The Peru Gazette

Source: Jury hears openings at ex-Assembly leader’s bribery trial – Times Union

Source: Historic Saranac Lake Plans Trudeau Acquisition, Expansion – – The Adirondack Almanack

 April 29 Through May 5 is National Small Business Week

This week, April 29 through May 5, has been designated as National Small Business Week and Empire State Development (ESD), and the Departments of Labor, Taxation and Finance, and Agriculture and Markets are encouraging all New Yorkers to support local small businesses. A cornerstone of the state’s economy, the more than 530,000 small business proprietors across New York account for 98 percent of all businesses and employ more than 3 million people, which is 40 percent of the state’s private sector workforce. Read more »

Source: DiNapoli report highlights lump-sum spending, reduced transparency in budget – Capitol Confidential

From the office of Assemblyman Billy Jones

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that he is co-sponsoring legislation that would allow school districts to adopt teacher evaluation systems best suited for their community needs (A.10475). This would replace the “one-size fits all” method of using state assessments in the determination of a teacher or principal’s evaluation. The legislation would allow school districts and teachers to negotiate an effective and fair evaluation system to better meet the needs of North Country students.

“Many North Country parents and teachers have expressed concerns about the state’s current system of Annual Professional Performance Review,” said Assemblyman Jones. “Currently there is too much of an emphasis on high-stakes testing and too little of an emphasis on what is proven to educate our youth. An effective teacher is one that motivates and engages all their students in the learning process, not just teaches to the test.”

The measure would end the mandate that state created or administered assessments be used to evaluate a teacher’s or principal’s performance.  The state Commissioner of Education would provide for alternative assessments for districts that choose not to use state assessments.  The bill would also eliminate the use of the state-provided growth model in a teacher or principal’s evaluation. As part of proposal, teachers would be required to have a student learning objective (SLO) as developed by Education Department. The measure would also make permanent the prohibition on ELA or math state assessments recorded in grades three through eight from being included on a student’s permanent record.

“Adopting more holistic measures to evaluate our teachers and educational staff at local schools will help children grow and improve our educational system,” concluded Assemblyman Jones.

Peru, NY – In spite of rain showers there was a good turnout this morning for the inaugural Peru PTO Peru Pride 5k Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run at Heyworth/Mason Park. 142 runners/walkers signed up prior to this morning and more signed up today. All proceeds will benefit the Peru PTO playground replacement fund.

“The Peru PTO is excited to present this fun and healthy event to our community,” said Lindsey Wendorff, Peru PTO President. “We have a wonderful park and trail to showcase and this run will be a great way to enjoy spring and raise funds to benefit our Peru children.”

Click here to view more photos.

Valcour Monument on April 26, 2018

Valcour Monument on Dedication Day 1928

By John T. Ryan

Recent letters to the Press Republican Editor have made people aware of an ongoing debate within our local historical community. The debate involves a plan under consideration by the Saranac Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to relocate a monument that commemorates the valor of American forces led by Benedict Arnold in the Battle of Valcour on October 11, 1776. The Valcour Monument, erected in 1928 and property of the DAR, is currently located in the Town of Peru adjacent to Route 9, 1.2 miles south of the Peru Boat Dock entrance road.

At the Peru Town Board’s September 11, 2017 meeting Town Historians Ron and Carol Allen informed the Town Board that the DAR is considering moving the monument to Clinton Community College, far removed from the battle scene and in Town of Plattsburgh. In the course of writing this story, the Peru Gazette learned the DAR would prefer moving the monument to the Peru Boat Dock, 1.2 miles north of its current location, but still in the Town of Peru.The Board responded to the Allen’s presentation by passing a resolution asking the DAR to reconsider its proposal.

