The Peru Gazette

“Come tell and show what you, your family, or your community does for work. Anything is fair game, from fighting forest fires to scooping ice cream in the summers.”

The Clinton County Historical Association is partnering with North Country Public Radio’s North Country at Work project to host a series of community events focused on working life in and around Clinton County, past and present. The first two events are to collect photographs and stories of work over the years from around Clinton County. 

Come tell and show what you, your family, or your community does for work. Anything is fair game, from fighting forest fires to scooping ice cream in the summers. Staff from both organizations will be there to scan and record. There are no set appointments, just walk in ready to chat, and bring photos of you or your family on the job if you have them! 

Bring your photos and your stories to the Plattsburgh Public Library on Friday, April 5th from 1:00pm – 7:00pm, and to the Clinton County Historical Museum at 98 Ohio Avenue on Saturday, April 6th from 10:00am – 5:00pm. 

The photos and stories will be used for a photo and audio exhibit in May and go into both the North Country at Work and Clinton County Historical Association archives. 

For more information call: 518-561-0340.

From the Office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Source: Stefanik’s Vladimir Putin Transparency Act Passes the House | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminds residents that with spring approaching conditions for wildfires will become heightened and residential brush burning is prohibited March 16 through May 14 across New York State.

Violators of the state’s open burning regulation are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. To report environmental law violations call 1-800-TIPP DEC (1-800-847-7332), or report online on DEC’s website.

Peru Youth Activities Registration

The Town of Peru Youth Commission will be holding registration for all Summer and Fall Activities beginning on Monday March 25th and staying live until Saturday, April 30th.

Please go to townofperu.recdesk.com to register. You must create an account to register.

Any questions please call John Flynn Youth Director at 518-593-0935 or email at recreationdirector@perutown.com

FOR SALE

The Town of Peru, Water/Sewer Department will be accepting sealed bids for one 

2008 Ford F-250 regular cab truck with push plates and wired for fisher v-plow.

Sealed bids should be submitted to the Town Of Peru, Town Clerk’s Office at 3036 Main Street Peru, NY  12972 by 10:00 AM on March 25, 2019 at which time the bids will be opened and read aloud, with potential awarding of the bid March 25, 2019 at the regular meeting of the town board. 

Truck can be viewed at 10 Cross Street Peru -7:30 am -3:30 pm 

Minimum bid is $ 5000.00

Will be sold in “As Is “condition.

The Town Of Peru, reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

_________________________

Dianne E. Miller

Town Of Peru

Town Clerk

A Public Hearing of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday, February 25, 2019 at the 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; Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk Mr. Matthew Favro, Town Attorney;.  Also present were Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent; 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 Purpose of the Public Hearing to codify the Zoning Map and Law by changing 8 parcels from “commercial district” to  “neighborhood commercial district”.

The Public Hearing was called to order at 6:48 PM by Mr. McDonald, with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Motion by Mr. Douglass, seconded by Mr. Langley to open the Public Hearing on the Proposed Zoning Map Update

 Ayes 5 Nays 0 Motion Carried

Community Input and Questions

Mr. Guynup explained to Mrs. Covey that a cycle and review would be necessary.

Motion by Mr. Irwin, seconded by Mr. Douglass to close the Public Hearing at 6:57 PM, to codify the Zoning Map and Law by changing 8 parcels from “commercial district” to “neighborhood commercial district”.

Ayes 5 Nays 0 Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Langley, seconded by Mr. Barber to adjourn the Public Hearing at 6:58 PM.  Ayes 5 Nays 0 Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor  ________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman ________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman ________________________Town Clerk

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday, February 25, 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 7:03 PM by Mr. McDonald, with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

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

Ayes 5 Nays 0 Motion Carried

Community Input and Questions

Mr. Ryan asked for an update on Washington Street and Main Street Project. Mr. McDonald stated no update on Washington Street as the Town is waiting for Mr. Lashway and Mr. Sawyer.  The Main Street Project is on hold and possibly with Stewarts expanding Mr. Guynup stated the project may coincide with the expansion.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.02.25-1;

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TOWN’S CONTRACT FOR COMPUTER IT SERVICES AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

Motion: Mr. Langley Second: Mr. Douglass

WHEREAS, The Town of Peru wishes to contract new IT Services from Thomas Lemieux of 283 Route 22B, Peru NY  12972, and

WHEREAS, the Town Board has the Town Computer IT Services contract between the Town of Peru and Thomas Lemieux 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.

