The Peru Gazette

File photo

By John T. Ryan

People attending the Town Board’s July 9, 2012 meeting learned that a road ownership dispute with the Kevin, Mike and Henry Dashnaw has cost the Town of Peru in excess of $35,000 in legal expenses and further expenses are expected. The Dashnaws believe that Fairway Drive was part of the Brand Hollow Road prior to the construction of the Adirondack Northway and hence it is a town road. The Town Board disagrees and contends that the road was never accepted as a town road. A judge recently agreed with the board’s conclusion.

Fairway Drive connects the Dashnaw’s Adirondack Golf and Country Club to the Rock Road.  The Dashnaws were also denied a building permit for a structure to be located on Fairway Drive. A legal challenge is possible. Supervisor Glushko said he hopes that insurance will help the town recover some of its legal expenses.

No action was taken on a citizen proposal to enact a hydrofracking moratorium. Supervisor Glushko said his research has indicated that the Town of Peru does not contain the shale required for fracking. He isn’t opposed to taking a general position on hydrofracking, but he is opposed to enacting what he called a needless moratorium.  A moratorium would require a public hearing and incurring certain expenses.

The board will hold a 7 PM, July 19^th meeting with farmers who are concerned about proposed changes to the zoning ordinance. The changes would limit their ability to redevelop property to uses other than agriculture.

There was a bit of good news. Supervisor Glushko reported that the town has received a $5,289.20 check from its workman’s compensation insurance carrier. The town’s excellent safety record earned the dividend check.

In other actions/discussions:

• Supervisor Glushko said that the Heyworth-Mason Park is being used. People are walking around and enjoying it. A grand opening will be scheduled after a little more work has been competed.
• A brief executive session was called regarding possible legal action involving property being developed on Chamberlain Drive. The board tabled discussion of the issue.
• A motion asking the NYS Department of Transportation to investigate posting a speed limit on Cayea Road was passed.
• Town Historian Ron Allen reported that the town’s history display at the Clinton County Government Center is a preview of an upcoming display at the Clinton County Historical Museum. He credited Julie Dowd, a Historical Association board member, with setting up the Government Center display.
• Water/Sewer Superintendent Greg Timmons reported that bids on the water quality improvement project will be advertised on Sunday, July 19^th. A bidder walk-through will be held during the week of July 23^rd.
• Signs designating park and playground rules for the Little Ausable River Park will be installed. A workshop to develop the rules will be scheduled.
• Kathy Flynn reported that 40 to 50 children are enrolled in the summer tennis camp and 60 have enrolled in the soccer camp. Arts and crafts begin next week.
• The town’s health insurance carrier has stated that the town could save money if it directly pays for small insurance claims instead of routing them through the insurance company. An insurance company representative would like to explain the issue to the board.