The Peru Gazette

Current I87 Nothway driving conditions (3 p.m.) near Keene Valley. Friends were headed south. They’re turning around and coming back to Peru. Very hazardous driving conditions.

Source: Malone Telegram | Marine officer wounded in Vietnam says honor those who died by helping end current divisiveness

Source: The Gibson Brothers go electric on new album – LakePlacidNews.com | News and information on the Lake Placid and Essex County region of New York – Lake Placid News

Thursday, November 1, (5 p.m.) at the Peru Free Library

Libraries in Peru and Mooers are getting ready to host events in early November to explain how area residents can save money with solar energy without buying and installing costly panels on their rooftops.

Located in Schuyler Falls Source: Champlain Valley Family Center opens Clinton County’s first detox, rehabilitation facility

Snow and Ice Staff Needed in Advance of Winter Weather Season

New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Paul A. Karas today announced that applications are available for approximately 470 positions as permanent and seasonal maintenance staff all across Upstate New York and Long Island. Beginning in September each year, the Department begins to hire and train staff on equipment and best practices, with the aim of having them ready to plow as soon as winter weather begins.

Applications are being accepted for the Highway Maintenance Worker Trainee 2 position. To apply, a candidate must be at least 18 years old, pass a physical and drug test, have a valid, clean Class A or B commercial driver license, and be certified to operate DOT heavy dump trucks within two weeks after start of employment.

Those hired will be trained and evaluated on several pieces of essential equipment and are expected to perform productive work while gaining experience. Physical labor is required, as is work with backhoes, front end loaders, stump grinders and other heavy equipment, while being trained on more complex equipment. Read more »

Source: North Country, Canadian officials bet on farmers 

1. Call Meeting To Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION:  Approval of Minutes for the October 11, 2018 Regular Board Meeting.

5. Community Input

6. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Liz Tedford Contract for Sewer District Collection System Upgrade Project.

7. DISCUSSION:  Peru Sewer Collection System Upgrade Project.

8. DISCUSSION/MOTION:  Acceptance of Resignation of Beth Lozier from Youth Commission.

9. DISCUSSION/MOTION:  Acceptance of Resignation of Carrie Smith from Youth Commission.

10. DISCUSSION:  Peru CSD Solar System Project Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

11. DISCUSSION/MOTION:  To Declare Water Plant Generator as Surplus Equipment for Sale.

12. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

13. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Approve/Pay Bills.

MOTION:     Adjourn

Peru –  The Apex Solar Power application on behalf of the Hamilton family for a Use Variance to construct a solar farm at 286 Mannix Road was tabled at the Zoning Board of Appeal’s Wednesday, October 17, 2018 meeting.  The property is zoned for agricultural and rural residential use; therefore, a use variance is required. To quality the applicant must establish that the new use will not have an adverse environmental impact and that a reasonable return cannot be achieved from the already approved uses.

The Board was satisfied that the environment impact would not be adverse; however, based on the evidence presented, the Board was not convinced that a reasonable return could not be achieved from residential development or agriculture  use. The fact that the 15-acre plot for the solar farm is part of a 196-acre parcel complicates the issue since about 100 acres are currently being used as apple orchard. Hamilton family representative Mark Hamilton told the board that the 15 acres to be dedicated to the solar farm is wet ground and has always been unfit for productive agricultural use.  The Board gave Hamilton until October 31st to present evidence that a reasonable financial return could not be achieved from the property.  The matter is expected to appear on the Board’s November meeting agenda.

TOWN OF PERU

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL of August 15, 2018 minutes.
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
6. APPLICATION:

1. 1. 1. 1. Use Variance with SEQR: Z-2018-037 Apex Solar Power

Use Variance – construct a 2.7 megawatt ground mount solar array

286 Mannix Rd.

Peru, NY 12972

7. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS
8. CEO REPORT:
9. ADJOURNMENT

Two of Nan’s beautiful quilts

Nan and a dress ready for a needy child

By John T. Ryan 

Nan Mitchell is #46 in the Peru Gazette photo series of people who make Peru a wonderful place to live.  At age 91 Nan radiates wit, joyfulness and energy.