Contract amended to read 6 hours/$300 minimum per month 

Roll Call:		YES	NO
	Richard Barber Jr.	x
	James Douglass	x
	Mel Irwin	x
	James Langley	x
	Brandy McDonald	x

Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays

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

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.02.25-2;

MOTION BY: Mr. Douglass      SECOND BY:  Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Peru is considering an action by the Town of Peru Planning Board, to amend the Zoning map dated 12/23/13 for eight(8) parcels zoned as “COMMERCIAL” to become “NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL”, (The “Proposed Action”);

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

WHEREAS, the Proposed Action is an unlisted action within the requirements of the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act;

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

WHEREAS, the Town of Peru agrees to assume Lead Agency Status on February 25, 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 Clinton County Planning Board made a decision in compliance of the NYS General Municipal Law, Article 12B, Section 239 zoning referral, that the proposed action  was a local issue on 2/7/19, and

WHEREAS, the Town of Peru Board has reviewed the Proposed Action and on February 25, 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.

Roll Call:		YES	NO
	Richard Barber, Jr.	x
	James Douglass	x
	Mel Irwin	x
	James Langley Jr.	x
	Brandy McDonald	x

Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays

RESOLUTION AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE TOWN OF PERU, PURSUANT TO SECTION 801 OF THE TOWN’S ZONING ORDINANCE, NEW YORK MUNICIPAL HOME RULE LAW SECTION 10 AND NEW YORK TOWN LAW SECTION 261

RESOLUTION NO. 19.02.25-3

MOTION:  Mr. Langley SECONDED: Mr. Douglass

WHEREAS pursuant to Section 801 of the Zoning Law Town of Peru, the Zoning Map may be amended, supplemented, or repealed, from time to time, by the Town Board of the Town of Peru on its own motion; and

WHEREAS on February 25, 2019 the Town Board adopted resolution 19.02.25-2 proposing to amend the zoning map as recommended, more specifically amending eight parcels from “commercial” to “neighborhood commercial,” by the Town of Peru Planning Board; and

WHEREAS the Town Board of Peru accepts the recommendation of the Town of Peru Planning Board; and

WHEREAS the Town Board of Peru wishes to take further action pursuant to section 801 of the Code of the Town of Peru to amend the zoning map; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board held a duly noticed public hearing on the application on January 14, 2019, pursuant to Motion by Mr. Irwin and seconded by Mr. Barber to consider the proposed amendment to the Zoning Map affecting the subject properties and providing all persons attending the meeting an opportunity to he heard; and

WHEREAS, on February 25, 2019, the Town Board of the Town of Peru, as Lead Agency, having conducted a coordinated SEQR review of the proposed action, and, as Lead Agency, considered the whole action, and found the proposed “Type I” action will not have a significant effect on the environment and issued a Negative Declaration for the project, pursuant to Resolution 19.02.25-2.

WHEREAS, the matter was referred to the Clinton County Planning Board who determined the matter to be a local issue by decision dated February 7, 2019; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of PERU, in regular session convened as follows:

Section 1: The Zoning Map dated January 7, 2019, adopted pursuant to resolution 19.02.25-2, more fully described and shown in Appendix A, is hereby amended to change eight parcels from “commercial” to “neighborhood commercial” as shown on the map depicted in Appendix B.

Section 2: The Zoning Map dated January 7, 2019, attached hereto as Appendix C is hereby adopted as the official “Zoning Map” of the Town of Peru, declared to the a part of the Zoning Ordinance and hereafter referred to as the Zoning Map, and when signed and sealed as described in Section 4 below, shall be the final authority as to the current zoning classification of any land within the Town of Peru, unless subsequently amended by resolution or local law.

Section 3: Appendices A, B and Care attached hereto and incorporated herein.

Section 4: The Town Clerk is hereby directed to permanently preserve a copy of the Zoning Map existing before the adoption of this resolution and to permanently preserve in the Town Clerk’s Office the official Zoning Map created pursuant to this resolution after it has been hand-signed and dated by the Town Supervisor of the Town of Peru.

Section 5: This Resolution shall take effect immediately and shall be dated February 25, 2019.

Roll Call:		YES	NO
	Richard Barber, Jr.	X
	James Douglass	X
	Mel Irwin	X
	James Langley Jr.	X
	Brandy McDonald	X

Carried:  5 Ayes 0 Nays

 SEWER COLLECTION  PROJECT  UPDATE

Mr. Tetrault stated aerial and elevation shots will be taken of Elm Street. No date set yet.

PLOW TRUCK   INSURANCE PAYMENT   UPDATE

Mr. Farrell stated check was received for plow truck. Mr. Farrell had hoped to save the “nose”  on the damaged plow truck but was not able too.

OTHER BUSINESS

Mr. Langley asked Mr. Tetrault about applicants and interviews for the water/sewer position. Mr. Tetrault stated there were over 50 applicants and has narrowed it down to 6-8 that would be qualified.  Interviews start February 28, 2019.

