The Peru Gazette

Peru – The accompanying photo depicts the scene at the January 15th Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting. The Board, an applicant seeking a use variance to start a new business, his attorney and several of his supporters were present. By law the Zoning Board should have five members; however a resignation resulted in it currently having only four members. As sometimes happens a Board member had a valid reason for not being present; therefore, an unanimous 3-0 vote would have been required for the variance’s approval. To almost no one’s surprise, the applicant and his attorney requested that the matter be delayed until the Board’s February 19th meeting.

Source: Buses will ferry hikers – Sun Community News & Printing

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday, December 30, 2019 at the Peru Town Court House.  Those present were Mr. Brandy McDonald Supervisor; Mr. James Douglass, Councilman; Mr. James Langley, Councilman-Excused; Mr. Melvin Irwin, Councilman; Mr. Richard Barber Jr., Councilman and Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk.  Also present; Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent ; Mr. Lawrence Cabana, Town Justice; Mr. James Kirby, Town Justice; Ms. Pamela Barber, Secretary to the Board: 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 approve the minutes from the December 9, 2019  meeting.  

Ayes 4 Nays 0 Motion Carried        

Community Input and Questions

None

TOWN OF PERU – TOWN BOARD

DECEMBER 30, 2019

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING JOSEPH W. KELLEY

Resolution #19.12.30-1      

BY:  Town Supervisor, Brandy McDonald; Town Board Members, James Douglass, Melvin Irwin and Richard Barber

WHEREAS, Joseph W. Kelley and his wife, Jane, had been lifelong residents and raised six children in the Town of Peru; and

WHEREAS, Joseph W. Kelley, known as “Joe Kelley” passed away at the age of 94 years on the 21^st day of December, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Joseph W. Kelley is being recognized for his honorable, dedicated, public service to his country and his community, consisting of but not limited to the following:

U.S. Navy World War II veteran (July 1, 1943-July 20, 1946), College of the Holy Cross graduate in 1946; Albany Law school graduate in 1949; admitted to the Clinton County Bar Association and New York State Bar Association in the early 1950s; served as a member and president of the Peru Central School Board from 1956-1964; served as attorney for Peru Central School from 1965 through 1975; served on the Town of Peru Zoning Board of Appeals;  served as US Commissioner of Plattsburgh from 1960 through 1970; served as the County attorney for the County of Clinton; served as welfare attorney for the County of Clinton; was elected the first full-time District Attorney for County of Clinton on three occasions (all unopposed) from 1976 through 1985; served as member and District Governor of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association; was an active communicant of St. Augustine’s Church in Peru; member of the VFW Post 1505, American Legion Post 1618, Elks Lodge 2072, Moose Lodge 2390 and the Knights of Columbus Assembly 706 (4th degree); and therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Peru hereby recognizes and commends Joseph W. Kelley for his honorable and dedicated public service to this community and declares that the Town Court Building of the Town of Peru may hereafter be referred to as ” Kelley’s Courthouse” and that a picture, plaque and a copy of this resolution shall be placed at an appropriate place in the Town of Peru Court in recognition of the outstanding public service and legal achievements of ” Joe Kelley”.

UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED.

State of New York)

County of Clinton) ss.:

Town of Peru       )

I HEREBY CERTIFY, that the foregoing is a true copy of a resolution 

passed by the Town Board, Town of Peru, in regular session on the 

30^th day of December, 2019.

______________________

DIANNE MILLER

Town Clerk, Town of Peru 

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF TOWN FUNDS WITHIN THE GENERAL FUND

RESOLUTION # 19.12.30-2

Motion: Mr. Douglass                                       Second: Mr. Barber

WHEREAS, In order to meet the financial needs for the management of the Town General Accounts funds need to be transferred from line items with positive balances to line items with negative balances (see Attached Schedule of Transfers) and

WHEREAS, The outstanding positive balances in the General Fund are more

than adequate to cover the accounts in need of transfers, be it

RESOLVED, That the Town Board has authorized the attached ten (10) transfers in the total amount of $26,253.42 to better align negative and positive line items.

