The Peru Gazette

From the Office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Washington – Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) applauded the announcement that Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Canadian Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Steven Blaney today signed the Agreement on Land, Rail, Marine, and Air Transport Preclearance Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Canada.

“This landmark agreement is welcome news for our North Country community,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “In addition to helping increase efficiency along our northern border, this agreement will help increase trade with our Canadian neighbors. This is good for our North Country economy and for hard working North Country families. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to pass the legislation necessary to implement this plan.”

“The Beyond the Border process has provided an important opportunity for the U.S. and Canada to jointly build our economic connections while valuing and supporting the flow of legitimate travel and commerce at ours hared border,” states Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “And today’s agreement on pre-clearance is nothing short of historic as it sets the stage for a number of advances in the years ahead.”

According to Douglas, the North Country Chamber and other partners on both sides of the border have been supporting an agreement that would specifically facilitate three long sought advances for the North Country:

1) The agreed terms for the pre-clearance of New York bound Amtrak trains in Montreal by U.S. Customs & Border Protection personnel, eliminating the current long stoppages at the border.

2) The possibility of Canadian Border Service Agency operations in Massena on the U.S. side of the Massena-Cornwall crossing, addressing space limitations on the Cornwall side and enhancing flow at this important North Country gateway.

3) Agreement on how U.S. and Canadian personnel can jointly staff and operate small, rural crossings from one side or the other without two separate operations. thereby saving resources for both countries while securing the future operation of many small crossings in the North Country and elsewhere which, while low volume, represent important connections between rural U.S. and Canadian communities.

“We thank both governments for this historic agreement, as well as our representatives in Washington who have been steadfast advocates, including Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and a continuity of engagement and attention from fromer Congressman Owens and now Congresswoman Stefanik,” added Mr. Douglass.

Thera-Pets, Inc. will begin the Jonathon’s Journey program for children with special needs on Sunday, April 15^th from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. The group will meet every Sunday for nine weeks, excluding Memorial Day Weekend, at the Butternut Ridge Farm, 648 Calkins Road, Peru.

Jonathon’s Journey is a newly structured program that still gives the children free time to explore the farm. Activities include learning to care for the animals, walking donkeys, games, crafts, gardening, show & tell, scavenger hunts, and various chores. There are also plans to visit Kickin Up Dust Farm and the Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum.

The program is free, however Thera-Pets, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, does ask for a commitment to attend. 
The registration deadline is April 6th. New volunteers are welcome to assist with the program.

For more information contact Holly Besaw 518-643-2577 or email therapets@yahoo.com. 
To download an application for the JJ Program go to our web site page. 
http://www.butternutridgedonkeys.org/jjgroup.html

L-R Nathan Kennedy, Abigail St. Louis, Gabrielle Dion, Shauna Fliss, Megan Mazzella, Chris Mazzella 

By John T. Ryan

The North Country Mission of Hope’s February 17-24 mission to Nicaragua included nine high school students and adults who either live in Peru or attend Peru High School. They included Chris Mazzella, Megan Mazzella, Shauna Fliss, Samantha Bashaw, Nathan Kennedy, Gabrielle Dion, Abigail St. Louis, Sally Kokes and Mary Hensel.  Approximately 1,500 photos taken by the volunteers were compiled, placed on a memory stick and given to each volunteer. Sally Kokes was kind enough to share her memory stick with the Peru Gazette. The task was difficult, but we selected 75 photos that we believe capture the spirit of the mission journey. Please watch the slideshow on a PC, where the slide show is accompanied by music. Click here to view.

L-R Samantha Bashaw of Peru and Grace Leader of Gouverneur

L-R Mary Hensel and Sally Kokes

Trooper Donald Fredenburg dies at NY State Police Academy – Times Union.

Cuomo raising campaign cash again | Capital New York.

Peru Gazette File Photo

By John T. Ryan

Highway safety was the primary topic at the Monday, March 9, 2015 Peru Town Board meeting. The board appears to be determined to do its best to curtail accidents at the Brand Hollow Road – Military Turnpike Extension intersection. The board will request that the Clinton County Highway Department conduct a traffic study at the intersection and recommend a course of action. The board discussed installing improved signage, flashing lights or a traffic light. Some improvements are already underway at the town’s request. NYSEG is installing improved streetlights in close proximity to the intersection. More complex lighting would be expensive for the town. Installing flashing lights would cost at least $30,000 while a traffic signal would cost more than $130,000. The board’s actions follow a serious January 31^st accident and several previous accidents. A four-way stop was introduced a few years ago; nevertheless, many motorists continue to ignore the stop signs.

