The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Dog Control was the primary subject at the Monday, January 27, 2014 Peru Town Board meeting. The Board passed a revised Dog Control Law. Town Attorney Donald Biggs said the new law incorporates changes in New York State’s Agricultural and Markets regulations and a few other minor items into Local Law #1 of 2014. Click Here to the 2014 Dog Control Law

The Town of Peru contracts annually at a cost of $6,474 with the Elmore SPCA to maintain a shelter for dogs seized within the Town by the Dog Control Officer (DCO).  The Board voted to approve a 2014 contract at its January 13^th Organization Meeting.  However, at Monday’s meeting SPCA Board Secretary Carol Solari-Ruscoe read a letter from Board President Laurie Parsons stating that the Town had not provided the SPCA with prior notice regarding several changes in the 2014 contract between the parties. Parsons asked for a meeting with the Town Board. Town Attorney Donald Biggs responded saying that he had drawn up a new contract based on contracts being used by other communities and had tailored the new contract to the Town’s past experience with the SPCA. Following more than 20 minutes of discussion, the Board scheduled a workshop for February 4th at 6:30 PM. SPCA representatives and the general public are invited to attend that workshop. ELMORE SPCA 2013 CONTRACT. The 2013 contract remains in effect until a new contract can be negotiated.

Freezing rain and extreme cold have resulted in hazardous sidewalk conditions throughout the North Country. The Board received a petition from several people requesting that the Town improve sidewalk maintenance. Town Supervisor Glushko explained that the Town of Peru plows sidewalks as a courtesy to its residents. New York State law requires that property owners, not town or city governments, maintain sidewalks and driveways. Glushko said that Town staff had made a special effort during the past several weeks, but the thickness of the ice made removal almost impossible. Town Attorney Donald Biggs said he would research a Town’s responsibility once it undertakes a courtesy plowing program. It would be extremely expensive for the Town of Peru to salt, sand and remove ice from its sidewalks.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell will initiate the bid process for a 2015 tandem axle dump truck (frame and chassis). Farrell hopes to open bids on February 24th at 10AM and have the Board select the winning bidder at its February 24th evening meeting. In November, the Board authorized purchase of a $71,000 plow package for the new truck.

The Board declined Donald Green’s offer to grant an easement to the Town for a park near the entrance to Quaker Highlands. Supervisor Peter Glushko expressed the view that the Town has enough parks. The Board members expressed similar sentiments and voted unanimously to decline Green’s offer.

Richard Williams and Benjamin Wright were reappointed as as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Planning Board and Robin Bashaw and James Falvo were reappointed as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Zoning Board.

Water Superintendent Greg Timmons reported the that Clinton County Health Department recently tested town water and that the results were good. The Town has until December 31, 2014 to bring its water system into total compliance.  Water test results are computed on a twelve-month average, therefore, it will take several months to bring the town’s system into compliance.

In other actions/news:

• The Town’s sub-division regulations will have to be rewritten. They were not included in the new Town Zoning Law.
• Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that as of two weeks ago his Department has used more sand and salt than it used in all of last winter. Supervisor Glushko noted the recent highway drifting saying that expansion of cultivated fields and the associated tree removal may be partially responsible for the drifting. Snow fences would help, but at least one large farmer would not agree to have snow fences erected on his property.
• Highway Department employees Chad Frechette and Tom Rock came to the aid of a lady who had fallen on the ice on Elm Street. Supervisor Glushko commended the men for their efforts.
• Counselor James Douglass reported that Mrs. Ken Edwards complimented the Highway Department for the excellent road conditions during this difficult winter season.
• During the next several days the counselors will be performing required internal audits of each town office.
• The Board will be updating the Town’s procurement policy to comply with changes in state and federal laws and regulations.