The Peru Gazette

Story corrected – Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell explained that he did not pave 1.5 miles of town roads in 2012 because of NYS budget cap regulations.  Our story previously stated that the paving was not done because the Highway Department purchased an excavator and a truck. 

By John T. Ryan

The January 14th Peru Town Board Meeting featured a grant award announcement, project updates, SPCA contract issues and concern about the impact heavy farm vehicles are having on town roads.

Supervisor Glushko reported that the Town has received a $235,000 Safe Routes to Schools Program Grant.  A prior grant from this program financed the new sidewalk on School Street. This grant will be used to promote safe walking and bike riding to and from Peru Central. (See our earlier story for details).

Town Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said a decision must be make on repair or replacement of the Town Highway Garage roof.  Farrell said heavy condensation formed under the old portion of the roof following the recent snowfall and that this would ultimately damage the newer portion of the roof. Town Supervisor Peter Glushko agreed that a decision must be made. Glushko is looking for grants to assist in funding the project. He said he would schedule a workshop very soon.

Farrell also expressed frustration with farmers who have refused to permit the erection of snow fences on their property.  Heavy snow combined with open fields and high winds result in drifted highways and increased plowing expenses. Farrell also stated that the heavy tractors, manure spreaders and manure trailers are dramatically shortening the life of  town highways.

Farrell is also concerned about Highway Department funding which was not increased this year.  He said, “Sooner or later the town highway budget will have to be increased.”   Councilman Kregg Bruno commented that the 2013 budget has been set and that Farrell would have to live within his budget. Bruno also questioned the 2012 purchase of a $140,000 excavating machine. He claimed the machine had only been used for 20 hours in the past several months. Bruno voted in favor of purchasing the machine.  Farrell later explained to The Peru Gazette that complying with NYS budget cap regulations forced him to forgo paving 1.5 miles of highway in 2012.

The Board did not renew its contract with the Elmore SPCA. Councilman Jim Douglass, the Board’s SPCA Liaison, reported that Elmore no longer wants to accept dangerous dogs. While very few dogs are deemed dangerous (A judge must deem a dog dangerous), Board members voiced the opinion at any dog believed to be dangerous should be confined. If Elmore SPCA will not house these dogs, who will?  Councilman Douglass will speak with City of Plattsburgh officials to see how they resolve these issues.

Several Board members appeared to be frustrated with Elmore SPCA.  Counselor Brandy McDonald said the SPCA has refused animals because they didn’t they have open space. He noted that the SPCA accepts dogs from as far away as the Carolinas. He wondered if local animals were turned away so that dogs from other parts of the country could be saved from euthanasia.

Water Superintendant Greg Timmons said the water system improvement project is on schedule.  Town water actually passed last month’s quality check though that could be related to the cold weather rather than any system improvements.  Greg Timmons said, “We looking for consistency!”

New York State is conducting town official training during the week of February 18^th in New  York City. Supervisor Glushko will check on the cost to attend.