The Peru Gazette

Plattsburgh – Mary 18, 2019. Local fire and emergency response personel give the North Country Honor Flight outstanding support. On Saturday there about 20 units lined up on New York Avenue. Another fire truck hoisted a huge American Flag at the airport entrance.

The Honor Flight Walk of Honor is very special. The flight members walk to the Honor Flight bus accompanied by their escorts. May 18, 2019 

Plattsburgh – One of the North Country Honor Flight’s largest crowds turned out yesterday morning. They were treated an inpressive ceremony for the Honor Flight members. 

The 24th North Country Honor Flight traveled to Washington D.C. yesterday. Dave Brown of Peru, a U.S. Army Veteran was one of the vets honored. Dave is an active member of the Peru Fire Department. Several Peru firefighters were present with two trucks. Dave’s escort for the day was Scarlett McBride.

Source: Reverend Monsignor Peter Riani | Obituary | The Press-Republican

Source: Local housing project funded | Local News | pressrepublican.com

From the office of Assemblyman Billy Jones

“The governor and the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision’s decision not to close any prisons in the North Country is a huge victory for our communities and our regional economy. The men and women whose jobs were up in the air can breathe a sigh of relief today knowing that we stood up and fought to protect their jobs and won.

“When the governor proposed closing up to three prisons within the next year I made my objections to this plan known loud and clear. After the closures we’ve already seen over the past decade, further closures would mean even more jobs lost and families hurt. After seeing three prisons shut their doors and hundreds of hardworking men and women lose their jobs, we couldn’t let that happen again.[1]

“Speaking not only as a representative for North Country families, but as a former correction officer myself, I know how much our region would have stood to lose if more local prisons closed. It would have been a lose-lose situation, but together, we fought back and stood up for our officers. While this is an important win for our region, we will continue to work together to make our prisons safer so the individuals working in these facilities not only keep their jobs, but are also safe as they perform them.”

Source: Jones: North Country prisons spared from closures | News | pressrepublican.com

The Peru School Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Monday, May 20, 2019 at 5:30 PM in the District’s Community Room, adjacent to the main entrance of Peru Jr/Sr High School.  It is anticipated that the Board will immediately convene in Executive Session to discuss the employment and/or appointment of particular individual(s) as related to the upcoming Director of Student Services vacancy.  At this time, no other District business is anticipated for this meeting.

The full Board agenda is available on the District’s website (perucsd.org).

Source: North Country at Work: Remembering 37 years at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in Rouses Point | NCPR News

Read more »

Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue Open HouseKickin Up Dust Farm 362 Peasleeville Road, Schuyler Falls, NY
Saturday, May 18, 2019 10:00am – 4:00 pm

The rescue donkeys have arrived and are up for adoption. Come to the farm and meet the rescue donkeys, therapy donkeys, Ginger the therapy bunny, Flower the therapy chicken, and goats, Enjoy seeing the horses, peafowl, pheasants, pigeons, ducks, and alpacas. Spend the day learning all about donkeys and relaxing with these amazing and often misunderstood animals.

The Peru Cemetery Association is organizing our annual clean up for Friday May 24, 2019, 4-7pm. The cemetery is on North Bend Street just behind the TD Bank.

Historically, Memorial Day weekend was the time for families to visit the cemetery and “spruce up” their family plot. So please come and join us on Friday May 24th!

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Darrell Altizer at 518 643 7957.

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Background checks for all Peru Youth Commission coaches, employees and volunteers. will become a reality this year. At its Monday, May 13, 2019 meeting the Peru Town Board formally approved a background check contract with sportsengine.com. Checks will be done online with all cost being born by the town. Town Attorney Matt Favro said it takes about five minutes to complete the online questionnaire. Counselor Tim Barber said that Youth Director John Flynn estimates that about 109 people will be required to undergo the check at this time, plus people connected to the fall soccer program.

Several procedures still have to be resolved including determining if people will be required to undergo the check each year or they simply have to periodically certify that nothing has changed since they took the online background check. Because many of the volunteers are school reachers Matt Favro will check to see what kind of background checks they undergo. There is a possibility the Town might accept a school’s background check. Most importantly, what kind of offense would disqualify an individual from volunteering. Matt Favro said a sex offense would definitely disqualify someone. Other offenses would have to be considered by the Town Board on a case by case basis. Favro and Rick Barber, a Board liaison to the Youth Commission, will discuss these matters at the Youth Commission’s May 28th, 6:30 p.m. meeting.

