The Peru Gazette

Absentee ballots and affidavits were counted this morning at the Clinton County Board of Elections.  In the contest for Area Five Clinton County Legislator Democrat Peter Keenan received 629 total votes to Republican Rhonda Barber’s 587.  On Election Day, Keenan had a 32 vote lead.  After today’s count he won by 42 votes.

Rhonda Barber felt the Schuyler Falls low voter turnout was the primary reason for her loss.  She said, “Only about 800 of Schuyler Falls’ 2,700 registered voters cast ballots.” Keenan said he and his supporters worked very hard and he was very grateful for the support.

This was the scene at the Clinton County Board of Elections this morning as Democrat Commissioner Sue Castine and Republican Commissioner read/cross-checked the absentee ballots and affidavits. Both Peter Keenan and Rhonda Barber were present.

 Public Comments Accepted Through December 18, 2015 

Ray Brook, NY – The Adirondack Park Agency (APA or Agency), at its November board meeting, announced a public comment period for Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan conformance regarding proposals from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to amend the 1996 Remsen – Lake Placid Travel Corridor Unit Management Plan (1996 Plan).  APA will accept Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan conformance comments until December 18, 2015.

In 2013, in response to requests from the public, the Commissioners of DEC and DOT initiated an extensive public process to determine if amendments were appropriate.  After a two-year process with substantial public input the Commissioners of DEC and DOT determined sufficient interest existed to consider amending the 1996 UMP.

In response to public and local government input, the Proposed Final 2015 UMP Amendment/FSEIS was prepared. It includes a new preferred alternative (Alternative 7) to divide the travel corridor into a rail segment and a trail segment.  Read more »

By John T Ryan

Approving the 2016 Town of Peru budget was the primary business at the Town Board’s November 9^th meeting; however, there were several other important issues on the agenda.

A Peru resident recently paid a $150 fine in Peru Town Court for a leash law violation. Dog Control Officer David Drollette typically issues one or two warnings. The resident had received two prior warnings. 

The Town will be making another change to its Dog Control Law. Elmore SPCA has indicated it will not renew its dog shelter contract with the Town of Peru. Elmore does not want to detain dogs pending payment of outstanding veterinarian fees. The Board recently added a requirement to the Dog Control Law whereby Elmore would not release a dog until veterinarian fees have been paid to the Town.The Board changed the procedure after a local resident picked up a dog at the shelter without having paid the veterinarian fee. All the Town Board members indicated that this is a fight not worth having. Veterinarian fees are very rare and the alternative is driving dogs to an Elizabethtown shelter, an expense to residents and the Town. Apparently the change in the law was enacted without Elmore SPCA’s concurrence.

Vandalism continues to be a problem along the Walking Trail. A counter installed by Clinton County was destroyed and the barrier poles used to keep motorized vehicles off the trail are being removed and thrown in the Little Ausable River.

A Special Meeting was scheduled for Monday, November 16, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. to consider resolutions regarding three items:

• Purchasing a 2006 vacuum truck from Tupper Lake at a cost of $85,000. A vacuum truck is used to unplug clogged sewer lines and to pump out liquids in proximity to broken lines.

• Purchasing and erecting of a pole barn to be used to store Highway Department equipment. The Department’s large garage will not accommodate all its equipment. 

• Approve the property tax re-levy. Taxes not paid by November 6^th will be re-levied with penalties in 2016.

Rounds Drive resident Sam Pirofsky addressed the Board. He stated that he and at least two of his neighbors would like to see town water brought to Rounds Drive. Supervisor Peter Glushko told Pirofsky that the Town would survey Rounds Drive residents to determine if there is sufficient interest. Acting Water Superintendent Courtney Tetrault remarked that if water lines were being installed, NYSEG might bring natural gas to the street.

The Board tabled any action requesting that the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) reduce the speed limit from 40 MPH on the Jabez Allen Road pending formulation of a proper resolution. Helen Allen Herska told the Board that the road does not have shoulders making it very difficult to take walks. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said a town has to have a population of over 20,000 to set its own speed limits. Supervisor Glushko told Nerska that letters from Jabez Allen Road residents to the D.O.T would help their cause.

An ordinance prohibiting winter parking adjacent to any town road is being considered. Highway Superintendent said many towns have such an ordinance because it expedites highway snow plowing.

Controlling feral cats is still under discussion. Counselor Donald McBrayer has launched a public information program and Supervisor Glushko is watching how the City of Plattsburgh is dealing with the problem.

Jerry Watkins has withdrawn his bid to install a new roof at the Lyons Road Schoolhouse. An alternate bid will be solicited.

Area towns are being encouraged to explore using solar energy. Several Board expressed skepticism regarding solar energy’s benefits to the town. Councilor Brandy McDonald said that solar companies are exaggerating future electricity rate increases and stated that solar panel lose efficiency at a rate of about 5% per year.

