The Peru Gazette

From the office of Congresswoman elise Stefanik

Bipartisan Group of Northern Border Caucus Co-Chairs & Members Call for Approval of Border Staffing Increase Included in 2020 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill

House of Representatives Northern Border Caucus Co-Chairs Congressmembers Brian Higgins (D-NY-26) & Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) released a letter sent to House appropriation leaders supporting the addition of 1,846 new positions within Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including 1,200 CBP officers.

CBP employs almost 45,000 law enforcement personnel across three divisions that cover U.S. ports, borders, air, maritime and overseas operations.  The letter led by Higgins and Stefanik and signed by fellow Northern Border Caucus members Reps.  Kelly Armstrong (R-ND-At-large), Collin Peterson (D-MN-7), Peter Welch (D-VT-At-large), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-8) and Daniel Kildee (D-MI-5), notes “current staffing levels fail to address the growing demands of travel and trade at our ports-of-entry.”

Last month members of the Northern Border Caucus released a bipartisan letter opposing U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to transfer CBP officers stationed along the Northern Border and U.S. airports to posts at the southern border, concerned that, “The decision to deploy northern border CBP officers to the southern border makes it increasingly more difficult for the agency to meet their core mission requirements at the border which include effectively securing U.S. points of entry and safeguarding and streamlining lawful trade and travel.”

In their new letter to Appropriators, Caucus Members say, “Enactment of the funding increase in the FY 2020 Homeland Security Appropriations bill for additional CBP Office of Field Operation’s (OFO) personnel will alleviate the need for these transfers in the long term and limit the excessive overtime that results from being understaffed.”

The Appropriations Committee FY 2020 Homeland Security funding bill includes $151 million to fill 1,846 new CBP positions including $91 million specifically for the CBP officers.  This represents a significant increase over the 267 new CBP positions proposed in the White House budget.

At 5,525 miles, the northern border represents the longest international land boundary in the world. Approximately 400,000 people and over $1.6 billion in goods cross the northern border daily through more than 120 ports of entry.

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Thursday, May 30, 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 7:02 PM by Mr. McDonald, with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Motion by Mr. Langley; seconded by Mr. Douglass to approve the minutes from the May 13, 2019 Public Hearing.  

Ayes 5 Nays 0 Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Barber; seconded by Mr. Irwin to approve the minutes from May 13, 2019 regular meeting.

Ayes 5 Nays 0                                                                         Motion Carried             

Community Input and Questions

Mr. Ryan asked about Washington Street DEC stop work order. Mr. McDonald stated Mr. Sawyer, Mr. Lashway and the architects met with DEC official and until the requirements are met the stop order will continue. Mr. Guynup and Mr. McDonald were also present.

RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Set a Public Hearing Date for Rezoning of Dashnaw Road Property

Motion by Mr. Douglass; seconded by Mr. Irwin to table resolution/discussion on recommendation from Mr. Favro.

Town Hall Door Security Quotes

Quotes were received for exterior and interior doors. Mr. McDonald did not expect them to be as costly.  Ms. Barber stated a control panel would be installed. Initial installation of the control panel will control both exterior and interior regardless if only decided to do exterior and interior 

at a later date.  

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.05.30-01 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF WAYNE WELLS AS A HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT MOTOR EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I.

Motion by:  Mr. Irwin                                     Second by: Mr. Barber

WHEREAS, the Town Board has agreed that a new permanent Motor Equipment Operator necessary for the effective operation of the Peru Town Highway Department following the recommendation of Town Highway Superintendent, Michael Farrell, 

BE IT

RESOLVED, Wayne Wells be hired as an a full time MEO for the Town of Peru at an 

hourly rate of pay to be $17.05, with a start date to be determined.

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Carried:

Ayes 5    Nays 0

Patent Road Culvert

Mr. Farrell stated a rough quote for repair is $ 250,000. A BAN or Bond will be needed to cover expense.

Mr. Langley commented possibly grants thru the state may be available.  Mr. McDonald was going to reach out to Assemblyman Billy Jones.

