The Peru Gazette

Source: Fire badly damage Henry’s Pools in Plattsburgh | News | pressrepublican.com

The musical Newsies will be presented by Peru Drama Club at the Peru Jr/Sr High Auditorium on March 7th and 8th at 7:30 PM and March 9th at 2:00 and 7:30 PM.

Now is the time to seize the day! Jack Kelly dreams of living in Santa Fe, but he’s stuck selling papers in New York City under the authority of manipulative publisher Joseph Pulitzer. When Pulitzer unfairly raises the price of papers, Jack and his fellow newsboys take a stand with the help of reporter Katherine Plumber. Based on the true story of the Newsboy Strike of 1899, this family-friendly musical will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat!

Newsies will be presented by Peru Drama Club at the Peru Jr/Sr High Auditorium on March 7th and 8th at 7:30 PM and March 9th at 2:00 and 7:30 PM. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Tickets are available at Kinney’s in Peru, online at http://perucsd.seatyourself.biz, or by calling (518) 551-0811.

From the Office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik introduced the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Harassment Act along with Rep. Cheri Bustos, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, and Rep. Morgan Griffith. This legislation would void forced arbitration agreements that prevent survivors of sexual harassment from receiving the justice they deserve. It will allow victims to discuss their cases publicly and will eliminate institutional protection for harassers.

PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Strand Center for the Arts is announcing a call for artists for its Gallery Cooperative. The Gallery Cooperative is a collection of artists, each expert at their chosen medium, who display their artwork in monthly shows at The Strand Center Community Gallery. On the first Friday of every month, one of these artists will be the featured artist for that month. There is an opening reception that is free and open to the public that evening from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The last rotation of artists included painters Lorrie Mandigo, Carol Hochreiter, Sandy Fox, Amy Guglielmo, Diane Leifheit, Donna Austin, Marilyn Kretser, and Judy Guglielmo. In addition, these artists were joined by photographer Ron Nolland.

SCA Gallery director David Monette said of the Gallery Cooperative “We’re always looking for ways to increase the exposure of artists in our community. This Gallery Cooperative, with the collection of amazing artists we’ve had and that we will have in the future, is a great way to do that. We’re really excited to make this happen.”

The new rotation schedule begins June 2019. Those artists interested in applying to the cooperative can learn more at www.strandcenter.org or contact Gallery Director, David Monette, at 518-563-1604 or gallery@strandcenter.org. Regular gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information on exhibits, upcoming events, concerts, or classes happening at The Strand Center for the Arts, please call 518-563-1604 or visit www.strandcenter.org.

The Strand Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a high caliber arts center and theatre, providing the best of visual arts, music, dance, and theatre to the community.  The SCA is supported by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), the United Way, The Adirondack Foundation, and Stewart’s Shops.

The Strand Center for the Arts’ Diamond Sponsor is NBC 5; Platinum Circle Sponsors are The University of Vermont Health Network, Champlain Valley Physician’s Hospital and Twinstate Technologies. The Strand Center for the Arts’ Gold Sponsors are Northern Insuring Agency, Inc., Boire Benner Group, Casella, 97.5 Eagle Country, and Jeffords Steel and Engineering Company.

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday February 11, 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; Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk.  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 meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mr. McDonald, with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Motion by Mr Langley, seconded by Mr. Irwin to approve the minutes from the January 28, 2019 meeting.   Ayes 5   Nays 0 Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Barber seconded by Mr. Douglass 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). Dog Control was not submitted due to illness.

 Ayes 5   Nays 0                                                Motion Carried

Community Input and Questions

NONE

David Babbie  Presentation  for Babbie Museum Update

Mr. Babbie  expressed  his sincere appreciation for the funds and support  from the Town.

Mr. Babbie will be obtaining a building permit for a garage to be constructed to house farm equipment. 

Mr. McDonald stated a bottle drive is a good source of revenue for a fund raiser. Mr. McDonald will assist in the organization of the bottle drive if they are interested. 

Zoning Map Update

Public Hearing to be held February 25, 2019 at 6:45 PM.

Plow Truck Insurance Update

NONE

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.02.11.01

A RESOLUTION APPROVING CONSENT TO UTILIZE BANKCARD ASSOCIATES, LLC AND WELLS FARGO BANK NA FOR THIRD PARTY BILLING OF TOWN OF PERU’S WATER & SEWER ONLINE PAYMENT SERVICES 

Motion: Mr. Barber Second: Mr. Douglass

WHEREAS, The Town of Peru for the convenience of their Water and Sewer customers, has agreed to utilize a third-party online bill pay service, and 

WHEREAS, no tax or water bill payer shall be forced to use the online service, but this new service is an option, and

WHEREAS, The Town of Peru agrees to use as a third-party billing Service by Bankcard Associates LLC d/b/a Bill Servicing (“BCA”) and Wells Fargo Bank, NA pursuant to which BCA shall provide credit card processing services described in the Merchant Program Guide to

the Biller relating to online processing of payments for the Town of Peru’s Water and Sewer 

billing and fees paid by the Town’s own municipal government customers at a rate of 3.5% convenience fee.