The Allens cited several reasons for not relocating the monument:  

1. The monument has very high visibility at its current location. 
2. Most of the battle site is visible from its current location. 
3. The Battle of Valcour took place in what is now the Town of Peru, thus the monument should remain in the Town of Peru. 
4. The monument is not in danger of falling into the lake because its four-foot base is sitting on bedrock and tons of shock-rock have been dumped behind it for added protection. 
5. The monument survived the record 2011 high lake water levels with no ill effects. 
6. The monument shows no evidence of harm from weathering, road salt, wind, ice, or anything else. 
7. The monument has been at its current location for so long that it has become a local historic landmark. 
8. The monument can be viewed from inside a vehicle; there is no need to exit a vehicle. 
9. The DAR would lose the title to the property if the monument is moved. 
10. No other site can offer the same degree of visibility, geographic proximity or historical significance than where the monument is currently located. 
11. The monument’s current location was not chosen randomly in 1928. The site was deeded to the DAR by Honorable H. T. Kellogg and his wife Katherine for the erection of the monument. The Kelloggs both had strong ancestral ties to the American Revolution as well as to early members of the Saranac Chapter of the DAR. 

Contacted by the Peru Gazette, Sharron Bell, Saranac DAR Chapter Registrar, explained why the DAR plans to move the Monument. 

1. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation wants the monument moved because of road maintenance and salt damage issues. An August 2015 DEC Draft Unit Management Plan envisions that the Valcour Monument,  a second monument, interpretative panels and a flagpole would be part of an interpretative site at the Peru Boat Dock. See page 71 of Draft Unit Management Plan                 See DEC Sketch Plan
2. The monument is located on a bad curve. It is not safe to stop and visit. In 1983 Clinton County Historian Addie Shields initiated a discussion concerning signage and parking in the area of the monument with the Department of Transportation and the Regional Traffic Engineer. The determination of the Regional Traffic Engineer, L. Raymond Power stated, “It would be tragic to invite tourists to stop and jeopardize their safety. It is with the safety of the traveling public in mind that we cannot place advance Historical Marker signs as suggested.”
3. The monument is subject to road salt damage and the property is subject to erosion on both sides. Old maps show more land behind the monument.
4. Clinton County deed records and tax maps do not establish the DAR as the owner of the property. The monument is on NYS Highway right of way.
5. On April 4, 2002, DAR Regent Nancy Hopkins received a copy of Resolution #214 from the Clinton County Legislature supporting the relocation of the Valcour Monument. The vote was 10-0.

Sharon Bell summarized the DAR position stating, “ The DAR favors relocating the Valcour Monument to the Peru Boat Dock; however, relocating it to Clinton Community College is an option. The College has indicated it would welcome the monument and the DAR conducts its annual commemorative services at the College. If New York State does not take action, the DAR will take action.” 

Editor’s Note: The Peru Gazette communicated with the Department of Environmental Conservation’s  Region 5 Office in Ray Brook to get an update on DEC plans. The specialist most directly involved in the matter referred us to a Public Affairs Specialist who did not respond to either phone calls or emails.

Rt. 9 to the north

Valcour Island and battle scene

Pull-off Area

Reinforcing shock rock

The Plattsburgh Rotary Club announces the 32^nd Annual Rotary International Fishing Classic will be held on beautiful Lake Champlain Friday, June 1 to Sunday, June 3, 2018. 

Cash prizes will be awarded to the 1^st through 5^th place fish (by weight) in three divisions: 1) lake trout, 2) walleye and 3) land-locked Atlantic salmon, steelhead or brown trout. First prize is guaranteed to be $2500 for each division, with other cash prizes to be determined by the cash pool. All winners must be present at the Awards Ceremony at the Naked Turtle in Plattsburgh at 3:30 Sunday afternoon. Plus, any registered angler who visits a weigh station during the Classic will be eligible to win up to $25,000 at the awards ceremony. 

Fees are the same as last year; $50 each or $20 for anglers age 15 and under. Teams pay an additional $50 fee and may have two to four members (each registered individually) including a Captain (who will name all team members on his or her application.)

