The Peru Gazette

Knights of Columbus celebrate 60th » Local News » Press-Republican.

AuSable Valley school budget under cap » Local News » Press-Republican.

Price Chopper makes FuelAdvantEdge changes » Local News » Press-Republican.

Gazette file photo

By John T. Ryan

Financing the water quality and sewer improvement project was a primary subject of discussion at the Monday, April 23, 2012 Town Board meeting. The Peru Town Council, town staff and town engineers have been laying the groundwork for the project for several months. Over the next few days Supervisor Peter Glushko will estimate the impact of the $3.2 million project on water and sewer tax rates. An informational meeting will be held on Thursday, May 3rd. (Date Corrected) Click here for the project schedule and more details

Estimated annual debt service for the project ranges from $173,873 to $235,515  depending on the term of the improvement bond.  Long-term bonds require lower annual payments, but result in higher total interest costs. For example, a 35-year bond would have an estimated annual debt service of approximately $179,935 and total debt service of $3,032,389 while a 20-year bond would incur an approximate average annual debt service of $235,515, but interest would total approximately $1,444,958.

Peru’s feral pig problem has been publicized nationwide.  Now there’s a problem with feral cats in the Jenkins-School Street area. Residents have complained and Supervisor Glushko is researching the cost of capturing and neutering the animals.

Final adoption of Peru’s new Zoning Law is drawing closer. The Board scheduled a Public Hearing for Monday, May 14, 2012 at 6:30 PM.

In other actions:

• Water-Sewer Department Superintendent Greg Timmons reported that work is underway on the North Bend Street sewer project.  A new sewer line is being installed from the Town Hall north to North Bend Street.  Timmons said that all but one property owner was satisfied with a 14-foot easement.  He will continue working to resolve the issue with the remaining party. Councilman Jim Douglas complimented Timmons on the manner he works with the public to resolve problems.
• The board is considering installing new doors to improve Town Hall security. Greg Timmons reported that the Hartson Total Opening Company of Plattsburgh would install interior office doors with metal jams and exterior doors.  If the board proceeds, competitive bids will be sought.
• Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that the sale of the Highway Department’s stone crushing machine to a local logger will not take place.  When the logger learned about the required training and safety requirements, he decided to lease a crusher from another party.
• Greg Timmons recommended purchase of the previously discussed Toro lawn mower-snow removal machine. Supervisor Glushko will meet with Timmons to discuss where the $36,000 expense would fit into this year’s town budget.
• Supervisor Glushko told counselors that the NYS Comptroller’s auditor is expected to be in Peru for about one more week. The auditor will present his findings to town personnel on Monday, April 30th.
• Staff members Pam Barber and Judy Akey attended a three-day NYS accounting school.  Supervisor Glushko said he plans to attend similar training in the future.
• The board took a wait and see attitude on any endorsement of the long-discussed Rooftop Highway.  The board wants to see the positions taken by the communities most directly impacted by the highway.
• Pam Barber reported that the town’s payroll procedures have been certified by the Clinton County Personnel Department with no exceptions noted.

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Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he will not approve of making teacher evaluations public – NY Daily News.

Watertown Daily Times | Lewis legislators approve contract with 200 union workers.

Postal possibilities » Local News » Press-Republican.

Two years ago, a couple of hundred people rallied outside my district office on the Plattsburgh Oval to protest the possible closure of Point au Roche State Park.  As we all know, the Legislature allocated the funds to keep the state parks open.  At that time dozens of concerned people asked what they could do to support the park.

Now is the opportunity for volunteers who use and support Point au Roche State Park to step forward.  On Saturday, May 5, volunteers are being invited to participate in clean up and improvement projects at the Park.  Online advance registration is encouraged at www.nysparks.com or www.ptny.org.  However, everyone is welcome whether or not they register ahead of time.

More coffins than cradles? « The In Box.

Tyrell appointed new NCCC president (update) – AdirondackDailyEnterprise.com 

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Watertown Daily Times | Belleville Henderson high school student enters school board race.

NY admits standardized math tests don’t add up – Times Union.

School district taxes affected little by cap – Albany – The Buffalo News.

By John T. Ryan

The Peru Central School Board at an April 24, 2012 Special Meeting decided by a vote of 6 to 1 to hire Dr. Patrick Brimstein as the district’s next superintendent. Brian Post was the only board member to vote against Brimstein’s hiring.

Brimstein “48” is currently the high school principal in the Wheatland-Chili School District near Rochester. His contract will be for three years at a starting salary of $145,000.  Board President Roderick Driscoll said that Peru Principal Christopher Mazella and Dr. Brimstein were the two finalists for the position. Driscoll said, “I think Dr. Brimstein will be a great leader for our district. He has an incredible background and is very highly regarded wherever he’s worked. He also made a very impressive public presentation. He’s very calm and great with people. He’s a leader and comes off as being comfortable in that role. I think people will be very happy.”  Driscoll said the board had used the same hiring process as they had used in the past.  Click here to read the Press Republican’s interview with Dr. Brimstein. 

The primary purpose of the Tuesday, April 24, 2012 Peru School Board meeting was to vote on hiring a new district superintendent.  However, prior to the meeting, hugs were being exchanged as the board greeted David Hall. A longtime member of the board, Hall suffered a serious heart attack in the board meeting room following a March 27th meeting (Date corrected).  Board member Donna LaRocque and Principal Chris Mazella applied CPR, Board President Rod Driscoll used a defibrillator and they are being credited with saving Hall’s life. The people attending tonight’s meeting gave Hall a standing ovation. Hall thanked those people who came to his aid and everyone for the support he has received throughout the past two weeks.  He said he just couldn’t miss tonight’s meeting where he cast a vote in favor of hiring Dr. Patrick Brimstein as the district’s next superintendent.

Mr. Brindisi helps Parker get his car ready to launch

Measuring the distance of travel

Michael was excited when his car reached the gym wall 43 ft. 9 inches away

A Peru Intermediate School’s 3^rd grade science class had a fun way to learn about simple machines this afternoon.  Each student constructed a race car using card stock, tape, four wheels and two straws. Then they sent the cars down a ramp and measured the distance their car traveled. The first cars launched traveled almost the length of the Intermediate School gym, while other cars came to a rapid stop or performed an almost instant U-turn. The students appeared to enjoy the experience as they cheered each other on. Tomorrow the students will examine the cars that traveled the longest distance and try to determine just what enabled them to travel so far.

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