The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Peru’s zoning law may be undergoing changes. At the Monday February 24, 2020 Town Board meeting Peru resident/Signs Now owner Kevin Soucia asked if Peru’s sign ordinances could be simplified. He said he erects signs in many area towns with few problems; however, Peru is the only town that requires planning board site plan review for the erection of a sign that conforms to the zoning law. In other towns signs conforming to the ordinance are approved by the Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) in a matter of minutes. In Peru approval can take from 30 to 60 days. Supervisor Brandy McDonald said he checked with the Town of Plattsburgh and that Soucia was correct.

CEO Bob Guynup responded saying he has several more recommendations for changes in the zoning law. Guynup will work with Town Attorney Matt Favro to put his recommendations in writing. Any changes would have to go through the formal public hearing process.

Preparations for the sewer system upgrade are progressing. Water-Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault remarked, “We’re in good shape.” Seven easements are still outstanding. A few of the the unsigned easements involve residents enjoying the winter months in the sunny south. A sewer project workshop is scheduled for March 2nd at 6 p.m. at the Town Hall. The public is invited.

Holding up newspaper photos of winter youth activities in other towns Counselor Kregg Bruno said he would like to see more organized winter activities in Peru. He mentioned sledding, hockey and snowshoeing. The Board recommended that the subject be brought up at the Youth Commission’s next meeting. Bruno also asked if a second light could be installed at the Sullivan Park ice rink. Courtney Tetrault will look into the matter.

Salt applications have deteriorated pavers in front of the Town Hall. They will be replaced.

Counselors Melvin Irwin and Kregg Bruno expressed disappointment with the February 19th Zoning Board decision to deny a use variance for the former Apple Blossom Florist property at 25 Pleasant Street. Local entrepreneur Matt Murphy would like to purchase the vacant building for use as a temperature-controlled self-storage facility. The Zoning Board voted 3 to 1 against granting the variance. Town Attorney Matt Favro commented that zoning boards are sometimes reluctant to set a precedent. He said he has explained to the Zoning Board that one decision does not have to set a precedent if the decision is reasonable. Favro was unable to attend the February 19th meeting. He said he attends Zoning Board meetings when requested to do so by either the Code Enforcement Officer or the Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that overtime expense are down almost 20% compared to last year with 1,103 hours this year versus 1,368 hours last year. Some employees take compensatory time rather than overtime pay further reducing overtime costs.

Farrell will travel to Albany on March 4th to participate in the annual Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) lobby day. Local government officials appeal to state legislators to increase or maintain highway paving monies.

Farrell also reported that the Town’s sidewalk blower needs to be replaced. Several thousand dollars have been spent on parts this year. The machine was purchased in 2012 at a cost of $35,265.

The Town will pay about $20,000 for seven-year extended warranties on its two new plow trucks. Mike Farrell said it’s a good investment given the high technology incorporated in today’s complex equipment.

Courtney Tetrault reported that one of his Water/Sewer personnel slipped and fell suffering an injury. He was brought to CVPH for treatment.

Dog Control Officer Dave Drollette reported that almost 600 dogs are licensed in the Town. Drollette works with dog owners to get the licensing accomplished. He prefers to avoid court action.

Last Sunday the Town Hall boiler stopped working. Parts could not be immediately located; therefore, Supervisor McDonald purchased an electric heater at a cost of $299. The Town Hall was warm Monday and the staff was able to work. The parts arrived on Tuesday.

At 6:52 p.m. the meeting adjourned to an executive session to discuss a real estate issue.