The Peru Gazette

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, along with Congressman Anthony Brindisi (NY-22) and Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-4) have sent a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requesting the inclusion of United States apple growers in USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). The letter states that apple prices during the last few months declined anywhere between 6.5 percent and 24.9 percent. Apple producers have faced significant loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the supply chain disruptions that resulted from it.

“Our North Country apple farmers not only produce wholesome product for our communities, but also stimulate our rural economies,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “The COVID-19 pandemic and price declines that our farmers have faced as a result certainly qualify them for economic relief from USDA. I am working on a bipartisan basis to ensure that our apple producers are rightfully included in CFAP funding, and I will continue to advocate for programs like this that help keep our farmers running successful businesses.”

“Apple growers take the same risks and work the same long hours as producers of row crops and livestock,” said Jim Bair, U.S. Apple Association President & CEO. “They worry about weather, pests and markets, and in most every way apple growers are indistinguishable from other farmers, so there’s no reason not to treat them the same.”

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The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday June 8, 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; Mr. Richard Barber; Councilman, Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk.  Also present were Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Mr. Bob Guynup, Zoning Officer; Ms. Pamela Barber, Confidential Secretary to the Board and Mr. Matthew Favro, Town Attorney.

The meeting was called to order at 6:02 PM by Mr. McDonald, with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Motion by Mr.Bruno  seconded  by Mr.Irwin to include 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 submitted 

 Ayes 5  Nays  0                                                                         Motion Carried

Motion by Mr.Bruno, seconded by Mr.Douglass to approve the minutes from the May 28, 2020 meeting.

Ayes 5   Nays 0                                                                      Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Barber to reject bid for Sewer Upgrade Project seconded by Mr. Irwin

Mr. Favro stated temporary easements will need to be redone as they expire 12/31/2020 .

There are 2 still outstanding temporary easements.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 20.06.08-1

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TOWN’S ANNUAL TERM AGREEMENT FOR  THE AES PROJECT  #4154 WITH AES NORTHEAST, PLLC FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE TERM OF JUNE 1, 2020 THROUGH  MAY 31, 2021 AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

MOTION: Mr. Bruno                        SECOND:  Mr. Barber

WHEREAS, the Town Board has the Short Form Agreement for the term of June 1, 2020 through May 31, 2021 between the Town of Peru and AES Northeast for engineering services for the Town before it NOW,

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 rescinds motion after discussion of details of agreement

 Mr. Bruno made motion to table resolution seconded by Mr. Irwin

Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 20.06.08-2

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE AES AMENDMENT TO OWNER-ENGINEER AGREEMENT PROJECT #4878 – LOA 2020-01 FOR DRINKING WATER ENGINEERING SUPPORT AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

MOTION: Mr. Bruno                                                 SECOND: Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, the Town Board has the AES Amendment No. 1, to Owner-Engineer Agreement #4878 for Drinking Water Engineering Support for drinking water infrastructure related items before it

THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, said proposed Amendment to the Owner-Engineer Agreement is approved for A Cost not to exceed $3,000.00 ( Three Thousand Dollars) the Supervisor be and hereby is authorized to execute said agreement.

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays

 Acceptance of IT Consultant Resignation

Motion by Mr. Douglass; seconded   by Mr. Bruno to accept Thomas Lemieux resignation effective June 30, 2020 as Town of Peru IT Consultant.

New IT consultant Replacement

Mr. McDonald stated appointments have been made with Primelink & Twin State.

Mr. Guynup asked to change internet providers because Verizon is installing fiber optics in the Town of Peru.

Town Hall Paver Conditions

Mr. Tetrault will be obtaining a price for paving, stamping and spraying using asphalt.

Restaurant Parking Lot Seating

Mr. Guynup submitted a Temporary Outdoor Dining Plan application for local restaurants.

Motion by Mr. Bruno; seconded by Mr. Douglass to approve Temporary Outdoor Dining Plan application for local restaurants

 Town LED Street lighting

Mr. McDonald spoke with NYSEG representative and NYSEG will install LED street lights at the cost of no more than $ 2788.85.

Motion by Mr. Barber; seconded by Mr. Irwin to proceed with NYSEG for installation of LED lights not to exceed $ 2788.85.

Reminder of Workshop June 22, 2020 at 5:00 PM

Mr. McDonald stated Wastewater Disinfection Project Workshop will be held June 22, 2020-Town Hall.

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

MOTION: Mr. Barber                                                            SECOND: Mr. Douglass 

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

From Town of Peru Vouchers in May 2020; #202000559  through and including #202000595.

Abstract dated 6/5/2020

For the dollar amount totaling: $102,651.04, of that, $14,309.19 was wired, credit cards and prepaid; and $88,341.85 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 0 Nays

Other Business

Mr. Tetrault stated EPA has increased allowable chlorine levels in water plant from .02 to .06.

Mr. Tetrault is waiting for job number from NYSEG before generator can be installed in Town Hall. Building will need to be closed for one day for installation.

Sewer line repair is continuing at Highway garage as time permits.

Mr. Guynup stated a planning board meeting will be held via Zoom June 10, 2020 at 7 PM.

Mr. McDonald stated the town has been given an A Plus rating by S &P Global.

