The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

It appears that the North Country business community has recognized that the Bear Swamp Road is a great place to do business. Livingood’s Restaurant is scheduled to open in a few days; Allen Turner’s four new apartments behind McDonald’s are being rapidly occupied and tonight the Zoning Board gave its approval to the CFA Insurance Agency’s application to expand its presence on the road. The insurance agency plans to relocate its business from 704 Bear Swamp Road to the former Beaumont Medical Building at 686 Bear Swamp Road and hopes to be operational at the new location sometime in January.

CFA’s current building

CFA Insurance Agency Owner Clark Forster said, “We’ve been located in Peru for twelve years. It’s a great place to do business. People are attracted to this community and our business is steadily growing. We need more space.”  CFA has six employees and plans to increase the number of employees as its business grows. It specializes in property and casualty insurance, employee benefits, retirement plans and estate planning including life and long-term care insurance.

At 4,800 square feet, the new building, which was constructed in 1974, is almost three times as large as CFA’s current location. Forster explained, “I hope to rent space to other business services and professional companies.”  The accounting firm, Chauvin Business Systems, rents offices at Forster’s current location and will be moving to the new building.

Town of Peru Zoning Attorney Thomas Murnane informed Forster that the Planning Board should conduct a Site Plan Review of his plans, but that should not hold up Forster’s purchase of the property.

CFA’s new building

State to bankroll Whiteface Highway repair » Breaking News » Press-Republican.

Donald McBayer and his granddaughter Demi

By John T. Ryan

The absentee votes have been counted and according to the unofficial vote count Donald McBrayer will become a member of the Peru Town Council on January 1, 2014. On Election Day McBrayer led Lana Knight by 12 votes. After counting absentee ballots, he led by 15 votes.

Two Town Council seats were up for election. According to Greg Campbell, Republican Commissioner of the Board of Elections, Jim Douglass received  a total of 1,037 votes, Donald McBrayer received 781 and Lana Knight received 766. Based on The Peru Gazette’s Election Day report Douglass received 50 absentee ballots, McBrayer 52 and Lana Knight 49. Lana Knight told the Peru Gazette that she already called McBrayer to offer congratulations and that she had no plans to challenge the vote count. Both McBrayer and Knight have said that was a clean campaign and that the voters had a choice of three good candidates.

From the Office fo State Senator Betty Little

In advance of the 2014 Legislative Session set to begin in January, State Senator Betty Little and her Republican colleagues today announced a report outlining numerous proposals to simplify New York’s tax code and reduce taxes. The report was developed based on testimony collected through a series of statewide hearings this fall.

“Helping small businesses by simplifying the tax code and providing broad-based tax relief is what’s needed to spur our economy in the North Country,” said Senator Betty Little.  “Everyone agrees that our economy needs help. The most effective way to do that is by helping those that generate revenue and create jobs.”

Highlights of the recommendations made in the preliminary Senate report include, among other things:  enact a permanent two-percent cap on

state spending growth and dedicate every dollar of surplus savings to tax reduction; create an optional simple personal income tax calculation; eliminate the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT); and reduce property taxes.

The plan also proposes to eliminate unfair tax treatment by making all retirement income tax-free, thus encouraging seniors to remain in New York.  Currently only Federal, State, and local pension income is completely tax-free.  The Senate Republican proposal would amend New York’s Estate Tax by conforming it with the Federal Job Creation Act and the American Taxpayer Relief Act to protect family farms and small businesses and eliminate the incentive to transfer wealth from New York to other states.

The report also highlights the need to review New York’s current, piecemeal-style approach to tax relief – which involves providing tax credits to specific industries – in favor of a simplified system that produces a lower tax structure for all businesses. Senator Little has proposed her own “circuit-breaker” tax relief proposal to direct property tax relief to those based on income and financial need.

Capitol Confidential » Thruway construction finished between exits 23 and 24.

By Adele Douglas

The well-attended November 12, 2013 Board of Education meeting had a full agenda. These are the highlights of the evening.

Renaming the reorganized Peru Central School was decided. Grades K to 6 will be called Peru Elementary School and grades 7 to 12 will be called Peru Junior/Senior High School as selected via the survey the school conducted last year.

Genie Denton took the School Board Member Oath of Office. She replaces Jon Ruff, who recently moved out of the district and therefore had to resign. The Board selected Genie from several interested individuals. Her term ends May 21, 2014.

Jacquelin Hall was present as the Board recognized her husband David for his 30 years of public service as a school board member, 15 of those years on the Peru School Board. Hall passed away on October 18^th, 2013.

Board members observed student learning when costumed fourth grade students told the Board about their field trip to the 1812 Homestead in Willsboro and first grade students honored military veterans with a very moving presentation.

During the public comment period two issues were raised related to new policies the Board is considering. Michele LaPoint asked that the Zumba classes be allowed back into the school.  She spoke of the value of these classes to individuals and the community. After much discussion it was determined that since no new policy was yet in place the old policy that allowed the Zumba classes to use the Crackerbox gym was still in effect.  The Board will continue to discuss the new “Public Use of School Facilities” policy.

Michelle Bechard spoke about the proposed policy that would prohibit homemade treats from being sent in for special events, thus ending the tradition of sending in homemade cupcakes for birthday parties in the Elementary School.  While she understood that the State is concerned about food safety, she pointed out a number of reasons that this policy was a bad idea including the cost to parents of having to buy cupcakes. She asked the Board to reconsider the policy. Later in the meeting the Board discussed the issue and seemed to agree with Ms. Bechard’s concerns.

The Board also authorized the creation of three additional bus runs at an estimated cost of $10,500. The buses will be for those secondary students who stay for tenth period.  To date they’ve been riding home with the elementary students.  Separate buses will avoid a wide mix of ages on the buses as well as make sure the buses that bring older students back from CVTEC, CVPH and Seton Central don’t keep the elementary school buses waiting.

The Board authorized the Business Administrator to fund extra-curricular activities for the 2013-2014 school year. Overnight accommodations for clubs and activities will be funded at the discretion of the District.  Funded travel will continue to include sports at state level competitions and will be extended to include Model UN and high-level music and math competitions.

Malone furniture firm shuts down » Breaking News » Press-Republican.

This was the scene at the Clinton County Board of Elections at 3:45 this afternoon as officials counted absentee ballots. The Peru Town Council seat sought by Republican Donald McBrayer and Democrat Lana Knight is undecided with McBrayer leading by only twelve votes on Election Day. Absentee voters will decide the election.

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.