The Peru Gazette

MINERVA — The lines are painted and Town Councilman Keith Iversen is ready to bring a new sport with a funny name to Minerva — pickleball.

Source: Pickleball courts ready in Minerva, teams being organized – Sun Community News & Printing

By John T. Ryan

At a July 20, 2016 Special Meeting, the Peru Town Board took a major step in resolving the Peru Town Court location issue when it unanimously voted to purchase the property formerly occupied by the Peru Central School Federal Credit Union at 22 Davey Drive. The agreed purchase price is $115,000, plus the Town will pay $5,000 to $6,000 in 2016 taxes. The purchase agreement is contingent on the property being appraised at a value at or above $115,000. (The real estate agent listed the property at $155,000 and it is assessed at $188,900). Once the Town of Peru acquires the property it will be removed from the tax rolls.

The Town Board has been discussing Peru Town Court location issues since August of 2014. Changing court hours, moving the court to the Town Hall’s basement level and renting space at Glenwood Plaza have all been considered. Town Justice James Kirby brought the issue to a head in the May 25^th meeting when he told the Board that grants are available to upgrade court security; however, the Town would not be able to apply for a grant until a location decision was made. At the same meeting Town Justice Larry Cabana told the Board, “Defense attorneys consider this the worst courtroom in the county.” Shortly after that meeting the Board toured the Peru Federal Union Building and concluded that it would be an excellent court location.

Peru District Allocated $2 million+ 

The Smart Schools Bond Act (SSBA) was passed as part of the 2014-15 NYS budget and approved by voters in a statewide referendum held on Nov. 4, 2014.  The SSBA authorized the issuance of $2 billion in bonds to finance educational technology and infrastructure to improve learning opportunities for students throughout the state.

Peru Central School District was allocated $2,129,269.00 under the SSBA.  The State will reimburse the district for 100 percent of its expenses as identified in the Peru Smart Schools Investment Plans submitted. The initial plan earmarks 59% of the allocation for infrastructure that will support technology-enhanced instruction and security upgrades in alignment with our Strategic Planning process and long range Facilities Plan. The district plans to implement this first plan during the summer of 2017.  Smart Schools bond funds remain available until a district has used its entire allocation. 

There is no local cost associated with the initial purchase.

On August 9, 2016, the Board of Education will hear an overview of the proposed plan and on August 9, 2016, the Board will be asked to approve the plan.

The Peru Board of Education will conduct a public hearing as a part of its August 9, 2016 Board meeting (anticipated to begin around 7:00 PM). The plan requires a vote by the board for approval.

Additional information is available at http://www.perucsd.org/Page/4783. 

All are welcome to attend on August 9^th.

MORRISONVILLE, NY Visitors to the Clinton County Fair will be able to learn about opportunities in the New York Army National Guard by stopping by the recruiting station which will be set up at the fairgrounds during the run of the fair.

Recruiters from the New York Army National Guard will be on hand at the fair in building 16 until closing day on July 24.

New York Army National Guard Soldiers will be on hand to talk about their service and the opportunities the National Guard offers.

Members of the press are invited to visit the New York Army National Guard recruiting station for a different take on fair activities.

For more information contact Staff Sgt. Alex Williams at 518-598-7135

View Online: http://readme.readmedia.com/New-York-Army-National-Guard-Recruiters-on-hand-at-the-Clinton-County-Fair/13852824

The state Department of Financial Services has approved an average 9.3 percent increase in workers’ compensation insurance rates starting in October, highlighting an issue that the state’s business community has long hurt New York’s competitiveness but which employee advocates say is still plagued with problems for the injured. Among the reasons for the approval by DFS Superintendent Maria Vullo: testimony by insurance carriers that they might leave the state if they couldn’t raise prices to cover claims, and testimony by the state Business Council saying that the hikes, while unwelcome, were needed given the rising costs associated with worker’s injuries and the compensation system. The proposed 9.3 percent increase in loss-cost is obviously not the outcome that The Business Council had hoped for, but these numbers unfortunately reflect the true costs of New York’s deeply troubled workers’ compensation system; now significantly more expensive than before the 2007 reforms,” Business Council Government Affairs Director Lev Ginsburg said in a recent email about the increase. […] Robert Grey, a Long Island-based workers’ compensation lawyer who heads an organization that advocates for injured employees, said he believed insurance companies didn’t make a strong enough case to warrant the increase. […] he fears that reforms being pushed by business and insurance interest could simply be a way to cut workers compensation benefits to injured employees.

