The Peru Gazette

Undersized pumps in Maiden Lane Lift Station

Exposed Main Sewer Pipe adjacent to Little Ausable River

By John T. Ryan 

Peru – America’s aging infrastructure is constantly in the news and Peru’s infrastructure is no exception.  A Town Board commissioned study completed in March 2015 revealed that Peru’s sewage delivery system needs repairs and upgrades estimated to cost more than $4.5 million. Improvements of this nature are typically paid for by rate increases, borrowing, grants or a combination thereof. Depending on funding, the project would be completed in one or more phases. 

Fortunately, sewer district users can have a significant role in qualifying their sewer district for New York State grants. In a few days a Household Characteristics Survey will be mailed to Peru Sewer District users. People are requested to accurately complete the survey and return it to the town’s grant consultant by September 1, 2016.  If the survey reveals the district’s median household income falls below a certain level, the town will be eligible to receive state grants and no or low interest loans. If a sufficient number of surveys are not returned by the September 1, 2016 they will be hand-delivered to district users. Specific income information will be held in strict confidence. The consultant will compile a report and submit only aggregate figures to the town. Click here to view a Household Survey

Four sewage main pipes carry effluent from approximately 550 users to the Sunrise Drive Water Pollution Control Plant.  Upgrading a pipe installed in the 1930’s is the immediate need. This pipe transports effluent from users on and near the Elm Street, Pleasant, Jenkins, McIntosh, Holden, McDonald, Lafleur and Washington Streets. After passing under Route 22 it traverses a steep bank adjacent to Little Ausable River. Portions of this pipe have shifted above the surface. Engineers are very concerned that hillside erosion could result in a shifting, broken pipe and consequent severe river pollution. They have described the pipe as “hanging on a thread.”  The proposed plan includes installation of a pump/lift station to transport this effluent to an enlarged main pipe along North Bend Street. 

A lift/pump station at the intersection of Buttonbrook Parkway and Maiden Lane needs to be increased in capacity and moved across the street. Several manholes also need to be replaced or upgraded. 

By John T. Ryan

In June Peru Troop 8049 Eagle Scout candidate Andrew Banker asked the Peru Town Board for permission to install two bike repair stations along the Little Ausable River Trail. At the Board’s Monday, August 15, 2016 meeting Banker returned to thank the counselors and to tell them that the stations have been installed. Each station includes eight tools tethered to a metal post by steel cables.

Asked how he got the idea for the project Banker said, “During the summer there are a lot of people riding bikes in Peru. I know it’s difficult when you’re riding and your chain falls off or have another problem.” Banker raised funds for his Eagle Scout project by conducting a car wash, collecting refundable bottles and donations.

Banker (18), the son of Dan and Selena Banker, is an incoming senior at Peru High School. Following graduation he hopes attend SUNY Oswego and to ultimately become a technology education teacher.

Banker told the counselors that he still has one more repair station and asked for ideas on the best place to install it. The counselors suggested that he speak with Peru Central School officials.

Please share!

The Peru Youth Commission needs two mite coaches for its Fall Soccer Program. The mite age group is (6,7 and 8 ). If you can help please contact John Flynn at jpflynn@charter.net.

AGENDA Town of Peru Zoning Board of Appeals 

WEDNESDAY, August 17, 2016 @ 7:00 PM at Peru Town Hall 

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL of July 20, 2016 minutes.
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
6. APPLICATIONS:

1. Area Variance: Paul Schlitt

Area Variance – Pool House

11 Mason St.

2. Area Variance: Julio Lemos

Area Variance – Continued discussion for construction of a retaining wall

28 Twin Creek Drive

7. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS:
8. CEO REPORT:
9. ADJOURNMENT

AGENDA TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING – August 15, 2016 @ 7:00 PM 

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes of the July 25, 2016 Regular Board Meeting.

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: PFCU Building Purchase Update.

8. DISCUSSION: Dog Park Update.

9. DISCUSSION: Pickle Ball Court/Tennis Court Sealing Update.

10. DISCUSSION: Christmas Tree Update. 

11. DISCUSSION: Lapham Mills Fencing. 

12. DISCUSSION: Dog Incident Update. 

13. DISCUSSION: Zoning Board Member Update. 

14. DISCUSSION: Income Survey Update. 

15. DISCUSSION: AES Term Contract Update.

16. DISCUSSION: Other Business. 

17. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.  

MOTION:    Adjourn

The Peru Town Board Regular August 1st meeting date has been changed from August 8th to August 15th at 7 p.m.

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at 6:30 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 6:30 PM start.  The school board is slated to reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM.  Anticipated topics include:

 A Public Hearing on Smart Schools Investments

Approval of a Smart School Investment Plan

Regents Testing

Setting of a tax levy and tax rate 

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

Scheduling conflict cited.

