The Peru Gazette

AGENDA – Planning Board, WEDNESDAY, October 11, 2017 @ 7:00 PM, TOWN OF PERU

CALL MEETING TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL of September 13, 2017 minutes.
OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
APPLICATIONS:

1. Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2017-019 Robert Baggs
Site Plan Review – Outside Wood Boiler
3003 State Rte. 9
Peru, NY 12972

2. Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2017-020 Anne Forgues
Site Plan Review – Pet Grooming Business
86 Quaker Highlands Rd.
Peru, NY 12972

3. Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2017-021 Stephanie Blair
Site Plan Review – Retail Store
225 Rt. 22B
Peru, NY 12972

4. 2-Lot Minor Subdivision with SEQR: P-2017-022 Leeward LaMoy
2-Lot Minor Subdivision
561 Fuller Rd.
Peru, NY 12972

5. 2-Lot Subdivision with SEQR: P-2017-023 Buttonwood Limited Partnership
2-Lot Minor Subdivision
268.-1-22.5
Peru, NY 12972

6. 2-Lot Subdivision with SEQR: P-2017024 Winfried Holdereid
2-Lot Minor Subdivision
280.1-5-4.1
Peru, NY 12972

7. Site Plan Review P: 2017-025 Kassis Superior Signs
Kinney Drugs
Site Plan Review – Building Sign and a Free Standing Sign
3 Gorman Way
Peru, NY 12972

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

Several of the North Country Firefighters and Ambulance Crews who honored the Honor Flight Veterans this morning. Peru’s Department was present and accounted for as always. Click here for more Peru Gazette Firefighter Photos 

By John T. Ryan

Sept. 30th Plattsburgh – A huge crowd was present early this morning at the Plattsburgh Recreation Center to wish 16 North Country Veterans well as they departed on the 21st North Country Honor Fight to Washington D.C. 314 vets have flown on the 21 flights.

Today’s veterans in order of introduction:
Benjamin J. Kelly, Sgt. U.S. Army 1950-52
Artis Brown, Chief Master Sgt. U.S. Air Force 1955-82
Joseph T. Faubert Jr., Major, U.S. Army, 1950-73
Paul Fisher, Staff Sgt. U.S. Army 1973-92
Charles A. Gallagher, Major, U.S. Army 1973-93
Everette E. Gonyer Sr., Staff Sgt. Navy, USAF, 1944-64
Arthur S. Hatfield, Sgt., U.S. Army, 1953-55
Thomas V. Herne, Sgt., U.S. Marine Corps, 1949-52
Charles J. Jacobs, Corporal, U.S. Army 1953-55
Louis D. Jacobs Jr., SSG, U.S. Navy, Army & Air Force, 1950-92
Benjamin J. Kelly, Sgt., U.S. Army, 1950-52
Jerry N. Marshall, Corporal, U. S. Army, 1949-52
John McDonald, Corporel, U.S. Marine Corps. 1952-52
John L. Quackenbush, Specialist 3rd Class, 1964-66
James P. Rice Jr., AVCDT, U.S. Navy, 1943-47
George T. Sheelar, PHM 3, U.S. Navy, 1943-46

Click here to view more Peru Gazette photos

Source: Clinton County GOP sees leadership change – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Clinton Co. gives OK to para-transit change | Local News | pressrepublican.com

By John T. Ryan

After a brief discussion the board decided to look into implementing a complete smoking ban on town property. Supervisor Glushko commented, “I think it’s a good idea especially with all the kids in our community. They need a good example.” Councilman Brandy McDonald commented, “Vaping is getting worse.” A Champlain Valley Family Center Tobacco-Free Program representative will be invited to the board’s next meeting.

The property assessment contract with Clinton County Assessment Services will be renewed. The charge per parcel will be increasing from $12.50 to $13.75. There are about 3,300 parcels in the town.

