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More About The Peru Gazette

The editor is John Ryan at email: perugazette@gmail.com. The Peru Gazette is a free community, education and information website. It is non-commercial and does not accept paid advertising.

Comment Policy

The Peru Gazette welcomes comments on posted stories. The author MUST include his/her first and last name. No  foul or libelous language permitted. The Peru Gazette reserves the right to not publish a comment.

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Sky West Has Arrived

Plattsburgh – A new era in the history of Plattsburgh International Airport occurred at 2:25 PM today when the first SkyWest/United Express flight touched down. The Peru Gazette will post a story ASAP, but here are a few photos of the historic arrival of the Bombardier 50-passenger jet aircraft.

Four Items on September Planning Board Agenda

AGENDA REVISED 8/24/18 – Planning Board, WEDNESDAY, September 12, 2018 @ 7:00 PM

TOWN OF PERU

  1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
  2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  3. ROLL CALL
  4. APPROVAL of July 11, 2018 minutes.
  5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
  6. APPLICATIONS:

1. 3-Lot Major Subdivision with SEQR: P-2018-018 Nathan Wilson

3-Lot Major Subdivision 

280.-1-30.1

Peru, NY 12972

2.  Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2018-020 Olof Franzon

Site Plan Review – Creation of an accessory apartment in the existing single family dwelling.

16 Coastland Dr.

Plattsburgh, NY 12901

3.  2-Lot Minor Subdivision with SEQR: P-2018-021 Leeward Lamoy

2-Lot Minor Subdivision

561 Fuller Rd.

Peru, NY 12972

4.  2-Lot Minor Subdivision with SEQR: P-2018-022 Steven & Jessica Gainer

2-Lot Minor Subdivision

2645 Rt. 22

Peru, NY 12972

7.  ANY FURTHER BUSINESS: David Barber -Major Preliminary Plan for Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness

8. CEO REPORT:

9. ADJOURNMENT

Peru, NY 12972

4.  2-Lot Subdivision with SEQR: P-2018-022 Steven & Jessica Gainer

2-Lot Subdivision

2645 Rt. 22

Peru, NY 12972

7.  ANY FURTHER BUSINESS: David Barber -Major Preliminary Plan for Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness

8. CEO REPORT:

9. ADJOURNMENT

Underground Railroad tour highlights hidden history 

Source: Underground Railroad tour highlights hidden history – Sun Community News & Printing

School boards ready for merger discussion 

Source: School boards ready for merger discussion – Sun Community News & Printing

Podcast boom maps Plattsburgh’s multitudes 

Source: Podcast boom maps Plattsburgh’s multitudes – Sun Community News & Printing

2 coaches’ lasting tribute for late student 

Source: 2 coaches’ lasting tribute for late student | Local News | pressrepublican.com

View July 2018 Town of Peru Department Reports

JULY 2018 DEPT. REPORTS

Main Street Enhancement is a Go

By John T. Ryan 

  • Main Street Enhancement Project to Move Forward  
  • $3.6 Million Loan Application to Be Filed for Sewer System Upgrade 
  • Cameras to be Installed at Laphams Mills Park 
  • 25 Ton Equipment Trailer Purchase Approved 
  • Motor Equipment Operator Hired
  • Hydrogeologic Work to Begin 

Peru’s Main Street Enhancement project has been reduced in scope but it is going to take place.  At its Monday, August 13, 2018 meeting the Peru Town Board accepted a $139,000 bid to the only bidder, Northern Stone and Dirt Inc.. The street changes will take place from the Maiden Lane – Route 22 intersection to just beyond the Town Hall rather than to the Dollar Store as originally planned. Bids submitted during two previous bidding opportunities far exceeded the remaining $152,000 in NYS grant monies.  The Board decided to proceed, but only as far as the grant monies permitted. Given the upcoming sewer project, the Board is very reluctant to spend any more money than is absolutely necessary to maintain essential services.  

Major work will take place following the September 15-16 Applefest to be completed no later than November 15th. Minor work will take place prior to the Applefest. Supervisor Brandy McDonald made a special point to thank the Town’s grant coordinator Adele Douglas saying, “Adele, thank you for all your hard work.”  Douglas, former Town Councilman Donald McBrayer, and a Main Street Committee worked on the project for over four years. Click here to see the project as originally envisioned. 

