The Peru Gazette

Employees at a Clinton County orchard install hail netting to a row of apple trees. Photo: A. Galimberti, CCE Clinton County, NY

Plattsburgh, N.Y.; September 3, 2019. Real-time, regional, in-orchard research funded by the farmer-driven Northern New York Agricultural Development Program is helping apple growers quickly respond to pests with the latest management practices. It also provides insight into practices that may or may not work to protect the northern NY apple crop conservatively valued at $57 million.

“Pest management is one of the largest investments fruit growers must make in terms of time, labor, and materials to produce marketable fruit and maintain healthy trees,” says Michael Basedow, a tree fruit specialist with the Cornell Cooperative Extension Eastern NY Commercial Horticulture Program, Plattsburgh, N.Y.

With a grant from the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program, Basedow provided weekly pest scouting data to help growers quickly respond to orchard pests with appropriate pest management tactics. He also initiated a project to evaluate whether exclusion netting used for protecting apple from hailstorm damage might also protect the fruit from orchard pests.

A series of hailstorms in 2017 damaged the regional apple crop. One grower reported more than 60 percent of his acres suffered damage. Basedow says, “Growers selling hail-damaged fruit for juice that would otherwise have sold at retail prices can see as much as a 98 percent decrease in the economic value of their crop.”

Basedow worked with commercial growers in Clinton and Essex counties who had installed hail netting. Trials in France and Quebec, Canada, had shown success in limiting damage by codling moth and other orchard pests, but the use of drape-style netting had not been well-evaluated under northern NY orchard conditions.

“We are constantly looking at ways to increase the use of integrated pest management practices that allow us to produce a commercially viable crop while also making the best use of growers’ time, labor, and money. We wanted to see if the hail netting might be an effective practice to add to our apple growers’ IPM toolbox,” Basedow said.

The research provided weekly trap data on four key apple pests in northern NY: codling moth, Oriental fruit moth, obliquebanded leafrooler, and apple maggot.

“Results from the trial showed that traps in the trees under the netting caught significantly fewer of the four key pests compared to the unnetted trees, however,” Basedow says, “the pest pressure levels in 2018 for three of the four key pests was such that the feasibility of using hail netting for pest exclusion is still uncertain. The netting may help reduce pest numbers enough to reduce the total number of orchard sprays needed for some pests, such as apple maggot, where spray decisions are based on well-established economic thresholds.”

Basedow adds that the sites with the most effective pest exclusion were those where the hail netting was tightly tied to the lower limbs and trunks of the apple trees. The orchard with the best control applied the netting to trees grown to a tall spindle training system with the netting secured tightly to the trunks.

This Northern New York Agricultural Development Program project provided more than 450 orchard businesses in northern and eastern NY with the weekly pest scouting data during the 2018 growing season. A like number of growers and fruit specialists attended meetings that include mention of this hail netting pest exclusion research. The full project report is posted on the NNYADP website at www.nnyagdev.org.

Funding for the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program is supported by the New York State Legislature and administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

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Peru – Peru has 20 more acres available for residential development as a result of action taken at the Peru Town Board’s August 26, 2019 Town Board Meeting. The Board unanimously approved changing the zoning classification of 20 acres of land adjacent to the Dashnaw Road and in close proximity to the Bear Swamp Road from commercial to residential. The Zoning map was last amended on December 23, 2013.

The Board approved the emergency purchase of an open bottom culvert for the Patent Rd. at a cost of $143,500. Last April a four ft. wide sink hole developed in the road about 700 feet north of Mother Cabrini Shrine. Installation bids will be advertised. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell estimated the total culvert replacement cost at about $287,000. He said the Town would have to bond/borrow the money. Farrell said NYS Department of Environmental Conservation regulations require that an open bottom culvert be used because the brook (which is dry at this time) flows into a trout stream, the Furnace Brook. The Patent Road will be closed while installation is taking place.

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Great report by WCAX

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Peru’s new Stewart’s Shop should be under construction soon. Stewarts is purchasing property adjacent to the existing shop. The trailers on the adjacent property have either been moved or are being razed this week.

Stewart’s plans will be one of the subjects on tonight’s Planning Board Agenda.

1.  Final Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2019-010 Stewart’s Shops Corp.Final Site Plan Review – for the construction of a new 3,856 sq. ft. Convenience Store with gasoline sales280.1-9-21.1/280.1-9-21.22997 Main St.Peru, NY 129722.