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Carried: AYES 5 NAYS 0

Sewer Collection Project Update

Mr. Tetrault stated he will be working with AES to check elevations and inspect Elm Street sewer lines.

Letters have been mailed to residents.

Other Business

Mr. Irwin expressed a thank you to Mr. Tetrault and Mr. Farrell for a continued job well done 

with the challenges of the weather.

Mr. Tetrault stated the Vac truck repair has been delayed due to the back arm repair. The new truck is at Carmody location.

Mr. Tetrault stated the water/sewer position has been posted. To date there are 36 interested candidates.  Most do not meet the minimum qualifications.

Public Comments on Agenda Items Only

NONE

Adjourn to Executive Session-

CANCELLED

Return to Regular Session

CANCELLED

Motion by Mr. Douglass seconded by Mr. Barber to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:24 PM.  Ayes 5   Nays 0   Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor  _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman

Source: Clinton County Dems choose slate | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Blue line outlines the area when zoning classification was changed.

By John T. Ryan

Zoning Map Change Approved; New IT Specialist Hired; Snowplow Insurance Allowance Learned; Six to eight applicants to be Interviewed for Water/Sewer Department Position; Washington Street Road Acceptance Still on Hold; NYS Silent on Main Street Upgrade Project Requests

Peru – The Peru Town Board meeting of Monday, February 25, 2019 was a routine, but important meeting. Acting on a Planning Board recommendation, a pubic hearing and an environmental review the Board approved changing the zoning classification of 8 parcels east of the Town Court Building from a commercial classification to neighborhood commercial. The change will permit more uses including multi-family housing. The Planning Board recommended the change after receiving an application for construction of four 4-plex residential units along an extension to Davey Drive.. Harney Davey owns the property. Davey’s son-in-law Nathan Wilson would be developing the units. Davey Drive would still be a dead-end street. Councilman Rick Barber said he would prefer that Davey Drive loop back to Bear Swamp Road providing better access and improved safety. Eighteen wheelers trying to access Town Court have to park on the Bear Swamp Rd. shoulder. Zoning Officer Bob Guynup pointed out that the street would have to be routed around a wetland. The zoning map change was approved as proposed.

The Board hired Peru resident Tom Lemieux as its new IT specialist replacing Patrick Garsaw who has provided service since March 29, 2017. Garsaw did not have an ongoing contract with the Town and has several other clients. Asked by the Peru Gazette if the counselors have considered hiring a larger company that could provide more than one technician McDonald said the Board considered that a few years ago, but the cost would be $150 to $175 an hour or $40,000 to $70,000 per year, plus mileage. Lemieux, a retired Clinton County employee, will be paid $50 an hour. Counselor Jimmy Langley said the Town will be Lemieux’s only client. The need to hire a new IT specialist had not been made public prior to this meeting.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said the Town’s insurance carrier will allow $66,290 for the snowplow that was totaled in a January 4, 2019 rollover accident on the steep Patent Road hill leading to the St. Patrick’s Oratory/Mother Cabrini Shrine. A replacement truck will cost about $211,000.

Water/Sewer/Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetrault reported that he will be interviewing 6 to 8 people for the open Water-Sewer Department position. More than 50 applications were received; however, very few met the job qualifications requirements. No applicants are NYS licensed water/sewer plant operators. Three applicants have a four-year college degree.

Supervisor McDonald said there’s no news on the shoulder-sidewalk width dispute between Washington Street developer William Sawyer and the Town of Peru. He said, “They withdrew their last request and said they would get back to us.” Meanwhile, Peru’s only new major development is in limbo.

The New York State has not responded to Peru’s request to extend the time to use its Main Street improvement grant and to exempt the Town from the State’s minority participation requirements. The requests were made last fall. Supervisor McDonald and Counselor Jim Douglass told the Gazette that contact is being made with NYS officials.

The meeting concluded at about 7:45 p.m. when the Board adjourned to an Executive Session for personnel matters.

Source: Cuomo signs anti-gun violence “red flag bill” | NCPR News

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From the Office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Elise Stefanik and Rep. Val Demings (D-FL) introduced the Vladimir Putin Transparency Act. This bipartisan legislation instructs U.S. intelligence to collect and submit a report to Congress on Putin and his allies’ financial assets and secretive networks.

“Putin and his political allies seek to weaken democracies worldwide by consolidating their political control through unethical means,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “I am proud to cosponsor this bill which aims to identify Putin and his allies for who they are: nefarious political actors undermining democracies.”

Rep. Stefanik and Rep. Demings also introduced the bipartisan Defend Against Russian Disinformation Act last Congress, which strengthens America’s response to Russian interference in our elections.