Anglers may register 1) online at plattsburghrotary.org – payment by credit card – before 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 31 2) on the toll-free “fishline” at 1-877-519-7942 – payment by credit card – before 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 31, or 3) by U.S. mail – check or money order made out to “Plattsburgh Rotary” or credit card – postmarked on or before Wednesday May 30. Read more »

MAY 12-13, 2018 is Opening Weekend for the Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum. It will be open from 10 AM to 4 PM both days. There will be plowing and planting with antique farm equipment ongoing throughout the weekend. Other demonstrations include the granary, blacksmith shop and weaving (Kendra Durant).   Work with a Master Gardener from Cornell Cooperative Extension to plant a flower for Mom and get answers to your gardening questions. Visit our new exhibits – Home Textile Production (spinning wheel and weaving loom) and Apple Orchard (apple grader, ladder, other antique equipment.).   Take a stagecoach ride, ride Thomas the Train, stop and say hello to the animals. Visit the museum store.

Spring turkey season opens May 1 in all of upstate New York north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary.  With reproductive success below the long-term average in 2016 and 2017, coupled with harsh winter conditions this year, it is anticipated that the spring harvest will be down from last year. However, good hunting opportunities can be found throughout the state, particularly in regions with good nesting and poult success the last two years. The estimated turkey harvest for spring 2017 was about 17,500 birds.

View reports from DEC’s Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey

Important Details for the Spring Turkey Season, May 1 through 31, 2018:

• Hunting is permitted in most areas of the state, except for New York City and Long Island.
• Hunters must have a turkey hunting permit in addition to their hunting license.
• Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to noon each day.
• Hunters may take two bearded turkeys during the spring season, but only one bird per day.
• Hunters may not use rifles or handguns firing a bullet. Hunters may hunt with a shotgun or handgun loaded with shot sizes no larger than No. 2 or smaller than No. 8, or with a bow or crossbow.
• Successful hunters must fill out the tag that comes with their turkey permit and immediately attach it to any turkey harvested.
• Successful hunters must report their harvest within seven days of taking a bird. Call 1-866-426-3778 (1-866 GAMERPT) or report harvest online.

For more information about turkey hunting, see the 2017-18 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide or visit the DEC Website.

Source: Judge tosses state permit on mega-farm manure waste – Times Union

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday, April 9, 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 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. Douglass to approve the minutes from the March 26, 2018 meeting. Ayes 4 Nays 0 Motion Carried

Motion by Mr.  Irwin, 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). Ayes 4 Nays 0 Motion Carried

Community Input and Questions
John Hart shared his concerns of the feral cat situation in his neighborhood located on Jabez Allen Road. He had contacted the N.Y.S. Department of Agriculture and they have no involvement with feral cats. Mr. Hart is asking for consideration to eliminate the situation. Mr. McDonald is going to reach out to other agencies for possible assistance in resolving the situation.

John Ryan recommended sending a letter of thanks to individuals for their service to our community that have retired. Mr. McDonald will follow up with Ms. Barber on the recommendation.

Zoning Ordinance Review regarding Banners
Mr. Guynup stated April 11 at 6PM before the zoning board meeting is being held to discuss the current banner sign regulations.

Approval of PLACE Alliance Northeast Contract

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 18.04.09.1 – APPROVING THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF PERU AND PLACE ALLIANCE NORTHEAST FOR THE MAIN ST. ENHANCEMENT PROJECT – PHASE II AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

MOTION: Mr. Douglass SECOND: Mr. Langley

WHEREAS, the Town Board has the contract between the Town of Peru and the PLACE Alliance Northeast for the Main St. Enhancement Project – Phase II, before it, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, said proposed contract is approved and the Supervisor be and hereby is authorized to execute said contract, AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.
Ayes 4 Nays 0 Motion carried

Erection of Signage on Davey Drive

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 18.04.09.2 – REQUESTING THE TOWN OF PERU TO ERECT A SIGN BANNING TRACTOR TRAILER PARKING ON DAVEY DRIVE

MOTION BY: Mr. Langley SECOND BY: Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, the Peru Town Board for safety reasons, desires to have erected a “No Tractor Trailer Parking” sign on Davey Drive, Peru, New York, and THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, that the Peru Town Board wishes to establish a “No Tractor Trailer Parking Zone” on Davey Drive and erect or cause to be erected appropriate “No Tractor Trailer Parking Zone” signs to mark the area established. AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.
4 Ayes Nays 0 Motion carried

Sewer Upgrade Funding Update
USDA has denied the low-interest application. Mr. McDonald will appeal that decision with a letter written by Liz Tedford. Mr. Tetrault has asked the Board to authorize $100,000.00 so the project can keep moving forward with construction to begin in 2020.