Sewer Collection Project Update

Mr. Tetrault stated all surveying is done.

A Slip liner would need to be larger than existing pipe on Elm Street for it to be used but the pipe has too many sags in it.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.05.30-02

A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE CONTRACT FROM TEDFORD CONSULTING FOR SUBMITTING A WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (WQIP) GRANT APPLICATION 

MOTION BY:  Mr. Langley                                 SECOND BY:  Mr. Douglass

WHEREAS, the Town of Peru has determined that the Peru Wastewater Treatment Plant Project needs to move forward to install Effluent Disinfection as required by NYS DEC correspondence of February 2019;

AND, WHEREAS, the Town recognizes that consultation services to the Town of Peru for the purposes of preparing and submitting a Water Quality Improvement Program (WQIP)Grant application for the  perpetration of funding applications and documentation, will move the project forward; 

AND, WHEREAS, Liz Tedford Consulting has proposed to complete portions of the above work for a rate of $75.00 per hour, not to exceed 40 hours at a cost of $3,000.00 as set forth in the Project Budget for Fiscal Coordination; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board accepts the contract from Liz Tedford, of Tedford Consulting for the above referenced work.

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Carried:

Ayes 5 Nays 0

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.05.30-03

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TOWN’S SHORT FORM AGREEMENT FOR  THE AES PROJECT #4761 WITH AES NORTHEAST, PLLC FOR DEVELOPING AN ENGINEERING PLANNING GRANT REPORT FOR THE DISINFECTION FOR THE TOWN’S VALCOUR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

MOTION: Mr. Barber SECOND: Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, the Town Board has the Short Form Agreement between the Town of Peru and AES Northeast for developing an Engineering Planning Grant report for lump sum amount of $24,750.00.

AND WHEREAS, the Engineer shall complete its services within the specific time period of 18 months from owner execution of agreement.

AND WHEREAS, the report will focus on the detailing the disinfection design that will be used to comply with the final effluent limitations for fecal coliform and total residual chlorine,

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.

Carried:

Ayes 5 Nays 0

Other Business

Mr. Farrell he and the highway crew are prepared to start paving. Mowing is on hold until the grounds dry up.

Mr. Barber stated a portion at the Lapham Mills fields has 8” water, girls softball will be played at the dry fields and the boys baseball will be played in South Plattsburgh for opening day.

Mr. Douglass received a phone call about a possible painted crosswalk on Holden Ave. for the safety of children crossing. 

Public Comments on Agenda Items Only

Mr. Ryan questioned the cost of the Patent Road culvert. Mr. Farrell stated due to the water going into a protected stream certain requirements are necessary.

RESOLUTION NUMBER:  19.05.30-04

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

MOTION: Mr. Douglass                                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 the second part of May 2019:

From Town Of Peru Vouchers in May 2019:  #201900603   through and including #201900709

Abstract dated 5/30/2019

For the dollar amount totaling: $184.441.49; $184,107.83 from Accounts Payable and $333.66 from Payroll Account, 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:

Ayes5 Nays 0

Motion by Mr. Langley; seconded by Mr. Barber to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:55 PM.  

Ayes 5 Nays 0 Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor  _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman

_________________________ Councilman

Source: Did Her Independence Sink APA Acting Chair Feldman? – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: 12th Annual Adirondack Coast Museums Weekend – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: 40 Years of Employment Trends in the Adirondacks – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: Weekend Ideas: June 8 and 9, 2019 | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly board meeting on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at 6:00 PM in the school district’s Community Room, adjacent to the main entrance of Peru Jr/Sr High School.  It is anticipated that an executive session and brief recess will take place immediately following the 6:00 PM start, and that the school board will reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:15 PM.  Anticipated topics include:

• Recognition of Arts & Music Programs
• Recognition of retirees
• E-cig presentation by CVFC
• Appointment of personnel
• Spring sports review
• Code of Conduct
• Donation acceptance
• Annual Budget/Election results
• SEQR/$100,000 Capital Outlay Project
• Bond Resolution regarding school transportation vehicles

The full agenda will be available at www.perucsd.org
All are welcome.

