USDA Food Box Distribution Slated for August 6 in Gouverneur

A USDA Food Box Distribution Program will be held at the Gouverneur Community Center, 4673 State Highway 58, Gouverneur, on Thursday, August 6th, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. The event is open to all with no registration necessary. Staff and volunteers will be present to provide curbside pick-up of family style grocery boxes. Families will receive a total of three boxes, including a box of frozen meats, a box of produce and a box of dairy products. Products will be provided while they last, and the program will end when all products have been distributed. No early arrivals please.

The USDA Food Box Distribution Program is part of the Federal COVID-19 Food Assistance Program. The program is intended to purchase surplus commodities to assist farms and food businesses while making products available for free to those suffering from the economic impacts of the pandemic. This specific event is made possible by the work of the Gouverneur Community Center, Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County, the Gouverneur Neighborhood Center and GardenShare. Local distributors, such as Renzi Foodservice, deliver the products to non-profit partners who manage distribution to local families and individuals.

Direct questions to David Spilman, Director of the Community Center at 315-287-9144 or Patrick Ames, Executive Director of Extension, at 315-379-9192, ext. 226.

About Cornell Cooperative Extension: Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and provided equal programs and employment opportunities.

Village board recognizes GPD’s dedicated service a month after Treyanna Summerville’s death

by Rachel Hunter

Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall at the July 21 Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees publicly extended gratitude to the Gouverneur Police Department for its dedicated service this past month since the death of Treyanna Summerville.

“As we are all aware, we had the tragedy at 135 Rowley St. involving a death and alleged murder. A difficult situation on a number of us, whether it be the DPW or other agencies, outside agencies, recognition things that took place afterwards, some down by the high school, and vigils and marches and other things. Particularly, for the Police Department it has been a most difficult situation – far and above what many of the rest of us went through other than of course the family who lost a family member, and has one person charged, and another out on bail. Justice for Treyanna. We all want that. We want justice for all. How that comes out, I don’t know… But it was four weeks ago yesterday, and it has been difficult… Particularly to (Chief Laurina Greenhill) and the Police Department on behalf of the Village Board, I’d just like to publicly thank you, all of you.”

There were no other comments made at the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees meeting last Tuesday.

The next meeting of the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18.

Fire alarm system to be installed at Town of Gouverneur Office Building in September

by Rachel Hunter

Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. at the July 14 meeting of the Town of Gouverneur Council announced that the fire alarm system will be installed at Town of Gouverneur Office Building and at the Friends 4 Pound Paws Building, starting the first week in September.

Supervisor Spilman told the town council members that Alltech Integrations, Inc. “got backed up because of COVID-19.” “Things just kind of went backwards on them,” he said.

“On that note, I met with our insurance inspector, and went through all the properties and the lift stations and pump stations last Friday, and he took a lot of pictures and updated some things. We should be getting that report soon.”

The next meeting of Town of Gouverneur Council is to be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11.

Grace Food Pantry set to re-open on June 25

by Rachel Hunter

Grace Food Pantry Founder and Christian Life Fellowship Pastor Robert LaVeck has announced the physical re-opening for the Grace Food Pantry will be on Thursday, June 25.

The Grace Food Pantry has been in operation since 1999 in the basement of the Christian Life Fellowship Church, 52 Church St., Gouverneur, under the direction of Pastor Robert LaVeck. For the past 21 years, the mission of the Grace Food Pantry has always been about more than just food – providing for the physical needs and spiritual concerns of the North Country community as well. It closed for a couple weeks at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, and then began serving the North Country community on an appointment-only basis. Now, the Grace Food Pantry is look forward to re-opening its doors to the North Country community.

In order to guarantee personal distancing space in the Grace Food Pantry, a volunteer will sit outside the food pantry doors to regulate foot-traffic flow. Pastor LaVeck told the Gouverneur Tribune Press this week: “In Grace Food Pantry, masks will be worn and personal distances will be regulated,” Pastor LaVeck said. “There are hand sanitation stations every six feet.” He said there are about 15 volunteers that are eager to serve North Country residents, and that social distancing between the volunteers will not be an issue due to the tables inside the Grace Food Pantry.

Pastor LaVeck also told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that there is plenty of food and baby products available. Due to weekly supply trips to receive donations from the United Way in Watertown, Pastor LaVeck said there is plenty of baby food, diapers, wet wipes, and more for local families in need.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the Grace Food Pantry was meeting the needs of anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 people each month. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic crisis Pastor LaVeck said that the Grace Food Pantry has received several generous contributions from local businesses, nonprofit agencies, and community members to assist in their mission. But help is still needed. For more information on how to donate, call Pastor LaVeck at (315) 287-7656.

Sunday Morning Worship services at 10:30 a.m. have physically re-opened at Christian Life Fellowship Church. In accordance with the 25 percent capacity ruling from NYS Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced last on Saturday, Pastor LaVeck said that up to 30 people could attend. He also told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that the church’s services on Facebook were receiving 40-60 views per week, and that he would continue posting them on a weekly basis. He added that the re-opening of the church was done in a careful manner, and that everyone in attendance will continue to wear face masks and will be seated six feet apart. Hand sanitizer in spray bottles will be made available to everyone in attendance.

For more information, call (315) 287-7656.

Gouverneur Neighborhood Center food pantry sees uptick in clients since COVID-19 outbreak

by Rachel Hunter

Giving residents in the Gouverneur area a hand-up in life, the Gouverneur Neighborhood Center, at 15 Rock Island St., Gouverneur, stands ready to serve all those in need, including those hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

The Gouverneur Neighborhood Center is one of six sites operated by St. Lawrence County Community Development Program. The centers are each staffed by a director and provide services to low-income families with the assistance of community volunteers; the services may be directly offered at the centers, or families may be referred to other agencies and resources as needed. Centers have food pantries and provide emergency aid if required with food, fuel, utilities or shelter. Thrift stores with donated clothing and household items are available at the Gouverneur Neighborhood Center and the Canton Neighborhood Center.

The mission of Neighborhood Centers is to help people in their communities move toward self-sufficiency. Obtaining available aid is often a difficult task for individuals and families, yet within the communities lie resources and assistance for those who need them. Centers operate with funds from the county, United Way, Northern New York Community Foundation, and generous contributions from individuals, businesses and faith-based groups. Donations of food, personal items and money are most welcome.

Gouverneur Neighborhood Director Angela Ferrick said the local food pantry has seen an increase in clients since the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Anyone that needs food can get food, right now,” she said. “We also have toilet paper and other hygiene options… Even if people just need some help during this time, we definitely encourage people to come if they need food.”

The St. Lawrence County Community Program shared this message on Facebook to try to share the message: “We understand that many members of our community are being hit hard with recent layoffs, hours cutting back, and difficulty reaching the unemployment office. We want those community members to know that they are eligible to utilize the Neighborhood Center Food Pantries. Yes, there are income guidelines-but current circumstances mean a lot more people are eligible. If you are having trouble feeding your family right now, we want to help you. That's what we're here for...”

According to The Emergency Food Assistance Program guidelines (July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020), income eligibility is set at the following household size and annual income (1, $23,106; 2, $31,283; 3, $39,460; 4, $47,637; 5, $55,814; 6, $63,991; Each Additional Person Add $8,177).

Gouverneur Neighborhood Center Director Ferrick also said there is a third Emergency HEAP available to people who need it.

The Gouverneur Neighborhood Center is open on an appointment-only basis. If clients need the food pantry, Director Ferrick said they only need to call the Gouverneur Neighborhood Center at (315) 287-3370. Staff will put the package on the front porch to avoid person-to-person contact. Director Ferrick said this is the way the Gouverneur Neighborhood Center will most likely operate until June. The Gouverneur Neighborhood Center is open Mondays to Fridays, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. They are closed the first Friday of each month. For more information, call (315) 287-3370.

