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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.

Recent Comments

A message from Amy Clowney of the Little Pizza Shop

I am looking for old pictures of the original building where the little pizza shop is. It used to be called Burnell‘s. We are starting to finish our lobby and would love to put up some pictures of the original building. If anyone could help or knows someone that could help that would be great. Call 518-643-0552.

North Country Hospitals Get Substantial Funding Increase in State Budget

From the Office of Assemblyman Billy Jones

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that the 2018-19 state budget increases funding for North Country hospitals by $100 million over the next two years, including an additional $60 million for safety net hospitals, Critical Access Hospitals and Sole Community Hospitals.

“Providing affordable, quality health care in rural parts of our state can be a challenge,” said Assemblyman Jones. “This funding will assist local hospitals and ensure they can continue to provide the high-quality health care that North Country families have received throughout the years. This funding will ultimately help give the employees of our regional hospitals the resources to perform their jobs at the highest capacity, thereby creating a better patient experience and an overall healthier community.”

Stephens Mundy, President and CEO of The University of Vermont Health Network Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, shared his appreciation for the Assemblyman’s commitment to adequately funding quality health care initiatives throughout the North Country.

“CVPH and AHMC are grateful for the Assemblyman’s understanding of their complex issues as Community Safety Net providers, and we strongly support the funding he helped secure for both organizations,” said Mundy.  “We know that the Assemblyman is eager to learn more about the issues that affect us and we appreciate his willingness to help us address those issues.”

The budget included a measure that Assemblyman Jones introduced with Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried (D/WFP-Manhattan) during the last legislative session to establish a safety net program. The program creates a payment rate adjustment in order to ensure the financial viability of safety net providers, support the vital services they provide and acknowledge their benefit to our state, particularly the North Country. With the inclusion of this language in the budget, North Country hospitals will receive additional funding to help them provide high quality health care to their patients.

 

Royal flush trumps flooded house | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Royal flush trumps flooded house | Local News | pressrepublican.com

North Country power in Albany hangs in balance as GOP control of Senate weakens | NCPR News

Source: North Country power in Albany hangs in balance as GOP control of Senate weakens | NCPR News

Can a revived Frontier Town open a new gateway to the Adirondacks? | NCPR News

Source: Can a revived Frontier Town open a new gateway to the Adirondacks? | NCPR News

How does NY go about turning a regular person into a judge? | NCPR News

Source: How does NY go about turning a regular person into a judge? | NCPR News

County transit poised to kickstart deviation service – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: County transit poised to kickstart deviation service – Sun Community News & Printing

Cuomo’s office quietly launches one-stop shop for FOIL requests – Capitol Confidential

Source: Cuomo’s office quietly launches one-stop shop for FOIL requests – Capitol Confidential

Scott signs major gun bills into law

Source: Scott signs major gun bills into law

Price increase coming to Lake Champlain Ferries

Source: Price increase coming to Lake Champlain Ferries

Champlain College to Offer Discounts in Bid to Boost Online Enrollment | Off Message

Source: Champlain College to Offer Discounts in Bid to Boost Online Enrollment | Off Message

Highlights of Peru Town Board’s April 9, 2018 Meeting

By John T. Ryan

The Town’s sewer upgrade received at least a temporary setback. USDA denied the Town’s application for a low interest loan. USDA offered a loan guarantee package through a commercial bank which would result in a higher interest rate. The Board authorized Supervisor McDonald to appeal the denial. The project has been estimated to cost $4.1 million. The Town was awarded a 25% USDA grant. The remaining 75% will be financed by a long-term bond.

Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault recommended that the Board authorize expenditure of $100,000 to keep the sewer project moving forward with construction in 2020. The Board will decide on this request at its next meeting.

The Board approved a contract with PLACE Alliance to prepare bids for the Main Street Project at a cost not to exceed $14,750, plus $1,200 for each on-site visit. Town officials previously indicated that these expenses should be covered by the grant funding.

