DiNapoli: Medicaid Audits Find Nearly $800 Million in Savings and Revenue
Posted: January 27th, 2020 under Heathcare News, Law Enforcement News, State Government News.
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Northern Adirondack Central rated as having significant fiscal stress
NYS School Fiscal Stress Monitoring System Rates Northern Adirondack Central at its highest stress level. Ausable Valley rated as susceptible to fiscal stress.
https://www.osc.state.ny.us/…/scho…/pdf/2019/stress-list.pdf
Posted: January 27th, 2020 under Adirondack Region News, Education News, Northern NY News.
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Cuomo amends marijuana legalization plan, but not enough yet for lawmakers – The Buffalo News
Source: Cuomo amends marijuana legalization plan, but not enough yet for lawmakers – The Buffalo News
Posted: January 27th, 2020 under Law Enforcement News, State Government News.
Comments: none
Adirondack Council Reviews Gov’s Budget Plans – – The Adirondack Almanack
Posted: January 27th, 2020 under Adirondack Region News, Environmental News, State Government News.
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Is UVM Health Network consolidation raising health care prices? – VTDigger
Posted: January 26th, 2020 under Heathcare News, Peru/Regional History.
Comments: none
Local Law Enforcement Have Serious Concerns With Bail Reform Law
L-R Sheriff Dave Favro and Assemblyman Bill Jones
Many agencies were represented
By John T. Ryan
Plattsburgh – The New York State’s bail reform that took effect this year has serious implications. At a news conference in Plattsburgh today Assemblyman Billy Jones explained, “I’m trying to make changes because it’s a public safety issue. We don’t want a criminal act that can be avoided.”
Jones’ remarks followed a meeting with local law enforcement officials. While several other states have limited the use of cash bail, New York abolished bail for many crimes and didn’t give judges discretion to hold a person whom they believe may pose a threat to pubic safety. Since January 1st judges are no longer able to set bail for many misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies, including stalking, assault without serious injury, burglary, many drug offenses, some kinds of arson and robbery.
No bail means many fewer defendants are being jailed. Some estimates range as high as 90% fewer. Clinton County Sheriff David Favro told the Gazette, “Today 94 people are in our jail including 24 federal inmates. A year ago we had 262.”
Favro is concerned about his officers’ safety. He stated, “When these people come back for sentencing and know they’re going to jail will they be concealing drugs, have weapons or other contraband?”
Franklin County District Attorney Craig Carriero is encountering another problem. Prior to January 1st prosecutors typically had a 6-month or more discovery period before having to hand evidence over to defense attorneys. Now they have 15 days and they’re required to reveal much more evidence including the names of informants. He commented, “It doesn’t seem like everyone was brought into the room when this legislation was written. There was room for improvement, but the pendulum has swung too far.”
Other law enforcement personnel are having challenges. Assemblyman Billy Jones mentioned New York State’s so-called Green Light Law that took effect in mid-December. It blocks federal immigration and border officials from accessing New York’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) database. They can no longer access data that can be used to help determine whether a vehicle owner has a criminal history or a warrant for their arrest. Jones commented, “It’s a public safety issue, a security issue and I think a national security issue.”
Champlain Border Patrol Agent in Charge Norman Lague said more people attempt illegal entry in this area than at any location on the northern U.S. border. He stated that the Green Light has impacted his organization’s effectiveness in many ways including its ability to target organized crime.
People speaking in the video include Assemblyman Billy Jones, Clinton County Sheriff David Favro, Franklin County District Attorney Craig Carriero, Clinton County Emergency Services Director Eric Day, Franklin County Sheriff Kevin Mulverhill and Border Patrol Agent in Charge Norman Lague.
Posted: January 24th, 2020 under General News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, State Legislator News.
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Betty Little proposes bill to make daylight savings time permanent
From the office of State Senator Betty Little
Would require at least 19 states agree before adoption
State Senator Betty Little has introduced legislation proposing to make daylight savings time (DST) permanent in New York State, which would mean more hours of late-day sunlight year-round.
A majority of U.S. states are considering changing or, at least, studying either eliminating or making permanent DST. Little’s bill is one of three proposed in Albany this session.
“Each year, we go through the steps of turning our clocks ahead and then turning them back with many people wondering if it really is necessary,” said Little. “It disrupts our sleep cycles which many people find annoying. Some say it increases risk of stroke or heart attack. Sticking with daily savings time year-round would afford us more daylight at the end of the day, and that’s something quite a few constituents have suggested.”
