The Peru Gazette

Source: 25 years to life for Gustavo Segundo-Clark – Sun Community News & Printing

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Two of the friendliest people at this year’s Applefest were visitors. If you or your kids played the baseball speed game or water squirt game you met Anthony or Colleen Doty. While the Dotys call Saranac Lake home, they’re on the road for over 6 months each year. Anthony said, “My father Harry Doty operated a carnival. I’ve been working in one or running one for 45 years. I quit school when I was 14.” Harry said he came to the Applefest several years ago with his own carnival. Now he works for someone else.

The Board:

Awarded a $120,480 bid to Luck Brothers Inc. to replace the damaged Patent Rd. culvert. The Town of Peru is purchasing the box culvert at a cost of $143,500. Total cost: $263,980 not including the temporary repairs already performed.

Source: Kohl’s set to open first North Country store

MASSENA, N.Y. – Today, U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao marked the 60^th anniversary of the St. Lawrence Seaway, the U.S.-Canadian waterway, at a ceremony at the Eisenhower Lock in Massena, New York. Secretary Chao was joined by Transport Canada Director General of Marine Policy Marc-Yves Bertin, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, (R-NY), U.S. Seaway Deputy Administrator Craig Middlebrook, Canadian Seaway President and CEO Terence Bowles, and U.S. and Canadian government and transportation officials.

“For 60 years, the St. Lawrence Seaway has been a safe and reliable gateway for global commerce, further demonstrating our nation’s strong and strategic partnership with Canada,” said Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

At the event, Secretary Chao and Congresswoman Stefanik announced $6 million in funding for the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation to construct a new Visitors’ Center at the U.S. Eisenhower Lock. This new center will welcome the tens of thousands of people from around the world who come to watch ships transit the lock each year, and serve as a cornerstone for tourism in the North Country region of New York.

“I am so honored to host Secretary Elaine Chao for the 60th anniversary of the St. Lawrence Seaway. We have worked together to announce this significant investment in the North Country to promote tourism, economic development, and trade,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “I thank Secretary Chao for her leadership and for her commitment to delivering results to our community.” Read more »

A special meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Wednesday, September 18, 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 Jr, Councilman; and Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk.  Also present Ms. Pamela Barber, Secretary to the Board and Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water /Sewer Superintendent.

The meeting was called to order at 6:04 PM by Mr. McDonald, with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

The purpose of the Special Meeting was to present the 2020 Tentative Budget.

The 2020 Tentative Budget was presented to all board members by Dianne Miller, Town Clerk.

Motion by Mr.Douglass seconded by Mr. Langley to adjourn special meeting at 6:06 PM.

Ayes 5Nays 0                                                      Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor  _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday September 9, 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 Jr., Councilman; Mr. Matthew Favro, Town Attorney; Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk.  Also present were Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent; Mr. Bob Guynup, Zoning Officer; Ms. Pamela Barber, Confidential Secretary to the Board and Mr. Dave Drollette, Dog Control Officer. 

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mr. McDonald, with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Motion by Mr. Douglass; seconded by Mr. Barber to approve the minutes from the August 26, 2019 Public Hearing  

Ayes 5   Nays 0 Motion Carried      

Motion by Mr. Irwin; seconded by Mr. Langley to approve the minutes from the August 26, 2019 meeting.   

Ayes 5   Nays 0 Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Langley; seconded by Mr. Barber 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).   

Ayes 5   Nays 0 Motion Carried

Community Input and Questions

NONE

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.09.09-1

 A RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE DAVEY DRIVE EXTENSION AS A TOWN ROAD AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

WHEREAS, the Town of Peru Highway Superintendent, Michael Farrell, has regularly inspected the build out of the Davey Drive Extension and found that it has been built as per the Town Highway’s specifications, THEREFORE, BE IT 

RESOLVED that the Davey Drive Extension be accepted as a Town Road and therefore the Town will take over the maintenance of the same, AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

MOTION: Mr. Douglass SECOND: Mr. Irwin

Ayes 5 Nays 0                                                                    Motion Carried

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.09.09-2

A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE TOWN AS LEAD AGENCY AND SEQR NEGATIVE DECLARATION

MOTION BY:  Mr. Barber                                               SECOND BY:  Mr. Douglass

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Peru is considering an action to replace the Patent Road Culvert.  

