The Peru Gazette

Highlights of the Peru Town Board’s November 22, 2021 meeting. 

This year’s Christmas Tree lighting at the Little Ausable River Park Gazebo will take place on December 10th at 7 p.m.  (originally scheduled for Dec. 3rd) The Peru Fire Department will make its traditional appearance. Noting the public’s COVID concerns, the Board has not planned the traditional activities inside the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center. 

A few weeks ago, Peru deposited $353,274.55 of its $706,550 in CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds. The remainder should arrive in mid-2022. The Board plans to use the money to help pay for the state-mandated wastewater treatment plant upgrades.  (Supervisor Brandy McDonald said the CARES Act news was reported at a previous meeting.  The Peru Gazette did not attend the October 25th meeting.) 

The City of Plattsburgh loaned Peru a used large capacity sidewalk plow. If it works, Peru may purchase it.   

In other actions, the Board: 

Accepted Keith Dew’s resignation as a highway department employee with thanks for his long service to the town. Dew will retire effective January 17, 2022.

Approved hiring Jason Burl as a highway department temporary full-time motor equipment operator at a $19.75 hourly wage. Burl has a Class A driver’s license, meaning he will operate all the department’s trucks. 

Approved a multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan. Clinton County, Peru, and nearby communities formulated a cooperative hazard reaction strategy. Federal regulations require hazard mitigation strategies to be eligible for any federal funds. 

Approved a three-year snow and ice removal agreement with Clinton County. Peru plows and sands 30 miles of county highways for about $136,000 annually. The agreement includes 1%, 1.5%, and 2% price annual increases, plus extra monies if fuel prices increase. 

Accepted an R R Charlebois $252,500 bid for a 2023 Model 114D Freightliner dump truck outfitted with snowplow gear. Charlebois will not deliver the vehicle for at least twelve months. 

Discussed not permitting cannabis dispensaries and on-site cannabis consumption sites in the Town of Peru. Town Attorney Matt Favro will research the definition of dispensaries and on-site consumption sites. Favro said the Board might want to permit some cannabis sales while not permitting others. He said the Board should consider if it is willing to forgo potentially significant tax revenues. 

Noted that NYS DOT approved reduced a speed limit on Valley View Drive. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said Valley View Drive is a small residential area leading off the Signor Road. It’s a loop with sharp turns, making it very difficult to speed.  

The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. to discuss new legal issues.