Retired Peru Central Music/Band Director Lynn Wilke played a flawless rendition of Taps at the November 11, 2015 Peru VFW Post 309 Veterans Day Service.

Town of Peru Supervisor Peter Glushko, a retired U.S. Air Force Officer, represented the Town of Peru at today’s Peru VFW Post 309 Veterans Day Service. Post Commander Rick Cornish introduced Mr. Glushko.

Former Clinton County Legislature Chairman and current Area 7 Legislator James Langley was a guest speaker at today’s VFW Post 309 Veterans Day Service. Post Commander Rick Cornish made the introduction.

By John T. Ryan

The Peru Town Council unanimously approved the Town’s 2016 budget at its Monday, November 19, 2015 meeting. Town Supervisor Peter Glushko said the tax levy increase is under the state mandated 0.72 percent tax levy cap. The 2016 tax levy will total $2,321,663, an increase of $65,405 from 2015. Combined town general and highway tax rates will rise from $4.61/M to $4.73 (2.6%). Glushko said, “Staying below the tax levy cap was difficult, especially when we’re running a deficit this year in the highway budget.” Glushko said no major projects are planned during the coming year.Preliminary/Final Budget Attached

The Highway Department is budgeted for $1,631,918 in 2016. Its tax rate will rise from $2.54/M to $2.62/M. Over the past three years salt/sand budgeted expenses have risen from $75,000 to $120,000. Snow removal and road treatment cost taxpayers almost $280,000 annually. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said, Salt prices have increased $10 a ton. Farrell has also had to curtail highway repaving the Town’s 81.5 miles of highways. “I’d like to get back to paving five miles a year, but we won’t know asphalt prices until April.”  A second asphalt supplier should be operating soon which might result in more competition and lower prices. Farrell was able to pave only about two miles this year.

Town Counselors will not enjoy a pay increase; however, other town employees will receive a 0.5% pay raise. Glushko said counselors favored the pay increase because employee heath insurance expenses would increase by as much as 12.8% if employees maintained the same coverage they have this year. After working with the town’s insurance consultant, the Board is offering less expensive plans to employees. The Town budgeted $181,185 for 2016 current and retired employee health insurance.

The Town’s general budget totals $1,366,818. The general tax rate will rise from $2.07/M to $2.11/M. General budget items include such items as town court, zoning, planning, youth, town clerk, historian, town council, assessor, town hall utilities, data processing, parks and cemeteries and even the highway superintendent’s salary.

PLATTSBURGH — In honor of Veterans Day and to acknowledge New York History Month, the Kent-Delord House Museum will be open Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. free of charge.

Source: Kent-Delord House Museum to honor Veterans Day – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Comptroller Budget Report: NY’s Economy Slowing Down

PLATTSBURGH, NY –The exhibit will be on view in The Strand Center Main Gallery at 23 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh from November 13 to December 4, 2015. The Opening Reception will take place Friday, November 13 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM and is free and open to the public.
Handley was educated at Michigan State University and Eastern Michigan University where he received a BFA in Fine Art and in Education.  He then had the opportunity to live abroad for many years; working as an English Teacher and a Graphic Designer. Handley has had numerous solo shows in the region, including locations such as the Bibliothèque Claude-Henri-Grignon in Longueuil, QC, ROTA Art Gallery in Plattsburgh, NY, Ici Par Les Arts in St. Jerome, Quebec, and the Rothwell Gallery in Ottawa, Ontario. He has also won awards for his work in children’s literature.

Handley stated Read more »

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at 6:00 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 6:00 PM start.  The school board is slated to reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM.  Anticipated topics include:

·         Building Reports

·         Tax Reports

·         Recognition of Staff

·         Appointment of Personnel

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

All are welcome.

On Friday November 6th, Champlain Centre will be celebrating United Way from 5-8pm. United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. will have 30 different partner agencies with information about their respective organizations. “We are excited about our partnership with the mall and the opportunity to educate people about the many programs and services that our funded organizations provide” stated Kathy Snow, Director of Development. In addition to educating customers, the event will be used to raise money for United Way. Raffle prizes like gift baskets from Regal Cinemas, restaurant gift cards and stays at local hotels will be offered. All proceeds will support the United Way fundraising efforts.

To liven the event, the mall will be assembling entertainment, including: the “Super Super Serious Please Don’t Laugh Band,” the Champlain Valley Irish Dancers, Center Stage Dance, Pipsqueak the Clown, KOOL 105, and much more. “We look forward to this special event,” stated David Napolitan, general manager of Champlain Centre. We hope our patrons will come to the mall and enjoy the entertainment and assist the fundraising efforts for a great organization that touches the lives of many people.”

