Courts rule EPA derelict in duty | Local News | pressrepublican.com
Posted: June 14th, 2018 under Environmental News, Law Enforcement News.
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Assemblyman Jones: Putting a stop to independent mausoleums protects North Country families, taxpayers
From the office of Assemblyman Bill Jones
Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that his legislation to place a moratorium on independent mausoleums and columbariums passed the Assembly (A.5784-B).
“Mausoleums can be a beautiful way to lay a loved one to rest,” Jones said. “But we’ve seen too many standalone, independently operated mausoleums in the North Country become abandoned and fall into disrepair, putting an emotional strain on families and a financial strain on the community.”
This is an issue that’s caused concerns for Jones and his constituents. Two free-standing mausoleums in Plattsburgh and Ellenburg built by Whispering Maples have been declared abandoned.[1] The back wall remains incomplete in Plattsburgh and the roof has disintegrated in Ellenburg.[2] The state has placed both sites under temporary receivership, but the towns will take them over after repairs are made. The expensive maintenance these buildings require places an unfair burden on local taxpayers, Jones noted.
After hearing the concerns of local residents, Jones authored legislation to prohibit the construction of standalone mausoleums or columbariums, which, unlike cemeteries with a number of interment options, expose municipalities to financial hardships if they are abandoned.
“Families pay a premium to choose a final resting place that feels right,” Jones said. “It’s unacceptable that these businesses take their money and then let the building fall apart while forcing the community to bear the burden. My legislation helps put a stop to this regrettable practice.”
With the passage of this bill in the Assembly, the bill is now delivered to the Senate where it is currently on third reading. Assemblyman Jones is looking forward to its Senate passage and its eventual signage into law.
Posted: June 14th, 2018 under State Legislator News.
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Cobb Releases Letter Indicating Washington is Raising Insurance Premiums, Blasts Policies
From the office of Congressional candidate Tedra Cobb
On Monday, Tedra Cobb released information regarding the premium increases she and her family face as a result of policy decisions being made in Washington. Today, she is releasing the letter sent to the family regarding the increase. According to the document, the reasons further increases are necessary are “the removal of the Individual Mandate Penalty, the de-funding of Cost Share Reductions, the moratorium of the Health Insurance Provider Fee, and changes to the Risk Adjustment programs.”
Said Cobb on the release: “I wanted everyone to see what we’re facing and make it clear that Washington is behind the increases in people’s premiums this year. When you have a government that is actively hurting its citizens, it’s time to make a change.” Cobb cautioned that wasn’t defending corporate interests: “Trust me, I’m not on the insurance company’s side on this. We need to do more to reign them in as well, and that certainly won’t happen with Elise Stefanik, who has taken $56,000 from insurance company PACs.” (https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/summary?cid=N00035523)
Cobb further blasted Washington policies. Citing a report from Institute of and Economic Policy, Cobb noted that, aside from the richest 5% of New Yorkers, a policy increase of $2600 like the one Cobb faces would wipe out any benefit from the tax legislation that passed last year. “What’s going on is a transfer of wealth from working people to insurance companies, and taxpayers will be forced pick up the tab when the national debt comes due – so working people get hit twice. Elise Stefanik and our present Congress have put us in this situation. In November, we’re going to vote them out.”
Cobb faces 4 opponents in the June 26th Democratic primary.
Posted: June 14th, 2018 under Congressional News, Heathcare News.
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State Senate Approves Bill to Help Address EMS Crisis in Rural Communities
From the office of State Senator Betty Little
The State Senate has approved legislation sponsored by Senator Betty Little to help address a growing crisis of insufficient Emergency Medical Services (EMS) coverage in rural regions of New York.
The State Senate has approved legislation sponsored by Senator Betty Little to help address a growing crisis of insufficient Emergency Medical Services (EMS) coverage in rural regions of New York.
Little, like many of her upstate colleagues, has heard increasing concern from municipalities and volunteer EMS squads that, due to fewer volunteers, increased training requirements and more people working outside their community, staffing is becoming more challenging.
“Our EMTs and volunteer firefighters are on the front line and they do an extraordinary job,” said Little. “However, as many people are aware, there has been a steady decline in the number of people stepping forward to do this challenging work on a voluntary basis.
“Many communities have turned to paid ambulance services, which seems to work well in suburban and urban areas. This legislation would help ‘rural New York’ by making it easier for more small communities to work together. They could coordinate across an entire county, for example, achieving an ‘economy of scale’ by sharing manpower and resources to ensure that rural areas have the coverage they need.”
