The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

The Town of Peru may have an open burning law in place within the next few weeks. The Peru Town Board at its February 23, 2009 meeting unanimously voted (Counselor Cortland Forrence was absent/excused) to hold a public hearing on a proposed Town Law to regulate open burning. The hearing will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 9th prior to the Board’s regular meeting. (Click here to read burn law text)

The “Legislative Intent” section of the proposed law states that open burning of household garbage and trash endangers public health and environment and that a substantial number of people in Peru are unaware of the risks involved in the open burning of these substances. The law’s stated intent is to protect public health and the environment.  It will prohibit the outdoor burning of household garbage throughout the Town; however, it will regulate much more than garbage. It will also prohibit the outdoor burning of any leaves, wood, or related products within the hamlet and restrict open burning of leaves, branches, wood to a minimum of 50 feet from any structure throughout the Town. All existing burn barrels must be removed within three months of the effective date of this law. No burn barrels shall be allowed for purposes of burning trees, brush, or other untreated lumber or leaves or any household garbage. There are exceptions for agricultural burning and Peru Fire Department training events. All fires will be attended at all times and must comply will all NYS, DEC, etc. codes, rules and regulations. There is a $100 fine for a first offense; a $500 fine for a second offense; and a $1,000 fine and up to 30 days incarceration for a third offense.

In other actions the Board:

Resolved to reappoint the following individuals to the Zoning Board of Appeals:

• Walter Russell to a term expiring December 31, 2014
• Leon Blair to a term expiring December 31, 2010
• Robin Bashaw to a term expiring December 31, 2011
• Frank Denchick to a term expiring December 31, 2013
• James Falvo to a term expiring December 31, 2015
• Tom Fusco to a term expiring December 31, 2009
• Roy Zalis to a term expiring December 31, 2012
• Lawrence Bosley (as alternate) to a term expiring December 31, 2015.
• Walter Russell shall serve as chairperson until December 31, 2009 and Leon Blair shall serve as vice-chairperson until December 31, 2009.

Resolved to Reappoint the following individuals to the Planning Board:

• Betty Corrow to a term expiring December 31, 2014
• Richard Williams to a term expiring December 31, 2010
• Doug Chase to a term expiring December 31, 2009
• Dale Holderman to a term expiring December 31, 2013
• Mark Robinson to a term expiring December 31, 2012
• Peter Trout to a term expiring December 31, 2011
• Benjamin Wright to a term expiring December 31, 2015
• Eric Blaise (alternate) to a term expiring December 31, 2015.
• Betty Corrow shall serve as chairperson until December 31, 2009 and Richard Williams shall serve as vice-chairperson until December 31, 2009.

Passed a resolution to reappoint Marilyn Brelia to the Board of Assessment Review to a term expiring on September 30, 2013.

Discussed the March 2, 2009 insurance workshop at which time three insurance carriers will make 30- minute presentations to the Board and present sealed bids for the Town’s liability insurance coverage. The presentations will begin at 6 p.m. The carriers are Northern Insuring, Latremore’s Agency and CFA Insurance. The Board concluded that insurance is a service and as such is exempt from state competitive bidding requirements.

Scheduled a March 16^th, 6:30 p.m. workshop to discuss expansion of the Peru Water and Sewer District to include certain property in or near of the Buttonwood Estates subdivision.

Briefly discussed NYS required audits. Counselor Peter Glushko said the audits of all offices handling money should be completed in no more than twenty minutes. He said any detailed audits are completed by the NYS Comptroller’s office.

Supervisor Donald Covel advised that several people have fallen on the icy steps/slope leading into the Town Hall. Several possible remedies were discussed including controlling water draining for the Town Hall roof and installing heat pads in the concrete. Resident Ed Schiffler suggested that a canopy or roof structure would prevent ice formation. Solutions to the long-standing problem will be investigated.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell stated that New York State CHIPS money for highway paving is less likely to be cut by the state legislature. Nevertheless, Farrell and several other town leaders are planning to travel to Albany on March 11th to lobby for state monies.  Farrell also stated that the NYS Highway Department advised that the Bear Swamp Road sidewalk cannot be plowed. 

Sewer Superintendent Greg Timmons stated that he would soon be going out to bid for a sludge drying bed. Bids are expected to be opened on April 8th.