The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan (Story Updated 12/26/13  to include Kenneth Jahn Obituary) 

The Peru Town meeting of Monday, December 23^rd began with a sad note when Supervisor Peter Glushko stated that the Town Hall had received a call on the passing of Kenneth Jahn who served as Peru Town Supervisor from 1996 to 2005. Ken and wife Marlene have been residing in Fort Pierce, Florida. (Click here for Ken Jahn obituary). (Click here to see a photo of a honor bestowed on Ken Jahn by the Peru Town Board)

Supervisor Peter Glushko informed the board that the town has been awarded a total of $288,000 in New York State grants. A $200,000 and a $58,000 grant are dedicated to the Heyworth/Mason Park – Sullivan Park Walking Trail. A $30,000 grant will finance engineering related to improving/expanding the Town’s sewer plant operations.  Construction of the Walking Trail will begin in 2014.

The board passed the Town of Peru’s revised Zoning Law. The Clinton County Planning Board recently approved the law. It will not take affect until approved by the New York State Secretary of State.

Deputy Town Supervisor Brandy McDonald informed the board that he would not be able to attend several meetings. McDonald is having back surgery in early January and must limit his physical activity for 60 to 90 days.

The board plans to vote on the purchase of a security system for the Little Ausable River Park and the Heyworth/Mason Park at its December 31^st meeting. Six cameras and associated equipment will be installed at a cost of under $3,000.  Vandals have damaged signs, equipment and structures at the both parks.

The board will be pursuing grants to repair the roof and general condition of the Lyons Street School. Roof replacement has been estimated to cost at over $8,000, not including labor. Counselor Kregg Bruno was outspoken in opposing any substantial town expenditures on the schoolhouse. Town Historian Ron Allen has indicated that he would be willing to dedicate part of his budget to the schoolhouse. Bruno said he did not want to see that happen. Supervisor Glushko said he would talk to Ron Allen and Adele Douglas about the possibility of applying for grants. He noted that the school has been included on the National Historic Register.

Deputy Supervisor Brandy McDonald reported that earlier in the day a Water-Sewer Department vehicle was involved in a collision the vicinity of Hammond Lane and Route 3 in the Town of Plattsburgh.  The accident happened when the town’s Jeep apparently had to hit the ditch in order to avoid a collision with an out of control vehicle.  The town vehicle sustained bumper damage.

Town Clerk Kathy Flynn reported that a UPS delivered package was recently stolen from the front steps of a McIntosh Street resident. She also reported seeing two individuals walking by her house at about 2:30 AM. Brandy McDonald said that Flynn is not the only person who has seen two young men walking the streets at that hour of the night.

Councilmen and Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell thanked outgoing Town Councilperson Susan Polhemus for her service to the people of Peru.  They specifically mentioned her budget and audit expertise. Supervisor Glushko thanked Polhemus for helping get the town’s accounting system on track. Polhemus thanked everyone and said she would be willing to serve as budget officer in 2014 if needed.

The board will hold its last meeting of the year on December 31^st at 8 AM. Counselors will make required fund transfers and plan to vote on acquisition of a park security system.

The 2014 Town Board Organization Meeting will be held on Monday, January 13, 2014 at 6:30 PM. Department liaisons, the budget officer, website operator and similar appointments will be made at that meeting.