The Peru Gazette

Mining Official Explains What’s Next For Wilderness Area – The Adirondack Almanack 

Peru Central renames secondary grades » Local News » Press-Republican.

Nassau DA Rice got $1M in gifts through a loophole being investigated by the anti-corruption panel she runs – NY Daily News.

By John T. Ryan

Peru’s Town leaders have managed to limit the town’s 2014 tax levy increase to 1.5%; nevertheless, there will be an 8.8% tax rate increase in both Town General and Town Highway taxes. The General Fund Tax Rate will increase from $1.93 to $2.10 per thousand while the Highway Fund Tax Rate will increase from $2.37 to $2.58. A home with a taxable value of $150,000 will see an increase from $645 to $702 or $57.

General Fund spending is budgeted to increase by $11,555 to $808,305 while Highway Fund spending will increase by $14,611 to $992,043.  The Town’s total budget including general, highway, water and sewer services totals $4,093,069. Salaries will increase by 1.66%, coinciding with the New York State tax cap limit.

Town Supervisor Peter Glushko explained that declining assessed values and a declining fund balance are the primary reasons for the tax increases. Since 2011, the Town’s total assessed value has declined by over $2.3 million. Glushko did note that twenty newly constructed housing units should be on the tax rolls next year. The Town projects that it will enter 2014 with an Unappropriated Fund Balance of $389,493, down from $568,308 in 2012.

Tax exemptions also play a role in tax rates, deceasing taxable property value by 13.07% or $62,064,185. When a person, institution or business receives an exemption, another party assumes the cost.

The Town Council has controlled health insurance costs over the past several years; they will decline by $2,000 in 2014. Still, the Town’s 2014 total health insurance costs total $252,850. Retirement costs have exploded, increasing 78% since 2011; $210,672 has been budgeted for 2014.

Residents in the Peru Water District will see a minor tax decrease with the tax rate falling from $3.10 per thousand to $3.03. The Water Budget totals $824,019 including $425,064 in debt service.

The Peru Gazette summarized the Town of Peru’s 2014 budget by consolidating major accounts. The abbreviation “P.S.” refers to personnel services.

Budget Summary 2014

Click Here to Review Detailed Budget

Click here for 2014 salaries

Click here for historical tax rates

Tax Exempt Properties 2014

Skiers: Whiteface open today, Gore open tomorrow « The In Box.

Guidance Counselor Sue Rabideau and Grand Knight Anthony Andrews

By John T. Ryan

Since 2009, Knights of Columbus Councils in the United States and Canada have distributed more than 115,000 new winter jackets to needy children through the organization’s Coats for Kids Program. On November 6^th, St. Augustine’s Council 7273 Grand Knight Anthony Andrews presented twenty-four jackets to Peru Elementary School Guidance Counselor Susan Rabideau who accepted the jackets on behalf of the Peru Elementary School and the Peru Association of Teachers,which organizes the school’s coat distribution program. Some of the Coats for Kids jackets were to be distributed during teacher conference week and others will be available as the need arises. One jacket was given to a student less than 15-minutes after the presentation.

CVPH unveils new Progressive Care Unit » Local News » Press-Republican.

State health site enrolls 50,000 – Times Union.

Saratoga County cancels casino endorsement vote – Times Union.

The New York State Guard Rifle Company saluted as Lynn Wilke sounded Taps

By John T. Ryan

The program handed out at today’s VFW Post 309 Veterans Day Service included these words:

What is a Veteran?

“A Veteran whether active duty, retired or reserve is someone who at one point in his or her life wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for an amount of up to, and including his or her life. That is an honor. And there are way too many people in this country today who no longer understand this fact.”

Post Commander Gaylon LeCuyer welcomed everyone including the speakers of the day James Langley, Chairman of the Clinton County Board of Legislators, and Kathy Flynn, Town of Peru Town Clerk/Tax Collector. Langley told the group assembled, “Americans are gathering across the country to honor veterans. Veterans are people who step forward and say I’m willing to serve.” Flynn recalled our nation’s freedoms and expressed thanks to all veterans for preserving these freedoms and for their service to our nation and town.

James Langley, Chairman of the Clinton County Board of Legislators

Kathy Flynn, Peru Town Clerk/Tax Collector

The Service began with the Posting of Colors by the Civil Air Patrol Color Corps. Reverend Alan Shnob, Pastor of the Catholic Community of St. Augustine and St. Patrick led opening and closing prayers. Members of the New York Guard, 2nd Engineering Response Battalion, conducted a Rifle Salute. Lynn Wilke sounded Taps. Wilke is a member of the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, Chapter 154, in Albany.

VFW Post 309 members Reginald Besaw – U. S. Army, Rick Cormish – U.S. Air Force, Joe Stafford – U.S. Air Force, Gaylon LeCuyer – U.S. Army, John Mashtare – U.S. Marine Corps, Tom Fusco – U.S. Air Force, Jason Amoriell – U.S. Air Force. 

