The Peru Gazette

AGENDA – TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING, October 10, 2017
7:00 PM, Call Meeting To Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call.

MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meeting of September 25, 2017

MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Special Meeting of October 2, 2017

DISCUSSION/MOTION: Reports from all Departments: (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; and Banking Reports)

Community Input

DISCUSSION/MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

DISCUSSION/MOTION: Return to Regular Session.

DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Highway Fund Transfer.

DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Support for Statewide Constitutional Amendment Ballot Proposal #3.

DISCUSSION: Pleasant Street Drainage

DISCUSSION: Town Water/Wastewater projects Update.

DISCUSSION: Accounting Software Update.

DISCUSSION: Town IT Update.

DISCUSSION/MOTION: Rescind Scheduling of Final Budget Public Hearing Motion.

Other Business.
Community Input on Agenda Items.

Motion to Adjourn.

Jim Dougass

Peru Gazette Questions for Town Board candidates. Three candidates are vying for two open positions. 

1 Summarize your educational background, primary employment, your past community involvement and a little information about your family.

2 Why did you decide to run for office?

3 State one or more of your successes in life and how that experience will assist you as a town council member?

4 What town issues concern you the most?

5 How would you address these issues?

6 Why should a person vote for you?

7 What party lines will your name appear on in November?

I have been a Town of Peru Councilman for 8 years in addition to 28 years as an Assessor and Councilman in the town of Black Brook.  My work experience was at Grand Union and Hannaford Supermarkets. My wife, Jackie, and I have 4 grown children, 2 grown stepchildren and 13 Grandchildren.

Eight years ago I decided to run for a Peru Councilman’s seat because I thought I could help to steer the community in the right direction. Even after eight years, I feel that a lot has been accomplished and look forward to accomplishing more in the future.

My experience on the Councils of Black Brook and Peru allows me to recognize the problems of growing communities and to work together with others to solve budgets, personnel, road maintenance, and other issues facing towns today.

One of the biggest problems we have in Peru, at this time, is the Waste Water System. It is in need of some major updates.  We are working with an engineering firm that will help us determine what has to be done. Then the water and sewer superintendent, grant writers, the town supervisor, and the Council need to work together to remedy this situation.

I have the experience, the dedication to the community, the drive, and the time to spend making Peru the best place to live.

My name will be on the ballot on the Democratic and Conservative lines. A vote for me will guarantee that Peru gets a solid, hardworking Councilman.

Thank you for your support.

Marquet Moffett

Peru Gazette Questions for the Town Board candidates.  Three candidates are vying for two open positions. 

Summarize your educational background, primary employment, your past community involvement and a little information about your family.

I earned a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from UVM and have been teaching chemistry at Saint Michael’s College for nine years.

I organize and host an annual Cystic Fibrosis Foundation fundraiser called the Team Cookie Yard Sale. I do chemistry-focused events for our elementary and middle school students. I also currently serve as a member of the Peru Free Library’s Board of Trustees and as Secretary of the Peru Democratic Committee.

My husband and I have been married since 2003. We have a son in 7th grade and a daughter in 1st grade.

Why did you decide to run for office? 

I am running for Town Council because I think Peru is a great place to live and I believe it’s the duty of each of us, including me, to keep our town a thriving, healthy community. I have fresh perspectives to offer in service to our town.

State one or more of your successes in life and how that experience will assist you as a town council member? 

Earning my graduate degree. In graduate school that I realized I had to dive in and work hard in order to really accomplish anything. “Roll up your sleeves, put together a team, and get to work.” This is an idea that drives just about everything I do today.

What town issues concern you the most?

Our little town is growing and I want to make sure we are growing with a plan for the future in mind. Planned growth will help us address other problems as well such as property taxes and water and sewer services. My vision for Peru is focused on making our town the best family town in the region.

How would you address these issues? 

I think it is of utmost importance to develop a community-driven long-term vision for Peru, so I would work to engage more community members in local decision-making. With a vision in place, we can build a detailed strategy for accomplishing our goals.

Why should a person vote for you? 

I am a hard-working, energetic, and optimistic member of our community. I am a good listener, a good problem-solver, and a big believer in team work.

What party lines will your name appear on in November?

Democratic and Independence Party lines.

Facebook Post Just Made by Sister Debbie Blow:

A post from a friend of ours:Last night in Peru at 8:15pm on the side road next to Sweet Treats, the following occurred…(adults/teens be careful). My friend was driving with her daughter. A man, 35-40 walking a yellow lab, pretended the dog was over powering him and walked toward my friends car that had to almost slow to a halt. The man tried to open my friends car door. She had already locked it sensing something was wrong and her daughter did the same. The man then began pounding on her side car door. Not only does this concern me but it concerns me even more with Halloween right around the corner. Many of our children travel in groups without their parents. As far as I know, this man has not been apprehended. Please be extremely careful and please share this post to alert all others. Thank you so much. Stay safe!