The Zoning Board of Appeals favors reducing its membership from seven to five. Currently, when three members are absent, a vote to approve an application must be unanimous often resulting in the applicant requesting to delay a vote. Councilman Jim Douglass said, “Residents get very frustrated when this happens. Projects are being delayed.” A public hearing on the membership reduction will be held prior to the board’s October 10th meeting.

Mark Hamilton was appointed to a seat to the Planning Board to complete the term of Kara McBrayer who resigned. The town board recommended that Hamilton be reappointed to a three-year term beginning in January 2018. Councilman McBrayer commented, “I think Mark will be an exceptional member.”

Water-Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault informed the board that Peru did not receive any water system improvement grants in the latest award round. (On 9/29 Courtney Tetrault informed the Gazette that he was mistaken. Peru’s grant application is still under consideration) He recommended applying for a USDA Rural Development grant which the board agreed to do. Applying for a grant costs money. AES Engineering will charge up to $1,500 for its services and grant consultant Elizabeth Tedford will charge up to $2,500.

Courtney Tetrault is also concerned about the water system’s ability to accommodate community growth. Noting Peru’s reliance on streams and the adverse effects that rain storms have on treatment plant operations and supply, Tetrault said he would include a hydrologic study in his 2018 budget. The study would determine if wells would be a viable water source.

The board was advised that none of Peru’s elected officials are included in the town’s workman’s compensation insurance program. Councilman Jim Langley said the board could be insured at little cost and the cost of insuring Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell would be reduced by determining the amount of time he spends on administrative vs. hands-on work. The board decided to acquire the insurance.

Supervisor Pete Glushko reported that the NYS Comptroller’s fiscal stress monitoring system declared Peru to be in good fiscal shape.

A tentative budget will be presented to Town Clerk Kathleen Flynn no later than October 2, 2017.

Counselor Jim Douglass thanked Dog Control Officer Dave Drollette for his work on the Friday, September 28th dog biting incident on the Union Road in which Mrs. Loretta Timmons was seriously injured. Drollette issued nine tickets related to the incident. Douglass said, “We need a place for a dangerous dog. Elmore can’t take it,” referring to the fact that Peru does not have a contract facility to house a dangerous dog. The dog that attacked Mrs. Timmons had to remain with its owner until it was euthanized about 24 hours after the incident.

Town Attorney Matt Favro reported that local law enforcement agencies are not interested in enforcing the on-street parking ban on North Bend and Jenkins Street that the board has been discussing. Favro mentioned putting up no parking signs and contracting with towing companies. Jim Langley said he talked to neighbors and they are not in favor of erecting signs. Langley implied that he would support some sort of ban to expedite snow removal during the winter months.

Highway Superintendent Farrell reported that the Parsons Road culvert repairs have been completed. He plans to complete paving the Mannix Road on Monday or Tuesday of next week. This week’s paving was postponed because of the record-breaking high temperatures.

County Legislator Pete Keenan reported that sales tax collections are doing very well at $1.1 million over projections. A company called Tail Winds got the Plattsburgh International Airport restaurant bid. There is some interest in developing a motel near the airport. Keenan also said the Lake Champlain-Lake George Watershed Program might have grants that Peru could utilize for its water or sewer projects.

The Town of Peru,  Town Board has scheduled a Special Meeting for Monday, October 2, 2017 at 6:30 PM.  The purpose of the Special Meeting is for the Supervisor to receive the 2018 Tentative Budget from the Town Clerk.  The meeting will take place at the Town Hall.

Kathleen Flynn

Town of Peru

Town Clerk

PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Strand Center for the Arts annually hosts a juried show open to artists of all ages and mediums. This year, the theme of the show is “Reflections” and participants were encouraged to submit artwork that captures a reflection or reflections, either in a natural pool of water, the chrome bumper of a classic car, or anything in between. “Reflections,” will be on view in The Strand Center Community Gallery at 23 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh from October 6 to October 27, 2017. The Opening Reception and Award Ceremony will take place Friday, October 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Read more »

Yesterday Peru Town Justice James Kirby adjourned court action against Michael James until October 5, 2017 at 2 p.m. Citing the fact that people had shared information with him Judge Kirby said Judge Larry Cabana would be hearing the case.