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call:		YES	NO
	Richard Barber, Jr.	x
	James Douglass	x
	Mel Irwin	x
	James Langley	Excused
	Brandy McDonald	x

Carried: 4 Ayes 0 Nays

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF TOWN FUNDS WITHIN THE HIGHWAY FUND

RESOLUTION # 19.12.30-3

Motion: Mr. Barber                                  Second: Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, In order to meet the financial needs for the management of the Town Highway Accounts funds need to be transferred from line items with positive balances to line items with negative balances (see Attached Schedule of Transfers) and

WHEREAS, The outstanding positive balances in the General Fund are more

than adequate to cover the accounts in need of transfers, be it

RESOLVED, That the Town Board has authorized the attached sixteen (16) transfers in the total amount of $287,255.56 to better align negative and positive line items.

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call:		YES	NO
	Richard Barber, Jr.	x
	James Douglass	x
	Mel Irwin	x
	James Langley	Excused
	Brandy McDonald	x

Carried: 4 Ayes 0 Nays

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF TOWN FUNDS WITHIN THE PERU SEWER  FUND

RESOLUTION # 19.12.30-4

Motion: Mr. Irwin   Second: Mr. Douglass

WHEREAS, In order to meet the financial needs for the management of the Town Peru Sewer Accounts funds need to be transferred from line items with positive balances to line items with negative balances (see Attached Schedule of Transfers) and

WHEREAS, The outstanding positive balances in the Peru Sewer Fund are more

than adequate to cover the accounts in need of transfers, be it

RESOLVED, That the Town Board has authorized the attached four (4) transfers in the total amount of $4,167.59 to better align negative and positive line items.

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call:		YES	NO
	Richard Barber, Jr.	x
	James Douglass	x
	Mel Irwin	x
	James Langley	Excused
	Brandy McDonald	x

Carried:4 Ayes 0 Nays

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF TOWN FUNDS WITHIN THE PERU WATER FUND

RESOLUTION # 19.12.30-5

Motion: Mr. Douglass                                         Second: Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, In order to meet the financial needs for the management of the Town Peru Water Accounts funds need to be transferred from line items with positive balances to line items with negative balances (see Attached Schedule of Transfers) and

WHEREAS, The outstanding positive balances in the Water Fund are more than adequate to cover the accounts in need of transfers, be it

RESOLVED, That the Town Board has authorized the attached five (5) transfers in the total amount of $15,134.38 to better align negative and positive line items.

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call:		YES	NO
	Richard Barber, Jr.	x
	James Douglass	x
	Mel Irwin	x
	James Langley	Excused
	Brandy McDonald	x

Carried: 4 Ayes 0 Nays 

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF TOWN FUNDS WITHIN THE VALCOUR SEWER FUND

RESOLUTION # 19.12.30-6

Motion: Mr. Barber                                                 Second: Mr. Douglass

WHEREAS, In order to meet the financial needs for the management of the Town Valcour Sewer Accounts funds need to be transferred from line items with positive balances to line items with negative balances (see Attached Schedule of Transfers) and

WHEREAS, The outstanding positive balances in the Valcour Sewer Fund are more

than adequate to cover the accounts in need of transfers, be it

RESOLVED, That the Town Board has authorized the attached four (4) transfers in the total amount of $1,161.16 to better align negative and positive line items.

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call:		YES	NO
	Richard Barber, Jr.	x
	James Douglass	x
	Mel Irwin	x
	James Langley	Excused
	Brandy McDonald	x

Carried: 4 Ayes 0 Nays

Approve Line Item Encumbrances

Mr. Kirby asked to encumber monies for postage. Mr. McDonald stated that the exact available amount must be verified.

2019 ENCUMBERANCE REQUESTS

HISTORIAN – K & S BODY WORKS – $659.66

HIGHWAY – LUCK BROTHERS – $8,100.00

PERU SEWER – CHEMCORR GROUP – $3,578.95

PERU SEWER – EMERICK ASSOC. – $5,045.00

VALCOUR SEWER –AES NORTHEAST – $3,921.11

PERU WATER – CARBON ACTIVATED CORP. – $30,100.00

COURT- POSTAGE- $ 3,428.71

Motion by Mr. Douglass                                        Second by Mr. Barber

4 Ayes 0 Nays

Sewer Project Update

All letters for temporary and permanent easements are ready to be mailed to residents.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.12.30-7

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. Irwin                  Second: Mr. Barber

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.