“I do not support the Assembly’s Green Light bill, which would reward undocumented immigrants with state driver’s licenses (A.3675-A). I’ve heard from people all over my district who are opposed to this bill. As we enter the remaining weeks of the 2019 legislative session, it is more important than ever to fight for legislation that puts the North Country’s needs front and center. Extending driver’s licenses to undocumented New Yorkers won’t solve the problems our communities face – that’s why I’m voting no on this bill.”

1. Call Meeting To Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION:  Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meetings of May 30, 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

RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Set a Public Hearing Date for Rezoning of Dashnaw Road Property

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval of Casella Organics Residuals Management Service Agreement 

8. DISCUSSION:  Youth Commission Background Checks. 

9. DISCUSSION:  Sewer Collection Project Update.

10. DISCUSSION:  NYS Comptroller Offers Seminar for Local Officials.

11. DISCUSSION:  Other Business. 

12. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

13. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay Bills

MOTION:     Adjourn

From the office of Assemblyman Billy Jones

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) is inviting North Country children to participate in his third Summer Reading Challenge, which kicks off in July. The event, held in partnership with New York State libraries and local schools, encourages children to use their summer leisure time to build upon and strengthen the reading skills they’ve learned throughout the school year.

“As a dad, I love to see my daughter enjoying a good book, and I want other kids across the North Country to know the joys of reading as well,” Jones said. “When we pick up a book, we’re doing so much more than just reading words on a page – we’re exploring new worlds and expanding our minds. Learning reaches far beyond the classroom, and summer is the perfect time for kids to discover new authors and genres that pique their interests.”

This year’s theme is “A Universe of Stories” and encourages young readers to explore tales of science and space, as well as learn about the world around them with STEM-related activities. Kids who complete the challenge will be awarded an Assembly Excellence in Reading certificate in recognition of their efforts.

Children are asked to read a book for a minimum of 15 minutes a day for at least 40 days during July and August. They can read on their own or with a partner or caregiver and mark days off on a calendar provided by Jones’ office. Once they’ve completed 40 days or more, they can submit the calendar to Jones’ office and receive their certificate in the mail. Jones will be distributing materials to local schools so every young reader has a chance to participate. Jones also noted that this is a perfect time to explore the resources at North Country libraries, which have numerous activities for kids and offer a vast amount of books to check out.

For more information on the 2019 Summer Reading Challenge or where to access the materials, contact Assemblyman Jones’ office at 518-562-1986 or JonesB@nyassembly.gov.

Source: It’s already a “really, really bad” year for ticks in Upstate NY – syracuse.com

Peru 8th graders Ashton Seymour and Jack Hanson have qualified for the NYS national freestyle/ Greco Roman schoolboy Wrestling dual meet nationals taking place next Wednesday Thur Sunday in Indianapolis Indiana. Ashton will represent NYS at 97 lbs and Jack 165 lbs. Our boys will be competing against other states national teams in a series of dual meets. Then in July sophomore Zach Swyers will be representing NYS in the cadet 15-16 year old division at the individual national championships in Fargo North Dakota. Zach is the 160 lb. Cadet NYS freestyle and Greco state championships in 2019!!

Source: Davis announces Senate bid – Sun Community News & Printing

Contest Runs June 17 through July 8

Following the success of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) statewide photo contest for women hunters, DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the second phase of the “WomenHuntFishNY” contest to celebrate women anglers in the state. The contest officially opens on Monday, June 17, and continues through July 8, 2019.

“Women are an underrepresented, yet growing segment of New York State’s angling public, and we want to highlight them in action,” said Commissioner Seggos. “Collecting and sharing photos of these female anglers-of all ages and abilities-will inspire women and girls to get outside and cast a line.”