WHEREAS, the applicant has requested the Town approve of this proposed action;

WHEREAS, the New York State Environmental Quality Review requires the Town to determine the Lead Agency status and for the then determined Lead Agency to make a SEQR determination;

WHEREAS, the Town of Peru agrees to assume Lead Agency Status on September 9, 2019;

WHEREAS, pursuant to Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law and the Code of the

Town of Peru, the Town Board has prepared the Short Form Environmental Assessment Form, which is now on file with the Town Board and the Town’s SEQR Officer; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Peru Board has reviewed the Proposed Action and on September 9, 2019, recommended to the Town Board the approval of the Proposed Action.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS THAT:

1.  The Town Board, as Lead Agency, has determined that the Proposed Action is an Unlisted Action under SEQR;

2.  The Town of Peru, as Lead Agency, hereby determines that the unlisted action described in the attached SEQR NEGATIVE DECLARATION, NOTICE OF DETERMINATION OF NON-SIGNIFICANCE, which attached notice is hereby made a part of this Resolution, will not have a significant effect on the environment and that an environmental impact statement is not required to be prepared with respect to the Proposed Action.

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Ayes 5 Nays 0                                                                                              Motion Carried

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.09.09-3

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TOWN’S MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH CSEA PROPOSAL FOR SUCCESSOR LABOR AGREEMENT AND THE TOWN OF PERU AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

WHEREAS, the Town Board has the Memorandum of Agreement between CSEA and the Town of Peru extends the original agreement from January 1, 2019 through the December 31, 2019, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, said proposed Memorandum of 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.

MOTION: Mr. Irwin SECOND: Mr. Barber

Ayes 5 Nays 0                                                                        Motion Carried

Sewer Collection Project Update

Mr. Douglass stated Peru Community Church has approved the easement for the project to maximize efficiency of the project.

Awarding Bid Court Building Roof

Motion by Mr. McDonald second by Mr. Barber to reject the 3 bids received.

Declare Parks TORO mower as Surplus and List for Sale

Motion by Mr. Langley; second by Mr. Douglass for Mr. Tetrault to advertise in Auctions International and other locations Mr. McDonald stated value of mower is $ 2500 – $3000.

Other Business

Mr. Ryan asked if the Main Street Project was moving forward. Confirmation of whether the money can be used at Heyworth Park is still pending.

Mr. Guynup stressed the need and importance for Zoning and Planning Board volunteers.

Mr. Farrell road repair is being done after water break repairs.

Mr. McDonald stated an application for $125,000 grant will be filed within 10 days . The grant will be used possibly for extension of the walking trail. 

Public Comments on Agenda Items Only

NONE

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.09.09-4

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

MOTION: Mr. Douglass                                    SECOND:   Mr. Langley

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 2019:

From Town of Peru Vouchers in August 2019; #201901128   through and including #201901185

Abstract dated 9/9/2019

For the dollar amount totaling: $160,087.15; of that, $14,037.56 was wired, credit cards and prepaid; and $146,049.59 is remaining to be paid 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 5 Nays 0                                                                                        Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Barber seconded by Mr. Irwin to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:32 PM.      Ayes 5   Nays 0   Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor  _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman

Plattsburgh – Ceremonies for North Country Honor Flight #30 were conducted on Saturday, September 21, 2019. It was a beautiful sunlite morning at Veterans Park on the U.S. Oval for Dave Brown to take great photos of the Vietnam Era Vets receiving their Orders of the Day and taking an Honor Walk accompanied by their escorts. The North Country Honor Flight has transported 450 WWII, Korea and Vietnam Vets to the War Memorials in Washington, D.C.

Click here to view Dave Brown Photos. 

