pandemic times. He said Flynn believes children of this age would be very difficult to keep separate. Some parents have reportedly organized informal games at Heyworth Mason Park.

Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup said he thinks the Maplefields Subway should open in about two weeks. There has been an equipment delay issue. 

Councilman Bruno asked Guynup about the Orchard View/Washington Street residential project. Guynup said both the DEC and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers still have outstanding issues with the drainage basin. 

Two pit bulls killed a pig at a Fuller Rd. home according to Dog Control Officer David Drollette. While he has suspects, Drollette was unable to find conclusive evidence as to who owns the pit bulls. In another incident, a dog killed a neighbor’s cat. He will be issuing tickets.   

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell is still planning the Telegraph St. culvert and bridge project. He said it might qualify for as much as 95% to 100% reimbursement. 

Farrell also reported that he was able to pave most of the Jabez Allen Road. The Town’s paver still awaits parts; therefore, Farrell hired Burnell Paving to do the paving. Town trucks and personnel hauled the asphalt. Farrell has about $70,000 to $75,000 remaining in the paving account. Perplexed about the future of NYS highway funding, he asked the Board if he should use the money this year. The Board urged him to use the money since he has it in his possession. 

Source: Habitat for Humanity dedicates home to Syrian family in Rutland – VTDigger

Town of St. Armand
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Sept. 22 at 12:10 p.m., Franklin County 911 transferred a call to DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch reporting an injured 64-year-old hiker from Dyer, Indiana, on Baker Mountain. The hiker went off the trail, fell, and injured his right leg. Forest Rangers Evans and Sabo responded to assist. Once on scene, Forest Ranger Evans provided first aid for the subject’s unstable knee and ankle. Due to the extent of the injury, New York State Police (NYSP) Aviation was requested along with backup rescuers including members of Search and Rescue of the Northern Adirondacks in case of a possible carry-out involving a high-angle rope technique on steep terrain. NYSP Aviation, with Forest Ranger Benzel as hoist operator, completed the hoist rescue off the mountain at 4:18 p.m. The hiker was transported to a local hospital for further medical treatment.

Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Sept. 23 at 3:15 p.m., DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a group of hikers reporting that a 60-year-old woman from Bath had dislocated her left shoulder on the trail for Phelps Mountain. The caller reported that they believed the subject’s shoulder was back in the socket and that they had tied a belt around the injured woman’s shoulder to keep it in place. The group continued down to Marcy Dam where they were met by Forest Ranger Lewis. Ranger Lewis provided a sling for the injured shoulder and escorted the hikers to the outpost where they were given a ride back out to their vehicle. The injured hiker advised that she would seek further medical treatment on her own.

Town of Wilmington
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Sept. 24 at 10:30 a.m., DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch received a request for Forest Ranger assistance regarding a 60-year-old man from Warren, Connecticut, who had a medical issue on the Stag River Trail on Whiteface Mountain. Forest Rangers responded to the hiker’s location and arrived on the scene at 11:08 a.m. Rangers transported the subject to the Whiteface Ski Center where he was evaluated by Whiteface Medical Staff and transferred to Wilmington Rescue for transport to a local hospital for treatment. The incident concluded at 12:15 p.m.

Town of Long Lake
Hamilton County
Wilderness Rescue: On Sept. 25 at 6:50 a.m., DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch received a request for assistance from SPOT Locator Services for a 60-year-old Ballston Spa woman with a non-weight bearing knee injury at the Ouluska lean-to on the Northville-Placid Trail. Due to the remoteness of the area, Rangers contacted NYSP Aviation to assist in performing a hoist operation to extract the injured hiker. Forest Rangers and NYSP Aviation extracted the woman and flew her to a local hospital for treatment at 10:35 a.m., while Rangers using UTVs drove to Ward Brook to meet the subject’s husband. The man was given a ride out to the gate and a courtesy ride to his vehicle at the trailhead.

Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Sept. 25 at 1:05 p.m., Essex County 911 transferred a call to DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch from a pair of hikers on the Blueberry Mountain Trail reporting a 76-year-old hiker from Katonah with a non-weight bearing ankle injury. Forest Rangers Lewis and van Laer and Assistant Forest Ranger Raudonis responded to assist. Once on scene, Rangers splinted the injured ankle and the hiker attempted to make his way out with crutches but was unsuccessful. The Keene and Keene Valley Fire Departments Back Country Rescue responded with a litter and backpack carries to assist with the carry-out with Forest Rangers Gliddi and Evans. The responders carried the hiker to the trailhead and he advised he would seek further medical assistance on his own.