Erection of a sign prohibiting tractor-trailers on Davey Drive was approved. Truckers traveling to Peru Town Court have been trapped because there is no turnaround area. Henceforth, tractor-trailers will have to park along the Bear Swamp Road.

A trailer filled with 100 to 200 tires was deserted along the Jabez Allen Road. State Police claimed they were unable to identify the owner. The trailer was scrapped and $162 was received by the Town. Two Town dump rucks will transport the tires to a facility in Hudson Falls.

Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup reported pending court actions against residents violating junk car and other ordinances. Violators are given a warning. If no response is received Guynup asks the Clinton County Sheriff to issue a warrant directing offenders to appear in Peru Town Court.

Jabez Allen Road resident John Hart asked the Board if any action could be taken with regard to feral cats. He said a neighbor is feeding at least a dozen feral cats. The cats hide in his hedge rows and enter his garage. He said one cat jumped and scratched his face and attacked his dog. He said to the Board, “I respectfully ask you to consider this matter. The stench is overwhelming.” Supervisor Brandy McDonald said he would make phone calls in an attempt to resolve the issue. He said, “We’ve been through this issue with feral cats year after year and there’s not a lot that we can do.”

Resident John Ryan suggested that appreciation letters be sent from the Town Supervisor to people who have served on town bodies such as the Youth Commission and the Planning and Zoning Boards. He specifically mentioned the Youth Commission outgoing Chairman Greg Mills. Supervisor McDonald said he had verbally thanked Mills, but he thought sending a letter was a good suggestion.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that Tyler Jarvis successfully completed his 90-day probationary period. He said, “Jarvis an excellent employee.” The Highway Department still has one open position.

Michael Farrell reported that the cold weather and rain has delayed street sweeping. Highway personnel will do their best to catch up.

MARCH 2018 DEPT. REPORTS

TOPS Launches 25th Annual JDRF Campaign

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. – Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, and Vermont, is pleased to launch its 25th year of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Campaign. Over the year’s TOPS has raised over $11.1 million dollars for the cause with TOPS fund-raising efforts putting the company in the top 10 fund-raisers in the country for many years.

This year TOPS Annual Spring JDRF Sneaker Campaign will begin Sunday, April 15 and run through Saturday, May 5, 2018. The goal is to raise money to help fund research to help find a cure for Type 1 diabetes. The paper sneaker, which was designed by a TOPS associate back in 1993 and is now widely used nationally as well as internally in JDRF fundraising campaigns, will be sold at TOPS registers for a $1.00 donation. Read more »

Approved Minutes of the Peru Town Board’s March 26, 2018 Meeting

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday, March 26, 2018, at the Peru Town Hall. Those present were Mr. Brandy McDonald Supervisor; Mr. James Douglass, Councilman; Mr. James Langley, Councilman; Mr. Matthew Favro, Town Attorney; Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk. Mr. Melvin Irwin was not present and is excused. Also present 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 7:00PM by Mr. McDonald, with the Pledge of Allegiance.
 
Motion by Mr. Langley, seconded by Mr. Douglass to approve the minutes from the March 12, 2018 meeting. Ayes 3 Nays 0 Motion Carried
 
Community Input and Questions
John Ryan asked if a public hearing would be conducted on the Town’s increased building permit fees. Mr. Favro said that according to the Town’s Zoning Law a public hearing is not required.
 
John Ryan asked if the meeting with the Peru Town Justices and the Plattsburgh Town Justices had been scheduled, to discuss the Peru Town Court arraignments of crimes committed in Town of Plattsburgh. Mr. McDonald said that no meeting had been set by the judges. Plattsburgh Town Supervisor, Mike Cashman and Peru Town Supervisor, Brandy McDonald did meet to discuss the issue. Since that meeting, no cases outside the Peru Jurisdiction have been arraigned in Peru Town Court.
 
John Ryan asked when the bids for the Main Street Project were occurring. Mr. McDonald stated that Mr. Douglass, Adele Douglas, Melissa McManus and Barbara Kendall were meeting March 28, at 2:30PM to discuss when the bids will occur.
 
