The Peru Gazette

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From the office of Congresswoman elise Stefanik

Bipartisan Group of Northern Border Caucus Co-Chairs & Members Call for Approval of Border Staffing Increase Included in 2020 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill

House of Representatives Northern Border Caucus Co-Chairs Congressmembers Brian Higgins (D-NY-26) & Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) released a letter sent to House appropriation leaders supporting the addition of 1,846 new positions within Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including 1,200 CBP officers.

CBP employs almost 45,000 law enforcement personnel across three divisions that cover U.S. ports, borders, air, maritime and overseas operations.  The letter led by Higgins and Stefanik and signed by fellow Northern Border Caucus members Reps.  Kelly Armstrong (R-ND-At-large), Collin Peterson (D-MN-7), Peter Welch (D-VT-At-large), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-8) and Daniel Kildee (D-MI-5), notes “current staffing levels fail to address the growing demands of travel and trade at our ports-of-entry.”

Last month members of the Northern Border Caucus released a bipartisan letter opposing U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to transfer CBP officers stationed along the Northern Border and U.S. airports to posts at the southern border, concerned that, “The decision to deploy northern border CBP officers to the southern border makes it increasingly more difficult for the agency to meet their core mission requirements at the border which include effectively securing U.S. points of entry and safeguarding and streamlining lawful trade and travel.”

In their new letter to Appropriators, Caucus Members say, “Enactment of the funding increase in the FY 2020 Homeland Security Appropriations bill for additional CBP Office of Field Operation’s (OFO) personnel will alleviate the need for these transfers in the long term and limit the excessive overtime that results from being understaffed.”

The Appropriations Committee FY 2020 Homeland Security funding bill includes $151 million to fill 1,846 new CBP positions including $91 million specifically for the CBP officers.  This represents a significant increase over the 267 new CBP positions proposed in the White House budget.

At 5,525 miles, the northern border represents the longest international land boundary in the world. Approximately 400,000 people and over $1.6 billion in goods cross the northern border daily through more than 120 ports of entry.

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Thursday, May 30, 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; Mr. Matthew Favro, Town Attorney; Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk.  Also present Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent; Ms. Pamela Barber, 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. Langley; seconded by Mr. Douglass to approve the minutes from the May 13, 2019 Public Hearing.  

Ayes 5 Nays 0 Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Barber; seconded by Mr. Irwin to approve the minutes from May 13, 2019 regular meeting.

Ayes 5 Nays 0                                                                         Motion Carried             

Community Input and Questions

Mr. Ryan asked about Washington Street DEC stop work order. Mr. McDonald stated Mr. Sawyer, Mr. Lashway and the architects met with DEC official and until the requirements are met the stop order will continue. Mr. Guynup and Mr. McDonald were also present.

RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Set a Public Hearing Date for Rezoning of Dashnaw Road Property

Motion by Mr. Douglass; seconded by Mr. Irwin to table resolution/discussion on recommendation from Mr. Favro.

Town Hall Door Security Quotes

Quotes were received for exterior and interior doors. Mr. McDonald did not expect them to be as costly.  Ms. Barber stated a control panel would be installed. Initial installation of the control panel will control both exterior and interior regardless if only decided to do exterior and interior 

at a later date.  

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.05.30-01 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF WAYNE WELLS AS A HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT MOTOR EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I.

Motion by:  Mr. Irwin                                     Second by: Mr. Barber

WHEREAS, the Town Board has agreed that a new permanent Motor Equipment Operator necessary for the effective operation of the Peru Town Highway Department following the recommendation of Town Highway Superintendent, Michael Farrell, 

BE IT

RESOLVED, Wayne Wells be hired as an a full time MEO for the Town of Peru at an 

hourly rate of pay to be $17.05, with a start date to be determined.

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Carried:

Ayes 5    Nays 0

Patent Road Culvert

Mr. Farrell stated a rough quote for repair is $ 250,000. A BAN or Bond will be needed to cover expense.

Mr. Langley commented possibly grants thru the state may be available.  Mr. McDonald was going to reach out to Assemblyman Billy Jones.

Sewer Collection Project Update

Mr. Tetrault stated all surveying is done.

A Slip liner would need to be larger than existing pipe on Elm Street for it to be used but the pipe has too many sags in it.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.05.30-02

A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE CONTRACT FROM TEDFORD CONSULTING FOR SUBMITTING A WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (WQIP) GRANT APPLICATION 

MOTION BY:  Mr. Langley                                 SECOND BY:  Mr. Douglass

WHEREAS, the Town of Peru has determined that the Peru Wastewater Treatment Plant Project needs to move forward to install Effluent Disinfection as required by NYS DEC correspondence of February 2019;

AND, WHEREAS, the Town recognizes that consultation services to the Town of Peru for the purposes of preparing and submitting a Water Quality Improvement Program (WQIP)Grant application for the  perpetration of funding applications and documentation, will move the project forward; 

AND, WHEREAS, Liz Tedford Consulting has proposed to complete portions of the above work for a rate of $75.00 per hour, not to exceed 40 hours at a cost of $3,000.00 as set forth in the Project Budget for Fiscal Coordination; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board accepts the contract from Liz Tedford, of Tedford Consulting for the above referenced work.

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Carried:

Ayes 5 Nays 0

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.05.30-03

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TOWN’S SHORT FORM AGREEMENT FOR  THE AES PROJECT #4761 WITH AES NORTHEAST, PLLC FOR DEVELOPING AN ENGINEERING PLANNING GRANT REPORT FOR THE DISINFECTION FOR THE TOWN’S VALCOUR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

MOTION: Mr. Barber SECOND: Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, the Town Board has the Short Form Agreement between the Town of Peru and AES Northeast for developing an Engineering Planning Grant report for lump sum amount of $24,750.00.