Source: Trump cancels Plattsburgh visit | News | pressrepublican.com

HAY AND GRAIN HARVEST AND ANTIQUE TRACTOR WEEKEND:  August 20 – 21 – Hours 10am-4pm

Grab the family and come for a fun day at Babbie Museum.  Watching harvesting of buckwheat & oats with antique equipment; try your hand using the hayfork to lift hay to the loft; watch a real blacksmith at work; help grind corn & grain in the granary; decorate a horseshoe; come see a 1929 Model T.  Get your prize tractor out and show it off at the museum.  Then take it for a ride to the big village of Peru for our 1^st Annual Antique Tractor Ride.  For the kids:  visit the animals; play in the corn box; take a hayride or ride on a real stagecoach or on Thomas the Train.  Buy hotdogs, chips and drinks or bring you own lunch and enjoy our picnic area.  Guaranteed to be FUN!!!

Click here for random photos of a Saturday, July 30, 2016 get-together at the Plattsburgh American Legion. 

Campaign discussing contract for use of Crete Memorial Civic Center, where presidential candidate also appeared in April.

Source: Trump targets Plattsburgh for ‘town hall’ session | News | pressrepublican.com

Peru Gazette Note – That’s this coming Monday!

WESTPORT — It’s late-July, and the Essex County Fair is primed for takeoff.

Source: Essex County Fair announces schedule – Sun Community News & Printing

PERU — A pair of twin brothers have earned their wings.

Source: Twin brothers from Peru become Eagle Scouts

AGENDA TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING – July 25, 2016 @ 7:00 PM 

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes of the July 11, 2016 Regular Board Meeting and the Minutes of the July 19, 2016 Special Meeting.

5. Community Input

6. DISCUSSION: Dog Park Update. 

7. DISCUSSION: Pickle Ball Court/Tennis Court Update.

8. DISCUSSION: Water Billing Update. 

9. DISCUSSION: Highway Truck Disposal Approval. 

10. DISCUSSION: CSEA Meeting Scheduled for August 17, 2016. 

11. DISCUSSION: Jury Trial August 3, 2016.

12. DISCUSSION: Other Business. 

13. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

14. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Approve/Pay Bills.

MOTION:    Adjourn

PERU COMMUNITY CHURCH AND ST. AUGUSTINE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH INVITE CHILDREN AGES 3 YEARS TO 6TH GRADE TO

EGYPT: JOSEPH’S JOURNEY FROM PRISON TO PALACE

A summer bible event called Egypt: Joseph’s Journey from Prison to Palace will be hosted at Peru Community Church Fellowship Center, 13 Elm Street, Peru from Monday, August 1st to Friday, August 5th.

Step back in time, exploring the life of Joseph. Kids participate in a memorable Bible-times marketplace, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, dig into Egyptian eats, visit Joseph in prison and then in his palace home. Plus, everyone learns to look for evidence of God all around them through something called God Sightings. Each day concludes with Celebration—a time of upbeat worship that gets everyone involved.

Egypt Vacation Bible School will run from 9am to 12pm each day.

Pre-registration is ENCOURAGED but not required (Pre-K and Kindergarten fill up fast!)

For more information or to register your child(ren), call 518-643-8641.

Questions? Please call the church office at 518-643-8641. Our website is www.perucommunitychurch.com.

PERU — “Mad Maxine” has been apprehended.

Source: Peru collars rogue golf cart driver – Sun Community News & Printing

MINERVA — The lines are painted and Town Councilman Keith Iversen is ready to bring a new sport with a funny name to Minerva — pickleball.

Source: Pickleball courts ready in Minerva, teams being organized – Sun Community News & Printing

By John T. Ryan

At a July 20, 2016 Special Meeting, the Peru Town Board took a major step in resolving the Peru Town Court location issue when it unanimously voted to purchase the property formerly occupied by the Peru Central School Federal Credit Union at 22 Davey Drive. The agreed purchase price is $115,000, plus the Town will pay $5,000 to $6,000 in 2016 taxes. The purchase agreement is contingent on the property being appraised at a value at or above $115,000. (The real estate agent listed the property at $155,000 and it is assessed at $188,900). Once the Town of Peru acquires the property it will be removed from the tax rolls.

The Town Board has been discussing Peru Town Court location issues since August of 2014. Changing court hours, moving the court to the Town Hall’s basement level and renting space at Glenwood Plaza have all been considered. Town Justice James Kirby brought the issue to a head in the May 25^th meeting when he told the Board that grants are available to upgrade court security; however, the Town would not be able to apply for a grant until a location decision was made. At the same meeting Town Justice Larry Cabana told the Board, “Defense attorneys consider this the worst courtroom in the county.” Shortly after that meeting the Board toured the Peru Federal Union Building and concluded that it would be an excellent court location.

