The Peru Gazette

• Code Enforcement Hiring Progresses
• Park Vandalism Continues
• Trees to be Planted Along River 
• Mower Purchased From Local Business
• And More 

By John T. Ryan

Peru – The building season is beginning; however, Peru doesn’t have a full-time Code Enforcement Officer (CEO). Frank Slycord, the previous CEO, left his job in early March. Commenting at the Monday, April 11, 2016 Town Board meeting Town Supervisor Peter Glushko stated, “We will be advertising for a new Code Enforcement Officer.” Glushko went to say that applications for the position would be available at the Peru Town Hall. All applicants must pass a civil service examination, although someone may be hired pending successful completion of the civil service examination.

Steve Imhoff, a Peru resident and the Town of Plattsburgh’s full-time CEO, has been assisting Peru during his off-time hours. His time is more limited as Plattsburgh’s building activity picks up. Glushko said, “Steve is doing a good cleanup job. Things should be caught up in about two weeks. Kayla Martin, the CEO’s secretary, is also doing a great job.”

Thanks to an alert resident a mini van driver faces malicious mischief charges in Peru Town Court. On April 8^th, the driver allegedly drove on the grass at Heyworth/Mason Park. Turf was torn up near the river and picnic tables. The alert resident took down the vehicle’s license number and notified NY State Police. Supervisor Glushko signed the legal complaint against the alleged perpetrator.

Approximately 250 trees will be available for planting in Heyworth/Mason Park later this month or in early May. Dave Wilfore, a Clinton County Soil and Conservation District Technician, told the Board that the NYS Department of Environment Conservation has made the trees available at no charge and he would like to plant them with the Board’s approval. Wilfore said the trees should reduce erosion along the banks of the Little Ausable River that traverses the park. All the Town Board members were enthusiastic about the idea. Adele Douglas will coordinate the program and seek volunteers to assist with the planting. The Soil and Conservation Service will provide all stakes, tubes and necessary tools.

The new owners of the Peru Farm Center submitted the lowest price for a 2016 Ferris Model 3200 lawn mower. Thanks to a $3,000 trade-in and a $2,000 NYS Contract discount, the 72-inch mower will cost the Town $6,348. The Town’s Water/Sewer Department personnel use their mowers to maintain: Heyworth/Mason Park, Little Ausable River Park, Sullivan Park, Laphams Mills Park, cemeteries on the Blake Road, the Signor Road and the Bear Swamp Road, lawns adjacent to the water and sewer plants and the reservoir and several small scattered areas throughout the town.

The Highway Department’s sand-salt storage shed is on its way to being repaired. The Board approved purchasing 20 hoop stands to replace the deteriorating stands. A new fabric top will be purchased; prices were not available in time for Monday’s meeting. Jeffords Steel of Plattsburgh will provide the hoops at a cost of $12,981.

The transformation of the Jenkins Street tennis courts into pickle ball courts will probably not be completed in time for play this year. Repairing the existing sinkhole, modifying and equipping the courts are expected to take several months. The Highway Department, which would perform the sinkhole repairs, is entering its busy season. The courts are currently closed.

Wedding receptions will not be approved in Heyworth/Mason Park in the foreseeable future. Town Board members have no objections to weddings being performed at the beautiful park; however, they do not want the town exposed to the potential liability associated with wedding receptions. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in any town park.

Editor’s Note: On 4/15/16 at 3:30 p.m. the price of the Town’s new Ferris mower was corrected to $6,348. It price was overstated when first posted.