Source: McDonald to retire – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Local county clerks oppose ‘Green Light’ license law | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: 4 Essex County women facing welfare fraud charges | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Lake Champlain fishing tournament starts today | Local News | pressrepublican.com

By John T. Ryan

Supervisor Brandy McDonald said the Washington St. expansion is moving in the right direction. Two recent meetings betwen the Town and the developer made progress. DEC regulations, road and sidewalk width are at issue. After saying things are moving in the right direction, McDonald adjourned the meeting to enter executive session to discuss possible litigation involving the Washington St. development. 

Counselor Jim Douglass is working with Adele Douglas to find a way use grant monies from the stalled Main Street upgrade project.  The Board would like to use some of the monies to pave the road and add more parking at Heyworth-Mason Park. Replacing some Main Street sidewalks is also being discussed. 

The Board approved changing workmen’s compensation insurance providers the NYS Insurance Fund to the New York State Municipal Workmen’s Compensation Alliance.  The Insurance Fund had proposed a $13,000 increase. Changing providers will save the Town about $38,000 in the coming year. 

AES representative Brad Noviski brought the Board up to date on the sewer system upgrade project. He reported that the sewer pipes in the western portion of Elm Street will definitely have to be replaced.  He asked that the Board schedule a workshop soon to discuss outstanding issues.  

Keeseville Girl Scout Troop 2107 made a presentation on the dog-play device they will be installing at the Heyworth-Mason dog park next week. The Peru Gazette plans to be there when it happens. 

Clinton County Emergency Services Director Kelly Donahue asked Peru to change the name of Liberty Street because the Town of Saranac also has a road named Liberty Street which could result in confusion with emergency services. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell recommended not changing the name saying that with today’s technology there shouldn’t be any confusion. The Board concurred and did not agree to changing the name. 

Contract engineer Peter Gibbs is working on the permits and design for the damaged Patent Road culvert. It appears it may be winter before work can begin. 

Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetrault is looking into installing wire mesh screens in front of dugouts at Laphams Mills Park.  Six foot high chain link fencing was considered, but the cost would be very high. 

Muskrats have invaded the pond at Little Ausable River Park burrowing holes in the pond banks. The Town Water/Sewer/Parks Department has filled in the holes and graded the banks. The pond’s aerator has also burned out, but it should be repaired by the end of the week. The summer alge will be reduced by not eliminated. 

Several Highway Department trucks have serious maintenance issues. Superintendent Michael Farrell said computers must be used to do repairs meaning dealers must do most work.  He said he may recommend that trucks be replaced more frequently or that trucks be leased rather than purchased. 

A hole has developed on the Sullivan Rd near the Telegraph Street intersection. It’s related to the culvert that needs replacing. 

Pam Barber reports that the summer Little Ausable River Park Gazebo concerts begin this coming Sunday. They begin at 6 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. 

On July 8th the Water Department will be replacing valves in front of Pasquales Restaurant and on the Bear Swamp Rd. Water will be turned off and a boil water will be issued for a few hours. The work will be done during the overnight hours. 

The meeting adjourned at 8 p.m. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3BPdoMycXE&t=348s

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday, June 10, 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 Jr., Councilman; Mr. Matthew Favro, Town Attorney; Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk.  Also present Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent; Mr. Bob Guynup, Zoning Officer; Ms. Pamela Barber, Secretary to the Board: and Mr. Dave Drollette, Dog Control Officer.

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. Irwin to approve the minutes from the May 30, 2019 meeting.  

Ayes 4 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; JCEO  and Banking Reports).  JCEO was not submitted.

 Ayes 4   Nays 0 Motion Carried

Community Input and Questions

Mr. Bill Baggs asked for possible consideration from The Town to maintain cemetery on the corner of Jabez Allen Road and Sullivan Road. Mr. Favro stated due to the cemetery being on personal property, the owners and Town will need a legal agreement.

