The Peru Gazette

Peru – Deputy Supervisor Jim Douglass is residing at Town Board meetings while Supervisor Brandy McDonald recovers from shoulder surgery.  At the Monday, March 25th meeting Douglass declared the long-awaited Main Street upgrade project “pretty much dead.” Instead of narrowing the northern portion of the street and planting trees, the Town is examining other ideas including paving the road leading to Hayworth-Mason Park.  Any proposal would have to be approved by the New York State Department of State which awarded the Town a $175,000 grant for the project. $150,000 has not been spent. Jim Douglass emphasized that he does not want to see Peru lose that money.

The project encountered a series of delays. When the contractor awarded the construction contract closed its doors and the New York Department of State refused to grant a waiver for its Minority/Women’s Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) requirements, momentum was shattered. Needless to say, some people are very disappointed with the outcome. The Peru Gazette will publish a story on the project’s goals and demise as soon as possible. 

Mike Hanlon Announces Retirement – Longtime Water-Sewer employee Mike Hanlon informed the Board that he is retiring effective March 29, 2019. Hanlon served the Town for 36.25 years. Jim Douglass commented, “I hate to see Mike go. He’s very handy. He took very little sick time. He’s been a good employee for the Town.” Highway Superintendent MIke Farrell said, “I also want to thank Mike. Whatever he did was done to perfection. An employee like him is impossible to replace. Plumbing, electrical, it doesn’t matter what it is he can do it. I personally thank him.” Department Superintendent Courtney Tetrault concurred adding, “Mike was a good employee.”  The Board will send an appreciation letter to Hanlon. Tetrault is conducting interviews to fill his position. 

Modernized Water-Sewer Billing – Beginning in April the Town will use its new computer software for water and sewer billing. Bills can be paid by credit card, although an extra 3.25% credit card convenience fee will be charged. Receptionist Judy Akey will also be able to scan the bills when people pay at the Town Hall. 

Dogs Licenses and Collections Increase – Dog Control Officer Mike Drollette reported that 27 new dogs have been licensed since January 1.  $725 in redemption fees were also collected. The total number of licensed dogs in Peru has increased form 258 to 578 since Drollette took the position. 

Facility Must be Found for Dangerous Dogs – The search continues for a facility to detain dangerous dogs taken into custody by the Town. A  Westport facility would charge a daily fee, plus medications. A Malone facility would charge a flat fee. The Board wanted more details especially when a dog must be confined for an extended period or until it can be formally adjudicated as being dangerous. Confidential Secretary Pam Barber will research the issue. 

Electronic Death Certificates – Town Clerk Dianne Miller announced that as of April 18, 2019 the Town will participate in New York State’s electronic death registry program. The Town Clerk issues a death certificate for all deaths occurring inside the boundaries of the Town fo Peru. 

Truck Sold – The Board accepted a $6,250 bid from Douglas Rushford for the Water/Sewer Department’s recently replaced 2008 Ford F250 pick-up.  The minimum bid was $5,000. There was one other bidder. 

Lukens Re-Appointed – Mark Lukens was reappointed to the Planning Board through December 2021. Lukens replaces Benjamin Wright who resigned.