The Board agreed to set a public hearing regarding a possible change in the zoning classification from commercial to residential for 20 acres of property located behind CFA Insurance. The property is owned by Stephen Fuller and Richard Nephew. While the exact nature of any planned housing has been not been announced, at last month’s Town Board meeting realtor Tina Calkins Covey mentioned senior housing as a possibility. All the Town Board members spoke in favor of the change citing the need to add to the tax base especially considering the upcoming sewer system upgrade. There also does not appear to be any current interest in developing commercial property along the Bear Swamp Road.

Counselor Jim Douglass reported that the Town can apply to the Main Street Project grant monies to pave the road at Heyworth-Mason Park. The cost has been estimated at $16,000 to $17,000 with the town performing the paving. Courtney Tetrault recommended that the parking area be expanded because of the park’s growing use. People often park on the grass.

It’s also possible that the grant money could be utilized to replace Main Street sidewalks. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said he could pour the sidewalks if the Patent Road culvert project is so complex that it has to be put out to bid. Farrell estimated that 2,385 feet of sidewalk needs to be replaced between the Main Street Bridge and the Dollar Store. The cost will have to determined prior to filing a request to use the grant monies for this purpose.

Counselor Melvin Irwin asked if the grant monies could be used to purchase trees that have been lost over the years. Counselor Jim Langley recalled how beautiful Plattsburgh’s Grace Avenue was before the 1998 ice storm felled its trees. If anyone has ideas where to place trees especially along Main St. contact Counselor Irwin.

The 2019 Little Ausable River Park Gazebo Concert schedule has been released. Two-hour free-of-charge Sunday night concerts will be held from June 30 to August 25. They begin at 6 p.m. and conclude at 8 p.m.

JCEO community Outreach Program Director Sally Soucia reported that Samantha Bardon became Peru’s JECO Food Shelf Coordinator effective April 22, 2019. Soucia said the Food Shelf has been very busy, especially over the past two months. She characterized the Peru community’s donations and support as “amazing.”

Source: UVM Health Network shares long-term plan – Sun Community News & Printing

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at the Peru Town Hall.  Those present were:  Mr. Brandy McDonald Supervisor- Excused; 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 7:00 PM by Mr. Douglass, with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Motion by Mr. Langley, seconded by Mr. Barber to approve the minutes from the April 8, 2019 meeting.  

Ayes 4 Nays 0 Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Irwin, seconded by Mr. Barber to accept Highway Department March 2019 report.

Ayes 4 Nays 0                                                                         Motion Carried             

Community Input and Questions

None

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.04.25-1  

RESOLUTION TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING TO PASS A LOCAL LAW TO PROVIDE  FOR THE USE OF AND PAYMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES REQUIRED BY THE TOWN UNDER THE SUBDIVISION LOCAL LAW REGULATIONS AND THE TOWN LAND USE CODE. 

Motion: Mr. Langley                       Seconded:   Mr. Barber

WHEREAS, the Town, has determined that it is in the best interest of the Town to pass a local law to provide for the use of and payment for professional services required by the Town under the subdivision local law regulations and the Town land use code.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND DETERMINED BY THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF PERU, that a Public Hearing to provide for the use of and payment for professional services required by the Town under the subdivision local law regulations and the Town land use code shall be held MAY 13, 2019 at 6:45 PM at the Peru Town Hall, to consider said matter and to hear all persons interested in the subject thereof concerning the same.

Discussion:

4 Ayes 0 Nays                                                                             Motion Carried

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.04.25-2

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TOWN’S 2019 CONTRACT WITH THE NORTH COUNTRY ANIMAL CONTROL CENTER, INC. TO BOARD DANGEROUS DOGS IF NEEDED AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

Motion: Mr. Langley Second: Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, the Town Board has the contract between the Town of Peru and the North Country Animal Control Center, Inc. to board dangerous dogs if necessary for a yearly fee of $1,050.00 before it 

THEREFORE, BE IT

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

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

4 Ayes 0 Nays                                                                           Motion Carried

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE POST-AUDIT PAYMENT OF CERTAIN CLAIMS, BILLS AND INVOICES OF THE TOWN

MOTION:  Mr. Langley     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 August of 2018:

From Town Of Peru Vouchers: # 2018001194 through and including # 2018001332

Abstract dated 9/21/2018

For the dollar amount totaling:   $356,657.47 ; of that $24,578.31  was wired; $4,446.68 was prepaid by check and $327,632.48 is remaining to be paid ($326,514.18 by Accounts Payable and $1,118.30 by Payroll) 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 by Mr. Barber, seconded by Mr. Irwin to have a Retroactive Procedural Motion to Reschedule Youth Workshop.