Saturday’s Veterans included:
David H Gordon
John W Mashtare
David P Pottichen
Robert L Cross
Glenn W Miller
Ronald D Kautz
William L Spellman
Earl T Brooking
Thomas W Murphy
James McCardle
David A Lawrance
Robert F Dumas
Donald E Loreman
Ronald A Marino
James G Russell Sr
George L Howard

Keep these Honor Flight Vets in your thoughts today as they make Honor Flight #30 to Washington, D.C.

The Peru Gazette hopes to publish David Brown photos of the Flight’s Departure this evening.

David H Gordon
John W Mashtare
David P Pottichen
Robert L Cross
Glenn W Miller
Ronald D Kautz
William L Spellman
Earl T Brooking
Thomas W Murphy
James McCardle
David A Lawrance
Robert F Dumas
Donald E Loreman
Ronald A Marino
James G Russell Sr
George L Howard

From the office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stefanik has signed onto a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) led by Congressman Lee Zeldin (NY-1) along with each member of New York’s Republican Congressional Delegation. The letter is in opposition to New York’s controversial “Green Light Law,” enacted on June 17, 2019, which allows issuance of a driver’s license to illegal immigrants. Out of the 12 states with similar laws, New York’s is among the least restrictive and least monitored.

“I’m very concerned with New York’s controversial and ill-advised Green Light Law,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “This reckless legislation, which a majority of New Yorkers oppose, will hamper efforts to enforce federal immigration laws and has the potential to enable rampant voter fraud in our state. The Republican New York delegation stands united in insisting the Department of Justice review the constitutionality immediately, and I stand united with our North Country county clerks in opposition to this law.” Read more »

Source: Peru recounts thriller in Moriah, looks forward to first Apple Bowl night game – Sun Community News & Printing

The Clinton County Historical Association announces Keeseville, Au Sable Chasm & Lake Champlain Railroads, the Adirondack Mountain Gateway with local film maker and author James R. “Jim” Jones

Wednesday, October 23, 6:30 p.m.
At the Lake Forest Senior Community Center, 8 Lake Forest Drive, Plattsburgh, NY

The Peru School Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at 7:00 AM in the District’s Community Room, adjacent to the main entrance of Peru Jr/Sr High School.  It is anticipated that the Board will almost immediately convene in Executive Session (for an undetermined amount of time) to discuss matters leading to the appointment/employment of a particular company.  At this meeting, the Board is also expected to consider authorization of an agreement.

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

All are welcome.

Source: Bombardier back in operation after reported bomb threat – Sun Community News & Printing

By John T. Ryan

Davey Drive Extension was accepted as a town road following approval by Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell.

The Board concluded that the new Patent Rd. culvert would not have a negative environmental impact.

Read more »

Protect your pet from rabies! Vaccination is mandatory in New York State for dogs, cats and ferrets over 4 months of age. Remember, your dog or cat can be vaccinated for rabies when it turns 3 months of age. One year after the first dose, your pet requires a booster, which is then good for three years. For the rest of your pet’s life, it should have a booster shot every three years.

**NOTE: ALL pets must be leashed or in a pet carrier.
Please bring your pet’s shot records. Puppies and kittens must be at least 3 months old.

North Country Honor Flight #30 will be heading down to Washington DC this Saturday with 15 more North Country Veterans. We hope everyone will join us once again to pay tribute to our nations defenders. The send-off ceremony will begin promptly at 7 a.m. at the Veterans Park on the US Oval.

The parade will start immediately after the ceremony with law enforcement and motorcycle escorts leading the way. Please join us for a great family friendly event you’ll be glad you got up early for. The return welcome home is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. back at Plattsburgh International Airport.

Source: Inside a Plattsburgh vape shop, where flashy flavors may soon be banned | NCPR News

Grand Isle, VT – The Lake Champlain Basin Program seeks proposals for projects that improve water quality and ecosystems in the Lake Champlain watershed. The Program anticipates awarding more than 25 grants totaling more than $500,000 to local organizations, municipalities, and educational institutions.