St. Lawrence Health System Implements temporary furlough of at least 400

Citing severe patient volume disruptions caused by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, St. Lawrence Health System plans to temporarily furlough at least 400 workers.

Chief Executive Officer of St. Lawrence Health System David Acker stated,“Our hospitals are facing an unprecedented pandemic; managing crushing costs in treating COVID-19 patients in circumstances that require extensive and expensive protocols and investing in the infrastructure preparedness for the COVID-19 surge, all while seeing the traditional sources of revenue from every day, medically necessary care bottom out.”

Health care facilities are under financial pressure after a steep drop-off in their normal monthly utilization and revenue, meant to free up hospital space and preserve protective equipment for the coronavirus outbreak.

St. Lawrence Health System said the cost-cutting measures are necessary given the revenue decrease from the cessation of elective procedures system-wide, and the temporary closure of Gouverneur Hospital’s operating rooms and many of the health system’s medical office sites. While at the same time, they are investing in efforts to fight the virus like buying personal protective equipment supplies, transforming units to COVID-19 wings for treatment, and setting up drive-thru testing sites.

Although St. Lawrence Health System said it remains fiscally solid, it also stated that the pandemic-related volume decline is too significant to ignore.

"While I am confident we will get through this challenging period together and emerge even stronger, we must take necessary steps to manage the short- and long-term financial impact on our health system," Mr. Acker said.

St. Lawrence Health System is projecting a cash flow drop of $10 million in the next 30 days.

The furloughs, which include position reductions at all levels, including senior leadership, department directors, clinical staff positions, and touch virtually all departments across each of the health system’s three hospitals, began April 17, and affect 20 percent of St. Lawrence Health System’s staff of just over 2,000. In addition to the temporary furloughs, St. Lawrence Health System is cutting pay for its senior executives.

Affected employees will continue to receive health and pharmacy benefits from St. Lawrence Health System. The health system anticipates that a majority of affected employees will also be able to sustain their pay through federal and state unemployment benefits. 


County Administrator Ruth Doyle Announces First Confirmed COVID-19 Case within St. Lawrence County

St. Lawrence County Administrator Ruth Doyle and St. Lawrence County Public Health Director Dana McGuire announced on March 24 that county officials have learned of a positive test result for Coronavirus (COVID-19) within St. Lawrence County. The test results were confirmed today (March 25, 2020). The confirmed case is a patient from St. Lawrence County. The local health department is getting in touch with anyone who may have been in contact with this individual.

No additional information is being released at this time due to patient privacy laws.

In response to this case and continuing recommendations from the state and federal governments, on March 16, 2020 the Chair of the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators, Joseph Lightfoot, has issued a State of Emergency to help prevent the spread of this disease.

The Public Health Department is strongly recommending residents stay home. The recommendation continues to be no unnecessary travel, avoid group gatherings, and avoid contact with other people. If essential travel is required (i.e. work, groceries, and/or medical needs), social distancing should be practiced, which means keeping a minimum of six feet apart from others.

Additionally, following Governor Cuomo’s directive, St. Lawrence County reduced county employees working in county facilities by 50% by implementing work from home protocols for many employees which began, Wednesday, March 18.

A number of County facilities are now closed to the public:  St. Lawrence County Court House  St. Lawrence County Public Safety Complex  St. Lawrence County Human Services Center  St. Lawrence County DMV Offices  St. Lawrence County Surrogate Building  All Nutrition Sites Additionally, St. Lawrence Health Systems and Claxton Hepburn Medical Center are working together to implement testing criteria and plan for increased hospital capacity.

Village of Gouverneur declares State of Emergency amid COVID-19 Pandemic

by Rachel Hunter

On Saturday, March 21, the Village of Gouverneur submitted the following public service announcement from Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ronald McDougall for inclusion in this week’s Gouverneur Tribune Press:

“The Village of Gouverneur Mayor and Board of Trustees have declared a State of Emergency that will continue until further notice because of the global COVID-19 Pandemic. All Village Offices and other buildings of the Village were closed to the Public at noon Monday, March 16th and various employees who were not already off were excused for the rest of the day until further notice.

“On Thursday, March 19th all other non-essential employees were excused until further notice. However, essential services such as the Gouverneur Police Department, Water Filtration Plant (ie. potable water) and Wastewater Treatment employees remain on the job. Our Highway and Electric DPW employees are currently on leave. However, two members of this department are on call 24 hours a day seven days a week. Additionally, certain clerical staff along with the Mayor are working in the offices on mandatory and regulatory essential items such as payroll and the 2020-2021 Village Budget. Department Heads are in daily contact with the Mayor. Governmental agencies are sharing information as part of our shared services agreements on a regular basis either in person, phones or electronically.

“The Village Police will remain on duty and taking calls at 315-287-2121 or 911. However, the Police will be prioritizing the importance of complaints as needed and face to face contact with the general public at the Police Station will be minimal. Additionally, the Administrative Staff and Mayor will be available by phone and/or electronically by calling 315-287-1720 and press 0 and to date have been at the Village complex daily and plan to continue this schedule.

“The Mayor and Board of Trustees are cautiously optimistic that these challenging times that we currently live in will be over in the next few weeks. However, we are keenly aware that it could be much longer and are making provisional plans in this regard. We will keep the community advised as much as possible in a timely fashion.

“In the meantime, please take President Trump’s and Governor Cuomo’s advice. Follow the executive orders and other recommendations that they have publicized such as hygiene, social distancing and various employee/employer work rules that they have ordered and/or recommended. It is for our general well-being of our community and humanity. Take Care, God Bless You and God Bless the United States of America.”

Village of Gouverneur talks COVID-19

by Rachel Hunter

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees held its monthly meeting on March 17 in the municipal courtroom. The meeting was an abbreviated format, with all those in attendance, observing the “social distancing” six feet separation rule. Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ronald McDougall set a limit at half the municipal courtroom’s capacity, at 41.5 persons.

“It’s no secret, of course, that in St. Lawrence County, we’re under a state of emergency per the St. Lawrence County Public Health Office and Public Health Officer Dana McQuire, who is also the Village of Gouverneur’s Public Health Officer,” Mayor McDougall said. “A lot of people don’t realize that we’re under the umbrella on that with that. Public meeting and open meetings law has been amended because of (COVID-19).”

Mayor McDougall then directed the Village Trustee’s attention to the following memo to all local government leaders from the secretary to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Melissa DeRosa, dated March 16: “The rapid increase in suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 is an unprecedented public health emergency facing all New Yorkers. As leaders in state and local government, our first and foremost responsibility is to ensure the health and safety of the public. This essential duty requires our decisive action now to slow the spread of this virus. On behalf of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and all New Yorkers, I call upon you – as executives, managers, administrators, mayors, supervisors, and leaders – to join the State of New York and limit your local government workforce to only its essential employees for the next two weeks. Specifically, all non-essential employees of local government agencies and authorities should not report to work, reducing your workforce by, at least, fifty percent (50%), until March 31, 2020. You and your local agency officials should consider essential employees as any person whose job function is essential to the effective operation of their agency or authority, or who must be physically present to perform their job, or who is involved in the emergency response to COVID-19. Non-essential employees should be considered any person who does not need to be physically present to perform their job functions, or they are not currently required to meet the core functions of their agency or authority during this emergency response. Throughout state government, non-essential employees will not be charged accruals during this time. Non-essential state employees are being directed to work from home, to the extent practicable. While they are home, these employees may be assigned work outside of their normal duties. State agencies may change an employee’s designation as either essential or nonessential at any time. Finally, state agencies will continue to recruit volunteers or mandate staff to support the critical COVID-19 response efforts across the state. The people we serve demand action. Let leadership be our legacy. Thank you.”