Town of Wilmington
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Sept. 26 at 3 p.m., DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch received a request for assistance for a 26-year-old hiker from Queensbury with an ankle injury on Whiteface Mountain just below Hoyt’s High. Forest Rangers Lewis, Burns, and LaPierre responded to assist, arriving on scene at 3:34 p.m. The Rangers quickly reached the hiker on the ski trails and began to carry her down the mountain to an ATV. After loading the hiker onto the ATV, the Rangers continued down the mountain to the meet the Wilmington Rescue Squad, waiting to provide additional medical treatment. A 7:15 p.m., all resources were cleared of the scene.

Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Sept. 26 at 5:15 p.m. DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a group of hikers on Pitchoff Mountain reporting that one of their group had fallen, hit her head, and lacerated her leg. Forest Rangers Praczkajlo, LaPierre, Sabo, van Laer, and Evans responded to the East Trailhead. Upon arriving on scene, the Rangers determined the subject was unable to walk out on her own. Rangers requested assistance from the Keene Valley Backcountry Rescue for assistance. With the bleeding stopped, rescuers started the rugged carry-out and arrived back at the trailhead at 9:32 p.m. The 51-year-old hiker from Westport was turned over to Keene Ambulance for further medical treatment.

A Public Hearing of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday, September 14, 2020 at the Town Hall.  Those present were Mr. Brandy McDonald, Supervisor; Mr. James Douglass, Councilman; Mr.Kregg Bruno, Councilman, Mr. Melvin Irwin, Councilman; Mr. Richard Barber, Councilman; Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk.  Also present were Ms. Pamela Barber, Secretary to the Board, Mr. Matt Favro ,Town Attorney,  Mr. Bob Guynup, Zoning Officer  and Mr. Dave Drollette, Dog Control officer.

The Purpose of the Public Hearing is to establish Local Law regarding Solar Energy.

The Public Hearing was called to order at 5:46 PM by Mr. McDonald, with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion by Mr. Douglass, seconded by Mr. Bruno to open the Public Hearing on Local Law regarding Solar Energy.

Ayes 5 Nays 0                                                                                    Motion Carried

Community Input and Questions

Mr. Ryan asked Mr. Guynup for an explanation. Mr. Guynup stated several meetings with the Solar Energy committee members and assistance from Trevor Cole- Town of Plattsburgh.  Regulation and restrictions were established to have Solar Energy. 

Motion by Mr. Bruno, seconded by Mr.Irwin to close the Public Hearing at 5:52 PM, to establish Local Law for Solar Energy.

Ayes 5 Nays 0                                                                                     Motion Carried 

Motion by Mr.Barber, seconded by Mr.Douglass to adjourn the Public Hearing at 5:53 PM.

Ayes 5 Nays 0                                                                                       Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor  ________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman ________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman

A Special Meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Wednesday, September 16, 2020, at the Peru Town Hall.  Those present were Mr. Brandy McDonald Supervisor; Mr. James Douglass, Councilman; Mr. Kregg Bruno, Councilman; Mr. Melvin Irwin, Councilman;-Excused Mr. Richard Barber Jr, Councilman; Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk and Ms. Pamela Barber, Secretary to the Board.

The meeting was called to order at 6:06 PM by Mr. McDonald, with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

The purpose of the Special Meeting was to present the 2021 Tentative Budget.

Motion by Mr. Barber, seconded by Mr. Douglass to open Special Meeting.

Ayes 4 Nays 0                                                      Motion Carried

The 2021 Tentative Budget was presented to all board members by Dianne Miller, Town Clerk.

Highlights of the budget were discussed including health insurance potential increase rate, liability and workmens’ compensation rates and adding a new silver health insurance plan.

Motion by Mr. Bruno seconded by Mr. Douglass to close Special Meeting.

Ayes 4 Nays 0                                                      Motion Carried

Motion by Mr.Barber seconded by Mr. Bruno to adjourn Special Meeting at 6:29 PM.

Ayes 4 Nays 0                                                      Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor  _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday, September 14, 2020, at the Peru Town Hall.  Those present were Mr. Brandy McDonald, Supervisor; Mr. Richard Barber, Councilman; Mr. Kregg Bruno, Councilman; Mr. James Douglass, Councilman; Mr. Mel Irwin, Councilman; Mr. Matt Favro; Town Attorney,  Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk and Ms. Pamela Barber, Confidential Secretary to the Board. Also present, Also present were Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Mr. Bob Guynup, Zoning Officer, Mr. Mike Farrell, Highway Superintendent and Mr. Dave Drollette, Dog Control Officer. 