Grants will be awarded in two categories:

Read more »

Plattsburgh – Sept 13, 2019 – We at the Strand Center for the Arts (SCA) are fully aware of the gravity of the current situation and sincerely appreciate the public’s patience in awaiting our response to recent events. Click here for background information as reported in the Press Republican. 

An apology is owed to the public and we, the Board of Directors of the SCA, sincerely apologize. We are working diligently with SCA staff since the termination of the Executive Director and Bookkeeper, to move forward. It is our duty to the public to uncover as much as possible to report facts, rather than formulating a quick but rash and underinformed response.

In our continued fact-finding, we have spoken to staff members of the SCA to include them in an open and frank conversation about where we stand. The hard work and dedication of SCA staff is invaluable, we felt they deserved an explanation as quickly as possible. Public support and outcry is also invaluable. We now take this opportunity to address the public in the same way.

This year the SCA was functioning without an approved budget or shared vision due to inconsistent and faulty reporting. Additionally, in recent months the SCA was over-spending based on potential future income; an operational practice adopted by SCA leadership, without communication to and approval of the Board of Directors. This model may work for organizations with a large financial base, at implementation the SCA did not have this financial base. In hindsight, using this model only served to worsen our problems. The Board tried repeatedly to intervene but was met with opposition. Given the history of management turnover and the community’s positive response to this form of operation, we gave management another chance; demanding financial constraint and increased financial reporting. Essentially, the board requested a pullback in spending and bookings, to reign in the increasing financial liabilities. In the subsequent months, upon review of further delayed financial reports, it became apparent that the numbers were not adding up. Findings showed new financial anomalies and the Board immediately requested an emergency audit. Shortly thereafter, with continued financial breakdown, the Board requested additional, more concrete data but did not see in data presented any progress in addressing the ongoing issues. Confronted with opposition and inaction we, the Board, voted unanimously to terminate the Executive Director and Bookkeeper of the SCA.

Through our work to solve current financial issues, the SCA has unearthed additional problems that make our situation significantly more alarming. We wish we had the foresight to begin this process sooner, but initial reporting to the Board did not reflect the true financial situation of the SCA. And, although the shows gave the appearance of a packed house, they were, in fact, losing money. The cover band model was not working as hoped and only exacerbated historically weak financial footing. We were as excited as everyone else to see growth and public excitement related to theater programming, which amplifies our disappointment.

And now, after digging deeper into the discovery process, we find ourselves at a dire point where meeting our current and past financial responsibilities is no longer sustainable under previous models of growth. Here is what has been uncovered:

The prior annual operating budget for the SCA was roughly $700,000. This year our expenses are projected to be upwards of $1.2 million. In addition, the board had not been informed by previous SCA Leadership of details of debts the SCA owes to vendors, merchants, utilities, and government agencies. We also have a slate of 20+ future shows projected to result in continued future losses.

So how do we move forward? Through the work of our regional arts consultants, we have been presented with limited options: The sale of the Strand Theater, a Capital Campaign we are calling – SOS – Save our Strand, and other far less palatable choices. The Board and Staff have expressed how much we want the SCA to continue providing such great outreach and services to the community, so our desire is to Save our Strand. But that’s where YOU come in. We need the public’s support now, more than ever.

We appreciate the outcry of the public and view this as our community expressing their desire to save the Strand Center for the Arts. Just as the SCA exists to serve the greater community – it will now take a community to come together to help move the organization forward. The SCA is a space designed to serve all of us; those who live, work and play in our region. We are asking you to help.

Foreman Dalton Hylton watches Melvin Samuels gingerly place honeycrisp apples into a 20-bushel crate.

Melvin Samuels brings in the beautiful fruit

By John T. Ryan

Peru – If you enjoy honeycrisp apples this should be a joyful time of year. The honeycrisp harvest has begun. Seth Forrence of Forrence Orchards said, “We began picking yesterday and we should be harvesting for the next eight weeks.” The 2019 harvest is beginning about two weeks later than usual. Forrence said this year’s late spring was responsible.