Mayor McDougall then made the following comments: “I did talk to Donald Dabiew, the Franklin County Legislative Chair, and he didn’t have any in his county as we don’t yet. We have some people waiting for some tests to come back, but that changed today unfortunately. There was one today in Saranac Lake, which is in Franklin County and also there is one in Plattsburgh, currently at the CVPH Hospital. I talked to the Jefferson County Chairman Scott Gray this afternoon and they didn’t have any in Jefferson County either. However, now, I guess one has been classified now in Albany but that person is a Fort Drum part-time employee and works in the Education Center. He was in Fort Drum from the 11th to the 13th, that’s Wednesday through Friday, and he’s got a positive test in Albany. Consequently the Education Center is currently shut down on Fort Drum.”

Mayor McDougall then gave the floor to St. Lawrence County Legislator District 5 Henry Leader (R-Gouverneur) who gave the following county update, detailing the special board meeting held March 16: “The declaration of emergency is, in part, to assist the school districts, to allow them to continue federal and state funding. Last night, the thing of significance was the legislature voted to empower the County Administrator Ruth Doyle with the advice and through the Office of Emergency Services and the St. Lawrence County Department of Health to take whatever measures were necessary to protect the county, and to help handle safety and health of the county… The county has also indicated a desire to go virtual, so we will probably be Skyping in electronically meeting three or four meetings. Other than that, if you walk through the county halls, there’s people with sanitizer, paper towels, and washing hands – as the board is doing here – as well as keeping distance. The recommendation is six feet, but at least three feet, and trying to avoid exposure for over 30 minutes. I will keep you apprised of anything that happens…”

Village Clerk/Treasurer Barbara Finnie then gave the following report: “We have closed off the (municipal) building to the public. I just heard today that the town court is also closed for good. They are not even opening up, until further notice. We are accepting phone calls. All three of us are here. Payments are still accepted. We are asking them to be put in the dropbox. We will make sure a receipt is mailed back to them. Births and deaths is all by phone. Put it in our box, and we’ll mail their birth and death certificates to them. So, we’re just trying to keep clean. But we’re here for all calls. Just press zero on the main line and one of us will answer it. A lot of people don’t know what extension they want to call, just press zero.”

Village of Gouverneur Recreation Department Director Casey Canell reported that the Gouverneur Recreation Center would remain closed until further notice. “We’re following Gouverneur Central School District,” Director Canell said, confirming that the closure would last until at least April 20. “Our cleaning and sanitizing plan of action is being investigated and researched, trying to figure out what options are available.” Director Canell confirmed with the village board that he was available by phone. Mayor McDougall then said, “As soon as the school closure was announced, Casey and I were on the phone with each other and Dave Spilman.”

Village of Gouverneur Chief of Police Laurina Greenhill then reported the following: “Our department probably, out everybody, has the biggest challenge to this Cornavirus for obvious reasons… It certainly poses some unique challenges. Of course, one of the first things to go was the closing of the courts by the order of the Office of Court Administration. In order to have any arraignment during business hours, we have to do an essential arraignment. We can’t arraign at our local court. I just got an email just before this meeting to clarify that we are to take them to the Ogdensburg City Court, and after hours we can call our local justice… With bail reform and everything, we’re kind of limited on what kind of arraignments we can do. I have instructed our guys to limit their exposure to the public. We don’t need to go out making random vehicle stops for no reason, unless it is necessary. We’re trying to do as much as we can over the phone… We put a sign on the door that, pretty much, if you are there only for a police matter… if you are making an inquiry, call us and we’ll try to answer your questions. Other than that, you’re going to use the intercom or we’re going to interview you through the intercom to try to limit people coming into the office. Obviously, there’s lots of times when we need to interview people, take depositions, but, if it is not a real emergency kind of case… we’re going to put that kind of stuff on the back burner for right now. We’ve encouraged them to wear disposable gloves at every interaction with the public. There’s only limited (supplies) we have on hand for this kind of stuff, but today through Public Health we got delivered some n95 masks. They kind of require some fit testing to work their best, so tomorrow we have an appointment at the fire station to do some fit testing. We also got a supply of some disposable coveralls and suits, and some more hand sanitizer. We put some disinfecting wipes in the cars. Well, the stores were all out, and we don’t have wipes, so we compromised right now and made some with paper towels, disinfectant and Ziploc bags and put them in the patrol cars. We’re going to respond in person, obviously, to personal injury accidents, certain kinds of emergencies… We’ve asked the dispatchers to the ask people when they call that if we absolutely have to respond to a residence, to ask if there is anyone in the residence with flu-like symptoms so we can assess accordingly. I know there is some communication with Public Health and the 911 Center, maybe helping us keep track of who is really under quarantine… We’ve got some teleconference meetings set up with Public Health. We put on our Facebook page too for the public to consider about not dragging themselves to the ER, communicating with the hospitals. If they have questions or anything related to Coronavirus or need assistance, they can call us and we’ll try to deal with each situation as they arise. This is a very fluid situation… it is changing all the time. I am get bombarded with emails, and I am trying to keep up with the information that is coming, and so I find myself in situations I have not had to deal with before as Chief of Police with these executive orders coming from the governor, especially the stuff with the establishments. I’ve had to weed my way through these orders and come to terms with them, but at the same time keep in the back of my mind try to balance people’s constitutional rights.”

Village of Gouverneur Department of Public Works Superintendent TJ Simmons reported the following: “The DPW is basically following protocol. We’ve got the building on lockdown. No entry to any personnel or civilians. As far as the guys out in the field, I tell them to keep their distance of at least six feet because we do have house calls and stuff like that for sewers and water lines… I want to make sure they are safe about it. I have contacted my salesman that comes once a month that lives in Albany. I’ve told him not to come. If I need anything, I’ll call him, and they can just ship what I need as far as water supplies and stuff like that. I do encourage the public not to flush paper towels, baby wipes, or napkins or rags down the toilet. Please dispose them in the garbage. That is some of the main things that we happen to pull out of people’s sewers that plugs them. So, we encourage, if it isn’t toilet paper… please do not flush it.”

When Mayor McDougall asked for Trustee comments, the sole response came from Village of Gouverneur Deputy Mayor Charles Newvine who urged to all present: “Wash your hands.”

In conclusion, Mayor McDougall said the following: “We’re in difficult times, changing times. Life is change. I’d just like to stress, like they did at the county legislature meeting last night, keep calm. I’ve heard various rumors. I don’t know what the toilet paper thing is, but… It was observed recently that an elderly couple was walking home with more toilet paper than they could use in a normal lifetime… and it is all over the country, a run on toilet paper! Another example, there was a rumor that the Price Chopper store was going to close… Ours is just going to close for five hours to restock and clean. That’s just some of the rumors going around in this difficult, challenging times. We will survive. Better days are coming. I just don’t think they are going to be this week, but long-term… have faith and God bless. We will survive this.”

The next meeting of the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees is scheduled to be held of Tuesday, April 21, 6 p.m., in the municipal courtroom.

Village board hears complaints on sidewalk snow removal local law

by Rachel Hunter

The Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees at its Feb. 18 monthly board meeting heard complaints from concerned property owners regarding the village’s local law regarding sidewalk snow removal.

Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ronald McDougall encouraged the public not to enter a debate, but the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees allowed over an hour during the public comment period for the local residents to air their long list of grievances against the Village of Gouverneur’s Local Law No. 1 of 1999, which rescinded Local Law No. 2 of 1980, and reads in short as follows: “Every owner or occupant of property containing and/or adjoining a sidewalk within the village of Gouverneur is responsible for the removal of snow from said sidewalk if same fronts and/or adjoins a street, highway or other public road in the Village of Gouverneur. If snow shall cease falling by 5:00 pm, it shall be the duty of the occupant or owner to clear the walk of snow the same night. In case snow falls after 5:00 pm, it shall be the duty of such occupant or owner to clear the walk of snow by 8:30 am the following day.”