Mr. Tetrault stated the VAC Truck is done and working with Ed Garrow for transport back to Peru.

Mr. McDonald received a report from Clinton County Treasurer’s Office of monies paid to the town of Peru for the year 2018, totaling  $308,998.91.

Motion by Mr. Langley seconded by Mr. Douglass to accept February dog control report. 

PUBLIC COMMENTS on AGENDA ITEMS ONLY

Update on Washington St. Project.

  RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.02.25-4;

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

MOTION: Mr. Barber          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 late 2018 and February 2019:

From Town Of Peru Vouchers in late 2018:  #20181817 through and including #201801818

From Town Of Peru Vouchers in February 2019:  #201900100   through and including #201900214

Abstract dated 2/22/2019

For the dollar amount totaling: $160,306.49; of that, $14,460.19 was wired, credit cards and prepaid; and $145,846.30 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.

Roll Call:		YES	NO
	Richard Barber, Jr.	x
	James Douglass	x
	Mel Irwin	x
	James Langley	x
	Brandy McDonald	x

Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays

Motion by Mr. Langley, seconded by Mr. Barber to adjourn regular meeting at 8:05 PM for Executive Session to discuss personnel issues.

Motion by Mr. Douglass, seconded by Mr. Barber to return to regular meeting at 8:17 PM.

Motion by Mr. Douglass, seconded by Mr. Irwin to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:18 PM.  

Ayes 5 Nays 0 Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor  _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman

Source: North Country hospital gets new cardiac catheterization lab

Source: Watch: Jim Howard gets into a little camping trouble with “Teacher Tom” | NCPR News

Due to training, there will be NO car Wash Saturday, March 16th. We are sorry for any inconvenience.

MARCH 11, 2019 @ 7:00 PM

1. Call Meeting To Order

1. Pledge of Allegiance

1. Roll Call

1. MOTION:  Approval of Minutes for the Public Hearing and Town Board Regular Meetings of February 25, 2019

1. 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)

1. Community Input

1. DISCUSSION:  Main St. Project Update.

1. DISCUSSION:  Opening in the JCEO Office.

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

1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Declare Water Truck as Surplus and Release For Sale.

1. DISCUSSION:  Telegraph Road Culvert Update

1. DISCUSSION:  Sewer Collection Project Update.

1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approve/Pay Bill. 

1. DISCUSSION:  Other Business.

MOTION:     Adjourn

Source: 91% of Hamilton Co Lakes Studied Affected by Road Salt – – The Adirondack Almanack

At the United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. Annual Meeting and Recognition Dinner on Saturday, March 2nd, 2019, Edward Kirby was the recipient of the 35th Annual Dorothy & Alan Booth Distinguished Citizen Award.

Mr. Kirby is truly deserving of this most coveted award and he is one of the unsung heroes of our region. His service includes Boy Scouts of America, Plattsburgh Noon Rotary Club, Keeseville Elks, Clinton Masonic Charities, Oriental Shriner, SPARCC, American Legion, numerus Not-For-Profit Boards and he has also coached Basketball, Baseball and Soccer for the  area youth.   He has helped more people young and old than anyone can count and he is also highly dedicated to his family, friends and colleagues.   

Kirby blends in perfectly with the quality of past winners of this prestigious award.  His dedication to volunteerism and willingness to help improve the quality of life of others fits nicely with the legacy that Dorothy and Alan Booth provided this area.   He is someone who chooses to stay in the background and work hard to make the Adirondack Region a better place to live.  According to John Bernardi, CEO of United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc., “Kirby’s generosity, compassion and selflessness are a fine example for all of us and he is a person that we can all strive to be more like.”

Mr. Kirby is the General Manager of G. M. Collin Skin Care, in Plattsburgh, NY.

L-R John Bernardi, CEO of United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. and Edward Kirby

Source: PAFB legacy — tainted groundwater | News | pressrepublican.com

Source: New Frontier Town Campground Taking Reservations – – The Adirondack Almanack

PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Strand Center for the Arts is excited to announce Lorrie Morgan, will be performing at the Strand Center Theatre at 25 Brinkerhoff Street, Plattsburgh on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 @ 8 p.m.

Lorrie Morgan dominated the ‘90s with top-charting hits like “What Part Of No,” “Except For Monday,” “Five Minutes,” and “Watch Me,” and celebrates a career spanning four decades with over 8 million albums sold. A multiple Female Vocalist of The Year Award-Winner, she is the first female country star in history to have ever garnered three consecutive albums certified Platinum. Morgan has long been the envy of her peers for her lustrous vocal phrasing and the down-to-earth believability of her torchy performances. Her performances on Letting Go….Slow can match any of her earlier efforts, for they are among the most vibrant of her career. The collection is divided equally between new songs and her reinventions of country classics.