The legislation would allow municipalities to group together to establish special taxing districts for general ambulance services. Currently, a town or village can create a special district, and can combine with a contiguous community. This legislation would expand the existing state municipal law, allowing municipalities to work with any other county, city, town or village, which Little said appeals to communities she represents.
Additionally, the legislation would require a report by the commissioner of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to identify challenges concerning volunteer emergency services or personnel.
Little, along with Assembly members Billy Jones, Dan Stec and Carrie Woerner, hosted a meeting last fall with elected officials and EMS coordinators from Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Warren and Washington Counties to brainstorm ideas to address the growing problem of providing EMS.
All four lawmakers are sponsoring this legislation, which passed the Senate with unanimous support on Wednesday, June 13. It is currently pending in the Assembly.
Posted: June 14th, 2018 under Heathcare News, State Legislator News.
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Main Street Project at a Standstill
- Main Street Project at Standstill
- Truck Purchase Approved
- Town Clerk Doing an “Excellent Job”
- Confidentially Reporting Zoning/Code Violations
- And More
Peru – Peru Town Counselors planned to accept Main Street project bids at their June 11, 2018 meeting; instead they rejected the one bid received because it exceeded project’s estimated cost. Alternatives are being discussed including having the Town Highway and Water and Sewer Departments join forces to tackle the project. Superintendents Mike Farrell and Courtney Tetrault will be discussing that possibility over the next few days. Farrell commented that he has several paving projects to complete this summer. The project involves narrowing Main Street’s very wide shoulder between Stewarts and the Dollar Store making room to plant trees. The goal is to beautify the street and slow down traffic thereby improving pedestrian safety.
In other actions the Board:
Approved the Town Highway Department’s request to purchase a 2012 box truck at a cost of $8,500. It replaces a 1971 box truck of little or no value.
Received Counselor Jim Douglass audit report stating the Town Clerk Dianne Miller is doing an excellent job and that all her records are in order.
Agreed with Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup that suspected zoning and code violations should be reported on the Town’s website. Guynup said the name of all informants is kept confidential. http://www.perutown.com/zviolationform.htm
Approved a $16,461.50 contract with AES Engineering to conduct the archaeological study that must be completed prior to beginning any sewer line upgrades.
Discussed the outside cleanup of the dilapidated, trash-laden 39 North Bend Street home. Cleanup will be difficult because of the vehicles parked on the property. Town Attorney Dave Favro will seek the property owner’s permission to move the vehicles.
Tabled action on AES’s proposed annual contract. Water/Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault would like to review the contract prior to the Board’s agreeing to its terms.
Posted: June 14th, 2018 under Town Board News, Zoning Board News.
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Taking Measures to Protect a Crop
By John T. Ryan
Hail can have a devestating impact on an apple crop and hail storm frequency is increasing. Anyone traveling by Forrence Orchards this week undoubtedly noticed the draped netting covering some trees. Seth Forrence explained, “We’re covering 30 to 40 acres of honeycrisp trees this year. Last year we covered a few rows and it was amazing how well the netting protected the apples.”
Forrence said New Zealand orchardists have been using the netting for several years. Giroux Brothers, owners of Chazy Orchards, were the first to try it locally. The netting and the installation equipment is expensive, but Seth said the netting is expected to be reusable for up to 12 years.
Posted: June 14th, 2018 under Agricultural News, Business News, Peru/Regional History.
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State Police DNA testing under scrutiny – Times Union
Posted: June 13th, 2018 under Highway Dept. News, State Government News.
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UVM Medical Center Nurses Vote in Favor of Strike | Off Message
Posted: June 13th, 2018 under Heathcare News.
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Media Note: WPTZ-TV Announces Move From Colchester to South Burlington | Off Message
Posted: June 13th, 2018 under Business News.
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Police: Assault leaves Schuyer Falls woman’s legs paralyzed | Local News | pressrepublican.com
Posted: June 13th, 2018 under General News.
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WPTZ: Some jobs shifting to VT | Local News | pressrepublican.com
Posted: June 13th, 2018 under Business News.
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State Health Department Unnecessarily Paid over $1 Billion for Patients Covered by Private Insurance
The state Department of Health (DOH) paid $1.28 billion in unnecessary Medicaid managed care premiums over a nearly six-year period for enrollees who already had private insurance, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
“Glitches in the state Department of Health’s payment system and other problems led to over a billion dollars in unnecessary spending,” DiNapoli said. “The department needs to improve its procedures and stop this waste of taxpayer money.”