Many people know Nan for her quilting and needlework skills. Longtime friend Joanne Kennedy said, “ Her quilting is perfect. Her work is unbelievable.” Sewing is an activity Nan truly enjoys, so much so that over the past 12 years she has donated about 600 dresses to the Peru Community Church’s Jamaica Mission and the North Country Mission of Hope in Nicaragua. Her friend Reverend Paul Heller also brought 25 dresses to Africa. Nan is very grateful to friends who give her most of her fabric. She is especially grateful to Marianne Miller saying, “She gives me so much. I have no idea where she gets it.” 

Nan keeps so busy that she doesn’t reflect on why she’s been able to continue being so active. She said, “I didn’t have my children until I was in my 30’s. Back then women usually had their kids in their early 20’s, so I’ve alway had younger friends. It keeps me going because I have to keep up with the young people.”  She also truly enjoys what she does. “I’ve always liked to sew and I’m doing something worthwhile. I’m not just fiddling away my time. I often think that some little girl is getting a dress for the first time.”  

A southwestern Pennsylvania native, she graduated from high school in 1944.  For the next five years she worked as an F.B.I. fingerprint examiner in Washington D.C. She recalled, “When the vets came home the men were getting hired and promoted and we weren’t. You know how it was back then.” She then went to college, received a home economics degree and later married. Nan moved into Plattsburgh Air Force Base housing in 1967 when her husband Donald was assigned to Vietnam and a year later moved to Peru. In 1969 she became the Peru Nursery School’s first teacher and later taught at the OLVA Secretarial School. Don and Nan’s three daughters Tammy, Colleen and Susan graduated from Peru High School. 

Nan’s outside at 6 each morning to pick up her Press Republican. She said,”I have to do that crossword every day.” On Tuesdays and Thursdays she enjoys exercise classes at the Peru Community Church; on Wednesdays she gathers with a group of ladies to sew. Mornings are a good time for making dresses. She said, “I can make one before lunch with maybe a little finish work in the afternoon.” Nan also enjoys reading good book and watching television in her sun-lit four-seasons room. 

Anyone conversing with Nan Mitchell soon realizes that she truly values her friends, wonderful neighbors and family. As her former neighbor and friend Terri Sweeney says, “If Nan likes you, she’d stand on her head for you and she never didn’t like somebody. She has enriched my life greatly.” Nan’s other friends and neighbors would undoubtedly agree.

DEC is partnering with the Center for Conservation Social Sciences (CCSS) at Cornell University on a survey of roughly 11,000 randomly-selected New York landowners to better understand public perceptions of and preferences for black bear population levels. The survey is being sent out this fall to owners of both large and small residential properties, and covers both rural and urban areas.

The questionnaire asks about positive and negative experiences people have had with bears, their perception of population trends, and their views on the potential benefits of and detriments to living among bears. The information from this survey will be used in conjunction with biological data about bear abundance and information on conflicts between people and bears to set population objectives for various parts of the state.

People who receive the survey are encouraged to respond. Collecting information from the public on their view of appropriate wildlife population levels and the potential impact of wildlife on people is an important part of decision-making in wildlife management.

Questions about the survey can be directed to CCSS at 607-255-2828 or wfs1@cornell.edu. For more information, visit the DEC website on Black Bear and read the “New York State Black Bear Management Plan”. Questions about the black bear management program can be directed to 518-402-8883 or: wildlife@dec.ny.gov.

A Hunter’s Role in Wildlife Management

Did you know that only about 50 percent of hunters report their deer, bear and turkey harvests each year, even though it’s required by law?

Did you know that a hunter can be fined up to $250 for failing to report? Reporting a harvest within seven days of take is not only your legal obligation, it’s also essential to proper wildlife management. When hunters report their harvest, they are playing a crucial role in the management process, providing important biological data which is used to help estimate the number of deer, bear and turkey in each area of New York State and set management objectives. At a time when hunter numbers are declining, it’s more important than ever for hunters to take seriously their role in wildlife management, to be good role models and mentors for younger generations, and to do their part to preserve their hunting traditions. Reporting your harvest is easier than ever, so this fall please remember to Take It, Tag It, Report It!  Visit our website for details on Game Harvest Reporting.