Peru District Allocated $2 million+ 

The Smart Schools Bond Act (SSBA) was passed as part of the 2014-15 NYS budget and approved by voters in a statewide referendum held on Nov. 4, 2014.  The SSBA authorized the issuance of $2 billion in bonds to finance educational technology and infrastructure to improve learning opportunities for students throughout the state.

Peru Central School District was allocated $2,129,269.00 under the SSBA.  The State will reimburse the district for 100 percent of its expenses as identified in the Peru Smart Schools Investment Plans submitted. The initial plan earmarks 59% of the allocation for infrastructure that will support technology-enhanced instruction and security upgrades in alignment with our Strategic Planning process and long range Facilities Plan. The district plans to implement this first plan during the summer of 2017.  Smart Schools bond funds remain available until a district has used its entire allocation. 

There is no local cost associated with the initial purchase.

On August 9, 2016, the Board of Education will hear an overview of the proposed plan and on August 9, 2016, the Board will be asked to approve the plan.

The Peru Board of Education will conduct a public hearing as a part of its August 9, 2016 Board meeting (anticipated to begin around 7:00 PM). The plan requires a vote by the board for approval.

Additional information is available at http://www.perucsd.org/Page/4783. 

All are welcome to attend on August 9^th.

MORRISONVILLE, NY Visitors to the Clinton County Fair will be able to learn about opportunities in the New York Army National Guard by stopping by the recruiting station which will be set up at the fairgrounds during the run of the fair.

Recruiters from the New York Army National Guard will be on hand at the fair in building 16 until closing day on July 24.

New York Army National Guard Soldiers will be on hand to talk about their service and the opportunities the National Guard offers.

Members of the press are invited to visit the New York Army National Guard recruiting station for a different take on fair activities.

For more information contact Staff Sgt. Alex Williams at 518-598-7135

View Online: http://readme.readmedia.com/New-York-Army-National-Guard-Recruiters-on-hand-at-the-Clinton-County-Fair/13852824

The state Department of Financial Services has approved an average 9.3 percent increase in workers’ compensation insurance rates starting in October, highlighting an issue that the state’s business community has long hurt New York’s competitiveness but which employee advocates say is still plagued with problems for the injured. Among the reasons for the approval by DFS Superintendent Maria Vullo: testimony by insurance carriers that they might leave the state if they couldn’t raise prices to cover claims, and testimony by the state Business Council saying that the hikes, while unwelcome, were needed given the rising costs associated with worker’s injuries and the compensation system. The proposed 9.3 percent increase in loss-cost is obviously not the outcome that The Business Council had hoped for, but these numbers unfortunately reflect the true costs of New York’s deeply troubled workers’ compensation system; now significantly more expensive than before the 2007 reforms,” Business Council Government Affairs Director Lev Ginsburg said in a recent email about the increase. […] Robert Grey, a Long Island-based workers’ compensation lawyer who heads an organization that advocates for injured employees, said he believed insurance companies didn’t make a strong enough case to warrant the increase. […] he fears that reforms being pushed by business and insurance interest could simply be a way to cut workers compensation benefits to injured employees.

Source: Workers Compensation rates are rising – Times Union

Source: Major security operation underway at Clinton Dannemora prison | NCPR News

By John T Ryan

Peru – Peru’s residential and commercial building permit applicants will be subject to a new fee schedule as of August 1, 2016. The Town Board unanimously approved the new schedule at its Monday, July 11, 2016 meeting. The Board asked Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup to recommend a fee schedule that better reflects the work the code enforcement office expends on a permit.

Permit fees for new residential and commercial buildings, additions and garages will be increasing, while permit fees classified as “miscellaneous” such as oil tanks, wood stoves, fences, signs, etc., will not increase.

CEO Guynup explained, “I tried to be fair. The fees are priced by square foot.” Some projects require as many as ten or more inspections/re-inspections over the construction phases, i.e. footings, framing, electrical, plumbing, insulation, etc. Guynup canvased the fee structure in other towns prior to making his recommendations only to discover that schedules vary from town to town.

As an example of the changes, Peru’s current permit fee for a new 2,000 sq. feet residence with a basement and attached garage would be $235 (base fee of $185, plus $25 for the basement and $25 for a 576 sq. ft. attached garage). The new permit fee will be $615 based on $.25 per square foot for the residence and $.20 per square foot for the garage.

The current fee for a 2,000 square foot commercial building is $175 ($150 up to 1,500 sq. ft., plus $2 for every 50 sq. ft. over 1,500). The new fee will be $700 based on $.35 per square foot.

Peru’s Code Enforcement Office is busy at this time of year issuing 37 permits in June. 106 permits were issued from January 1 – June 30.

Click here for Fee Schedule – Effective 8/01/16

Fees in effect through 7/31/16

A message from Angel Rose – July 18th

Hi, I found a lost pup this morning on Fox Farm rd. Is it possible to share her here so local residents can see and hopefully get her back home. She looks like she has just had puppies. My contact info…572-9955 or 643-2237