The Peru Gazette

Source: Female worker probed as possible accomplice in prison break | New York Post

Peru Student Angler Open Meeting: For anyone age 11 years to 17 years who is interested in fishing competitively on a team. Must still be in high school in order to join.

Meeting is at the Peru Town Hall on Thursday, June 11th from 7 pm to 8 pm.

There is a fee of $30.00 annually plus a club fee that will be established by the members of the club. The NYS State TBF President, Bobby Williams, will be in attendance at the meeting to answer questions and assist with the formation of the club.

The Student Angler Federation is the high school division of fishing that falls under the umbrella of FLW Outdoors. If anyone has questions, they may call or text Laurie Marvin at 518 534-4878.

New York National Guard troops will be giving free disaster preparedness classes at Northeastern Clinton Central High School at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 11.

The event is part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s continuing Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program, which gives citizens the knowledge and tools to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. Working with the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and local emergency management personnel, troops are conducting these training events across the state.

The training will be in the high school’s Frances “Bud” Moore Auditorium. Citizens should register for the event at www.dhses.ny.gov/aware-prepare/nysprepare/registration. Read more »

Father’s Day Prime Rib Dinner with baked potato, cole slaw, fresh vegetables and dessert.
Only $20.
Music for listening & dancing by Pure Country 1-4 p.m.
June 21, 2015 Noon – ????

Peru Memorial VFW
710 Pleasant St, Rte 22B
Peru, New York

               AGENDA TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING, June 8, 2015,  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 May 11 2015 and the Town Board Regular meeting of May 27, 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: Sidewalk Repair Agreement.

8. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Acceptance of Guardrail Proposal. 

9. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Acceptance of Single Audit Engagement Letter 

10. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Acceptance of Engineering Ventures Highway Dept. Proposals 

11. DISCUSSION: Holden Avenue Repairs. 

12. DISCUSSION: Jarvis Road Repairs. 

13. DISCUSSION: Employee Handbook Update. 

14. DISCUSSION: JP Morgan/Chase Accounts. 

15. DISCUSSION: Judges Chambers. 

16. DISCUSSION: Fireworks Sales. 

17. DISCUSSION: Unison Consideration. 

18. DISCUSSION: International Peruvian Festival II Update. 

19. DISCUSSION: Town Hall Front Steps Area. 

20. DISCUSSION: Peru Youth Program Opening Festivities.

21. Community Input on Agenda Items.

22. Motion to Adjourn.

Source: History of Clinton CF – NYS’ largest & 3d oldest prison

The New York State Police said the inmates had escaped from the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, a maximum-security prison about 170 miles north of Albany near the Canadian border.

Source: With Power Tools and a Ruse, 2 Killers Escape New York Prison – NYTimes.com

This is the methodology for the school rankings — a complete explanation of the formulas for all district, school, subject and specialized ratings.

Source: Here’s how the Business First school rankings are generated – Buffalo – Buffalo Business First

Here’s a bottom-to-top slideshow of the 22 school districts in the Plattsburgh Area.

Source: Here is a quick rundown of the 2015 Plattsburgh Area school district rankings – Buffalo – Buffalo Business First

On Sunday, June 7th join SUNY Plattsburgh Biologist Michael B. Burgess for a casual walk along Little Ausable River Trail in search of blooming wildflowers and other botanical highlights. The walk will emphasize identification of common plant species and discussion of the various habitats found along the trail. All ages are welcome. Meet at Heyworth/Mason Park at 1:30 p.m. The walk should conclude about 3:30 p.m.

Peru Gazette File Photo

By John T. Ryan

A location for Peru Town Court is on the Town Board’s Agenda again after Councilman Kregg Bruno raised the issue at the Monday, May 27, 2015 Town Board Meeting. Bruno said, “Before I left (Bruno was excused from all meetings beginning December 31st through April 27^th) we talked about moving the judges’ chambers and I wonder where we stand on that? I know there were sixty people in this room the other day for court. There are twenty here tonight and we’re packed… We said we would look at it again after the holidays.”

