The Peru Gazette

Those close to Geoffrey Brenno and Joseph Congelosi lamented the loss of the Plattsburgh men’s energy, joy, passion for their work.

Peru Gazette Note: Both men had close ties in Peru. Joseph was the son of Marguerite “Meg” Clark Congelosi and Joseph Congelosi Sr. and grandson of Karlene and the late Datus Clark. Geoffrey was a longtime Livingoods employee.

Source: Fire victims loved life, much loved | News | pressrepublican.com

Blaze destroyed apartment complex at 220 Margaret St.

Source: Two dead in Plattsburgh fire | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Board meeting rescheduled from May 23 to May 25th.

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

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes of the May 9, 2016 Regular Board Meeting.

5. Community Input

6. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Lyon Road Schoolhouse Repairs 

7. DISCUSSION: Town Tennis Courts. 

8. DISCUSSION: Town Court J Cap Grant. 

9. DISCUSSION: Seminar for Local Officials. 

10. DISCUSSION: Memorial Day Ceremony at Peru VFW. 

11. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Essex County Snow Removal Contract. 

12. DISCUSSION: Town Dog Park.

13. DISCUSSION: Sewer Line Repair Financing.

14. DISCUSSION: Illegal Trash on Town Roads.

15. DISCUSSION: Other Business. 

16. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

17. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Approve/Pay Bills. 

 MOTION:    Adjourn

The Clinton County Republican Committee held their endorsement meeting for State & County candidates last night (May 19).

State Senator Betty Little was present and received a unanimous endorsement.

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik was unable to attend but was also endorsed unanimously.

Surrogate Judge Candidate, William Favreau & County Court Judge Candidate, Mark Anderson were present and received  unanimous endorsements as well.

Janet Duprey received a standing ovation as she spoke of her decision to retire. Duprey also introduced Franklin County Sheriff, Kevin Mulverhill who spoke to the committee and was well received.

In other business Chairman Donald McBrayer and his wife Kara were appointed to be the Clinton County Representatives on the State Committee.

McBrayer also spoke of the Area 4 Legislative race, stating that a number or people are being approached as the committee finds a strong candidate for that position.

Another committee meeting is being scheduled for June 1st to follow up on the Area 4 and Assembly candidate selection process.

Petitions for all the above races will be circulated starting June 7th.

Stores, not including Lowe’s in Plattsburgh, violated Nutrient Runoff Law, AG says.

Source: Lowe’s, Home Depot fined after fertilizer violation | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Memorial Day Service with luncheon to follow. May 30th @ 11 a.m. Open to the Public.  Come out to “Honor Our Veterans.” 

Peru Memorial VFW

710 Pleasant St, Rt 22 B

Peru, NY 12972

Store Manager Jordan Keleher

By John T. Ryan

Peru – The staff at Peru Farm Center is busy today preparing for their 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open House tomorrow, Friday, May 20^th. Manufacturer representatives from New Holland, Husqvarna and Ferris will be on hand and there will be tractor, chain saw, skid-steer, log splitter and mower demonstrations.

The Peru Farm Center staff has been busy for several weeks remodeling the showroom, updating the displays and adding to the product line. The final touch was added early this week when the building was painted New Holland blue.

Chris Akey, who also operates Taylor Rental in Plattsburgh, took ownership of the Peru Farm Center on January 1, 2016. Jordan Keleher, a Peru native is the store manager. The business has been a Peru business mainstay since 1954.

Click here to view our January story on the change in ownership.

Peru – Pruning Workshop – Saturday, May 21, 9 -11:30 a.m. at Peru Community Church, corner of Pleasant and Elm Street, Peru, NY. Cost: $20, proceeds benefit PCC Capital Improvement Campaign.  Hosted by Land Art Fine Gardening.  Limited class size. Call (518) 420-9908 or visit www.landartfinegardening.com for advance registration/further information. 

