The Peru Gazette

WHEREAS, at its regularly scheduled meeting on April 25, 2019, the Town Board duly passed a resolution under Section 20 of the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, proposing that the town adopt Local Law # 1of 2019 that provides for the use of and payment for professionals and other Town Representatives under the Town Subdivision Regulations and the Town Land Use Code, it is

NOW, THEREFORE,

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that under Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, Section 20(5), the Town of Peru will hold a Public Hearing at the Town office located on Main St. in the Town of Peru on Monday May 13, 2019 at 6:45 p.m. to consider whether the Town should adopt the provisions of the proposed local law and to hear all persons interested in the matter, and
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a copy of the proposed local law is available for review at the Office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Peru during its regular business hours.
Dated: April 25, 2019

Dianne Miller, Town Clerk

This is the Peru Gazette’s copy of the proposed 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 »

From the office of Senator Little

State Senator Betty Little joined her Republican colleagues at a press conference in Albany today to advocate for a package of bills that would reform New York State’s parole system to keep violent criminals behind bars longer and ease the parole process for victims and their families.

Read more »

Source: Sure Adirondack Park towns are struggling. That’s the story of rural America. | NCPR News

St. Augustine’s/Peru Soup Kitchen Menu for Wednesday, May 1, 2019.

May 1
Tossed Salad
Meatloaf
Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans
Peanut Butter Cookies

Source: Loss survivor: Talk to your kids | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Many factors can contribute to teen suicide | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Peru – The Peru School Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 6:00 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 High School Principal 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).

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) presented Diane Menard with a New York State Gift of Life Medal of Honor on Monday for her selfless donation of a kidney to her sister, Julie Seibert, a Rouses Point resident who was battling a rare autoimmune disorder. The Gift of Life Medal of Honor program was created in 2002 to honor living organ and tissue donors and the families of deceased donors.

“Giving the gift of life is one of the most selfless and compassionate things anyone can do, and it’s only right that we honor those who make this tremendous sacrifice,” said Jones. “When her sister Julie needed a lifesaving donation, Diane rose to the occasion. Now, nearly seven years later, both Julie and Diane are healthy and enjoying all that life has to offer. We could all use a person as caring and thoughtful as Diane in our corner and I was honored to present this distinguished award to her during Organ Donor Awareness Month.”

Julie was diagnosed with anti-glomerular basement membrane disease, which targets the lungs and kidneys, in the summer of 2009 and suffered kidney failure a few months later. She underwent two years of dialysis before becoming eligible for a kidney transplant. Diane, who was an exact match, generously donated her kidney on May 30, 2012. This story of love and sacrifice will hopefully inspire those who haven’t yet registered as organ donors to do so, noted Jones.

To register as an organ donor or to learn more about organ and tissue donation, visit www.donatelife.ny.gov.

By John T. Ryan 

Peru –  Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell had bad news for counselors at the Peru Town Board’s April 25, 2019 meeting. A 4-foot diameter culvert at 81 Patent Road needs to be replaced becasue a 5 to 6 foot deep sink hole devoped in close proximity to the culvert. The Highway Department filled in the sinkhole and placed a 1” think steel plate over the damaged highway. Traffic is still moving. Farrell said he visits the scene twice daily. 

Farrell wasn’t able to state the culvert’s exact replacement cost, but a $50,000 figure was mentioned. A temporary repair was discussed, but Farrell said the culvert would still have to be replaced in a 1 to 5 year period. The water passing through the culvert is a Furnace Brook off-shoot. It’s a protected stream meaning both the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will have to approve the replacement plans and project.  

The Board approved utilizing the online site SportsEngine to conduct required background checks on all Youth Commission members, employees, coaches and volunteers. The checks are to be performed online. If an individual does not have a computer he or she is welcome to use a Town Hall computer.  The Town of Peru will reimburse individuals for the $18.50 per person cost. The total cost to the Town was not available. The Town of Plattsburgh has been using the SportsEngine program. 

Good news did come to light. Brandon Way and Teresa Larsen told the Board that they plan to operate the Rusty Anchor Restaurant on the Lake Shore Road. A January 8th early morning fire gutted the restaurant’s interior.  Way and Larsen said they have extensive restaurant experience and love the business. They will be renting the building which is currently being repaired. They hope to be operation by mid-summer. 

In other actions: 

A dangerous dog boarding contract with North Country Animal Control Center Inc. in Malone was approved.  Peru will pay an annual fee of $1,050 for the service. NYS Ag. and Markets requires such a contract. 

Water-Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault said planning is progressing on the sewer upgrade project. Tetrault said he doesn’t want to integrate the sewer project with the delayed Main Street improvement project. He fears it would increase the sewer project’s cost. 

Counselor Jim Douglass reported that JCEO has hired a Peru resident to run the Town Hall Food Shelf.  She will be present at the Board’s next meeting. 

Dog Control Officer Dave Drollette took eight dogs into custody since the last Town Board meeting. 

Mike Farrell said his street sweeping crew is ready to move to neighborhoods outside the hamlet.

