The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Monday, February 27, 2017 Peru Town Board meeting highlights included: a highway exchange agreement, equipment purchases and potential background checks for youth commission coaches. The meeting began with a moment of silence as a sign of respect for former town tax assessor Alan Brault who passed away on February 26th.

The board:

• Received notification that the Clinton Highway Department has agreed to exchange ownership of a 2.2 mile portion of the Military Turnpike currently maintained by the town for a 1.54 mile portion of the Mannix Road currently maintained by the county. The Mannix Road portion is between Route 22B and the Clark Road. The Military Turnpike portion extends from Route 22 to the Town of Schuyler Falls line. A resolution to approve the exchange will be drafted for the March 13th meeting.
• Agreed that the town will not plow the dog park or its entrance trail/road during the winter months. A sign will be posted stating that users enter at their own risk. Plowing would damage the stone base material.
• Approved purchase of a 2017 Ford F350 Truck under NYS contract for the Parks Department at a cost of $28,550. The department will sell the oldest of its trucks.
• Approved the Highway Department purchase of a Woods Batwing roadside mower at a cost of $12,202. It will be purchased from the Peru Farm Center.
• Approved a $1,271 alarm system monitoring contract with Tyco Integrated Security.
• Learned from Counselor Donald McBrayer that several interested residents met to discuss future uses for the historic stone building at Heyworth/Mason Park. It was learned that the building is not in a flood plain; however, since the surrounding property is in a flood plain it would be difficult, if not impossible, to insure the building. Discussions will continue.
• Learned that the town’s insurer asked if background checks have been conducted on Youth Commission employees and coaches. The board will investigate the required extent and cost of background checks.
• Resident Jane Alexander told the board that the Town of Peru should promote Battle of Valcour Anniversary celebrations since Valcour Island is mostly in the Town of Peru. The Battle took place from October 11-13, 1776.
• Youth Commission Chairman Greg Mills told the Board that the Youth Baseball Opening Tournament will take place on June 3rd. Summer Activities will begin on July 3rd. The Soccer Kick-off will take place on September 9th.
• Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that repairing the Parsons Road culvert is going to be expensive. Concrete will cost approximately $25,000 in addition to the stud welding charge.