The Peru Gazette

Source: Highest, lowest property tax rates are here – Capitol Confidential

Peru native enters a beehive of activity as interim UVM-ECH chief officer

Source: Remillard has been learning quickly in new job – Sun Community News & Printing

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meeting of May 25, 2016 and Special Meeting of June 1, 2015.

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/RESOLUTION: Apple Fest Parade Approval.

8. DISCUSSION: “Explore the Accessible Trail” Event 

9. DISCUSSION: Town Christmas Tree. 

10. DISCUSSION: Casella Truck Traffic 

11. DISCUSSION: Town Dog Park. 

12. DISCUSSION: Building Permit Fee Increase. 

13. DISCUSSION/MOTION: New Laptop for CEO. 

14. DISCUSSION: NYSEG Gas Line Expansion. 

15. DISCUSSION: Sewer Line Repair Financing. 

16. DISCUSSION: Per Diem Rates. 

17. DISCUSSION: Walking Trail Maintenance. 

18. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session. 

19. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Return to Regular Session. 

20. DISCUSSION: Vandalism in Sullivan Park. 

21. Other Business. 

22. Community Input on Agenda Items.

23. Motion to Adjourn.

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at 6 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 PM start.  The school board is slated to reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM.  Anticipated topics include: 

Recognize retiree faculty & staff

Intro to K-12 career and college readiness program

Athletic Handbook

Code of Conduct

Personnel appointments 

The full agenda is available at www.perucsd.org

Retired State Police Investigator George Dyerwill run against Devi Momot for seat vacated by Colin Read.

Source: Democrats select Area 4 candidate | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Internationally recognized poet Craig Czury will lead a Writer’s Workshop here at the library on Thursday, June 23 from 4 to 6 pm. No experience necessary. Come and open your mind, write and be amazed. At 7:30 Mr. Czury will do a reading of his poetry. This program is funded by a generous grant from Poets & Writers. No charge, all welcome. Join us for this very special event.  Visit his website.

From the Office of State Senator Betty Little 

Senator Betty Little today announced a proposed New York State Constitutional amendment (S.8026) and corresponding enabling legislation (S.8027) to create a 750-acre land bank for the Adirondack and Catskill Parks.The land bank could be utilized to approve important local projects on state Forest Preserve lands without a need to amend the New York State Constitution in each instance. Of critical importance, the amendment and enacting legislation include numerous safeguards protective of article 14 of the State Constitution. Read more »

Our German Shepard went missing when our family went of vacation. She was under the care of my sister and she brought them to her house on the Patent Rd in Peru. She has a black collar, petite and a bad right hip. She is extremely scared of people right now and in a “survival mode”.  She is very friendly but extremely scared right now. Missing since Monday morning 5/30/16. Our entire family is completely devastated and we’ve had an amazing community that has been going out looking for her. Everyone has truly been amazing. We can not possibly thank everyone enough for their continued help during this heartbreaking time. Because of her being in a flight/survival mode she is staying away from people as much as she can. She was spotted many times along Shingle Street where she had been there for a few days; however we believe she has left that location due to being spotted too often and she got scared. If there’s any way you could help us out by getting the word out there further we would truly appreciate it. Our family is completely devastated and we just want to be reunited with our baby girl. I can be reached by email or cell if you have any questions. I’m also attaching a picture. Thank you for your time in this extremely difficult moment in our lives.

Bobbie Jo & Michael Provost

(518) 335-7177

All4johnson48@aol.com

From the office of State Senator Betty Little 

The State Senate today approved legislation that would allow campground owners to place liens on recreational vehicles (RVs) when guests fail to pay occupancy fees and other charges or abandon their vehicles. Senator Betty Little sponsored the bill (S.1684b) after hearing from the Campground Owners of New York (CONY).

“The main problem is people abandoning vehicles at campgrounds,” said Little. Read more »

By John T. Ryan

Moving Peru Town Court from the Town Hall’s main floor to another location is an issue that will apparently never die, at least not as long as Town Justice James Kirby is in office. At the Town Board’s May 25^th meeting Kirby asked the Board for guidance stating that New York State is offering town court security upgrade grants of up to $30,000; however, a grant application would have to be submitted in June or early July and would have to include specific plans and exact price quotes. While the Board has discussed relocating Town Court on numerous occasions, a vote has never been taken on the issue.

Kirby mentioned three alternatives: moving the court downstairs; adding on to the back of the Town Hall; or renting courtroom space at another location. Following a brief discussion the Board agreed to continue discussions at a June 9^th workshop immediately following the 6:30 p.m. pickle ball workshop.

Town Justice Larry Cabana was also present at May 25^th meeting. He told the Board, “Defense attorneys consider this the worst courtroom in the county.” A few days ago the Peru Gazette spoke with Justice Cabana who was happy to be interviewed saying, “This is the first time anyone has asked my opinion.”

Cabana described courtroom current shortcomings such as having to use the Town Hall entrance/foyer as the inmate holding area and not having a private attorney-client conference room. In Peru, attorneys typically confer with clients in the Town Hall entrance area or in the parking lot. When a justice must conduct a private “in chambers” meeting with a defendant, the defense attorney, the district attorney and sometimes a family member as many as eight people crowd into the court’s limited office space. On other occasions off-hour arraignments are being held in chambers because the main room is being used for workshops, meetings or other public functions.