The Champlain Valley Business & Professional Women’s Club will host their annual “Meet the Candidates” Forum on Tuesday, October 17^th at the Plattsburgh City Hall Rotunda. Doors will open at 5pm and the program will begin at 5:30pm.

Champlain Valley BPW is giving candidates for office at the town and county level as well as congressional primary candidates, the opportunity to meet with local constituents, outline their platforms for office and answer questions from the attendees regarding important issues. Representatives from organizations that support and oppose the proposed Constitutional Convention will also be in attendance.

The itinerary will include an introduction and “Q&A” period, but will not have a debate format. The event is open to the public. Any candidate for office in any of the local townships is welcome to attend.

The program will be moderated by Lois Clermont, Editor of the Press-Republican.

Champlain Valley BPW will provide an informative, objective and open forum for candidates to address potential voters.  Champlain Valley BPW will not support or endorse any particular candidate(s).

About Business and Professional Women

Founded in 1919, Business and Professional Women, promotes equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education, and information. With local organizations across the country, the BPW transforms workplaces by strengthening the capacity of organizations and businesses to create work environments that are inclusive and value the skills and contributions of working women. BPW local organizations provide members with professional development programs, networking, participation in grassroots activism, and opportunities to support scholarships for disadvantaged women.  For more information, visit www.bpwfoundation.org or www.champlainvalleybpw.org.

Click here to read story on the lady who saved Mrs. Timmons when she was attacked. 

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 10^th at 6:15 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 6:15 PM start.  The school board is slated to reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM.  Anticipated topics include:

• Recognition of  recently hired/re-hired employees
• District Emergency Response Plan
• Playground Installation
• Corrected Tax Rolls
• Appointment of Personnel

The full Board agenda will be available on the District’s website.

All are welcome.

Source: CCC’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing is open for business | NCPR News

Story about the Jamaicans at Forrence Orchards

Source: The Jamaican Apple Pickers of Upstate New York – NYTimes.com

The Peru Central School District Board of Education has selected Mr. Thomas Palmer as its new Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Palmer will start his new position on Jan. 1, 2018.

Mr. Palmer is currently the Superintendent of Schools in the Tri-Valley CSD in Grahamsville, NY, and has been in that position since 2008. He is certified in New York State as a School District Administrator (since 2003) and has served as an Assistant Principal and Principal in North Carolina and New York schools.

The search was conducted by Champlain Valley Educational Services (CVES), headed by the CVES District Superintendent Dr. Mark Davey.  CVES worked closely with the Peru CSD Board of Education to conduct a community survey, hold several public forums and to engage Peru community stakeholders in the search process.

Mr. Palmer is pleased to be coming to Peru, “I am very eager to get to work in the Peru Central School District. I am coming into a district that already has many innovative and effective programs, such as Peru Pride, ADK P-TECH and the CHISEL Project. My goal is to continue these programs, and to seek out new educational opportunities for the students of the Peru CSD.”

Peru CSD Board of Education President Kim Mayer said, “The Board is excited to have an educational leader with a history of excellence serving as our Superintendent. Thomas Palmer’s experience and expertise is a good fit for Peru, and we look forward to working with him to keep our district on the cutting edge of educational practices, and to stay on the road to continuous improvement.”

“The Peru Board of Education would like to thank the faculty, staff, students and community members for their valuable input throughout its Superintendent of Schools search process.”

Interim Superintendent Cynthia Ford-Johnston will stay on as a consultant to assure a smooth transition for Mr. Palmer.

Source: Sullivan Co. man tapped as new Peru School super | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Click here for a TV 5 News Story 

Click here for a TV5 News Report 

Strand Center for the Arts Announces that The ARTrageous Entertainment Auction will be held November 11, 2017. Rebranding its long successful Arms and Legs Auction where creative community minded people and regional artist take household items and create works of art from the whimsical to a masterpiece. This year we have an “entertainment” theme, but really anything goes!

The Strand is looking for people who will find their perfect household item to be jazzed for this year’s auction. Take any interesting item such as a table, chair, platter, wine glasses, picture frames and let your creative side make a statement piece. We also are accepting art work or other donations to be auctioned to support all art programming.

If you are interested in donating a piece to this action please email strand@strandcenter.org. We will be showcasing the pieces in the Strand Center Gallery from November 4 to 9^th and then the auction will be in the Strand Theatre November 11, 2017. Absentee bidder cards available for those wishing to bid but not being able to attend the auction.

The Auction will be at the Strand Theatre. There will be a silent auction from 6 to 7PM  and the Live auction from 7 to 9 PM. Ticket prices include all food, drink during and a bidders card. Tickets will be $25 until 11/09/17 and then $35 at the door.  Auctioneer will be Steve Martin and Master of Ceremony is Steve Frederick and special guest! 

Tickets can be purchased online or download forms at  www.strandcenter.org. Click on the ARTrageous banner!

Peru Central School District’s Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Thursday, October 5^th at 7:15 AM in the District’s Community Room, located in the Jr/Sr High School at 17 School Street.