Roll Call:		YES	NO
	Richard Barber, Jr.	x
	James Douglass	x
	Mel Irwin	x
	James Langley	Excused
	Brandy McDonald	x

Carried: 4 Ayes 0 Nays

Reminder of January 13, 2020 Meeting Times

Times are as follows-

5:30 PM- Sewer Project Informational Meeting

6:30 PM- 2020 Town Organizational Meeting

7:00 PM Regular Meeting

Other Business

Mr. Farrell commented on surrounding towns helping the Town of Franklin after they suffered a total loss due to fire. 

Mr. McDonald thanked everyone for a great 2019.

Public Comments on Agenda Items Only

NONE

RESOLUTION NUMBER:  19.12.30-8

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

MOTION: Mr. Douglass                                              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 December 2019:

From Town of Peru Vouchers in December 2019; #201901583   through and including #201901678

Abstract dated 12/30/2019

For the dollar amount totaling: $325,891.37; of that, $25,722.71 was wired, credit cards and prepaid; and $300,186.66 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.

Roll Call:		YES	NO
	Richard Barber, Jr.	x
	James Douglass	x
	Mel Irwin	x
	James Langley	Excused
	Brandy McDonald	x

Carried: 4 Ayes 0 Nays

Motion by Mr. Douglass, seconded by Mr. Barber to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:37 PM.  

Ayes 4 Nays 0 Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor   _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman

Rescheduled to January 30th due to Winter Storm Conditions

The Clinton County Historical Association  – The Frank Pardy Story

with Alexandra Thomas

Thursday January 30, 6:30 p.m.

At the Lake Forest Senior Community Center, 8 Lake Forest Drive, Plattsburgh, NY

Rouses Point photographer and businessman Frank Pardy (1865-1935) left an extensive collection of glass plate negatives with the Clinton County Historical Association. Alexandra Thomas, a SUNY Plattsburgh History graduate with a minor in photography, scanned and identified over 400 of his photos and researched his history with the town. His love of cars, boats, people, children and local flora is evident. Alexandra has chosen her favorite photos to share along with what she learned of his life.

 

Source: Man stole nearly $50K from Pop Warner league in Central NY over almost 2 years, police say – syracuse.com

Source: CVAC wrestling: Indians defeat Patriots on mats – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Body of man in Saranac River found | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Lake Placid’s main street redesign worries merchants | NCPR News

Source: Doghiker: Great Hikes With Dogs – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: Keeping the signal alive | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Includes many former Peru High School students.

Source: SUNY Plattsburgh Announces Fall 2019 Dean’s List | SUNY Plattsburgh

Peru – On Monday, January 14, 2020 the Peru Town Board, Water/Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault and AES Engineering representatives conducted an informational meeting on Peru’s planned $4.6 million sewage system upgrade. Approximately 11,000 feet of new sewage lines and two new pumping stations will be installed. Most of the current sewer pipes were installed almost 100 years ago. Some are in danger of collapsing. The Maiden Lane pump station is undersized. The system was not built to handle the Peru’s strong residential growth. Bids are expected be advertised within the next 60 days with work hopefully beginning this spring and completed by late fall.

Source: County leaders baffled and worried over Cuomo’s Medicaid comments – The Buffalo News

Source: Long Island Democrats pushing for bail reform | CSNY

Source: Wild Center Adds Ice Shanty; Wild Walk Going Year-Round – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: Desperate need for home health aides in Adirondacks

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Two major development projects will hopefully move forward in 2020 following the Wednesday, January 8th Planning Board meeting.

Source: Officials encouraged by governor’s state cemetery commitment | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: NY bans use of toxic chemical in firefighting foam – HoustonChronicle.com

Source: Upstate New York’s struggle to bring back workers | News | oleantimesherald.com

Please Share !!! This is for anyone in Peru and the surrounding towns.As everyone knows about the possibility of an ice storm and power outages later tonight and tomorrow. We will have the Town Hall in Peru set up with Power and heat and water if anyone is out of power tonight or tomorrow and needs a place to come or stay. Here is my cell # 1-518-593-3078 please call me if you or know someone that needs to come to the Town Hall and we will be there to open it up no matter what time of the night.

Moose out for a morning walk near the Peru Rod and Gun Club on September 27, 2019. Thanks to Jack Lawliss for forwarding the trail photos.

Source: ART Presents The Odd Couple! On Sale Now!