The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

A location for Peru Town Court is on the Town Board’s Agenda again after Councilman Kregg Bruno raised the issue at the Monday, May 27, 2015 Town Board Meeting. Bruno said, “Before I left (Bruno was excused from all meetings beginning December 31st through April 27^th) we talked about moving the judges’ chambers and I wonder where we stand on that? I know there were sixty people in this room the other day for court. There are twenty here tonight and we’re packed… We said we would look at it again after the holidays.”

In late 2014, the Board discussed moving town court to the Town Hall’s lower level and relocating the Town Historian’s office to the judges’ chambers on the main floor. Overcrowding was not the primary issue in previous discussions; holding court in the midst of the Town Hall’s main room while it was open for public business was the primary concern. After reviewing renovation costs and after learning that Town Historian Ron Allen did not believe that the judges’ chambers would meet his needs, the Board decided against making any changes. At the Board’s December 22^nd meeting Mr. Bruno stated, “The taxpayers I’ve spoken to are not happy over having to spend money on this.” At a December 31, 2014 meeting the Board decided to close the Town Hall for public business at 1 p.m. on the Tuesdays when court is in session.

Monday night Bruno strongly advocated moving Town Court downstairs and maintained that the current judges’ chambers would be a larger and more visible location for the Town Historian. Judge James Kirby, who favors relocating court to the lower level, suggested that volunteers would probably be willing to move the historical records and artifacts upstairs. Mr. Allen would not have to do the hard lifting. Counselor Bruno said Allen might like being upstairs after he moves into the new office and sees increased interest in his historical materials. He remarked, “It will be easier access for him and people will actually be able to see his stuff.” Counselor Bruno said he would talk to Ron Allen. He emphasized that the relocation decision is up to the Town Board.

Greg Timmon’s department has received another award. The New York State Rural Water Association awarded the Peru Water and Sewer Department its Waste Water System of the Year Award. Supervisor Peter Glushko, Councilman Donald McBrayer, Water Superintendent Greg Timmons and operators recently attended a two-day training and awards meeting at the Turning Stone Convention facility. Counselor Don McBrayer said, “Greg Timmons is known as the godfather of water.” He is respected by the other towns and vendors. Peter Glushko remarked, “Everyone told us how lucky we are to have Greg.”

Town Clerk Kathy Flynn said she is pursuing the Neighborhood Watch program in her McIntosh Street neighborhood following a few sightings of unknown individuals in backyards and knocks on an elderly  neighbor’s door by an individual asking to use the bathroom. She spoke with Sheriff David Favro who said grant funding might be available to help finance the program that would include increased patrols, signs and training.

The Clinton County Highway Department will be replacing the Jarvis Road Bridge this summer. The Adirondack Farms manure trucks will have to travel through the hamlet during the construction period. A Town Hall informational meeting will be scheduled.

Laurie Marvin told the Board that Peru’s teen anglers have received tremendous community support. Marvin’s son Perry and Alec Morrison, both Peru High School students, will be competing in national championships in Alabama this summer. They set a $4,500 fund-raising goal, of which 75 to 80% has been raised. Forty to fifty businesses have contributed, a bottle drive was conducted and a spaghetti dinner at Murphy’s was very successful. Another bottle drive was scheduled for Saturday, May 30^th. Mrs. Marvin said interest is growing with seven local youth becoming paid members of the Student Angler Federation. She has also contacted several area schools and a June 11^th, 7 p.m. meeting will be held at the Peru Town Hall to answer questions and develop more interest.

The Peru Youth Commission’s summer season will began on Saturday, May 30^th at 10 a.m. A bench donated by the Bill Kivett family was dedicated to the former Town of Peru Engineer.

In other actions the Board:

Agreed to purchase a Dell Server at a cost of $10,852.53 including a three-year guarantee with a 24 hour, seven day, four hour response time. The cost had been estimated at $8,150 but increased because of software loading requirements.

Approved a three-year snow removal contract with Clinton County. Peru plows and sands about 30 miles of Clinton County highways in addition to its own 82 miles. The Town will be paid $112,720 in 2015-16, $114,407 in 2016-17 and $116,116 in 2017-18.

Continued planning for the 2^nd Annual Peruvian Festival scheduled for July19th. Supervisor Glushko said it would include ceremonies, good food and entertainment. Glushko is asking people to take Peruvian visitors in for the weekend. Last year he found the Peruvians to be delightful and informative guests. Having them as a guest offers a host a great opportunity for cultural exchange.

Approved installing a fence along the Walking Trail under the Route 22 Bridge by C& E Fencing at a cost of $3,193.17.

Noted the annual insurance inspection. Supervisor Glushko stated that no major problems were found, but minor corrections were needed in almost all departments.

Passed resolutions relating to the standard workday for NYS retirement for elected employees and appointed officials.

Noted that there is a “Friends of the Little Ausable River Trail” Facebook page. Comments are invited and welcome.

Discussed the Unison site management proposal for the town’s water tower. Unison claims it has the marketing experience to bring additional revenue to the town for rental of space for cell antennas and other communication systems. The Board plans to make a decision at its next meeting.