Source: Plattsburgh cryptocurrency regulations unveiled – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Social Security checks to grow 2.8% – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Teenage suspect pleads not-guilty in Black Brook stabbing – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Debates to take center stage as Election Day nears – Sun Community News & Printing

By John T. Ryan 

• Orchard View’s sidewalks and road are narrower than expected 
• Main Street Enhancement Project at a standstill. 
• Lyon Street School Costs Increase by about $1K
• State Mandates significantly increase water testing costs 
• Town Incurs $1,940 in Code Enforcement legal expenses 
• Elm Street easement decision needed soon 
• Employee Handbook update to include tobacco free and sexual harassment policies.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported problems with both the highway and the sidewalk width in the Orchard View subdivision/Washington Street Extension. The new installed pavement does not have paved shoulders and the sidewalk is four feet wide, not five feet wide as Farrell requested. Farrell said he emailed a letter to the Planning Board stating his requirements when the developer, William Sawyer, applied to build 13 homes; however, Farrell could not definitively state that his recommendations were relayed to the developer. (Since the meeting Farrell stated he has proof that his sidewalk and road width requirements were given to the developer’s representative at a May 11, 2016 Planning Board meeting.) The Town’s attorney and the developer’s attorney are expected to be talking to each other on the issue. 

It does not appear that construction of the Main Street enhancement project will commence in 2018. As of October 11th, the contractor had not received New York State’s minority owner contract waiver and the Town’s request to delay construction is still pending before a state agency. This is the Town’s second request to delay construction. 

Town Historian Ron Allen informed the Board that the Lyon Street School project will cost about $8,500 not $7,500 as originally estimated. Contractor Randy LaValley encountered rotten wood, windows in need of replacement and glazing and other items. LaValley also used considerably more stain than anticipated. Ron Allen will report the exact cost at the Board’s next meeting. 

Water/Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault stated that NYS has mandated new water tests over the next 12 months, part of which will cost $3,000 every 90 days. He is hopeful that the requirements will not be required after one year. 

The Town must pay an outside attorney $1,940 in legal fees related to zoning enforcement. Code Enforcement Officer Bod Guynup issued a code violation to a property owner on Twin Creek Drive for installing a retaining wall without a permit. The property owner maintained that Guynup’s predecessor informed him that he did not need a permit. Judge Lawrence Cabana tried the case in Peru Town Court and dismissed the charges for what Guynup described a multitude of reasons. Town Attorney Matt Favro could not represent the Town because his father, Gary Favro, represented the property owner. 

Water/Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault is focusing on keeping the sewer system upgrade project on schedule. He told the Board that a decision should be made on the necessity of acquiring easements for replacement of existing sewer lines behind several Elm Street homes. The lines were installed long ago and no easements can be located.  Engineers initially recommended acquiring easements rather than installing new lines adjacent to Elm Street. Tetrault pointed out that one property owner who did not grant an easement could derail the project. Maintaining sewer lines behind homes would also be more difficult than maintaining lines adjacent to Elm Street. AES Engineering is developing cost estimates for both options. 

The 2019 New York State budget required that towns implement a sexual harassment policy not later than October 29th. The Board approved a policy on very short notice at this meeting. All staff members, including elected officials, will be required to acknowledge receipt of the policy, The Town Employee Handbook will be undated to include the policy, the recently approved smoke-free policy and Highway Department union information.

The North Country Chamber of Commerce invites you to the most delicious events of the year. Taste of the North Country will be held on November 8^th at the SUNY Field House. This event combines an amazing Food/Beverage Tasting experience with an incredible auction. The Auction preview begins at 5:00, followed by the Silent Auction and Tasting from 5:30 – 7:00. Auctioneer Steve Brodi will cap off the evening with the Live Auction at 7:00. Attendees will enjoy sampling specialties from area restaurants and vendors, while they bid on hundreds of auctions items. Restaurant Gift Certificates, Jewelry, Artwork, Savings Bonds, Sporting Goods, Gas Cards, and Gift Baskets are just a few of the many things up for bid. To see a complete list of vendors and auction items, visit www.northcountrychamber.com

Tickets to Taste of the North Country are $14 per person before November 1^st or $18 after that. Sponsored by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, SeaComm Federal Credit Union, WellCare and Hickok & Boardman, this event is open to everyone. Those under 21 must be accompanied by an adult.

Call the North Country Chamber of Commerce at 563-1000 or visit www.northcountrychamber.com to purchase tickets for Taste of the North Country.