Set a Public Hearing Date for Rezoning of Dashnaw Road Property

The hearing date has not been set until Mr. Guynup and Mr. Favro have drawn a new map with separation of commercial and residential.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.06.10-01

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TOWN’S SLUDGE REMOVAL AGREEMENT WITH NEW ENGLAND WASTE SERVICES OF ME, INC. (DBA CASELLA ORGANICS) AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

Motion: Mr. Barber Second: Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, the Town Board has the agreement before it between the Town of Peru and NEWS of ME, Inc. for the removal of the Town’s Sewer Plant sludge at a base rate of $76.00 per wet ton of residuals removed 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: 4 Ayes 0 Nays

Youth Commission Background Checks

Mr. Favro is requesting all individuals including law enforcement and teachers to have background checks done. 

A total of 33 have been taken with a 100% positive return; 29 have been billed to the Town.

Sewer Collection Project Update

Mr. Tetrault stated there was no update or changes at this time.

NYS Comptroller Offers Seminar for Local Officials

A seminar is being held at the Town of Plattsburgh for all Local Officials on July 11, 2019.

Other Business

Mr. Guynup stated there was an increase in building permits and application for Stewart’s expected for July Planning Board meeting. He also stated that NYS DOT would not change the intersection signage/lighting for the new Stewart’s driveway opening.

Public Comments on Agenda Items Only

Peru resident John Ryan urged the Board to speak to NYS DOT regarding the issue of reconfiguring the intersection.

 RESOLUTION NUMBER:  19.06.10-02

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, bills and invoices for services rendered and goods provided to the Town in May/June 2019:

From Town of Peru Vouchers in the first part of June 2019; #201900710   through and including #201900758

Abstract dated 6/10/2019

For the dollar amount totaling: $75,674.58; of that, $10,951.19 was wired, credit cards and prepaid; and $64,723.39 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: 4 Ayes 0 Nays

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

Ayes 4 Nays 0 Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor  _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman

Plattsburgh – The military biographies of the fifteen veterans who flew to Washington D.C. on the June 22, 2019 North Country Honor Flight were memorable, often very stirring and humorous. Thank you to Honor Flight Operations Director Janet Duprey for providing them.

GERALD COOPER

Navy  1951-1955   Korea   EM-2  2^nd Class

Jerry was an electrician who served on the USS Glouster PF-22, a patrol frigate that escorted destroyers.  The ship was loaned to Russia during WWII and returned to the United States during the Korean War.  As the Korean War was winding down, the old ship was turned over to the new Japanese Navy.  Jerry also served on the USS Alvin C Cockrell DE-366.  In addition to his service in Japan, Jerry received credit for service in China and Korea.

ROGER CROWNINSHIELD

Army     1967-1970   Vietnam   SP4

In Vietnam Roger served as a medic in the operating room and said he still doesn’t like to talk about it.  As we can understand, he saw too many soldiers badly wounded and way too many die.  Roger said war is no good, but he said the Army had respectable medical schools and provided decent training to the medics. He also appreciates having the opportunity to visit other states such as Texas and foreign  countries, including Germany.  Overall Roger’s service was a good experience as he got to see other parts of the world.  

KENNETH DARRAH

Marines   1966-1969  Vietnam  Corporal 

In 1967 Ken was engaged in Operation Buffalo when a U.S. plane dropped a bomb on them.  He was standing closest to the bomb but never got a scratch.  Tragically 49 Marines were killed that day.  Ken said it was the most terrified he was during his time in Vietnam where he participated in over 30 operations.  He was a rifleman and a Team Leader in and around Quang Tri Provence.  Ken received 2 Purple Hearts for wounds suffered during his service in Vietnam.

DAVID DEFAYETTE
Navy(SeaBees) 1958-1963 Vietnam E-5
After being stationed on two transport ships the USS Missile and USS Gaffey, Dave was assigned to the Mobile Construction Battalion 3 during his time in Okinawa and Thailand. An engineer and builder by trade, he helped construct a MAG 16 for Marines to land helicopters and beach craft. His son was actually stationed there 26 years later!
He was instrumental in building housing on Guam for Clark Air Force Base. Later they constructed a base in Thailand where he worked with 20 men & 20 women who spoke no English. David says he wouldn’t trade his 4 years of service for anything in the world. 

ROWLAND FOURNIER

Army 1951-1953 Korea  Private 1^st Class

Rowland served with the 485^th Engineer Battalion and the 682^nd Engineer Division.  He drove truck and was trained in demolitions: how to cut enemy railroad tracks and dig up roads so enemy troops couldn’t get through. 