Little said the federal government’s Uniform Time Act enacted in 1966 allows states to opt into DST, which starts on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November. Hawaii and Arizona do not observe DST. State’s can exempt themselves from DST on their own, but States wanting to permanently observe DST need congressional approval.
Before taking effect, Little’s bill (S7230) requires 19 other states adopt legislation agreeing to year-round DST.
Posted: January 24th, 2020 under State Legislator News.
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Urgent Need For Foster Care In Our Region
Posted: January 24th, 2020 under Northern NY News.
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RAMP provides support to local graduates | pressrepublican.com
Posted: January 24th, 2020 under Business News, Education News, Peru School News.
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Returning to Auschwitz: Holocaust survivor from Plattsburgh travels back to ‘family cemetery’ | NCPR News
Posted: January 24th, 2020 under Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History.
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Strand moves forward |pressrepublican.com
Posted: January 24th, 2020 under Arts and Entertainment, Business News, Community Events, Peru/Regional History.
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Back-to-Back Adirondack Rescues in the High Peaks – – The Adirondack Almanack
Posted: January 24th, 2020 under Adirondack Region News, Law Enforcement News.
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Agenda – Town Board Regular Meeting – January 27, 2020 at 6 p.m.
NOTE – CHANGE IN MEETING START TIME TO 6 PM
- Call Meeting To Order
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Roll Call
- MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Organizational Meeting and Town Board Regular Meeting of January 13, 2020.
- Community Input
- DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Standardization of Control Systems for Water and Wastewater Systems.
- DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Purchase of Briggs & Stratton 20KW Standby Generator and Automatic Transfer Switch for Town Hall.
- DISCUSSION/ RESOLUTION: Approve Amendment of Clinton County Snow & Ice Services on Peaseleeville Road.
- DISCUSSION/ RESOLUTION: Approve Shared Services Agreement with the Town of Ausable to Purchase 2020 K.M International Model KM 4000T Hotbox.
- DISCUSSION/MOTION: Sewer Project Update.
- DISCUSSION/MOTION: Acceptance of Internal Audit Report for Court.
- DISCUSSION: Other Business
- DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.
- RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay Bills
- DISCUSSION/MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.
- DISCUSSION/MOTION: Return to Regular Session
MOTION: Adjourn
Posted: January 23rd, 2020 under Town Board News.
Comments: none
State Releases Ambitious Electric Vehicle Charging Station Plan – – The Adirondack Almanack
Posted: January 23rd, 2020 under Environmental News, State Government News.
Comments: none
Adirondack Wildlife Refuge loses state, federal permits | NCPR News
Posted: January 23rd, 2020 under Adirondack Region News, Environmental News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, State Government News.
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Winterfest 2020 pushed back due to weather – Sun Community News & Printing
Posted: January 23rd, 2020 under Community Events.
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Workshop to determine if a solar farm ordinance is needed – Public encouraged to attend.
Other important topics:
Meeting time to change
$20K grant awarded
Planning and Zoning Board chairs and vice-chairs approved
Highway Dept. employee comp. time OK
Back-up generator for Town Hall
By John T. Ryan
At the Peru Town Board’s January 13, 2020 meeting Zoning Board of Appeals Liaison Rick Barber told the Board that the Zoning Board is requesting guidance on solar farm development. Developers have expressed interest in constructing solar farms at least three locations in Peru. Barber said they’re especially interested in property near 3-phase electrical lines. A solar farm proposed by the Hamilton family on the Mannix Road has already been approved. That required a use variance. The Town Board scheduled a workshop for 6:30 p.m. on February 10th to get community input and to determine the need for a solar farm ordinance.
Water/Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetreault said the town has been awarded a Lake Champlain Basin $20,000 grant to help purchase phosphorus control at the hamlet plant and to assist with chlorine control at the Valcour plant.
The Board also:
Approved moving Town Board regular meeting times from 7 pm. to 6 p.m. The new time works better with board and staff schedules. Only two members of the general public regularly attend Town Board meetings.
Approved standardizing water and waste water control systems and power control systems with two companies. Water/Sewer control systems will be provided by Aqualogics Systems of Syracuse. Electric power systems will be provided by Kohler Inc. of Kohler, Wisconsin. Water/Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault said standardization should result in reduced maintenance costs and issues.
Approved Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board appointments for the following volunteers and noted that volunteers are needed to serve on both boards.