Budget Proposition #1                                    Yes – 393         No –81 

Bus Proposition #2                                          Yes – 389         No – 88 

Capital Reserve Proposition #3                    Yes – 377         No – 98 

Board Member Elected                                  Rachel Romanowicz, 407 votes 

480 Total Ballots Cast

By John T. Ryan

The Peru Highway Department’s sand-salt storage structure will be undergoing significant repairs this summer. On April 25^th, the Town Board approved purchase of 20 steel replacement uprights from Jeffords Steel of Plattsburgh at a cost of $12,981. At its May 10^th meeting the Board approved purchase of a new fabric cover from Hybrid Building Solutions of Clarence Center, NY at a cost of $25,819.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said the existing structure has lasted about 16-17 years; however, salt has gradually deteriorated several uprights and the fabric top is ripped at the front and other parts of the structure.

In the future the sand-salt mixture will not be allowed to come in contact with the steel uprights which extend about 10 feet upward from the concrete foundation. Farrell said, “The building is designed to hold 5,000 yards. Any more than that will be stored outside.”

Farrell would have preferred to install a wood roof, but it was determined to be cost prohibitive. The new fabric roof is guaranteed for 15 years. Farrell hopes it will last at least 20 years.

The Peru Highway Department utilizes 5,000 to 6,000 yards of sand-salt mixture annually. A tandem truck typically carries 14 to 15 yards with salt constituting about 15% of the mixture. The department plows, sands and salts 82 miles of town highways and approximately 30 miles of Clinton County highways.

Franklin County sheriff will run as a Republican; Democrat candidate Billy Jones has been endorsed by Franklin County Democratic Committee.

Source: Kevin Mulverhill joins Assembly race | News | pressrepublican.com

Deb Purdy and her dad USAF Veteran Bernie Jakobetz

The Peru Gazette was honored to be present at Saturday’s North Country Flight Ceremonies in the City of Plattsburgh Recreation Center at the U.S. Oval. Bernhard Jakobetz of Peru/Harkness/AuSable was one of the honored veterans. Ron LaDuke, who is very active in our local VFW Post, was also s Honor Flight Honoree.

The Peru Volunteer Fire Department was one of the departments deploying the U.S. Flag on New York Avenue.

Click here to view more Peru Gazette photos

Other Flight Honorees included: George Barber of Plattsburgh, Donald Buschman of Derby Line, Vt., Robert Byno of Saranac Lake, Donald Campagna of Morrisonville, Norman Dumas of Malone, David Dutcher of Chazy, Paul Hood of Burlington, VT, Robert Joyce of Plattsburgh, Harold Pickering of Star Lake, Alfred Sines of Alburgh, Vt. and Michael Tetrault of Plattsburgh. The standby list includes Harold Belanger of Clintonville and Wesley True of Champlain.

By John T. Ryan

Expending more money to restore the historic Lyon Street School came to a halt at the Monday, May 9th, Peru Town Board Meeting. When the agenda item requested by Town Historian Ron Allen came up for discussion Supervisor Peter Glushko stated, “We need a comprehensive plan for that building…we need to know what we have to do each year, but we have to budget for it. We can’t Band-Aid it every year, especially after the budget’s been done. Found money is a thing of the past, especially with the tax cap.”

Ron Allen explained that for the past three years 98% of his budget has been devoted to the schoolhouse. When the Town was gifted the building for $1.00 in 2010 Allen thought the building was in excellent condition; however, once the town took possession, structural problems were discovered. Support timbers and a sill had to be replaced and the front cement steps and patio repaired at a cost of just over $10,000.

Roofing was purchased a cost of approximately $3,000. Last year a contractor was awarded a bid to install the roofing at a cost of $3,230, but he later withdrew the bid. Monday night Ron Allen said he recently received a $6,400 bid to install the roofing. He also explained that prior to installing the roofing the tower has to be replaced and the bell has to be painted. Allen said, “These things have to be done no matter what. I have no problem putting my entire budget into this, but we’re still short.”

Supervisor Glushko agreed that the town has a responsibility to maintain the building, but he continued, “We need to have a process. I’m trying to help. Do we need to set up a committee? Do we need to get the town engineer involved? The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Is there any grant funding available? What do we want to do with that building and how do we get there?”

Councilman James Langley responded, “I have a thought. Since we have a new code enforcement officer coming onboard, why don’t we have him look it over? I’d be more than happy to go out with him.” The board agreed with Langley’s suggestion. Meanwhile, restoring the schoolhouse is at a standstill.