Dianne Miller is seeking election to a three-year term as Peru Town Clerk.  The Peru Town Board appointed Miller to the position in January 2018 succeeding Kathleen Flynn who resigned not long after after being reelected to a four-year term of office. Dianne Miller is the Republican Party nominee and has been endorsed by the Peru Democratic Party. She is running unopposed in the November 6th election.

Seeking to learn more about the Town Clerk’s responsibilities and Miller’s approach to the job, the Peru Gazette asked Everett five questions.

1. How does your background benefit Peru in the role of town clerk? I have been active in the Peru community my entire life. I also have a strong background in the business world, bookkeeping, detail oriented and very organized.

2. What are the most important current duties of the town clerk? I see all the duties and responsibilities of the town clerk as being equally important.

3.  What changes, if any, have you made since taking office and what changes do you foresee making in the future? I was appointed so I am currently learning the position. Changes will be made as the town board and I see fit.

4. How do you prioritize your day? The  first thing I do is check my e-mails and any messages that need to be answered. My responsibilities vary from day to day and are handled in a timely manner.

5. What is your definition of teamwork – and what makes you a good team player? Teamwork requires excellent communication skills, respect for others and being willing to listen. I strive to exhibit all of these qualities. 

Source: How was fatal limo allowed to stay on the road? – Times Union

Town Justice Lawrence Cabana

Peru – Town Justice Lawrence Cabana is seeking reelection to a second four-year term of office. A registered Repubican, Cabana also has the endorsement of the Peru Democratic Party and is therefore unopposed in the November 6th elections.

The Peru Gazette asked Judge Cabana seven questions seeking to inform voters about his background and judicial philosophy.

1.    What qualifies you to be a judge? Why should I vote for you?

After 32 yrs. in Law Enforcement I was elected Town Justice in November 2014. Since then, I have attended over 100 hrs of Office of Court Administration required training. I have also received the endorsement from both major parties in the Town of Peru.

2.    Can you explain your judicial philosophy in plain English?

I believe in the right of due process as set forth in our constitution and in the presumption of innocence until otherwise proven differently, no matter what the persons race, color, creed, wealth, religious beliefs or the person’s sexual background.

3.    Do you consider yourself a politician? 

Absolutely not, as a matter of fact the Office of Court Administration does not allow a Town Justice to attend any political functions except during his re-election. They cannot endorse any candidate or participate in any fundraisers for any political party or candidate. It’s one of the many reasons I ran for this position.

4.    How will you balance being an independent judge and elected official? 

I’ll respond by saying how I have balanced both. First not once have I made a decision on the bench that I made or even thought of making as a politician. There are 3 general principles when I make decisions . #1 the rights of the defendant.  #2 The effect of my decision on the victim of the crime. #3 What the citizens of Peru would like me to do with the person standing in front of me.

5.    How will you handle conflicts of interest on the bench? 

The only conflict this Town Justice would have is #1 if I have knowledge of the case  from information  I obtained from outside of the court room. #2 If the person in front of me is related to me either by blood or marriage. A conflict of interest should not be used by a Justice based on the fact the judge knows that person. It’s a small town and everyone knows everyone.

6.    What are the biggest changes you think we need to make to our justice system? 

There are two basic changes which I believe need to be . Mental illness and opioid problem. We cannot arrest or jail ourself out of this problem. We need more treatment facilities and more councilors to help these people. Let’s face it, nobody ever grew up wanting to be addicted to drugs.

7.     How will you work to ensure equality for people of all backgrounds in your courtroom? 

As I stated earlier, no matter what the the person is accused of doing, no matter what the persons background is or what the persons race, color, creed, wealth, or sexual background is when they enter the court room the are all treated the same way with respect and integrity and innocence until proven otherwise.

Source: Health care access, cost are issues in congressional race | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Kregg Bruno

Rick Barber

On Tuesday, November 6th Peru voters will chose one of two nominees for a one-year term on the Peru Town Board. Last year Supervisor Brandy McDonald resigned from the Town Board to run for Town Supervisor. The winner of this election will complete the last year of McDonald’s four-year term of office. The evenly split Republican-Democrat Board could not agree on appointing a successor to McDonald; therefore, the position has gone unfilled since January.

Rick Barber is the Republican nominee and Kregg Bruno secured the nomination of  the Democratic, Working Families, Conservative and Independence Parties.