A major step toward upgrading Peru’s sewer system was taken when the board voted to apply for a USDA Rural Development Administration loan in the amount of $3,612,000 over 38-years at a 3.5% interest rate. USDA interest rates are considerably less than the rates offered by local financial institutions. Planning is being conducted at this time with actual work to be done in 2020. 

Security cameras will soon be installed at Laphams Mills Park. The Board authorized expenditure of up to $999 from the Youth Commission’s budget.  A few weeks ago vandals removed equipment from a baseball dugout. More recently, one of the buildings was defaced with sun tan lotion. 

The Highway Department was authorized to purchase a new 25-ton heavy equipment trailer at a cost of $31,394. Rampart Trailers LLC of North Carolina is the supplier.  The Town will utilize NYS Consolidated Local Streets and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) monies to pay for the trailer. 

The Board authorized hiring A. J. Rivera as a Highway Department Motor Equipment Operator at an hourly rate of $14.78, plus benefits. 

The expenditure of $3,250 was approved for hydrogeological work to determine the feasibility of drilling a well to supplement the current reservoir. 

Approved Minutes of the Peru Town Board’s July 23, 2018 Meeting

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday, July 23, 2018 at the Peru Town Hall.  Those present were Mr. Brandy McDonald Supervisor; Mr. James Douglass, Councilman ; was not present and is excused, 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; 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. Langley to approve the minutes from the July 9, 2018 meeting.  

Ayes 3 Nays Motion Carried

Community Input and Questions

None

Lapham Mills Park Vandalism

Mr. McDonald, Ms. Barber and Mr. Tetrault  each received a phone call from John Flynn in the morning of July 15, 2018  that the equipment boxes in  the dug outs had been vandalized.  Mr. McDonald & Mr. Tetrault went to the park.  Locks were broken and all contents thrown onto ground.

Mr. Flynn was unable to attend this meeting but spoke with Mr. McDonald stating possible cameras to be installed and paid from the Youth Commission Budget.  Mr. Langley commented pricing will be needed to ensure enough funds in Mr. Flynn’s budget.

Permission to Request Bids for the Purchase of 25 Ton Equipment Trailer

Mr. Farrell was given permission to sell old trailer and motion made by Mr. Langley second by Mr. Irwin with 3Ayes to request bids for the Purchase of 25 Ton Equipment Trailer.

NYSDEC Comprehensive Compliance Inspection Report for Valcour Sewer Facility

No surprises with a marginal rating. New pumps to be installed.

Main Street Enhancement Project Re-Bid

Bids will be opened August 10, 2018

Other Business

Mr. Farrell is actively interviewing a Motor Equipment Operator. All positions will be filled once this position has been filled. The Highway Department has received $ 341,000 from the NYS Chips program which will be used for paving. Mr. Farrell estimates approximately 6 miles will be done. Mr. Langley asked the price per mile. The price is approximately $59,000 a mile.

Mr. Langley stated a $ 10,561.00 insurance check was received for the Bear Swamp lift station due to damage and electrical loss May 10, 2018.

Mr. Tetrault stated the public advisory committee complimented his team on the cleanliness on the Town’s public areas.  Mr. Tetrault asked that a check to NYSEG be expedited in the amount $ 6641.26 for the Bear Swamp Lift Station. Motion made by Mr. Langley to authorize payment second by Mr. Irwin with 3 Ayes. 

Mr. Tetrault asked for approval of $ 2000.00 for Sullivan Park ice rink fine grading. Money was raised for this project. Motion by Mr. Langley second by Mr. Irwin 3 Ayes to receive bids for this project

Public Comments on Agenda Items Only

None

RESOLUTION NUMBER:  18.07.23.01

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE POST-AUDIT PAYMENT OF CERTAIN CLAIMS, BILLS AND INVOICES OF THE TOWN

MOTION:  Mr. Langley   SECOND:  Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed and audited the following claims, bills and invoices for services rendered and goods provided to the Town in July of 2018:

From Town Of Peru Vouchers: # 201800905 through and including # 201800990

Abstract dated 7/23/2018

For the dollar amount totaling:   $163,280.44 ; 

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
Excused James Douglass
Mel Irwin x
James Langley x
Brandy McDonald x

Carried: 3 Ayes 0 Nays

Motion by Mr. Irwin, seconded by Mr. Langley to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:32 PM.  

