The Peru Gazette

The Clinton County Historical Association will hold a Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The CCHA Open House, a holiday tradition, provides a special opportunity to visit the Museum and to find unique gifts for family and friends.

Light refreshments will be available and admission will be free during the Open House. Open House visitors can enter a special raffle for three books about the Town of Clinton and Churubusco, along with a Gibson Brothers bluegrass CD! The raffle will also include breakfast at Filion’s, a t-shirt from Dick’s Country Store and a Carol Sears Hoenig’s book. All visitors each day will receive a free gift, one per family.

In addition, this year there will be two limited-edition Christmas keepsake ornaments available for purchase—one depicting the Old Stone Barracks and the other featuring the Hotel Champlain.

Along with many unique and interesting artifacts, the Museum has an outstanding collection of books about local history written by local authors. The new book, Clinton County Memories, will be on sale for a special price of $29.95 until December 12. After that it will be available for the retail price of $44.95. For a limited time, a special Town of Clinton exhibit is also on display.

For further information, contact the Museum at (518) 561-0340 or by email at director@clintoncountyhistorical.org

Helen Nerska
CCHA President

The following is a statement from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos regarding the shooting of Environmental Conservation Officer James Davey.

“On the evening of November 29, 2016, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Officers James Davey and Lieutenant Liza Bobseine were investigating reports of potential illegal hunting activity in the Town of Gallatin in Columbia County when officer James Davey was shot. Officer Davey underwent extensive surgery at the Mid-Hudson Hospital to repair damage from the gunshot wound and is in the Intensive Care Unit in stable condition. I had the chance to meet Officer Davey’s wife Nancy, a Forest Ranger at DEC, and other family members last night who were appreciative of the outpouring of support from the DEC family.

“Lieutenant Liza Bobseine who was on patrol with Officer Davey investigating the incident is credited with saving Officer Davey’s life for her quick and heroic actions in the field. Lt. Bobseine was able to quickly apply a compress to the wound while calling for support and keeping the suspects under control 1/2 mile into a field. It’s clear that if it were not for her actions, officer Davey would not have survived. I commend the two officers for their courage in the line of duty and thank them for their dedicated service. Our thoughts and prayers are with the wounded officer and his family.”

An investigation led by New York State Police from the Livingston barracks determined that Alan Blanchard, 55, of Gallatin, was responsible for the accidental shooting due to reckless conduct. Blanchard was arrested for Assault in the 2nd degree, a class D felony, arraigned in the Town of Livingston Court, and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of no bail. He is scheduled to reappear in the Town of Livingston Court on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m.

ECO Davey, 39, is a 12-year veteran of the force, having graduated from the DEC Basic Police Academy in 2005. He is currently assigned to patrol Columbia County. Officer Davey is a Division of Criminal Justice Services-Certified Police Instructor, having recently become a Certified Firearms instructor for the DEC. He is married to a DEC Forest Ranger, Nancy Davey.

The two colleges in Plattsburgh are in serious budget crunches. SUNY Plattsburgh is scrambling to save $1.4 million, and Clinton Community College officials say they might have to lay off two full time faculty members.

Source: Plattsburgh colleges prepare for more budget cuts | NCPR News

On Monday New York State Police arrested Thomas Agans, a sergeant with the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

Source: Malone prison guard charged with felony assault | NCPR News

Gov. Andrew Cuomo approved roughly 60 bills late Monday and vetoed more than 70, clearing off his desk 133 bills that were handed up almost two weeks ago. With Cuomo’s actions, only 25 bills …

Source: Cuomo vetoes more than 70 bills, signs roughly 60 – Capitol Confidential

Please Share!

Peru – St. Augustine’s Parish Annual Craft Fair, Saturday December 3rd 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru.

Dozens of crafters from all over the North Country , a great bake sale, drawings and even delicious soup and sandwiches for lunch.

The Foundation of CVPH will host the annual Candlelight Remembrance Ceremony on Tuesday, December 6 at 4 p.m. at the Circle of Healing & Hope on the front lawn of the hospital. Like all organizations that have an Angel of Hope, we are holding this annual ceremony on this day to give people an opportunity to remember their loved ones. Music will be provided by SUNY Plattsburgh student Lauren Mueller and special words will be shared by Julie Kramer. We will also be honoring the addition of several new pavers that were recently installed in the Circle.

We are accepting names to be read during the ceremony. To submit a name, e-mail kkalman@cvph.org.

