The Peru Gazette

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The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday March 11, 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; Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk; Mr. Matthew Favro, Town Attorney.  Also present were Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent; Ms. Pamela Barber, Confidential Secretary to the Board, Mr. Dave Drollette, Dog Control officer and Mr. John Flynn, Recreation Director. 

The meeting was called to order at 7:02 PM by Mr. Douglass, with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Motion by Mr. Langley, seconded by Mr. Barber to approve the minutes from the Public Hearing and Motion by Mr. Irwin seconded by Mr. Barber to approve the minutes from the Town Board Regular Meeting of February 25, 2019.

Ayes 4   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). 

 Ayes 4   Nays 0 Motion Carried

Community Input and Questions

NONE

Main Street Project Update

Extension has been granted until March 2020 but no waiver of the 20% MWBE goals.

The money needs to be used for the original work planned. Repair of sidewalks may be a possibility on Main Street. Mr. Langley stated legislature support may be needed to receive approval to use the funds. Mr. Irwin stated to take care of what is needed and Mr. Barber agreed.

Opening in the JCEO Office

Betsy Ero has resigned from her position, Outreach Worker. Applications are available at the town hall, must be a Peru resident.

New Hire for Water Department

Mr. Tetrault stated Mr. Gonyea scored #1 on the civil service test and starting date will be March 25, 2019.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.03.11-1

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF DANIEL GONYEA 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, Daniel Gonyea be hired as a permanent for the Town of Peru at an 

hourly pay rate of $17.05, with a start date of March 25, 2019.

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Carried: 4 Ayes 0 Nays

Declare Water Truck as Surplus and Release for Sale

Mr. Langley asked what the mileage was. Mr. Tetrault stated approximately 105,000 miles.

                           Authorizing Supervisor to Declare Water/Sewer 

Department 2008 F250 Truck Surplus and Offer for Sale

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.03.11-2;

MOTION BY:  Mr. Barber                          SECONDED BY: Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, it having been determined, in consultation with the Town Water/Sewer 

Superintendent, that the Town has no further need for a 2008 Ford F250 truck (hereinafter referred to as the “Truck”); and

WHEREAS, The Town has declared it as surplus equipment, and

WHEREAS, the Board is willing to put the truck up for sale in “as is” condition with a minimum purchase price of $5,000.00; be it

RESOLVED, the Town Supervisor is hereby authorized and directed to make known to the public that such sale to be “as is” with no warranties or guarantees express or implied, such offer to sell the Truck to be open for fourteen (14) days from the date of the resolution.  The Bid shall be opened at 10 am on March 25, 2019; it is further

RESOLVED, this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Carried: 4 Ayes 0 Nays

Telegraph Road Culvert Update

The Bridge NY Grant was rejected by State months ago. Mr. Farrell is seeking different designs and funding options.

Sewer Collection Project Update

Mr. Tetrault stated each house on Elm St. has been measured except one as they are away for the winter.

Approve/Pay Bill

Mr. Langley asked for the 3 hours to be justified for the labor on zoning printer also bill not to exceed $ 1727.65

RESOLUTION NUMBER:  19.03.11-3;

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, bill and/or invoice for services rendered and goods provided to the Town from Patrick Garsow of Northeastern Computer through 3/1/19:

From Town Of Peru Voucher:  #201900251, dated 3/1/19

Abstract dated 3/7/2019

For the dollar amount totaling: $1,727.65; 

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: 4 Ayes 0 Nays

Other Business

Mr. Barber spoke with Matt Berry about the basketball program. Mr. Flynn asked to wait until next Youth Commission meeting.

Mr. Farrell is working with Ausable and Chesterfield to possibly share expense of a hot box trailer.

Mr. Tetrault stated week of March 18, 2019 water meters will be read and that on line billing will be in place for this bill. A new DEC compliance for chlorination of water will begin in 2022 and completed by 2024. Engineering plan is in place.

VAC truck has been delivered –no final bill.

Mr. Flynn stated registration for spring and summer sports begins March 25, 2019

Contract is needed for dangerous dogs. A facility in Malone is an option and also following up with Dr. Palmer.

Motion  by Mr. Langley seconded by Mr. Irwin to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:47 PM.  

Ayes 4   Nays 0   Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor  _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman

Source: CVPH, Hudson Headwaters open new health center – Sun Community News & Printing

MARCH 25, 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 Meeting of March 11, 2019. 

5. Community Input

6. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Bid Opening and Sale of 2008 Ford F250.

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:   Acceptance of Mark Lukens on the Planning Board.

8. DISCUSSION:  Electronic Death Certificate Registry.

9. DISCUSSION:  Sewer Collection Project Update. 

10. DISCUSSION:  Dangerous Dog Boarding Update. 

11. DISCUSSION:  Other Business.

12. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only. 

13. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Approve/Pay Bills. 

MOTION:     Adjourn

Registration has begun for the largest business show in northern New York. The North Country Chamber Business Expo will be held on June 6th at the SUNY Field House. Reserve your booth today by visiting www.northcountrychamber.com. Details including booth prices, times, and more can be found on our website. Showcase your products and services to hundreds of potential customers.

For those who would like to learn tips and tricks that will guarantee success at the Expo, join us for a free seminar on Tuesday, April 9th at the North Country Chamber of Commerce from 8:30 – 9:30am.

From the office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Washington, D.C. – Following the release of Attorney General Barr’s conclusions on the Mueller report, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik released the below statement:

“I have consistently supported the Mueller investigation from the beginning,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Policymakers on both sides of the aisle should respect the findings of this investigation: there was no collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russian government. Importantly, the Mueller investigation did find that there were Russian efforts to undermine and influence the 2016 US election. I will continue to work to counter Russia’s disinformation efforts and cyber threats on the House Armed Services Committee.”

