The Peru Gazette

L-R Back Row – Counselors James Langley, Brandy McDonald, James Douglass, Town Clerk/Tax Collector Kathy Flynn. L-R Front Row – Town Atty. Matt Favro, Supervisor Peter Glushko, Counselor/Deputy Supervisor Donald McBrayer

Editor’s Correction: The gentleman speaking about the Jenkins Street drainage issue who was initially identified as Adam Sullivan was not Adam Sullivan. I am trying to identify that individual.

By John T. Ryan

• North Bend and Jenkins Street Parking Ban
• Storm Sewer Drainage Issues on Jenkins Street 
• Vandalism at Laphams Mills Park 
• Metal Roof Installed at Lyon Road School House 

It appears that on-street parking may no longer be permitted on either Jenkins Street or North Bend Street if some members of the Peru Town Board have their way. Enforcement of a parking ban is holding up board action. Town Attorney Matt Favro expressed his opinion stating, “It’s a waste of time to put signs up if you can’t enforce it.” Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell requested the ban on the narrow streets citing snow plowing problems during the winter months. Attorney Favro said he would confer with the NYS Police and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department to determine if they have the time and resources to enforce any parking ban. Restricting on-street parking during the winter months was also discussed.

Jenkins Street has another issue: storm drainage. A street resident said the town’s storm drains have not been handling water runoff. He presented photos to amplify his complaint. He said, “I spend hundreds of dollars a year running my sump pump. This has been happening for the 14 years I’ve been there. I have sink holes, garbage and even seagulls and so do my neighbors. Action has to be taken quickly.”  He mentioned runoff from the Peru Central School parking lot as one of the possible causes. Town officials have discussed the problem during several meetings, but they have been unable to locate storm sewer easements giving the town access to private property. Councilor James Langley recommended that the town use its high tech instruments to locate the storm lines and that residents be asked to grant easements.

Vandals broke a window in a Laphams Mills Park storage building. They also stole keys and may have taken the golf cart on a joy ride. The board discussed installing wire mesh over the building’s five windows. Attorney Favro stated that the NYS Police need to have a more visible presence in the community. The board decided to install three additional exterior lights. The replacement window will cost $170.

Historian Ron Allen reported that a metal roof and sheathing was being installed on the historic Lyon Road Schoolhouse at a labor cost of $2,100. Blair Brothers of Dannemora performed the work. Allen said the roof’s substructure is in good shape.

The board approved a resolution opposing a Saranac Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) proposal to relocate a monument commemorating the Battle of Valcour to Clinton Community College. The monument is located in the Town of Peru on the east side of Route 9, a few hundred yards south of the Valcour Conference Center. The Battle of Valcour took place in the Town of Peru and the monument overlooks the scene of the battle.

The board accepted Councilman Donald McBrayer’s internal audit of town fiscal officer Peter Glushko. All was in order. McBrayer complimented Pam Barber and Judy Akey for their competent work.

Believing that it is time to change computer software vendors, the board scheduled a workshop for Monday September 25th at 6 p.m. Town personnel have not been satisfied with the support being given by its current provider KVS. Software provider Logics LLC will describe the advantages of its software.

James Falvo was reappointed to a five-year term on the board of assessment review.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that Parsons Road culvert repairs are almost complete.

The town is receiving a $41,000 FEMA grant to help cover the cost of snow removal during last winter’s blizzard.

Department heads are working on their FY 2018 budgets. Supervisor Glushko asked that the budget proposals be completed by September 20th.