Theresa Kaschak expressed concerns of signs versus banners and also how it affects the beautification of our town with the overuse of these banners.
 
Liz Tedford Contract for Engineering Planning Grant for Valcour
Mr. McDonald commented that this resolution was routine and Ms. Tedford was successful for grants received.
 
RESOLUTION NUMBER: 18.03.26-1
 
A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE TEDFORD CONSULTING PROPOSAL FOR PREPARING AND SUBMITTING A DEC/EFC ENGINEERING PLANNING GRANT FOR THE TOWN OF PERU’S VALCOUR SEWER DISTRICT.
 
MOTION: Jim Langley SECOND: Jim Douglass
 
WHEREAS, the Town Board has received a proposal from Tedford Consulting for preparing and submitting a DEC/EFC Engineering Planning Grant Application for the purpose of Town qualification for Valcour Sewer District through the 2018 CFA process. AND,
 
WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed this proposal and has decided that the proposal best meets the needs of the Town for gathering information for the Town’s grant application for the Engineering Planning Grant money;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
 
RESOLVED, that the Town of Peru accepts the proposal of Tedford Consulting for Consulting for preparing and submitting a DEC/EFC Engineering Planning Grant Application at an hourly rate of $75.00 for services provided in accordance with the Town of Peru’s financial policies; not to exceed Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00) And direct the Town of Peru Supervisor, Brandy McDonald to sign this contract.
 
BE IT RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.
Ayes 3 Nays 0 Motion Carried
 
AES Agreement for Engineering Planning Grant for Valcour
Mr. McDonald stated the reason for the change was that it is a smaller project.
 
RESOLUTION NUMBER: 18.03.26.2
A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE AES NORTHEAST, PLLC REPLACEMENT OF THE EXISTING AGREEMENT DATED JULY 20, 2017 FOR PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING REPORT FOR THE DEC/EFC ENGINEERING PLANNING GRANT FOR THE TOWN OF PERU’S VALCOUR SEWER DISTRICT.
 
MOTION: Mr. Langley SECOND: Mr. Douglass
 
WHEREAS, the Town Board has received a replacement agreement dated March 8, 2018 from AES Northeast, PLLC for preliminary planning report dated July 20, 2017 for the DEC/EFC Engineering Planning Grant Application for the purpose of Town qualification for Valcour Sewer District through the 2018 CFA process. AND,
 
WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed this new agreement and has decided that it shall replace the old agreement for Project #4628 for a cost savings of $2,250.00 (Two thousand two hundred fifty) as it best meets the needs of the Town for the preliminary engineering report for the Town’s grant application for the EPG money;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
 
RESOLVED, that the Town of Peru accepts the replacement agreement of AES Northeast, PLLC at a lump sum of for services provided in accordance with the Town of Peru’s financial policies; not to exceed $24,750.00 (Twenty four thousand seven hundred fifty dollars), And directs the Town of Peru Supervisor, Brandy McDonald to sign this agreement.
 
BE IT RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.
3 Ayes Nays 0 Motion Carried
 
Overview of Clinton County Shared Services Meeting
Mr. McDonald attended a meeting with twenty seven representatives from local areas. Many ideas were discussed. Mr. McDonald mentioned that possibly the communities could save money by purchasing equipment as a group instead of solely.
 
Receipt of Main St. Improvement Project 1st Phase Payment
The Town has received full reimbursement of the $49,000 for the Main Street Improvement Project Phase I.
 
Other Business
Mr. Tetrault stated the water tower was inspected for Sprint, and a building permit was issued. He is just waiting for Mr. Favro to review and okay the amendment for approval.
 
Mr. Tetrault informed the Board that John Flynn has requested for a bathroom to be installed at Lapham Mills Park. Mr. Tetrault remarked that Mr. Flynn would use the $700.00 out of his budget for the perk test that is needed. More information is needed at this time in order to proceed with request.
 
Mr. Guynup and Ms. Grigware have reviewed many of the old building permits and have closed on approximately 100.
 