In late 2014, the Board discussed moving town court to the Town Hall’s lower level and relocating the Town Historian’s office to the judges’ chambers on the main floor. Overcrowding was not the primary issue in previous discussions; holding court in the midst of the Town Hall’s main room while it was open for public business was the primary concern. After reviewing renovation costs and after learning that Town Historian Ron Allen did not believe that the judges’ chambers would meet his needs, the Board decided against making any changes. At the Board’s December 22^nd meeting Mr. Bruno stated, “The taxpayers I’ve spoken to are not happy over having to spend money on this.” At a December 31, 2014 meeting the Board decided to close the Town Hall for public business at 1 p.m. on the Tuesdays when court is in session.

Monday night Bruno strongly advocated moving Town Court downstairs and maintained that the current judges’ chambers would be a larger and more visible location for the Town Historian. Judge James Kirby, who favors relocating court to the lower level, suggested that volunteers would probably be willing to move the historical records and artifacts upstairs. Mr. Allen would not have to do the hard lifting. Counselor Bruno said Allen might like being upstairs after he moves into the new office and sees increased interest in his historical materials. He remarked, “It will be easier access for him and people will actually be able to see his stuff.” Counselor Bruno said he would talk to Ron Allen. He emphasized that the relocation decision is up to the Town Board.

L-R Mike Hanlon, Courtney Tetrault, Councilman Don McBrayer, Greg Timmons, Councilman Brandy McDonald, Supervisor Peter Glushko

Greg Timmon’s department has received another award. The New York State Rural Water Association awarded the Peru Water and Sewer Department its Waste Water System of the Year Award. Supervisor Peter Glushko, Councilman Donald McBrayer, Water Superintendent Greg Timmons and operators recently attended a two-day training and awards meeting at the Turning Stone Convention facility. Counselor Don McBrayer said, “Greg Timmons is known as the godfather of water.” He is respected by the other towns and vendors. Peter Glushko remarked, “Everyone told us how lucky we are to have Greg.”

Town Clerk Kathy Flynn said she is pursuing the Neighborhood Watch program in her McIntosh Street neighborhood following a few sightings of unknown individuals in backyards and knocks on an elderly  neighbor’s door by an individual asking to use the bathroom. She spoke with Sheriff David Favro who said grant funding might be available to help finance the program that would include increased patrols, signs and training.

The Clinton County Highway Department will be replacing the Jarvis Road Bridge this summer. The Adirondack Farms manure trucks will have to travel through the hamlet during the construction period. A Town Hall informational meeting will be scheduled.

Laurie Marvin told the Board that Peru’s teen anglers have received tremendous community support. Marvin’s son Perry and Alec Morrison, both Peru High School students, will be competing in national championships in Alabama this summer. They set a $4,500 fund-raising goal, of which 75 to 80% has been raised. Forty to fifty businesses have contributed, a bottle drive was conducted and a spaghetti dinner at Murphy’s was very successful. Another bottle drive was scheduled for Saturday, May 30^th. Mrs. Marvin said interest is growing with seven local youth becoming paid members of the Student Angler Federation. She has also contacted several area schools and a June 11^th, 7 p.m. meeting will be held at the Peru Town Hall to answer questions and develop more interest.

The Peru Youth Commission’s summer season will began on Saturday, May 30^th at 10 a.m. A bench donated by the Bill Kivett family was dedicated to the former Town of Peru Engineer.

In other actions the Board:

Agreed to purchase a Dell Server at a cost of $10,852.53 including a three-year guarantee with a 24 hour, seven day, four hour response time. The cost had been estimated at $8,150 but increased because of software loading requirements.

Approved a three-year snow removal contract with Clinton County. Peru plows and sands about 30 miles of Clinton County highways in addition to its own 82 miles. The Town will be paid $112,720 in 2015-16, $114,407 in 2016-17 and $116,116 in 2017-18.