The first resident to address the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees was Joseph Nardelli, owner of 82 Park Street in the Village of Gouverneur, who asked the following: “Why did it cost $25 to send a notice on a half a sheet of paper with one stamp and one envelope? It was a $25 (administrative) fee on top of the $232. I have no problem paying the fine for the snow removal. I admit my guilt, but I think $25 for that notification is totally outrageous.”

“You have a right to your opinion,” Mayor McDougall said. “I don’t mean to debate, but some people think the $25 fee should be a lot higher. The people here, this is the public sector… and it all costs money. It all starts with people calling in to complain, turning you in. In your case, it was the United States Post Office. They turned you in for not doing that. So anyways… we have a lady here who has other things to do. There’s the mailing and the documentation of the before and after picture of the violation, and then there is the matter of getting back to the person who complained. In this case, it was the Post Office. It was easy because, as I understand it, 14 of them or something like that… and some of them went as long as a week. And so the administration fee is a part of the law.”

Village of Gouverneur Deputy Mayor Charles Newvine then said the that local law said that the Village of Gouverneur “can pass a charge at a minimum of $25, but can charge up to $100 and can also tack on the cost of what it is to remove the snow.”

“So, if the Village wanted, it could send me a letter for $100 for the letter,” Nardelli asked.

“That is correct, plus the cost of snow removal,” Deputy Mayor Newvine said.

“That’ll be a subject of the budget if it is going to be raised,” Mayor McDougall said. “Some people want to raise it. Some of the rest of us think $25 is enough. But you have to remember the person that is doing that, just like any other full-time village employee, they are getting healthcare and they are getting a lot more than $25 an hour…”

“It’s totally absurd, and I am protesting,” Nardelli said. “It is ridiculous… $25 for a half-page letter and an envelope and a stamp, totally ridiculous. Even the cities – Schenectady, Albany, Syracuse – they just came out with a fine and there is no administrative fee. I mean, what gives?”

“I didn’t make the law,” Mayor McDougall said.

“Yes, but you can reverse it too,” Nardelli said.

Luke Perrigo of 517 Smith Road in Gouverneur later in the public comment period asked: “Back to the sidewalk issue with snow on the sidewalks, how do we determine, who we enforce that to and when we enforce that law? I have read the law, so I am curious as to when we enforce that law… there’s not an inches requirement in the law. There’s no requirement there, so I feel like the law is kind of vague as far as that goes. I did go down and I can show you a picture of the Village sidewalk by the hospital right now. Snow stopped before 5 o’clock, according to the law, that snow has to be removed tonight. Will the Village be calling someone on an overtime to remove that snow or can I file a complaint now and we hire the contractor to come and take care of that? I am just curious how do we enforce this to certain people and not other people.”

Mayor McDougall told Mr. Perrigo that the Village of Gouverneur had someone to take care of the sidewalk in question, and then gave the floor to Village of Gouverneur DPW Superintendent TJ Simmons who said the following: “What snow,” asked DPW Simmons. “The dusting we got today?”

“Well, there’s ice on it too, and according to the law it should have been salted to remove the ice,” Mr. Perrigo said. “Honest, I’m not picking on you, TJ. I’m more picking on why we are enforcing this law because of a complaint list filed on one person and not the other. If you drive down Main Street and you’re speeding, generally you don’t have to have a complaint to get a speeding ticket.”

“Unfortunately, like you said, the law is very vague,” Deputy Mayor Newvine said. “We discuss it every year. We have somebody come in, question us on how we enforce it, and how we choose on who we enforce it to, and there really isn’t a set parameter. When we receive a complaint, they call the person that we contract with. Now, the way that I see it, in the same local law that you read, if there is a snow and it stops before 5 o’clock you have to clean it up that night. If it stops after 5 o’clock you have until 8:30. Well, 8:30 is the wrong time for me because school starts at 7 a.m. Then it talks about salt or sand or ashes, which means it is outdated… nobody uses ashes anymore. It talks about a village administrator being the one to enforce the law. We don’t have a village administrator…

“And also for me, I know that we have talked about it, and I have talked about it with (Village of Gouverneur Clerk/Treasurer Barbara Finnie and Village of Gouverneur Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Kristina Ayen) the day that the complaint came in from whoever it might be –whether it is the Post Office or whoever – if there was no snow that day, it seems to me to be a mute complaint. If there was no snow on the day that it came in, how can you expect someone to remove it?”

Mr. Perrigo then asked, “If the Village isn’t following their own law, how can you enforce everyone else to? Tyranny isn’t always on the Second Amendment. It’s on laws in general and if you are forcing people to comply by law that your local government isn’t even complying with… it seems a little ridiculous to me.”

“I would politely disagree with you,” Deputy Mayor Newvine said. “It is still vague enough that there are no inches, like the lawn. If there is no set limit, then it could be any. The fact remains that there is a public law to remove snow at a certain time. A certain depth of snow is not there. Everyone gets a letter in November. It’s in the paper when we contract, all that stuff. It doesn’t mean that it is not enforced by the Village because when a complaint comes in, we call a contractor. So, it is not like we aren’t enforcing it.”

Mayor McDougall then asked for the next public comment. Up next was David and Hilliary Perrigo of 479 County Route 11 in Gouverneur.

“A bill was sent in the mail to myself and my wife on February 6, 2020 concerning our apartment house on the corner of 74 N. Gordon St. and 90 Barnes St. that we were charged $206 for a bunch of old sidewalks on January 31, 2020. I brought to you guys, the board members here and even the public, concerning this and asking you to please forgive this bill and to furthermore to personally to notify myself when you intend to charge a hardworking taxpayer this fee. This is not our primary residence. In fact, this is one of four. We pay someone already to shovel the sidewalk. He’s done a very good job for the last three years. It’s never been a problem. We’ve of course assumed that he was still doing the job that we paid him for. We ask you to review this policy that the Village of Gouverneur has. We do not drive by daily to see if this has been shoveled, as I said he has done a good job for three years. We understand that this policy needs to be in place.

“Again, I understand the law. I think it is vague and needs to be revisited and be revised but we ask that you would contact us personally, as I know for a fact that you do other taxpayers through nepotism and let them know before they actually get the bill. A phone call or maybe a warning letter personally addressing us to make sure we have adequate time to address the situation. As I say, if you don’t live there, it’s kind of hard to know what’s going on, especially if you have several properties.

“We try to keep our home and our apartment houses in excellent condition. We do not take this condition lightly. I take it as an insult to my integrity. That’s the kind of person that I am… I feel that a letter or a phone call making us aware of our property would be just standard procedure for everybody. I know it takes place with people. In a matter of fact, it happened in front of me last week I saw this take place.”

“It didn’t snow on January 31, 2020. It didn’t snow two days before that. It didn’t snow that day. It didn’t snow two days after that. Even as a property owner, no I didn’t drive by. When it snows, I know it snows. Snow removal is what I do, you know what I mean? The way this law states I’m not home in time to get this cleared. You could hit me with a $206 bill every single time because I am at work. I mean it just can’t happen. I guess yeah I could hire somebody, and I had somebody employed and yeah I took care of that and he’s no longer employed. My wife’s been doing it herself with the kids in the van after she drops the other two off at school…

“Now, I am going to reiterate how it was approached to me… In the notice that comes in your water/sewer bill, nothing in it says you are going to be charged $25 service fee. Nothing in it says you are going to be charged $1 foot. It does say you will be charged a minimum of $25. But there is nothing that says that you will get a $206 bill for a five-minute sidewalk… That’s absolutely ridiculous.

“You take someone like me who has a corner lot. There needs to be a cap… We’ve had a very light winter, so I don’t see how this could have been this big of an issue. I understand that probably no one here saw that sidewalk, and that it was just a complaint that was filed. I get that, but I had no idea that this was taking place. I need to be notified. I am the property owner. If you are going to bill somebody $206, the property owner needs to be notified and given the chance to remove that snow. That is my main argument here.”

