The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Highlights of Town Board’s July 13, 2015 meeting:

Water/Sewer Department Greg Timmons announced his retirement effective July 30^th. Timmons has been working for the Town of Peru for 40 years. (See separate story)

Peru Town Court will not be relocated at this time. As he promised, Town Councilman Kregg Bruno dropped his proposal to move the Town Court to the Town’s Hall’s lower level if Town Historian Ron Allen was opposed to exchanging office space with the Town Court. Allen continues to oppose the move.

Pleasant Street resident Bruce Germain asked what progress had been made in improving the condition of property located at the western corner of the Pleasant Street-Lewis Street intersection. He called the unoccupied house an “eyesore” that that is populated with various animals and littered with glass and garbage. Germain said that nothing had been accomplished since his appearance at a June 8^th Board meeting. Supervisor Peter Glushko said the Town’s legal remedies are limited, but that he would check to see if the Town has the legal authority to clean up the property at the property owner’s expense.

Safety issues at the Brand Hollow Road – Military Turnpike Extension surfaced once again. Town Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said he was nearly hit by a tractor-trailer at the intersection. Supervisor Glushko asked Farrell to get prices on all safety options including installing a four-way traffic signal.

The Town is attempting to ensure that animal owners pay veterinarian costs when the Dog Control Officer impounds animals needing medical care. A dog owner recently reclaimed a dog without having paid an outstanding $360 veterinary bill. The Board hopes to work out an agreement whereby the Elmore SPCA would collect veterinary expenses prior to releasing animals to the owner.

The Town will be responsible for maintaining any safety lights installed in connection with the Safe Routes to School Program.

Supervisor Glushko said the plans for the 2^nd Annual Peruvian Festival are progressing. He is still seeking local families to take in one or two of the visitors. He said the town would incur motel costs for the visitors not housed by local residents.