Richard Williams as Planning Board Chairman
Ryan Davies as Planning Board Vice-Chairman
Jim Falvo as Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman
Sean Lukas as Zoning Board of Appeals Vice-Chairman
James Bosley as a Zoning Board of Appeals member
Bosley has is completing the term of office of a member who resigned from the board.
Scheduled a Board workshop for Monday, February 3, 2020 to discus the sewer system upgrade project.
Verbally consented to Highway Department employee compensatory time up to a maximum of 60 hours if a Highway Department employee prefers compensatory time rather than overtime pay. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said some employees prefer compensatory time and the Town saves overtime expense.
Approved Supervisor Brandy McDonald’s proposal to purchase a 20 k.w. gas power generator and related equipment. During a recent ice storm McDonald rented a generator from Hahn Welding to electrify the Town Hall if power went out. Counselor Rick Barber noted that the Peru Fire Department does not want to be the Command Center in emergency situations. McDonald said Peru is the only town without backup power in emergency situations. Prices will be sought from at least three vendors at a cost not to exceed $4,950. Counselor Jim Douglass said people at Apple Valley Senior Housing expressed thanks to McDonald for his offer to help people during the storm. McDonald commented that Hahn Welding notified the Town that there would be no charge for the generator rental.
Posted: January 23rd, 2020 under Highway Dept. News, Planning Board News, Town Board News, Water & Sewer Dept. News, Zoning Board News.
Comments: none
DEC Accepting Applications for Pheasant Release Program
Applications for Cooperative Program Due by March 25
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that applications are available for DEC’s cooperative Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program. The program provides pheasant hunting opportunities through a partnership among DEC, hunters, 4-H youth, and interested landowners.
“For more than a century, volunteers have been raising pheasant chicks and releasing pheasants to enhance New York’s fall hunting opportunities,” Commissioner Seggos said. “Raising chicks continues to be a great way to learn about animal husbandry and wildlife management.”
The Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program began in the early 1900s. At that time, the state Conservation Department (which became DEC) distributed pheasant eggs and chicks to farmers and rural youth, and DEC continues that tradition to this day. Day-old chicks are available at no cost to participants who can provide a brooding facility, a covered outdoor rearing pen, and an adequate release site. Approved applicants will receive the day-old chicks in April, May, or June. No chicks obtained through the Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program can be released on private shooting preserves and all release sites must be approved in advance by DEC and must be open for public pheasant hunting opportunities. The program is funded through the State Conservation Fund from license fees paid by hunters, trappers, and anglers.
Applicants must provide daily care to the rapidly growing chicks, monitor the birds’ health and ensure they have adequate feed and water. The pheasants may be released beginning when they are eight weeks old and must be released no later than Dec. 1. Individuals interested in these programs should contact their nearest DEC regional office (listed below) for applications and additional information.
In 2019, DEC distributed more than 31,500 day-old pheasant chicks to qualified applicants. Applications must be filed with a DEC regional wildlife manager by March 25, 2020; see contact information below. A “Pheasant Rearing Guide” and applications are available on the DEC website.
R5 – Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties:
1115 Route 86, PO Box 296
Ray Brook, NY 12977
(518) 897-1291
Posted: January 23rd, 2020 under Environmental News.
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Enjoy Sunday Breakfast at VFW Post 309 – Everyone Welcome!
What: 4th Sunday Breakfast –
Bacon, scrambled eggs, sausage gravy & biscuits, corned beef hash, pancakes or French toast, juice and coffee.
Only $10 – seconds on the house.
Where: Peru Memorial VFW
710 Pleasant St, Peru, NY
When: January 26th 9 a.m. – Noon
Posted: January 23rd, 2020 under Community Events, Veterans' News.
Comments: none
ORDA wins big in budget
Posted: January 23rd, 2020 under Adirondack Region News, State Government News.
Comments: none
Fire-ravaged Boonville makes pitch for HGTV makeover – syracuse.com
Posted: January 23rd, 2020 under Adirondack Region News, Peru/Regional History.
Comments: none
Should a judge be free to lock up any dangerous suspect? A NY bail reform dilemma – syracuse.com
Source: Should a judge be free to lock up any dangerous suspect? A NY bail reform dilemma – syracuse.com
Posted: January 23rd, 2020 under Law Enforcement News, State Government News.
Comments: none
Another round of prison closures may be coming to NY: What to know
Posted: January 23rd, 2020 under Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, State Government News.