Source: Stefanik breaks with Trump, votes against national emergency declaration | NCPR News

Source: Have a Heart for Isaiah Deslauriers | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Adirondack scientists document climate change impacts on wildlife, human health | NCPR News

As you plan for the week ahead, please set aside an hour of your Thursday evening to join us at Peru Town Hall for our February meeting. Our political calendar here in NY State has changed and we must jump into action this week in order to help the Democratic Party thrive in Peru and beyond.

Join us at 7 pm on Thursday, Feb 28th at Peru Town Hall to learn about the changes to the political calendar, what they mean for us here in Peru, and how we can work together for success in the 2019 election season.

Public Meetings to Be Held Across the State February 26 through March 27

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced an upcoming series of public meetings to provide stakeholders with the opportunity to offer input on the Forest Tax Law Program’s Section 480a. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss areas of the program that could be improved including increasing compliance, reducing administrative burdens, and improving forestry outcomes.

“New York’s forests provide scenic beauty, forest products, wildlife habitat, clean water, and clean air,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Forests are also integral to the uptake and storage of carbon and are a critical component in addressing the threats posed by climate change. The 480a program helps private forest landowners, which own 75 percent of New York’s forests, and these meetings provide an opportunity to help DEC enhance the program and its benefit to all New Yorkers.”

The Forest Tax Law was enacted in 1974 to give forest landowners with 50 acres or more of qualifying land in New York State an incentive for the “continued production of forest crops.” Currently, there are more than 3,400 forest landowners and more than 1.2 million acres of private forest land enrolled in the program. The changes under consideration would address the Real Property Tax Law Section 480a and would not alter the annual tax benefit, stumpage tax, commitment period or penalties for non-compliance.

State Forester Robert Davies said, “The 480a program provides property tax incentives to encourage private forest landowners to maintain healthy forests for the many benefits they provide to New York State communities. We sincerely hope that current enrollees and other interested stakeholders join us for this important discussion to improve the efficiency and benefits offered by this program.”

Landowners and private consulting foresters participating in the 480a program and any interested parties are encouraged to attend one of the eight public meetings that will be offered across the state. DEC will also host a webinar for those who cannot participate in-person.

The public meetings schedule is as follows:

February 26, 2019, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Finger Lakes Community College
Room 2185, Stage 14
3325 Marvin Sands Drive
Canandaigua, NY 14424 Read more »

For the past 13 years, Peru Central School District has organized a Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) that has served to inform and promote school & community discussion concurrent with the District’s budget development process.

The BAC typically meets in order to develop an understanding of revenues and expenditures, components of a balanced budget, and particular challenges that face the District.  Traditionally, the BAC has formulated recommendations for Board consideration to assist the Board and administration.

At this time, the BAC is scheduled to meet in the Jr/Sr High School Community Room at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, February 27^th and Thursday, March 14^th.  In addition to these informational sessions, the BAC will be invited to share their recommendations with the Board during a public budget development workshop, on the evening of Tuesday, March 19^th.

If you wish to participate in any of the meetings of the BAC, please register by calling (518) 643-6004 or emailing kdevins@perucsd.org.  Thank you.

Source: Economic developer to leave TDC | Local News | pressrepublican.com

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The Clinton County Historical Association is pleased to announce the officers and members of the CCHA Board of Trustees for 2019.  Officers are: Geri Favreau, President; Jerry Gagnier, Vice-President; William D. Laundry, Treasurer; and Jan Couture, Secretary. Trustees are: Sue Coffey; John Crotty; Luke Cyphers; Heidi Dennis; Kevin Farrington; and Mary Nicknish.  The Association is committed to collecting, preserving and sharing Clinton County History.  The museum is open year round from Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 am to 3 pm.  Groups and researchers are welcome.

Source: Watertown Daily Times | Empire State Mines in Fowler to lay off 108 full-time and temporary workers

Source: Plattsburgh man charged with attempted robbery with BB gun – Sun Community News & Printing

Thursday, March 7, 6:30 pm

Old Base Museum Campus

98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh

Back by popular demand is “Connections with History” at Clinton County Historical Association, 98 Ohio Avenue, Old Base Museum Campus, Plattsburgh, on March 7, at 6:30 pm. This illustrated talk covers our U.S. Presidents and other important historical figures who have visited Clinton County and their connections with each other.

With historic photos from the Clinton County Historical Association and the National Archives, presenter Roger Black will take you on a journey from 1897 when President William McKinley and Vice President Garret Hobart vacationed at the Hotel Champlain at Bluff Point through visits by William Howard Taft and Teddy Roosevelt to Cliff Haven and Plattsburgh.

The story will also include connections with the Spanish American War and the U.S. invasion of Cuba and Plattsburgh’s involvement in training troops for World War I.

The event is free and open to the public.