Superintendent Farrell spoke to the New York State Department of Transportation regarding safety concerns expressed by Peru resident Michael Blaine about the Main Street- Maiden Lane intersection. Route 22 is a state highway; therefore any changes would have to be approved by New York State. The State Police have stated that any vehicle proceeding west on Route 22 past Stewart’s should signal left prior to proceeding on to Maiden Lane. Motorists unfamiliar with the confusing intersection are undoubtedly at greatest risk.

The next phase of the Safe Routes to School Program should proceed in the near future. Bids were solicited for the second time and came in at $143,729, much less than the last time bids were sought. The project, which is totally funded by the Safe Routes to Schools Program, will proceed as soon as NYS Department of Transportation approval is received. A pedestrian activated electronic crossing signal from Lafleur Lane to the school campus is one of the project’s major improvements.

Increased school bus traffic on McIntosh Drive resulted in a complaint being made to Supervisor Peter Glushko. Approximately nine buses are traveling to the Peru Central campus via McIntosh Drive, a significant increase over past practice. Holden Avenue is wider and is the most direct route to the school entrance. Counselor Brandy McDonald said the buses are trying to avoid Holden Avenue’s dips and heaves. Supervisor Glushko will be calling School Superintendent Grimstein to discuss the situation. Highway Superintendent Farrell agreed that the street needs to be improved. He would like to repave Holden Avenue, narrow the street and install an asphalt sidewalk. Cement sidewalks have become almost prohibitively expensive.

Town Historian Ron Allen informed the board that the Mason family is donating a painting to the town. It depicts the Little Ausable River Falls and adjacent buildings as seen from Heyworth Mason Park. Phil Mason Jr. said the painting had hung in his father’s office for many years. The artist was Harold Lapham (1878-1919) who worked at the A. Mason and Sons lumber mill. The painting is being restored at this time, but it should arrive in a few weeks. The board plans to hang the painting in the town hall’s main meeting area.

The painting is being restored at this time.

The Board approved Local Law #1 of 2015, otherwise known as the Revised Dog Control Law. No one testified on the proposed changes at the public hearing that preceded the board meeting. LOCAL LAW #1 OF 2015 DOG CONTROL

Councilman Brandy McDonald encouraged Peru residents to attend the Oil Train Task Force’s monthly meetings. Rail shipments through this region have doubled raising public concern. Counselor McDonald is working on Wednesday and unable to attend the meetings.

In other actions or news the board:

• Designated the law firm of O’Connell and Abramowitz as the town’s Zoning and Planning Board legal counsel, replacing the law firm Stafford, Piller, Murnane, Plimpton, Kelleher and Trombley. O’Connell and Abramowitz is also the legal counsel to the Town Board.
• Discussed an insurance claim by Champlain Boat Works which occupies space underneath Dana’s Rusty Anchor Restaurant at 4016 Route 9. A control fuse in the town’s sewer system blew on a Friday evening last summer resulting in a sewage backup and damage at Champlain Boat Works. Sewer Superintendent Greg Timmons said the town’s insurance carrier would not cover the damage. The board left the matter for the town’s insurance company to resolve with the property owner’s insurance company.
• Approved the 2015 fuel agreement with the Peru Central School.
• Scheduled interviews with the five parties submitting applications to become the town’s new IT maintenance provider.
• Received a ‘Thank-you” letter from Life Flight for the town’s longtime support of the Life Flight Air Ambulance program. This year the town donated $750 to the program.
• Received a letter from William O. Morgan requesting reimbursement for replacement of a mailbox which he said was damaged by a highway department plow. Supervisor Glushko will respond to Mr. Morgan outlining the board’s mailbox policy; the town will pay for repair or replacement of a damaged mailbox, but only if the property owner can prove that the mailbox was installed in conformance with U.S. Postal regulations. The highway superintendent should be called to inspect the situation prior to performing repairs or erecting a new mailbox.

Counselor Bruno was not present at the meeting.

Saturday, March 14, 2015 

3 to 6 PM at St. Augustine’s Parish Center 

Corned beef, cabbage, ham and all the trimmings. $9.00 adults, $4.00 child 4-12, 3 and under Free. Traditional Irish music, songs and dance. Sponsored by the Catholic Daughters of the America’s. 