Comments: none
From fighting flames to battling cancer
Source: Posted: January 22nd, 2020 under Adirondack Region News, Community Events, Fire Department News.
Comments: none
2020 Town Board Organizational Meeting
The Peru Town Board conducted its 2020 Organizational Meeting on Monday, January 13, 2020. The approved resolutions covered: salaries of elected officials, appointees, appointee salaries and frequency of payments, department liaisons, meeting dates and times, contracts, the mileage reimbursement rate, town depositories, the official town newspaper and town policies.
The most significant change from past practice is the new Board meeting time of 6 p.m. rather than 6 p.m. Town Supervisor Brandy McDonald said 6 p.m. coordinates better with the employee work schedules and commuting distances.
Other than Board members and employees, only two Peru residents regularly attend Town Board meetings.
Resolution #1
Resolution Establishing 2020 SALARY AND PAYMENT OF ELECTED OFFICIALS
BE IT RESOLVED that 2020 salaries for Town of Peru Elected Officials be set as follows:
Town Council Members $7,706.50 /Annually, Paid Monthly
Town Supervisor $25,338.00/Annually, Paid Monthly
Town Clerk/Tax Collector $26,285.00/Annually, Paid Monthly
Town Justices $19,698.75/Annually, Paid Monthly
Highway Superintendent $60,716.00/Annually, Paid Bi-weekly
Motion by: ______________________ Second by: _____________________
Carried:
Resolution #2
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING 2020 APPOINTEES
BE IT RESOLVED that the following appointments for 2020 be made:
APPOINTMENTS POSITIONS
1. Courtney Tetrault Water & Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator
2. Robert Guynup Codes & Zoning Enforcement Officer
3. Pamela Barber Confidential Secretary to the Town Board
4. Dianne Miller Registrar of Vital Statistics
5. Judy Akey Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics
6. Judy Akey Account Clerk/Receptionist
7. Holly Stone Clerk to the Town Justices
8. Christine Crawford Part Time Clerk to the Town Justices
9. James Douglass Deputy Supervisor
10. Brandy McDonald Budget Officer
11. Darlene Grigware Typist (Codes & Zoning Dept.)
12. Carlene Heipel Typist (Highway & Water/Sewer Dept.)
13. James Falvo Zoning Board of Appeals Chairperson
14. Sean Lukas Zoning Board of Appeals Vice Chairperson
15. Richard Williams Planning Board Chairperson
16. Ryan Davies Planning Board Vice Chairperson
17. Judy Akey Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector
18. Ron and Carol Allen Town Historians
19. John Flynn Recreation Director
20. TBD Assistant Youth Director
21. TBD Youth Commission Chairman
22. David Drollette Dog Control Officer
24. Department Heads Purchasing Agents General Fund
25. Mike Farrell, Hwy. Supt. Purchasing Agent Highway Fund
26. Courtney Tetrault, Parks, W/S Supt. Purchasing Agent Water/Sewer Fund
27. Darrell Martineau Highway Crew Supervisor
Motion by: ______________________ Second by: _____________________
Carried:
Resolution #3
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING 2020 SALARIES AND PAYMENT FREQUENCY FOR TOWN OF PERU APPOINTEES
BE IT RESOLVED that the following 2020 salaries and payment frequencies be set as follows:
Water/Sewer Superintendent $61,210.69/Annually, Paid Bi-Weekly
Code/Zoning/Planning Officer $48,856.00/Annually, Paid Bi-Weekly
Confidential Secretary to the Board $44,905.00/Annually, Paid Bi-Weekly
Registrar of Vital Statistics (Under Town Clerk)
Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics (Under Deputy Town Clerk)
Account Clerk/Receptionist $20.54/Hourly, Paid Bi-Weekly
Clerk to Town Justices $41,485.00/Annually/Paid Bi-Weekly
Part Time Clerk to the Town Justices $16.08/Hourly, Paid Bi-Weekly
Deputy Supervisor $1,383.00/Annually/Paid Monthly
Budget Officer $1,383.00/Annually/Paid Monthly
Typist – Codes/Zoning/Planning $15.40/Hourly, Paid Bi-Weekly
Typist – Highway & Water/Sewer $19.98/Hourly, Paid Bi-Weekly
Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector $1,813.78/Annually, Paid Monthly
Recreation Director $21,726.00/Annually, Paid Monthly
