Covel legal representation denied, outdoor wood boiler law passed and School Street to get sidewalk
Posted September 24, 2008 and updated September 25, 2008
By John T Ryan
The Peru Town Board took the following significant actions or received the following significant reports at its September 22nd meeting.
1. Denied Supervisor Donald Covel’s request that the Town of Peru provide for his legal defense in connection with his recent Clinton County Grand Jury indictment on three counts of official misconduct and one count of second-degree obstructing governmental administration, all misdemeanors. Covel requested the defense citing New York Public Officers Law Section 18. Town Attorney Donald Biggs said that Public Officer’s Law Section 18 provides for employee legal defense in civil matters but not in criminal prosecutions. Covel has been charged with a criminal offense. Biggs said it was his opinion that the Board would be opening itself up to litigation if it approved Covel’s request. The Board voted 4-0 to deny the request. Covel abstained from voting.
2. Passed the proposed Outdoor Wood Boiler (OWB) Law after making approximately six minor changes since the September 8th public hearing. As previously reported the law will prohibit all outdoor wood boilers in the Peru hamlet and place restrictions on boilers outside the hamlet. All boilers require a building permit. Peru Gazette.com will report in more detail on the new law in the days to come. Counselors Forrence, Glushko and Powers voted “yes.” Counselor McDonald voted “no” and Supervisor Covel abstained from voting.
3. Town grant writer Adele Douglas reported that the town has received a grant totaling $84,500 through the federal “Safe Routes to School” program. The grant will provide 100% funding for a sidewalk on School Street. Douglas said town officials would be meeting with N.Y.S. Department of Transportation officials to learn more details. A decision will have to be made regarding as to which side of School Street the sidewalk will be constructed. Douglas said she hopes that the sidewalk can be completed by September 2009. Supervisor Covel complimented Douglas and Councilman Tom Powers for their work on the project and asked Councilman Glushko to work with Douglas and Powers as the project progresses.
4. Property owner Gary Bertrand approached the board regarding the purchase of town property adjacent to his 2968 Main Street commercial property where Shear Creations is located. Bertrand needs the additional parking to comply with the Peru Planning Board’s site plan review recommendations.
5. Approved a resolution to apply for a 100% signage-funding grant for the Heyworth/Mason Park as part of the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial program.
6. Code Enforcement Officer Paul Blaine reported that Eric Blaise has been recommended for appointment to the Planning Board to complete the term of Ed Briggs. The Board voted to approve this recommendation.
7. Councilman Powers reported that the inmate crew would be cutting brush at the town reservoir during the week of September 29th.
8. Approved bill payments in the amount of $225,460.94
The Board conducted an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters and litigation.
Posted: September 24th, 2008 under Town Board News.