Continued planning for the 2^nd Annual Peruvian Festival scheduled for July19th. Supervisor Glushko said it would include ceremonies, good food and entertainment. Glushko is asking people to take Peruvian visitors in for the weekend. Last year he found the Peruvians to be delightful and informative guests. Having them as a guest offers a host a great opportunity for cultural exchange.

Approved installing a fence along the Walking Trail under the Route 22 Bridge by C& E Fencing at a cost of $3,193.17.

Noted the annual insurance inspection. Supervisor Glushko stated that no major problems were found, but minor corrections were needed in almost all departments.

Passed resolutions relating to the standard workday for NYS retirement for elected employees and appointed officials.

Noted that there is a “Friends of the Little Ausable River Trail” Facebook page. Comments are invited and welcome.

Discussed the Unison site management proposal for the town’s water tower. Unison claims it has the marketing experience to bring additional revenue to the town for rental of space for cell antennas and other communication systems. The Board plans to make a decision at its next meeting.

Democrats and Republicans field team of hopefuls for races in odd-numbered areas of the legislature.

Source: Clinton County Legislature candidates line up – Press-Republican: Local News

PLATTSBURGH  (May 10, 2015)  –Adirondack Regional Theatre (ART) and The Strand Center for the Arts are thrilled to  present Tony  Award winning  composer Jason  Robert  Brown’s powerful  and  intimate musical, The  Last  Five  Years as part of The Strand Presents Series.

The  Last  Five  Years won two Drama Desk Awards in 2002 for Outstanding Music and Outstanding Lyrics .The score is beloved among contemporary musical theatre fans, becoming an iconic piece that has defined a new generation of theatre lovers and artists.

Show dates are Friday June 5 at 7:30pm and Saturday June 6 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm at Plattsburgh’s Historic Strand Theatre. Ticket prices are $18 General Admission, $15 Strand Center for the Arts members, seniors, students and military. Read more »

The agency is proposing to adjust fall turkey hunting seasons by limiting the season to two weeks with a bag limit of one bird of either sex for the season. DEC is proposing modifications of antlerless deer hunting seasons in portions of western and southeastern New York and Long Island, and changes to the Deer Management Assistance Program procedures statewide.

Source: Hunting season changes proposed – Times Union

Peru Gazette File photo

Peru VFW Post 309 will conduct its Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 25, 2015 11 a.m. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. The Post is located at 710 Route 22B.

Peruvian Festival I

NYS Rural Water Association Waste Water Award

DRAFT AGENDA TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING May 27, 2015@ 7:00 PM 

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the May 11, 2015 Regular Board Meeting.

5. Community Input

6. DISCUSSION: Teen Anglers Update 

7. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Clinton County Snow And Ice Contract 

8. DISCUSSION: Annual Water Quality Report

9. DISCUSSION: Judges’ Chambers

10. DISCUSSION: Bear Swamp Water District Extension Application

11. DISCUSSION: Wastewater System Of The Year Award

12. DISCUSSION: Peruvian International Festival II 

13. DISCUSSION: Solar Power Meeting With Peru Central School District 

14. DISCUSSION: LA Trail Fence Update 

15. DISCUSSION: Insurance Inspection

16. DISCUSSION: Unison Tower Proposal 

17. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Retirement resolutions

18. DISCUSSION: Other Business 

19. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only

20. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Approve/Pay Bills     

MOTION:    Adjourn

The utility is proposing an increase that would raise average residential electric bills by $8 a month and average residential natural gas bills by $10 a month. The money would be used to enhance maintenance of the company’s 35,000-mile electric distribution system and strengthen overall security and automation of the network.

