The Peru Gazette

TOPS FRIENDLY MARKETS HOSTS
HURRICANE RELIEF DONATION DRIVE

What: Tops Markets will be hosting a Hurricane Relief Donation Drive across its four state footprint on Friday, September 8 and Saturday, September 9, 2017 to assist those affected by Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, and anticipated impact of Hurricane Jose. Cash donations will be accepted at all TOPS locations on Friday and Saturday while food items as well as non-perishable products will be accepted at three Tops locations in Western New York on Friday. In addition to the donations accepted from the community, TOPS will be donating a tractor trailer full of water, vegetables, and bleach to the relief efforts.

By John T. Ryan

Bridge Construction Superintendent Chad Fancher had a broad smile today as he watched Noel J. Brunell personnel pave the approaches to the Jarvis Road Bridge. Obviously very proud of the structure, Fancher looked at the bridge and remarked, “It looks pretty good doesn’t it.”

Fancher has good reason to be smiling. If good weather prevails he believes that the bridge will meet his self-imposed goal of September 15th. It may even be finished on September 13th. According to the contract terms he has at least until the end of October to complete the project. Construction began on June 12th.

Guardrails leading to the bridge, grass planted and signs still have to finished, but Fancher is confident he will make his goal.

June 12th story details the project. 

Source: State Police to host open house – Sun Community News & Printing

Peru’s U.S. Postal Service staff is #14 in the Peru Gazette photo series featuring people who make Peru a wonderful place to live. Along with providing extremely courteous window service, Peru’s personnel deliver approximately 3,000 letters and 300 packages to our 2,700 households and businesses daily. Our post office has been located at 1042 Bear Swamp Rd. since 1995.

L-R Custodian Herrick Cross, Postmaster Robert Larson, Rural Carrier Leo Mockus, Clerks Denise Durgan and Dale Clemons.

Not pictured: Rural Carrier Barry Banker, Rural Carrier Assistants Oscar Flores and Cassandre Rabideau and Highway Contract Driver Daniel Wright.

Source: Ash-tree-killing bug found in North Country – LakePlacidNews.com | News and information on the Lake Placid and Essex County region of New York – Lake Placid News

AGENDA – Peru Planning Board
WEDNESDAY, September 13, 2017 @ 7:00 PM at the Peru Town Hall

CALL MEETING TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL of August 9, 2017 minutes.
OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
APPLICATIONS:

1. 3-Lot Minor Subdivision with SEQR: P-2017-015 Dana Bashaw
3-Lot Minor Subdivision
506 Calkins Rd.
Peru, NY 12972

2. Site Plan Review: P-2017-016 North Country Mission of Hope
Site Plan Review – Sign
3452 Route 22
Peru, NY 12972

3. 2-Lot Minor Subdivision/Merge with SEQR: P-2017-017 Lorri & Randy Wetzel
2-Lot Minor Subdivision/Merge
22 Coastland Dr.
Plattsburgh, NY 12901

4. Site Plan Review: P-2017-018 Randi Walton
Site Plan Review – Sign
3085 Main St.
Peru, NY 12972

7. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS:
8. CEO REPORT:
9. ADJOURNMENT

Here are the veterans being honored at the Saturday, September 2, 2017 Honor Flight # 20. Two men have Peru addresses: Michael McKeon and Eugene Provencher. Why not attend the departure ceremony at 7 a.m. at the Old Base Oval. These vets deserve our support. You will never regret attending.

Ronald B. Brault Korean US AIRFORCE S. SGT
Arlen J. Favero Korean US ARMY SGT
Charles E. Finnegan Korean USMC SGT
Alan R. Jones Korean US NAVY SONAR 3rd Class
Charles D. Kennedy Korean US AIRFORCE Captain
Michael T. McKeon Korean US AIR FORCE Master SGT
James R. Morris Korean US AIR FORCE SGT
Dale L. Moss WW11 US NAVY Boiler an 2nd Class
Stephen S. Mydlarz Korean US AIR FORCE Airman 1st. Class
Eugene L. Provencher Korean US NAVY Boatswain ate 3rd Cl
Mark J. Rasco Korean USMC SGT
Richard H. Reome Korean US AIR FORCE Airman 1st Class
Clifton H. St. Louis Korean US AIR FORCE S.M. SGT E-8
James F. Trombley

Source: Report: NY school board members support teaching climate change – Times Union

Source: Professor Garneau and Student Researchers Examine Contaminants on Lake Champlain | SUNY Plattsburgh

Source: Schneiderman: Support Hurricane Harvey relief, but be careful – Capitol Confidential

AGENDA – ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS, WEDNESDAY, September 20, 2017 @ 7:00 PM, PERU TOWN HALL

