The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Culvert repairs and legal expenses and will cost the Town of Peru more than expected. Vandalism also costs the Town both money and employee time.

In action at the Town Board December 9, 2013 meeting, the Board approved a contract change order in the amount of $42,575. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell informed the Board that U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had requested amendments to the existing Fuller Road culvert replacement contract with the Fuller Construction Company. Two ten-foot box culverts were going to be installed. The Corps insisted that one larger culvert be used. The change will supposedly improve fish travel up the stream. The total project will cost $235,425 and will be delayed until warmer weather arrives. Truck traffic will continue to be prohibited on that section of the highway.

The Board approved $15,553 of inter-fund transfers including $7,055 into the legal expense account. The additional cost is related to the ongoing dispute between the Town of Peru and Henry and Kevin Dashaw relating to the legal status of Fairway Drive which leads to the Adirondack Golf and Country Club. The Dashnaws claim that Fairway Drive is, in fact, an extension of the Brand Hollow Road. The Town maintains that this section of the Brand Hollow Road ceased to exist over 50 years ago with the construction of the Adirondack Northway.

Supervisor Peter Glushko informed the Board that vandals tore off the Christmas lights at the gazebo at the Little Ausable River Park. Town personnel repaired the lights and had them erected in time for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The Town Board has been considering installing a surveillance system at the park.

Glushko thanked John and Kathy Flynn and all the Youth Commission volunteers for all the work they did to make the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony a great success.  This year’s ceremony was dedicated to the late John Roach.

County Legislator Peter Keenan made one of his regular reports to the Board regarding Clinton County Legislature news.  Fiscal year 2013 sales tax collections have been $3 million over projections. More than $1 million of these monies will be credited to local towns and villages.

Keenan said he was proud to co-sponsor a resolution to contribute $30,000 in County tobacco monies to the local Honor Flight Program.

The planned Clinton County Veterans Cemetery will not be located at Macomb Park as Keenan had hoped. Unfortunately, New York State would not give up the land.  Pending soil testing, Keenan said the cemetery will be located on Cumberland Head on 35 acres of land donated by the McDonough family.

Clinton County Airport expansion is progressing. The parking lot will accommodate 4,000 vehicles when complete. A $55 million main building expansion will begin when the parking lot is complete. One or more hotels are also expected to be constructed on Arizona Avenue in the City of Plattsburgh.