Source: Peru woman in ICU after dog attack – Sun Community News & Printing

Wendy & Bob Silverman

Note the 43-R Phone #

By John T. Ryan

Wendy Brown Silverman and her husband Bob, co-owners of Peru Hardware, are #17 in our Peru Gazette series of people who make Peru a wonderful place to live. Their business is a Peru landmark dating to 1946. You never know what you’re going to find in its vast inventory.

Wendy’s grandfather Percy Brown opened Peru Hardware in 1946. Her dad Douglas Brown began working in the store after returning from World War II military service and operated the store with his wife Helen from 1964 to 1985 when college sweethearts Wendy and Bob took over.

Plattsburgh – AHI-Adirondack Health Institute and the Southern Adirondack Independent Living (SAIL) Center are pleased to announce a Health Insurance Information Fair being held from 3:00 — 6:00 p.m., Thursday, October 12, 2017, at the West Side Ballroom, 253 New York Road, Plattsburgh.

Community members of any age are encouraged to come and check out the latest changes to NY State of Health (NYSOH) Marketplace’s health insurance plans, and learn about health insurance options that are available in the area. There will be numerous health insurance companies on hand to answer questions regarding plans. There will also be informational sessions held on Health Literacy, Marketplace Insurance 101, and Medicare 101.

This event is FREE and open to the public and walk-ins are welcome. Refreshments, giveaways and a raffle basket will be available.

Participants are asked to register at the following website, or contact Christine Barber at 518-792-3537 to register over the phone – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/health-insurance-information-fair-oct-12-2017-tickets-36662989990.

For more information on this event Read more »

From the Office of Assemblyman Jones

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced the end of his first district tour, which concluded Sept. 27 in Chateaugay. Throughout his tour, Jones was able to meet with local officials, visit small businesses and hold town hall meetings to hear from constituents.

Source: Veterans, Employers and Universities Should Take Advantage of Forever GI Bill – InsideSources

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Early next year a new business should be operating at the intersection of the Bear Swamp Road and Main Street. Well-known general contractor Leon Blair and his sons Casey and Andrew plan to open Apple Country Cabinets in the former Wilson Farms building. Leon Blair explained, “We’ll have a full line of custom and standard kitchen and bathroom cabinets and we’ll offer professional in-house design and installation.There’s been a lot of interest. That’s what’s driving us.”

Blair purchased the building in 2014. Over the past several weeks the Blairs have transformed a deteriorating structure in the center of Peru’s commercial district into an attractive building. Blair said, “We’ve done an almost total rebuild.”

Over the next few weeks the Blairs will be traveling to cabinet shows across the country. They’ll be bringing back the latest ideas and what they believe to be the best cabinet lines. They hope to open in either January or February.

September 24, 2017 Letter to Editor

Dear Editor:

Many sponsors and area businesses, organizations and friends of Scott supported the inaugural Coach Scott Woodward Memorial Duathlon on September 23^rd in the Town of Peru. More than $3,000 was raised for Scott’s memorial scholarship at Peru Central School where annually three seniors who participate in track, cross-country and football are each awarded a $1,000 scholarship to help defray college expenses.

Recognition and thanks to sponsors William Ashley, Jennifer Gaetjens Brandenstein, Aaron LeClaire, Casella Waste, Mark & Tanya Dunham, Forrence Orchards, Kinetic Running, Sen. Elizabeth Little, Peru Federal Credit Union, Peru Health Mart, Cathy Phillips, Marty Shea, Robert Stern, TD Bank, Donna Uliva, Kris Wheeler & Roby Politi, Sally Woodward, Carl “Mike” Zerrahn, and John Zerrahn.

