The Peru Gazette

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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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From the office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik voted in favor of bringing a Resolution to the House Floor to censure Rep. Adam Schiff, Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. Congresswoman Stefanik sits on the Committee and was a cosponsor of the censure Resolution.

“I was one of the first Members to ask when Chairman Schiff had access to information on the whistleblower complaint,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “I was also the first Member to call him out publicly for his ‘parody’ testimony while millions of Americans tuned in. Adam Schiff is unfit to serve as Chairman of the bipartisan House Intelligence Committee and I voted to bring a Resolution to the House Floor to censure him today because of his continued failed leadership and lack of transparency with both Members of the House and the American public. The American people deserve better.”

The Peru Lions Club is holding its 18th annual Election Day Spaghetti Dinner on Tuesday, November 5th 2019 at the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center from 4:30 – 7:00. We have had an average attendance between 125 and 150 people. Cost is $7.00 for adults, $4.00 for children   6 – 12 years old and free for children under the age of 6.

Lion’s primary goal is sight related and supports those in need of visual assistance. The money that is raised from this event helps many local individuals with eyesight issues. However, providing eyeglasses is just one of the many things that our club does for the community. We continue to perform vision screenings to preschool children (The Lions SEE program), support of the Clinton County Christmas Bureau, Peru Boy and Girl Scouts, The Peru Youth Commission, Hospice of the North Country, ALS, Literacy Volunteers of the North Country, North County Honor Flight, Camp Ta-Kum-Ta (a camp for children with cancer), the JCEO/Outreach food shelf, Peru and Keeseville Libraries, North Country Association for the Visually Impaired, Guide Dog Foundations, and provide student scholarships, and other community and state projects.
Hope to see you there.

Richard Potiker

Bill Todd

Clinton County Legislator Peter Keenan is not seeking reelection after eight years of service as Area 5 Legislator. Republican Richard Potiker and Democrat Bill Todd are seeking the position.The Peru Gazette asked the candidates the following questions.

1. Summarize your educational background, primary employment, a little about your family and past community involvement.

Richard Potiker responded: I have a high school diploma and completed some college,
I owned my own appraisal business and retired as an insurance appraiser after 25 years. I was past president of the Adirondack Insurance Professionals.
I was the chairman of the Schuyler Falls zoning board of appeals.
I own Northern NY Driving Academy the area’s 1st full service driving school.
I am currently finishing up my 2nd term as Schuyler falls Town Supervisor. I am currently the Schuyler Falls Republican Committee Treasurer.
I am currently divorced after a 34 year marriage, I have 1 daughter Amanda Barns a 2004 graduate from Peru School and 1 grandson.

Bill Todd responded: Formal education consists of high school graduate, four years in the United States Air Force, and some college. Primary employment for the past 51 years has been with the City of Plattsburgh as manager of the water filtration plant. I have been married for 55 years to my wife, Carolyn, and we have three children. I have been a volunteer fireman with Morrisonville Fire Department for 44 years. During that time, I held the office of fire Commissioner for 15 years. In the past, I have been involved with coaching softball and baseball teams for the town of Schuyler Falls. Additional, community involvement includes: Knights of Columbus, past Grand Knight, past trustee for St. Alexander’s church, church choir member, and volunteer at St. Alexander’s soup kitchen.

2. How will your background and/or successes assist you as a Clinton County Legislator?

Richard Potiker responded: I know that my experience as a small business owner and a 2 term Town Supervisor as well as my business background has prepared me to help lead the County and represent the constituents in Area 5. I will work hard along side Rob Timmons to address all of the important issues issues facing Peru and Schuyler Falls.

Bill Todd responded: Through my extensive managerial experience, I have been involved in overseeing employees, spending and working with the budget at hand. I have devoted years of my life to the local community through involvement with the Morrisonville Fire Department. During my time as fire Commissioner, I was tasked with budgeting and spending of the local fire tax base.

3. What county issues concern you the most?

Richard Potiker responded: I believe that the county is running smoothly and is in good hands with Mike Zurlo. As unfunded mandates trickle down from State to County to Towns I will make sure that the residents of area 5 have a voice on the County level. Since the towns in area 5 stand to benefit from development of the old county airport as well as the increase in area sales tax revenue from outside the area. Improved trade education should be a priority to supply new manufacturing jobs with an educated workforce wanting to remain in the area and raise their families. Social services in the County need to be staffed to provide appropriate quality care and strict enforcement of fraud and abuse of the system should also be a priority.

Bill Todd responded: I think the present legislator, Peter Keenan, along with other legislators, have done an exceptional job with keeping the tax rate low, the expansion of Clinton County airport, and working with the towns & city in a positive way. I hope to work with all legislators to continue to keep the tax rate low and the county moving forward.

4. Why should a person vote for you?

Richard Potiker responded: I am the best person for the the job and will work hard for everyone.

Bill Todd responded: As a resident and taxpayer, I want someone who is looking out for the interest of the taxpayer, someone who is a voice for the area that we live in, and someone who will listen to those needs. I believe that I am the most qualified to be that voice. I have resided in this area for most of my life; I have strong ties to the community and look forward to working for the people in Area 5.

5. What party lines will your name appear on?

Richard Potiker responded: Republican, Conservative & Indepemdence

Bill Todd responded: Democrat and Working Family