Source: Workers Compensation rates are rising – Times Union

Source: Major security operation underway at Clinton Dannemora prison | NCPR News

By John T Ryan

Peru – Peru’s residential and commercial building permit applicants will be subject to a new fee schedule as of August 1, 2016. The Town Board unanimously approved the new schedule at its Monday, July 11, 2016 meeting. The Board asked Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup to recommend a fee schedule that better reflects the work the code enforcement office expends on a permit.

Permit fees for new residential and commercial buildings, additions and garages will be increasing, while permit fees classified as “miscellaneous” such as oil tanks, wood stoves, fences, signs, etc., will not increase.

CEO Guynup explained, “I tried to be fair. The fees are priced by square foot.” Some projects require as many as ten or more inspections/re-inspections over the construction phases, i.e. footings, framing, electrical, plumbing, insulation, etc. Guynup canvased the fee structure in other towns prior to making his recommendations only to discover that schedules vary from town to town.

As an example of the changes, Peru’s current permit fee for a new 2,000 sq. feet residence with a basement and attached garage would be $235 (base fee of $185, plus $25 for the basement and $25 for a 576 sq. ft. attached garage). The new permit fee will be $615 based on $.25 per square foot for the residence and $.20 per square foot for the garage.

The current fee for a 2,000 square foot commercial building is $175 ($150 up to 1,500 sq. ft., plus $2 for every 50 sq. ft. over 1,500). The new fee will be $700 based on $.35 per square foot.

Peru’s Code Enforcement Office is busy at this time of year issuing 37 permits in June. 106 permits were issued from January 1 – June 30.

Click here for Fee Schedule – Effective 8/01/16

Fees in effect through 7/31/16

A message from Angel Rose – July 18th

Hi, I found a lost pup this morning on Fox Farm rd. Is it possible to share her here so local residents can see and hopefully get her back home. She looks like she has just had puppies. My contact info…572-9955 or 643-2237

The Jabez Allen Road speed limit will remain at 4o miles per hour.  Last November, at the behest of Jabez Allen Road residents, the Peru Town Board asked to NYS Department of Transportation (DOT) to consider reducing the speed limit. At the Town Board’s July 11th meeting Town Supervisor said the DOT has determined that a reduced speed limit is not warranted. The DOT did order that the appropriate number of 40 MPH signs be installed on the road. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell will request the additional signs from the Clinton County Highway Department.

Filling the sinkholes has already begun

By John T. Ryan

Peru’s pickleball enthusiasts may have a place to play in the very near future. No vote was taken, but the Town Board moved in the direction of opening the Jenkins Street tennis courts for pickleball play at its July 11, 2016 meeting. Town Supervisor Peter Glushko stated, “I’ve of the opinion right now, let’s fill up the holes, patch the cracks and pull the weeds and see how many people really use it. Let’s get some realistic idea of how many people will use it.” Counselor Donald McBrayer, who has consistently advocated for pickleball on Jenkins Street, quickly expressed his agreement. Over the next two weeks the cost of pickleball nets, patching the cracks and cutting the vegetation will be determined. At the end of the discussion Supervisor Glushko said he still favors investing in a dual use ice skating – tennis surface at Sullivan Park, but he wants to be fair about the issue.

Peru Town Counselors have been discussing pickleball options for several months. A dual use Sullivan Park location mentioned by Glushko was one option. Repairing the Jenkins Street court surface was discussed; however, resurfacing costs mentioned at previous Board meetings have ranged from $50,000 to the six figures. The actual resurfacing cost has not been determined.

At its June 27^th meeting, the Board asked the town’s contract engineer Peter Gibbs to examine the Jenkins Street courts. At the July 11^th meeting Gibbs commented that Glushko’s proposal sounded reasonable and reported that the court subsurface is made up of sand-rock fill and burnt woody debris. A deteriorating south retaining wall would not impact any future use.

AU SABLE FORKS — Local producers have their fingers crossed for a bumper crop of blueberries this summer.

Source: Local blueberry growers hope for bumper crop – Sun Community News & Printing

The Town of Peru, Town Board is holding a Special Meeting on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at 7:00 PM, at the Peru Town Hall.  The purpose of the Special Meeting will be to discuss and act upon property search.

Peru Gazette Note:  The Town Board has been searching for a new location for Town Court.

Dates and times changed 7/14/16. 