A Message from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Clinton County

The Master Gardener Volunteers of Clinton County are organizing a tour to two nurseries in Vermont. On June 14 we will board a Premier Coach for a trip to Cady’s Falls Nursery in Morrisville, Vermont where we will learn about propagating plants, see some unique varieties, and wander through the many gardens. Our second nursery will be Horsford Garden and Nursery in Charlotte, Vermont, who grow over 100,000 perennials.

You will have a limited number of plants you can purchase for the return trip home due to space limitations. We will spend approximately two hours at each of the nurseries and will have rest stops along the way, including a stop at Oxbow Park, where you can enjoy any lunch or snack you bring.

Fee for the day is $40 per person which is non-refundable unless the Extension office has a need to cancel the trip. Registrations are now being taken at our office at 6064 State Route 22, Suite 5, in Plattsburgh. Call 561-7450 for more information. This is a ‘rain or shine’ excursion and you are not registered until we receive payment. Space is limited for this day long trip.

Source: State officials rethink plan to tear up Adirondack train track | NCPR News

The Peru Gazette reminds our readers that tomorrow morning (Saturday, May 14, 2016) another North Country Honor Flight will depart for Washington D.C. Ceremonies will be begin shortly after 7.a.m. at the U.S. Oval on the Old Base in Plattsburgh. The Peru Gazette will be on hand. Everyone is welcome to attend. It’s a beautiful ceremony – one that you’ll never forget!

Peru/Ausable’s Bernie Jakobetz is one of the honorees. Others include: George Barber of Plattsburgh, Donald Buschman of Derby Line, Vt., Robert Byno of Saranac Lake, Donald Campagna of Morrisonville, Norman Dumas of Malone, David Dutcher of Chazy, Paul Hood of Burlington, VT, Robert Joyce of Plattsburgh, Ronald LaDuke of Malone, Harold Pickering of Star Lake, Alfred Sines of Alburgh, Vt. and Michael Tetrault of Plattsburgh. The standby list includes Harold Belanger of Clintonville and Wesley True of Champlain.

Lt. Col. Lynn Wilke, Civil Air Patrol was presented with an award for 50 Years of Outstanding Service to the Civil Air Patrol. Presenting the award is Lt. Col. Tom Fusco of the Mid Eastern Group New York Wing. Lt. Col. Wilke is a member and former commander of the J. P. O’Connor Composite Squadron in Plattsburgh.

Click here to view a previous Peru Gazette story about Lynn Wilke’s life and his family’s long history of military service. 

Assemblywoman won’t seek re-election this fall.

Source: Janet Duprey to retire | News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Watchdog group FOILs local government checkbooks – Capitol Confidential

The Peru Cemetery Association is organizing a cleanup day on Saturday 5/28/2016 9am-12pm  (Memorial Day weekend). Historically, Memorial Day weekend was the time for families to visit the cemetery and “spruce up” their family plots.  So please join us Saturday morning May 28th (the cemetery is behind TD Bank).  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact any of our board members.  

Peru Cemetery Association Board Members:

Darrell Altizer. 643-7957

Barbara Perry 643-8822

Scott Sartwell 643-2508

Marian Peters 643-2226

Chris Mullen 834-9334

May 11, 2016

Letter to the Editor

The Peru Central School Class of 1966 is planning the 50^th Golden Anniversary of their graduation to be celebrated on Saturday, September 24, 2016.

In trying to connect with all members of our class, there are a few that we don’t have contact information. If anyone has contact information for the following individuals (address, phone number and/or email), please contact me at cheryl.breen-randall@verizon.net as soon as possible.

