The Peru Gazette

Council holds first meeting since being awarded a Top Performer in Round 3 of the Regional Council competition 

The North Country Regional Economic Development Council (NCREDC) today held its first public meeting of 2014 at SUNY Plattsburgh.  The council met to provide an overview of last year’s presentation to the Strategic Implementation Assessment Team (SIAT) and its Strategic Plan reviews and awards.  The North Country was named a “Top Performer” in December 2013 as a part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council and Consolidated Funding Application initiative, and was awarded $81.3 million for 70 projects across the seven-county region. In addition, the Councildiscussed next steps in 2014, including restructuring of the group and the launch of additional council initiatives going forward to grow the North Country economy and create jobs.

During the meeting, the NCREDC’s Work Groups updated the council on their continued progress and Co-Chair Garry Douglas introduced an additional Work Group, Global North Country, which will focus its efforts on implementing the Governor’s new Global NY initiative into the region’s Strategic Plan.  Global NY will link the Governor’s Regional Council and START-UP NY initiatives to accelerate the state’s success in growing exports and attracting foreign direct investment.     Read more »

Watertown Daily Times | Who is Aaron Woolf? And why is he running for Congress?.

Watertown Daily Times | SUNY Canton, Potsdam react to indictment of shared vice president.

New standards should stay – AdirondackDailyEnterprise.com 

The Adirondack Humane Society is Peru’s new Dog Shelter provider. The Peru Town Board voted unanimously to enter into a contract with the Adirondack Humane Society at its February 10, 2014 meeting.  The Elmore SPCA previously these services for many years, but the Town proposed significant contract changes and the two parties could not reach an agreement. The Adirondack Humane Society agreed to the proposed town contract.  Kelly Allen will remain as Dog Control Officer. The Adirondack Humane Society is located at 134 Idaho Avenue in Plattsburgh.

Town Supervisor Peter Glushko said Elmore SPCA officials did not feel confortable with the liability portion of the contract. SPCA Board President Laurie Parsons agreed with Glushko’s statement and told The Peru Gazette that the Elmore SPCA will still be present to serve Peru and North County residents.  If an individual wants to surrender a dog or cat they are welcome. The Elmore SPCA will continue to provide shelter services for the City of Plattsburgh and four other towns. ELMORE SPCA 2013 CONTRACT    2014 Contract Agreed to by the Adirondack HS

Mailboxes were on the Board’s agenda. Supervisor Glushko said he has received a few phone calls from residents who stated that Highway Department plows damaged or destroyed their mailboxes. Glushko explained, “The Town can’t be responsible for mailboxes that aren’t installed properly. I’ve looked at every damaged box. It was evident they were not installed according to Postal Service guidelines.”  Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said the damaged mailboxes were either installed at less than the recommended height or they had a 45-degree support arm. Farrell said plow operators try their best to avoid striking mailboxes, but when a plow meets an oncoming vehicle in the vicinity of an improperly installed mailbox, it’s very possible that the plow’s wing will strike the mailbox. Supervisor Glushko stated that the Town would reimburse a mailbox owner if it were evident that the plow operator was at fault.

Responding to a petition asking for improved sidewalk maintenance which was presented at the Board’s January 27^th meeting, Town Attorney Donald Biggs stated that when the Town Board decided to plow hamlet sidewalks “it created a special relationship” meaning the Town could be liable in certain situations.  This winter’s harsh weather and icy conditions have resulted in unusual problems. All the Board members stated that they did not want to stop plowing sidewalks. Water-Sewer Department Superintendent Greg Timmons said the town does have a sander.

The Board scheduled a February 24, 2014 Public Hearing (6:30 PM) related to formalizing best value procurement.  When bids are solicited for a good or service NYS law permits a town to select a bid, other than the low bid, if that bid provides better value to the town. Supervisor Glushko gave an example of an Illinois company submitting the low bid, but a local company being in a better position to provide faster, better service and maintenance.

Clinton County 2013 sales collections exceeded expectations; therefore the Town of Peru will be receiving $104,700. It will be applied to the general fund balance.

The Peru Youth Commission received a donation of $285 from the Jim Reid family.  Reid, an avid Youth Commission volunteer, passed away on November 7, 2013. His family requested that donations in his memory be made to the Peru Youth Commission.

Town Clerk Kathy Flynn reported that 2014 tax collections went more smoothly than in any year in her experience. Over $2.5 million has been collected.

The Board approved two contracts: An accounting services contract with the firm of Conroy, Boulrice, Telling and Trombley at an hourly rate of $95 an hour and a consulting contract with Tedford Consulting at a rate of $65 an hour. Supervisor Glushko said Liz Tedford has been responsible for  the receipt of several grants for Water and Sewer Department projects.