4th Sunday Breakfast,  Peru Memorial VFW
710 Pleasant St, Rte 22B
Peru, NY 12972
March 22, 2015 @ 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Bacon, scrambled eggs, biscuits & sausage gravy, corned beef hash, pancakes with “real” maple syrup, juice and coffee.
ONLY $8.00
Proceeds to benefit Veterans and their families.

Medaille College in Buffalo has named Steffany Farrell of Peru to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2014 semester.
Students who take a minimum of 12 credit hours and who earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher for all credit hours carried during that semester are placed on the Dean’s List.

With campuses in Buffalo, Rochester, and Online, Medaille College (www.medaille.edu) is a dynamic, private college committed to serving the higher education needs of western New York. Medaille is known for its flexible delivery systems, offering master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees through day, evening, weekend, and online programs.

The Clinton County Health Department and the Action for Health Consortium are working to increase healthy opportunities for Clinton County residents. We’d like to better understand what people want and need for the local trails in Clinton County. We ask you to take our 5-minute survey (see link below). Answers will help us carry out the Community Health Improvement Plan and our work towards a healthier Clinton County.

To take survey visit: surveymonkey.com/r/gotrails

From the Office of Assemblywoman Janet Duprey

Assemblywoman Janet L. Duprey (R,I – Peru) joined Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C – Canandaigua) at a press conference yesterday to present a 17-point reform package that would bring openness and accountability back to state government. The 17 rules reform proposals include measures such as term limits for legislative leaders, committee chairpersons, and the Speaker of the Assembly.

“These common-sense proposals are exactly what the Assembly needs to rebuild the public’s trust in state government,” said Duprey. “There is a great urgency for greater transparency, openness, and accountability in the Assembly. I hope my colleagues across the aisle will commit to joining us in enacting these necessary reforms immediately. It’s our job as elected officials to best represent the needs of the people; we must give the public a reason to trust state government again.”

Duprey has long supported ethics reform and has repeatedly co-sponsored legislation that would require convicted public officials to forfeit their state taxpayer-funded pensions, impose term limits on legislative leadership positions and committee chairs, and create harsher penalties for those who violate the public’s trust.

One dead in Dannemora house fire – Press-Republican: Local News.

L-R Rob Wright, Supervisor Peter Glushko, Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell and Counselman Donald McBrayer traveled to Albany Wednesday, March 4th, to lobby for increased state highway aid or CHIPS monies.

Capitol Confidential » Lawmakers call for more local road funding in state budget.

Batavia ranks 4th and Plattsburgh, Ogdensburg and Massena tie for 8th place in Site Selection magazine’s rankings for Corporate Facility Investment

Empire State Development today congratulated communities in the Finger Lakes and the North Country regions receiving national recognition by Site Selection magazine, a corporate real estate and economic development publication, as Top Micropolitan Areas for Corporate Facility Investment in 2014. According to the magazine’s report, Batavia in the Finger Lakes ranked 4th and Plattsburgh, Ogdensburg and Massena in the North Country have tied for 8th place for the number of projects in the communities that have led to additional investment or job creation.

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Nominee Howard Zemsky said, “This is a great honor for Batavia, Plattsburgh, Massena and Ogdensburg, and for New York State as a whole. These communities were competing against several hundred micropolitans around the country Read more »

Plattsburgh, NY—March 3, 2015—The Plattsburgh Noon Kiwanis Club announces that it will award up to $10,000 in grants to Clinton County organizations submitting grant proposals by April 17, 2015. As the motto of Kiwanis International is “Serving the Children of the World,” priority will be given to requests for projects that serve children – neonatal to age 18.

Grant requests must be a minimum of $3,000. Organizations that are not eligible to submit a proposal for funding from this Special Community Service Fund include individuals requesting funding of personal projects as well as national organizations.   Requests for operating budget items, salaries, and administrative costs are also not fundable.

Grant requests must be received no later than April 17, 2015, and funding decisions will be made by May 4, 2015. All requests should be sent to: Chair, Special Community Service Fund, Plattsburgh Noon Kiwanis Club, PO Box 2064, Plattsburgh, NY 12901.   To obtain a copy of the “Special Community Service Fund Request Form,” or to ask questions, please contact: Kathy Snow at (518)-593-3042 or kathygarysnow@yahoo.com.