We are looking for: Calvin Arnold, Myrna Ashline, Douglas M. Ball, Richard L. Bash, Susan M. Beattie, Judith Ann Beckstead, Dianne F. Breen, Jacqueline Brown (Lewis), Hollis G. Brunton, Dale R. Buirch, Barbara M. Caldwell, Mary A. Chase, David W. Columbe, Gary A. Connors, Marion J. Coston, Michael J. Davis, Lesby Ann DeLaGarza, Margaret A. Dillon, Deborah A. Dukette, Salli Ann Fountain, Lindell A. Glenn, Mary A. Green, Walter L. Green, Diana Hamel, Barbara L. Harrington, Nancy C. Langston, Robert E. Langston, Catherine A. Lowrey, Lois J. Mason, J. Richard (Rick) Miller, Michael J. Palsgrove, Roland E. Patno, Ronald W. Patno, Donald S. Robertson, James H. St. Dennis, Starr M. St. John, Christopher R. Sanchez, Carl L. Sears, James E. Sommers, Sandra L. Sorrell, Thomas S. Walker, David J. Warwick, Reginald H. Way, David J. Wells, and Robert B. Wilkinson.

Thank you in advance for your assistance!

Cheryl (Woodward) Breen-Randall

Peru Central School Class of ‘66

Lake Placid, NY 12946

Edited 05/15/16 to include the need for a sewer treatment plant upgrade among the challenges facing the community. 

By John T. Ryan

Peru – At the Monday, May 9, 2016 Town Board meeting, Supervisor Peter Glushko announced that Courtney Tetrault has passed the required civil service tests officially qualifying him as Water and Sewer Department Superintendent. Tetrault had been serving as Interim Superintendent since last July when he succeeded longtime Superintendent Greg Timmons. Tetrault’s annual salary will be $54,500.

A 1992 graduate of Peru High School, Courtney Tetrault joined the Water and Sewer Department staff in about 1996. The Department’s seven full-time employees (including Courtney) and one part-time employee are responsible for providing water services to 800 users and a sewer services to 582 users along with maintaining all of Peru’s parks, town properties, the walking trail and several cemeteries.

Tetrault told The Peru Gazette his primary challenge would be coping with the community’s aging sewer infrastructure. Several major sewer lines, pump stations and the sewer treatment plant must be either replaced or upgraded in the very near future. While the water system has been improved, water lines on several streets still need to be replaced. Grants are being sought; however, Peru’s higher than average median income appears to be a grant roadblock.

By John T. Ryan

Effective May 23, 2016, Robert Guynup will be the Town of Peru’s Code and Zoning Enforcement Officer (CEO). Guynup’s appointment was approved at the Monday, May 9, 2016 Town Board Meeting. Guynup replaces Frank Slycord who resigned in early March. Guynup will be on probationary status for one year. He must also pass the Clinton County Civil Service examination. His starting salary in Peru is $40,869.

Guynup has been a code compliance officer in the City of Bozeman, Montana for the past year. For the previous 15 years he was the code enforcement officer in the Towns of Wilmington and Black Brook, NY.

Supervisor Peter Glushko said, “I think we’ve come up with a good fit for the town. Bob has the experience and the personality for the position.” Town Board members, Zoning Board Chairman Rob Bashaw and Acting CEO Steve Imhoff participated in the interview process.

Several Peru building projects are underway or pending and a number of open building permits have to be closed. Councilman Donald McBrayer, Liaison to the Zoning and Code Enforcement Office, said, “It’s important that we hire someone who can hit the ground running.”

Editors Note: See the last paragraph of the legal notice for the place and time of the budget and board of education member vote. 

PERU CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT CLINTON COUNTY NEW YORK NOTICE OF ANNUAL DISTRICT MEETING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the ANNUAL MEETING of the inhabitants of the Peru Central School District, Peru, New York, qualified to vote at school meetings in the district will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, from 12:00 Noon to 9:00 p.m. for the transaction of such business as is authorized by Education Law.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN, that the ANNUAL BUDGET HEARING of the inhabitants of the Peru Central School District, Peru, New York, will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at 7 p.m., in the Jr/Sr High School Community Room.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN, that the ANNUAL MEETING shall include the following three (3) propositions:

Budget Proposition No. 1

Shall the Board of Education of Peru Central School District be authorized to expend a sum not to exceed $45,075,047 for the 2016‐2017 school year, and to levy the necessary tax therefor?

