The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Longtime Dog Control Officer Kelly Allen has submitted her resignation to the Town of Peru. Town Supervisor Peter Glushko informed the counselors of the resignation at the Town Board’s May 28^6h meeting. Glushko commented, “Kelly has done a great job over the past 16 years, but she is retiring as of June 1st. She’s no longer able to handle the large dogs. We’ll need to find a new DCO.” Allen’s emailed resignation was accepted contingent on receipt of a signed email/letter.

The Main Street Planning Committee held its first meeting in May. Councilman Donald McBrayer told the Board that Adele Douglas was chosen as committee chair. The committee will utilize a 30,000 New York State grant to plan Main St.-Bear Swamp Rd. area improvements. The committee will hire a consultant and request business and resident opinions. Supervisor Glushko advised McBrayer to be sure to inform people that any recommended improvements will probably have to wait until the distant future because the Town is incurring long-term debt to finance the Walking Trail, Highway Garage roof, Fuller Road bridge repairs and Hurricane Irene related flood damage repairs.

The Board received a letter from Peru Central tennis coach Jim Neyenhouse thanking the town for cleaning up and outfitting the Jenkins Street tennis courts. Water and Sewer Department personnel performed the work.

Greg Timmons reported that electric power would extended to the Heyworth/Mason Park stone building within a few days. The electricity will power the recently purchased surveillance equipment.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell told the Board that he has hired Fuller Excavating to perform emergency repairs along the Reservoir Rd. Farrell said, “That area got pounded by the recent 3” rains.”

The long-discussed playground apparatus for Laphams Mills Park has been installed on the park’s western edge not far from Route 22. 

Last August the New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal (NYMIR) organization conducted a review of the Town’s safety compliance. Inspectors recommended corrections/upgrades and most have been implemented. A few problems must still be acted on including deficiencies on the steel bridge crossing the Little Ausable River to Heyworth/Mason Park. Railings must be installed on a few playground bleachers. If the problems are not fixed, the Town’s liability insurance rates could rise.

The Town of Plattsburgh would like to transfer certain sections of the Nelson and Arnold Roads to the Town of Peru. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said the transfer makes sense because the Town of Peru plows and maintains the major part of the roads. Town Attorney Donald Biggs will research the legal and taxable property issues.