Parent of Autistic Child Appeals to Town Board For Help
By John T. Ryan
The plight of a parent seeking help with the care of his autistic child was the most memorable news at the Peru Town Board’s March 10, 2014 meeting. Steve Vanvalkenburg told the Board, “I’m a sad father. My ten-year old autistic son Ethan requires professional one on one care. He has been kicked out of several daycare facilities and other daycare facilities are unwilling to take children with disabilities.” Vanvalkenburg said his child requires one on one care and he has run out of options. Both Vanvalkenburg and his wife are employed – he is a janitor and his wife works at Wal-Mart; therefore, childcare is especially needed during the summer months. He asked, “Why does the community care for people who are older and not for children?”
Board members responded offering the names of resources and mentioning people who are especially concerned with autistic issues. Supervisor Glushko said he would follow-up and get back to Vanvalkenburg and Counselor Jim Douglass asked Vanvalkenburg to keep the Board informed. Counselor Donald McBrayer said he would speak to Assemblywoman Janet Duprey who is widely known to be concerned about issues facing autistic children and their parents.
The Town will apply for a $25,000 grant to develop a plan for a Main Street improvement project. Main Street enhancement was a goal mentioned in the Town’s new comprehensive plan. Improvements could include planting trees, sidewalk repair, installing bike lanes and more. Resident input will be sought.
Peter Gibbs, the Town of Peru’s contract engineer, discussed his plans for the town hall entrance stairs. Counselor Kregg Bruno’s contracting background was evident as he asked several questions. The Board approved Gibbs’ concept after making several suggestions. The Board has limited the project’s cost to $60,000. Entrance Stair Plan presented to Board
The Board offered several comments and suggestions
Planning for the Walking Trail construction progressed. Bids have been advertised and will be opened on Wednesday, March 19th at 11AM. Eighteen individuals/contractors have picked up project details from Town Clerk Kathy Flynn.
In other actions/news:
The Board discussed how to pay for the upcoming Fuller Road culvert repair project and Hurricane Irene related road/drainage repairs and improvement. The Fuller Street culvert replacement and road repair will cost $301,225 and the Town will have to pay $330,336 for road and drainage repairs that FEMA did not finance. Supervisor Glushko will research funding options for the next Board meeting.
The $160,000 in needed repairs to the Highway Department garage roof will be funded through the Town’s general budget. Bond anticipation notes or municipal bonds were mentioned as possible means of paying for the work.
Board members agreed to develop a formal Town of Peru Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) policy.
The Board held a 15-minute Executive Meeting to discuss litigation issues and employment history.
Posted: March 13th, 2014 under General News, Peru/Regional History, Town Board News.
Comment from scott sayward
Time March 18, 2014 at 11:23 am
Why wouldn’t the family approach the ARC or the OPWDD for traditional services and supports rather than going to legilstators and the Town Board? It also seems that no on the Board one advised them to do so which is strange………