The Peru Gazette

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The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday, March 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-Excused; 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, Deputy Supervisor with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Motion by Mr.Langley, seconded by Mr.Barber to approve the minutes from the March 11, 2019 meeting.  

Ayes 3 Nays 0 Motion Carried

Community Input and Questions

None

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.03.25.01

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SALE OF THE TOWN WATER DEPARTMENT’S 2008 FORD F250 PICKUP TRUCK IN “AS IS” CONDITION

MOTION Mr. Langley                     SECOND: Mr. Douglass

WHEREAS, Douglas Rushford has offered to buy  the Town Water Department’s Ford F250 Pickup truck  on March 25, 2019  in “As Is” Condition for the Price of Six  Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Dollars and no cents ($6,250.00); and

WHEREAS the Town Board finds that this offer is reasonable and proper, 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, that the proposed sale of the Town Water Department’s Ford F250 Pickup truck ,  In “As Is” Condition,  to Douglass Rushford is hereby approved for the amount of Six  Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Dollars and no cents ($6,250.00); and

Carried: 3 Ayes 0 Nays                                                        Motion Carried

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 18.09.24.02

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF MARK LUKENS TO THE  TOWN OF PERU PLANNING BOARD.

MOTION: Mr. Barber                    SECOND: Mr. Langley

WHEREAS, The Peru Town Planning Board has recommended that Mark Lukens be appointed to fill the Town Planning Board seat vacated by Benjamin Wright through December 31, 2021.

THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, the Peru Town Board agrees with the recommendation of the Planning Board and appoints Mark Lukens to complete the term of the seat vacated by Benjamin Wright through December 31, 2021. 

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Carried: 3 Ayes 0 Nays                                                         Motion Carried

Acceptance of Michael Hanlon’s Resignation Letter

Motion by Mr. Langley, seconded by Mr. Barber to accept Michael Hanlon’s letter of resignation effective March 29, 2019.

Electronic Death Certificate Registry

Mrs. Miller stated starting April 18, 2019 all death certificates will be filed electronically with the N.Y.S. Department of Health.

Sewer Collection Project Update

Mr. Tetrault stated AES is looking at the Stewart plans to possible incorporate new lines at the same time the town would be installing.

Ms. Barber stated the closing will be April 4, 2019 for the Sewer Upgrade Project financing with $3,611,397 Short-term financing (BAN) through NYS Clean Water State Revolving Fund until the US Rural Development monies come in and $1,1006,481 from the WIIA Grant.

Dangerous Dog Boarding Update

After much research Ms. Barber stated two options for dangerous dog boarding. Malone- SPCA has a yearly contract flat fee of $ 1050.00 and Adirondack Vet Hospital located in Westport has no upfront fees but daily fees which could accumulate quickly as it can be a very long drawn out process to deem a dog dangerous.  After discussion of options, Mr. Favro is going to review Malone-SPCA contract. Mr. Langley thanked Ms. Barber for all the time spent inquiring all possible options.

Other Business

Mr. Barber stated the Peru Library has new air conditioner installed water in basement from pond in back of building, water in alcove and furnace issues caused by water.  J Hogan refrigeration was able to remedy all issues.

Mr. Tetrault stated all billing for water/sewer is done and bank card acceptance is online. New DEC representative will be meeting Mr. Tetrault March 26, 2019 for a meet and greet.

Mr. Farrell stated there are 150 million dollars in CHIPS monies.  The Telegraph Street bridge study will cost approximately $ 100,000.  Karl Weiss will be assisting in writing the 80/20 grant.

A $50,000 grant will be used for Reservoir Road repair. Mr. Farrell stated top priority for road repair will be Howard Drive and Haynes Drive.

Mr. Douglass stated he spoke with Sally Soucia from JCEO and she has three possible candidates for the JCEO position and will be conducting interviews on Wednesday.

Mr. Douglass attended the Main Street project meeting March 19, 2019. Adele Douglas stated the possibility of the grant money may be used for blacktop for Heyworth Mason Village area.

Public Comments on Agenda Items Only

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 18.09.24.03

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

MOTION: Mr. Langley                                SECOND: Mr. Barber

WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed and audited the following claims, bills and invoices for services rendered and goods provided to the Town in March 2019:

From Town Of Peru Vouchers in March 2019:  #201900215   through and including #201900383

Abstract dated 3/25/2019

For the dollar amount totaling: $200,308.26; of that, $43,031.90 was wired, credit cards and prepaid; and $157,276.36 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.