The Peru Gazette posed five questions to each candidate.  The Gazette appreciates their thoughtful responses.

1. Summarize your educational background, primary employment, your past community involvement and a little information about your family.

Rick Barber’s response: I am a 1981 graduate of Peru Central School and a 1983 graduate of Paul Smith’s College with a degree in Forestry and Recreation. I am a retired New York State Corrections Officer with 26 years of service.  I served as a Peru Volunteer Fireman. I am currently a member of the Keeseville Elks Club and Plattsburgh Moose Lodge.  I am a sixth generation Peruvian.  My wife Kay (Maloney) and I have been married for 30 years and have raised our three children in the Town of Peru. Our oldest daughter, Margaret (Meg) is married to Nick Rock and they are proud parents to Maizy Rock.  We are also parents to Madeline and Mason Barber.

Kregg Bruno’s response: I attended PCS as a student and athlete and graduated in 1979. With a background in business and my experience in construction, I was able to open and manage my own business: Bruno’s Custom Tile Works. 

I volunteered as a coach for many years for the Town of Peru in Soccer, Baseball and Softball. After which, I coached and motivated wrestlers at Peru Central School. I served as Town Councilman for six consecutive years (2009-2015), at which time we established Little Ausable River Park, upgraded the water systems, completed safe routes to school, and many other projects. 

My wife, Bonnie, along with my son and daughter, Chris and Katie, have been huge supporters in helping me achieve my goals. Having lived in this community for the past 30 years, I am passionate and dedicated to working hard in order to achieve success and progress in the Town of Peru.

2. State one or more of your successes in life and how that experience will assist you as a town council member? 

Rick Barber’s response: I feel my greatest success is watching my children mature into responsible, respectful, hardworking, civic minded adults.

I am also proud of my successful career in the New York State Department of Corrections. I became the Training Relief Officer at Lyon Mountain Correctional Facility. In this position I successfully organized training schedules for 63 officers in the facility.  I also developed a rapport with inmates. In addition, I earned the respect of my fellow officers and superiors.

Kregg Bruno’s response: For the last 15 years, I have been fortunate to own and operate my own business. I have been able to build a cliental in the community, which has lead to great relationships. Having this experience will assist me in the Town Government position when communicating to the Town’s people and the Town Board. Furthermore, the ability to budget finances will be a strength of mine. Lastly, I would like to make the Town aware that my business will not effect in any way my abilities to perform my tasks as a Councilman. There will be no extended trips away from the community during my term.

3. What town issues concern you the most and how will you address these issues? 

Rick Barber’a response: I believe the most significant issues facing the Town of Peru are the sewer infrastructure currently and the water system concerns in the future.  I will work in a bipartisan manner to ensure the successful implementation of the new  sewer system at an affordable cost to the residents of the Town of Peru.  I will also work diligently to explore options for an updated water system that will provide sufficient clean water to the Town of Peru for the future in the most effective manner.

Kregg Bruno’s response: The Town infrastructure, sewer lines, and water plant are issues that concern me the most. I believe the Department heads are spending too much of their budgets on high priced equipment including trucks and trailers. At the same time this expense is taking much needed finances away from road repairs, plant upgrades, and other important routine maintenance procedures. It is important that the Town Board holds the Department Heads responsible for sticking strictly to their budget, in order to better provide for the tax payers’ needs.

4. If the town received a $1 million grant to use any way it wants, what would you do with it and why?

Rick Barber’s response: I would put the grant toward the updated water system to provide good clean water for the residents of Peru.   We need to ensure that the clean water supply provided through wells will meet not only the current needs for Peru residents but will also provide sufficient water resources for any future growth or expansion in the years to come. 

Kregg Bruno’s response: With a million dollars, the town would be able to expand the water district, which would help the community grow. This would also provide relief to tax payers on the existing system.

5. What party lines will your name appear on in November? 

Rick Barber’s response: Republican

Kregg Bruno’s response: My name will appear on four lines: Democratic, Conservative and Independence Parties, as well as the Working Family Party.

Peru Lions Club Annual Election Day Spaghetti Dinner. Serving from 4:30 PM to 7 PM. at the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center. $7 Adults; $4 – Children 6-12; Children 5 and under Free.