David Perrigo then relayed to the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees his experience of coming into the Village Office to discuss the charges, and then went over to the sidewalk in question, did some measurements, and discovered he had been overcharged for sidewalk snow removal by 41 feet.

“Not only did it not snow, I was overcharged by 41 feet, which at $1 per foot is ridiculous,” he said also mentioning the administrative fee. “It’s happened to several people and they are hardworking people that own businesses in Gouverneur. I know for a fact that nepotism is taking place… “

Mr. Perrigo added that it took two weeks to get his hands on Local Law 1 of 1999, and it was suggested that the local laws be more readily available to local residents. Village of Gouverneur Trustee Shelly Simons-Washburn voiced her surprise that village’s local laws were not published on the website – villageofgouverneurny.org.

“If you don’t like me, you can blow my doors in,” David Perrigo said. “There’s got to be a rubric to follow. This is not going to do it. This is not going to cut it. And I don’t want this to be, “He spoke his piece, he’s done.” I will come the following board meeting and the following board meetings as a proud person that lives in Gouverneur. I am happy to be here. I want to make this Town, Village a better place. It’s what I go to work for every day. We’re good taxpaying people, and I’ll render to Caesar what is Caesars all day long – but it has to be in the legality of what makes sense.”

In response, Mayor McDougall said, “Generally speaking, we are, I must admit, pretty lax on enforcement, not only this but lawns in the summer.”

Continuing his addressing to the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustee, David Perrigo said the following: “The Village of Gouverneur closed my sidewalk in on my other apartment house (corner of Clinton St.). I even drove my tractor from house to move that snowbank… Generally, I wouldn’t say anything about it. I would just take care of it. But if we want to do things this way… It is a mountain of snow frozen in there. The only way to move it is with a piece of equipment…. So again, I charged you $115 and $25 service fee, total $140. Totally different property. Totally different situation. I don’t know if you are getting my point. Stupid law. Stupid reasoning… I don’t want this to be, “You know we will let you know in a month.” I’m here because there is a problem. It needs to be revised. It needs to be fixed, and I want an answer from you right now when it is going to be done and when it is going to take place so I can be part of this. It needs to happen for the public, for me, for all the people that it has happened to before. I know a couple people that has had it happen, and they are fired up about it. I am not the only person with this issue. I am the only person that just didn’t take it on the chin like everybody else does. I’ve said my piece. I would like a rebuttal.”

After some discussion, the village trustees made the following comments:

“It needs to be looked at it, and that may be something we do at a later date,” Trustee Troy Besaw said. “I see where you are coming from.”

“We talk about it every year,” Deputy Mayor Newvine said, referencing former visits from local business owners George Macaulay and Chalaine Archer. “We don’t do anything about it… It’s a local law that needs to be revisited. It’s 21 years old. But to alleviate this situation here, is it okay for us to alleviate that because the local law says on a snowstorm it has to be done on a certain time… when there was no snowstorm the day that complaint came in? It wasn’t snowing the day that complaint was made. The way the local law reads is if it is snowing that day at or before 5 o’clock, they have to clean up that night. If it is snowing after 5 o’clock, they have until 8:30. It wasn’t snowing that day… period, point blank, simple. It wasn’t snowing the day before. It wasn’t snowing the day before that. It wasn’t snowing the day before that. So, to have a complaint the day it came up to the Village... It wasn’t snowing on that day, so how can we ask him to clean a sidewalk if it wasn’t snowing?”

Luke Perrigo then asked: “I am concerned about what’s going to happen if we leave here tonight and tomorrow, I leave through town and complain 100 different times on 100 different situations… I am sure I can come up with 100 in a couple hours of driving around.”

David Perrigo asked: “You take care of me, I’ll take care of you. We won’t have an issue again… if you take care of this law. That’s my full expectations here… As a taxpayer, as a person who lives in Gouverneur, I am looking out for that guy, this guy. I am looking out for everybody in Gouverneur. I will not stop until we – the taxpayers, you guys -- find an answer. And I want an answer tonight. Not to fix this, but an answer for me.”

“This local law needs to be reviewed, and revised so it is a little bit more flexible,” Mr. Nardelli said.

Deputy Mayor Newvine then asked: “Can we take care of these complaints filed on a day that it didn’t snow?”

Attorney Henry Leader then said the following: “I don’t know the answer to that. I don’t know what complaints there are other than Mr. and Mrs. Perrigo’s. I read the law, under Paragraph One, saying that every owner/occupant of the property is responsible for the removal of the snow from the sidewalk. The next paragraph talks about the snowstorm because if it snows people can’t get right out there. I think that is what is being advocated. If a sidewalk has snow cover for a week, how long did it have snow… I don’t know that. The only thing I do know is the amount of frontage should correspond to whatever a bill would be.

“I remember having an apartment myself on Clinton St. and the state plow plows Clinton St. and I was fined half the time and I got it out the other half and it was terrible. It was tough luck… I think every case has to be looked at individually, and I don’t know…

“You should endeavor to be fair across the board. The point about notice and giving the homeowner to hear it is a good one, and I would recommend the board look at this as well. Going backwards is more tricky. I don’t know if there’s other similar people. I don’t think the board could make that decision tonight. I think you need more information. I also think the board needs to consider the bill to the frontage.”

After some discussion with Mayor McDougall and village board, Attorney Leader said he would do some research before the next village board meeting. “I’ll investigate this between now and the next meeting and to see if there is a resolution, because if there are 14 similar complaints, it is worth more investigation,” he said.

Luke Perrigo then asked: “What about the contractor that is doing the sidewalks? Has he provided you guys with insurance? Can we have a copy of that, seeing how he serviced that property and then if something comes back in the next three years of a slip and fall we have insurance for that day?” Deputy Mayor Newvine promised to have a copy of that insurance included with the Village’s response back to the Perrigo’s next Friday.

Gratitude was extended to the village board for listening as they presented their case. The next meeting of the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees is to be held on Tuesday, March 17, 6 p.m., in the municipal courtroom.

Kiwanis Trivia Night is tonight at Elks Lodge to benefit Wildcat Backpack Program

by Rachel Hunter

Back by request and popular demand, the Kiwanis Club of Gouverneur is holding another trivia event. Tonight, Friday, January 31, 7:30 p.m., at the Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035, 1419 U.S. Highway 11, Gouverneur. All proceeds will go toward the Gouverneur Kiwanis Wildcat Backpack Program. The cost is $10 per person, and teams can be up to six members. RSVP with your team to lashomb.stephanie@gcsk12.org.

Don't want to cook? Arrive early and enjoy Gouverneur Elk Richard Wainwright’s Famous Prime Rib Dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Also serving chicken tenders, fish fry. All meals are served with choice of potato, soup and salad.

All donations of non-perishable food and hygiene items for Gouverneur Kiwanis Wildcat Backpack Program will be collected at this event.

Town of Fowler questions county’s bridge priorities

by Rachel Hunter

The Town of Fowler Council at its January 7 regular town board meeting talked about the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators recent vote for the temporary replacement of the historic twin bridges on Jones Road that cross the west branch of the St. Regis River in Hopkinton.

Deterioration to the trusses of the historic structures (originally built in 1902) caused them to be flagged by the New York State Department of Transportation and were subsequently closed by the St. Lawrence County Department of Highways in September 2019.

At the December 2019 full board meeting, SLC Legislators voted to sign a contract with Delta Engineers, Architects, and Land Surveyors, DPC, and the state Historical Preservation Office will play a vital role in project approval with the engineering fee not to exceed $60,000.

Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that it was in 2016 that St. Lawrence County legislator agreed to “close indefinitely” the Emeryville Bridge, County Route 22, in the Town of Fowler, after it was red-flagged by the New York State Department of Transportation for structural deficiencies.

Town of Fowler Then-Supervisor Michael Cappellino and Town of Fowler Supervisor-Elect Rick Newvine arrived at the December full board meeting to ask the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators why the Hopkinton bridges had been prioritized over the Emeryville Bridge in the Town of Fowler.

