The Peru Gazette

Click to see Calvin Castine’s August 20th interview and tour 

By John T. Ryan

The small gate is open, two courts are marked and one pickleball net has been installed at the Jenkins Street tennis courts. A second net should arrive soon. Once everything is in place, a pickleball orientation program will be offered.

The tennis court is not not open for play. There is no net and the surface needs repairs.

Peru – This was the scene on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 as SK Sealcoating applied hot patch sealcoating to the one of the Jenkins Street tennis courts. When the court boundary lines are painted and the nets are installed one former tennis court will become home to two pickleball courts.

On Saturday, August 20^th, the Clinton County Historical Association (CCHA) will be partnering with City of Plattsburgh Historian, John Krueger to offer a Walking Tour of the Plattsburgh Barracks. Starting the tour with the 1609 discovery of Lake Champlain, the tour will explore Lake Champlain’s vast military history that led up to the Battle of Plattsburgh, paving the way for what is known today as the Plattsburgh Barracks/Post or, as to most locals, the Old Base. Once housing the Army, Navy and Air Force, the Plattsburgh Barracks is a treasure of information and a monument to the City’s military past.

The tour leaves at 1 p.m. from the Clinton County Historical Museum; located at 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh. The cost of the tour is $5 per person, and is free for children and CCHA members. We encourage those interested in participating to pre-register with the Museum by calling 518-561-0340.

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The Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.clintoncountyhistorical.org or call 518-561-0340. Museum admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and $2 for students. Members enjoy free admission.

A Message from Peru Community Development Coordinator Adele Douglas

The Town of Peru has been awarded funds from the Clinton County Health Dept. to build Fun/Exercise stations along the Little Ausable River Trail. The idea is to offer additional opportunities for exercise and improving balance in a way that’s fun for a wide range of users. For those who wish a more intense workout, signs at each station will list additional exercise options. There will be two stations in Heyworth/Mason Park and four within the easements along the trail. The Town’s Mike Hanlon plans to build the stations in the fall, using local white cedar.

Please read through the station descriptions and look at the draft designs. Click for draft designs FunExercise Stations.

If you have any comments or suggestions to make the stations better please contact Adele Douglas (643-7863 or chinadele1@hotmail.com) or Tracy Posada (tposada7092@charter.net or 335-5229).

Stump Jump, a series of stumps of various diameters and heights (from 6” to 20”) to invite kids of all ages to hop from one to the other. More advanced athletes to jump up from the ground with both feet.

Cargo Climb, a 6’wide, 20’ long wide cargo net hung over an 7’ high cross beam, one side with a slight angle the other straight down. For ages 5+.

Push ‘n Pull, a series of three bars, one low enough for push-ups, two for pull-ups: one for those in wheel chairs and children and one for adults. Sign also will show possible stretches.

Tire Trot, 10 large tires lying flat in rows of two so people can do a typical football run from tire to tire. Sign to describe other hopping options too.

Balance Logs, 3 – 12’ logs in a crooked line, top shaved for better grip, making about a 4” wide flat surface. The first log will be on grade, the second on the first one (so about 8” above grade) and the 3^rd log will be back at grade. More intense exercises include two leg hopping from one side of the log to the other, hands on raised log or hands off.

Log Leap, a series of 4 raised horizontal logs about 3’ high to get over however possible, and for young kids, under (spaced too far to jump from log to log). Sign will list other exercises and stretching options.

Opening is only a few weeks away. The Peru Gazette will keep you advised! 

Groundbreaking this morning, August 17, 2016, at new Dunkin Donuts adjacent to Langley Insurance on the Bear Swamp Road.

Undersized pumps in Maiden Lane Lift Station

Exposed Main Sewer Pipe adjacent to Little Ausable River

By John T. Ryan 

Peru – America’s aging infrastructure is constantly in the news and Peru’s infrastructure is no exception.  A Town Board commissioned study completed in March 2015 revealed that Peru’s sewage delivery system needs repairs and upgrades estimated to cost more than $4.5 million. Improvements of this nature are typically paid for by rate increases, borrowing, grants or a combination thereof. Depending on funding, the project would be completed in one or more phases. 