Source: NYSEG asking state officials for rate hike – Times Union

‘We are in litigation on multiple fronts opposing the relicensing’

Source: Energy czar: State actively working to shutter Indian Point | Capital New York

Plattsburgh, NY— The Strand Center for the Arts is proud to announce the Mayor’s Cup 2015 Artist Market, where local artists and crafters may display and sell their fine-art work. Registration for vendors is now open for this event, which will take place Saturday, July 11, 2015 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm during Mayor’s Cup Weekend on the front lawn of the Macdonough Monument in Downtown Plattsburgh.

The Artist Market is a producer-only event, meaning that the artists have made everything they sell. This includes, but is not limited to, jewelry, photography, metal work, rustic furniture, quilts, handmade stationary, paintings, pottery, and jams & jellies. Read more »

From the office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Glens Falls, N.Y. – On Wednesday, May 20th, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s (R-NY-21) office will co-host a jobs fair from 2pm-6pm with the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) for Lake Placid. We encourage all those looking for part-time, seasonal or full time participants to join us on Wednesday, May 20th from 2pm-6pm.

What: Lake Placid Jobs Fair Hosted by ROOST and Congresswoman Stefanik’s Office

When: From 2 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20th

Where: 2nd floor of the Conference Center at Lake Placid

For your business to participate, call Bethany at 518.523.2445 or email her at Bethany@roostadk.com with a completed form: LP-JobFair-Application Summer 2015.

It’s school budget voting day across the North Country. Voting in Peru takes place between noon and 9 p.m. in the Junior/Senior High School gymnasium. Voters will vote on a $44,279,643 budget with a 2.09% tax levy increase. Spending will increase by 4.45%.

The School Board candidates for two five-year terms are Jill Folsom and Cynthia Mills, both incumbents.

There is proposition to purchase three school buses at a cost not to exceed $348,000.

Amanda Clapper, The Robot Zone Inc.

Peru Associate Principal Cheryl Felt and CCC Admission Advisor Martha Hewitt

By John T Ryan

Peru – On Thursday, May 14th, 350 to 400 students from five area school districts participated in a “Career Connect Showcase” at Peru High School. Over the past school year Beekmantown, Saranac, Chazy, Northern Adirondack and Peru students have researched 16 Career Clusters (groups of careers such as engineering or finance that share common features). Thursday they shared their projects, received words of wisdom from nineteen workforce development, industry and education professionals, participated in a “soft skills” workshop and enjoyed “good and bad” job interview skits presented by the Peru High School Drama Club. Nine college representatives also answered questions about their programs. Champlain Valley Educations Services (CVES) and Mountain Lake PBS worked with the districts to host the program. (Click here to see all our Peru Gazette Photos) 

Peru High School English teacher Lindsay Smith described how Peru Central integrated the career connect program into classwork. “In English class, our ninth graders with the help of our business teacher, took an interest survey. That gave the students their interests and how they would match up with the career clusters. They chose the career clusters and got more information about the education required and the local programs and resources pertaining to their career cluster. They also watched videos about local businesses and the types of people they employ. Then they came up with some questions they wanted to ask.”

Asked what he had learned about a career choice, ninth grader Patrick Crowley responded, “I learned that it’s hard to get a job now. You’ve got to prepare for it at such a young age. I saw that robot over there and it looked pretty cool. I might look into it.” Mara Dufrain said, “I learned about how many opportunities there are in the North Country. I want to be a teacher more now. The teachers were so friendly. They want to help people and I want to help people too.”

A good handshake – A “Soft Skill”

Business representatives appeared very happy with the program. Josh Dubay, a Peru High School graduate, is a professional realtor at Fesette Realty and owner of Peabody’s Restaurant and Bar in Plattsburgh. He remarked, “I think it’s nice to expose kids to careers they might not have been exposed to by their parents or guidance counselors. There are new opportunities in areas we haven’t even thought of.” Dubay thought ninth grade is a good grade to get students thinking about a career. He said, “I think it’s great to expose them early. If you start thinking about it now by the time you’re a junior or senior you’re looking at what schools are offering and what program you’re interested in.”