Thanks also to the following businesses and individuals who donated raffle prizes, food and beverages: Adirondack Health, Dunkin Donuts, Hannafords, Kinetic Running, Lisa G’s, Maui North, Mirror Lake Inn, Northern Orchards Inc., ORDA, PepsiCo, Placid Planet, Price Chopper, Rulfs Orchards, Stewart’s Shops and Terry Robards Wine & Spirits.

Special thanks to the NYS Police and Peru Fire Department who provided traffic control and kept the participants safe, John Flynn and the Town of Peru who provided use of the Lapham Mills Recreation Park to stage the event, and Mike Francia and the Peru Cross Country Team and Chazy Varsity Soccer Team who assisted in setting up, directional signage, and cheering on racers. Thank you also to Carole Richards Millea and Cindy Shinault who oversaw the raffles, Mark Morrow who swept the course, Sara Facteau Dunham, Travis Dunham and Sally Woodward for their assistance in planning this event and the 52 participants who competed in the duathlon.

The duathlon’s success is directly linked to these businesses and individuals, and their support ensures that Coach Woodward’s legacy will continue at Peru Central School for years to come.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Breen Randall

Cheryl (Woodward) Breen-Randall

Duathlon Coordinator

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Lifelong Peru resident Loretta Timmons (80) is a patient at UVM Medical Center in Burlington. She is a victim of a horrific dog-biting incident at 3:45 Friday afternoon outside her 778 Union Road home. Mrs. Timmons was attacked as she checked her mail. Three dogs owned by Michael James of 781 Union Road were involved in the incident. One of the dogs, an American Bulldog, has a biting history. That dog was euthanized this afternoon.

The NYS Police have an open case on the incident. Peru Town Control Officer David Drollette said he is issuing nine tickets: Three for having dogs running at large, three for having dogs not licensed in the Town of Peru and three for the actual attack.

Mrs. Timmons’ daughter-in-law, Michelle Duprey Timmons, just posted this hopeful Facebook message.

“I have been conflicted about posting about this because my mother in law is an incredibly private person but due to the outpouring of support we wanted to publicly thank everyone and update. My mother in law was mauled by three dog. We are unsure how many bit her but it caused significant facial injuries. They life flighted her to VT immediately. After a 5+ hour surgery that went better than expected she is making great progress. She is awake and alert and beginning to communicate with us. She is improving nicely. We again thank you for the unbelievable support and will keep everyone updated. This has been an incredibly trying 24 hours for our family and please keep the positive vibes and prayers coming. She will need them as we move into a long recovery.”

10/20/17 Correction made to the number of tickets issued. David Drollette issued nine tickets, not seven as originally stated. 

Thanks to Joanne Kennedy the Peru Gazette has a few photos of this morning’s Scott Woodward Duathlon. Over 50 people competed in the ‘Coach’s Just Du It!” duathlon created by family and friends of Scott. The run/bike race started and finished at Lamham Mills Recreation Park in Peru. All proceeds support a memorial scholarship fund at Peru Central School established in his name.

A message from John Stafford, a member of the Keeseville-Peru Ecumenical Choir. Yes, it is almost that time of year.

Anyone thinking about joining the Peru / Keeseville Ecumenical Choir, the first rehearsal starts tomorrow Sunday Sept 24th 6:30pm at the United Methodist Church on Front St in Keeseville. It’d be great to have some new folks join us!

L-R Back Row – Counselors James Langley, Brandy McDonald, James Douglass, Town Clerk/Tax Collector Kathy Flynn. L-R Front Row – Town Atty. Matt Favro, Supervisor Peter Glushko, Counselor/Deputy Supervisor Donald McBrayer

Editor’s Correction: The gentleman speaking about the Jenkins Street drainage issue who was initially identified as Adam Sullivan was not Adam Sullivan. I am trying to identify that individual.