The discussion commenced as follows: “We’re not opposed to having (Hopkinton) bridges replaced,” Supervisor Cappellino said. “We’re actually looking forward to the precedence, but one of the concerns is that we have been without a bridge for a number of years now and we have been taken by surprise here that a snowmobile bridge is going to be replaced, actually two bridges are going to be replaced, instead of one 40-foot bridge in the Town of Fowler.

“The vehicle count on the Emeryville Road that was done just recently is 193 cars. Those cars have been isolated from traveling to Tripp’s, several garage and repair shops in the Town of Fowler… (The Emeryville Bridge) has been closed about three years, and there haven’t been any grounds made to replace that bridge. That’s why we are here tonight. It just seems like a seasonal limited-use road is not really a priority. We were told Emeryville Bridge was not a priority, and now we are looking at a seasonal, limited-use bridge that is being prioritized before this bridge.

“Again, the county installed a temporary bridge in Emeryville in repairing another bridge, they put a temporary bridge on the bridge and then pulled in right out as soon as it was complete.

“I asked Don at one point if the County could leave that for snowmobile traffic, four-wheeler traffic, or light-duty cars, and we were told, “Absolutely not. That’s coming out of there.” Almost immediately.

“Again, I think the Town of Fowler at that time had offered to enter negotiations with the County to pony up for $50,000 toward replacement of the bridge. The estimated cost of the bridge was $100,000 to $125,000. For some reason, that was turned down. I am not sure if politics played a part in this. We all know the county sued the town a few years ago for ownership and the county ended up losing that suit. The state found in Supreme Court, that the county owned that bridge and I have questioned since then, is that why we’re not replacing this bridge?”

Legislative Chairman Joseph Lightfoot (R-Ogdensburg) immediately asked: “Are you asking me that question? “The answer is no. Just so we are loud and clear about that.”

Then-Supervisor Cappellino continued his address as follows: “Once again, I’m not opposed to this bridge being replaced, because it does help county residents,” Supervisor Capellino said. “I’m just asking for some fairness for the people in the Town of Fowler.”

It was at the Tuesday, January 7 meeting of the Town of Fowler Council that Town of Fowler Councilman Jeff Andrews asked St. Lawrence County District 5 Legislator Henry Leader (R-Gouverneur) about the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators voting to spend $135,000 to build the bridges. It has been reported that the St. Lawrence County Department of Highways’ Multi-Use Trail Project covered the cost of construction, and that the contract was awarded to J.E. Sheehan Contracting Corporation.

St. Lawrence County District 5 Legislator Henry Leader (R-Gouverneur) responded as follows: “I voted for us. Mike and Rick came, and I was ready to jump in because it didn’t look like they were going to get a platform to speak and they did speak. The reason I finally voted for the bridge was because of the argument that it was going to help the economy, tourism… I don’t know what businesses they say would be benefited. I don’t know. But I absolutely agree that if you are going to spend that much money for a temporary bridge, you’d have to remove the bridge. It could have been a lot better with Fowler for a lot cheaper. And Fowler is willing to be a partner with them. And honestly, I like (SLC Legislator Kevin Acres’) argument that it is a precedent, because it is a precedent… and if I am given the opportunity, I am still going to advocate for Fowler on that.”

Councilman Andrews said, “They spent the money basically on a snowmobile… and they won’t spend it for a year-round (bridge).”

“And they did it in a hurry,” said Town of Fowler Supervisor Rick Newvine.

“Mike said we don’t want to see anyone else harmed, and we want to see the county prosper, but it is not really fair based on how we were treated – and I absolutely agree with that,” Legislator Leader said.

Discussion continued for several moments before Legislator Leader then said the following: “I technically represent Gouverneur, but I am absolutely loyal to Fowler as well.

“I appreciate you doing that Henry, but I feel like, as far as I am concerned, we haven’t seen our legislator at one meeting,” Town of Fowler Councilman Lynn Bishop said, referring to SLC District 4 Legislator William Sheridan (R-Hammond).

Town of Fowler Supervisor Rick Newvine said, “I called today and left a message, but…”

Legislator Leader said, “In my experience, if it helps the County and it helps this part of the County, good. I don’t have any ego. I don’t want to make any enemies here necessarily, because we might get the chance and need the votes for us. I know everybody is worried about money, and that’s the whole sales tax thing that the state is pushing on the county. But honestly, the county should probably bear it more than the towns and the villages. Every penny counts when you try to put the local budget together… If anything, just think of it as having two representatives. I don’t mind being called for anything.”

“Okay, I appreciate it,” Councilman Andrews said to Legislator Leader as the discussion ended and the Town of Fowler Council continued with the business at hand.

The next meeting of the Town of Fowler Council is to be held on Tuesday, February 4, 7 p.m., Fowler Town Hall, 87 Little York Road, Fowler.

Ed. Note: As of press time this week, the replacement bridges on Jones Road in Hopkinton are now open for recreation use only.

Town of Gouverneur to install fire alarm system, Knox Box system at town barn

by Rachel Hunter

The Town of Gouverneur Council at its Jan. 14 meeting agreed to install a fire alarm system and Knox Box system at town barn and offices building, 1227, US Highway 11, Gouverneur.

Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. said the following: “(Town of Gouverneur Deputy Supervisor Eldon Conklin) and I met with our insurance representative two weeks ago, and one of the suggestions he stressed was a fire alarm system for our building. There’s been quite a few, well, I think four municipalities I think he said that have had total losses.”

Town of Gouverneur Highway Superintendent Ed Cardinell took the opportunity to inform Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. and the Town of Gouverneur Council who had not yet heard of the losses the Village of Theresa had suffered after its public works garage, village office went ablaze shortly before noon Tuesday. “That’s almost a brand new building,” Supervisor Spilman said.

The cause is still under investigation.

Supervisor Spilman reminded the Town of Gouverneur Council that the insurance representative suggested the move last year as well, and that the Town of Gouverneur received quotes, but never acted on it.

Supervisor Spilman said they had reached out to Alltech Integration Systems, Stat Communications, and NCC Systems Inc. who plan to give quotes to the Town of Gouverneur. “One has given us a quote already – it is coming in at about $11,200,” Supervisor Spilman said. “What we would like to do tonight is to get a motion to authorize us to purchase fire alarm system not to exceed $15,000 that way once we get the quotes in we won’t have to wait to get things going on it. Ed has been going through everything that has a battery attached to it in the shop; it is now getting a master disconnect switch put on it… I couldn’t imagine, especially since we have so many things under one roof, if we had a loss here…it would be catastrophic.”

The motion to authorize the purchase of the alarm system not to exceed $15,000 was made by Town of Gouverneur Councilman Curran Wade, and seconded by Town of Gouverneur Councilwoman Jaimee McQuade. All were in favor. The decision was unanimous,

The decision was also made during the meeting to install a Knox Box system at the building. Supervisor Spilman explained to the town board that it would allow the fire department “the opportunity to come to the building and punch a code in a box a have a code waiting for them and be able to access the building if nobody is around.”

“I think it is a good idea,” he said. (By) having a Knox Box on the building for (Chief Conklin) and the guys to get in… they don’t have to go out to the building, get a key. I know they have a key to the Community Center and at our meeting tomorrow I am going to bring up a suggestion that we purchase one of these Knox Boxes where the first responders come directly to the building to get in.”

In addition, Supervisor Spilman said the following: (Town of Gouverneur Deputy Supervisor Eldon Conklin) brought it up. At the Town Court, we never had a loss policy down there. We added $150,000 worth of value to the policy for an $160 per year. It’s pretty minimal, but just the cost it would take to recreate the files down there would astronomical.”

There was some discussion before the town board continued with the business at hand.

The next regular meeting of the Town of Gouverneur Council is to be held on Tuesday, February 11, 6 p.m. at the town offices building.