Ayes 3 Nays 0 Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor  _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman

The Clinton County Historical Association Announces: “Women’s Equality Day Commemoration”

Sunday, August 26, 2018, 12 – 4pm

 

Clinton County Historical Association, 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh 

On Sunday, August 26, women across the United States will be commemorating, “Women’s Equality Day”. This date was set-aside in 1971 as an annual event to celebrate the August 26, 1920, adoption of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.  The Commemoration’s goal is to raise awareness about the importance of gender equality and to commemorate the work and sacrifices made by women during the suffrage movement.

The Clinton County Suffrage Story is currently on exhibit at the Clinton County Historical Association Museum and part of the Museum’s effort to bring awareness to the dedicated suffragist movement and to reflect the length and breadth of the movement locally, statewide and nationally.

The Sunday Program will include:

12:00 – 3:30 pm, Guided tours of the Clinton County Suffrage Story Exhibit

1:00 – 4 pm, a series of videos and ‘shorts’ about the suffrage movement including “Forward Into the Light,” a documentary of the life of American Icon Inez Milholland.

Discussions will follow each film.

This program, free and open to the public, is co-sponsored by the Clinton County Historical Association and the League of Women Voters.

If You Like Michigans This is the Place to Be Next Sunday

Just because we’re approaching the end of Summer, it doesn’t mean we have to stop eating Summertime goodies…. Come and finish your vacation with a smile and a $5 Michigan meal at the Harkness United Methodist Church! Mark your calendar for Sunday August 26th and plan to bring your family and join your friends at Michigans For Mission at the Harkness Church Hall, 776 Hallock Hill Road in Peru. The meal will be served from 11AM to 2:30PM, and there will be live music from 11:30 to 1:30. Where else can you get a Michigan, chips, pickle, drink and dessert for just $5.00?

There will also be a Bake Sale table loaded with extra goodies, and take-out meals are available. For more information, call (518) 643-8659 or (518) 834-7577. Hope to see you there!

Monday’s Town Board Agenda

AGENDA – TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 13, 2018 @ 7:00 PM

  1. Call Meeting To Order
  1. Pledge of Allegiance
  1. Roll Call
  1. MOTION:  Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meeting of July 23, 2018; 
  1. 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)
  1. Community Input
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  USDA Loan Acceptance Resolution.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Hiring of New Highway Motor Equipment Operator.
  1. DISCUSSION:  Main St. Improvement Project Update. 
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Purchase of a New 25 Ton Tag Along Equipment Trailer.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Proposal for Hydrogeologic Work.
  1. DISCUSSION:  Budget Workshops Scheduling.
  1. DISCUSSION:  Court Clerk Training.
  1. DISCUSSION:  Update for Cameras at Laphams Mills Park.
  1. DISCUSSION:  Other Business.
  1. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

     

MOTION:     Adjourn

Proposed Augur Lake boat launch questioned 

Source: Proposed Augur Lake boat launch questioned – Sun Community News & Printing

Village to slash road salt use in Schuyler Heights for pilot project 

Source: Lake George Village to slash road salt use in Schuyler Heights for pilot project – Sun Community News & Printing

DEC Encourages New Hunters and Trappers to Register for Hunting and Trapping Education Courses

Training in Safe Handling of Firearms and Hunting Required before Purchasing a Hunting License

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminded all new hunters and trappers planning to go afield this season that they must first complete a mandatory hunter, bowhunter, or trapper education course before obtaining the appropriate sporting license or hunting privilege.

“DEC’s hunter education program provides future sportsmen and sportswomen training about how to be safe, responsible and ethical hunters and trappers,” said Commissioner Seggos. “We are grateful to the volunteer instructors who continue to provide their expertise and support to deliver this program. I encourage all prospective hunters and trappers to sign up for one of the hundreds of courses offered across New York State.”

First-time hunters and trappers are encouraged to sign up for certification courses now as these courses fill quickly. Each year, more than 45,000 New Yorkers take DEC’s hunter and trapper education courses.

DEC works closely with thousands of dedicated DEC-certified instructors statewide to provide these training courses free of charge. Courses are offered for Hunter Education, Bowhunter Education, Trapper Education, and Waterfowl Hunter Education.