Regular Mtg Agenda9Nov2015

LAKE GEORGE — Spectacular mountain views from atop Prospect Mountain can be seen this weekend for free, thanks to the efforts of three local veterans working in collaboration with the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Source: Veterans Highway open, free this weekend – Sun Community News & Printing

NYSEG recently mailed out an energy supplier information postcard. It’s very good, except it doesn’t mention electricity and it doesn’t have the question: Does your plan require a periodic renewal and when? Some suppliers (ESCOs) require an annual renewal; if you do not renew each year your rates can skyrocket.

Peter Keenan leads by Rhonda Barber 42 votes in Clinton County Legislature Area Five. These totals do not include any absentee ballots:

Peru
Keenan 260
Barber 119

Vote totals for the two Peru Town Board positions not counting absentee ballots:

Brandy McDonald 659
Kregg Bruno 454
Dwane Bast 306
James Langley 635

Only 1,075 voters cast ballots out of 4,146 registered voters.  Extremely poor showing by Peru residents.

Alcoa is idling its smelting plant in Massena and will not modernize the facility’s East smelter. Alcoa officials said 487 employees will be affected; another 220 workers will remain.

Source: Hundreds of Jobs Lost As Alcoa “Curtails” Massena Operations | WWNY TV 7 – News, Weather and Sports for | Local News

Peru – The Peru Knights of Columbus Tuesday night bingo will not conducted on Tuesday, November 3^rd because Election Day voting takes place in the St. Augustine’s Parish Center. Bingo will resume in the Parish Center on Tuesday, November 10^th. The Knights encourage everyone to vote in your local elections. Peru voting takes place from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m

The Peru Lions will be holding their 14th annual Election Day Spaghetti Dinner on Tuesday, November 3rd at The Peru Community Church Fellowship Center from 4:30 – 7:00.

Cost is $7.00 for adults, $4.00 for children ages 6 – 12, and free for children under 6.

PLATTSBURGH —The North Country Chamber of Commerce and its licensed health insurance service, the Plattsburgh-North Country Service Corp., are reminding all employers and households in the North Country of the need to review updated health insurance.

Source: North Country Chamber offering health insurance services to both employers and individuals – Sun Community News & Printing

By John T. Ryan

If the cost to repair a sinkhole isn’t prohibitive, Peru residents may be enjoying pickle ball, tennis and even half-court basketball on the dilapidated/closed Jenkins Street tennis courts sometime next year. Town Supervisor Peter Glushko informed the Board at its Monday, October 26, 2015 meeting that Clinton County was recently awarded a $200,000 “NYS Building Healthy Communities” grant. Peru had submitted a plan to the county and will be receiving approximately $32,000 to repair and resurface the Jenkins Street courts for tennis, pickle ball and possibly basketball. The Board will ascertain the cost of repairing the sinkhole that appeared last summer. If the repair cost isn’t too high, the project should proceed. The Board also plans to use approximately $500 of the grant monies to develop soccer or disk golf at Heyworth/Mason Park.

There’s a good chance that the Town will be installing solar powered flashing stop and/or warning signs at the Brand Hollow Road – Military Turnpike intersection. Contract engineer Peter Gibbs told the Board that if they commissioned him to do a detailed study he would almost certainly recommend larger, flashing stop signs, a pavement stop bar and clearing of the Military Turnpike right-a-away. The Board has requested vendor prices and expects to make a decision in the near future.

The Board approved Town Historian Ron Allen’s request to repair the roof and entrance steps at the Town’s historic Lyons Street Schoolhouse. Jerry Watkins will perform the roof repairs at a cost if $3,230. Robbie Timmons will perform the step repairs at a cost of $1,556. The funds will come from Allen’s 2015 and 2016 regular budget. Allen hopes improve the schoolhouse so that local schools can schedule class trips to learn about education in a one-room schoolhouse.  If anyone has a large blackboard and potbelly stove that they would like to donate to the schoolhouse restoration please notify Ron Allen.

Verizon will be replacing Sprint as the Town’s cell phone provider. Verizon will provide the service at $35 per month per phone, which is less than half the previous provider’s charge. Department heads use cell phones for town business.

The Board hired retired Water/Sewer Superintendent Greg Timmons as a 2-hour per week consultant at a $4,500 annual rate. The Board values Timmons’ 40+ years of experience, as well as his industry and government contacts.

If no changes are made town and employee health insurance costs could increase by 12.8% in 2016. The Board will meet with its insurance broker on Thursday evening at 6 p.m. to discuss modifying present coverage so as to reduce any premium increases.

CLINTON COUNTY — On Oct. 24, State Police made four arrests during an underage drinking initiative in Clinton County.

Source: State Police make four arrests during underage drinking initiative – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: N.Y. law requires hospitals to instruct caregivers before releasing patients – The Pulse

http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/29928/20151028/young-farmers-bring-energy-amp-savvy-to-quot-the-new-keeseville-quot