The Peru Gazette

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.

Casella operates the landfill.  Not all people are satisfied.

Source: Coventry landfill expansion receives final approval from state agency – VTDigger

Source: BTV Takes Off: Larger Planes Usher in Competition, More Travelers | Tourism | Seven Days | Vermont’s Independent Voice

Source: Peru ‘Octoberfest’ returns for eighth year 

“In the IRCP, as of October 4, 2018 approximately thirty-seven victims have resolved their claims and have received $5,495,000 in compensation. Two other claimants are still considering whether to accept the compensation offered by the independent administrator.”

Oct. 10, 2018

Introduction
In March 2018, the Diocese of Ogdensburg launched the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (“IRCP”), part of an on-going effort to express contrition to those who suffered sexual abuse by diocesan clergy and to help them find a sense of healing. Bishop LaValley instituted this IRCP, motivated in part by the successful IRCP programs undertaken by other dioceses in New York State. Victims who participated in those programs expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be heard.

At the time that the IRCP was under consideration, we did not anticipate the crisis the Church now faces due to the scandal involving former Cardinal McCarrick and the release of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report.

Additionally, the former Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Vigano, released a letter in which he suggests that Pope Francis and other members of the hierarchy protected abusers. These events raise questions about the integrity and transparency of the Church. While the sin and crime of sexual abuse of minors is found in every segment of society, it is especially horrific when these acts are committed by those who represent Christ and His Church. We, as a Church and as a diocese, have worked hard to eliminate this evil and to protect our children and young people. It is an effort that demands our constant attention and total commitment.

Prevention of abuse, education and training of those who work with minors, and reconciliation with those who have been hurt remain an on-going priority.

As the People of God, we undertook the IRCP because it was the right thing to do. There are wounded voices that need to be heard. There are broken hearts that need tending. Concrete actions of repentance and words of apology are so necessary.

Our desire in this program was to help victims heal. This report outlines the IRCP’s progress and reviews the lessons we learned in the process. Over a period of many years now, the Diocese of Ogdensburg has made significant strides forward in dealing with the sexual abuse of minors by clergy, and in preventing acts of abuse through our safe environment programs.

The IRCP
The Diocese of Ogdensburg has consistently reached out to victims of sexual abuse and offered them assistance and support. Through the years, the Diocese has offered counseling and other types of support and assistance to victims who have come forward. With the IRCP, the Diocese has offered financial compensation in response to what these victims, who as minors or vulnerable adults, had been victimized by Church leaders.

In introducing the IRCP, Bishop LaValley stated, “This is an opportunity for victims to find healing. We cannot give back what they have lost. Victims have told me that they want a tangible sign of the Church’s desire for healing and reconciliation. We trust and believe that this program can aid in healing and reconciliation.” The IRCP addresses the request for a tangible sign of our desire for healing and reconciliation.

The IRCP was administered by Mr. Kenneth Feinberg, a respected and trusted mediator. Mr. Feinberg and his colleague, Ms. Camille Biros, exercised complete autonomy in assessing claims and awarding compensation to victims, and the diocese abided by their decisions.

In the IRCP, as of October 4, 2018 approximately thirty-seven victims have resolved their claims and have received $5,495,000 in compensation. Two other claimants are still considering whether to accept the compensation offered by the independent administrator. Throughout the process, claimants made clear they were not interested in money alone but, were grateful that the Church reached out to them, listened to them, and expressed sorrow and understanding.

We pray this program brings some measure of peace and consolation to the victims. We are happy that many have indicated that their healing has been aided by our outreach to them in the IRCP.

The diocese is financing the IRCP through a line of credit and long-term loan. The diocese will not and has not used money donated to parishes, schools, charitable organizations, It’s our Church, It’s our Future Capital Campaign, or donations to any specific programs or ministries to fund the IRCP or compensate claimants. Funds to repay the loans for the claims of the IRCP will come from accumulated net investment returns in the Diocese Loan Account and net accumulations due to good claims performance in the diocesan self-insurance program.

Lessons Learned
When the IRCP was undertaken, we did not fully grasp the extent of the abuse that occurred over the last seventy years. As of this writing, our diocese over the last 70 years has received approximately 72 credible claims of sexual abuse of a minor by a member of our clergy which involved twenty-seven priests, including the claims handled by the IRCP. Ten of these claims were resolved outside of the IRCP process for an aggregate amount of approximately $750,000.00. In eleven cases not submitted to the IRCP, the claimants had died or were unable to be found.

Thirty-eight credible claims were submitted to the independent administrator at the start of the IRCP. During the course of the IRCP, eleven additional credible claims were brought forward in the program. Of these forty-nine credible claims, thirty-nine participated in the IRCP. Six of the claimants could not be located, two declined to submit a claim, and two had died.

