The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan 

Peru – The Peru Town Board passed Town Law #1 of 2020 at its Monday, September 14th meeting. The law is modeled after a law enacted by the Town of Plattsburgh.  Incorporated into the Zoning Law, it regulates large solar energy installations. The Peru Gazette asked for a brief overview of the law at the public hearing that preceded this meeting. Click here to view the public hearing overview. Click here to view Local Law #1 of 2020     Click here to view the public hearing. 

Counselor Rick Barber reported that DEC insists the Battle of Valcour Monument be moved to the Peru Boat Dock. The monument is located on the shores of Lake Champlain adjacent to Route 9. While it overlooks the battle scene, its parking area is tiny. DEC considers it to be a safety hazard. Town Historian Ron Allen has opposed the relocation for many years. Barber said Allen has now agreed to the relocation. The move is expected to happen in two to three weeks. The Town of Peru has no jurisdiction over the matter. 

In other actions, the Board: 

Discussed a “more refined” employee computer policy, meaning that department heads will be briefing employees on what is allowed and not allowed on town computers. For example, town computers are not to be used to play games. Each employee will be asked to agree in writing that they understand and will comply with the policy. 

Approved a sewer waste hauling and disposal contract with Cassella Organics. The contract included a $3 per ton increase. 

Reappointed Roy Perry to a five-year term on the Board of Assessment Review. Perry’s term begins on October 1, 2020. 

Approved a $300 contract for Adirondack Park Review Board services. The Review Board represents regional town interests in dealing with the Adirondack Park Agency. Peru has many square miles within the Adirondack Park. 

Mentioned that the price of the property being purchased from the Peru Community Church has increased by $500 to $9000.   The property will be used for a sewer system pump station. 

Noted that a beach volleyball court is being constructed at Laphams Mills Park. The Town Highway Department also paved the park’s major parking lot. 

Learned that Planning Board meetings will continue to be held via zoom. Three members do not feel comfortable with in-person meetings. 

Mentioned that both the Zoning and Planning Boards need new members. 

In other business:

Highway Superintendant Michael Farrell reported that repairing Telegraph Road near the intersection of the Sullivan Road will require both a culvert and a bridge. Farrell said he met with NYS DEC officials to discuss how to do the job at minimum cost. DEC had suggestions; however, the U.S Army Corp of Engineers must approve any work. The Army Corps does not coordinate with the DEC or towns. Farrell said its personnel rule how the job must be done regardless of cost. 

Farrell said he doesn’t expect extra NYS (CHIPS) highway paving money next year. He believes the Town will receive $174,400. At a paving cost of $60,000+ per mile, that money will pave just a little over one-half the mileage Farrell would like to pave. 

Dog Control Officer Dave Drollette reported a dog bite incident on the Laphams Mills Road. The owner will have the dog put down.

The Water and Sewer Department Budget workshop has been rescheduled from September 16 to September 30 at 6 p.m. 

Please note: The video ends about 10 minutes prior to the meeting’s conclusion.  The camera battery died.