Carried: 3 Ayes 0 Nays

Motion by Mr. Langley, seconded by Mr. Barber to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:57 PM.  

Ayes 3 Nays 0 Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor  _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman

Source: Firefighters battle flames in Peru | News | pressrepublican.com

By John T. Ryan 

Peru – Town Supervisor Brandy McDonald is still recovering from shoulder surgery but he was able to chair the Monday, April 8, 2019 Town Board meeting. 

Here is a summary of the meeting highlights: 

The next Town Board meeting was rescheduled to Thursday, April 25th at 7 p.m. Supervisor Brandy McDonald has scheduled medical treatment and Deputy Supervisor Jim Douglass will be out of town on April 22. 

Christopher Malin was hired as a Water-Sewer Maintenance Worker 1 at a pay rate of $17.05 per hour. Malin has a degree from Paul Smith’s College and two years water-sewer work experience in Washington County. That experience will enable him to take the NYS Water Plant Operator Licensing Examination as soon as possible. 

Clinton County will begin replacing the Davern Road bridge in July.

Liability insurance coverage for Youth Commission volunteers was discussed. Some questions remain unanswered and the matter is being researched. Most claims should be covered under the Town’s general liability policy. 

The Board discussed adopting a local law that would clarify the party that would incur any professional  fees related to Zoning Board and Planning Board applications and permits. Engineering fees would be the most common fees. Town Attorney Matt Favro will present a law for consideration at the Board’s next meeting.  Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup said most towns have such a law. 

A two-year CPA Contract with the accounting firm Boulrice and Woods was approved. 

The Board approved a two-year shared services agreement with the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT).  

A Board Workshop was scheduled for May 7th at 5:30 p.m. with AES Engineering to make recommendations regarding the planned sewer system upgrade. 

Water-Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault is coordinating Main Street sewer upgrade construction with any sidewalk upgrades that might be undertaken with Stewart’s construction and Main Street improvement grant monies. He does not want to have to tear up a new sidewalk. 

Read more »

Source: Census shows fewer family farms in New York state – newyorkupstate.com

Peru Central’s Board of Education will meet for Budget Workshop #7 on Tuesday, April 23^rd at 6:00 PM.  The Board will also gather for a Special Meeting on Thursday, April 25^th at 7:15 AM.  Both meetings will be held in the Jr/Sr High School Community Room.  Anticipated topics include:

• Establishing a 19-20 Budget
• Vote on BOCES Budget and Board Candidates

The full agendas are available on the District’s website (perucsd.org)

All are welcome.

Soup Kitchen at St. Augustine’s Parish Center April 17th Menu

Served 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. All are welcome!

Coleslaw
BBQ Chicken
Rice…See More

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The Town of Peru Town Board will be holding a workshop on Wednesday April 17, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the Peru Town Hall.  Discussion item will be the Town of Peru’s Youth Commission roles, responsibilities and job descriptions.

Thank you

Dianne Miller

Town Clerk

Glens Falls, NY – Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik announced the 2019 Congressional Art Competition for New York’s 21st District. The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students in NY-21.

“Each year, I look forward to receiving dozens of incredible pieces of art from the students in my district for the Congressional Art Competition,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “This competition is an amazing opportunity for students to display their artistic prowess and creativity. As co-chair of the Arts Caucus, I will always work to empower young people to showcase their personalities through their artistic expression. The winner of the Congressional Art Competition will have their artwork on display in the United States Capitol for an entire year for elected officials, dignitaries, and tourists from around the world to see.”

Artwork entered in the contest must be original in execution, may be up to 26 inches by 26 inches, 4 inches in depth and cannot weigh more than 15 pounds.  The artwork may be:

• Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
• Drawings: colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal (It is recommended that

charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed.)

• Collages: must be two dimensional
• Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints
• Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
• Computer-generated art
• Photographs

Art submissions along with a Congressional release form must be submitted to one of Congresswoman Stefanik’s district office locations no later than April 26^th, 2019. For a full list of rules, click here.