By John T. Ryan

Have you or someone you know not registered to vote in the important Presidential election scheduled for November 8, 2016? October 14th at 5 p.m. is the last day to register at the Clinton County Board of Elections at the Government Center in Plattsburgh; however, thanks to Federal Election law and the Clinton County Board of Elections, Peru and five other local communities will be offering two opportunities to register without having to travel to Plattsburgh.

The Peru Voter Registration Drive dates are Saturday, October 15^th from 2  to 9 p.m. and Thursday, October 13^th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the basement level of the Peru Town Hall. An eligible person can also print out and mail in a New York State Voter Registration Form located at the Clinton County Board of Elections website http://www.clintoncountygov.com/Departments/BoardOfElections/PDFs/NYSVoterRegistrationForm.pdf

If an individual would like to change their party of registration for the 2017 elections or primaries they must do so no later than October 14, 2016.

DAVE BROWN PHOTOS OF SUNDAY NIGHT’S GAZEBO CONCERT.

NEXT SUNDAY 6 to 8 p.m. AT THE LITTLE AUSABLE RIVER PARK GAZEBO – BOOTLEG BAND – COUNTRY, TOP 40 VARIETY, 60’S ROCK TO TODAY

Norsk Titanium announced new details Monday about its planned facility in Plattsburgh.

Source: Plattsburgh’s Norsk Titanium facility to be world’s first aerospace additive manufacturing plant | Local News – WPTZ Home

New plant will launch “manufacturing revolution” with 3-D production of aerospace parts, official says from London air show.

Source: Norsk Titanium: We are coming to Plattsburgh

Thanks to the generosity of the Ausable Valley Central School District the North Country Honor Flight has a vehicle dedicated to transporting veterans to Honor Flights. The bus was unveiled today at the Precision Auto Center in Plattsburgh where Precision experts converted a yellow school bus into a vehicle that will become and important part of local history. Numerous other local businesses and individuals supported the effort.

The event was celebrated with a parade through downtown Plattsburgh accompanied by police, motorcycles and classic cars.

Cornell Cooperative Extension and Adirondack Harvest are sponsoring Meet Your Farmer on Saturday, July 16 from 10:00-2:00. Several local farms in Clinton County will be opening their doors and encouraging the public to come see their operations. The farms will be holding tours and/or farm activities at 11am, 12pm, and 1pm and will answer questions from the public. For details about each farm and a map visit http://blogs.cornell.edu/cceclintoncounty/meet-your-farmer/ or call Cornell Cooperative Extension at 561-7450. Free and open to the public.

Participating farms are Conroy’s Organics in West Chazy, Country Dreams Farm in Beekmantown, Parker Family Maple & Gifts in West Chazy, Rehoboth Homestead in Peru, Shady Grove Farm in Schuyler Falls, Souza’s Farm Stand in Champlain, and Underwood Herbs in Plattsburgh.

Peru Fun Run Results The Town of Peru Recreation Department had the third of five fun runs on Tuesday, July 5th. Seventeen runners braved the heat at the Peru Central High School track. Tori LaValley won the ¼ mile with a time of 1:42, while Margaret Rock finished first in the ½ mile with a time of 3:42. The 1 mile race was won by David Rock with a time of 7:33. Results ¼ mile: 1. Tori LaValley 1:42, 2. Paige Greenhaw 1:51, 3. Taylor Greenhaw 1:53, 4. Ricardo Dansbury 1:59, 5. Mark Perez 2:05, 6. Elianna Nephew 2:13, 7. John Rock 2:21, 8. Allison Rock 2:50, 9. Korynn Passino 3:03, 10. Jennifer LeMay 3:14 Results ½ mile: 1. Margaret Rock 3:42, 2. Maddison Mero 4:09, 3. Ricardo Dansbury 5:28 Results 1mile: 1. David Rock 7:33, 2. Helena Matthews 7:56, 3. Harrison Matthews 7:58, 4. DeJaun Dansbury 8:04, 5. Robert Rock 9:45

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meeting of June 27, 2016 and the Minutes for the Town Board Special Meeting of June 30, 2016.

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: Town Dog Park. 

8. DISCUSSION: Town Tennis Court. 

9. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: New England Waste Contract. 

10. DISCUSSION: Building Permit Fee Increase. 

11. DISCUSSION: Election Registration Drive Day Changes. 

12. DISCUSSION: Water Meter Issue on Reservoir Road. 

13. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Codes/Zoning Secretary Hire. 

