The Peru Gazette

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.

L-R David Babbie, Hunter Sartwell, Leeward Babbie

Hunter Sartwell, Ambassador of the Peru High School Class of 2016, presented a $250 check to the Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum at the Museum’s Board of Directors May 2016 meeting. 

For the past four years the Babbie Museum has supported the Peru Class of 2016 by allowing them use of a trailer for class floats and the museum facility to make and store their float. Hunter is a longtime volunteer at the museum.

AGENDA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016 @ 7:00 PM TOWN OF PERU

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. ROLL CALL

4. APPROVAL of February 17th, 2016 minutes.

5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing

6. APPLICATIONS:

• 1. Area Variance: Mike & Colleen Lemza Area Variance 18 Coastland Dr. Z-2016-005
• 2. Area Variance: Craig Lamoy Area Variance 519 Fuller Rd. Z-2016-006
• 3. Use Variance: Roger Bonner Use Variance 591 Calkins Rd. Z-2016-007

7. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS:

8. CEO REPORT:

9. ADJOURNMENT

AGENDA PLANNING BOARD WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2016 @ 7:00 PM TOWN OF PERU

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVAL of April 13th, 2016 minutes.

5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing

6. APPLICATIONS:

15 Lot Major Subdivision: Winter Lane LLC 15 Lot Major Subdivision Maplewood Drive, Washington Street, Mannix Road

7. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS:

8. CEO REPORT:

9. ADJOURNMENT

AGENDA TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING May 9, 2016 7:00 PM 

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meeting of April 25, 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/RESOLUTION: Town Park Road Shortening.

8. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Highway Salt Shed Repairs. 

9. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Code/Zoning Office Update. 

10. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Water & Wastewater Plant Operator Position 

11. DISCUSSION: Town Dog Park. 

12. DISCUSSION: Town G Mail Accounts. 

13. DISCUSSION: Bear Swamp Road Sidewalk Plan. 

14. DISCUSSION: Grant Option for Pickleball Court. 

15. DISCUSSION: Sewer Line Repair Financing. 

16. DISCUSSION: Longest Day of Play Event. 

17. DISCUSSION: Lyons Road School House Repair. 

18. DISCUSSION: Per Diem Meal Rates 

19. Other Business. 

20. Community Input on Agenda Items.

21. Motion to Adjourn.

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly meeting and annual budget hearing on Tuesday, May 10, 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: 

Public Hearing on the Annual Budget Vote

Public Hearing on the District’s Code of Conduct

Award of Refuse & Recycling Bid

Review of Athletic Handbook 

The full agenda is available at www.perucsd.org 

All are welcome.

L-R Jerry Johnson and David Hamilton

By John T. Ryan

Peru – On January 1, 2016 Jerry Johnson and David Hamilton took on a new role at Pasquale’s Restaurant and Sports Bar. They became co-owners of the business. Both men are longtime head chefs at the extremely popular eatery that Scott Bazzano operated since 2004. Dave Hamilton said, “Scott would joke asking us why we didn’t buy the business. A few months ago he showed us the business numbers and they worked out. Jerry and I had been talking about owning a restaurant for years.”

Both Johnson and Hamilton are Peru natives. They graduated from Peru High School in the early 90’s and have worked in the restaurant industry ever since. Jerry Johnson recalled, “I started as a dishwasher at the Royal Savage and Valcour Lodge. I got hooked on it.” He went on to become head chef at the respected Windows on the Bay in Plattsburgh and Crickets in Peru. In 2007 he became Pasquale’s head chef. Dave Hamilton worked in several restaurants before joining Jerry as a sous chef at Crickets and in 2008 at Pasquale’s.

Needless to say, both men are enthusiastic about their new business opportunity. Hamilton said that they have always taken a personal interest in the business and ensured that food leaving the kitchen was properly prepared and presented. Asked why Pasquale’s has been so successful, Dave Hamilton said, “I think it’s been our consistency. People know if they liked a meal once they’re going to get another good meal the next time they visit.  People also like our portion size. They know if they can’t eat it all here, they’re going to have lunch the next day.”

Customers have the choice of the Adirondack-Italian atmosphere of the 50-seat dining room or the 30-seat sports bar with its 8 televisions featuring the NFL, NHL and MLB sports packages and New York Lotto. Hamilton said, “The sports bar is a fun atmosphere. We have a wide choice of craft beers along with old time American favorites.” Pasquale’s Romeo chicken wings with their tangy, sweet sauce are definitely best sellers. Hamilton said, “Some people are obsessed with the sauce. I’ve seen people drink it.” Burgers made with Kilcoyne Farms’ high quality, flavorful beef have been an instant hit.