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mr. McDonald, with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Motion by Mr. Barber; seconded  by Mr. Irwin to accept  the reports from the following departments into the official record of tonight’s meeting.  (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; and Banking Reports). NO JCEO REPORT 

Mr. Irwin asked if no JCEO reports  was going to continue.

Mr. McDonald stated he would follow up and find out why the reports are not being submitted.

 Ayes 5  Nays  0                                                                         Motion Carried 

Motion by Mr. Bruno seconded by Mr. Barber to accept the minutes from the August 24, 2020 Regular Meeting.

Ayes 5 Nays 0                                                                                                 Motion Carried

 Community Input

NONE

 Computer Policy

Mr. McDonald stated Primelink will be meeting with Department heads to discuss the updated computer policies. Department heads will then have meetings with their staff.  Each employee will be required to sign the policy.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 20.09.14-1

PASSING OF LOCAL LAW #1 OF 2020 PROVIDING FOR SOLAR ENERGY.

MOTION BY: Mr. Bruno                            SECONDED BY: Mr. Douglass

WHEREAS, a public hearing having been held on the proposed Local Law on September14, 2020; and

WHEREAS, the Board has before it the proposed Local Law,

NOW BE IT RESOLVED that Local Law #1 of 2020 “Solar Energy” is hereby adopted.

Discussion:

Carried:   Ayes 5 Nays 0

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 20.09.14-2

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TOWN’S SLUDGE REMOVAL AGREEMENT WITH NEW ENGLAND WASTE SERVICES OF ME, INC. (DBA CASELLA ORGANICS) SECOND AMENDMENT DATED SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 AND EXTENDING THE CONTRACT THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

Motion:   Mr. Bruno                                                 Second: Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, the Town Board has the second amendment to the agreement  before it between the Town of  Peru and NEWS of  ME, Inc. for the removal of the Town’s Sewer Plant sludge at a base rate of $79.00 per wet ton of residuals removed and  landfill fees of $103.00 per wet ton; and

WHEREAS, The agreement has been extended through September 14, 2021,

THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, said proposed agreement is approved and the Supervisor be and hereby is authorized to execute said agreement.

AND, BE IT RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Mr. Tetrault explained this was an annual renewal contract with amendment of $3.00 increase per wet ton of residuals removed. He stated drying out the residual before going decreases the weight. A larger building for the residuals to dry out is being considered.

Carried: Ayes 5 Nays 0

Planning Board Meeting Start Time Change

Mr. Guynup stated the members would like to change their meeting start time to 6 P.M.

Mr. Favro stated according to Planning Board by laws the amendment to change time must take place in December. 

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 20.09.14-3  

A RESOLUTION TO REAPPOINT ROY PERRY TO THE BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW FOR ANOTHER FIVE-YEAR TERM.

MOTION:  Mr. Douglass                                                   SECOND:  Mr. Bruno

WHEREAS, Upon the recommendation of the Clinton County Assessor, Jeremiah Cross, that Roy Perry be reappointed to the Board of Assessment Review (BAR) for a five year term beginning October 1, 2020 and expiring September 30, 2025. 

WHEREAS, the Town Board agrees with this recommendation and is hereby reappointing Roy Perry to the Board of Assessment Review.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT 

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Carried: Ayes 5 Nays 0

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 20.09.14-4

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF PERU AND THE ADIRONDACK PARK LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW BOARD AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

Motion: Mr. Bruno                                                                 Second:  Mr. Barber

WHEREAS, the Town Board has the agreement before it between the Town of Peru and The Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board; and

WHEREAS, Adirondack town and village funding of the Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board has been instrumental in helping the Adirondack communities by providing strong, unified and effective representation on Adirondack policy issues, and

WHEREAS, The agreement has  authorized an appropriation in the amount of Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) for the services of the Review Board in representing the Town in matters relating to the Adirondack Park.

THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, said proposed agreement is approved and the Supervisor be and hereby is authorized to execute said agreement.

AND, BE IT RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Mr. Bruno questioned if the agreement was necessary. Mr. Favro stated the importance of this Review Board as a liaison for our town if needed.

Carried: Ayes 5 Nays 0

Sewer Project Update

Mr. Tetrault stated extra surveying is completed at the Peru Community Church property. The stakes have been set at the church as requested.

Greg Swart was having much better communication with New York State  D.O.T.;  3 crosswalks will be affected instead of 1. The bid is still scheduled to go out in October.