14. DISCUSSION: Golf Cart on Walking Trail. 

15. DISCUSSION: Walking Trail Maintenance. 

16. DISCUSSION: Town Hall Roof and Ceiling. 

17. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session. 

18. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Return to Regular Session. 

19. Other Business. 

20. Community Input on Agenda Items.

21. Motion to Adjourn.

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its reorganizational meeting on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 6:00 PM at the school district’s Community Room, adjacent to the main entrance of Peru Jr/Sr High School.  At approximately 6:15 PM, it will continue on with its regular monthly meeting.  An executive session associated with particular personnel matters 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: 

Public Hearing on the Smart Schools Investment Plan

Approvals of CEWW BOCES/CVES services

School Meal Prices

Section VII Sports Merger

Athletic Handbook Review 

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

All are welcome.

The parishioners of St. Augustine and St. Patrick will gather at St. Patrick’s Oratory/Mother Cabrini Shrine this Sunday, July 10, 2016  to celebrate Mass at 10:30 AM followed by the annual parish picnic. Please bring a chair and a dish to share. Hot dogs and hamburgers plus beverages will be provided.  In case of rain, there is a large tent, so everyone will be covered. The picnic will also have music provided by DJ Don Yo and a train ride along with Ellie the Cow for the kids!

There will not be a 9:30 AM Mass at St. Augustine’s Church.

SCHUYLER FALLS — The towns of Plattsburgh and Schuyler Falls are currently discussing the possibility of dedicating the Morrisonville Bridge to Gordie Little, the famed local broadcaster who passed away unexpectedly last month.

Source: Towns discussing Morrisonville Bridge dedication to North Country icon – Sun Community News & Printing

Chazy, New York – The Alice T. Miner Museum is pleased to announce that former director/curator Amanda Palmer will be returning on Thursday, July 21st at 7 p.m. to the museum to share with us her campaign to encourage artists and people of all ages to find their park through art! She will give a presentation during which she will discuss her several artist residencies in the National Parks, reveal some of her many inspirations, and explore a few of her creative methods. Amanda’s artwork will be on exhibit for the following week and will be available for sale.

Amanda has completed artist’s residencies at Homestead National Monument in Nebraska and Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in Wyoming and Montana. She also has been awarded residencies at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, Petrified Forest National Park, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. She has been invited to give her Find Your Park Through Art talk this fall at Zion National Park, where she will also teach a relief printing workshop.

In celebration of its 100th birthday, the National Park Service launched the Find Your Park movement to inspire all people to connect with, enjoy, and support America’s national parks. Find Your Park also encourages people to explore state parks, local parks, trails, museums, historic sites, and the many ways that they can connect with history and culture, enjoy nature, and make new discoveries.

Amy Kretser, Tess Blair, Emma Langlois, Ava Glorer, Kevin Killeen

“The mission of United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. is To be a leader in community partnership building and to increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another” stated Kathy Snow, Director of Development, and that’s why we help bring people together to do amazing things in the community.” Colleen Blair sent a message to Kathy asking if United Way could help her fulfill her daughter Tess’s 10th Birthday Wish.

Tess along with her 4^th grade teacher, Ashley Kollar, organized a band at her school. All Tess wanted for her Birthday was to do a fundraiser for disabled children by performing with her band. Kathy Snow sent out an email to all the 44 partner agencies to see who could help fulfill this wish. Many stepped up and wanted to help, including Kevin Killeen, Executive Director, of Plattsburgh YMCA. Tess chose to be the opening act at the “Rocking the Y” event on June 12, 2016. Her band “Pop Rockers” that consisted of the following members: Tess Blair, Ava Glorer, Emma Langlois, Gabriella Conti, Arden Pearl and James Burnham performed at the “Rocking the Y” event. They raised $500.30.

Colleen then reached out to Kathy again to see what agencies served children with disabilities could benefit from the funds raised.  Kathy gave her a few options of agencies that served local children. Tess chose to give the funds to North Country Association for the Visually Impaired, Inc. to help children that are visually impaired get the needed equipment to help make life easier for them. “United Way brought Tess and her band along with the YMCA and North Country Association for the Visually Impaired, Inc. together for an act of kindness in our community” stated Kathy Snow, a true representation of community spirit.” Tess and a few members of the band presented Amy L. Kretser, NCAVI Executive Director, with the check on June 30, 2016.