The Board discussed responding to a 2012 State Audit recommendation that the Town project its future cost of employee retirement benefits. Projecting future costs will probably require an actuarial study.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that his Department used 5,900 yards of sand in four months: 52 loads in November, 178 loads in December, 85 loads in January and 78 loads in February.  As of January 1, 2014, the Town had used more sand than in it did in all the previous winter.

Budget Highlights Programs that Strengthen US-Canada Trade, Flow of People and Goods at Northern Border

From the Office of Congressman Bill Owens

PLATTSBURGH, NY—Today, Representative Bill Owens applauded Canada’s proposed 2014 budget, which was delivered to Parliament earlier this week. The proposal outlined Canada’s trade agenda and highlighted its accomplishments over the last year.

“Canada’s proposed budget reflects the ruling party’s strong commitment to our vital trade partnership,” Rep. Bill Owens said. “I applaud Canada’s investments in port-of-entry infrastructure over the previous year and the nation’s future support for programs that speed the flow of goods and people crossing the border.”

The Harper Administration’s budget includes the following items that are relevant to New York’s 21^st Congressional District:

• The budget highlights the completion of the first joint Border Infrastructure Investment Plan and confirmed Canadian border expansion projects. Two of the plan’s projects, which were first announced in 2013, are located directly across the border from the 21^st Congressional District. The first is a $60 million project at the Landsdowne, Ontario crossing, which connects Canada to the United States via the Thousand Islands Bridge. The second is a $47 million project at the Lacolle, Quebec border crossing, which connects Canada and the United States at the Champlain Port of Entry via the Adirondack Northway (I-87).   Read more »

What: A meeting of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council (NCREDC).

Who: All individuals, businesses, organizations, labor and education representatives from Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties are welcome to attend the meeting.           

When: Friday, February 14, 2014     1 – 2 p.m.                        

Where: SUNY Plattsburgh, AuSable Hall

Hermes Conference Room, 1^st Floor

Plattsburgh, NY

(AuSable Hall is located on the corner of Cornelia Street and Draper Avenue in Plattsburgh. Please park in lots 2 or 3. Access to these lots is available off of both Cornelia and Draper. If you are using a GPS,  please use 55 Draper Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901)Registration:   Please visit www.northcountryopenforbusiness.com to register for the meeting.

Stunned by Tragedy, a Village in Rural Quebec Turns Inward – NYTimes.com.

COLCHESTER, VT Kelcey E. Briggs, daughter of Edward and Wendy Briggs of Peru was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2013 semester at Saint Michael’s College. Briggs is a Junior Psychology major at the liberal arts and sciences, residential Catholic college located in Burlington, Vermont, one of the top 10 college towns in America.

Students who complete a minimum of 12 credits and achieve a grade point average of at least 3.4 at the end of a semester are recognized for their scholarship by inclusion on the Dean’s List.

Briggs graduated from Seton Catholic Central School before coming to Saint Michael’s.

Saint Michael’s College delivers a compelling, world-class education in a beautiful Vermont setting. Our connected community allows students to form close relationships with each other and accomplished faculty members, providing an ideal learning environment where they have the space and support to challenge themselves and their peers. As a fully residential college located minutes from Burlington, one of the country’s top-rated college towns, Saint Michael’s offers an unparalleled mix of academic, spiritual, cultural, service and wilderness experiences. To learn more, visitsmcvt.edu.

Student teachers in New York face daunting new exams – Times Union.

Cuomo explains ‘extremist’ comment.

NWS report: Lake Champlain 99 percent frozen » NEW TODAY… » Press-Republican.

Democrats select congressional candidate » Local News » Press-Republican.

Duprey will run again » Local News » Press-Republican.

Blaze destroys historic Peru home » Breaking News » Press-Republican.

Cuomo Rejects Another Plan by de Blasio: Minimum Wage – NYTimes.com.

Board of Regents sets aside proposal – Times Union.

A Route 22 home was devastated by fire last night. The home is located on the west side of Route 22, just south of the Peru Farm Center.  WIRY Radio reported that the Peru Fire Department was called out about 8:15 PM and to a rekindle about 1 AM. The property owner and/or occupants were not named. The Keeseville, Morrisonville, South Plattsburgh and AuSable Fire Departments assisted under mutual aid.

Senator Betty Little discusses the Jobs for Heroes program at a press conference in the State Capitol on Monday,  February 10.  Little is a sponsor of the proposal that would establish a five percent goal in the awarding of State contracts to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.   She is working to have the measure  included in the state budget.

Lake Placid’s Hamlin wins bronze » Breaking News » Press-Republican.

CVPH plans residency program » NEW TODAY… » Press-Republican.

Capitol Confidential » Cuomo: Regents’ action ‘too little, too late’ to fix Common Core.

Regents plan to ‘adjust’ Core – Times Union.

Cashman tragedy stuns friends » Local News » Press-Republican.

Whallonsburg Grange Lyceum Lectures Feature History – The Adirondack Almanack – The Adirondack Almanack.