Fortunately, sewer district users can have a significant role in qualifying their sewer district for New York State grants. In a few days a Household Characteristics Survey will be mailed to Peru Sewer District users. People are requested to accurately complete the survey and return it to the town’s grant consultant by September 1, 2016.  If the survey reveals the district’s median household income falls below a certain level, the town will be eligible to receive state grants and no or low interest loans. If a sufficient number of surveys are not returned by the September 1, 2016 they will be hand-delivered to district users. Specific income information will be held in strict confidence. The consultant will compile a report and submit only aggregate figures to the town. Click here to view a Household Survey

Four sewage main pipes carry effluent from approximately 550 users to the Sunrise Drive Water Pollution Control Plant.  Upgrading a pipe installed in the 1930’s is the immediate need. This pipe transports effluent from users on and near the Elm Street, Pleasant, Jenkins, McIntosh, Holden, McDonald, Lafleur and Washington Streets. After passing under Route 22 it traverses a steep bank adjacent to Little Ausable River. Portions of this pipe have shifted above the surface. Engineers are very concerned that hillside erosion could result in a shifting, broken pipe and consequent severe river pollution. They have described the pipe as “hanging on a thread.”  The proposed plan includes installation of a pump/lift station to transport this effluent to an enlarged main pipe along North Bend Street. 

A lift/pump station at the intersection of Buttonbrook Parkway and Maiden Lane needs to be increased in capacity and moved across the street. Several manholes also need to be replaced or upgraded. 

By John T. Ryan

In June Peru Troop 8049 Eagle Scout candidate Andrew Banker asked the Peru Town Board for permission to install two bike repair stations along the Little Ausable River Trail. At the Board’s Monday, August 15, 2016 meeting Banker returned to thank the counselors and to tell them that the stations have been installed. Each station includes eight tools tethered to a metal post by steel cables.

Asked how he got the idea for the project Banker said, “During the summer there are a lot of people riding bikes in Peru. I know it’s difficult when you’re riding and your chain falls off or have another problem.” Banker raised funds for his Eagle Scout project by conducting a car wash, collecting refundable bottles and donations.

Banker (18), the son of Dan and Selena Banker, is an incoming senior at Peru High School. Following graduation he hopes attend SUNY Oswego and to ultimately become a technology education teacher.

Banker told the counselors that he still has one more repair station and asked for ideas on the best place to install it. The counselors suggested that he speak with Peru Central School officials.

Please share!

The Peru Youth Commission needs two mite coaches for its Fall Soccer Program. The mite age group is (6,7 and 8 ). If you can help please contact John Flynn at jpflynn@charter.net.

AGENDA Town of Peru Zoning Board of Appeals 

WEDNESDAY, August 17, 2016 @ 7:00 PM at Peru Town Hall 

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL of July 20, 2016 minutes.
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
6. APPLICATIONS:

1. Area Variance: Paul Schlitt

Area Variance – Pool House

11 Mason St.

2. Area Variance: Julio Lemos

Area Variance – Continued discussion for construction of a retaining wall

28 Twin Creek Drive

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

AGENDA TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING – August 15, 2016 @ 7:00 PM 

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes of the July 25, 2016 Regular Board Meeting.

5. 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)

6. Community Input

7. DISCUSSION: PFCU Building Purchase Update.

8. DISCUSSION: Dog Park Update.

9. DISCUSSION: Pickle Ball Court/Tennis Court Sealing Update.

10. DISCUSSION: Christmas Tree Update. 

11. DISCUSSION: Lapham Mills Fencing. 

12. DISCUSSION: Dog Incident Update. 

13. DISCUSSION: Zoning Board Member Update. 

14. DISCUSSION: Income Survey Update. 

15. DISCUSSION: AES Term Contract Update.

16. DISCUSSION: Other Business. 

17. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.  

