The Peru Gazette

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.

Source: Firefighters highlight importance of cleaning dryer vents

Source: Official: Clinton Correctional Facility on lockdown after fights break out

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.

Source: Gillibrand visits Plattsburgh, calls for funding to rebuild rural America | NCPR News

Source: Breaking: Potsdam wins $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant | NCPR News

Source: City votes to petition removal of dam – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Local News Is Dying. New York May Try to Pass a Law to Save It. – The New York Times

Source: Sen. Gillibrand: Bill will level playing field for rural communities | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: The WFP’s fate hinges on the future of fusion voting | CSNY

Source: Eagles, Patriots, Vikings atop football playoffs – Sun Community News & Printing

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

Carol Blakeslee-Collin

Two candidates are seeking to represent Area 7 on the Clinton County Legislature. Republican Incumbent Rob Timmons is seeking following a four-year term. Democrat Carol Blakeslee-Collin is challenging Timmons as she did in 2015. 

The Peru Gazette posed four questions to Blakeslee-Collin and Timmons.

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

Carol Blakeslee-Collin responded: I grew up in the small town of Windham, NY in the northern Catskills and come from a large family that believes in giving back to the community.  I received a BA from Trinity College, a Benton Fellowship from the University of Chicago, and an MST from SUNY Plattsburgh.  My husband, Jimm Collin, and I moved to Keeseville fifteen years ago from Washington, D.C.  where I worked as a producer for the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer and before that ABC News “20/20”, various PBS units, local news, and as an independent documentary producer.   After our move to the North Country, I was the executive producer at Mountain Lake PBS and the director/curator at the Clinton County Historical Museum.  I am now retired, with the exception of an occasional journalism assignment.  I live in a great neighborhood on Main Street in Keeseville in the old Keese/Baber house built in 1825 with my husband and our 2 dogs and two cats.   I am presently chair of the Ausable Democrats, and a Board member for ADK Action, the Upper Jay Art Center, and Noon Rotary in Plattsburgh.  I am also very active in the Keene Valley Congregational Church.  

Rob Timmons responded: I am a lifelong resident of the Town of Peru; I graduated from Peru Central School in 1985 and Paul Smith’s College in 1989 with a degree in Hospitality. My wife, Michelle (Duprey), and I have two daughters, Lacy and Allison. I am the owner of Rob’s Repairs, specializing in remodeling, plumbing, and electrical work, and Clinton County Area 7 Legislator.  I worked for the Town of Peru Highway Department for a total of eleven years and was Highway Superintendent for six years before leaving to start Rob’s Repairs. I was also a volunteer firefighter in Peru for ten years.

2. How will your background and/or successes assist you as a Clinton County Legislator? What county issues concern you the most and how would you address these issues?

Carol Blakeslee-Collin responded: As a former journalist, I understand that there are many sides to an issue and am accustomed to seeking out and listening to all of them.  Now that I am retired, I am at a point in my life where I can give back to the community in the form of public service and would be honored to serve as the representative for Area 7 on the Clinton County Legislature.  The issues that concern me the most are our lack of reliable broadband, the effect of the opioid epidemic especially on families, the lack of coordinated job training, and our ability to attract and sustain well-paying jobs, especially for young people.  Improving each of these will lead to a better quality of life and more economic growth for the region.  If elected, I will find ways to address each of these issues through research, interviews, and visits to county agencies.  

Rob Timmons responded: My previous position as Town of Peru Highway Superintendent provided the immediate advantage of understanding how government works including budgets, personnel and planning.  As Chairman of the Transportation Committee, I am able to work with the County Highway Department to assure our roads are well maintained.  Due to my construction background, I have provided input on the expansion at Plattsburgh International Airport, and I work closely with the Building and Grounds Department on the annual $500,000 capital improvement projects. As the liaison to Cornell Co-Operative Extension we are working to help local farmers by maintaining the Agricultural Regional Team and as the liaison for Soil and Water we are continuing to work to improve water quality by hydro-seeding ditches and roadsides to combat soil erosion problems. In order to sustain our reasonable county tax rate and stay under the 2% tax cap, we need to focus on economic development including job creation by growing small businesses and supporting our corporate businesses.  We are currently developing a plan for the former county airport to encourage more business in Clinton County adding to our tax base and helping to minimize our tax burden.

3. Why should a person vote for you?

Carol Blakeslee-Collin responded: If my answers to questions #1 and #2 don’t persuade a person to vote for me, there is not much more I can say.  I believe I am more qualified than my opponent, Robbie Timmons, and can do a better job representing the people of Area 7 in Clinton County.   Editors correction: For about 10 minutes the Peru Gazette attributed Ms. Blakeslee-Collin’s response to this question to Mr. Timmons. 

Rob Timmons responded: I like to think about and rationalize problems and come up with common sense solutions. I have an excellent attendance record for regular legislative sessions and committee meetings and enjoy being a part of a legislature that works across party lines to benefit and help our county continue to grow and be a great place to live. My background helps me to understand most problems that we deal with and to help come up with cost effective solutions. I am dedicated to any job I take on and put forth every effort to complete it fully. I have served on the following committees: Transportation (Chairman), Public Safety, Finance, Children and Family, Personnel, and Buildings and Grounds as well as the liaison for Cornell Co-Operative Extension and County Soil and Water; I look forward to continuing to our work on these committees in my next term.

4. What party lines will your name appear on?

Carol Blakesleee-Collin responded: I am on the following party lines:  Democrat and Working Families Party.   