CALL MEETING TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL of July 19, 2017 and August 16, 2017 minutes
OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
APPLICATION:

Area Variance: Z-2017-027 James Rock
Area Variance – Porch/Deck
282 Bear Swamp Rd.
Peru, NY 12972

Continuation of a Nonconforming Use/Area Variance: Z-2017-028 Wendy Silverman
Continuation of a Nonconforming Use/Area Variance –Replace a Mobile Home
80 Pleasant St.
Peru, NY 12972

ANY FURTHER BUSINESS
CEO REPORT:

Feature Story on Rulfs Orchard

Source: Strictly Business – See how they grow

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today that Canada goose hunting seasons open during the first week of September.

“New York is home to more than 200,000 resident Canada geese, and the September seasons are designed to allow recreational hunters the most opportunity allowed by Federal hunting season frameworks to help the state reach our population goal of approximately 85,000 nesting birds,” said Commissioner Seggos. “Each year, goose hunters from around the state harvest approximately 50,000 Canada geese during these special seasons.”

September Canada goose seasons occur in all goose hunting zones except the Western Long Island area. All upstate areas open September 1 and run through September 25. The Central Long Island and Eastern Long Island seasons begin on the Tuesday following the Labor Day holiday (Sept. 5) and run through September 30. These seasons include liberal bag limits, extended shooting hours, and other special regulations to maximize hunter success.

September hunting seasons are an important part of managing “resident” Canada goose populations (i.e., geese that breed in New York and adjacent states).

Additional details on 2017-18 Waterfowl & Migratory Game Bird Seasons can be found on DEC’s website.

License requirements Read more »

By John T. Ryan

Guest Speaker: Danielle O’Mara, a representative of the Champlain Valley Family Center’s Tobacco-Free Program, addressed the board. O’Mara complimented the board for the pro-active steps it has taken to prohibit smoking on town property. She suggested that they explore the T-21 program which encourages communities to raise the legal age to purchase tobacco products from18 to 21. The Peru Gazette will do a more in-depth interview with Ms. O’Mara on T-21 and the ploys used by the tobacco industry and retailers to entice young people to smoke.

Water System Upgrade: The board approved the purchase of turbidity monitoring equipment in an amount not to exceed $10,823. It will be funded by the debt service account. Approximately $30,000 remains in this account.

Skating Rink & Sullivan Park: The board agreed with Courtney Tetrault’s recommendation to apply for a $6,000 Clinton County Health Department Grant. The money would be used to pave the Sullivan Park skating rink. The 106 ft. by 55 ft. surface could also be used a a basketball court during the summer months. The total cost of the project was estimated to be $9,600.

Tetrault also recommend that the aged and deteriorating Sullivan Park sign be replaced. Supervisor Peter Glushko will speak to Ralph Hensel of the Peru Lions Club about the project. The Lions Club is in the process of replacing the “Welcome to Peru” signs.

Grant Writer Opening: Peru’s longtime and extremely successful grant writer Adele Douglas has resigned. The open position will be advertised.

Pleasant Street Drainage: Improving Pleasant Street drainage was discussed. Research must be done to determine if the town has the required easements. There are no easements in the town records. Town Clerk Kathy Flynn said the near century-old minutes are available, but the research would take time. The question was asked: “Would an affected resident have the time to volunteer to research old minutes?”

IT Update: A new software management system for the town’s diesel fuel is being installed. Both the town and the Peru Central School will utilize the system. The town’s website and email system is also being migrated to the town’s server.

Main Street Plan: Adele Douglas has resigned as Chair of the Main Street Plan Committee. Councilor McBrayer said the town is still awaiting NYS Department of Transportation approval for the proposed changes to North Main Street. Councilman Brandy McDonald said he has spoken to many Main Street residents who are very unhappy with the proposal to plant trees along the northern portion of Main Street. The possibility of using grant monies to improve sidewalks was mentioned. Counselor Jim Douglas said, We’ve got an extension of time to use our $150,000 grant, but I don’t want to lose that money.”

TD Bank Parking: At the request of TD Bank, the board will ask New York State DOT to better delineate a handicapped parking zone in front of TD Bank. All other (non-handicapped) TD Bank parking will be behind the bank. The possibility of installing a cross-walk and speed bumps in front of the bank will also be explored.

North Bend Street and Jenkins Street Parking: Counselors said there still are some individuals parking on North Bend Street sidewalks even after letters were sent to all residents. Highway Superintended Michael Farrell recommended that all on-street parking be prohibited on the very narrow street. The possibility of forbidding on-street parking on Jenkins Street was also mentioned.