Lights on the River to benefit local food pantries

by Rachel Hunter

More than 100 boxes of non-perishable food items and close to $30,000 will be split between 16 food pantries in St. Lawrence Counties, as a result of Lisbon’s Lights on the River event.

The local food pantries set to benefit include the Gouverneur Neighborhood Center, Hammond Neighborhood Center, and the Richville Food Pantry.

There were about 70 displays from area businesses, organizations, etc. at the 10th annual event.

Walk With A Doc to be at Gouverneur Middle School on January 25

by Rachel Hunter

Walk With A Doc: Gouverneur will be held on Saturday, January 25, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Gouverneur Middle School, 25 Wilson Street, Gouverneur.

Did you know? Walk with a Doc was started in 2005 by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Columbus, Ohio. Frustrated with his inability to affect behavior change in the clinical setting, Dr. Sabgir invited his patients to go for a walk with him in a local park on a spring Saturday morning. To his surprise, over 100 people showed up, energized and ready to move.

Since that first event in 2005, Walk with a Doc has grown as a grassroots effort, with a model based on sustainability and simplicity. A doctor gives a brief presentation on a health topic and then leads participants on a walk at their own pace. Healthy snacks, coffee, and blood pressure checks are an optional part of a Walk with a Doc event. The Walk added an Executive Director in 2009 and focused on building a program that could easily be implemented by interested doctors in other cities around the country. As a result of these efforts, the reach of Walk with a Doc now extends all around the globe with over 500 chapters worldwide, including Walk with a Future Doc chapters led by medical students!

Walking was recently recognized by the Surgeon General of the United States of America as one of the single most important things we can do for our health. Will you join in making health and happiness accessible for all?

The next event Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur is to be held on Saturday, January 25, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Gouverneur Middle School, 25 Wilson Street, Gouverneur.

With an aim to make hope and health accessible to all, the Community Health Center of the North Country and St. Lawrence County Public Health are sponsoring this free, fun walk. All those interested in attending are invited to join a variety of St. Lawrence County healthcare providers and discover a new, safe place to walk, learn about health, and meet new friends.

This is event is open to all, and is for all abilities. The Gouverneur Middle School is accessible for all walkers, strollers and wheelchairs. There is no registration required, and all are welcome to attend.

Don’t let the winter weather keep you from getting in some steps. Mark your calendar today for the Walk With A Doc: Gouverneur on Saturday, January 25 at Gouverneur Middle School for a warm and dry event inside the school building.

Town of Gouverneur posts speed limit signs on Little Bow, Van Buren roads

By Rachel Hunter

Town of Gouverneur Highway Department workers on Tuesday, December 10 put 55 MPH speed limit signs on the Little Bow Road and Van Buren Road in hopes to curb speeding on town roads.

“We’ve had complaints from taxpayers about the speed at which cars are traveling down those roads,” Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. said during the Dec. 10 town board meeting.

“I contacted (SLC Superintendent of Highways Donald Chambers) about the process of lowering the speed limit, and this is the first step. We actually have to post them at 55 MPH. That was the speed limit already. But now we put signs up, and the next thing is to do a study on it and that could take up to 18 months to get any action there. But this was a first step…

“The hard part is getting action from the state. We call the county and they do what they have to do. That’s a pretty simple process. That about a couple weeks. And then, if they deem it is feasible or necessary, they pass it along to the state and then the state takes it into consideration.

“Mr. Chambers told me that he has had a county road that has been waiting 18 months for a determination on it. If anybody has a question on why we posted the speed limit, just call me. That’s the easiest way. It’s a process, and this is just the first step.

“It all came from a lady down on the Little Bow Road who had this kid in this big truck just keep tearing by her house. Finally, she stood in the middle of the road. He stopped, and she asked, “Why are you going so fast down through here?” He said, “I can go as fast as I want, there is no speed limit.” Well, yes there is. It is 55 MPH but there is no sign to tell him it is 55 MPH. Now, there is.”

The next meeting of the Town of Gouverneur Council is to be held on Tuesday, January 14, 6 p.m., in the town offices building.

Local Veterans Day Observance to be held Monday

by Rachel Hunter

The local Veterans Day observance will be held this Monday, November 11, 11 a.m., at the Memorial Arch, in the Gouverneur Village Park. The Gouverneur community is invited to join in paying tribute to the military veterans of this great country. A luncheon will follow at the James Maloy American Legion Post No. 65 at about noon.

Second Annual Gouverneur Trunk or Treat to be held Oct. 25

by Rachel Hunter

The Second Annual Gouverneur Trunk or Treat, sponsored by the Community Health Center of the North Country and Seaway Valley Prevention Council, in partnership with the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association and Gouverneur Central School District, will be held on Friday, October 25, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds.

Motorists are asked to park in the Gouverneur Central lot on E. Barney St. Costumed children will then make their way through the fairgrounds entrance between the parking lot and the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair office. They will then walk down the Gouverneur Fair Midway, stopping at each vehicle with decorated trunks and receive their treats.

This is a free community event, and all are invited to attend.

Seaway Valley Prevention Council and the Community Health Center of the North Country hope that the Gouverneur Trunk or Treat will be a fun, family-friendly way to get the word out about what services are available for people dealing with substance use issues.

The idea originated with the Seaway Valley Prevention Council who in partnership with the Massena Drug-Free Community Coalition held a successful Trunk or Treat at Massena High School in 2017, drawing in hundreds of costumed children. Piggybacking on this rousing success while seeking a fun, engaging way to spread the word in the local community about the services available to those with substance use issues, SVPC and CHCNC thought the best way would be to bring a Trunk or Treat event to Gouverneur in 2018. The inaugural event was a rousing success with hundreds of costumed youth participating.

Recalling the fun, Gouverneur-area families are already anticipating this year's event. The Second Annual Gouverneur Trunk or Treat has been announced at the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees meetings and the Town of Gouverneur Council meetings the past couple months. Town of Gouverneur Supervisor David Spilman, Jr. said he gave out over 1,500 pieces of candy last year, and is hoping to distribute double that number this year. All are encouraged to check out all of the decorated trunks while at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds.

The Second Annual Gouverneur Trunk or Treat is still looking for individuals, community organizations, and businesses to decorate a trunk and hand out treats on Friday, October 25. Organizers also encourage wellness-focused agencies to join, distributing healthy alternatives to candy and other items of interest to the costume youngsters in attendance. As of press time on Tuesday, there were 41 trunks registered. For more info or to register a trunk, call Ray Babowicz of the Community Health Center of the North Country at 315-386-1156 ext. 8311, or call SVPC at (315) 713-4861 or email jbrock@svpc.net.

The Second Annual Gouverneur Trunk or Treat will be handicap accessible, allowing it to be a safe, secure alternative to trick or treating in the local community for people of all abilities. Make plans to join the free, family-friendly fun on October 25, 5:30 to 7:30 at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds.

Town of Gouverneur keeps tax rate hike under tax cap

by Rachel Hunter

Town of Gouverneur taxpayers will see a slight increase in the tax rate in 2020, according to the tentative town budget. The tax rate will be $3.80 per $1,000 assessed value for property owners in the Town of Gouverneur and $3.10 per $1,000 assessed value for property owners in the Village of Gouverneur. Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. said that this increase is under the two percent tax cap.

The following tentative budget was released at the Oct. 8 town board meeting.

The $2,216,616 budget calls for $715,079 to be raised by tax. This includes $441,964 (general fund), $212,345 (town highway fund), and $60,770.