FEMA Storm Stella
Mr. Farrell has all the paperwork finalized and submitted including the P4 form for reimbursement of $29,167.26 for Storm Stella March 2017.

Other Business
Mr. Farrell stated Tyler Jarvis has completed his 90-day probation and he is doing really well, street sweeping had to be suspended due to inclement weather. The 100-200 tires from a deserted trailer is having to be transported to Hudson Falls at the Town’s expense for disposal.
The trailer was dismantled and scrapped and money turned in.

Mr. Drollette has a dog hearing in April and May.

Mr. Guynup is notifying residents of violating the zoning ordinances with a warning in an attempt to avoid court action.

Mr. Tetrault inquired about the pump house on Buttonwood subdivision. Mr. Guynup stated all paperwork was filed and now waiting for land acquisition from Don Swain.

Public Comments on Agenda Items Only
John Ryan asked the location of the feral cat situation which was the Jabez Allen Road.

Motion by Mr. Douglass seconded by Mr. Langley to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:36 PM. Ayes 4 Nays 0 Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman

The Clinton County Historical Association Announces:

³Relics of War: Clinton County 1774 – 1815 ²
May 7, 2018 from 6:30 7:30 pm
Clinton County Historical Association Museum, 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh

Source: East Branch of Ausable River over flood stage | News | pressrepublican.com

Source: NY governor condemns federal raid on upstate dairy farm | News & Observer

By John T. Ryan 

Peru School District Superintendent Dr. Thomas Palmer addressed the Town Board and residents regarding the District’s Capital Project that will be voted on by voters on May 15, 2018. The District seeks approval for an $18,485,000 “Three R” Capital Project that the Board says is designed to renovate, rejuvenate and restore existing facilities and meet the demands of 21st century learning. Dr. Palmer said the project would be financed by an existing $1,750,000 District Capital Reserve Fund, $700,000 from the District’s current fund balance and the remaining 88% by New York State school aid. 

The project includes restoring roofs, pavement and playgrounds; renovation of obsolete infrastructures such as heating and cooling systems, communication systems, plumbing fixtures, windows and lighting; rejuvenation of existing space such as the K-2 House kitchen, 3-5 House library, 3-5 art room, and High School science and art rooms. A project highlight is the conversion of an existing gym space into a two-level fitness center. It would include weight lifting equipment, cardiovascular fitness equipment, and a wrestling/fitness studio. Public access to the fitness facility during evening hours is anticipated. LED lighting for night games and events will also be installed at the stadium/track. 

An informational session on the Capital Project will be held on Tuesday, May 8th at 7 PM in the Middle/High School Community Room. An informational mailing is being made to all households in the District.  Dr. Palmer is also appearing before several town boards and community groups. To view Dr. Palmer’s presentation view the video from the 11:40 to 18:30- minute mark. Click here for Capital Project details.

Beth Spaugh-Barber of Rehoboth Homestead on Route 9 – Jabez Allen Road continued her effort to be permitted to fly banners or fluttering signs at her Route 9 farm stand. Spaugh-Barber was looking for a “workaround” to the existing zoning law which only permits such signs during limited periods such as grand openings. She began her presentation by stating, “It will be a cold day in hell before we can get the Zoning Board to change.” None of the Board members expressed agreement with her proposal. Counselor Melvin Irwin suggested that she work her proposal up through the Zoning Board.  See video from the 4:18 to the 10:40-minute marks. 