Medicaid, a federal, state and locally funded program managed by DOH, provides a wide range of health care services to those who are economically disadvantaged or have special health care needs. For the state fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, New York’s Medicaid program had approximately 7.4 million enrollees and claims totaling $58 billion.
Under managed care, Medicaid pays managed care organizations (MCOs) a monthly premium for each enrolled Medicaid recipient and the MCOs arrange to provide medical services. As of August 2017, 4.4 million people were enrolled in mainstream managed care plans – about 2.5 million were enrolled through New York State of Health (NYSOH), New York’s online health insurance marketplace and the remainder were enrolled through other means.
Many Medicaid recipients have additional sources of health care coverage. DOH’s policy is to exclude Medicaid recipients from mainstream managed care when they have concurrent comprehensive third-party health insurance. When the Medicaid managed care provider and the third-party provider are the same, the state can remove the recipients from managed care retroactively and recover the unnecessary premiums paid to the MCO, according to rules in the Medicaid Managed Care Model Contract. Auditors found that was the case for $26.9 million of the premium payments.
About $70.6 million of the premiums were paid to MCOs that were related through some form of ownership (such as parent, subsidiary, or affiliate) to the third-party insurer. DOH should review these relationships to confirm if the premiums are recoverable.
DiNapoli’s auditors noted however that $1.17 billion (about 3.2 million premiums), which represented about 91 percent of the unnecessary premiums paid during the audit period of Jan. 1, 2012 to Sept. 1, 2017, are not recoverable (according to the model contract) because the MCO and third-party insurer are not related.
DOH often learns of enrollees’ third-party coverage after the coverage has taken effect. Of the $1.28 billion in payments, auditors determined Medicaid paid more than $691 million in premiums while enrollees’ third-party coverage was in effect, but not known by DOH. To prevent premium payments from being made – especially unrecoverable premiums – DOH should identify third party coverage immediately.
Medicaid also paid more than $591 million (of the $1.28 billion) in inappropriate managed care premiums despite knowledge of the enrollees’ third-party coverage. Since June 2016, DOH has improved payment controls that use third-party insurance information to prevent such improper premium payments; however, these efforts only target NYSOH-enrolled recipients. DOH has not put similar controls in place with regard to non-NYSOH-enrolled recipients.
DiNapoli recommended DOH:
- Improve monitoring efforts to assist in the prevention, detection and recovery of inappropriate managed care premiums;
- Implement controls to remove non-NYSOH-enrolled recipients with comprehensive third-party health insurance from managed care;
- Review the managed care premiums identified and recover unnecessary payments; and
- Change the model contract language to allow the recovery of unnecessary premiums from all MCOs regardless of the relationship with recipients’ third-party insurer.
DOH officials generally agreed with most of the audit recommendations and indicated that certain actions have been and will be taken to address them. The agency’s response is included in the audit.
DiNapoli’s auditors worked with New York City Human Resources Administration and Nassau County to identify Medicaid enrollees with comprehensive third-party health insurance and disenroll them from Medicaid managed care. As a result, Nassau County disenrolled almost all of its members with comprehensive third-party health insurance from managed care. Further, based on the audit work, the county plans to develop reports to identify and remove such enrollees from managed care.
Auditors are also working with New York City in conjunction with the Medicaid Inspector General’s office and DOH to help resolve the issue there.
In May of 2018, DOH requested the methodology that auditors used to identify enrollees with concurrent Medicaid managed care coverage and comprehensive third-party health insurance. The Medicaid Inspector General’s office is currently engaged in a “clean-up project” to disenroll members from managed care who had comprehensive third-party health insurance during January of 2018.
Read the report, or go to: http://osc.state.ny.us/audits/allaudits/093018/sga-2018-16s60.pdf
Find out how your government money is spent at Open Book New York. Track municipal spending, the state’s 145,000 contracts, billions in state payments and public authority data. Visit the Reading Room for contract FOIL requests, bid protest decisions and commonly requested data.
Posted: June 13th, 2018 under Peru/Regional History, State Government News.
