Highlights of Peru Town Board Meeting of November 14, 2019
By John T. Ryan
Supervisor Brandy McDonald reported that with the exception of the Valcour sewer districts the Town of Peru’s 2020 general, highway, water and sewer tax rates will not increase. Valcour Sewer District #1 (residential) will increase from $.34 to $35. District #2 (commercial) will increase from $.57 to $.60. The Town Board will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, November 18th to adopt the budget.
The Town Christmas Tree Lighting celebration will take place on Friday, December 6th beginning at 6 p.m. at the Little Ausable River Park Gazebo. Retired Water/Sewer Superintendent Greg Timmons will light the tree. Greg served the town for 42 years.
Supervisor McDonald announced that the Town Board Meeting of December 30, 2019 (6 p.m.) will include a resolution to dedicate the Town Court House to the late Joseph Kelley. The possibility of holding this meeting at the Court House will be explored.
Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that installation of the pre-cast concrete culvert on the Patent Road should take place very soon. The road will be closed and detour signs will be deployed while construction is underway. The culvert is located a few hundred feet north of Mother Cabrini Shrine.
The Board also:
Approved a $10 quarterly Valcour District sewer rate increase. No one addressed the Board at the public hearing for the increase.
Approved a Clinton County re-levy of Peru’s outstanding 2019 water and sewer bills in the amount of $59,703.71 Clinton County will include the charges in 2020 property tax bills. Payment had to be received at the Town Hall no later than November 5th to avoid the re-levy.
Approved interior wood work at the historic Lyon Street School in an amount not to exceed $1,675. Randy LaValley Construction of West Chazy will do the work. LaValley has liability insurance and will complete the work himself.
Agreed that the Board has no authority to request the removal of two Main Street political signs. Two residents complained about what they perceive as the inflammatory nature of the signs; however, Supervisor Brandy McDonald said property owners have freedom of speech. Town Attorney Matt Favro and fellow Board members did not disagree.
Learned that recent high winds damaged several Hometown Hero signs. The affected families will be notified. Repairing the signs is the sponsor’s responsibility.
Adjourned to executive session to discuss legal issues related to the Washington Street expansion. No action was taken following the session.
Concurred with Town Clerk/Tax Collector Dianne Miller’s proposed January office hours. Miller tries to make her hours convenient for taxpayers.
Posted: November 18th, 2019 under Highway Dept. News, Water & Sewer Dept. News.