One good way to celebrate Veterans Day is to attend the Memorial Day Service at Peru VFW Post 309, 710 Route 22B. The Service begins at 11 AM. It usually lasts about 30 minutes. It will be followed by a light luncheon in the VFW Post. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Fire at Schluter Complex under investigation » Local News » Press-Republican.

By John T. Ryan

The Peru Town Board got a surprise at its November 4, 2013 meeting. Board members learned that the zoning law that they thought they passed on October 28, 2013 might have to be voted on a second time. Town Attorney Donald Biggs told the Board, “There are things that have to be done before you pass it.”  Biggs went on to say he was unsure if all the legal requirements had been satisfied. The Board caught Biggs by surprise when it passed the law at its last meeting; a discussion rather than a resolution was on the meeting agenda.

Biggs told the Board that an environmental statement, reviews by surrounding communities and the approval of Clinton County Planning Board have to accomplished prior to submitting the law to the New York Department of State. None of the councilpersons could assure him that those actions had been taken. Biggs said that after all the hard work that has gone in to updating the law he did not want to see it challenged on the grounds that is wasn’t passed correctly.

The Board also learned that the Fuller Road culvert repairs would be delayed pending U.S. Corps of Army Engineers approval. Town officials met Corps officials who spoke about the need for fish ladders and bat protection. Town officials hope to meet a second time with the Corps within the next few days.

In response to resident petitions the New York State Highway Department has approved a 50-mile per hour Brand Hollow Road speed limit between the Military Turnpike and Route 22 and a 30-mile per hour speed limit on Henry Senior Drive.  The State denied petitions to reduce speed limits on the Lyons Road and Rock Road.

In other actions/news:

• Board members expressed the view that the Town has done all it can do to resolve complaints  from Sharon Hemingway and David Thomas regarding involving surface water drainage. Hemmingway resides at 870 Fuller Road and Thomas owns the property, which is a few hundred feet north of the Bear Swamp Road.  At the August 26, 2013 Town Board meeting Thomas told the Board that water overflowing from a town ditch on the west side of the highway was flooding his property on the opposite side of the highway. He said the flooding had never occurred prior to a 2010 Town paving project. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell responded telling the Board that Thomas’ property is at the lowest point on the highway, water could not flow uphill and that the water had to flow somewhere. Farrell contended that clearing a blocked ditch adjacent to Thomas’ property would solve the problem and that the Town could not legally do work on private property. Farrell has tried to resolve the problem through ditching and spreading shock rock on the west side the highway; however, Thomas contends that Farrell’s work worsened the situation.
• Representatives from a company named Hudson Energy spoke to the Board and offered the town electricity at a five-year contract electric price of 6.6 cents per kilowatt. The Town currently purchases electricity at a variable rate from NYSEG Solutions. The Hudson Energy representative said his analysis revealed that the Town’s rates have ranged from 6 cents to 14 cents during the past year. Led by Brandy McDonald and Jim Douglass, the Board resisted pressure to immediately sign a contract. McDonald will call the few regional Hudson Energy customers and NYSEG Solutions.
• The Board approved an inter-fund loan from the General Fund to the Highway Fund in the amount of $174,300 to be repaid in December when New York State monies are received. The Highway Department has faced budget pressures since performing Hurricane Irene related road and drainage repairs. FEMA reimbursement was $260,000 less than the cost incurred.

Click here for meeting details

DiNapoli: $4 Million Available for Veterans to Expand Their Businesses.

DiNapoli: Immigrants Continue to Play Key Role in NYC Economy, 11/07/13.

Press-Republican : Fire damages Schluter Systems.

The Peru Lions Club will be hosting its 36th annual John P. Adams Memorial Turkey Trot on November 28nd, 2013 (Thanksgiving Day). Pre-register by going to perulionsclubnewyork.org Click “Register for Events”. Select Turkey Trot and chose one of the registration/payment options. Same day registration starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Peru Intermediate School gym. To ensure a 9:00 start, registration will end at 8:15, sharp. The 1-mile fun run/walk begins at 8:45 a.m. and the 5 & 10K races shortly afterward. Entry fee for 5 & 10K events is $15 if pre-registered online before Monday 11/25 at 10 a.m. Bib pick-up and last minute pre-registration can be done at the Peru Intermediate gym on Wednesday the 27th from 4-7 p.m. On the day of the event, the fee is $20. The 1-mile fun run/walk fee is $5. Trophies are awarded to male and female winners of the 5 & 10K races. For more information contact: Lois Roberts @ 643-2213 or Jen Boyer @ 562-0528.

From the Office of Congressman Bill Owens 

WASHINGTON—Representative Bill Owens will hold a telephone town hall on Tuesday, November 12, 2013, in a continued effort to hear from constituents across the more than 16,000 square miles of New York’s 21st Congressional District. Representative Owens will give a quick update on the economy and his recent activities in the district during the November district work period. The event will occur from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. this Tuesday evening. Read more »

Story Updated and Corrected 11/8/13 12:00 PM (Our original story did not differentiate between the civilian and military ballot receipt dates)

By John T. Ryan

The name of Peru’s new Town Councilperson will not be known until at least November 18th. That’s the date when non-military and military absentee ballots will be counted. As of November 8th the Clinton County Board of Elections had received 82 ballots from registered Town of Peru voters.