More Flexibility for Visitors Wishing to Camp Last Minute

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that for the first time visitors to DEC campgrounds are now able to make reservations as late as one day in advance of their desired stay.

“Camping is a weather-dependent activity for most people and we want to ensure that anyone deciding at the last minute to visit one of our amazing campgrounds can reserve a spot,” Commissioner Seggos said. “With a one-day advanced reservation window, more campers will have the opportunity to explore all of the natural treasures our facilities have to offer, which means more camping, hiking, fishing, and exploring for everyone.”

This change affords last-minute campers the security and convenience of reserving a campsite at any of DEC’s campgrounds, including our newest facility, Frontier Town Campground, Equestrian and Day Use Area in the Adirondacks, which begins its summer season on June 28. The change also brings DEC’s Forest Preserve Campgrounds in line with reservations at facilities operated by the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

DEC operates 52 campgrounds and five day-use areas in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves. The summer camping season runs through Labor Day, with some facilities remaining open during fall foliage and hunting season. For more information on DEC-operated campgrounds, including a list of campgrounds and schedules, visit DEC website’s Camping section, or call DEC’s Bureau of Recreation at 518-457-2500. To make reservations at any of these facilities, call ReserveAmerica at 1800-456-CAMP (2267) or visit the ReserveAmerica website (link leaves DEC’s website).

NY DOT personnel cut a tree deemed hazardous on Main Street this morning.

From the office of Assemblyman Billy Jones

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that the 2019-20 state budget invests in critical funding that will help North Country farmers grow their businesses. This year’s plan includes $33.2 million for agriculture across the state.

“North Country folks know better than anyone that our farms are the lifeblood of this state,” said Jones. “Hardworking farmers provide the food our families need to stay healthy and move products that fuel our economy. This year’s state budget provides key funding for programs that will help keep local agriculture thriving for years to come.”

Having run his family’s dairy farm, Jones knows firsthand how much hard work goes into the industry. To support local dairy farmers who are struggling due to declining milk prices, the state budget once again includes $1.2 million for Cornell’s PRO-DAIRY program. The program offers educational services and research for New York dairy farmers that enhance profitability.[1]

To help farmers effectively grow and promote their products, Jones helped secure $413,000 for the New York State Maple Producers Association, a not-for-profit organization that works with local maple producers to improve processing and help market maple products. The budget also includes $750,000 for the NYS Apple Growers Association, which represents over 700 commercial apple growers across the state, working to promote local apple products while communicating with retailers, handlers, consumers and processors to boost apple-based production. New York State is the nation’s second-leading apple producer, yielding 29.5 million bushels of apples annually.[2]

Further, Jones fought for $300,000 for the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program, a farmer-driven grants program that provides research and technical assistance for farms in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.[3] The budget also restores $600,000 to Harvest NY, which develops educational programs to increase agricultural investments, profitability and sustainability in New York State.[4]

“I’ll always fight to invest in programs that help farmers, preserve our farmlands and support innovations,” Jones said.

APRIL 8, 2019 @ 7:00 PM

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION:  Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meetings of March 25, 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

7. DISCUSSION/MOTION:   Local Law Regarding Professional Fees for Planning & Zoning.

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  New Hire for Water Department. 

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approve Boulrice & Woods CPA Contract. 

10. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approve Shared Services Agreement with NYSDOT. 

11. DISCUSSION:   Youth Commission Liability Coverage.

12. DISCUSSION:  Sewer Collection Project Update and Schedule Workshop.

13. DISCUSSION:  Other Business. 

14. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

MOTION:     Adjourn

By John T. Ryan

Peru – As previously reported it appears the long-planned Main Street upgrade project isn’t going to happen. Deputy Supervisor Jim Douglass declared the project “pretty much dead” at the Town Board’s March 25, 2019 meeting while emphasizing he does not want to lose the $150,000 in remaining grant monies. Options such as paving the road leading to Heyworth-Mason Park or replacing deteriorated sidewalks are under consideration. Any proposal would have to be approved by one or more New York State departments.  