Source: Watertown Daily Times | Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the St. Lawrence Seaway provides opportunity to market products around the globe

Source: Zander’s legacy: Teen’s mom speaks out about suicide | Local News | pressrepublican.com

The Anderson Falls Heritage Society will be unveiling two historic roadside markers commemorating local Keeseville history on Saturday, May 4, 2019. 

The first unveiling is at 10:00 AM at the First Baptist Church at 61 Liberty Street, Keeseville. The original structure was built in 1826 on the current site of St. John the Baptist Church. The building also served for a time as a Roman Catholic church and about 1853 it was moved to its present location on Liberty Street. It is now a private residence. The historic roadside marker itself was initially erected by the NY-VT Interstate Commission in 1959 commemorating the 1851 Baptist Church edifice on Front Street. That building was demolished in the 1970’s and the marker was removed.  With public and member support, the Anderson Falls Heritage Society refurbished it and arranged to restore the marker to public view. 

The second unveiling will follow at 10:30 AM at the former site of the Dietade Mineral Spring  Company, 92 Kent Street, Keeseville. This building incorporates the original pavilion erected over the mineral spring from the time the waters were first commercialized. The Keeseville Mineral Spring was locally famous for its salubrious water; patrons flocked here seeking the purported therapeutic benefits of drinking the water. It was later bottled and widely distributed as Dietade, forerunner to the local Pepsi franchise. Dietade bottles are now collectible. The marker was funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation’s Historic Roadside Marker Program

The Anderson Falls Heritage Society Heritage House Museum at 96 Clinton Street, Keeseville, will be open at 11 AM for a reception with light refreshments and for viewing exhibits at no charge. The events will be held rain or shine. The public is warmly invited to attend.  

The museum is open for visitors on Tuesdays 9 AM-12 N and Thursdays 10 AM-2 PM from May 7- October 10, 2019. 

Peru – Over 100 runners and many supporters turned out this morning to particpate in the 2nd Annual Peru Pride 5k and Fun Run at Heyworth-Mason Park. The rain stopped just in time for sign-ups and the races. Click here to view More Peru Gazette Photos 

The event was sponsored by the Peru K-5 PTO with all proceeds going to improvements at the grades 3-5 playground adjacent to Route 22B.

The Peru School Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 6:00 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 High School Principal 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).

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that Saturday, April 27, is National Drug Take Back Day and encouraged North Country residents to participate.

“The opioid epidemic has devastated far too many families in our communities and beyond,” Jones said. “Participation in National Drug Take Back Day is a crucial way to keep unused prescription drugs from falling into the wrong hands, as well as preventing these drugs from contaminating our municipal drinking water and wells.”

This Saturday marks the 17^th National Drug Take Back Day, put on biannually by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). At the 16^th collection effort, more than 457 tons of unused medications were collected across the country.[1]

Every household should check their medicine cabinets for any leftover prescription drugs that can be disposed of so that the health and safety of our families aren’t jeopardized, Jones noted. Local collection events will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:

• Plattsburgh Police Department, 45 Pine St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901;
• Kinney Drugs, 288 Cornelia St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901;
• Kinney Drugs, 485 E. Main St., Malone, NY 12953; and
• Kinney Drugs, 868 US-11, Champlain, NY 12919.

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday, April 8, 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 7:01 PM by Mr. McDonald, with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Motion  by Mr. Barber, seconded by Mr. Douglass to approve the minutes from the March 25, 2019 meeting.  

Ayes 5 Nays 0 Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Langley, seconded by Mr. Irwin 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).  Highway report will be submitted at  4/25/2019 meeting.

No JCEO report submitted.

 Ayes 5   Nays 0 Motion Carried

Community Input and Questions

None

Local Law Regarding Professional Fees for Planning & Zoning

Mr. Favro will review and make recommendations to proceed to initiate the Local Law.

RESOLUTION NUMBER:19.04.08-1; 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF CHRISTOPHER MALIN AS A WATER/SEWER DEPARTMENT MAINTENANCE WORKER I.

Motion by: Mr. Langley                                         Second by: Mr. Barber

WHEREAS, the Town Board has agreed that a new permanent Water Sewer Maintenance Worker I is necessary for the effective operation of the Peru Water/Sewer Department following the recommendation of Town Water/Sewer Superintendent, Courtney Tetrault, 

BE IT

RESOLVED, Christopher Malin be hired as a permanent Water Sewer Maintenance Worker I for the Town of Peru at an 

hourly pay rate of $17.05, with a start date of April 29, 2019.

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Carried:

5 Ayes 0 Nays                                                                            Motion Carried

RESOLUTION NUMBER:19.04.08-2;

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TOWN’S AGREEMENT WITH BOULRICE AND WOOD CPAS, P.C. AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

Motion: Mr. Douglass Second: Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, the Town Board has the Agreement between the Town of Peru and Boulrice and Wood CPAS, P.C. before it,

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:

5 Ayes  0 Nays

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.04.08-3;

A RESOLUTION APPROVING A SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF PERU AND NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

MOTION: Mr. Langley                               SECOND: Mr. Barber 

WHEREAS, the Town Board members have the Agreement between New York State Department of Transportation and the Town of Peru before them, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, said proposed Agreement 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.