AND WHEREAS, the Engineer shall complete its services within the specific time period of 18 months from owner execution of agreement.

AND WHEREAS, the report will focus on the detailing the disinfection design that will be used to comply with the final effluent limitations for fecal coliform and total residual chlorine,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, said proposed agreement is approved and the Supervisor be and hereby is authorized to execute said agreement.

AND, 

BE IT RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Carried:

Ayes 5 Nays 0

Other Business

Mr. Farrell he and the highway crew are prepared to start paving. Mowing is on hold until the grounds dry up.

Mr. Barber stated a portion at the Lapham Mills fields has 8” water, girls softball will be played at the dry fields and the boys baseball will be played in South Plattsburgh for opening day.

Mr. Douglass received a phone call about a possible painted crosswalk on Holden Ave. for the safety of children crossing. 

Public Comments on Agenda Items Only

Mr. Ryan questioned the cost of the Patent Road culvert. Mr. Farrell stated due to the water going into a protected stream certain requirements are necessary.

RESOLUTION NUMBER:  19.05.30-04

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 the second part of May 2019:

From Town Of Peru Vouchers in May 2019:  #201900603   through and including #201900709

Abstract dated 5/30/2019

For the dollar amount totaling: $184.441.49; $184,107.83 from Accounts Payable and $333.66 from Payroll Account, 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:

Ayes5 Nays 0

Motion by Mr. Langley; seconded by Mr. Barber to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:55 PM.  

Ayes 5 Nays 0 Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor  _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman

_________________________ Councilman

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Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly board meeting on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at 6:00 PM in the school district’s Community Room, adjacent to the main entrance of Peru Jr/Sr High School.  It is anticipated that an executive session and brief recess will take place immediately following the 6:00 PM start, and that the school board will reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:15 PM.  Anticipated topics include:

• Recognition of Arts & Music Programs
• Recognition of retirees
• E-cig presentation by CVFC
• Appointment of personnel
• Spring sports review
• Code of Conduct
• Donation acceptance
• Annual Budget/Election results
• SEQR/$100,000 Capital Outlay Project
• Bond Resolution regarding school transportation vehicles

The full agenda will be available at www.perucsd.org
All are welcome.

“I do not support the Assembly’s Green Light bill, which would reward undocumented immigrants with state driver’s licenses (A.3675-A). I’ve heard from people all over my district who are opposed to this bill. As we enter the remaining weeks of the 2019 legislative session, it is more important than ever to fight for legislation that puts the North Country’s needs front and center. Extending driver’s licenses to undocumented New Yorkers won’t solve the problems our communities face – that’s why I’m voting no on this bill.”

1. Call Meeting To Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION:  Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meetings of May 30, 2019

5. MOTION/DISCUSSION:  To Accept reports from all Departments: (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; JCEO; and Banking Reports)

6. Community Input

RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Set a Public Hearing Date for Rezoning of Dashnaw Road Property

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval of Casella Organics Residuals Management Service Agreement 

8. DISCUSSION:  Youth Commission Background Checks. 

9. DISCUSSION:  Sewer Collection Project Update.

10. DISCUSSION:  NYS Comptroller Offers Seminar for Local Officials.

11. DISCUSSION:  Other Business. 

12. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

13. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay Bills

MOTION:     Adjourn

From the office of Assemblyman Billy Jones

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) is inviting North Country children to participate in his third Summer Reading Challenge, which kicks off in July. The event, held in partnership with New York State libraries and local schools, encourages children to use their summer leisure time to build upon and strengthen the reading skills they’ve learned throughout the school year.

“As a dad, I love to see my daughter enjoying a good book, and I want other kids across the North Country to know the joys of reading as well,” Jones said. “When we pick up a book, we’re doing so much more than just reading words on a page – we’re exploring new worlds and expanding our minds. Learning reaches far beyond the classroom, and summer is the perfect time for kids to discover new authors and genres that pique their interests.”

This year’s theme is “A Universe of Stories” and encourages young readers to explore tales of science and space, as well as learn about the world around them with STEM-related activities. Kids who complete the challenge will be awarded an Assembly Excellence in Reading certificate in recognition of their efforts.

Children are asked to read a book for a minimum of 15 minutes a day for at least 40 days during July and August. They can read on their own or with a partner or caregiver and mark days off on a calendar provided by Jones’ office. Once they’ve completed 40 days or more, they can submit the calendar to Jones’ office and receive their certificate in the mail. Jones will be distributing materials to local schools so every young reader has a chance to participate. Jones also noted that this is a perfect time to explore the resources at North Country libraries, which have numerous activities for kids and offer a vast amount of books to check out.

For more information on the 2019 Summer Reading Challenge or where to access the materials, contact Assemblyman Jones’ office at 518-562-1986 or JonesB@nyassembly.gov.

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Peru 8th graders Ashton Seymour and Jack Hanson have qualified for the NYS national freestyle/ Greco Roman schoolboy Wrestling dual meet nationals taking place next Wednesday Thur Sunday in Indianapolis Indiana. Ashton will represent NYS at 97 lbs and Jack 165 lbs. Our boys will be competing against other states national teams in a series of dual meets. Then in July sophomore Zach Swyers will be representing NYS in the cadet 15-16 year old division at the individual national championships in Fargo North Dakota. Zach is the 160 lb. Cadet NYS freestyle and Greco state championships in 2019!!

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