The anticipated topic is discussion of the appointment of a Superintendent of Schools.

No other school board or school district business is slated for this meeting.

The full agenda is available at www.perucsd.org.

Source: Keeseville VFD audit urges more review – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Area youth coaches to engage in suicide prevention campaign – Sun Community News & Printing

The Catholic Community of St. Augustine’s and St. Patrick’s Parish, The Peru Community Church, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. Monica 2598 and Knights of Columbus Council 7273 in Peru, NY will hold a Pulled Pork Dinner on Saturday, October 14h from 4-6:30 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Parish Center.

Guests will get a plate full of pulled pork, corn on the cob, baked beans, salad and rolls. Beverages and dessert come with the meal. Adults $10 each, Children 12 & over are $5 each, , Children under 12 are free.

Proceeds from the dinner will go to The North Country Mission of Hope, The Jamaica Project, and The Red Bird Mission. 
Please consider joining us on Saturday, October 14th. For more information please contact  Duane/Krissie Bast at 643-2162 or Linda/Bob Manchester 518-643-8977. We hope to see you!

The Town of Peru, has scheduled the following Budget Workshops for the 2018 Budget. The workshops are open to all.

L-R Melvin, Jim & Bob Irwin

By John T. Ryan

Peru – October 14, 2017 will be a day of significant change for Bob, Jim and Melvin Irwin owners of Maplegrand Farm at 139 Jarvis Road. An auctioneer will sell the farm’s 170 cattle. A few days later when all the cattle are gone, the brothers will still be farmers, but they will be crop farmers rather than dairy farmers. They’ll continue to grow and sell the hay, corn, oats and apples harvested on the farm’s fertile 1,300 acres.

Ironically, it was 100 years ago in 1917 that their grandparents, Joseph and Lenore Church Irwin, decided to leave Peasleeville and purchase the Jarvis Road farm and it was 67 years ago on October 14,1950 that their late parents Kermit and Bertha Nax “Bert” Irwin were joined in marriage. Joseph and Kermit loved farming and passed that love on to their offspring.

Bob Irwin explained, “We’re not selling the cows because we don’t enjoy it any more, but we’re getting to the point where everything is work. We used to work 12 to 14 hours a day and not think anything about it. When you get into your 60’s it’s not as much fun. It’s more work than it used to be.” They also recall when their father Kermit advised them not to work too long. He wanted them to get out and see more of the world.

Kermit and Bert Irwin had six children: Betty, Bob, Jean, Jim, Melvin and Chris. When they were first married they lived in the house at the corner of the River Road and Route 22B. Bob said, “Dad had 100 acres there. I can still remember looking out the window and seeing Dad harvest oats on what is now LaFlure Lane and Washington Street.” The Irwins still own that house and 3.8 acres of nearby apple orchards.

The brothers treasure memories of life along the Little Ausable River. Melvin explained, “The river is a big chunk of our childhood. Like Huck Finn or Tom Sawyer, we’d go out to run in the hills until Mom would ring the bell for lunch.” Jim added, “We’d all run trap lines for muskrat and we’d fish. The Mason Lumber Company would put up their flush boards and the river’s water level would rise. We’d swim or go rafting. We’d have sliding and skating parties and play hockey on the river. Sometimes there were 30 or 40 kids. We could skate all the way to Harkness.”

Bob, Jim and Melvin formed an ownership partnership in 1982. Anyone in their presence quickly senses their close working relationship. Kermit Irwin taught them well. Melvin said, “I think Dad pretty much instilled that in us over the years. He always said, ‘If you can’t get along you’ll have nothing.’” The brothers have complimentary college degrees – Bob in animal husbandry, Jim in agriculture and engineering and Melvin in agronomy, or as Bob says, “Manure, grease and dirt.”

The Irwin’s registered holstein herd has long been known as one of the best producing herds in the region. In 1980 one of their cows won awards as the top producing cow in the United States and 7th in the world. Recalling that cow Melvin said, “Dad used to say, ‘When all the cows were laying down in the pasture she was still munching.’” The farm’s reputation has grown to the point that its cows and their offspring can be found in Russia, Korea, Saudi Arabia and even South America.

When asked what the most satisfying part of farming has been they responded in unison, “Raising our families here.” Melvin said, “All our kids showed cows at 4-H and the fair. A lot of lessons were learned there. It was a big part of our life.” Between them the brothers have nine children, 8 girls and 1 boy. Jim’s son Tyler will continue working at the family farm.

While Bob, Jim and Melvin Irwin will miss dairy farming, they’ll undoubtedly ensure that Maplegrand Farm continues to thrive. They’ll also continue spreading the good news about life on a family farm.

Click to see Peru Gazette photos of Maplegrand Farm over the past several years. 

Click here for the Hometown Cable Recording of Saturday’s Honor Flight Ceremonies. 

Source: Concern grows on state’s farms – Times Union