The Peru Gazette contacted former Town Councilman Donald McBrayer and two Main Street Committee members for comments regarding the project’s fate. McBrayer responded, “I looked at the Main Street Project as a long term plan spanning the next few decades to ensure Peru would remain competitive when attracting families and businesses. As Clinton County grows and develops its communities will no doubt compete for residential and commercial expansion. Without a plan Peru risks losing in such a competition. The Main Street Project was carefully crafted to meet Peru’s Comprehensive Plan goals, but it requires in-kind services performed by our own employees which would be used in a series of grant matches…When implemented as planned the final result would have been a thriving hamlet that is thoughtful of its residents and friendly to business development with almost no cost to the taxpayers.”

Diana Padron commented, “I think it would have been nice to have a bigger draw to the center of town making it more family-friendly and good for biking. We were thinking this was the first of several upgrades.” 

Becky Pace talked about the many hours Committee Chair Adele Douglas has devoted to the project. Pace loves the project’s additional green space – replacing asphalt with earth, grass and trees. Pace commented, “It would have made our community more appealing. It would have attracted more visitors and perhaps more people to live here. We want to keep this a vital community. The fact that the Town will not step up to put this project in their schedule to make this a better place is upsetting.”  

The Town Board asked the Main Street Committee for a recommendation after learning that the New York Department of State would not waive its Minority/Women’s Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) requirement and learning, furthermore, that the contractor they planned on hiring had gone out of business. Three members of the  Main Street Committee met two weeks ago.  They asked the Town Board if Peru’s Highway Department assisted by the Water/Sewer Department could undertake the project. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell responded that he does not have time because of upcoming road paving, culvert replacement and street sweeping projects. Pending personnel retirements will also leave him short-staffed. Farrell did say he has the experience to do the project.  

The Main Street project has a long and complicated history. It dates to 2014 when the Town received a $25,000 New York Department of State Local Waterfront Improvement Grant. The Town was to provide some in-kind sevices by its personnel, but the project would be fully grant funded. A Main Street Committee was formed. Its members included Adele Douglas, Diana Padron, Dr. Anne Marie Boule Spear, Becky Pace, Jerry Ross, Mark Robinson, Judy Grant, and Nicole Laplante. Adele Douglas chairs the committee. Counselor Donald McBrayer was the Town Board’s Committee liaison.  

In 2015 NYS awarded an additional $46,000 grant to hire a consultant to develop more detailed plans. Community input was sought and public hearings were held. The plan envisioned Town Highway Department personnel removing Main Street’s very wide paved shoulder from the Stewart’s intersection to the Dollar Store and replacing it with trees, grass and wider sidewalks.  Very few parking spaces would be lost and the street would be more visually appealing. The Little Ausable River Walking Trail loop through the hamlet would be improved and the narrower street would slow traffic. Future grant-funded phases south on Main Street to Heyworth/Mason Park were envisioned. The consultant predicted quick NYS Department of Transportation (DOT) approval with construction beginning in summer 2017. DOT took a year to approve the project.  

In early 2018 Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said his Department did not have the time to undertake the project because of a busy summer paving schedule; therefore, in March the Town Board put the project out to bid.  The first two bid rounds yielded prices far exceeding the grant.The Board reacted by reducing the project’s distance down Main Street. Instead of stopping at the Dollar Store, it would stop when the money ran out. A contractor submitted a bid under $150,000; however, because the contractor did not comply with NYS’s Minority/Women’s Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) requirement, a NY Department of State waiver had to be requested. The Department took months to deny the waiver and during the hiatus the contractor ceased operation. Main Street Committee Chair Adele Douglas said, “The project was so small it didn’t attract bidders and contractors couldn’t subcontract part of the work to MBE qualified contractors. We have to figure out some project that we can do.” There is one bit of good news. The State Department did extend the time limit to use the grant to March 2020.  

That’s where the project stands today. The Town has a grant, but only a few months to use it and the beginnings of a major change in Peru’s “downtown” appear to be dead. 

Click here to see the project details. 

WEDNESDAY, April 17, 2019 @ 7:00 PM

TOWN OF PERU

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL of March 20, 2019 minutes.
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
6. APPLICATION:

1. 1. 1. 1. Area Variance: Z-2019-039 Stewart’s Shops Corp.

Area Variance – of 1,356 sq. ft. for a new convenience store exceeding the 2,500 sq. ft. commercial allowance in the Hamlet District

280.1-9-21.1/280.1-9-21.2

2997 Main St. 

Peru, NY 12972

7. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS
8. CEO REPORT:
9. ADJOURNMENT

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