The ceremony is open to everyone and will be held outdoors – please dress weather-appropriate. We hope you can join us!

AGENDA – Town of Peru Planning Board, WEDNESDAY, December 14, 2016 @ 7:00 PM

CALL MEETING TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL of November 9, 2016 minutes.
OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
APPLICATIONS:

1. Site Plan Review: P-2016-025 RL Vallee Inc. DBA Maplefields
Site Plan – Sign
654 Bear Swamp Rd.
Peru, NY 12972

2. 2 – Lot Subdivision: P-2016-026 Carol Sherman
2-lot Subdivision
92 Denton Road
Schuyler Falls, NY 12985

3. Site Plan Review: P-2016-027 College Auxiliary Services PSU
Site Plan – Hotel/Motel
3714 State Rt. 9
Plattsburgh, NY 12901

ANY FURTHER BUSINESS:
CEO REPORT:
ADJOURNMENT

AGENDA TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING – November 28, 2016 @ 7:00 PM

Call Meeting To Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

MOTION: Approval of Minutes of the November 14, 2016 Regular Board Meeting and the November 17, 2016 Special Board Meeting.

Community Input

DISCUSSION: 39 North Bend Street.

DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Setting of Public Hearing on 39 North Bend Street.

DISCUSSION: Reducing Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals Manning.

DISCUSSION: Water/Sewer Rate/Fees Increase

DISCUSSION: HATS Program.

DISCUSSION: New Court Building Update and Hiring of New Court Clerk

DISCUSSION: Military Turnpike & Mannix Rd. Exchange

DISCUSSION: Zoning and Planning Board Attorney Update.

DISCUSSION: Harassment/Workplace Violence Training.

DISCUSSION: Town Hall Christmas Party

DISCUSSION: Other Business.

DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

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

ELLENBURG CENTER — Officials say the remains of Ira Munn Boardman III were located this morning.

Source: Body of missing hunter found | News | pressrepublican.com

As of December 1, 2016 Peru Town Court will be located at its new building at 22 Davey Drive, Peru, N.Y. 12972.

Phone – 518-643-4187, Fax 518-643-4188

Until December 1, 2016 the Court address is 3036 Main St., Peru, N.Y. 12972.

Phone 518-643-2745 Ext. 1, Fax 518-643-0527

Peru JCEO Coordinator Betsy Ero

By John T. Ryan

Peru – On September 9, 2016 Betsy Ero became the Coordinator at Peru’s JCEO Outreach Program. Ero has years of experience in an array of community service programs and she’s very happy to be working in the community where she resides. She commented, “When the job opened, I immediately applied.” Ero succeeded Coordinator Pat Holmes who is hopefully enjoying a fruitful retirement.

JCEO’s food shelf is undoubtedly its best known program; however, it provides many other services including accepting applications for the Clinton County Christmas Bureau, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), medical transportation and emergency services.

Betsy Ero said providing transportation to medical appointments is a constant need. She explained, “We especially need more volunteer drivers to transport people to medical appointments. The volunteers are paid mileage. Sometimes we provide as many as 15 rides a week. Plattsburgh, Burlington, Saranac Lake and Malone are the primary destinations.”

Donations of healthy food items,  personal care items (toilet paper, shampoo, etc.) and even plastic bags to pack the donated foods are always appreciated. Thirty to sixty Peru families come in for assistance each month.

As temperatures drop, many people are applying for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). This year Ero has to inform applicants about HEAP’s new ID requirements. A social security card and one other valid ID must be submitted. Previously only a social security number was required. The normal household income requirements remain in force.

JCEO also assists people with one-time financial emergencies. Sometimes people need help with a rent, utility or insurance payment. Ero said, “When we grant the assistance, we fill out a budget worksheet and try to put them back on track.”

Given her 16+ years of experience Ero is well-versed in referring people to the agency equipped to meet specific needs. The most common referrals involve Medicare Advantage, Social Security and Food Stamps.

This week Ero will be distributing Thanksgiving meals. A few days ago the Peru Community Church donated all the foods necessary for 35 turkey meals, the Peru Democrats donated 14 turkeys and Boy Scout Pack 49 brought in 686 food items. The Peru office typically provides 80 meals each Thanksgiving.

Betsy Ero’s office is located at the lower level of the Peru Town Hall. It is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 to 4. Ero is sometimes out of the office so she advised, “Please call before you come.” The office phone number is 643-8455.