MOTION:    Adjourn

The Peru Town Board Regular August 1st meeting date has been changed from August 8th to August 15th at 7 p.m.

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at 6:30 PM at the school district’s Community Room, adjacent to the main entrance of Peru Jr/Sr High School.  An executive session associated with particular personnel matters will take place immediately following the 6:30 PM start.  The school board is slated to reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM.  Anticipated topics include:

 A Public Hearing on Smart Schools Investments

Approval of a Smart School Investment Plan

Regents Testing

Setting of a tax levy and tax rate 

The full Board agenda is available on the District’s website at www.

Scheduling conflict cited.

Source: Trump cancels Plattsburgh visit | News | pressrepublican.com

HAY AND GRAIN HARVEST AND ANTIQUE TRACTOR WEEKEND:  August 20 – 21 – Hours 10am-4pm

Grab the family and come for a fun day at Babbie Museum.  Watching harvesting of buckwheat & oats with antique equipment; try your hand using the hayfork to lift hay to the loft; watch a real blacksmith at work; help grind corn & grain in the granary; decorate a horseshoe; come see a 1929 Model T.  Get your prize tractor out and show it off at the museum.  Then take it for a ride to the big village of Peru for our 1^st Annual Antique Tractor Ride.  For the kids:  visit the animals; play in the corn box; take a hayride or ride on a real stagecoach or on Thomas the Train.  Buy hotdogs, chips and drinks or bring you own lunch and enjoy our picnic area.  Guaranteed to be FUN!!!

Click here for random photos of a Saturday, July 30, 2016 get-together at the Plattsburgh American Legion. 

Campaign discussing contract for use of Crete Memorial Civic Center, where presidential candidate also appeared in April.

Source: Trump targets Plattsburgh for ‘town hall’ session | News | pressrepublican.com

Peru Gazette Note – That’s this coming Monday!

WESTPORT — It’s late-July, and the Essex County Fair is primed for takeoff.

Source: Essex County Fair announces schedule – Sun Community News & Printing

PERU — A pair of twin brothers have earned their wings.

Source: Twin brothers from Peru become Eagle Scouts

AGENDA TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING – July 25, 2016 @ 7:00 PM 

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes of the July 11, 2016 Regular Board Meeting and the Minutes of the July 19, 2016 Special Meeting.

5. Community Input

6. DISCUSSION: Dog Park Update. 

7. DISCUSSION: Pickle Ball Court/Tennis Court Update.

8. DISCUSSION: Water Billing Update. 

9. DISCUSSION: Highway Truck Disposal Approval. 

10. DISCUSSION: CSEA Meeting Scheduled for August 17, 2016. 

11. DISCUSSION: Jury Trial August 3, 2016.

12. DISCUSSION: Other Business. 

13. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

14. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Approve/Pay Bills.

MOTION:    Adjourn

PERU COMMUNITY CHURCH AND ST. AUGUSTINE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH INVITE CHILDREN AGES 3 YEARS TO 6TH GRADE TO

EGYPT: JOSEPH’S JOURNEY FROM PRISON TO PALACE

A summer bible event called Egypt: Joseph’s Journey from Prison to Palace will be hosted at Peru Community Church Fellowship Center, 13 Elm Street, Peru from Monday, August 1st to Friday, August 5th.

Step back in time, exploring the life of Joseph. Kids participate in a memorable Bible-times marketplace, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, dig into Egyptian eats, visit Joseph in prison and then in his palace home. Plus, everyone learns to look for evidence of God all around them through something called God Sightings. Each day concludes with Celebration—a time of upbeat worship that gets everyone involved.

Egypt Vacation Bible School will run from 9am to 12pm each day.

Pre-registration is ENCOURAGED but not required (Pre-K and Kindergarten fill up fast!)

For more information or to register your child(ren), call 518-643-8641.

Questions? Please call the church office at 518-643-8641. Our website is www.perucommunitychurch.com.

PERU — “Mad Maxine” has been apprehended.

Source: Peru collars rogue golf cart driver – Sun Community News & Printing