He was stationed in Fort Rucker, Alabama where the barracks were just a frame on the outside with nothing on the inside.  He was deployed to Germany and found barracks that were finished off, hardwood floors and very good food.  

Rowland will soon be 90 and he still splits his own wood although he said he uses a splitter now!   

KENNETH  HINTZ

Air Force   1961-1965   Cold War  Airman First Class

Ken spent all his years of service at Plattsburgh Air Force Base with the 380^th Civil Engineering Squadron. As a power technician, he was assigned to local missile sites. When the Cuban crisis was starting up, none of the missile sites were ready.  He was impressed the civilian contractors were able to get 4 sites completed and almost all the sites were done by the end of the crisis.  Ken clearly remembers the day President Kennedy was shot and they were all called back to the Base on alert.  

MICHAEL HORNE

Air Force   1965-1985    Vietnam   Master Sergeant E-7

Michael arrived in Vietnam just after the TET offensive.  He worked as a specialist operating Navigational Aid equipment assisting planes to take off, land and to locate them while in the air.  The VietCong blew up Michael’s NAV equipment but he still extended his tour and re-enlisted to get his tax-free bonus.  After retirement he joined U.S. Customs.  During 20 years in the Air Force he was shot at once; during 15 years with Customs he was shot at twice.   

SHANE LLOYD

Navy     1960-1983    Vietnam    E-7 

Shane worked in Personnel and took photos for 18 years.  His first ship landed at Waikiki Beach where he said there were lots of beautiful women!  He spent a year in Vietnam aboard the USS Fort Marion and he was deployed to Alaska. Shane met his wife Valerie at a party in Arizona as she greeted him with a “Hi Sailor”.  They have 7 children and Shane said every time he went on a ship he got a letter from Valerie saying ‘guess what’.  Shane retired after 23 years of service.

LEON MENARD

Army    1965-1967    Vietnam   Staff Sergeant E-7

Leon was a crane operator who handled a 100 ton crane on a barge derrick on water.  The hook on the crane was 14 tons.  They were shot at often but he feels it was to agitate them as nobody got hit.  Leon was the first in his battalion to make E-5.  Later the Captain turned down a move from E-5 to E-7 but the Colonel gave him the promotion.  After working all night, they awoke him one morning as Tiny Hare from WIRY was there to interview him.  Leon said it was nice to see someone from home. 

WINSTON NORCROSS

Army Air Corps 1944-1946   WWII   Private First Class

Winnie enlisted in the Army Air Corps as a high school senior.  As the War was winding down his chance to become a pilot was cancelled.  Assigned to the 393^rd Bombardment Squadron he was part of  Crossroads Project in Arizona where bombs were tested.  He then went to Marshall Islands as a tail gunner on a B-17 doing search and rescue.  Winnie said he was only shot at once when he and a couple of buddies tried to steal watermelons and the farmer shot at them!   

Also want to recognize Winnie’s son Guardian James Norcross, Air Force, 1969-1973, Vietnam Veteran.

GORDON QUINCEY

Navy     1949-1953    Korea   Petty Officer, Second Class

At 17 years old Gordon discovered he was too young to be a pilot so he served as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate at the Naval Aviation Ordinance Test Station in Chincoteague, VA.  He did get to fly quite a bit on the P5Ms but he never put foot aboard a ship!  He was the youngest petty officer in his squadron in Norfolk, VA.  He met his wife and decided to end his military career. Shirley told me they’ve been married 65 years. 

ROBERT RACETTE

Air Force   1948-1952   Korea  

Staff Sergeant 

Bob was a tail gunner and the smallest guy on his bomber crew. He was the only one small enough to fit into the tailgate of the B-29 plane.  Bob had a total of 47 missions.  One day as the plane cleared the Japan coast, the plane developed engine problems.  The pilot turned around and they all bailed out into a rice patty.  Villagers gave them food and shelter until the Air Force came to their rescue.  Glad you made it back safely Bob.  

WILLIAM RICHARDS

Air Force   1951-1954  Korea   

Staff Sergeant

William was a member of the Air Force Police and never served on a base with planes.  He was assigned to Wright Patterson Air Base in Ohio but never went there.  Instead he found himself in California.  He spent his years of service in high security and to this day he will not talk about his job or the name of the base where he was stationed.  