There were twenty-six priests who had credible allegations brought against them in relation to the claims in the IRCP, including eleven repeat offenders. The incidents of abuse occurred over a period of seventy-five years, with some claims dating to the 1940s.

The fact that no incidents of abuse were reported to have occurred in the last twenty years gives us hope that the safe environment efforts we have undertaken are effective. Despite the justifiable anger aimed at the Church at the present time, it’s important to acknowledge that we have made much progress in providing a safe environment for our children and vulnerable adults.

We are saddened that there were repeat offenders. Our files reveal that the protocols in place for dealing with abuse in the past were not effective and are not acceptable today.

Our records show a common protocol that was followed with tragic effects. The abuser would be arrested or the matter would be reported to a diocesan official. To avoid scandal and spare the victims from giving grueling testimony, where police agencies were involved plea deals were reached with the approval of law enforcement agencies, judges or district attorneys. When no law enforcement agency was involved, the matter was handled quietly by the diocese and parents or guardians of the victim to avoid putting the victim through the legal process. The accused was sent for counseling, and upon receiving a recommendation from mental health professionals that there was no danger to others, the bishop would reassign the offender to another assignment.

Although this protocol was done in good faith and with good intentions, these tragic decisions allowed the abuse of other victims in many cases.

The protocols for handling abuse cases in past decades, not only for the Catholic Church but for other public and private employees, emphasized secrecy to protect victims and avoid scandal and embarrassment. Read more »

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday, September 24, 2018 at the Peru Town Hall.  Mr. Brandy McDonald Supervisor; was not present and is excused; Those present were 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. James Kirby, Town Justice; Ms. Pamela Barber, Secretary to the Board: Mr. Dave Drollette, Dog Control Officer and Mr. John Flynn, Recreation Director.

The meeting was called to order at 7:01 PM by Mr. Douglass, with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Motion by Mr.Irwin, seconded by Mr. Langley to approve the minutes from the September10, 2018 meeting.  

Ayes 3 Nays 0 Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Douglass, seconded by Mr. Irwin to approve the minutes from September 12, 2018 meeting.

Ayes 3 Nays 0                                                                         Motion Carried             

Community Input and Questions

None

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 18.09.24.01  

A RESOLUTION TO REAPPOINT JANE BRELIA TO THE BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW Read more »

PLATTSBURGH, NY – Bi-annually The Strand Center for the Arts produces exhibitions focused on presenting the talents of its members; the Holiday and Summer Members Shows. Members at any artistic level, from hobbyist to professional, are invited to submit works for these “Members Only” exhibitions.

The Strand Center for the Arts Holiday Members Show is open to all members whose membership is valid through January 1, 2019. Memberships can be renewed or started anytime before or during drop off, online at www.strandcenter.org or by phone at 518-563-1604, during regular gallery hours. Entries may be in the form of any media, including (but not limited to) painting, drawing, photography, jewelry, sculpture, fiber, ceramics, stained glass, bead weaving, printmaking, mixed media and woodwork. Two-dimensional artwork must be framed under glass or plexi-glass and be backed with wire for hanging and all artwork must be labeled on the front and back.  Artists can download the full guidelines, artist contract and artwork labels at The Strand Center for the Arts website at www.strandcenter.org or pick them up in our offices at 23 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh.

Drop off for submissions will run from Tuesday, November 13 to Tuesday, November 20, 2018. Artwork should be dropped off at the reception desk in the Strand Center Main Gallery at 23 Brinkerhoff Street in downtown Plattsburgh during regular gallery hours. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Annual Holiday Members Show will be on view in The Strand Center Main Gallery at 23 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh from December 7 to December 28, 2018. The Opening Reception will take place Friday, December 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. For more information on these exhibits, upcoming events, concerts or classes happening at The Strand Center for the Arts please call 518-563-1604 or visit www.strandcenter.org.

Source: GOP sheriff contender announces deputy pick – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Authorities investigating fatal stabbing in Black Brook – Sun Community News & Printing

Register for the Walk of Faith beginning at 11:45 a.m. Opening ceremony at 12:30 p.m. Pulled Pork Dinner served 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Source: NORTH COUNTRY AT WORK: Forest rangers gear up to tackle growing number of backcountry emergencies – LakePlacidNews.com | News and information on the Lake Placid and Essex County region of New York – Lake Placid News

Source: Churchill: Failure made the Schoharie crash possible – Times Union

Source: Limo owner’s son released on bail after arraignment on homicide charge – Times Union

Source: Limo company failed to obtain DOT ‘authority’ to transport passengers – Times Union