Highlights of Town Board’s November 23, 2017 Meeting
By John T. Ryan
Buttonwood resident Michael Blaine addressed the board regarding the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Town of Peru and Buttonwood developer Donald Swain. Blaine called the agreement improper and asked counselors to look at it more closely. He said, ”Hold Swain to the same standards that you have held other developers.”
Board members have indicated that according to the MOU, Swain would deed land to the town of sufficient size to construct a new sewage lift station to service his subdivision. He would also provide subdivision walking access to Sullivan Park. In turn, the town would not require sidewalks when Swain develops his 20 lots north of Winding Brook Drive. Contacted last Friday, Supervisor Peter Glushko said Swain has not signed the MOU. He said if Swain signs the MOU, it would be a board meeting agenda item and would not be made available for public review until that time. Click here to view a more detailed Peru Gazette story on the issue.
The long-awaited NYS Department of Transportation response to Peru’s Main Street Plan has been received. The voluminous document was referred to Counselor Donald McBrayer for review. McBrayer is board liaison to the Main Street Planning Committee.
Carol Rock, of the Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum, reported on the museum’s many successes during its 2017 season. The Peru Gazette will publish a detailed account of her report later this week.
Supervisor Peter Glushko will be meeting with Clinton County Tobacco Free officials to discuss implementing a tobacco free policy on all town properties.
Water-Sewer-Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetrault reported that grant consultant Liz Tedford is moving forward in applying for a USDA water-sewer system improvement grant. A USDA grant would cover 45% of a project’s cost vs. New York State’’s 25%. If a USDA grant is awarded it would slightly reduce the town’s recently awarded $1,006,000 grant.
Tetrault also proposed participating in an “In Our Backyards” (www.ioby.com) fundraising program for the planned dual purpose ice rink – basketball court at Sullivan Park. Converting the ice rink to dual purpose use has been estimated to cost approximately $20,000. Tetrault’s proposal will be researched.
Highway Department Superintendent Michael Farrell asked the board to initiate hiring a replacement for Scott Houser who will be retiring effective January 5, 2018. Houser is a heavy equipment and truck operator. Farrell refers to him as a “jack of all trades.”
Farrell also reported that vandals removed two manhole covers in the vicinity of the Peru Gazebo. The covers have not been located. He will purchase locking grates to secure the new covers.
Michael Farrell stated that he will examine the Jenkins Street storm water build-up when the next rain storm hits. In an October 30th conversation with the Peru Gazette, Farrell said he has concluded that the drainage problem is primarily caused by a non-functioning water catch basin on the Peru school grounds behind the tennis courts. Piping placement and water absorption appears to be the problem. Farrell met with the school’s buildings and grounds superintendent who agreed to meet with school engineers to discuss the issue.
Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup recently attended training on dealing with homes that the homeowner has abandoned, so-called zombie houses. The Peru Gazette plans to do a feature story on this problem.
Posted: October 30th, 2017 under General News, Peru News, Peru resident news/accomplishments, Town Board News, Water & Sewer Dept. News.