DONALD WOOD

Air Force    1963-1985  Vietnam  

Chief Master Sergeant

When Don joined the Air Force he was supposed to be stationed in Vietnam. At the last minute his orders were changed to Thailand where he served 2 tours of duty.  He thinks that was probably a good swap. Don worked as a Bomb Loader, loading, unloading, and positioning munitions on aircraft.  The Air Force brought him and his family to Plattsburgh and he retired here after 23 years of service.  His wife Jean passed away in 2018, but he still enjoys visiting his children in Florida every winter.  

WEDNESDAY, July 10, 2019 @ 7:00 PM

TOWN OF PERU

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL of June 12, 2019 minutes.
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
6. APPLICATIONS:

1. 2-Lot Merge with SEQR: P-2019-016 Dr. Driss Hassam

2-Lot Merge 

258.-2-43/258.-2-42

8 Coastland Dr.

Plattsburgh, NY 12901

2.  Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2019-017 Gregory Johnson

Site Plan Review – for a freestanding sign

293.-1-27

3003 Rt. 9

Peru, NY 12972

3.  2-Lot Minor Subdivision with SEQR: P-2019-018 Quaker Springs, Inc. 

2-Lot Minor Subdivision

279.-5-1.2

Mannix Rd.

Peru, NY 12972

Source: New speeds, new rules | Local News | pressrepublican.com

The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold a brief special meeting at 7:15 AM on Tuesday, June 25th in the MS/HS Community Room.  The full agenda will be available on the district’s website.  All are welcome.

Source: Firefighters honored with full week – Sun Community News & Printing

By John T. Ryan

June 22, 2019 Plattsburgh – Fifteen World War II, Korea, Korean Era and Vietnam vets are traveling to Washington D.C. today thanks to the North Country Honor Flight.

Today’s honorees are: Gerald Cooper, Roger Crowningshield, David DeFayette, John Delfosse, Kenneth Darrah, Rowland Fournier, Kenneth Hintz, Michael Horne, Shane Lloyd, Leon Menard, Winston Norcross, Gordon Quincey, Robert Racette, William Richards and Donald Wood.

Here are photos of this morning’s ceremonies at the U.S. Oval and Clinton County Airport.

Click here to view Peru Gazette photos of today’s Honor Flight Ceremonies 

One of the highlights of each North Country Honor Flight Ceremony is Morrisonville Elementary School Chorus’s performance of their original song “Red While and Blue.” The chorus is directed by Heidi Glover. They performed at today’s June 22, 1019 ceremony.

Source: Parking nixed on Route 73 – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Senate identifies ‘pork’ projects for members – Capitol Confidential

Source: New York lawmakers abandon solitary confinement reforms, scrap automatic voter registration as they barrel to end of legislative session – New York Daily News

Source: NY lawmakers pass adoption bill championed by Pam Hunter, ending decades of secrecy – syracuse.com

River Impassable Due to Low Water Levels – Result of Vandals Opening Sluice Gate on Lower Locks

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that it has closed the Saranac River to boating between the Lower Lock and Second Pond Boat Launch because of extremely low water levels that make this section of the river impassable.

The low water levels are result of vandals breaking into the controls for the sluice gate overnight and fully opening it. The sluice gate was further damaged and cannot be immediately closed. DEC is working to repair and close the gate and will provide notice when repairs are complete and water levels have risen enough to reopen this section of the Saranac River to boating.

DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers are investigating this incident and ask that members of the public with information about the act of vandalism contact 518-897-1326.

From the office of State Senator Betty Little

A bill to provide legal clarity for the removal of disruptive campground guests received final legislative approval in the State Senate on Wednesday, June 19.

Source: Clinton County to host haz mat day | Opinion | pressrepublican.com

From the NYS DEC

The final Saranac Lakes Wild Forest Management Plan outlining plans to improve opportunities for outdoor recreation on the lands and waters in the northern Adirondacks was recently issued, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today.

“Implementing this new management plan for the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest will significantly improve outdoor recreational opportunities for the public,” said Commissioner Seggos. “When completed, the plan’s improvements will allow the public to experience this wild forest in a manner that preserves the unique resources of these ecologically important areas while providing easy access to nearby community amenities.”