Gift Giving
I represent the United Way Campaign Team for the Adirondack Region. United Way funds 44 different agencies in Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties. I co-lead one of these agencies: The Champlain Valley Chapter of The Compassionate Friends. This is a self help bereavement support group for families who have had children, grandchildren or a sibling die. This is run by volunteers only. With the funds from United Way we can send out newsletters, run meetings, host a memorial walk and candle lighting ceremony, and also do other fun events for our members.
The United Way Campaign is in full swing this Holiday Season and with everyone hustling around to make sure we check everyone off our Holiday lists, I would like for you to consider giving a gift in honor or memory of a loved one to this year’s United Way Campaign. Holiday shopping is exhausting, so why not save some time and drop off a donation to The United Way Office on the Tom Miller Road in Plattsburgh. There are always gifts to purchase for those hard to buy for people on our lists. Why not give a gift that will keep on giving. One gift will help 44 partner agencies.
If you have already done your shopping for this season, think about other times of the year when you are invited to anniversary and birthday parties, retirement parties and you just don’t know what to get. A gift to the United Way will take the guessing out of what to get them. Imagine how proud the honoree would feel opening a card with a message inside saying where the gift went in their name. Times are challenging in our world today. Please help our neighbors and together we will reach our goal. Last year alone, our 44 partner agencies helped over 80,000 individuals collectively.
Respectfully submitted,

DaleAnne Wolter
West Chazy, NY

• Town Court to relocate to Davey Drive by December 6
• 122 Unpaid Water-Sewer bills to be Re-Levied on 2016 taxes
• Fence for Small Dogs Area at Dog Park Approved 

By John T. Ryan

The Peru Town Board has been concentrating on formulation of a 2017 town budget; however, other actions have taken place at recent meetings.

Board actions at its October 24th and November 14th meetings include:

Received Town Justice Jim Kirby’s report that Peru Town Court will conduct proceedings at its new 22 Davey Drive location beginning December 6, 2016. Judge Kirby said moving will mean closing Town Court from November 30 to December 4th or 5th. A contractor by trade, Judge Kirby has been renovating the building with no labor cost to the Town.

Approved a resolution to re-levy $59,570.64 in unpaid 2016 water and sewer charges – 122 bills have not been paid. The fees, plus interest will be charged on the property owner’s’ 2017 town taxes.

Approved a contract with Freedom Fence Company to erect a 24’ x 20’ fence and install a gate inside the Town’s new dog park. Supervisor Peter Peter Glushko asked for the expenditure saying the fenced-in area would protect small dogs and would be a place for unruly dogs if no small dogs are present. Counselor Donald McBrayer asked if there have been problems. Glushko didn’t cite a specific problem, but he responded, “Let’s do it smart and do it now before there is a problem.” Glushko said every park he’s seen in the NYC area, where there many parks, has a fenced-in small dog area.

Appointed Allison Herbert Bruce to the Planning Board replacing Kim Budwick

Officially dedicated the Town Dog Park to Ann and Lynn WIlke. Ann Wilke brought the dog park concept to the community and organized dog park supporters.

Approved a resolution to expend an amount not to exceed $6.960 for a land survey associated with the Main Street Enhancement Plan.  The Town will be reimbursed by the NYS grant associated with the project.

Approved a resolution approving the expenditure not exceeding $5,000 to hire AES Engineering for consultation on complex problems at the water treatment plant.

Approved expenditure of $5,000 to AES Engineering for mapping, planning and reporting on extension of water and sewer service to Rounds Drive.

Noted that NYS Agriculture and Markets found Dog Control Offer David Drollette’s work to be satisfactory. Supervisor Glushko said, “Dave passed with flying colors!” Drollette told the Board 26 new dog licenses have been issued and 46 licenses renewed over the past month.

Learned that Deputy Court Clerk Christine Hathaway is leaving the area and is resigning from her position. Supervisor Glushko noted, “We will miss Christine. She has done good work!”

Was informed that the Town will receive Tobacco Reserve Fund monies in the amount of $7,880 upon successful completion of the Lyon Street School House roof project. For the next three years the Town cannot apply for any additional Tobacco Fund monies.

Approved a $5,000 five-year guarantee extension contract for the Highway Department’s new Gradall excavating machine. The machine was purchased earlier this year under New York Contract from Vantage Equipment of Albany on a five-year lease-own agreement at a cost of $58,276 per year ($291,380 total). After five years the town will own the machine.