Carried:

5 Ayes 0 Nays                                                Motion Carried

Youth Commission Liability Coverage

All paid and volunteers are covered under the Town’s insurance.

Mr. Langley stated officers and directors have endorsements. A complete list of all coaches and volunteers need to be documented. Background checks were also recommended.

Sewer Collection Project Update and Schedule Workshop

Mr. Tetrault has given information to AES to possibly coordinate new piping with Stewarts if their expansion is passed. 

A workshop has been scheduled for May 7, 2019 at 5:30 PM at the Town Hall to discuss the Sewer Project.

Motion by Mr. Douglass seconded by Mr. Irwin

5 Ayes 0 Nays                                                                           Motion Carried

Other Business

Mr. Barber requested a workshop to discuss Youth Commission roles, responsibilities and job descriptions on April 15, 2019 at 5:30 PM at the Town Hall.

Motion by Mr. Barber seconded by Mr. Douglass

5 Ayes     0 Nays                             Motion Carried

Mr. Douglass stated the JCEO position has filled.  The new coordinator had to give a two week notice to her current employer.

Motion by Mr. Barber seconded by Mr. Irwin to change April 22, 2019 Regular Town Board Meeting to April 25, 2019 at 7 PM.

5 Ayes 0 Nays                                                                               Motion Carried

Mr. McDonald announced the Schuyler Falls’ Comprehensive Plan for their town was here for review if anyone would like to 

Mr. Tetrault stated the de-chlorination process is going to become more detailed and costly to follow state regulations. A full repair of the water line break will be scheduled as convenient as possible due to businesses will have to close during the repair.

Mr. Guynup stated a Clinton County Sheriff is now patrolling and assisting towns to enforce sanitary laws on properties.

Ms. Barber stated the water/sewer online billing is now operational and may be used with the current water bill.

Mr. Farrell is hopeful the weather will break for sweeping to begin. 

Mr. McDonald commended Mr. Tetrault on passing the 3A Wastewater Operator test. 

Public Comments on Agenda Items Only

None

Motion by Mr. Langley, seconded by Mr. Douglass to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:48 PM.  

Ayes 5   Nays 0 Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor  _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman

__________________________Councilman

Join the seventh grade class of Beekmantown Middle School and North Country Honor Flight in recognizing our local veterans on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 18, 2019.  This year’s North Country Honor Run 5K & US Oval Walk  will be part of the Honor Flight’s spring send-off ceremony.  The Honor Flight will leave Plattsburgh immediately following the ceremony, and our runners/walkers will join the veterans for a portion of their parade route.  Come out and help us show our community’s appreciation for their service! Seventh grade students at Beekmantown Middle School orchestrated the planning and execution phases of this powerful community event, and all proceeds will benefit North Country Honor Flight. Dress in your most patriotic running apparel and be a part of this memorable race! If you have never witnessed an Honor Flight ceremony, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

The Honor Flight ceremony begins promptly at 7:00 a.m. The race will start at the conclusion of the ceremony at 8:00 am.  Check-in is 6:30am-7:30am on race day to allow runners the opportunity to observe the Honor Flight ceremony prior to the race if they wish.  The registration fee for the 5K is $25 in advance (online) and $30 on race day. Registration for the 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk is $20. There is no cost for kids 5 and under.  Registration for the race includes a North Country Honor Run 5K & US Oval Walk t-shirt (register by 5/1 to guarantee a shirt). Online registration will continue until Friday, May 17, 2019.  Prizes will be awarded to the top three runners and best dressed!

If you would be interested in helping us promote this event by printing information or coming to speak to students, please reach out to our team  at honorrun@bcsdk12.org.   On May 2nd, we will be at the U.S Oval conducting field work in preparation for the race. Please feel free to stop by between 12:00 pm and 1:30 p.m. to visit with us as we map out the venue. Our students would love to share their experiences with you and promote the race! Read more »

Source: State to consider closing more Route 73 roadside parking – LakePlacidNews.com | News and information on the Lake Placid and Essex County region of New York – Lake Placid News

Source: Weibrecht surrounded by family at induction – LakePlacidNews.com | News and information on the Lake Placid and Essex County region of New York – Lake Placid News

Source: Watertown Daily Times | Emerald ash borer population growing in NNY

Incumbant Peru Central School Board members Bonny Berry, Steven Peters and Robert LaFountain will be serving another term of office. Board vacancies were announced in January and advertised. Other than the incumbants, no one stepped forward to seek a Board seat. April 22nd was the last day for nominations. The Budget vote and Board Member vote will take place on May 21, 2019.

The individual receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to serve a full five-year term from July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2024.

I Love My Park Day is an annual event that brings together thousands of volunteers to celebrate and enhance New York’s parks, historic sites, and public lands. DEC has events at a variety of locations – from trails in the Forest Preserve to popular campgrounds to urban escapes – providing many opportunities for New Yorkers to help clean up, restore, and enhance these special places.

Read more »

Read more »