Ayes 4 Nays 0                                                                                Motion Carried

Mr. Langley stated the importance and a must do for background checks.  A count of individuals is needed. At this time the cost for the background checks is not in the Youth Commission Budget but will be paid by another source from the Town yet to be determined.

Motion by Mr. Langley, seconded by Mr. Irwin to approve the use of Sportsengine for Youth Commission Background Checks. 

Ayes 4 Nays 0                                                                                      Motion Carried

Patent Road Culvert

Mr. Farrell reported a5 foot sink hole was reported at the existing culvert near 81 Patent Road  on April 15, 2019. The culvert will need to be repaired sooner than later. A long term repair has been recommended. Mr. Farrell expects to have more information on cost at the May 13, 2019 Town Board Meeting. At this time barriers have been set for the safety of individuals using the road.

Sewer Collection Project Update

The project is moving forward stated by Mr. Tetrault.

Other Business

JCEO has the new employee in training.

Brandon Way and Teresa Larsen were in attendance as they have  applied for a liquor license as they will be leasing the former Dana’s Rusty Anchor located at 4016 Route 9 Plattsburgh, New York . As required by law the 30 Day Advance Notice needs to be provided to the Town as the first step.

Mr. Farrell stated road sweeping is continuing as the weather is cooperating.

Ms. Barber has one estimate for a new key/lock entry system to Town Hall and offices. She is waiting for the second one.

Public Comments on Agenda Items Only

None    

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.04.25-3 Read more »

What’s your favorite harbinger of Spring in the North Country? Peepers? Dandelions? Geese flying North?  If you’re like most locals, you’re excited about Michigan season! There’s no better way to welcome back Spring than with a $5 Michigan meal at the Harkness United Methodist Church!  Mark your calendar for Sunday May 19^th and join us at Michigans For Mission at the Harkness Church Hall, 776 Hallock Hill Road in Peru. The meal will be served from 11AM to 2PM, there will be live music and a Bake Sale table loaded with extra goodies.  A Michigan, chips, drink and dessert are just $5.00, and Take-out meals are available. We’ll also be collecting supplies for ELMORE SPCA- please bring a donation!

For more information, call (518) 643-8659 or (518) 643-6690.   Hope to see you there!

Source: Clinton County tax auction set – Sun Community News & Printing

Art teachers Kathy Cantwell and Greg Badger. Students L-R John Francia, Addy Roy, Oakley Peets and Jordan Osborne.

Peru – Parking was hard to find on Main Street this afternoon. Hundreds of Peru Central School children accompanied by parents, siblings and grandparents came to enjoy “KidsArt!” at the Peru Free Library. 350 Pre K – 5th grade students have works on display throughout the library.

Librarian Becky Pace said, “There’s something special about a child seeing their art on a wall that’s not at school or at home. The library does it for the community so people can see what great work the students and their teachers are doing.”

MAY 13, 2019

6:45 PM

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION:       To Open the Public Hearing.

5. DISCUSSION:  Community Input and Questions

6. MOTION:      To Close the Public Hearing.

7. MOTION:        Adjourn

Here is a copy of the proposed Local Law:

PROPOSED LOCAL LAW #________ of 2019 Providing for the Use of and Payment for Professional Services Required by the Town under the Subdivision Local Law Regulations and the Town Land Use Code

Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Peru as follows:

Section 1.  Reimbursement of Professional Review Fees. Read more »

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly meeting and annual budget hearing on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at 6:00 PM at the school district’s Community Room, adjacent to the main entrance of Peru Jr/Sr High School.  It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 6:00 PM start, and that the school board will reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM.  Anticipated topics include:

• Public Hearing on the Annual Budget Vote & School Board Election
• Bid award
• ESSA overview
• Appointment of personnel
• Strategic Plan
• Code of Conduct
• Policy review

The full agenda is available at perucsd.org.