The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Town leaders learned that 2014 budgeting would be a challenge for Peru as it will likewise be for almost all towns. The New York State property tax cap has been set at 1.66% down from 2%.  Inflation declined; therefore by the tax cap must decrease. Tax increases can exceed the cap, but only if approved by a 60% supermajority vote of a town council.

Referring to limited monies Town Supervisor Peter Glushko told the department heads and staff, “Work with a short pencil. You’ve done a good job before and I ask you to do the same good job.” Proposed budgets should be submitted to Glushko’s office no later than September 10^th.  The Town must complete a tentative budget by September 20^th; submit it to the Town Clerk by September 30^th and have it adopted by November 20^th.

Greg Timmons and Supervisor Glushko informed the Board that the “No Motorized Vehicles” sign at Heyworth-Mason Park has been vandalized and thrown in the Little Ausable River.  The Board discussed placing surveillance cameras in the park.  Deputy Supervisor Brandy McDonald suggested that a local security company be approached for an informal estimate regarding the cost of a surveillance camera system.  Greg Timmons noted that electric power have to be brought into the park.

Supervisor Glushko advised the Board that the New York State Legislature has passed a law prohibiting smoking at playgrounds. The law is effective October 10, 2013.

Two community members addressed the Board. Bruce Germain was concerned with the condition of property located at the corner of Lewis and Pleasant Street. Germain said he had previously complained to the Board. He stated, ”The cleanup just isn’t happening.”  Town Supervisor Peter Glushko said the town had taken every step it could and informed Germain that the matter had been turned over to the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department. Glushko said he would check with the Sheriff and get back to Germain.

David Thomas who resides at 870 Fuller Rd. addressed the Board regarding water that is entering his front lawn from the opposite side of Fuller Road. He said that a ditch on the opposite side of the highway ends in front of his house and that water is coming across the highway into his lawn. He contended that the problem wasn’t severe until a change in water flow occurred following repaving of the highway. Thomas said a large portion of his lawn is spongy and unusable and that he is frustrated having to pay taxes on unusable land.

Supervisor Glushko and Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell told Thomas that his property is located at the lowest point on the road and that water would have to flow uphill not to flow into his lawn. Glushko said that a ditch that is located on adjacent private property has been filled in by trees and other matter over time. He told Thomas that Town engineers will be working on a repaving project on the Fuller Rd. and that he would ask them to take a look at Thomas’ drainage situation.

In other actions the Board:

Closed their meeting with a moment of silence for former Town Supervisor and Town Council member John Roach who passed away on August 24^th.

Scheduled a Comprehensive Plan Workshop for September 16, 2013 at 6:30 PM.

Supervisor Glushko reported that one more person would be interviewed for the open Planning-Zoning secretarial position. CEO Frank Slycord is interviewing the candidates.

The Board passed Water Quality Improvement Contract Amendment #4. Grant monies will finance the change order.

Water Superintendent Greg Timmons reported that the water reservoir has been drained and that there’s more sediment present than he expected.  The sediment will have to be removed. Timmons also reported that the water treatment needed following the recent significant rains resulted in the town failing another Clinton County water quality test. A violation notice was issued.  Timmons is hopeful that the September samples will fall well within limits. Supervisor Glushko asked Timmons to issue a letter to users explaining the reason for the problem and informing them that things are looking better.

The Town Highway Department will soon begin paving miles on the 1.7 miles of the Fuller Rd. from the Bear Swamp Rd. to the Sullivan Rd. Elm St. and the Jarvis Rd from Elm Street to Route 22B were recently repaved (3 miles).  The Department strives to repave 5 miles of town highways annually.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.