Mrs. Miller received one Request for Qualifications form, from Peter Gibbs; as the Town is soliciting firms to assist in the Bridge New York project application.
 
Mr. Drollette shared many concerns as there has been five dog bites in 2018, and two were extensive. He would like to see a dog census done.
 
Mr. Farrell and Ms. Barber have filed appropriate forms to secure $29,000 from FEMA for the March 14, 15, and 16 of the 2017 “Stella Storm “.
 
 
Public Comments on Agenda Items Only
John Ryan asked for clarification on the FEMA money and the Request for Qualifications.
 
Approval of Bills
RESOLUTION NUMBER: 18.03.26.3
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE POST-AUDIT PAYMENT OF CERTAIN CLAIMS, BILLS AND INVOICES OF THE TOWN
 
MOTION: Jim Langley SECOND: Jim Douglass
 
 
WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed and audited the following claims, bills and invoices for services rendered and goods provided to the Town in March of 2018:
 
From Town Of Peru Vouchers: # 201800264 through and including # 201800419
Abstract dated 3/26/2018
 
For the dollar amount totaling: $168,651.58; of that $29,386.04 was wired; and $139,265.04 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
3 Ayes Nays 0 Motion Carried
 
Motion by Mr. Douglass, seconded by Mr. Langley to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:30PM. Ayes 3 Nays 0 Motion Carried
 
_________________________Supervisor _________________________Councilman
 
_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman

Watertown Daily Times | USDA offers revised milk pricing safety net program; reactions mixed

Source: Watertown Daily Times | USDA offers revised milk pricing safety net program; reactions mixed

Rabies kills young dog in Altona | News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Rabies kills young dog in Altona | News | pressrepublican.com

All Aboard for the Champlain Valley Dinner Train | Food News | Seven Days | Vermont’s Independent Voice

Source: All Aboard for the Champlain Valley Dinner Train | Food News | Seven Days | Vermont’s Independent Voice

Spaghetti Dinner – Everyone Welcome!

Peru – Peru Knights of Columbus spaghetti dinner, Saturday, April 21, St. Augustine’s Parish Center. Regular & gluten-free spaghetti, salad, bread and a delicious dessert. 4:30 to 6:30 PM, $7.50 per person, $2.50 for children 6 to 12, free for children 5 and under. Take-outs available.

How to Restore Broken Family Relationships – All Invited

April 18th, 7 PM St. Augustine’s Church

State Budget Includes $600,000 for Northern NY Farm Research

Northern N.Y.  Farmers in Essex, Clinton, Franklin, St. Lawrence, Lewis and Jefferson counties are looking forward to the research that will be made possible by the recently announced $600,000 in New York State Budget funding for the farmer-driven Northern New York Agricultural Development Program that prioritizes research and technical assistance to benefit the dairy, livestock, field crops, fruit, vegetables, maple and honey production industries in the six northern counties

Nearly 100 farmers from across the six-county region participate in identifying projects and targeting funding to address uniquely Northern New York challenges, and to maintain and grow the regional agricultural economy at the farm level and industrywide.

Funding for the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program is supported by the New York State Senate and administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

“The work done by the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program is critically important to our farmers’ bottom lines and its research helps to strengthen key sectors of New York’s leading industry, including maple, dairy, and others, that are important to our region,” Read more »

Town Board Meeting of April 9, 2018

A written summary of the meeting highlights will be posted ASAP. 

THIS WEEK’S SOUP KITCHEN MENU

ST. AUGUSTINE’S PARISH CENTER FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018. SERVED BEGINNING AT 4:30 PM. ALL ARE WELCOME!
 
CHICKEN AND BISCUITS
MASHED POTATOES
COLD SLAW
BEANS
DESSERT

Geddes resigns city events-coordinator post | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Geddes resigns city events-coordinator post | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Stefanik campaign files signatures for four ballot lines – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Stefanik campaign files signatures for four ballot lines – Sun Community News & Printing