The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Supervisor Brandy McDonald said the Washington St. expansion is moving in the right direction. Two recent meetings betwen the Town and the developer made progress. DEC regulations, road and sidewalk width are at issue. After saying things are moving in the right direction, McDonald adjourned the meeting to enter executive session to discuss possible litigation involving the Washington St. development. 

Counselor Jim Douglass is working with Adele Douglas to find a way use grant monies from the stalled Main Street upgrade project.  The Board would like to use some of the monies to pave the road and add more parking at Heyworth-Mason Park. Replacing some Main Street sidewalks is also being discussed. 

The Board approved changing workmen’s compensation insurance providers the NYS Insurance Fund to the New York State Municipal Workmen’s Compensation Alliance.  The Insurance Fund had proposed a $13,000 increase. Changing providers will save the Town about $38,000 in the coming year. 

AES representative Brad Noviski brought the Board up to date on the sewer system upgrade project. He reported that the sewer pipes in the western portion of Elm Street will definitely have to be replaced.  He asked that the Board schedule a workshop soon to discuss outstanding issues.  

Keeseville Girl Scout Troop 2107 made a presentation on the dog-play device they will be installing at the Heyworth-Mason dog park next week. The Peru Gazette plans to be there when it happens. 

Clinton County Emergency Services Director Kelly Donahue asked Peru to change the name of Liberty Street because the Town of Saranac also has a road named Liberty Street which could result in confusion with emergency services. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell recommended not changing the name saying that with today’s technology there shouldn’t be any confusion. The Board concurred and did not agree to changing the name. 

Contract engineer Peter Gibbs is working on the permits and design for the damaged Patent Road culvert. It appears it may be winter before work can begin. 

Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetrault is looking into installing wire mesh screens in front of dugouts at Laphams Mills Park.  Six foot high chain link fencing was considered, but the cost would be very high. 

Muskrats have invaded the pond at Little Ausable River Park burrowing holes in the pond banks. The Town Water/Sewer/Parks Department has filled in the holes and graded the banks. The pond’s aerator has also burned out, but it should be repaired by the end of the week. The summer alge will be reduced by not eliminated. 

Several Highway Department trucks have serious maintenance issues. Superintendent Michael Farrell said computers must be used to do repairs meaning dealers must do most work.  He said he may recommend that trucks be replaced more frequently or that trucks be leased rather than purchased. 

A hole has developed on the Sullivan Rd near the Telegraph Street intersection. It’s related to the culvert that needs replacing. 

Pam Barber reports that the summer Little Ausable River Park Gazebo concerts begin this coming Sunday. They begin at 6 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. 

On July 8th the Water Department will be replacing valves in front of Pasquales Restaurant and on the Bear Swamp Rd. Water will be turned off and a boil water will be issued for a few hours. The work will be done during the overnight hours. 

The meeting adjourned at 8 p.m. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3BPdoMycXE&t=348s