Final Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2019-011 Stewart’s Shops Corp.Final Site Plan Review – for a freestanding sign280.1-9-21.1/280.1-9-21.22997 Main St.Peru, NY 129723.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osT5PEgjtPo&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3mZqPiP6y7sxGKqFgqnVMrkrRY-PwAnmzg6gAur3hoJd8VCMtMdbRoHvs

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Bob Rulfs sat quietly watching from his pickup truck this morning as his original farm stand was being torn down. He said he wasn’t sad to see it go. The first of its three sections was constructed in 1958. Rulfs actually opened in 1952 when Bob placed a sign beside a few vegetables in his front yard. Rulfs Orchard opened a new, very large modern stand in September 2016.

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Plattsburgh) announced he will be hosting blood drives in Plattsburgh and Saranac Lake this week and an additional drive in Malone in October. Jones’ drives will help supplement local hospitals, which typically experience a shortage of blood donations during the summer months.

“Tragedy can strike at any time, which is why it’s critical that our hospitals have access to blood in a time of need,” said Jones. “But unfortunately, blood donations often diminish during the summer when families go on vacation. I encourage everyone who can to come out and do their part to help ensure patients in need can receive lifesaving blood.”

Blood donations are necessary for surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic injuries and traumatic injuries, and a single blood donation – whether whole blood, platelets, red cells or plasma are used – can provide lifesaving treatment to up to three people.[1] Jones will be holding the following blood drives:

• Saranac Lake Blood Drive: Thursday, Aug. 29, noon – 5 p.m., Adirondack Health, Second Floor, Redfield Board Room, 2233 New York 86

• Plattsburgh Blood Drive: Friday, Aug. 30, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., UVM Health Network-CVPH, Auditoriums A and B, 75 Beekman St.
• Malone Blood Drive: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Alice Hyde Medical Center, Cafeteria Conference Room, 133 Park St.

Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, be in good health and meet all the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and New York State Department of Health donor criteria, which can be found at www.nybloodcenter.org. For more information, contact Assemblyman Jones’ office at 518-562-1986 or JonesB@nyassembly.gov.

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The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday August 12, 2019 at the Peru Town Hall.  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; Mr. Matthew Favro, Town Attorney; Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk.  Also present were Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent; Mr. Bob Guynup, Zoning Officer; Ms. Pamela Barber, Confidential Secretary to the Board and Mr. Dave Drollette, Dog Control officer. 

The meeting was called to order at 7:02 PM by Mr. McDonald, with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Motion by Mr. Irwin; seconded by Mr. Barber to approve the minutes from the July 22, 2019 meeting.   Ayes 4   Nays 0 Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Barber; seconded by Mr. Douglass 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 4   Nays 0 Motion Carried

Community Input and Questions

Mr. Bruno commended Mr. Farrell and his highway crew for the excellent paving job on Dashnaw Road.

A RESOLUTION HEREBY ESTABLISHING THE FOLLOWING STANDARD WORKDAYSFOR THE THESE EMPLOYEES FOR THE NEW YORK STATE AND LOCAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.08.12-1

MOTION BY: Mr. Irwin                  SECOND BY:  Mr. Douglass

WHEREAS, the Town of Peru has established the following standard workdays for the elected and appointed officials titles and will report the officials to the New York State and Local Retirement System based on the following:

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Councilman 6 Hours as a standard workday

Highway Superintendent 8 Hours as a standard workday

Town Justice 6 Hours as a standard workday

APPOINTED OFFICIALS

Recreation Director 6 Hours as a standard workday

WHEREAS, that the Town Board accepts the designated standard workdays for the above-listed titles.

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Ayes 4 Nays 0                                                            Motion Carried

A RESOLUTION HEREBY ESTABLISHING THE FOLLOWING STANDARD WORKDAYSFOR THE THESE EMPLOYEES FOR THE NEW YORK STATE AND LOCAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.08.12-2

MOTION BY:  Mr. Barber                      SECOND BY:  Mr. Douglass

WHEREAS, the Town of Peru has established the following standard workdays for the employee titles and will report the officials to the New York State and Local Retirement based on the following:

EMPLOYEES TITLE

Account Clerk 8 Hours as a standard workday

Bldgs. & Grounds Maintenance Workers 8 Hours as a standard workday

Crew Supervisor 8 Hours as a standard workday

Laborer 8 Hours as a standard workday

Motor Equipment Operator 8 Hours as a standard workday

Typist – Water/Sewer & Highway Depts. 8 Hours as a standard workday

Water/Wastewater Maintenance Worker I & II 8 Hours as a standard workday

Codes Typist 7 Hours as a standard workday

WHEREAS, that the Town Board accepts the designated standard workdays for the above-listed titles.