The Plattsburgh Noon Kiwanis Club was chartered in April, 1929. The club meets on Thursdays at 5:30 pm on the first Thursday of each month and all other Thursdays at 12:15 pm at Perkins Restaurant in the breakfast room between Perkins and the Comfort Inn.

Police: Jay man robbed bank, son drove escape car – Press-Republican: News.

Washington, DC – With consideration of funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) scheduled for later today, six Republican Members of the New York Congressional Delegation released the following statement:

“We will be voting in support today of legislation to fund DHS for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2015. While we strongly disagree with the unilateral actions that President Obama has taken, we believe the courts – not cutting off funding for the entire Department – is the most effective way to stop his actions. We support the federal lower court decision that put an injunction on the executive actions taken by the President, and we believe it should be upheld. Furthermore, moving forward, we hope to work in a bipartisan way to reform our broken immigration system through legislative action.

“However, DHS is critical to our national security – Read more »

Because the snow is scheduled to start at about 6 pm. the Peru Knights of Columbus bingo scheduled for tonight (Tuesday, March 3rd) is cancelled.

Washington – Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21), member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress:

“Today I was honored to attend Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of Congress.

“As our nation’s greatest ally in the region, hearing directly from the Prime Minister of Israel about the existential threat they face from a nuclear Iran was a powerful experience.

“A nuclear Iran is simply unacceptable, and our nation must work with our allies in the region to do everything to prevent this from happening.

“I thank Prime Minister Netanyahu for addressing my colleagues and I today, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to maintain our strong alliance.”

Most affordable small towns – Business Insider.

Glens Falls National Bank robbed in Plattsburgh – Press-Republican: News.

Peru – February 23, 2015

A comment made on the Peru Gazette website appears to have encouraged the Peru Town Board to do more than install a streetlight at the intersection of the Brand Hollow Road – Military Turnpike Extension. At the Monday, February 23^rd board meeting Town Supervisor Peter Glushko mentioned comments by Lisa Davis on the Peru Gazette website:

“My daughter, son-in-law, and my grandson were almost killed at that intersection on January 31, 2015. It was a beautiful sunny day with 100% visibility when they were t-boned on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. I will never forget the heart stopping phone call from my son-in-law moments after the accident. My daughter sustained severe injuries, my grandson and son-in-law thankfully had minor injuries and they all suffer with emotional and physical pain endured by this horrible accident that may have been prevented with a traffic light. I speak out to hopefully prevent someone else from dying at this dangerous intersection. God was with my family that day…”

At the Board’s February 9^th meeting, Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell informed the board about the accident and requested permission to install a streetlight to better illuminate the intersection. The board approved his request, but at tonight’s meeting Supervisor Glushko and other board members asked Farrell to look into installing either flashing red lights or a traffic signal at the intersection. Many people, including this reporter, have witnessed drivers simply “blowing though” the intersection’s four-way stop signs.

Reacting to a suggestion from Town Justice Lawrence Cabana, the board is proposing changes to the town’s Dog Control Law. Judge Cabana wrote to the board stating that the Dog Control Law’s misdemeanor penalties are unenforceable because the Clinton Country District Attorney’s office does not have the resources to prosecute misdemeanors related to town laws. The board responded by reducing the penalties to violations rather than misdemeanors and scheduled a public hearing for March 9^th at 6:30 p.m. A few changes in the Dog Law’s fee schedule are also being proposed.  PROPOSED LOCAL LAW #1 OF 2015 DOG CONTROL

Responding to a recent article in Denton Publications’ The Burg no highway department is permitted Read more »

AGENDA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS, WEDNESDAY, March 18, 2015 @ 7:00 PM, TOWN OF PERU

APPLICATIONS:

1. SEQR & Use Variance: Alyson Curry –  Use Variance, 3085 Route 22, Z-2015-00  (Peru Gazette Note: A party desires to purchase the former log home sales office at 3085 Route 22 (adjacent to the Dollar Store). The property is zoned commercial, but the individual would like to use the building as a residence.) 

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

AGENDA

PLANNING BOARD

WEDNESDAY, March 11, 2015 @ 7:00 PM

TOWN OF PERU

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL of January 14, 2015 minutes.
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
6. APPLICATIONS: 

1. SEQR & Minor Subdivision & Merge: Champlain Valley Apple Storage Inc.

2 lot Subdivison & 2 lot Merge, 333 Route 22b, P-2015-001                                                                                    

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

Oil train shipments expand under Cuomo | Capital New York.