Peru Town Court has the third highest caseload in Clinton County. Since January 1^st Justices Kirby and Cabana have conducted over 100 off-hour arraignments. Over the first five months of this year they presided over 136 criminal cases (358 in 2015), 20 civil cases and processed 1,058 traffic violations. Many, if not most, of the criminal cases require multiple conferences or proceedings. In 2015 the Town Court revenue totaled $143,809 while operating expenses totaled $103,773.

HOMESTEADING AND WOODWORKING WEEKEND:  June 18 – 19 – Hours 10am-4pm

Wood carving demonstrations by Champlain Valley Wood Carvers.  Ongoing demonstrations of antique chain saws, shingle mill, and a planer and buzz saw run by hit and miss engines.  Watch as flax is spun into linen (Brook Sylvan Spinnery).  Try your hand at using a wash board or vintage wringer washer. Master Gardener on site to answer your gardening questions. Bring your own lunch and enjoy our picnic area. Chips and beverages available in Museum Store.

Staff had opportunities to discover, stop escape, report says. DOCCS also criticized.

Source: Inspector General’s report rakes Clinton Correctional over escape | News | pressrepublican.com

Story by John T. Ryan, Photos by James Neyenhouse (Editor’s Note – 29 photos were added to the link below at 2:55 p.m. on Sunday, June 5th)

Peru – June 4, 2016 Assemblyman Janet Duprey was on hand this morning to throw the first pitch at the Peru Youth Commission’s Early Bird Tournament. Over 300 youths ages 5 -12 on 22 teams will participate in this summer’s program. The season begins on Monday, June 6^th. Games will be held each Monday – Saturday each week.

The program is a huge undertaking led by Town of Peru Recreation Director John Flynn with able assistance from youth commission members, numerous coaches and assistants. Click here to see more James Neyenhouse photos. 

Many local sponsors also assist in the purchase of shirts and caps. They include:

Peru – June 1, 2016 A very beautiful along the Jarvis and Union Roads tonight.

Click here to see more Peru Gazette photos 

Kick-Off Workshop to Take Place in the Stafford Science Building atrium at Clinton Community College

June 15 from 5:30-7:30PM 

Solarize Adirondack Coast is taking part in Community Solar NY, a program that will make investing in solar power easier and more affordable for local residents and businesses throughout Clinton and northern Essex Counties.

Community Solar NY makes implementing solar easier and more affordable by supporting locally-organized community outreach aimed at getting a critical mass of area homes and businesses to install solar and obtain competitive pricing, thereby lowering the cost. Historically, Solarize campaigns have lowered the cost of solar 10 to 20 percent.

After a thorough pre-qualification process, the Town of Plattsburgh, ANCA and the local solarize planning team, has selected Apex Solar and Triangle Electric as their designated solar installers. Residents and businesses that sign up for solar installations by October 31, 2016 will be able to take advantage of competitive rates, free site assessments, and a streamlined installation process. Read more »

Tony Andrews learned about varying degrees of luck on popular TV game show.

Source: Peru man wins trip, cash on “Wheel of Fortune” | Local News | pressrepublican.com

An  

The Town of Peru, will be holding an Emergency Meeting, on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at 6:30 PM, at the Town Hall.    The purpose of the meeting will be to hire a temporary employee for the Water/Sewer/Parks Department.

Town Board Schedules Workshop to Clarify Costs and Priorities 

By John T. Ryan

Candidates for national office often talk about the need to rebuild America’s infrastructure. Peru’s sewer line infrastructure is a good example. Last March former Water-Sewer Department Superintendent Greg Timmons reported that an AES Engineering long-range study commissioned by the Town Board had been completed. The voluminous report recommended in excess of $4.5 million in repairs and upgrades over the next ten years. At that time Timmons said, “Our timing is good. Grant money should be available.” Unfortunately, grant monies do not appear to be available because Peru’s household income exceeds current grant guidelines. The $4.5 million figure does not include needed upgrades to the sewage treatment plant.

On Tuesday, June 7^th at 6:30 p.m. the Peru Town Board will conduct a workshop on the sewer issue. (Downstairs in the Town Hall if Town Court is still in session) AES Engineering personnel are expected to be present a PowerPoint overview of the project. The Board will consider its options and priorities. The public is welcome to attend.

About 60 people attended the impressive Memorial Day Ceremonies today at the Peru Memorial VFW Post 309. Area 5 County Legislator Peter Keenan and Town Counselor Donald McBrayer were the guest speakers. Lynn Wilke sounded Taps for the 42nd consecutive year. The James P. O’Connor Composite Squad Color Guard Civil Air Patrol posted Colors.

Click here to view more Peru Gazette photos.

Tony Andrews can’t reveal how he did on the show that airs tonight – Tuesday at 7 p.m. on NBC, not CBS as stated in the story. 

Source: Peru man to compete on ‘Wheel of Fortune’ | Local News | pressrepublican.com