Women who fish in New York State are encouraged to share their photos by emailing womenhuntfishny@dec.ny.gov. DEC welcomes photos of all aspects of safe, legal, and ethical fishing. Contest categories include:

• Freshwater fishing
• Saltwater Fishing
• Ice Fishing
• Youth (girls) fishing
• Mothers and Children/Multi-Generational
• Action shots (Casting, reeling, or landing the big one!)

To be considered in the contest, photos must depict women fishing in New York State. Fishing photos entered in DEC’s fall WomenHuntFishNY hunting photo contest will automatically be entered for consideration. Participants are strongly encouraged to include a sentence to describe their image or experience.

The deadline for contest entries is Monday, July 8. However, sportsmen and women are encouraged to share photos with DEC any time of year. All submissions will become property of DEC to be used in promotions and outreach. Winning entries will be featured on DEC’s website, social media posts, marketing campaigns, print products, and future outreach to inspire future generations of female anglers.

To view more photos that were entered in the 2018 “WomenHuntFishNY” statewide photo contest, visit DEC’s photo album (leaves DEC website).

Nathan Brault

Peru – A stop today at the Peru Dock along Route 9 yielded an interesting story. Nathan Brault, a 2016 Peru High School graduate and SUNY Canton engineering student, was there working at his summer job – discovering and removing invasive species on boats and trailers entering and leaving Lake Champlain. 

Nathan is employed by the Paul Smiths College Adirondack Watershed Institute. In 2018 New York State awarded the Institute a five-year $9.3 million grant to implement the Adirondack Park Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program. This summer fifty-eight lake stewards will be working at dozens of locations throughout the Adirondack Park. 

Nathan said inspections are voluntary and power washing is free of charge. He explained, “We usually find the species on trailers rather than the boats. They can also be found on fishing poles that have been used for shallow water fishing and on fish lines.”

While Nathan is concerned about invasive species entering Lake Champlain, he’s even more concerned about them leaving Lake Champlain. He explained, “Lake Champlain and Lake George are the only two lakes in the Adirondacks that have more than five invasive species. We want to keep these invasive species from spreading to the many pristine lakes in the Adirondack Park.” 

Nathan has an iPad to record data such as what body of water the fisherman has visited. When he detects an invasive species he records the names of the bodies of water the fisherman visited. He said bass fishing enthusiasts come from vast distances to fish Lake Champlain. They could be coming from Atlantic Ocean, the Hudson River, the St. Lawrence River and other waters. 

Nathan Brault loves this summer job at the Peru Boat Dock. He’s very aware that what he’s doing is important to our region’s ecology and economy. 

By John T. Ryan

Replacement of the sinking Patent Road culvert has been estimated to cost at least $250,000. An 8 ft. or 10 ft. wide box culvert will have to be installed to meet U.S Army Corp of Engineer requirements for a fish stream. The work will have to be contracted out. The possibility of acquiring some state aid is being explored. A bond will have to be issued to finance the work.

NYS has notified Peru that the sewage treatment plant will have to install disinfection equipment no later than 2024. The Board authorized hiring Tedford Consulting of Saranac to research grants at a cost not to exceed $3,000.  

Supervisor Brandy McDonald said a meeting between Washington Street developer Bill Sawyer and DEC officials went well. DEC has cited Sawyer for eight permit violations and ordered construction to cease pending correction of the violations. Issues between the Town and Sawyer regarding shoulder and sidewalk width have not been resolved. 

The Board agreed to a $24,750, 18-month agreement with AES Engineering to develop a plan to upgrade the Valcour sewage treatment facility. The plan is necessary prior to applying for a grant to help fund the project.  If the grant is awarded the Town would be reimbursed for the $24,750. 

The Board hired Wayne Wells as a Highway Department Motor Eqipment Operator (MEO) at a pay rate of $17.05 an hour. Wells has a Class A drivers license, but does not have snowplow experience. 