Parsons Road Culvert: The board approved an expenditure not to exceed $25,400 for installation of concrete inside the deteriorating Parsons Road culverts. Moore’s Flatwork and Foundations LLC of Keeseville will perform the work. Town Highway Department personnel have installed rebar to strengthen the culverts. Shock rock still has to be laid down.

American Flag Illumination: The board approved the purchase of solar lights to illuminate the American flags at the Little Ausable and Laphams Mills Parks. Navy veteran/retiree/Dog Control Officer David Drollette researched the lights and proposed the change.

Complimentary Letter to Peru Youth: Supervisor Glushko read a letter from William and Gail Hoffman complimenting work performed by Cole McDonald. Mrs. Hoffman spoke with Cole as he cut weeds around the town’s pump house that is located in front of her home. She asked if he would also cut the weeds along the town’s fence adjacent to their property. William Hoffman wrote, “My mother found this young man to be very pleasant, kind and courteous. He did an excellent job and we feel that he is a great credit to his community and his parents.” Cole’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. Brandy McDonald.

Historic School House: Counselor Jimmy Langley reported that the roof replacement project at the Lyon Street School House has begun. Jim Blair is doing the work.

Mannix Road Paving: The Highway Department should complete paving of the Mannix Road between Route 22B and the Clark Road this week. New culverts have also been installed.

Source: Bombardier shut out of N.Y. subway contract because of ‘poor performance’ | Montreal Gazette

Source: Showtime’s “Escape at Dannemora” filming gets underway this week | NCPR News

The North Country Chamber of Commerce is hosting a free Breakfast on September 12^th  from 8:00 – 9:00am at the Chamber office, 7061 Route 9, Plattsburgh. This informational meeting will cover the many benefits and services offered by the Chamber, including cost saving opportunities, ways to meet potential customers, and more. You’ll also get an overview of Chamber activities regarding tourism promotion, government affairs, small business support and economic development.

This free breakfast is open to everyone who would like to learn more about the many services available to businesses in our region. RSVP by Sept. 8^th – call the Chamber of Commerce at 563-1000 or visit www.northcountrychamber.com.

AGENDA – Town of Peru Planning Board, WEDNESDAY, September 13, 2017 @ 7:00 PM at the Peru Town Hall

CALL MEETING TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL of August 9, 2017 minutes.
OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
APPLICATIONS:

1. 3-Lot Minor Subdivision with SEQR: P-2017-015 Dana Bashaw
3-Lot Minor Subdivision
506 Calkins Rd.
Peru, NY 12972

2. Site Plan Review: P-2017-016 North Country Mission of Hope
Site Plan Review – Sign
3452 Route 22
Peru, NY 12972

3. 2-Lot Minor Subdivision/Merge with SEQR: P-2017-017 Lorri & Randy Wetzel
2-Lot Minor Subdivision/Merge
22 Coastland Dr.
Plattsburgh, NY 12901

4. Site Plan Review: P-2017-018 Randi Walton
Site Plan Review – Sign
3085 Main St.
Peru, NY 12972

7. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS:
8. CEO REPORT:
9. ADJOURNMENT

We hope you can join us.

The Peru Democrats are excited to announce we will host a potluck social from 5 – 8 pm on October 14th at the Peru VFW, Post 309. This will be a great time to get together with other members of the community and an opportunity to meet your candidates for local office. More information will be coming soon. In the meantime, we hope you’ll mark your calendar and plan to join us in October.

Peru – On Saturday, September 16th and Sunday, September 17th St. Augustine’s Parish will host the 40th Annual Applefest at the parish grounds, 3030 Main St. in Peru. Saturday’s parade begins at 11 a.m. at the Peru Elementary School and proceeds down Pleasant and Main Streets to the parish grounds. Following the parade there will be live music, a giant craft fair, apple fritters, fried dough, other great foods, games, several new rides and chainsaw carving shows. Sunday’s chicken bbq begins at noon.

Saturday’s music will include the SUNY Plattsburgh Gospel Choir. The Bootleg Band will play on both Saturday and Sunday.

Source: Major Cuomo donor got state OK for huge health rate hikes – Times Union

L-R Library Director Becky Pace and Assistant Librarian Stacey Bousquet.

The Peru Free Library is #13 in the Peru Gazette photo series featuring people who make Peru a wonderful place to live. Library Director Becky Pace and Assistant Librarian Stacey Bousquet work very hard to provide meaningful programs and to graciously assist every library user.

The library has been serving us since 1915. The current building was built in 1928. The original 225 book collection as grown to a collection of 18,000+. The Peru Free Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10-7, Friday 10-4, and Saturday 10-3. Call 643-8618 for information.