The Keeseville-Peru Ecumenical Choir will be performing two concerts to celebrate its 51st anniversary. The first concert will be Saturday, December 17, 2016, at St. Augustine’s Church in Peru, at 7:30pm. The second concert will be Sunday, December 18, 2016, at St. John the Baptist Church in Keeseville at 7:30pm. The choir is directed by Jeanette Woodruff and accompanied by Steve Collier. The 60 member choir will be performing a variety of sacred and secular Christmas music. Admission is free.

Peru – Residents are invited to meet with the Town’s Main St Committee and consultants for a presentation of the Main Street and Hamlet Revitalization Plan and proposed construction projects: Tuesday, November 29th at 7pm in the Town Hall, downstairs. This meeting is supported by funding provided by the New York State Department of State under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund. For more information contact Adele Douglas at chinadele1@hotmail.com or 643-7863

Click here to see detailed September Peru Gazette Article on the Plan 

Click Here to View Meeting Flyer

Source: The Adirondack Park is about to change. You better chime in. | NCPR News

Gazette File Photo

Editor’s Note: The original story stated that the Confidential Secretary to the Supervisor will receive a $2,000 raise. The correct figure is $1,500. 

By John T. Ryan

The Town of Peru 2017 Budget approved at a Thursday, November 17th Special Town Board meeting is under the NYS .68% tax cap. Taxpayers will see a small increase in the general budget tax rate and slight decreases in the highway, water and sewer rates. The owner of a property assessed at $155,000 (Peru’s average assessed value) will experience a slight decrease in taxes – $1,120.65 in 2017 vs. $1128.40 in 2016.

The Town’s General Budget tax rate will increase to $2.18/M of assessed value vs. $2.11 in 2016. The Highway Department Budget will decrease to $2.58/M from $2.62/M. Water District users will see a decrease from $2.30/M to $2.24/M and Sewer District #1 users will see their rate decline from $.26/M to .$23/M.

The General Budget includes the services such as the town board, the town clerk, town court, code enforcement, building maintenance and the highway superintendent’s salary. The 2017 General Budget totals $1,399,541 vs. $1,366,818 in 2016. The Highway Department Budget totals $1,641,745 vs. $1,631,918 in 2016. Staying under the tax cap has severely impacted town road paving. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell would like to pave five of the town’s eighty-two highway miles each year. The budget will permit only three miles to be paved.

Town Supervisor Peter Glushko said dealing with an 8.7% health insurance increase and department requests for increased funding were the most challenging aspects of formulating the budget. The Board wanted to grant employees what they perceived as a just pay increase; however, that was complicated by ongoing negotiations with the unionized Highway Department employees. The Board voted to give most of the Town’s 37 employees a 1.5% pay increase. Highway Department employees will not receive any increase until a contract is negotiated.

There were other exceptions. Town Justices Larry Cabana and Jim Kirby decided to give their 1.5% increases to the Senior Court Clerk Holly Stone. Town Board members did likewise. They gave their 1.5% raises to Supervisor Peter Glushko. The Supervisor’s Confidential Secretary Pamela Barber was granted a $1,500 and Dog Control Officer David Drollette was granted $2,000 raise. Code Enforcement Officer Robert Guynup was will receive a $4,500 increase. Glushko said, “Bob Guynup is doing an outstanding job. When we hired him we promised him we would bring his salary up when we could.”

The Budget passed 4-1 with Counselor Donald McBrayer voting “No.” McBrayer told the Peru Gazette he is satisfied with the overall budget, but he believes a few other items should have been funded such as improving the tennis-pickleball courts, a pay increase greater than 1.5% for Youth Director John Flynn and increased funding for the Peru Free Library.

Elected Official 2017 Salaries:
Supervisor: $24,600.00 up from $23,805
Town Clerk/Tax Collector $24,289.00 up from $23,805
Highway Superintendent $56,105.00 up from $55,275
Town Board (4) $ 7,299.00 (No Increase)
Town Justices (2) $18,292.50 (No Increase)

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The Strand Center for the Arts is proud to announce that it is working with The University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital to broker the purchase of works by local artists. The hospital is purchasing work to install in the waiting room area of the Infusion Center and The Strand Center for the Arts will act as the broker for this purchase.

The area will feature a curated set of artworks based along a great outdoors/nature theme. Approximately 7-10 works will be purchased for this space. Artists of all mediums can apply, including photography, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media. Preference will be given to artists that adhere to the theme and follow the guidelines for submission. The deadline for submissions is Saturday, December 9, 2016 at midnight.