By John T. Ryan

• North Bend and Jenkins Street Parking Ban
• Storm Sewer Drainage Issues on Jenkins Street 
• Vandalism at Laphams Mills Park 
• Metal Roof Installed at Lyon Road School House 

It appears that on-street parking may no longer be permitted on either Jenkins Street or North Bend Street if some members of the Peru Town Board have their way. Enforcement of a parking ban is holding up board action. Town Attorney Matt Favro expressed his opinion stating, “It’s a waste of time to put signs up if you can’t enforce it.” Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell requested the ban on the narrow streets citing snow plowing problems during the winter months. Attorney Favro said he would confer with the NYS Police and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department to determine if they have the time and resources to enforce any parking ban. Restricting on-street parking during the winter months was also discussed.

Jenkins Street has another issue: storm drainage. A street resident said the town’s storm drains have not been handling water runoff. He presented photos to amplify his complaint. He said, “I spend hundreds of dollars a year running my sump pump. This has been happening for the 14 years I’ve been there. I have sink holes, garbage and even seagulls and so do my neighbors. Action has to be taken quickly.”  He mentioned runoff from the Peru Central School parking lot as one of the possible causes. Town officials have discussed the problem during several meetings, but they have been unable to locate storm sewer easements giving the town access to private property. Councilor James Langley recommended that the town use its high tech instruments to locate the storm lines and that residents be asked to grant easements.

Lyon Rd. School

Vandals broke a window in a Laphams Mills Park storage building. They also stole keys and may have taken the golf cart on a joy ride. The board discussed installing wire mesh over the building’s five windows. Attorney Favro stated that the NYS Police need to have a more visible presence in the community. The board decided to install three additional exterior lights. The replacement window will cost $170.

Historian Ron Allen reported that a metal roof and sheathing was being installed on the historic Lyon Road Schoolhouse at a labor cost of $2,100. Blair Brothers of Dannemora performed the work. Allen said the roof’s substructure is in good shape.

The board approved a resolution opposing a Saranac Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) proposal to relocate a monument commemorating the Battle of Valcour to Clinton Community College. The monument is located in the Town of Peru on the east side of Route 9, a few hundred yards south of the Valcour Conference Center. The Battle of Valcour took place in the Town of Peru and the monument overlooks the scene of the battle.

The board accepted Councilman Donald McBrayer’s internal audit of town fiscal officer Peter Glushko. All was in order. McBrayer complimented Pam Barber and Judy Akey for their competent work.

Believing that it is time to change computer software vendors, the board scheduled a workshop for Monday September 25th at 6 p.m. Town personnel have not been satisfied with the support being given by its current provider KVS. Software provider Logics LLC will describe the advantages of its software.

James Falvo was reappointed to a five-year term on the board of assessment review.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that Parsons Road culvert repairs are almost complete.

The town is receiving a $41,000 FEMA grant to help cover the cost of snow removal during last winter’s blizzard.

Department heads are working on their FY 2018 budgets. Supervisor Glushko asked that the budget proposals be completed by September 20th.

Source: Plattsburgh International Airport Secures  $900K in grant funds – Sun Community News & Printing

AGENDA – TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING, September 25 @ 7:00 PM

Call Meeting To Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the September 11, 2017 Regular Board Meeting.

Community Input

DISCUSSION: Tobacco Free Facilities.

DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Clinton County Assessment Services Contract.

DISCUSSION/MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

DISCUSSION/MOTION: Return to Regular Session.

DISCUSSION: Reducing ZBA Make Up.

DISCUSSION/MOTION: Water/Wastewater Grant Application Approval.

DISCUSSION: Town Water/Wastewater Projects.

DISCUSSION: Town IT Update.

DISCUSSION: Workers Comp.

DISCUSSION: Battle of Valcour Monument Update.

DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Logics Software Update.

DISCUSSION: Other Business.

DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Approve/Pay Bills.
MOTION: Adjourn

The Town of Peru, will be holding a workshop on Monday, September 25, 2017 at 6:00 PM.  The purpose of the workshop will be to view a new software system from Logics, LLC.  The workshop will take place at the Town Hall, with the regular meeting to follow.

Kathleen Flynn

Town of Peru

Town Clerk

If you need additional information please call me at 643-2745 #2.