Ms. Barber stated the town and church has received the easements from NYSEG to be signed.

Other Business

Mr. Barber speaking for Mr. Flynn stated the volleyball area is close to completion. There will be 11 players for each soccer team with only 7 players on the field at a time.

Mr. McDonald stated strict guidelines for parents and players to play. Each parent will sign a guideline agreement.

Fuel usage has been all retrieved by Primelink. Carlene will be inputting all data and reloading keys for fuel pumps.

Planning Board meetings will continue with Zoom meetings.

Mr. Tetrault stated a unit to remove chlorine at Valcour station will be purchased in October with funds from the Lake Champlain Basin Grant. Water meters will be read starting September 17, 2020

Mr. Farrell confirmed after meeting with D.E.C. a bridge on Telegraph Road is a definite.

Mr. Drollette stated another dog bite. Dog will be euthanized September 17, 2020

Ms. Barber stated a check was received in the amount of $ 149.00 from New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal for 50% of remaining capital to NYMIR. Another check in the amount of  $ 225.00 was received from  the Diversion Management program.  This program offers alternatives for alleged first time, non-violent and tobacco offenders.

Motion by Mr. Bruno; seconded by Mr. Barber to change the Water/Sewer Budget workshop on September 16, 2020 and reschedule September 30, 2020.

Ayes 5 Nays 0

Mr. Tetrault asked for the employee handbook and “step” program (hourly wages) be updated.

Mr. Barber stated the monument on Route 9 owned by D.A.R. will be moved to the Peru Dock. Our town has no ownership of the monument.

Mr. Ryan asked why the Army Corp of Engineers and the D.E.C. did not meet together. Mr. Farrell stated that is not how it is done. Mr. Farrell did say it would be much easier.

Public Comments on Agenda Items Only

NONE

RESOLUTION NUMBER:  20.09.14-5

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

MOTION: Mr. Bruno                                                         SECOND:  Mr. Irwin

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

From Town of Peru Vouchers in August 2020; #202000924  through and including #202000999,

Abstract dated  September 11, 2020

For the dollar amount totaling: $176,535.82 , of that, $15,338.51  was wired, credit cards and prepaid; and $161,197.31  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: Ayes 5 Nays 0 

Motion by Mr. Douglass; seconded by Mr. Barber to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:08 PM.

Ayes 5 Nays 0                                                                                                 Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor        _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman       _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman       

Peru – St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 host a take-out spaghetti dinner on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the St. Augustine’s Parish Center. Regular & gluten-free spaghetti, salad & bread. Served TAKE-OUT ONLY from 4:30 to 6:00 PM for only $8 per person. This will be the Knight’s first-fundraiser since the pandemic began. They need your help to assist St. Augustine’s Parish and the local community. 

Here are today’s Clinton County COVID-19 case updates. No additional lab-confirmed positive cases reported today. One individual moved to recovered category. Currently 6 active cases of COVID-19 in Clinton County.

Source: New York Fall Foliage Report | Experience Peak Fall Colors in NY

Source: Five people arrested following suspected kidnapping of New York couple

From the office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Washington, D.C.  – Today, the China Task Force, of which Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is a member of, released their final report. After months of both classified and unclassified briefings with over 130 experts on China, national security officials, and leaders in emerging technology and business. The final report includes 82 key findings and more than 400 recommendations for a path forward in dealing with the malign activities of the Communist Party of China. Many of Congresswoman Stefanik’s submitted recommendations were incorporated directly into the final report.

You can find the report here.

“China poses the most significant national security and geopolitical threat to the United States in the 21st Century, and their intentional cover-up of the COVID-19 virus has awoken the world to the dangers they pose,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “I’m proud that many of my direct recommendations are included in this final report, which will provide an important path forward in addressing the threat posed by China. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve been very active in working on legislation to hold China accountable for their egregious cover-up which led to continued massive loss of life across the globe. I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure they are brought to justice.”

• Stefanik cosponsors legislation to protect covid-19 vaccine development from hackers
• Stefanik sends letter to Sec. Pompeo and AG Barr urging them to bring China to the ICJ
• Stefanik, Hawley introduce bicameral resolution to hold China accountable for coronavirus coverup
• Stefanik cosponsors legislation to move American pharmaceutical production out of China
• Stefanik, Gonzalez introduce Chinese Research Funds Accounting Act
• Stefanik cosponsors Transparency in Chinese Government Investment Act

Source: Congressman: Base closure ‘like having building fall on you’ | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Three Beekmantown schools resume in-person learning | Coronavirus | pressrepublican.com