Pamela Gomez of Swarovski Lighting, Ltd. informed the students about the opportunities her company offers. Swarovski has 330 employees in Plattsburgh and 28,000 worldwide. She said, “Plattsburgh is the global headquarters for our lighting business. We have opportunities in every discipline you need to run a global business from accounting, to engineering, design, customer service, marketing finance, purchasing, human resources and more. If someone goes away to school there are opportunities right here in their own backyard.”

A good interview presented by the Peru Drama Club

Participants included Former Congressman Bill Owens, the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Clinton County Sheriff’s Department, Clinton County Probation Department, City of Plattsburgh Engineering, Total Computer, Swarovski Lighting, CV-TEC,  Mold-Rite Plastics, Plattco, The Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau, NinePlatt, Clinton County Dept. of Social Services, Advocacy and Resource Management, Behavioral Health Services North, Workforce Investment Board, Ross Funeral Home, Adirondack P-Tech, Retired Educators Jerry McGovern and Kristine Mulvihill, UVM Health Network, CVES, WPTZ, Twinstate, Mountain Lake PBS, U-First Credit Union, Warren Tire, Saranac Central School, Peru Central School, ETS, U.S. Air Force, Town of Plattsburgh, NYS Police, Fessette Realty, Thunder Crest Farm, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Phoenix Feeds and Nutrition, Miner Institute, Sullivan Orchards, Murnane Building Contractors, Blair Brothers Construction, Denton Publications, Jeffords Steel and Luck Brothers Inc. Colleges included SUNY Plattsburgh, Clinton Community College, North Country Community College, Paul Smiths College, Clarkson University and Clarkson University Robotics, St. Lawrence University and SUNY Canton. Click here to learn more about the Career Choices program. 

Future Business Leaders of America members served as guides

Veteran Bazil Burns received his Orders of the Day

Gary Edwards is escorting Charles Filion of Plattsburgh

John Stafford is escorting Ruldolph Chapola of Champlain

By John T. Ryan

Fourteen World War II and Korean War Veterans and their escorts are members of today’s North Country Honor Flight to Washington D.C. Peru residents Gary Edwards and John Stafford are serving as escorts while Denis Mousseau is a Flight Leader. The Peru Gazette was honored to be present for this morning’s ceremonies at the Base Oval and at the veteran’s arrival at Clinton County International Airport. A huge crowd was present for the wonderful ceremonies. Click here to view these and several more Peru Gazette Photos (Accompanied by music if viewed on a PC) 

• Bazil Burns – Queensbury
• John Carey – Long Lake
• Rudolph Chapola – Champlain
• Charles Filion – Plattsburgh
• John Hansen – Chazy
• Daniel Henry – Massena
• Robert Jerdo – Westport
• Victor Lambert – Plattsburgh
• John Murphy – Plattsburgh
• Robert Noody – Star Lake
• Raymond Plante – Elizabethtown
• John Waldron – Port Henry
• Reginald Wells – Plattsburgh
• Charles Austin – Whitehall
• Pauline Stone – Flight Leader 1
• Denis Mousseau – Flight Leader 2

Peru Gazette File Photo

By John T. Ryan

There will not be a traffic signal installed at the Brand Hollow Road – Military Turnpike intersection in the immediate future. Hope, however, is not lost. If we have four more crashes in a one-year period we’ll qualify! That was the news Town Supervisor Peter Glushko delivered to town board members at the Monday, May 11, 2015 town board meeting. Following a January 31^st serious accident, the board asked the Department to conduct a Traffic Control Signal Needs Study to determine if a traffic light is warranted at the intersection. New York State requires that one of nine criteria or warrants must be satisfied to consider a traffic signal installation. The intersection did not satisfy any of the criteria. The NYSDOT accident history report (6/1/2009 to 5/31/14) stated that only three accidents occurred at the intersection over a five-year period. Five or more accidents, of a type susceptible to correction by a traffic signal, must have occurred over a 12-month period in order for a traffic signal to be considered.Click here to view the Signal Needs Study