Both absentee and military ballots must have been postmarked no later than November 4th. Military absentee ballots must be received 13 days following Election Day and non-military votes within 7 days. On Election Day, November 5th, only twelve votes separated Donald McBrayer who garnered 729 votes and Lana Knight who received 717 votes.  Jim Douglass garnered 987 votes. Two Town Council seats were up for election.

From the Office of Congressman Bill Owens  

PLATTSBURGH, NY—For Veterans Day, Congressman Bill Owens thanked veterans and encouraged them to hand salute the flag during the national anthem and other flag ceremonies. Many veterans are unaware that in 2008 Congress authorized veterans out of uniform to hand salute the flag at appropriate events, including the playing of the national anthem at sporting events.

“Thank you to all Americans who served our nation and all of their families for their support and sacrifices,” Congressman Bill Owens said. “I encourage all veterans to salute the flag during the national anthem. Seeing veterans rising among the crowd to salute sends a powerful message to all in attendance.”

Prior to 2008 U.S law only allowed veterans wearing a uniform to salute during flag ceremonies and the national anthem. Veterans wearing American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars caps were approved, but that meant many veterans attending public events like professional sporting events were not authorized to salute the flag.  Read more »

Peru voters agreed with their fellow New Yorkers on Tuesday, November 5th voting “YES” on five of the six propositions to amend the State Constitution. As might be expected local voters overwhelming favored the land exchange proposed by NYCO in Willsboro.

Prop. 1 Most forms of gambling are illegal in New York — except the lotto, horse racing, bingo, and games of chance. This proposal would amend the state constitution to legalize gambling, but limit the total number of casinos statewide to just seven.

Peru – Yes: 851 (67%) No:  416 (23%) 

Statewide  Yes: 57%, No: 43%

Prop. 2 Veterans who take the civil service exam are eligible for 5 extra points the first time they take the test, and 10 extra points if they are disabled. This proposal would make it easier for disabled veterans to get extra credit points if they are certified disabled after they take the test for the first time.

Peru – Yes: 1015 (83%) No: 209 (17%)

Statewide – Yes: 84% , No: 16% 

Prop. 3 This proposal would allow towns, cities, and counties to dispose of their waste without fear of exceeding their debt limit. Legislation excluding “sewer debt” from debt limits was first enacted in 1963, but only for a certain number of years. This proposal would extend the practice through 2024.

Peru – Yes: 770 (65%) No: 410 (35%)

Statewide – Yes: 62%, No:  38%

Prop. 4 This proposal would settle a number of land disputes that have persisted for more than a hundred years in Hamilton County. If passed, the state would relinquish its old claim on land in exchange for new forest land to be added to Adirondack Park. 

Peru – Yes: 891 (74%) No: 312 (26%)

Statewide – Yes: 72%, No:  27% 

Prop. 5 This proposal would give 200 acres of Adirondack Park land, and permission to mine that land, to the private mining company NYCO minerals with the understanding that NYCO would give the same amount of land to a forest preserve, and would also restore and return the 200 acres to the state upon completion of mining.

Peru – Yes: 1013 (82%) No: 222 (18%)

Statewide – Yes: 53%, No: 47% 

Prop. 6 Supreme Court justices and Court of Appeals judges are now required to retire at age 70; this proposal would extend the age of mandatory retirement to 80.

Peru – Yes: 432 (35%) No: 795 (65%)

Statewide – Yes: 39%, No: 61%

By John T. Ryan

These are the Peru 2013 candidate vote totals, not including absentee ballots. It was a very low voter turnout, even for an off-year election, with only 1,366 (33%) voters casting ballots. Absentee votes will increase that total slightly.  The winner of the second open Town Council will be announced after absentee votes are counted.

State Supreme Court Justice

Mark L. Powers – 531

Thomas D. Nolan – 843

Stan L. Pritzker – 732

District Attorney

Andrew Wiley – 978

County Treasurer

Kimberly Davis – 511

Susan Polhemus  – 818

Town Supervisor

Peter Glushko – 880

Kregg Bruno – 378

Town Councilperson

James Douglass – 987

Donald McBrayer – 729

Lana Knight – 717

Town Justice

Jim Kirby – 834

John Lawliss – 940

Town Clerk/Tax Collector

Kathleen Flynn – 996

John Facteau – 344

James Douglass easily won reelection to the Peru Town Council with 987 votes, however, the race for the second open seat is too close to call.  With absentee votes still to be counted, Donald McBrayer tallied 729 votes, twelve votes more than Lana Knight who garnered 717 votes.

The Peru Gazette will update with the other totals shortly.