The Peru Gazette

Source: Invasive Ash Borer Closing In On Adirondack Park – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: F-35 noise complaints fewer than expected, Guard says – VTDigger

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday October 17, 2019 at the Peru Town Hall.  Those present were Mr. Brandy McDonald Supervisor; Mr. James Douglass, Councilman; Mr. James Langley, Councilman; Mr. Melvin Irwin, Councilman; Mr. Richard Barber;Councilman, Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk.  Also present were Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent; Ms. Pamela Barber, Confidential Secretary to the Board and Mr. Dave Drollette, Dog Control officer. 

The meeting was called to order at 7:0 PM by Mr. McDonald, with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Motion by Mr. Barber; seconded by Mr. Douglass to approve the minutes from the September 23, 2019 meeting.   Ayes 5   Nays 0 Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Irwin; seconded by Mr. Langley 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).   Ayes 5   Nays 0 Motion Carried

Community Input and Questions

Jordan Kelleher spoke about a tractor parade for the tree lighting in December. Mr. McDonald recommended for him to speak with the Fire Department to coordinate with them.

Mr. Ryan commented concerning the algae in the pond near the gazebo. Mr. Tetrault explained to use chemicals possible issues such as wastewater etc. could occur.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.10.17-1

A RESOLUTION TO PURCHASE VPC EQUIPMENT FROM CORROSION PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT AT A REVISED PRICING FOR THE WASTEWATER PLANT CLARIFIER SYSTEM BY THE TOWN OF PERU SEWER DEPARTMENT.

MOTION: Mr. Douglass SECOND: Mr. Barber

WHEREAS, The Town of Peru Town Board has found a need for new VPC equipment for the Wastewater Plant Clarifier System for the Town Sewer Department at a revised price of $15,387.00 (Fifteen thousand three hundred eighty seven dollars) including shipping, and

WHEREAS, the Town Board and the Sewer Department Superintendent have determined that the new fiberglass troughs, custom brackets, neoprene gaskets and stainless steel hardware of the VPC equipment offered by Corrosion Products & Equipment would enable the Town to provide a continued level of quality service to the Town’s residents at a reasonable price, Now it is,

BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Supervisor is authorized to sign all paperwork to execute this purchase as soon as possible.

Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays

RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: School House Wood Work Quote Approval

Motion by Mr. Langley; seconded by Mr. Douglass to table resolution at this time.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.10.17-2

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RESIGNATION OF STEVE LABOUNTY FROM THE TOWN OF PERU ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS.

MOTION: Mr. Barber                       SECOND: Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, The Peru Town Zoning Board of Appeals has recommended that Town Board accepts the resignation of Steve LaBounty as of August 6, 2019. 

THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, the Peru Town Board agrees with the recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals to accept the resignation of Steve LaBounty and thanks him for his past service to the Town of Peru effective August 6, 2019. 

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.10.17-3

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RESIGNATION OF THOMAS FUSCO FROM 

THE TOWN OF PERU ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS.

MOTION: Mr. Douglass            SECOND: Mr. Langley

WHEREAS, The Peru Town Zoning Board of Appeals has recommended that Town Board accepts the resignation of Thomas Fusco as of September 18, 2019. 

THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, the Peru Town Board agrees with the recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals to accept the resignation of Thomas Fusco and thanks him for his past service to the Town of Peru effective September 18, 2019. 

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.10.17-4

 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF TERRY AUBIN JR. TO THE  TOWN OF PERU ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS.

MOTION: Mr. Barber                   SECOND: Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, The Peru Town Zoning Board of Appeals has recommended that Terry Aubin, Jr. be appointed to fill the Town Zoning Board of Appeals seat vacated by Steve LaBounty through December 31, 2020.

THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, the Peru Town Board agrees with the recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals and appoints Terry Aubin, Jr. to complete the term of the seat vacated by Steve LaBounty through December 31, 2020.

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays

Sewer Collection Project Update

Mr. Tetrault stated project has been submitted to D.O.T.  They will be contacting Mr. Favro about the easements.

Set a Public Hearing Date for Valcour Sewer Rate Increases

Motion by Mr. Langley; seconded by Mr. Barber to set a Public Hearing for November 14, 2019 at 6:30 PM at The Town Hall.