Counselor Rick Barber reported that Laphams Mill Park has been inundated by the nearly daily rainfall.  There has been up to 8 inches of standing water in some places. Two fields are open, but two are not usable. Some teams will be playing games in South Plattsburgh. Very few practices have been held. Courtney Tetrault said he is attempting to reduce damage to the fields by renting lighter weight lawn mowers. 

Construction on the first of four fourplex Davey Drive apartments has begun.  Water lines are being installed and should go online in the next few days. 

Most Youth Commission volunteers have taken and passed the online background check. A few people have not taken the check.  

Paving and culvert replacement projects are being delayed by the constant rainfall. 

Counselor Melvin Irwin brought up the possibility of conducting a survey to determine exactly what Peru residents expect from town government and its leaders. 

NYS Police have issued many speeding tickets along the Bear Swamp Rd. 

Counselor James Langley asked about the possibility of painting a crosswalk at the Holden Ave. – School Street intersection. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said students ignore the Jenkins Street crosswalk. Langley said some people drive much too fast on School Street. 

Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Free Admission

The Adirondack Coast Cultural Alliance (ACCA) hosts the 12^th Annual Museum Days Weekend throughout Clinton County on June 15-16, 2019, inviting visitors and residents to explore the area’s wealth of museums, galleries and cultural organizations. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, participating locations will offer free admission, including demonstrations, tours, exhibits, hands-on activities and more.

This year’s event coincides with the first of two New York State “Path Through History” Weekends in 2019. The full Museum Days Weekend schedule will be published in the Plattsburgh Press Republican and on the Adirondack Coast Cultural Alliance web site and Facebook page.

16 Participating Museums:

Alice T. Miner Museum, Chazy

Anderson Falls Heritage Society Museum, Keeseville

Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum, Peru

Battle of Plattsburgh Association War of 1812 Museum, Plattsburgh*

Kids’ Station Children’s Museum, Plattsburgh*

Clinton County Historical Association Museum, Plattsburgh (Open Saturday only)*

Dannemora Village Museum, Dannemora

Heart’s Delight Farm Heritage Center, Chazy

Kent-Delord House Museum, Plattsburgh

Lyon Mountain Mining and Railroad Museum, Lyon Mountain

Northern NY American-Canadian Genealogical Society, Dannemora

North Star Underground Railroad Museum, Au Sable Chasm

Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum, Plattsburgh*

Plattsburgh Memorial Chapel, Plattsburgh (Open Sunday only)*

Plattsburgh State Art Museum, SUNY Plattsburgh

Rouses Point History Welcome Center, Rouses Point

*Located on the Old Base Museum Campus (Former Plattsburgh Air Force Base) adjacent to the Clyde Lewis Air Park featuring the FB-111 and B-47 planes.

Source: Pope Francis names Father Douglas J. Lucia as new Bishop of Syracuse | The Catholic Sun

Peru L-R St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Keith Kemp presents Council 7273’s Family of the Year Award to Judy and Bob Akey. Bob, Judy, daughters Dorina and Sarah and their families are participants in a multitude of parish and/or council activities. The Family of the Year plaque quoted 2 Corinthians 9:7: “God loves a cheerful giver.” The Akeys are joyful givers.

Source: SUNY Plattsburgh vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion chosen – Sun Community News & Printing

AGENDA – TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING

MAY 30, 2019 @ 7:00 PM

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION:  Approval of Minutes for the Public Hearing of May 13, 2019.

5. MOTION:  Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meeting of May 13, 2019.

6. Community Input

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Set a Public Hearing Date for Rezoning of Dashnaw Road Property.

8. DISCUSSION/MOTION:  Town Hall Door Security Quotes

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Hiring of Wayne Wells as New Highway Dept. MEO.

10. DISCUSSION:  Patent Road Culvert

11. DISCUSSION:  Sewer Collection Project Update. 

12. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  WQIP (Water Quality Improvement Program) Application Contract.

13. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Valcour WWTP EPG Engineering Agreement with AES.

14. DISCUSSION:  Other Business.

15. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only. 

16. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Approve/Pay Bills.