The Saranac Lakes Wild Forest is comprised of 75,000 acres of Forest Preserve lands and 19,600 acres of lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds located in the towns of Santa Clara, Brighton, Tupper Lake, Harrietstown, and Franklin in Franklin County and the towns of St. Armand and North Elba in Essex County. Three of the largest population centers in the Adirondack Park-the villages of Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, and Lake Placid-are within the general boundaries of the unit.

The waterways of the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest are plentiful, making the area a popular destination for boaters, paddlers, anglers, and campers. Biking and hiking are popular outdoor activities in the summer and cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are popular in the winter.

Boating

The management plan allows motorboats to continue to use all waters currently available for motorboating. However, to address the public’s desire for “quiet waters” for paddlers, there will be horsepower limits on several waterbodies, motor boat speed limits will be enacted on Weller Pond, and DEC will increase efforts to enforce motor boat speed limits on the Raquette River.

DEC seeks to preserve some traditional access while complying with the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan (APSLMP). Although directly launching boats from trailers will be prohibited at most fishing and waterway access sites, trailers will be able to approach the water’s edge to launch boats at some sites.

Camping

DEC will close 60 campsites in the wild forest and construct 59 new campsites to comply with the APSLMP’s 0.25-mile separation distance between designated tent sites. Closures will also help to revitalize various tent sites. New tent sites will be constructed before current tent sites are closed.

To comply with the APSLMP’s 0.25-mile separation distance between campsites, DEC will also close 17 roadside campsites, reduce access to two campsites, and construct 13 new campsites in the unit. Little Green Pond will have three roadside campsites, Hoel Pond will have one roadside campsite, and Floodwood Road will have 15 roadside campsites and two campsites without direct access.

In the Saranac Lake Islands Campground, DEC will expand campground regulations to include the campsites on Middle Saranac Lake and Weller Pond. DEC will also construct four new campsites to bring the total to 91 campsites and relocate 14 campsites to comply with APSLMP minimum separation distance of 500 feet. The campground will develop a program to address heavily used and significantly impacted campsites.

Trails

New trail systems are proposed near the communities of Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, and Tupper Lake, which will provide additional opportunities for the public to enjoy the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest. Plans include constructing 38 miles of new trails for non-motorized use, of which 35 miles will be built for mountain bike use.

Significant acreages that lack developed trails help protect wildlife habitat and provide unique recreational opportunities. The final management plan will maintain 7,400 acres south of Forest Home Road as trail-less. Herd paths may remain, but formal trails will not be built or maintained.

Snowmobile trails will follow DEC’s Management Guidance for Snowmobile Trail Siting, Construction, and Maintenance on Forest Preserve Lands in the Adirondack Park. Plans include constructing two miles of new snowmobile trail and closing 15 miles of existing snowmobile trail due to location or limited use.

Governor Cuomo and DEC are committed to providing quality outdoor recreational experiences on Adirondack Forest Preserve lands and improving the Adirondack economy while continuing to protect the vast and precious natural resources of the region. The final Saranac Lakes Wild Forest Unit Management Plan is available to view and download (PDF) on DEC’s website.

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. – Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, and Vermont, is pleased to announce that it has raised over $400,000 for the 26^th Annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Campaign.  Since 1993 Tops has raised over $12 million dollars for the cause with Tops fund-raising efforts putting the company in the top 10 fund-raisers in the country for many years.

This year Tops Annual Spring JDRF Sneaker Campaign began Sunday, April 14 and ran through Saturday, May 4, 2019.  Across the chain associates additionally participated in recent walks in Buffalo, Rochester, and in Lake George, NY.  They will also be participating in the JDRF walk in Syracuse in September 2019.

Every year the goal of the campaign is to raise money and awareness to help fund research to help find a cure for Type 1 diabetes.  The paper sneaker, which was designed by a Tops associate back in 1993 and is now widely used nationally as well as internally in JDRF fundraising campaigns, will be sold at Tops registers for a $1.00 donation.  

“At Tops we believe in assisting our fellow neighbors in need,” said Frank Curci, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer for Tops Friendly Markets. “We are committed to supporting JDRF in their mission to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications.”

Source: Pets can get Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, too | NCPR News