Approve/Sign Clinton Co. Conservation Easement Corrective Deed

Mr. Langley stated there are 2 parcels.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.10.17-5

A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE CORRECTIVE DEED ISSUED BY THE COUNTY OF CLINTON AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

MOTION: Mr. Langley SECOND: Mr. Douglass

WHEREAS, the Town Board has a copy of the corrective deed for the property that is designated as Lot 2 on a survey map entitled “Map & Plan, Heyworth Village Subdivision, Hamlet of Peru before it NOW THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, the GRANTEE acknowledges that use of this property subject to this corrective deed is restricted by a Conservation Easement held by the County of Clinton and recorded as Instrument #145252 on July 31, 2002 in the Clinton County Clerk’s Office.  The Conservation Easement specifies that the purpose of the easement is to restrict the use of the land to open space in perpetuity to protect and preserve natural floodplain values and to prevent any future use of the property that will significantly impair or interfere with open space values of the property.  

RESOLVED, the Town of Peru approves of this corrective deed and agrees to the corrected terms and property descriptions of such prior deed recorded in the Office of the Clinton County Clerk on July 31, 2002 as instrument #145251.

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Carried:  5 Ayes 0 Nays

Facebook Page for Water and Sewer Department

Mr. Tetrault asked for the Facebook page as other towns have one.  He stated it would allow his department to communicate with residents with any water issues.

Item 15 A  

Motion by Mr. McDonald; seconded by Mr. Langley to withdraw Court  roof replacement bid from New Image Roofing and award to Ron Hoy Roofing.

Other Business

Mr. Farrell stated all paving is done.

Mr. Tetrault stated to be proactive to possibly eliminate emergency valve repairs; he suggested evaluating each valve for possible replacement.

Public Comments on Agenda Items Only

Mr. Ryan asked what the increase will be for the Valcour Sewer Rate. Mr. Tetrault replied $ 10 a quarter and approximately 36 users.

Mr. Ryan questioned why the school house wood work quote was tabled.  Mr. Langley stated a review status on deed is necessary at this time.

RESOLUTION NUMBER:  19.10.17-6

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

MOTION: Mr. Irwin                                   SECOND:  Mr. Barber

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 2019:

From Town of Peru Vouchers in October 2019; #201901261   through and including #201901354

Abstract dated 10/17/2019

For the dollar amount totaling: $181,626.39; of that, $11,495.09 was wired, credit cards and prepaid; and $170,131.30 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

Adjourn to Executive Session

Motion by Mr. Langley; seconded by Mr. Barber to adjourn regular meeting at 7:46 PM for Executive Session. No action to be taken

Motion by Mr. Langley; seconded by Mr. Irwin to return to regular meeting at 8:03 PM.

Motion  by Mr. Douglass;  seconded by Mr. Barber to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:05 PM.  Ayes  5   Nays 0   Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor  _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman

Adirondack Health Institute (AHI) is offering free health insurance enrollment assistance services to individuals, families, and small business owners in eight North Country counties – Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington – during the upcoming open enrollment period. Open enrollment begins November 1 for new enrollees and November 16 for those reenrolling in a plan. It runs through January 31, 2020.  For those who wish to have their health insurance coverage take effect on January 1, 2020, the deadline to apply is December 15.

“Our enrollment specialists provide no-cost, unbiased assistance to help clients determine their health insurance eligibility for Qualified Health Plans, Medicaid, and Child Health Plus” explained Joyce Porter, AHI’s Enrollment Assistance Services and Education (EASE) Program Manager. “Another option available is called the Essential Plan, a plan for lower-income New Yorkers who don’t qualify for Medicaid or Child Health Plus. This plan costs much less than other plans – as little as $20 per month, and in some cases no cost at all – yet offers the same essential benefits for those who qualify.”

Porter continued, “We are excited to help people in our communities enroll in a plan that best fits their needs. We also encourage those who would like assistance to schedule a free appointment with us at their earliest convenience and not wait until the last minute to sign up.”

Individuals may call AHI’s toll-free number, 1-866-872-3740, or visit http://www.ahihealth.org/ease/appointment-request/ to schedule a no-cost appointment with an EASE enrollment specialist.

Adirondack Health Institute is an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization licensed under the New York State Public Health Law as an Article 28 Central Services Facility. Since 1987, AHI has supported hospitals, physician practices, behavioral health providers, community-based organizations and others in the region in sharing our vision and mission of transforming health care and improving population health. A joint venture of Adirondack Health, Glens Falls Hospital, Hudson Headwaters Health Network, St. Lawrence Health System, and the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, AHI’s mission is to create transformative initiatives to improve access to health care services allowing the residents   of the Adirondack region to realize their full potential and live a healthy life. For more information, please visit www.ahihealth.org.

