The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Anyone attending the Monday, September 14, 2015 Peru Town Board meeting and the Public Hearing that preceded it could rightly conclude that cat and dog issues dominated the evening.

The public hearing concerned a Town Board proposed update of the Town’s Dog Control Law. It would have required that anyone reclaiming a dog taken into custody by the Dog Control Officer would have to pay any outstanding veterinarian fees to the Elmore SPCA. By contract the SPCA collects redemption fees on behalf of the town; however, Elmore SPCA Treasurer Carol Solari Ruscoe told the Board that she felt very uncomfortable collecting veterinarian fees, especially since the SPCA does not collect veterinarian fees for any of other towns it serves. After considerable discussion, Supervisor Peter Glushko suggested that the town collect the fees rather than the shelter. Solari-Ruscoe said that sounded like a viable solution; however, SPCA leadership would have to approve such an arrangement. The SPCA would not be able to release a dog without proof that the veterinarian charge had been paid to the Town.

During the public comment portion of the meeting Jabez Allen Road resident Carlene Allen Wood stated that she often has four to seven feral cats under her porch and on her property. Wood believes a neighbor is feeding the cats and there is at least one new litter born every two to three months. Wood asked the Board to consider passing a law regulating cats and/or providing resources to address the issue. Town Clerk Kathy Flynn, who lives in the hamlet, said she had five stray cats on her deck last week and another hamlet resident remarked that he has seen stray cats.

Supervisor Peter Glushko said he has investigated cat control over the course of many years. He said, “There are not rules on domestic cats. The state Ag and Markets doesn’t regulate them. I haven’t seen a program that has succeeded” Glushko said local animal shelters are frequently overwhelmed with cats, sometimes to the point of not accepting them. Counselor Donald McBrayer said that public education might help alleviate the problem. He said anyone feeding or harboring the cats is part of the problem, not the solution. Both McBrayer and Supervisor Glushko promised to research possible solutions to the feral cat problem.

Travel on Holden Avenue should be improving in a few weeks. After reviewing three contractor’s cost estimates, the Board hired Fuller Excavating to repair the street’s frost heaves at a cost of $12,950. A water catch basin will be constructed in front of Larry Ewald’s Holden Avenue home at a cost of $8,000. Next spring Fuller will overlay the street with another coat of asphalt at a cost of $5,800. Highway Superintendent Michael made it clear he doesn’t have the money for this project in his budget. Supervisor Glushko said he would find the money elsewhere. Repairing Holden Avenue has been a Glushko priority. The repairs should reduce school bus travel on adjacent, much narrower streets. Bus drivers often avoid traveling Holden Avenue because of the seasonal frost heaves.

2016 Town Budget Workshops were scheduled. Attending these workshops is the best method for any town resident to know the issues facing the town. All workshops will begin at 6:30 p.m. and all are open to the public. The workshop dates are:

• Highway- 10/7/15
• Water – 10/14/15
• Valcour Sewer – 10/15/15
• General – 10/19/15
• Salaries – 10/22/15

The Board is uncomfortable accepting a lease contract proposed by Unison Site Management LLC. Unison has offered to sign a 40-year cell lease agreement to manage the cellular space of the Town’s water tower. Unison would make a six-figure upfront payment to the Town, plus pay the Town 60% of any increased revenues. Unison would receive the current lease payments of $38,500 per year, plus 40% of any increased payments. While the large upfront payment is tempting, the Board is uncertain of the true value of the tower’s leases and of future changes in technology, especially over a 40-year lease period. Supervisor Glushko was going to contact Unison to determine if a 20-year lease would be possible.

Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Town’s Health Insurance Carrier, has been hacked. More information will follow.

Board action on instituting a dog park and repairing the Jenkins Street tennis court will be delayed pending a more exact cost estimate on repair and upgrades to the tennis courts. The Town has applied for a grant to repair the tennis courts; however, depending on the cost of repair, the grant might pay only a portion of the cost. A dog park fence installed at Heyworth/Mason Park has been estimated to cost between $15,000 and $16,000. Given the state mandated tax cap (estimated to be .74% in 2016) the Board is reluctant to approve any extraordinary expenditure.

Councilman Brandy McDonald reminded Board members that Greg Timmons retirement party is scheduled at Murphy’s Restaurant on October 10^th. McDonald estimates that 200 will attend. Approximately $1,000 in donations has been received.

The Board also reappointed Roy Perry to the Board of Assessment Review.

A 25-minute executive session to discuss a confidential employee matter was conducted.