This rating will benefit the town in the negotiating of refinancing bonds at a lower interest rate.

 Motion by Mr. Douglass; seconded by Mr. Barber to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:04 PM.  Ayes 5   Nays 0                                                                                     Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor  _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman

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“While I am encouraged that many regions, including the North Country, have been able to reopen with restrictions, this phased reopening left a large gap between previous guidance and what is projected to be covered under Phase IV.

“It seems counterproductive to indicate that large box retail stores can open for business, or 150 individuals can attend an outdoor graduation, but businesses who have long-standing practices of disinfecting such as fitness centers, malls, or even bowling alleys, cannot open their doors. Further, these businesses aren’t really reflective of the concepts of events included in Phase IV.

“I have continually advocated that the North Country region will take longer to recover economically than other regions, and our residents have worked hard to stop the spread and meet the necessary metrics to safely reopen. I am calling on the Executive to evaluate further businesses that can safely reopen, not only to help our economy to recover but to meet consumer demand and unrest.”

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Agenda – Town of Peru Board of Zoning Appeals 

WEDNESDAY, July 15, 2020 @ 7:00 PM

TOWN OF PERU

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

1. Area Variance: Z-2020-049                         Brett Baker

Area Variance – to convert the existing property to a Two-Family Dwelling. In the Hamlet Zoning District, 8,000 sq. ft. of lot is required for a Two-Family Dwelling and the applicant has 7,775 sq. ft. requiring an Area Variance of 225 sq. ft. The applicant also seeks a 34% variance from the maximum 50% lot coverage.

280.1-8-16

25 Pleasant St.

Peru, NY 12972

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

By John T. Ryan 

Peru – Two items of interest stood out in the minutes of the Peru Town Board’s May 29th meeting.  The Board announced that summertime Gazebo concerts will not be held this year. Town Supervisor Brandy McDonald explained, “We don’t know when the COVID-19 Phase 4 for large gatherings will take effect. There are no guarantees.”  McDonald did add, “If something does happen we could bring it back to the Board. I wouldn’t be opposed to that. Two or three bands have indicated they’d be willing to perform.” 

The minutes also state, “Hometown Hero banners will be placed randomly effective 2021.” McDonald stated, “It’s very hard to accommodate everyone. We try, but we can’t make everyone happy.”   

The Hometown Hero Banner Program recognizes the military service of a community’s natives or residents. Town of Peru personnel erected the first banner in May 2018. Several banners have been placed near the veterans’ homes, but as time has passed more and more very specific requests are being made.  

Jeanne Arnold and Jackie Douglass – 2018 Peru Gazette Photo

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Free meals may be available for pickup only if there is enough interest. Give us your feedback by filling out the survey by Monday, June 22. If your children go to school at Peru Central School and would like to continue getting lunches through the summer, please fill out the survey on the the 

Peru school website www.perucsd.org

Or visit our Facebook page and fill the survey out there.

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PLATTSBURGH, NY, June 19, 2020. Temperatures are forecasted to reach up into the high 80s with high humidity today and this weekend. With this in mind, local health officials are urging residents to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses. One particular concern noted by the Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) relates to COVID-19. In order to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, many businesses and service providers have implemented appointment-based systems. People are asked to make an appointment, call upon arrival, and wait in their car before going in. 

“While this practice protects against the spread of COVID-19, with rising temperatures it may also increase the risk for heat-related illness,” stated Mark Lafountain, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator at CCHD. “Residents are reminded to NEVER leave a child, adult, or animal alone inside a vehicle on a warm day. If you need to wait in your vehicle prior to an appointment, options may include finding a shady place to park and using air conditioning to stay cool.” Residents are encouraged to learn to recognize the signs of heat-related illness, which can range in severity, from heat cramps to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. 

Symptoms of heat-related illness can include: 

 Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs (heat cramps); 

 Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea, or vomiting (heat exhaustion); and 

 Extremely high body temperature (above 103˚F, taken orally); red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; or dizziness, confusion, or unconsciousness (heat stroke). 

Residents are encouraged to contact their medical provider or seek help if they believe they are experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness. Mr. Lafountain cautioned, “To prevent illness, residents should stay alert to the weather and take precautions, such as staying well hydrated.” 

Additional recommendations include: 

 Dress in lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to help keep cool. 

 Drink plenty of fluids before you are thirsty, regardless of how active you are. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, as they will cause you to lose more body fluid. As you sweat, you will need to replenish the fluids your body loses. 

 Stay out of the sun as much as possible. People and pets should limit outdoor activities to the times of the day that are typically cooler (i.e., early morning or evening). Rest often in shady areas. 

 Stay in air-conditioned areas as much as possible. 

 Never leave children or pets inside a parked car, even briefly. Even with the windows cracked, a car will quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures. 

 Keeping social distancing in mind, check on your neighbors, friends, and family members, especially the elderly and those without air conditioning. Certain populations are at increased risk for heat-related illness, including older adults (65+); infants and children; those who are ill, have chronic medical conditions, or are overweight; athletes; those without air conditioning; and outdoor workers. 

For additional heat and summer safety information, visit CCHD’s Summer Safety Guide at http://www.clintonhealth.org/news_letters/SummerSafetyGuide2020.pdf. 

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