Having grown up locally both men know many Peru residents. Johnson said, “People have been very supportive. We want people to know we’re here to serve the community. We want to contribute back to the community.”

Pasquale’s is located at 2931 Route 22 just across the street from the Tops Plaza. It’s open seven days a week: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. Call 643-0799 for information or reservations.

Also fined $1.75M, forced to forfeit $5.3M

Source: After saying he’s ‘truly sorry,’ Silver gets 12 year prison sentence | POLITICO

The Town of Peru Highway Department will be closing Jenkins Street from School Street to house #20 on Wednesday, May 4th from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. for cross culvert replacement. There will be no thru traffic, including emergency vehicles, during that time period.

A message from Adele Douglas of Peru’s Main Street Project Committee

As part of the Town’s Main Street Project, a focus group will be meeting on Monday, May 16th, from 6:00 to 7:30pm at the Town Hall. If you live on, operate or own a business on Rte 22, between Bear Swamp Rd and Sullivan Park, please join us.The purpose is to discuss streetscape and revitalization ideas.

If you can’t attend, or live elsewhere, there will be an open house for all the community community later in the year to present the streetscape and revitalization ideas to all Peru residents and businesses. The Town’s Main Street Committee has been working with River Street Consulting and Place Alliance to develop some ways to make our Main St more walkable, attractive and business friendly, we’re looking forward to sharing these ideas and getting your input. Main St Committee members include: Dwane Bast, Adele Douglas, Judi Grant, Nicki LaPlante, Don McBrayer, Becky Pace, Diana Padron, Mark Robinson, Jerry Ross and Anne Marie Spear.

Peru – St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 will host its 30^th annual charity golf tournament on Friday, June 17^th at the Adirondack Golf and Country Club. The four-person scramble will start at 10 AM followed by an awards dinner in the clubhouse. The cost is $300 per team. Obtain entry forms and information from Greg Lombard at 643-0242 or email gnetlombard@charter.net.

Peru – April 30, 2016

59 degrees, sunny and absolutely beautiful at Heyworth/Mason Park about 5 p.m today. This morning volunteers planted trees along the park riverbank. This afternoon joggers, families and teens were enjoying the park and walking trail. Jerry Ero, who planted trees this morning, was back. This time he was picking up any things (cigarette butts, candy wrappers, etc.) dropped by some users. Most people are taking great pride in their park and trail. What a wonderful addition to our community!

Click here to view 14 photos taken today. 

Approximately 20 volunteers planted about 225 trees this morning at Heyworth/Mason Park. The goal was to prevent or reduce river erosion. The trees were donated by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. The program was coordinated by the Clinton County Soil and Conservation District and Adele Douglas here in Peru. It was an absolutely beautiful day to plant trees.

By John T. Ryan

The Peru Town Board and many Peru residents have had hopes that by late this year pickleball courts would be ready for play at the now closed Jenkins Street tennis courts. It’s not going to happen! At the Monday, April 25^th Town Board meeting Counselor Donald McBrayer, a vocal pickleball supporter, explained, “The NYS grant we would have received was for finishing only. We would be responsible for getting the sub-surface up to grade. That would have required us to dig down three feet, build it back out and pave it. We also had to do repairs on the fence. All this would have cost $30,000, which we simply don’t have at the moment.” When the high cost was determined, constructing only one court was considered, but the grant administrator determined that the $32,000 grant would have a greater impact in Plattsburgh where that amount of money would finish five new courts.

After listening to McBrayer’s report Board members discussed alternatives such as establishing courts at the Laphams Mills Park. Councilman McBrayer continues to favor a location inside the hamlet citing the Peru’s Comprehensive Plan, which advocates offering activities such as pickleball inside the hamlet. McBrayer also cited periodic limited parking at Laphams Mills Park. He views pickleball as an activity rather than an organized sport such as those supervised by the Peru Youth Commission.

Meanwhile, the Jenkins Street tennis court gates will remain locked until the Board determines if there is an appropriate and affordable use for the property.

By John T. Ryan

The Peru Town Board will be interviewing candidates for Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) on Monday, May 2nd and Tuesday, Mary 3^rd. Town Supervisor Peter Glushko said seven applications had been received as of the Monday, April 25^th Town Board Meeting.

Glushko and Counselors James Langley and Donald McBrayer met with Acting CEO Steve Imhoff late last week. Glushko said, “We discussed tightening up the office so that we enforce all laws and rules.” Glushko also said permit fee increases were discussed. The increased fees would likely apply to developments that involve multiple inspections and many hours of the CEO’s time.