PAUL SMITHS, NY (03/25/2019)– Joseph Barshow of Peru has been named to the Dean’s List at Paul Smith’s College for the fall 2018 semester. Barshow, majoring in Forestry, earned a semester average of 3.3 or higher to receive this distinction.

About Paul Smith’s College

At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. We are the only four-year institution of higher education in the Adirondacks. Our programs – in fields including hospitality, culinary arts, forestry, natural resources, entrepreneurship and the sciences – draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. For more information, visit paulsmiths.edu.

Source: A federal bump stock ban starts Tuesday – here’s what that means

As reported in the Press Republican

PLATTSBURGH — Clinton County Historical Association Director Helen Allen Nerska will take guests on a tour around the Old Plattsburgh Barracks Oval — and they won’t even need to leave their chairs.

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Click here to view the Mountain Lake PBS Program on the Quilter’s Art Exhibit at the Peru Free Library. 

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By John T. Ryan

Peru – Stewart’s plans to build a new shop in Peru this summer, but only time will tell if it’s going to happen this year. The Saratoga-based company must secure the approval of both the Zoning Board and Planning Board before proceeding.  

At the March 20, 2019 Zoning Board meeting Stewart’s representative Chris Potter described the project to the Board and several people in attendance. Stewart’s is proposing to construct a 3,696 sq. ft. store and 160 sq. ft. storage building behind its current store. A variance is required because the zoning law restricts convenience stores in the hamlet to 2,500 square feet. The new store and storage building total 3,856 sq. ft.

As last night’s meeting progressed it was determined that Stewart’s plan did not accurately state the variance requested and a proposed sign would require a separate variance. The Stewart’s representative asked the Board to delay voting until its April meeting. The fact that Zoning Board members Steve LaBounty (sick) and Tom Fusco (out of town) could not attend the meeting may have played a role in Potter’s decision. The three members present (James Falvo, James Bosley and Sean Lukas) would have had to unanimously approve the variance. No residents have volunteered to serve as alternate Zoning Board members. 

If Zoning and Planning Board approvals are ultimately granted, Stewart’s will acquire property behind and adjacent to its current building including the property occupied by four house trailers. Constructing the new building should take about 8 to 9 weeks. Once that’s completed, the old building will be demolished and a new gas dispenser island will be constructed over a 5-week period. It will house 3 dispensers. 

Town Zoning Board Attorney Matt Favro said the shop’s layout and look closely resemble Stewart’s Route 3 location near the old Clinton County Airport. Exits/entrances would be 30 feet wide. One exit/entrance would be aligned with Main Street. Stewart’s believes that a four-way stop sign layout at the hazardous Maiden Lane – Main Street intersection would improve traffic safety.

Five Peru residents expressed concerns with the proposal; however, almost all their issues should be addressed to the Planning Board, not to the Zoning Board.  John and Jean Mancuso are concerned with water runoff onto their property which is adjacent to Stewart’s. Jenkins Street resident Jackie Andrews is concerned with traffic and pedestrian safety and general maintenance of the property. She does not think the current shop is well maintained either inside or outside. Lana Knight, who owns two apartment buildings across the street from Stewart’s, is concerned about nighttime exterior lighting and the shop’s overall look in the neighborhood. She also wondered if there would be safety issues if Route 22 is aligned with the Stewart’s gas pumps. 

After expressing those concerns, several of the same  people complimented Stewart’s on being a good corporate citizen especially through its Holiday Match Charity Program.

Stewart’s Route 3 Plattsburgh Shop

Stewart’s Rt. 3 Plattsburgh Shop

Stewart’s Rt. 3 Plattsburgh Shop

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The Peru Central School Board of Education will gather Tuesday, March 26^th at 6 PM in the Jr/Sr High School Community Room for their fourth public session budget workshop.  At this workshop, the School Board is expected to:

• Review draft expenditure and revenue plans

The full agenda will be available on the District’s website at perucsd.org.

The meeting is open to all.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today directed flags to half-staff on all State government buildings in honor of New York Department of Transportation Maintenance Worker Dennis (Matt) Howe of Owego, Tioga County, who died from injuries sustained last Wednesday when a tractor trailer collided with a DOT truck in the work zone March 13 in Tioga County. Flags will be flown at half-staff beginning today, March 19, until interment.

“I am saddened by the loss of Matt Howe, a dedicated public servant and Department of Transportation employee, who passed away last night due to injuries from when a tractor trailer collided with a DOT truck in the work zone.   

“Since 2006, Matt served DOT Region 9 and the people of the State of New York honorably. As a maintenance worker, he was a jack of all trades who was always eager to lend a hand to the team.

“His death is a tragic reminder of the dangers our workers face every day braving the elements and our roadways, all while looking out for the safety of one another. There is nothing routine about what our maintenance forces do to keep New York’s highways safe, and we have zero tolerance for anyone who flagrantly puts the lives and safety of our workers in jeopardy. This year I called for stricter protections for transportation workers to send a clear message that New York stands with our workers.

“In honor of Matt Howe and his service to the people of New York, I am directing that flags be flown at half-staff across this great state. On behalf of the entire family of New York, I extend my deepest condolences to his friends, colleagues and the loved ones he leaves behind.” 

What:    4^th Sunday Breakfast – only $10

Bacon, Scrambled eggs, Sausage gravy & biscuits, corned beef hash, juice & coffee.

Seconds on the house.

Where: Peru Memorial VFW

710 Pleasant St, Rte 22B

Peru, NY  12972

When:  March 24, 2019    9 a.m. to Noon

Why:     Proceeds benefit veterans & their families

Who:     Peru Memorial VFW & Auxiliary