Rob Timmons responded: I will be on the Republican and Independence party lines this November.

TOWN OF PERU

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL of October 9, 2019 minutes.
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
6. APPLICATIONS:

1. Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2019-029 Keith Bushey

Site Plan Review – Motorcycle, ATV, and Snowmobile Repair & Consignment Sales

270.-1-7.1

530 Lapham Mills Rd.

Peru, NY 12972

2. Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2019-030 Keith Bushey

Site Plan Review – Freestanding Sign

270.-1-7.1

530 Lapham Mills Rd.

Peru, NY 12972

7. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS:  Discussion on Sketch Plan Review for Maplefields
8. CEO REPORT:

9.  ADJOURNMENT

Source: Strand Center looks to sustainable future | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Kregg Bruno

Rick Barber

By John T. Ryan

Peru – November 5th Election Day is only 15 days away. Two seats on the Peru Town Council are open and two candidates have been nominated, meaning both candidates should be elected. Republican and Democratic Party officials say they tried but were unable to recruit more candidates.

Sitting Republican Councilman Rick Barber is seeking election to a four-year term of office after being elected to complete Brandy McDonald’s term of office in 1998. (McDonald was elected Town Supervisor).

Democrat Former Councilman Kregg Bruno is seeking to return to the Board. Bruno served from December 2009 through December 2015 but was defeated in November 2015 when four candidates sought two positions. In 2018 Barber defeated Bruno when they both sought to fill the seat once occupied by Brandy McDonald.

The Peru Gazette posted five questions to each candidate:

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

Rick Barber responded: I am a 1981 graduate of Peru Central School and a 1983 graduate of Paul Smith’s College with a degree in Forestry and Recreation. I am a retired New York State Corrections Officer with 26 years of service. I served as a Peru Volunteer Fireman. I am currently a member of the Keeseville Elks Club and Plattsburgh Moose Lodge. I am a sixth generation Peruvian. My wife Kay (Maloney) and I have been married for 31 years and have raised our three children in the Town of Peru. Our oldest daughter Margaret (Meg) is married to Nick Rock and they are the proud parents of Maizy Rock. We are also parents to Madeline and Mason Barber. I have served on the Peru Town Council since December 2018. I am liaison to Peru Youth Commission, Peru Town Court, Baker Free Library and Peru Highway Department.

Kregg Bruno responded: I attended Peru Central School through out my youth as a student and athlete. I received an Associates Degree from Clinton Community College in Business Management and was fortunate enough to become an All American wrestler at Potsdam State.

I was a member of the Carpenter/Millwright Union for over 10 years and decided to use this experience and my educational background to start my own business: Bruno’s Custom Tiles Works.

My community involvement includes, coaching soccer, baseball, and softball for the Town of Peru Youth Programs. After which I continued my coaching career in the wrestling program at Peru Central High School. I served as a Councilman for six consecutive years (2009-2015), and helped establish the Ausable River Park Trail, new water filtration plant, new entrance to the Town Hall, and other good projects.

My wife Bonnie, children Christopher and Katie have been a huge part of my success in business and supporters in all my life choices.

2. How will your background assist you as a town counselor?

Rick Barber responded: My background working with a variety of people for 26 years in corrections prepared me well for the councilman’s position. As a corrections officer I worked with fellow officers and superiors as a Training Relief Officer and successfully organized training schedules for 63 officers. In addition I was in charge of work crews which required me to make decisions in a timely manner.

Kregg Bruno responded: As a small business owner operator, I have to do my own quotes and work within specific budgets. As a Councilman my background will assist during budget time and also understanding construction quotes.

3. What town issues concern you the most?

Rick Barber responded: I believe the most significant issues facing the Town of Peru are the new sewer lines we are currently planning to install. I also believe that the test wells that are being investigated to supplement the town water system is an important concern as well.

Kregg Bruno responded: Currently the Town is preparing to improve the Town’s Waste Water infrastructure which is a major project. The Superintendent Courtney Tetrault is doing an excellent job communicating with the Board and Engineers. My concern is that the cost of the project falls on only a small percentage of Peru residence. In the future the Town needs to add more users to the system to keep the rates down.

Another concern is that for over four weeks this summer, (July 22-August 9) the Town Youth had no activities at the Parks. That’s 4 weeks of mowing, 4 weeks of great weather, 4 weeks of salaries being paid, 4 weeks of kids being out of school.

4. How would you address this/these issue(s)?
Rick Barber responded: I will continue to work in a bi-partisan manner to ensure the successful implementation of the new sewer system at an affordable cost to the residents of the Town of Peru. I will also work diligently to explore options for an updated water system that will provide sufficient clean water to the Town of Peru for the future in the most effective manner.

Kregg Bruno responded: I think the Board needs to be more Proactive in restructuring the Youth Department to adding more activities and keep the youths along with any parents active throughout the whole year.
Take more advantage of the walking trail with its exercise station to have fun night with youth and parents. Frisbee golf and more coaching clinics could also be considered.

5. Why should a person vote for you?

Rick Barber responded: I believe the voters of Peru should vote for me because I bring a fresh, open-minded approach to the board.

Kregg Bruno responded: I’m passionate and dedicated to working hard in order to help the Town of Peru achieve success and progress in a positive manner.

Source: Ceremony held to officially celebrate F-35 arrival

The Peru Fire Department advises drivers to expect delays. TOMORROW! The marathon starts at 9 am…please expect delays! Watch for runners and bikes through town until about 2pm.

A news story on the meeting will be published as soon as time permits.