An artist can submit up to three works Read more »

L-R Peru K-2 Principal Michelle Rawson, St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 Grand Knight Keith Kemp and School Nurse Kathy Bedard

Peru – This morning St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 Grand Knight Keith Kemp presented twenty-four new children’s winter jackets to K-2 Principal Michelle Rawson and School Nurse Kathy Bedard. The school will distribute the jackets during teachers conferences and when needed.
The Knights of Columbus launched the Coats for Kids Program during the 2009 recession. Since then approximately 2,000 Knights of Columbus Councils in the United States and Canada have distributed more than 310,000 coats.

39th Annual John P Adams Memorial Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day,November 24 , 2016.

Event includes: 5K and 10K – $20 Registration

1 M Fun Run/Walk – $7.50 Registration

Start Location: Peru Central School

Start Times: 8:45 AM SHARP! for 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk & 9:15 AM SHARP! for
All Other Events

Online registration is available at www.adirondackcoastevents.com and will
remain open until 6:59 a.m. the morning of event.

Preregistered participants can pick up their RFID timing chip & bib:
Wednesday, November 23 from 4 to 7 p.m.
or Thursday, November 24 from 7:30a.m. to 8:15 a.m. at the Peru Elementary
School cafeteria.
.
As participants cross finish line, the RFID Chip technology will
immediately assembles data according to time, age, and gender.

For any additional information on pre-registration, bib/chip pickup time,
log on to our our website at www.perulionsclubnewyork.org.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Peru Lions Club
Email: info@perulionsclubnewyork.org
www.perulionsclubnewyork.org

One CO injured, tear gas used at Clinton Correctional Facility.

Source: Dannemora prison on lockdown after fight, threat to staff | Local News | pressrepublican.com

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Don and Linda Covel have sold thousands of beautiful Christmas trees since the early 1970’s, but this week they sold a very special tree – a Colorado Blue Spruce that will be seen and admired by thousands of people. It’s being erected in Philadelphia, Pa. as a centerpiece for the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. A tree lighting ceremony will take place December 2nd. While the tree will be a plus for Philadelphia, it will be a loss for the Covels. It’s been growing in their front yard for 40+ years. Linda said, “It’s gone, but there’ll be another one planted there in the spring.”

Selling a tree this large was a learning experience for the Covels. They discovered that preparing a 43 ft. tree for shipment isn’t an easy task. They had to use a specialized tree wrapping apparatus and a very high crane to gradually wrap the massive tree with its dense branches. It was a slow process requiring skill and almost supernatural patience.

Don and Linda planted their first Christmas trees in 1968. Today their many customers can choose from an array of Balsams, Frasers, White Pine and Scotch Pines spread over 65+ acres of scenic farmland. Customers are already arriving daily to tag trees. When they come to pick up the tree, Covels will cut it, put it on a shaking machine to remove any loose needles, wrap it and even help load the tree. Pre-cut trees will be on sale the day after Thanksgiving.

Located at 843 Mannix Road, Covels’ Tree Farm is open from 9 a.m. to sunset daily. The phone number 518-643-8723. Click here to see more photos. 

Peru Free Library
Annual Potter’s Guild Holiday Exhibit and Sale
Opening reception Friday, November 18 from 5-7

A great place to do your holiday shopping and
support our local potters and the library.

The situation developed after Cuomo appointees on a special pay commission withheld their votes for an increase as the Nov. 15 deadline passed. Barring a last-minute decision to return to the Capitol in a special session — which Cuomo wants, but lawmakers appear to reject — legislators will start their next session in January earning the $79,500 annual base pay they’ve received since in 1999. At a New York City meeting of the State Commission on Legislative and Judicial Compensation, the word that the governor’s appointees to the commission would abstain from voting was delivered forcefully by Fran Reiter, a former Cuomo administration official who said legislative leaders had failed to effectively make their case for a raise. The Senate and Assembly could conceivably return to the Capitol and cut a deal in which they would secure a raise by passing it themselves, and agreeing to a ban or sharp limits on outside income in order to secure Cuomo’s signature. A similar deal was reached by the Legislature and former Gov. George Pataki, who extracted state support for charter schools in exchange for the 1999 raise. If lawmakers found voting for a legislative pay raise too politically perilous, the Legislature could conceivably return to pass a bill extending the panel’s deadline as part of a larger deal — though that tactic, which again would require Cuomo’s participation, could invite legal challenges to any resulting raise. Legislative leaders on Tuesday blasted the governor for linking a desired legislation to a pay hike.

Source: No pay raises for state legislators, commission says – Times Union