The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

After a brief discussion the board decided to look into implementing a complete smoking ban on town property. Supervisor Glushko commented, “I think it’s a good idea especially with all the kids in our community. They need a good example.” Councilman Brandy McDonald commented, “Vaping is getting worse.” A Champlain Valley Family Center Tobacco-Free Program representative will be invited to the board’s next meeting.

The property assessment contract with Clinton County Assessment Services will be renewed. The charge per parcel will be increasing from $12.50 to $13.75. There are about 3,300 parcels in the town.

The Zoning Board of Appeals favors reducing its membership from seven to five. Currently, when three members are absent, a vote to approve an application must be unanimous often resulting in the applicant requesting to delay a vote. Councilman Jim Douglass said, “Residents get very frustrated when this happens. Projects are being delayed.” A public hearing on the membership reduction will be held prior to the board’s October 10th meeting.

Mark Hamilton was appointed to a seat to the Planning Board to complete the term of Kara McBrayer who resigned. The town board recommended that Hamilton be reappointed to a three-year term beginning in January 2018. Councilman McBrayer commented, “I think Mark will be an exceptional member.”

Water-Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault informed the board that Peru did not receive any water system improvement grants in the latest award round. (On 9/29 Courtney Tetrault informed the Gazette that he was mistaken. Peru’s grant application is still under consideration) He recommended applying for a USDA Rural Development grant which the board agreed to do. Applying for a grant costs money. AES Engineering will charge up to $1,500 for its services and grant consultant Elizabeth Tedford will charge up to $2,500.

Courtney Tetrault is also concerned about the water system’s ability to accommodate community growth. Noting Peru’s reliance on streams and the adverse effects that rain storms have on treatment plant operations and supply, Tetrault said he would include a hydrologic study in his 2018 budget. The study would determine if wells would be a viable water source.

The board was advised that none of Peru’s elected officials are included in the town’s workman’s compensation insurance program. Councilman Jim Langley said the board could be insured at little cost and the cost of insuring Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell would be reduced by determining the amount of time he spends on administrative vs. hands-on work. The board decided to acquire the insurance.

Supervisor Pete Glushko reported that the NYS Comptroller’s fiscal stress monitoring system declared Peru to be in good fiscal shape.

A tentative budget will be presented to Town Clerk Kathleen Flynn no later than October 2, 2017.

Counselor Jim Douglass thanked Dog Control Officer Dave Drollette for his work on the Friday, September 28th dog biting incident on the Union Road in which Mrs. Loretta Timmons was seriously injured. Drollette issued nine tickets related to the incident. Douglass said, “We need a place for a dangerous dog. Elmore can’t take it,” referring to the fact that Peru does not have a contract facility to house a dangerous dog. The dog that attacked Mrs. Timmons had to remain with its owner until it was euthanized about 24 hours after the incident.

Town Attorney Matt Favro reported that local law enforcement agencies are not interested in enforcing the on-street parking ban on North Bend and Jenkins Street that the board has been discussing. Favro mentioned putting up no parking signs and contracting with towing companies. Jim Langley said he talked to neighbors and they are not in favor of erecting signs. Langley implied that he would support some sort of ban to expedite snow removal during the winter months.

Highway Superintendent Farrell reported that the Parsons Road culvert repairs have been completed. He plans to complete paving the Mannix Road on Monday or Tuesday of next week. This week’s paving was postponed because of the record-breaking high temperatures.

County Legislator Pete Keenan reported that sales tax collections are doing very well at $1.1 million over projections. A company called Tail Winds got the Plattsburgh International Airport restaurant bid. There is some interest in developing a motel near the airport. Keenan also said the Lake Champlain-Lake George Watershed Program might have grants that Peru could utilize for its water or sewer projects.