DEC’s online registration system makes it easy to view a list of all available courses. Students can register from any device-smartphone, tablet or computer-24 hours a day, seven days a week. Courses are added continuously throughout the year, so those interested should regularly check the on-line system to find a course near them. To locate a hunter or trapper education course, visit DEC’s website or contact a local DEC office for assistance.

Students must complete homework prior to attending the required classroom and field course. The homework portion of the course provides an introduction to the subject and enhances understanding of the course material. Proof of the completed homework is required to attend the course. Students should register for the course well in advance of the course date in order to allow time to complete the homework requirement, which can take several hours.

Access to the homework materials and online homework options can be found on DEC’s website. Students may also follow the guidelines listed in the course announcement when registering for a course. Course manuals and homework sheets are always available from DEC wildlife offices and Hunter Education Program instructors.

Regular Monthly Meeting August 14, 2018

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at 6:30 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 6:30 PM start, and that the school board will reconvene for public session business at approximately 6:45 PM.  Anticipated topics include:

  • Code of Conduct
  • Policy Review
  • Bid Award
  • Tax Levy
  • Appointment of personnel

The full agenda is available on the District’s website. All are welcome.

Clinton Community College increases student tuition – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Clinton Community College increases student tuition – Sun Community News & Printing

Gallery Cooperative Featured Artist Lorrie Mandigo at The Strand Center for the Arts in September

PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Strand Center for the Arts is pleased to announce painter Lorrie Mandigo as the featured artist in their Gallery Cooperative for the month of September. This forthcoming exhibit will take place in The Strand Center Community Gallery on Friday, September 7 and a free reception will be held from 5:30-7:30 PM that night.

The Gallery Cooperative is a collection of artists, each expert at their chosen medium. This means that as well as the featured artist, Lorrie Mandigo, painters Amy Guglielmo, Marilyn Kretser, Donna Austin, Judy Guglielmo, and Carol Hochreiter will be present. In addition, these artists will be joined by pastel artist Diane Leifheit, digital artist Sandy Fox, and photographers Ron Nolland and Denise Duprey.

Lorrie Mandigo was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, in 1965,  Read more »

The Emerald Trio: A Sparkling Gem of Many Facets

The Emerald Trio – Karen Bogardus, flutes; Orlando Wells, violin/viola; James Sheppard, piano – will perform in concert Sunday, August 19 at 4:00 pm at the historic Saranac Methodist Church on Route 3 in Saranac.  The program will feature Trio Sonata in G of Georg PhillipTelemann and Suite, Op. 59 of Mel Bonis, as well as several contemporary works: Trio for Flute, Violin, and Piano of Alessandro Annunziata, Autumn Trio of T.O. Sterrett, What Have I Got to Lose? of Howard Cass, and Girl Without Hands of James Sheppard.  Seating is open with a suggested donation of $15; children under 12 attend free.  For further info telephone 518-293-7613, e-mail hillholl@hughes.net or visit www.hillandhollowmusic.org. Read more »

Great Offerings For History Lovers

Upcoming Clinton County Historical Association and Museum events. There are still openings for the Valcour Lighthouse Tour on August 12th. Contact 518-561-0340 or email director@clintoncountyhistorical.org

Zoning Board August Agenda

AGENDA – ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

WEDNESDAY, August 15, 2018 @ 7:00 PM

TOWN OF PERU

  1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
  2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  3. ROLL CALL
  4. APPROVAL of July 18, 2018 minutes.
  5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
  6. APPLICATION: Area Variance: Z-2018-036 Jason Poynter

Area Variance – To place an above ground pool in the front yard setback, 9 Strackville Rd., Schuyler Falls, NY 12985

  1. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS
  2. CEO REPORT:
  3. ADJOURNMENT

Computer virus wreaks havoc on Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority server

Source: Watertown Daily Times | Computer virus wreaks havoc on Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority server

Keeseville Field Day and Parade marches into town Aug. 11 

Source: Keeseville Field Day and Parade marches into town Aug. 11 – Sun Community News & Printing

Eye on the Arts – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Eye on the Arts – Sun Community News & Printing

Stiller’s prison break miniseries set to air in November, first trailer released

Source: Malone Telegram | Stiller’s prison break miniseries set to air in November, first trailer released