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Ayes 4 Nays 0                                                             Motion Carried

Wastewater Plant Clarifier Issues

Mr. Tetrault stated the clarifier needs to be replaced sooner than later. Mr. Tetrault received three quotes. AES and Mr. Tetrault recommend the Custom Fiberglass Trough from Corrosion Products & Equipment at the cost of $12,455.00.

Sewer Collection Project Update

Mr. Tetrault stated no further update at this time.

Court Building Roof

The Town will be accepting bids for the new roof located at 22 Davey Drive until 11:00 am

September 9, 2019. Acceptable bid will be awarded at the Town Board Meeting September 9, 2019

Other Business

Mr. Farrell and the highway crew are diligently paving at this time. The following roads are to be paved: Eccles Road, Blake Road, Reservoir Road, Haynes Drive, Howard Drive, Brand Hollow Road, Clark Road and parts of Route 22B. Mr. Farrell spoke with Luck Brothers and if the price is reasonable School Street will be paved with the town providing the black top and trucking.

The concerts at the gazebo have been very well received and townspeople have asked Ms. Barber about the possibility of having a couple in fall and or winter. Logistics would need to be 

determined.

August 23, 2019 –Beauty and the Beast will be shown at Laphams Mills Park at 8:30 pm.

Public Comments on Agenda Items Only

Mr. Bruno asked Mr. Tetrault if the wastewater clarifier replacement could be part of the sewer upgrade. Mr. Tetrault stated no as the clarifier is located at the wastewater plant and the sewer upgrade is Elm Street.

RESOLUTION NUMBER:  19.08.12-3

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 August 2019:

From Town of Peru Vouchers in August 2019; #201900963   through and including #201901051

Abstract dated 8/12/2019

For the dollar amount totaling: $78,343.78; of that, $25,844.62 was wired, credit cards and prepaid; and $52,499.16 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.

Ayes 4 Nays 0                                                             Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Douglass; seconded by Mr. Barber to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:37 PM.  Ayes 4   Nays 0   Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman

TOWN OF PERU

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL of August 28, 2019 minutes.
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
6. APPLICATIONS:

1. Major Subdivision of Phase II with SEQR: P-2005-032 Winter Lane, LLC

Major Subdivision –Final Plan Review of Phase II

279.-1-27

Mannix Rd and Washington St

Peru, NY 12972

2.  Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2019-025 Peru FCU

Site Plan Review – for the replacement of a freestanding sign

280.1-31.2

700 Bear Swamp Rd.

Peru, NY 12972

3.  2-Lot Minor Subdivision with SEQR: P-2019-026 Tihamer Monostori 

2-Lot Minor Subdivision 

257.-1-24.31

Military Tpke

Plattsburgh, NY 12901

4. 2-Lot Minor Subdivision/Merge with SEQR: P-2019-027 Joseph Purtell

2-Lot Minor Subdivision (Boundary Line Adjustment)/Merge

279.2-1-5.1

141 Pleasant St

Peru, NY 12972

7. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS:  
8. CEO REPORT:

9.  ADJOURNMENT

Snow and Ice Staff an Integral Part of Helping New York Maintain a Safe Highway System 

Are you looking for a new challenge this winter?

Are you looking for a job with a career ladder and good health and retirement benefits?

Do you have what it takes to be part of the largest, most technically advanced snow and ice operation in New York State?

If the answer is yes to these questions, then maybe a job in state service is right for you.

The New York State Department of Transportation is actively preparing for the inevitable arrival of winter weather by making applications available for approximately 500 positions as permanent and seasonal maintenance staff across Upstate New York and Long Island. Each September, the Department begins to hire and train staff on equipment and best practices, with the aim of having them ready to plow snow as soon as winter weather begins. Employees can expect a base salary plus likely overtime pay, training provided by highly professional and experienced equipment operator instructors and storm managers, and an allowance for footwear.

“Our maintenance workers are the heart and soul of everything we do at DOT, especially during New York’s harsh winter season,” NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said.  “They play a vital role during and after winter storms, clearing snow and ice to enhance highway safety, maintaining access for first responders and, in smaller storms, allowing businesses to remain open so the public can get the goods and services they need.  We are seeking hard-working, dedicated professionals to join our team who take pride in what they do and positively impact the traveling public.”

