The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan 

• Tobacco and e-Cigarettes Banned 
• Soccer Wall Proposed at Laphams Mills Park 
• VAC Truck Needs Repairs
• Paver Has a Major Breakdown 
• Budget Workshops Scheduled 
• ANCA Suggests Street Light Upgrades 

A Town tobacco policy has been mentioned over the course of many months; a policy was adopted at the Peru Town Board’s August 27, 2018 meeting. Henceforth, use of tobacco products and e-cigarette are prohibited in all Town buildings and on all Town property including parking lots, parks and walking trails. “No Smoking” signs will be placed in appropriate places. 

When former Youth Commission Chairman/Tax Collector Alan Brault passed away in February 2017 the Peru Youth Commission was named as a recipient of donations. $1,050 was collected. Youth Director John Flynn told the Board consideration is being given to erecting a soccer wall in Brault’s honor.  The cost of a 10 ft x 40 ft. cement block wall has been estimated at $3,000. The Board asked Flynn for more information on the wall’s design. Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup recommended an engineer’s review. Flynn suggested locating the wall between fields #2 and #3. Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetrault said care would have to be taken to avoid damage when bringing materials or equipment to the site. 

Vac Truck at work on Jenkins Street

Water-Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault reported that his department’s VAC truck is out of operation because of a malfunctioning water pump. The pump unclogs sewer lines. If the pump has to be replaced it will cost $16,000. 

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that the Town’s paver is out of action because of a broken shaft. A paver owned by Noel J. Burnell Paving is being used to finish the Patent Road job and only a small portion of School Street will be paved this year because of a planned construction project at Peru Central School that includes changing sidewalks and entrances. The Highway Department will pave School Street after that construction is complete. 

Michael Farrell also reported that Assemblyman Billy Jones recommended that the Town apply for a NYS paving grant that would give the Town $50,000 in additional paving monies. Farrell said Jones is continuing to search for any available grant monies. 

The Board’s  2019 Budget Workshops were scheduled.  The exact dates will be covered in a separate story. 

Town Clerk Diane Everett asked the Board to consider changes in tax collection days and times. She would like to expand collection times. 

County Legislator Peter Keenan reported that as of July 30 Clinton County sales tax collections are $1.5 million above projections. 

At the conclusion of the meeting Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) representative Nancy Bernstein conducted a 30-minute informational program on the advantages of  upgrading the Town’s street lights to LED bulbs. The possibility of the Town taking over ownership of lights from NYSEG and/or performing its own maintenance or hiring an outside maintenance company are other alternatives.  

The Town currently pays NYSEG approximately $20,000 annually for delivery, supply and maintenance of 117 lights, including 90 street lights. Bernstein’s’ analysis indicated the Town would save from $5,560 to $7,911 annually depending on wattage of the lights chosen.