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Approved Town Board Minutes
The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 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. 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. McDonald, with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motion by Mr. Irwin, seconded by Mr. Douglass to approve the minutes from the May 14, 2018 meeting. Ayes 4 Nays 0 Motion Carried
Community Input and Questions
John Collings asked if there was a possibility of having a building built at the dog park to provide shade. The concern of being in a flood zone and the stipulation from the State that no permanent structure can be built was discussed.
Todd Ashline would like clarification on whether his property- 13 Liberty Road is to be maintained by The Town.
39 North Bend St. Property
Mr. Guynup stated the property has been condemned. At this point due to the condition of the
structure ,according to State mandate the structure is being treated as asbestos contained material. The Town is going to remove the rubbish on the property to remove the attraction nuisance. Mr. Langley was contacting Casella for a quote for a dumpster.
Lapham Mills Park Bathrooms
Mr. Gibbs representative from Engineering Ventures conducted soil test etc. to evaluate whether a septic system would be an option versus the holding tanks that are now in use. Mr. Gibbs recommended to wait at this time for any decision as there are many variables .
Main St. Improvement Project Update
The project has gone out for re bid. June 8 at 10 AM new bids will be opened
RESOLUTION NUMBER: 18.05.29.01
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE AES AMENDMENT TO OWNER-ENGINEER AGREEMENT FOR THE EPG PROJECT #4628 AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.
WHEREAS, the Town Board has the AES Amendment No. 1, to Owner-Engineer Agreement for Project No. 4628, Preliminary Engineering Report for the Engineering Planning Grant before it
THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, said proposed Amendment to the Owner-Engineer Agreement is approved for a no cost change, the modification is to services of the Engineer to better suit the needs of the Planning Grant and the Supervisor be and hereby is authorized to execute said agreement.
AND, BE IT
RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.
Motion: Mr. Langley Second: Mr. Douglass
| Roll Call: | YES | NO | |
| James Douglass | x | ||
| Mel Irwin | x | ||
| James Langley | x | ||
| Brandy McDonald | x |
Ayes 4 Nays 0 Motion Carried
Sewer Collection Upgrade Services Funding
Carry over from workshop
Other Business
Mr. Farrell stated all brush from windstorm is picked up. The first round of mowing has started.
Chris Krieg called Mr. Farrell with an offer of sand that the airport was not able to use. Mr.
Farrell was able to obtain 8000 yards at no charge.
Mr. Drollete s’ stated a deceased dog was found and the investigation is now with State Police.Mr. McDonald met with NYSEG. Many houses will have the opportunity to obtain natural gas due to 34,000 feet of natural gas line being installed.
Public Comments on Agenda Items Only
John Ryan asked for clarification of taxes, foreclosue & the county. The county receives all tax money if a property is foreclosed.
RESOLUTION NUMBER: 05.29.18.02
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE POST-AUDIT PAYMENT OF CERTAIN CLAIMS, BILLS AND INVOICES OF THE TOWN
Motion: Mr. Douglass Second: Mr. Langley
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 of 2018:
From Town Of Peru Vouchers: # 201800567 through and including # 201800735
Abstract dated 5/29/2018
For the dollar amount totaling: $215,323.21 ; of that $25,803.70 was wired; $2,306.73 was prepaid and $187,212.78 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.
| Roll Call: | YES | NO | |
| James Douglass | x | ||
| Mel Irwin | x | ||
| James Langley | x | ||
| Brandy McDonald | |||
Ayes 4 Nays 0 Motion Carried
Adjourn to Executive Session
Cancelled-
Open discussion concerning overage of hours budgeted for Christina Crawford.\/Court Clerk
Mr. McDonald wanted to share the concern of over budget before it happened. Ms. Barber will be putting the information//numbers to document overage
Return from Executive Session
Motion by Mr. Langley,seconded by Mr. Douglass to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:52 PM.
Ayes 4 Nays 0 Motion Carried
_________________________Supervisor _________________________Councilman
_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman
Posted: June 13th, 2018 under Town Board News.
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A user’s guide to the NY-21 Democratic primary | NCPR
Posted: June 12th, 2018 under Congressional News.
