The Peru Gazette

By John T Ryan

Approving the 2016 Town of Peru budget was the primary business at the Town Board’s November 9^th meeting; however, there were several other important issues on the agenda.

A Peru resident recently paid a $150 fine in Peru Town Court for a leash law violation. Dog Control Officer David Drollette typically issues one or two warnings. The resident had received two prior warnings. 

The Town will be making another change to its Dog Control Law. Elmore SPCA has indicated it will not renew its dog shelter contract with the Town of Peru. Elmore does not want to detain dogs pending payment of outstanding veterinarian fees. The Board recently added a requirement to the Dog Control Law whereby Elmore would not release a dog until veterinarian fees have been paid to the Town.The Board changed the procedure after a local resident picked up a dog at the shelter without having paid the veterinarian fee. All the Town Board members indicated that this is a fight not worth having. Veterinarian fees are very rare and the alternative is driving dogs to an Elizabethtown shelter, an expense to residents and the Town. Apparently the change in the law was enacted without Elmore SPCA’s concurrence.

Vandalism continues to be a problem along the Walking Trail. A counter installed by Clinton County was destroyed and the barrier poles used to keep motorized vehicles off the trail are being removed and thrown in the Little Ausable River.

A Special Meeting was scheduled for Monday, November 16, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. to consider resolutions regarding three items:

• Purchasing a 2006 vacuum truck from Tupper Lake at a cost of $85,000. A vacuum truck is used to unplug clogged sewer lines and to pump out liquids in proximity to broken lines.

• Purchasing and erecting of a pole barn to be used to store Highway Department equipment. The Department’s large garage will not accommodate all its equipment. 

• Approve the property tax re-levy. Taxes not paid by November 6^th will be re-levied with penalties in 2016.

Rounds Drive resident Sam Pirofsky addressed the Board. He stated that he and at least two of his neighbors would like to see town water brought to Rounds Drive. Supervisor Peter Glushko told Pirofsky that the Town would survey Rounds Drive residents to determine if there is sufficient interest. Acting Water Superintendent Courtney Tetrault remarked that if water lines were being installed, NYSEG might bring natural gas to the street.

The Board tabled any action requesting that the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) reduce the speed limit from 40 MPH on the Jabez Allen Road pending formulation of a proper resolution. Helen Allen Herska told the Board that the road does not have shoulders making it very difficult to take walks. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said a town has to have a population of over 20,000 to set its own speed limits. Supervisor Glushko told Nerska that letters from Jabez Allen Road residents to the D.O.T would help their cause.

An ordinance prohibiting winter parking adjacent to any town road is being considered. Highway Superintendent said many towns have such an ordinance because it expedites highway snow plowing.

Controlling feral cats is still under discussion. Counselor Donald McBrayer has launched a public information program and Supervisor Glushko is watching how the City of Plattsburgh is dealing with the problem.

Jerry Watkins has withdrawn his bid to install a new roof at the Lyons Road Schoolhouse. An alternate bid will be solicited.

Area towns are being encouraged to explore using solar energy. Several Board expressed skepticism regarding solar energy’s benefits to the town. Councilor Brandy McDonald said that solar companies are exaggerating future electricity rate increases and stated that solar panel lose efficiency at a rate of about 5% per year.