The report further stated that in 2006 the Clinton County Highway Department and the Town of Peru performed a joint project to lower the elevation of the Military Turnpike for a distance of approximately 1,200 feet to the north of the Brand Hollow road, which considerably increased site distance. In 2009 the Town of Peru created a four-way stop control at the intersection and installed double “Stop Ahead” and “Stop” signs on the Military Turnpike approaches. Since the most recent accident NYSEG has installed a streetlight at the intersection at the town board’s request.

Over the past few months several residents (including this reporter) have witnessed motorists “blowing through” the intersection at high speed. Supervisor Glushko, frustrated with the report’s findings, asked Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell to research the cost of installing solar powered flashing red lights on top of the intersection’s four stop signs. Glushko said, “We need something to get people’s attention.”

In other town news Town Clerk Kathy Flynn told the board she is interested in setting up a Neighborhood Watch in her McIntosh Street neighborhood. Flynn said that there have been instances in the last week when young men have been involved in suspicious activity. One young man knocked on her neighbor’s door and asked to use a bathroom. Two young people parked in front of a neighbor’s home and when questioned they said they were waiting for a friend who was behind a McIntosh Street home. Supervisor Peter Glushko told Flynn to contact the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department, which is responsible for coordinating Neighborhood Watch programs.

The board approved a $150 per hour consulting agreement with Public Sector HR Consultants LLC. The board is seeking expert advice on Employee Handbook issues, especially time clock policies.

Repairs to the historic Lyons Road School House will cost $1,200 more than expected. Contractor Donald Bell received a contract to perform $7,600 in repairs to the historic building. In the process of performing the repairs he discovered serious deterioration of a sill plate. The board approved $1,200 in additional work.

At least three individuals and families would like to purchase memorial benches for the Little Ausable River Walking Trail and the Laphams Mills Park. The William Kivett family is purchasing a bench for Laphams Mills Park to honor their father who served as Town of Peru Engineer. Two other families have indicated that they would like to purchase benches for the walking trail.

A fence still needs to be installed adjacent to the walking trail under the Route 22 Bridge. C&E Fencing submitted a $3,193 installed price for a 150-foot, 5 ft. high fence.

The board approved the purchase of online/cloud computer system backup from Carbonite, an on-line backup provider, at an annual cost of $899. Counselor Donald McBrayer has pushed hard for the off-site back up of town records. If a fire or other disaster occurs, town and court records should be easily retrievable from Carbonite.

Town engineer Peter Gibbs discussed truss corrosion at the Highway Department’s salt and sand storage building. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said that two steel trusses are definitely corroded. Gibbs would like to examine all the trusses. He also noted that the existing structure will not accommodate twenty to thirty percent of the town’s salt and sand stockpile resulting in runoff and environmental concerns.

It appears that problems with the Highway Department’s garage roof will never go away. Moisture has been discovered leaking from the newest roof section. Gibbs said it might need more insulation and/or ventilation. Gibbs will prepare formal proposals for the board’s May 27^th meeting.

Planning for the July 19^th second annual International Peruvian Festival is continuing.

Supervisor Glushko will be a guest speaker at the VFW’s Memorial Day services. Counselor McBrayer will be is back-up speaker if Glushko cannot attend.

Counselor Jim Douglas thanked Adele Douglas for coordinating and planning the May 2^nd Walking Trail tree planting. Volunteers planted 275 trees in about two hours. Douglas had the trees in place, the tools on hand and the tree locations marked making it very easy for the volunteers. It seems that everything Adele Douglas does is extremely well done!

Tax Collector Kathy Flynn reported that she has closed her books on the 2015 tax collections.

Supervisor Glushko and other counselors stated they are still open to having a dog park at Heyworth/Mason Park. Someone just needs to volunteer to put it together.