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1. Call Meeting To Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION:  Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meetings of October 17, 2019.

5. Community Input.

6. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Perform Budget Adjustment for Highway Fund Balance Transfer.

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Transfer from the Highway Machinery Reserve to Highway Fund for Use Toward Truck Purchase.

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  School House Wood Work Quote Approval.

9. DISCUSSION:  Sewer Collection Project Update 

10. DISCUSSION/MOTION:  Essex County Tower Snow Plowing Contract Rate Change Request.

11. DISCUSSION/MOTION:  Awarding Court Roofing Project to Ronald Hoy Construction. 

12. DISCUSSION:  Other Business. 

13. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

14. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay Bills

MOTION:     Adjourn

Source: Airport pitches F-35 noise mitigation plan, funding remains unclear – VTDigger

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Source: Lost, Injured Adirondack Hikers Spur Rescues – – The Adirondack Almanack

First Two Weekends in November and Veterans Day are Free to Honor Veterans

The public will be able to drive up Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Parkway and enjoy the views for free on the first two weekends in November and on Veterans Day, November 11, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today.

“In honor and recognition of the sacrifices made by veterans here in New York and throughout the nation, DEC has chosen special days on which the public can visit Prospect Mountain for free,” said Commissioner Seggos. “DEC encourages visitors to take in Prospect’s spectacular 360-degree, 100-mile view from the 2,030-foot summit and reflect on the countless contributions our veterans have made to protect and serve our country.”

Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Parkway climbs 5.5-miles from the entry gate to a parking lot just below the summit. There are three separate overlooks along the parkway-the Narrows, Lake George, and Eagle’s Eye-from which to enjoy the scenery of the Adirondack Mountains and Lake George.

Accessible walkways, view scopes, and designated parking for people with disabilities are available on the summit. A picnic area with barbecue grills, accessible picnic tables, and accessible privy are located just below the summit. A self-guided nature trail and the remains of the world’s largest cable railroad can also be enjoyed by visitors. A shuttle with a wheel chair lift runs from the parking lot to the summit of the mountain.

A 0.2-mile trail ascends 155 feet from the parking lot to the summit for those who prefer to walk. The more adventurous can hike a 1.5-mile trail which climbs 1,630 feet from its trailhead on Smith Street in the village of Lake George.

The parkway will remain open through Veterans Day and will close for the season the following day. Typically, use of the parkway costs $10 for a car, $5 for a motorcycle, and $50 for a commercial bus.

WEDNESDAY, November 20, 2019 @ 7:00 PM

TOWN OF PERU

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL of September 25, 2019 minutes.
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
6. APPLICATION:

1. 1. 1. 1. Area Variance: Z-2019-046 Glen Lamoy

Area Variance – for a Flag and Key-Hole Lot

281.-1-32.112

635 Fuller Rd.

Peru, NY 12972

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

From the office of State Santor Betty Little

State Senator Betty Little is urging voters to take advantage of the first-ever opportunity in New York State to vote early ahead of this November’s general election.

Beginning Saturday, October 26, voters will have the opportunity to cast their votes for candidates running for election on the November ballot.  A list of polling sites in the 45^th Senate District, which comprises Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Warren and parts of St. Lawrence and Washington Counties, may be found at www.nysenate.gov/early-voting-new-york-state.

“I’ve been a proponent of early voting to help increase voter participation and also recognizing that many people make up their minds well ahead of Election Day,” said Little.  “This is the first year, so it will be interesting to see how it works.”

Two years ago, Little sponsored legislation that would have created a “no excuse” absentee ballot, so voters could fill out the ballot at home or local county board of elections and vote before Election Day.  That proposal, however, would have required a state constitutional amendment and did not advance.  This year, the Legislature approved and governor signed legislation to create this roughly one-week voting window.

“As a mother of six, there were days when getting out of the house on Election Day wasn’t easy.  I know a lot of people plan to vote and things come up and the day gets away from them.  This is a chance to vote at one’s convenience, avoiding the hassle of long lines and fulfilling a civic duty that is so critical to the strength of our democracy,” Little concluded.

PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Strand Center for the Arts is excited to host an exhibition of watercolor batiks by the Aquarelle Artists, in the Main Gallery. This upcoming exhibit will open in The Strand Center Main Gallery on Friday, November 1, 2019, and a free reception will be held from 5:30-7:30 pm that night. It will be on view from November 1-29, 2019.

Regular gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. For more information on these exhibits, upcoming events, concerts or classes happening at The Strand Center for the Arts please call 518-563-1604 or visit strandcenter.org.

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The Peru School Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at 3:30 PM in the High School Community Room.  It is anticipated that the Board will almost immediately convene in Executive Session, for approximately one hour, to receive legal advice on a pending investigation.

No other District business is anticipated at this time.

The full board agenda is available on the District’s website (perucsd.org).

Source: Brake system neglect to blame in Schoharie limo crash, expert for police says – Times Union

By John T. Ryan

In General News the Board: 

Reversed its decision to award an $8,000 bid for material and installation of a roof at the Court House to New Image Roofing (Chad Rivers). The Board conditionally awarded the bid to Ron Hoy Construction at a price of $11,400.  Hoy will get the bid if he can fit the work into his schedule. No reason was stated for New Image not being able to perform the work. 

Responded to a question from John Ryan of the Peru Gazette regarding the summer-long algae bloom at the Gazebo/Mill pond.  Water Superintendent Courtney Tetrault said the pond’s aerator was out of order for several weeks worsening algae conditions. He said algae is present every year. Ryan responded that since the pond is in the center of the community its care might be a higher priority item. 

Referred Peru Farm Center Manager Jordan Keleher to the Fire Department when Keleher asked the Board’s advice on conducting a tractor parade in conjunction with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. He said several of of his customers have expressed interest in participating.  

Tabled a resolution to approve a contractor’s quotation for interior restoration work at the Lyons Road Schoolhouse. Counselor Jim Langley asked that the matter be tabled. When questioned by the Peru Gazette he cited deed issues.

Discussed taking action to clarify the property deeds for the dog park and Heyworth-Mason Park.  Heyworth-Mason Park has several flood plain restrictions such as not adding additional structures. The dog park parcel does not have such restrictions. 

Learned from Counselor Jim Langley that the historic stone building at Heyworth-Mason Park is not subject to flood plain use restrictions. Over the course of the past several years the building has been mentioned as a museum site and other uses. Any use above the first floor would have to include an elevator to satisfy handicapped access requirements. 

In Zoning/Plannig Board News the Board: 

Accepted the resignations of Steve LaBounty and Tom Fusco from the Zoning Board of Appeals. Appointed Terry Aubin Jr to the Zoning Board of Appeals to fill Steve LaBounty’s term ending December 31, 2020.  Even with Aubin’s appointment, the five-person Board will be short one member.  There is a critical need for residents to step forward to serve on both the Zoning and Planning Boards. 

In Water/Sewer/Parks News the Board: 

Approved the purchase of clarifying equipment for the waste water treatment plant in the amount of $15,387.  

Scheduled a Monday, October 21st workshop regarding the sewer system upgrade project.

Scheduled November 14th at 6:30 p.m. for a pubic hearing on a proposed Valcour Water District rate increase. Rates would increase $10 per quarter for each of the system’s 36 or 37 users. 

Reacted positively when Water/Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault asked the Board for its approval to establish a Water Department Facebook page. Tetreault would use the page for boil water orders, customer notifications and other department news.

A great Christmas gift for family and friends!

Peru, NY:  Peru Community Church is holding a Texas Citrus Sale!  Orders will be taken until Sunday, November 17^th with anticipated delivery of the fruit in early/mid December.

A full box (2/5 bushel) of Texas Rio Star Grapefruit will be sold for $17 with half boxes at $9.

A full box of Sweet Oranges will be sold for $18 with half boxes at $10.

A full box of ½ Grapefruit and ½ Oranges will be sold at $18 with half boxes at $10.

Order forms can be picked up at Peru Community Church Fellowship Center (13 Elm Street, Peru) or you can download a copy on the website at www.perucommunitychurch.com.

Send your payment and orders to:  Peru Community Church, PO Box 38, Peru, NY 12972

Place “Fruit Sale” on memo line of check.  Please include your name, address, phone number, and email address with your order.  You will be notified when the fruit arrives.

The Peru Community Church is located at Elm, Pleasant and Main Streets (Routes 22 and 22B) in Peru.  All are invited to worship and participate in the programs and ministries of the church.

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