Bids on the Main Street Upgrade Project will be solicited on May 27 with a pre-bid conference on May 2, bid opening on May 10 and bid award on May 14.

Planning for the hamlet’s sewer system upgrade continues. The Board approved a contract with AES Engineering at an amount not to exceed $50,000 to conduct preliminary design which includes such things as aerial mapping and archeological studies. USDA recently denied the Town’s application for a low-interest loan for the $4 million project.  The Town is appealing the denial because financing the project through commercial banks would result in significantly higher interest charges. The Town hopes to begin construction in 2020. The Board approved a loan of $50,000 to the Sewer District from the General Fund to finance AES work.  NYS has awarded the Town 25% grant funding.

Supervisor Brandy McDonald said residents have been asking questions on broadband expansion in the Town. NYS recently awarded monies to make broadband available to every residence or business in the Town. The funds were awarded to companies such as Verizon and Primelink, not to the Town.  An exact time schedule has not been finalized. Work has to be completed no later than February 20, 2020. 

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell continues to explore the installation of plastic liners in the deteriorating culverts at the Telegraph Street – Sullivan Road intersection. Installing liners rather than replacement should save significant money. Farrell is not sure if U.S. Fish and Wildlife or New York State DEC will approve the plastic liners. They have been approved in several other states.  

Town plows damaged five or six mailboxes during recent storms. Superintendent Farrell said he had removed the plow wings; nevertheless, the heavy ice damaged mailboxes. The Town replaces mailboxes, but only when the boxes were properly installed and when they are directly impacted by a Town plow.  The Town replaced one of the damaged boxes. 

The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 7:40 PM to discuss the employment history of an employee.  

PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Prescription Opiate and Heroin Addiction and opiate-related overdoses continue to increase in the North Country. Several local professionals and concerned citizens have joined forces to form Substance Abuse Prevention and Recovery of Clinton County (SPARCC). The coalition, comprised of people in recovery, concerned citizens, treatment providers, elected officials, law enforcement, educators, and community organizations, joins together to raise awareness and to address the issues associated with substance abuse in our community. Our mission is to foster community health through education, prevention, treatment and recovery of substance abuse.

On Thursday, May 10 from 7 – 9 PM, SPARCC is hosting a free Community Event at the Strand Center for the Arts, 25 Brinkerhoff Street, Plattsburgh, in order to raise awareness of the impact of the heroin crisis and to educate the community about services available to help. Our guest speaker, Richard Jensen, will present his story of his toughest opponent – addiction. Mr. Jensen is a former wrestler who struggled with addiction for years and then found his courage to overcome his obstacles and barriers. 

All members of Clinton County and surrounding counties are urged to attend to be informed of the impact of the heroin crisis in our community and to join forces with SPARCC in creating positive change. Visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SPARCCNY to RSVP.

Source: SkyWest to begin service in late August | Local News | pressrepublican.com

From the Office of Assemblyman Bill Jones

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that legislation he introduced designating Chazy Lake as an inland waterway for the purposes of waterfront revitalization has passed the Assembly (A.8723-A).

“Chazy Lake is a prime example of the North Country’s true beauty,” Jones said. “This legislation further commits to protecting our area’s natural resources and helps boost the local economy by increasing property values.”

The bill allows surrounding municipalities to apply for state and federal funding to protect the lake as well as boost infrastructure, fishing and local recreational activities to areas along the lake. Chazy Lake is a popular fishing spot located in Clinton County that serves as an integral part of the Adirondacks, stretching roughly four miles at the foot of the Lyon, Johnson and Ellenburg Mountains.

A Peru Gazette meeting summary will be added ASAP. Peru School District Superintendent Dr. Thomas Palmer was present to describe the $18 million capital project proposition that the voters will decide on May 15, 2018. His talk begins at the 11:15 minute/second mark of the video. Click here for Capital Project Details

Source: Legislative hearing on aid-in-dying bill attracts big crowds – Times Union

Source: Cuomo proposes plastic-bag ban – Times Union