Groundskeeper $2,500.00/Annually/Paid 3 Times/Summer
Assistant Youth Director $3,000.00/Annually, Paid Seasonally
Dog Control Officer $13,640.00/Annually, Paid Monthly
Motion by: ______________________ Second by: _____________________
Carried:
Resolution #4
RESOLUTIONS ESTABLISHING TOWN DEPARTMENT LIAISONS
BE IT RESOLVED that the following 2020 Town Board Liaison assignments are approved by the Town Board
PLANNING/ZONING Richard Barber & Mel Irwin
WATER/SEWER: Kregg Bruno & Mel Irwin
HIGHWAY: Mel Irwin & Richard Barber
PARKS/RECREATION: Jim Douglass & Kregg Bruno
YOUTH COMMISSION: Jim Douglass & Richard Barber
LIBRARY: Mel Irwin & Jim Douglass
DOG CONTROL OFFICER: Jim Douglass & Kregg Bruno
JUSTICE SYSTEM Kregg Bruno & Richard Barber
Motion by: ______________________ Second by: _____________________
Carried:
Resolution #5
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING 2020 REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING DATES AND STARTING TIMES
BE IT RESOLVED that the following dates/times make up the 2020 Regular Town Board Meeting Schedule:
2020 REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE
Monday January 13, 2020 7:00 PM
Monday January 27, 2020 6:00 PM
Monday February 10, 2020 6:00 PM
Monday February 24, 2020 6:00 PM
Monday March 9, 2020 6:00 PM
Monday March 23, 2020 6:00 PM
Monday April 13, 2020 6:00 PM
Monday April 27, 2020 6:00 PM
Monday May 11, 2020 6:00 PM
Thursday May 28, 2020 6:00 PM
Monday June 8, 2020 6:00 PM
Monday June 22, 2020 6:00 PM
Monday July 13, 2020 6:00 PM
Monday July 27, 2020 6:00 PM
Monday August 10, 2020 6:00 PM
Monday August 24, 2020 6:00 PM
Monday September 14, 2020 6:00 PM
Monday September 28, 2020 6:00 PM
Thursday October 15, 2020 6:00 PM
Monday October 26, 2020 6:00 PM
Monday November 9, 2020 6:00 PM
Monday November 23, 2020 6:00 PM
Monday December 14, 2020 6:00 PM
Wednesday December 30, 2020 6:00 PM
Motion by: ______________________ Second by: _____________________
Carried
Resolution #6
RESOLUTION APPROVING 2020 CONTRACTS
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board gives approval for the Town Supervisor to sign the following contracts on behalf of the Town of Peru:
2020 ANNUAL CONTRACTS
JCEO of Clinton & Essex Counties
North Country LIFE FLIGHT, Inc.
Clinton County Assessor (previously signed)
Web Site Manager, Don McBrayer
Cleaning Service, Robert Crawford
Grant/Project Consultant, Elizabeth Tedford
Attorney for the Town. Firm: Favro Law, Atty. Matthew Favro (previously signed)
Attorney for the Town Planning & Zoning Dept. Firm: Favro Law, Atty. Matthew Favro (previously signed)
Engineering/Consulting Services for Water/Sewer, Highway and Planning/Zoning Departments. Firm: Engineering Ventures Inc.
Accounting Firm: Boulrice & Wood CPS, P.C.
Peru Golden Apple Club
Animal Shelter, Elmore SPCA
Carried:
Resolution #7
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING 2020 TOWN OF PERU MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT RATE
BE IT RESOLVED that employees of the Town of Peru using their personal vehicle for pre-approved official Town business will be reimbursed for such mileage as follows:
2020 Mileage Reimbursement Rate . . . . . . . . . $ .545 per mile
Motion by: ______________________ Second by: _____________________
Carried:
Resolution #8
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING TOWN DEPOSITORIES
BE IT RESOLVED that the TD Bank, Peru, New York, hereby is designated as the official depository for all Checking, Savings, and Town Reserve accounts of the Town Supervisor, Town Clerk, Town Justice Kirby, and Town Justice Cabana and the Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s accounts for 2020,
Motion by: ______________________ Second by: _____________________
Carried:
Resolution #9
RESOLUTION NAMING THE OFFICIAL TOWN NEWSPAPER
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Peru names the Press Republican as its Newspaper of Record for 2020.
Motion by: ______________________ Second by: _____________________
Carried:
Posted: January 22nd, 2020 under Town Board News.
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