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Little Ausable River Park Summer Concert Series Announced
JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF MUSIC AT PERU’S LITTLE AUSABLE PARK GAZEBO
EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT FROM 6:00 TO 8:00 PM
JULY 1 THROUGH AUGUST 26
JULY 1
BEARTRACKS – BLUEGRASS & OLD COUNTRY
JULY 8
TAYLOR AND THE INTANGIBLES – CLASSIC & CONTEMPORARY ROCK
JULY 15
TIMELESS – COUNTRY, CLASSIC ROCK, FOLK, 50’S TO PRESENT
JULY 22
INCAHOOTS – ROCK, SOUTHERN ROCK, NEW COUNTRY
JULY 29
BOOTLEG BAND – COUNTRY, TOP 40 VARIETY, 60’S ROCK TO TODAY
AUGUST 5
JUST US – CLASSIC ROCK, COUNTRY, COUNTRY ROCK, 50’S, BLUES
AUGUST 12
THE DUO – ROCK, COUNTRY & A LITTLE BIT OF JAZZ
AUGUST 19
NIGHT HAWK – ROCK AND POP, 70’S TO TODAY
AUGUST 26
ON 3 BAND – MUSIC FROM THEN TO NOW
IN CASE OF RAIN, CONCERT WILL BE HELD @ THE PERU COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP CENTER
** BRING CHAIRS & BLANKETS, NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE ALLOWED **
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE TOWN OF PERU 643-2745 x 7
Posted: June 11th, 2018 under Arts and Entertainment, Peru News, Things to do in & near Peru.
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U.S.-Canada trade tensions escalate following G7 meeting | NCPR News
Posted: June 11th, 2018 under Business News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History.
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Homesteading & Woodworking Weekend
June 23-24, 2018 – Hours 10am-4pm
Babbie Rural & Farm Learning Museum, 250 River Road, Peru, NY (518)643-8052 www.babbiemuseum.org
Wood carving demonstrations by Champlain Valley Wood Carvers. Ongoing demonstrations of antique chain saws, shingle mill, and a planer and buzz saw run by hit and miss engines. Watch as flax is spun into linen (Brook Sylvan Spinnery). Try your hand at using a wash board or vintage wringer washer. Visit the garden shed, raised beds and hops display. Kids: milk Apple Blossom, ride Thomas the Train, the stagecoach, visit the animals and grind corn. Frosty the Cow Concession will be available. Picnic area available
Posted: June 11th, 2018 under Agricultural News, Things to do in & near Peru.
Comments: none
St. Louis of France Closing Mass 6-10-18
Posted: June 10th, 2018 under Peru/Regional History, Religious News.
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St. Joseph’s in Mooers Closing Mass 6-9-18
Posted: June 10th, 2018 under Peru/Regional History, Religious News.
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Troop B officers honored for heroism – Sun Community News & Printing
Posted: June 9th, 2018 under Law Enforcement News.
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UVM Medical Center Nurses to Hold Official Strike Vote | Off Message
Posted: June 7th, 2018 under Heathcare News.
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Rumored threat heightens police presence at middle-high school – LakePlacidNews.com
Posted: June 7th, 2018 under Adirondack Region News, Education News, Law Enforcement News.
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City Police Det. Matt Bell kicks off campaign for sheriff’s job | Local News | pressrepublican.com
Source: City Police Det. Matt Bell kicks off campaign for sheriff’s job | Local News | pressrepublican.com
Posted: June 7th, 2018 under Law Enforcement News.
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School Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing June 12, 2018
Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly meeting and a public hearing on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 6:15 PM at the school district’s Community Room, adjacent to the main entrance of Peru Jr/Sr High School. It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 6:15 PM start, and that the school board will reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM. Anticipated topics include:
- Public Hearing on the District’s Code of Conduct
- Recognition of students, retirees, and board members
- Approval of Service Contract
- Adoption of Bond Resolutions
- Appointment of personnel
- The full agenda is available on the Peru CSD website.
All are welcome.
Posted: June 7th, 2018 under Peru School News.
Comments: none
Important Items On Monday’s Town Board Agenda
AGENDA – TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 11, 2018 @ 7:00 PM
- Call Meeting To Order
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Roll Call
- MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meeting of May 29, 2018;
- 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)
- Community Input
- DISCUSSION: Reporting of Zoning Violations Procedure.
- RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Review and Acceptance of Main St. Project Bids.
- RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Sewer Upgrade RD Funding- Archeological Study Cost.
- RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Acceptance of AES Term Agreement.
- DISCUSSION: North Bend Street Property.
- RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Purchase of 2012 Box Truck from Midstate Industrial Supply.
- RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: NYSLRS Standard Workday Reporting
- DISCUSSION: Other Business.
- DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.
MOTION: Adjourn
Posted: June 7th, 2018 under Town Board News.
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