The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Guest Speaker: Danielle O’Mara, a representative of the Champlain Valley Family Center’s Tobacco-Free Program, addressed the board. O’Mara complimented the board for the pro-active steps it has taken to prohibit smoking on town property. She suggested that they explore the T-21 program which encourages communities to raise the legal age to purchase tobacco products from18 to 21. The Peru Gazette will do a more in-depth interview with Ms. O’Mara on T-21 and the ploys used by the tobacco industry and retailers to entice young people to smoke.

Water System Upgrade: The board approved the purchase of turbidity monitoring equipment in an amount not to exceed $10,823. It will be funded by the debt service account. Approximately $30,000 remains in this account.

Skating Rink & Sullivan Park: The board agreed with Courtney Tetrault’s recommendation to apply for a $6,000 Clinton County Health Department Grant. The money would be used to pave the Sullivan Park skating rink. The 106 ft. by 55 ft. surface could also be used a a basketball court during the summer months. The total cost of the project was estimated to be $9,600.

Tetrault also recommend that the aged and deteriorating Sullivan Park sign be replaced. Supervisor Peter Glushko will speak to Ralph Hensel of the Peru Lions Club about the project. The Lions Club is in the process of replacing the “Welcome to Peru” signs.

Grant Writer Opening: Peru’s longtime and extremely successful grant writer Adele Douglas has resigned. The open position will be advertised.

Pleasant Street Drainage: Improving Pleasant Street drainage was discussed. Research must be done to determine if the town has the required easements. There are no easements in the town records. Town Clerk Kathy Flynn said the near century-old minutes are available, but the research would take time. The question was asked: “Would an affected resident have the time to volunteer to research old minutes?”

IT Update: A new software management system for the town’s diesel fuel is being installed. Both the town and the Peru Central School will utilize the system. The town’s website and email system is also being migrated to the town’s server.

Main Street Plan: Adele Douglas has resigned as Chair of the Main Street Plan Committee. Councilor McBrayer said the town is still awaiting NYS Department of Transportation approval for the proposed changes to North Main Street. Councilman Brandy McDonald said he has spoken to many Main Street residents who are very unhappy with the proposal to plant trees along the northern portion of Main Street. The possibility of using grant monies to improve sidewalks was mentioned. Counselor Jim Douglas said, We’ve got an extension of time to use our $150,000 grant, but I don’t want to lose that money.”

TD Bank Parking: At the request of TD Bank, the board will ask New York State DOT to better delineate a handicapped parking zone in front of TD Bank. All other (non-handicapped) TD Bank parking will be behind the bank. The possibility of installing a cross-walk and speed bumps in front of the bank will also be explored.

North Bend Street and Jenkins Street Parking: Counselors said there still are some individuals parking on North Bend Street sidewalks even after letters were sent to all residents. Highway Superintended Michael Farrell recommended that all on-street parking be prohibited on the very narrow street. The possibility of forbidding on-street parking on Jenkins Street was also mentioned.

Parsons Road Culvert: The board approved an expenditure not to exceed $25,400 for installation of concrete inside the deteriorating Parsons Road culverts. Moore’s Flatwork and Foundations LLC of Keeseville will perform the work. Town Highway Department personnel have installed rebar to strengthen the culverts. Shock rock still has to be laid down.

American Flag Illumination: The board approved the purchase of solar lights to illuminate the American flags at the Little Ausable and Laphams Mills Parks. Navy veteran/retiree/Dog Control Officer David Drollette researched the lights and proposed the change.

Complimentary Letter to Peru Youth: Supervisor Glushko read a letter from William and Gail Hoffman complimenting work performed by Cole McDonald. Mrs. Hoffman spoke with Cole as he cut weeds around the town’s pump house that is located in front of her home. She asked if he would also cut the weeds along the town’s fence adjacent to their property. William Hoffman wrote, “My mother found this young man to be very pleasant, kind and courteous. He did an excellent job and we feel that he is a great credit to his community and his parents.” Cole’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. Brandy McDonald.

Historic School House: Counselor Jimmy Langley reported that the roof replacement project at the Lyon Street School House has begun. Jim Blair is doing the work.

Mannix Road Paving: The Highway Department should complete paving of the Mannix Road between Route 22B and the Clark Road this week. New culverts have also been installed.