The Peru Gazette

The Adirondack Humane Society is Peru’s new Dog Shelter provider. The Peru Town Board voted unanimously to enter into a contract with the Adirondack Humane Society at its February 10, 2014 meeting.  The Elmore SPCA previously these services for many years, but the Town proposed significant contract changes and the two parties could not reach an agreement. The Adirondack Humane Society agreed to the proposed town contract.  Kelly Allen will remain as Dog Control Officer. The Adirondack Humane Society is located at 134 Idaho Avenue in Plattsburgh.

Town Supervisor Peter Glushko said Elmore SPCA officials did not feel confortable with the liability portion of the contract. SPCA Board President Laurie Parsons agreed with Glushko’s statement and told The Peru Gazette that the Elmore SPCA will still be present to serve Peru and North County residents.  If an individual wants to surrender a dog or cat they are welcome. The Elmore SPCA will continue to provide shelter services for the City of Plattsburgh and four other towns. ELMORE SPCA 2013 CONTRACT    2014 Contract Agreed to by the Adirondack HS

Mailboxes were on the Board’s agenda. Supervisor Glushko said he has received a few phone calls from residents who stated that Highway Department plows damaged or destroyed their mailboxes. Glushko explained, “The Town can’t be responsible for mailboxes that aren’t installed properly. I’ve looked at every damaged box. It was evident they were not installed according to Postal Service guidelines.”  Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said the damaged mailboxes were either installed at less than the recommended height or they had a 45-degree support arm. Farrell said plow operators try their best to avoid striking mailboxes, but when a plow meets an oncoming vehicle in the vicinity of an improperly installed mailbox, it’s very possible that the plow’s wing will strike the mailbox. Supervisor Glushko stated that the Town would reimburse a mailbox owner if it were evident that the plow operator was at fault.

Responding to a petition asking for improved sidewalk maintenance which was presented at the Board’s January 27^th meeting, Town Attorney Donald Biggs stated that when the Town Board decided to plow hamlet sidewalks “it created a special relationship” meaning the Town could be liable in certain situations.  This winter’s harsh weather and icy conditions have resulted in unusual problems. All the Board members stated that they did not want to stop plowing sidewalks. Water-Sewer Department Superintendent Greg Timmons said the town does have a sander.

The Board scheduled a February 24, 2014 Public Hearing (6:30 PM) related to formalizing best value procurement.  When bids are solicited for a good or service NYS law permits a town to select a bid, other than the low bid, if that bid provides better value to the town. Supervisor Glushko gave an example of an Illinois company submitting the low bid, but a local company being in a better position to provide faster, better service and maintenance.

Clinton County 2013 sales collections exceeded expectations; therefore the Town of Peru will be receiving $104,700. It will be applied to the general fund balance.

The Peru Youth Commission received a donation of $285 from the Jim Reid family.  Reid, an avid Youth Commission volunteer, passed away on November 7, 2013. His family requested that donations in his memory be made to the Peru Youth Commission.

Town Clerk Kathy Flynn reported that 2014 tax collections went more smoothly than in any year in her experience. Over $2.5 million has been collected.

The Board approved two contracts: An accounting services contract with the firm of Conroy, Boulrice, Telling and Trombley at an hourly rate of $95 an hour and a consulting contract with Tedford Consulting at a rate of $65 an hour. Supervisor Glushko said Liz Tedford has been responsible for  the receipt of several grants for Water and Sewer Department projects.

The Board discussed responding to a 2012 State Audit recommendation that the Town project its future cost of employee retirement benefits. Projecting future costs will probably require an actuarial study.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that his Department used 5,900 yards of sand in four months: 52 loads in November, 178 loads in December, 85 loads in January and 78 loads in February.  As of January 1, 2014, the Town had used more sand than in it did in all the previous winter.