Bus Proposition No. 2

Shall the Board of Education of the Peru Central School District be authorized to purchase and, at the option of the Board, finance three (3) standard 65-passenger school buses, including related and ancillary equipment, at a maximum estimated cost of $119,636.91 each, and one (1) wheelchair school bus,  including related and ancillary equipment, at a maximum estimated cost of $129,159.78, for a total aggregate maximum cost of $488,070.51, and to raise the necessary funds therefor by a tax upon the taxable property of said District to be levied and collected in annual installments in the years and in the amounts as the Board of Education shall determine, with such tax to be partially offset by State aid available therefor and, in anticipation of such tax, by either the issuance of debt obligations of the said School District or by a lease/purchase financing for such school buses, in either case in an amount not to exceed such estimated aggregate cost?

Capital Reserve Proposition No. 3

Shall the Board of Education of the Peru Central School District be authorized and directed to establish a reserve fund pursuant to Education Law Section 3651 to be known as the “General Purpose Capital Reserve Fund,” for the purpose of paying, in whole or in part, the costs of additions, alterations, renovations or other improvements to District buildings and facilities, site improvements at District facilities and grounds, including athletic fields, playgrounds, recreation areas, parking areas, roadways, sidewalks and other site improvements, the acquisition of school buses and other vehicles, the acquisition and installation of furnishings, equipment, machinery, and apparatus, and all costs incidental to any of the foregoing, with the ultimate amount of such reserve fund not exceeding $1,750,000.00 plus any accrued earnings on amounts deposited in such reserve fund,  the probable existence of said reserve fund being ten (10) years, but said reserve fund continuing in existence for its stated purpose until liquidated in accordance with Education Law, and the source from which funds shall be obtained for said reserve fund being (a) current and future unappropriated fund balances from the General Fund of the School District, as directed by the Board of Education, (b) fund balances transferred from other reserve funds of the School District, as may be authorized by the Board of Education or the voters from time to time, and (c) any other appropriations authorized by the voters from time to time?

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN, that a copy of the statement of expenditures which will be required in the ensuing year for school purposes, exclusive of public monies, may be obtained by any taxpayer in the District during the fourteen days immediately preceding the ANNUAL MEETING and on the day of this meeting, except Saturday, Sunday or a Holiday, at any district school house, during the designated hours of 8:00 a.m. ? 4:00 p.m.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education must be filed in the district clerk’s office no later than the 18th day of April 2016, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.  There is one (1) vacant position to be filled on the Board of Education, due to the expiration of the term of Mr. Brian Post.  The seat is at large for a full five year term from July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2021.  Each petition must be directed to the School District Clerk, shall be signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District, and shall state the name, residence and phone number of the candidate.  Petitions are obtainable from the District Clerk or via the web at www.perucsd.org.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN, that applications for absentee ballots will be available from the District Clerk, except on Saturdays, Sundays or school holidays, or via the web at www.perucsd.org.  Applications are obtainable from the District Clerk between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., except on April 25 ? April 29, 2016, when they will be available between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.  Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk not later than 4:00 p.m. on May 10, 2016, if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter.  Completed applications received after 4:00 p.m. on May 10, 2016, will require the voter personally appear at the Office of the District Clerk to receive an absentee ballot.  Completed absentee ballots must be received in the office of the District Clerk by 5:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 17, 2016.  A listing of all persons to whom an absentee ballot is issued will be available for inspection by any qualified voter in the Office of the District Clerk during the five days immediately preceding the ANNUAL MEETING, except Sunday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. through May 17, 2016.  Such listing will also be posted at the polling place on the day of the vote.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN, that the qualified voters of the School District shall be entitled to vote at said annual vote and election.  A qualified voter is one who is (1) a citizen of the United States of America, (2) eighteen years of age or older, and (3) resident within the School District for a period of thirty (30) days next preceding the annual vote and election.  The School District may require all persons offering to vote at the budget vote and election to provide one form of proof of residency pursuant to Education Law §2018-c.  Such form must include a driver’s license, a non-driver identification card, a utility bill, or a voter registration card.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN, that voting on the budget and for one member of the Board of Education will take place on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, between the hours of 12:00 noon and 9:00 p.m., in the Gymnasium of the JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING of the Peru Central School District.  Voting will be via machine.