The Peru Gazette

• Five Dog Bites Since January 1
• Not Everyone Agrees with Changing Town Sign Policy
• Arraignments Decline
• New Restrooms at Laphams Mills Park Being Considered
• Open Building Permits Being Closed
• New Building Permit Fees are in Effect 
• Other News

Dog Control Officer Dave Drollette reported that there have been five dog bite incidents in the Town since January 1, 2018. The involved dogs were neither licensed nor vaccinated. The Clinton County Health Department required that the dogs be confined for ten days. One very dangerous dog had to be confined outside the home with the owner incurring $417 in veterinarian fees. That owner will also have to appear in court answering to charges relating to the dog bite and possessing an unlicensed dog. Three to four hundred additional dogs have been licensed since Drollette was appointed in 2014, but he estimates that as many as 300 to 400 dogs are still not licensed. Last night Drollette requested that the Town conduct a town-wide dog census. A census is supposed to be conducted every three years. It has been about seven years since one was conducted. Click here to view previous Dave Drollette Peru Gazette story.

Theresa Kaschak of Artisan Sign and Design of Peru asked to be included in any meeting held discuss changes in Peru’s sign regulations. At the Board’s March 12th meeting, Beth Spaugh-Barber of Rehoboth Homestead, who operates a Route 9 farm stand, asked that a committee be established to amend the zoning law to permit fluttering signs and banners in certain situations. Mrs. Kaschak said such signs should be permitted for such things as grand openings, but not for longer than 30 days and only for special events.

The promised meeting to discuss Peru Town Court arraignments for crimes committed in the Town of Plattsburgh has not taken place. Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael Cashman and Peru Town Supervisor Brandy McDonald did meet. McDonald said the town justices have not responded to a request for the meeting. Counselor Jim Langley said that the NYS Police have not brought anyone arrested for crimes committed in the Town of Plattsburgh to Peru Town court since the matter was publicized.

Youth Director John Flynn has asked the town to consider installing a larger indoor bathroom at Laphams Mills Park. A new septic system would also have to be installed. Park Superintendent Courtney Tetrault has requested a percolation test. Tetrault said his personnel would clean the outdoor toilets more often this year.

Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup said his office closed almost 100 open building permits in the past month. The permits had been open for several years. Almost 300 letters were mailed associated with open permits.

A pubic hearing on the Town’s increased building permit fees will not be conducted. The Town determined that the Town’s Zoning Law does not require a public hearing.  Click here to view fees

Grant writer Liz Tedford will apply for an Engineering Planning Grant for the Valcour Sewer District at the rate of $75 per hour, not to exceed $3,000. AES Engineering will prepare a preliminary engineering study associated with that project at a cost not to exceed $24,750.

Supervisor McDonald recently attended a local shared services meeting at which twenty-seven representatives from many local communities were present. Several ideas were discussed. McDonald mentioned the possibility of communities saving money by purchasing equipment such as trucks as a group rather than individually.

The remaining grant monies for the initial phase of the Main Street Project has been received in the amount of $39,800. The grant ($49,000 total) paid for the project consultant and associated fees. The construction phase will also be funded by NYS grants.

Water Superintendent Courtney Tetrault reported that the water tower will safely accommodate Sprint’s new telecommunications equipment. The tower passed the required safety inspection. A building permit has been issued.

The Board authorized payment of $168,651.58 in bills. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. See video below to view the entire meeting.