This one-night-only show will be at the Strand Center Theatre at 25 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh on  Tuesday, June 11, 2019 @ 8 p.m. Tickets prices, $40-65. The Strand Center for the Arts’ member discount applies.  The prices for all tickets increase $5 on the day of the show. All ticket sales, including service fees, are final and non-refundable.

For tickets and more information on this and upcoming events, exhibits, concerts, or classes happening at The Strand Center for the Arts, please call 518-563-1604 (ext. 105) 

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today reminded motorists of the dangers of drowsy driving as daylight saving time begins with clocks being set forward on Sunday, March 10, 2019, at 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. 

“Drowsy or fatigued driving can pose a serious risk to everyone on the road,” Governor Cuomo said. “As New Yorkers change their clocks on Sunday, I encourage all drivers to do their part by getting enough sleep before getting in the car as just a few seconds of inattention can lead to tragic results.”

When drowsy or fatigued, reaction time slows, judgment is impaired, and the risk of a crash increases. According to statistics from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research (ITSMR), “fatigue/drowsy driving” or “driver fell asleep” were factors in 2,337 fatal and personal injury police-reported crashes statewide in 2017. Preliminary figures from ITSMR for those same factors show 2,273 fatal and personal injury police-reported crashes statewide in 2018, a decline of over 2 percent.

According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), some people are more vulnerable to drowsy driving than others, such as young people, shift workers, commercial drivers, people with undiagnosed or untreated disorders, and business travelers. NSF data says young people ages 18-29 have the highest likelihood to drive while drowsy at 71 percent, ages 30-64 at 52 percent, and age 65 and older at 19 percent.

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 12^th 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.  The Board will also conduct their third budget workshop along with a community budget forum shortly after they reconvene at 7:00 PM. Anticipated additional topics include:

·         Strategic Planning Committee

·         Appointment of Personnel

·         Acceptance of Recent Donations

·         Nominations for CVES Board Seats

·         Smart Schools Investment Plan

The full Board agenda will be available on the District’s website [perucsd.org].

All are welcome.

Sherri Provost

Peru CSD

District Office

WEDNESDAY, March 13, 2019 @ 7:00 PM

TOWN OF PERU

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL of January 9, 2019 minutes.
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
6. APPLICATION:

1. 3-Lot Minor Subdivision with SEQR: P-2019-001 William & Thomas Everett

3-Lot Minor Subdivision

279.-2-43.1

Calkins Rd.

Peru, NY 12972

1. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS
2. CEO REPORT:
3. ADJOURNMENT

Our March 16 workshop, Gardening in a Changing Climate, will cover ways to cope with weather events by planning in advance. Last year we had a period of drought that forced many of us to choose what to water and what to let fend for itself. This is one example of conditions that make gardening more challenging. Let’s meet the challenge by using techniques that give our gardens the extra help they may need to thrive.

The workshop is held at the Cornell Cooperative Extension office, 6064 State Route 22, Suite 5, from 10:00 to noon. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. There is a $5 fee for this workshop. Contact Jolene Wallace at jmw442@cornell.edu or 518 561-7450 with questions or to register.

Source: State lawmakers can’t confirm Altona prison closure rumors | Local News | pressrepublican.com

T

PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Strand Center for the Arts is thrilled to announce that its Annual High School & Middle School Exhibition will be opening in the SCA Main Gallery at 23 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh.  The opening reception for this exhibition will be held Friday, April 5, 2019 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The exhibition will be on view from April 5 through April 26, 2019 and is free and open to the public. 

Yearly, The Strand Center for the Arts invites schools from Clinton, Essex, and Franklin Counties to participate in this juried show. Participating schools for the 2019 competition include Beekmantown Central School, Brushton Moira Central High School, Chazy Central Rural School, Plattsburgh Central School, Saranac Central School, and AuSable Valley Central School. 

Awards will be given to students in the media categories of drawing, painting, sculpture (3D), ceramics, mixed media, photography/design and printmaking. Jurors for the awards are well acquainted with the arts and include sculptor and educator, Logan Brody; painter, Marilyn Kretser; and photographer, William, “Willy” Price. 

The Annual High School & Middle School Exhibition will be opening in the SCA Main Gallery at 23 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh in April. The opening reception for this exhibition will be held Friday, April 5, 2019 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The exhibit will be on view at the SCA Main Gallery from April 5 through April 26, 2019 and is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m.  For more information on this and other events, please visit The Strand Center for the Arts website at www.strandcenter.org or email david.monette@strandcenter.org.

Source: Can this small North Country city reinvent itself? | NCPR News