The Peru Gazette

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The Peru Central School Board of Education will gather Thursday, April 4^th at 6 PM in the Jr/Sr High School Community Room for their fifth public session budget workshop.  At this workshop, the School Board is expected to:

• Review 2^nd draft expenditure and revenue plans
• Receive State Budget update

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

The meeting is open to all.

Sherri Provost

Peru CSD

District Office

Peru – Deputy Supervisor Jim Douglass is residing at Town Board meetings while Supervisor Brandy McDonald recovers from shoulder surgery.  At the Monday, March 25th meeting Douglass declared the long-awaited Main Street upgrade project “pretty much dead.” Instead of narrowing the northern portion of the street and planting trees, the Town is examining other ideas including paving the road leading to Hayworth-Mason Park.  Any proposal would have to be approved by the New York State Department of State which awarded the Town a $175,000 grant for the project. $150,000 has not been spent. Jim Douglass emphasized that he does not want to see Peru lose that money.

The project encountered a series of delays. When the contractor awarded the construction contract closed its doors and the New York Department of State refused to grant a waiver for its Minority/Women’s Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) requirements, momentum was shattered. Needless to say, some people are very disappointed with the outcome. The Peru Gazette will publish a story on the project’s goals and demise as soon as possible. 

Mike Hanlon Announces Retirement – Longtime Water-Sewer employee Mike Hanlon informed the Board that he is retiring effective March 29, 2019. Hanlon served the Town for 36.25 years. Jim Douglass commented, “I hate to see Mike go. He’s very handy. He took very little sick time. He’s been a good employee for the Town.” Highway Superintendent MIke Farrell said, “I also want to thank Mike. Whatever he did was done to perfection. An employee like him is impossible to replace. Plumbing, electrical, it doesn’t matter what it is he can do it. I personally thank him.” Department Superintendent Courtney Tetrault concurred adding, “Mike was a good employee.”  The Board will send an appreciation letter to Hanlon. Tetrault is conducting interviews to fill his position. 

Modernized Water-Sewer Billing – Beginning in April the Town will use its new computer software for water and sewer billing. Bills can be paid by credit card, although an extra 3.25% credit card convenience fee will be charged. Receptionist Judy Akey will also be able to scan the bills when people pay at the Town Hall. 

Dogs Licenses and Collections Increase – Dog Control Officer Mike Drollette reported that 27 new dogs have been licensed since January 1.  $725 in redemption fees were also collected. The total number of licensed dogs in Peru has increased form 258 to 578 since Drollette took the position. 

Facility Must be Found for Dangerous Dogs – The search continues for a facility to detain dangerous dogs taken into custody by the Town. A  Westport facility would charge a daily fee, plus medications. A Malone facility would charge a flat fee. The Board wanted more details especially when a dog must be confined for an extended period or until it can be formally adjudicated as being dangerous. Confidential Secretary Pam Barber will research the issue. 

Electronic Death Certificates – Town Clerk Dianne Miller announced that as of April 18, 2019 the Town will participate in New York State’s electronic death registry program. The Town Clerk issues a death certificate for all deaths occurring inside the boundaries of the Town fo Peru. 

Truck Sold – The Board accepted a $6,250 bid from Douglas Rushford for the Water/Sewer Department’s recently replaced 2008 Ford F250 pick-up.  The minimum bid was $5,000. There was one other bidder. 

Lukens Re-Appointed – Mark Lukens was reappointed to the Planning Board through December 2021. Lukens replaces Benjamin Wright who resigned. 

WEDNESDAY, April 10, 2019 @ 7:00 PM

TOWN OF PERU

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL of March 13, 2019 minutes.
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
6. APPLICATIONS:

1. 3-Lot Minor Subdivision with SEQR: P-2019-002 Chip Blair

3-Lot Minor Subdivision 

278.-1-1

306 Patent Rd.

Peru, NY 12972

2.  2-Lot Merge with SEQR: P-2019-003 Chip Blair

2-Lot Merge 

278.-1-1/278.-1-2.7

306 Patent Rd.

Peru, NY 12972

3.  3-Lot Minor Subdivision with SEQR: P-2019-004 Randall Whisher

3-Lot Minor Subdivision

3461 Rt. 9

Peru, NY 12972

4. 2-Lot Minor Subdivision with SEQR: P-2019-005 Paul Green

2-Lot Minor Subdivision

268.-1-44.1

Brand Hollow Rd.

Peru, NY 12972

7.  ANY FURTHER BUSINESS: Preliminary Site Plan Review – JW Congregation Support (Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses)

8. CEO REPORT:

9. ADJOURNMENT

Source: Plastic bag ban looks likely to be included in New York state budget – newyorkupstate.com

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that Smart Phases Inc. (DBA Novacab), a hybrid energy storage systems manufacturer headquartered near Montreal, Quebec, is expanding into Plattsburgh and plans to create 32 new jobs. The company’s plans to establish operations at the Plattsburgh International Airport campus further the transformation of the airport into a modern transportation and economic development hub, and support the region’s growing transportation cluster.

ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Novacab’s expansion reflects the state’s strategic investments at Plattsburgh International Airport and builds on our economic development efforts to attract new jobs and new businesses to the North Country.”

Novacab plans to invest $1.5 million to establish, equip and outfit a 30,000 square-foot manufacturing facility to produce hybrid thermal and electric energy storage units at the Plattsburgh International Airport. Read more »

Source: County lands Canadian company | Local News | pressrepublican.com

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Source: State police investigate death of Rouses Point woman – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Redevelopment of Pfizer property ongoing – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Measles in Rockland: State of emergency declared

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.

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