The following preliminary 2020 Town of Gouverneur salary schedule was released as well: Supervisor ($10,506), Deputy Supervisor ($550), Bookkeeper ($25,300), Town Councilmen ($13,028 total/$3,257 per councilman), Town Clerk ($32,000), Deputy Town Clerk ($11,700/975 hours at $12 per hour), Town Justices ($40,126 total/$20,063 per town justice), Court Clerk(2) ($58,240/$29,120/ 40-hour week at $14 per hour), Assessor ($15,000), Data Clerk ($4,000), Attorney ($5,000), Cleaning Service ($3,120), Highway Superintendent ($55,725), Historian ($500), Highway Employees ($21.69 per hour), Code Enforcement ($12,190), Code Enforcement – Shared Services ($12,000), Planning/Zoning Secretary ($600), Clerical – Board of Review ($600), Board of Review (5) ($50 per meeting attended), and Dog Control ($9,850 ($5,000 DCO/$4,850 Pound).

The Town of Gouverneur also held a public hearing on Local Law No. 2 of 2019, allowing for an override of the tax cap. The local law was later adopted by the town board during regular session.

The public hearing for the 2020 budget will be held on Thursday, November 7, 6 p.m., in the town offices building.

GCSD Board of Education addresses recent incidents on district school buses

by Jessyca Cardinell

Within a span of a week, there have been two reported incidences of violence among students on Gouverneur Central School buses.

As reported in last week’s edition of the Gouverneur Tribune Press, two Gouverneur Middle School students – white girls, ages 10 and 11, have been charged after allegedly assaulting a 10-year-old black schoolmate inside a Gouverneur Central School bus.

On Tuesday, September 10, the Village of Gouverneur Police Department received a complaint from a concerned parent who reported that her 10-year-old daughter had been physically assaulted and at the same time, subjected to racially motivated language on the school bus. During the physical assault, the victim suffered a blackened right eye caused by being punched in the eye, the loss of hair after getting her hair pulled, and a bruise to her right knee after falling backward into the school bus seat as a result of the victim’s hair being pulled.

The Gouverneur Police Department also identified an adult, Tiffany N. Spicer, 28, of 183 River Rd., Edwards, who is employed by First Student as a bus monitor, and in part, responsible for the safety of the students who ride the bus in which Spicer is assigned, who was witness to the assault carried out upon the victim, but did not make an effort to stop and/or prevent said behavior. Spicer was charged with three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child on September 23, 2019 and released in appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Gouverneur Court at a later date.

The juveniles have been charged each with one count of Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree. The 11-year-old juvenile has also been charged with and additional count of Assault in the Third Degree- Hate Crime. The juveniles and their parents have been referred to St. Lawrence County Probation for further action.

Upon hearing of this incident, Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sept. 25 directed the State Division of Human Rights to investigate the alleged hate crime.

"I am appalled by the reports of the horrendous, 20-minute racist assault on a 10-year-old African American girl in the town of Gouverneur,” the statement reads. “That this was allegedly perpetrated by her own classmates, on a school bus with an adult monitor present, makes this incident even more shocking and troubling. When we put our children on the bus to school, we are entrusting others with our most precious resource and this was an egregious and inexcusable violation of that trust.

"In the face of the recent rise in hate crimes and discriminatory acts, this summer I signed legislation that expanded the authority of the New York State Division of Human Rights to investigate incidents of discrimination in public schools, including on school buses. I am directing DHR to open an investigation into this heinous act immediately, and, if applicable, to take legal action to the fullest extent of the law against the perpetrators. I am also directing the State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to provide local authorities with any resources needed to assist in their investigation.

"In New York, violence of any kind towards others based on their race or religion is not only offensive and repugnant to our values, it is illegal. We will never allow hate to win - we will defeat it and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to help ensure all our children are safe from hate."

A few days later, on Sept. 27, WWNY-TV received a report from Southwest Career and Technical Education Center Principal Lori Sheffield that New York State police were investigating an incident on a Gouverneur Central School District bus which involved two scholars being shocked by an electric shock device. The incident allegedly occurred on Sept. 26 during the 11:30 a.m. bus run from Gouverneur High School to the BOCES center in Fowler. It was reported that one student had an electronic shock device and that two students willingly participated in being shocked by the device. Sheffield told WWNY-TV that all students involved were dealt with according to the school’s discipline code, as the devices are not allowed on school property.

These incidents on Gouverneur Central School buses have raised many concerns in the community, and the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education made a public statement at their regular meeting held Monday, September 30.

GCSD Board of Education President David Fenlong began the meeting addressing these concerns as follows: “The recent incidences have come as a shock to the community. I too have boys in this school district. As a parent and school board member, I’m left feeling a number of emotions just like yourselves.

“Neither hate nor violence has any place around us, not in our district, not in our school and not in our community. It is true, Gouverneur was written on the side of those buses, but what happened on those buses was not Gouverneur. It never has been and never will be. Hateful acts are dangerous and disturbing and are very disruptive, so keep this in mind, this incident does not define our school. It will test our culture and our climate but our response will be our true measure of our character. We take all instances like this in this nature very seriously, as well as the safety of every scholar and every staff is our first concern.

“We also take very seriously both student misconduct and privacy. We are following all legal guidelines to do this correctly. It is a complicated balance and our administration does a fantastic job of balancing both needs. Our children including my own get on those buses every single day and we trust they will get to school and home safely. We realize this trust is in question, we are very sorry for what happened.

“We will do everything we can to restore your faith and our ability. We have standards and a policy and a commitment to our scholars, families and communities we serve. Our expectations are firm, high and are very clear. One of the reasons we exist is to intervene in those situations where people cannot defend themselves and need help from someone who can make a difference. We will take every opportunity to remind ourselves who we are, why we are here and what it means to be a Wildcat,” said Mr. Fenlong as to what the school district is doing to handle the situations and the expectations that are in place.

“As the Board President I am committed to the belief that our district is recognized, not only for celebrating diversity of all kinds but for encouraging and welcoming it. We will continue to strive for this standard because accepting anything less than 100% in this area will be deemed unacceptable. Our hope is to collectively wrap our arms around these incidences and issues to stop them from ever happening again,” said Mr. Fenlong.

Mr. Fenlong stated that a strong partnership between administration, staff, families and community members is important in these instances from happening, as one person alone cannot handle its enormous impact.

“I do regret having to make this statement and I want to emphasize the actions from a small group should not damage the reputation we’ve all worked so hard to build. The landscape for events like this to happen is busying. Stay vigilant, watch for signs, words, phrases, behaviors and actions. If you see something, please say something,” said Mr. Fenlong on how to take action on such matters.

“We believe in our scholars, we believe in their limitless potential, we believe in their hopes, dreams and aspirations. We are committed doing everything we can to make them a reality for every single one that wants to graduate as a Gouverneur Wildcat. We stand for equity and excellence for a greater path opportunity and limitless power of public education. We applaud the reason our employees come to work every single morning. We believe in the potential of all scholars. As a district and community, we will continue to pursue conversations about what we can do to seek better understanding, compassion and sensitivity for each other. We look forward to ongoing conversations and action, as we continue to use these conversations as another opportunity to learn and create a culture of unwavering inclusion because that is the right path moving forward. We will push ourselves and the result will be worth it. Thank you,” said Mr. Fenlong in conclusion.

Mr. Fenlong went on to open up the first public comment period of the board meeting.

Cheryl Hay, a community member, stood before the school board with a thought-provoking question.

“My understanding was that there was a young man who was on the school bus that aided in helping the young girl get off the bus without any further punishment or whatever you would like to call it. I wondered if this young man was going to be recognized for that?” asked Mrs. Hay, who stated that upon reading that she felt compelled it showed there are a lot of good kids out there. She expressed how impressed she was with this young man’s actions.

Superintendent of School Lauren French was able to answer Mrs. Hay’s concern.

“Mrs. Hay, he has been recognized privately by several different individuals. I do not know if the parent wanted it to be public or not,” Mrs. French said. “But he has been recognized privately.”

There were no other comments made concerning the incident. There is a video also available of President Fenlong’s statement created on www.wevideo.com for anyone interested in viewing. It was shared on the GCSD Wildcats Facebook page. As of press time on Tuesday, the video had already received over 1,500 views.