Applications are being accepted for the Highway Maintenance Worker Trainee positions. To apply, a candidate must be at least 18 years old, pass a physical and drug test, have a valid, clean Class A or B commercial driver license, and be certified to operate DOT heavy dump trucks within two weeks after start of employment.

Those hired will be trained and evaluated on several pieces of essential equipment and are expected to perform productive work while gaining experience. Physical labor is required, as is work with backhoes, front end loaders, stump grinders and other heavy equipment, while being trained on more complex equipment.

Returning seasonal employees and retirees qualify for the Highway Maintenance Worker 1 position. Those employees are expected to operate a variety of equipment, including hydraulic excavators, graders, bulldozers, and more, and are required to perform other maintenance activities, such as mounting and dismounting plows, making small equipment repairs and changing oil.   Temporary employment often leads to a permanent position for the right candidates.

During the winter, maintenance workers primarily assist in snow and ice removal, but also are expected to perform general highway repairs and maintenance such as cold patching.  Shifts vary depending on location, but run from early morning to early afternoon, and from early afternoon to late evening. During storms, those eight-hour shifts can be extended to form two, 12-hour shifts to ensure 24 hour a day, seven day a week snow and ice response.

The State Department of Transportation employs approximately 3,700 full time snow and ice operators and supervisors, as well as an estimated 300 seasonal operators. They are responsible for pre-treating, plowing and removing ice from more than 36,000 miles of roadway.

DOT intends to hire permanent and temporary maintenance workers across the state, including:

1. Capital Region – 65
2. Mohawk Valley – 36
3. Central NY – 34
4. Finger Lakes – 60
5. Western NY – 65
6. Western Southern Tier – 38
7. Eastern Southern Tier – 38
8. North Country – 60
9. Hudson Valley – 90
10. Long Island – 14

Additionally, the Department is hiring 12 mechanics, including four on Long Island, three in the Hudson Valley, two in the Finger Lakes, two in Western NY and one in Central NY. For mechanic hiring,

Qualified candidates interested in keeping our highways safe this winter can find more information about the positions available and how to apply at https://www.dot.ny.gov/jobs/perm_positions/highway-maintenance-worker.

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AGENDA – Planning Board Special Meeting

WEDNESDAY, August 28, 2019 @ 7:00 PM

TOWN OF PERU

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL of July 10, 2019 minutes.
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
6. APPLICATIONS:

1.  Final Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2019-010 Stewart’s Shops Corp.

Final Site Plan Review – for the construction of a new 3,856 sq. ft. convenience store with gasoline sales

280.1-9-21.1/280.1-9-21.2

2997 Main St.

Peru, NY 12972

2.  Final Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2019-011 Stewart’s Shops Corp.

Final Site Plan Review – for a freestanding/building sign

280.1-9-21.1/280.1-9-21.2

2997 Main St.

Peru, NY 12972

3.  Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2019-020 Gabriela McCormick 

Site Plan Review – for a Retail Business

280.1-9-22

2993 Main St.

Peru, NY 12972

4. Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2019-021 Gabriela McCormick

Site Plan Review – for a freestanding/building sign

280.1-9-22

2993 Main St.

Peru, NY 12972

5. Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2019-022 Nathan Wilson 

Site Plan Review – for the construction of (2) 4-plex townhouse buildings 

280.-1-30.9

Davey Dr.

Peru, NY 12972

6. Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2019-023 CFA Insurance Agency LLC 

Site Plan Review – for a freestanding sign

280.-1-32.2

686 Bear Swamp Rd.

Peru, NY 12972

7. Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2019-024 Noelle Fitzgerald 

Site Plan Review – for a Home Based Business

280.-1-38.11

2674 Rt. 22

Peru, NY 12972

7. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS:  
8. CEO REPORT:

9.  ADJOURNMENT

The Town of Peru is accepting sealed bids to furnish and install a new shingle roof for the Town of Peru Court Building located at 22 Davey Drive, Peru, NY  12972.  Bids will be received at the Town of Peru 3036 Main St. Peru, N.Y. 12972  until 11:00 am on September 9, 2019.  Acceptable bid will be awarded at the Regular Town Board Meeting on 9/9/19.  Please see Dianne Miller, Town Clerk 3036 Main St. Peru, NY  12972  for bid specifications.