The Peru Gazette

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Supervisor Donald McBrayer. Supervisor Peter Glushko and Counselor Jim Douglass were excused.

The Board approved a labor contract with the Highway Department employees. Contract negotiations with the CSEA were protracted and difficult. A fact-finder helped reach the agreement. Jackie Kelleher of the law firm Stafford, Pillar and Murnane represented the Town of Peru in the negotiations. The Peru Gazette will followup on the terms of the contract.

The Board accepted a resignation letter from 16-year Town Clerk/Tax Collector Kathleen Flynn. The Board could leave the position unfilled, but given the important duties of the town clerk/tax collector that course of action is unlikely. The Board will probably appoint a person to serve from January-December 2018. The position of town clerk/tax collector would appear on the November 2018 election ballot to serve out the remainder of Flynn’s four-year term. See separate story.

Laflure Lane resident John Collings asked if it would be possible to plow the road leading into Heyworth Mason Park thereby permitting access to the dog park. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell explained that plowing would severely damage the road’s fine dust surface. Counselor Jim Langley suggested that an “Open Weather Permitting” sign be erected. Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetrault said his staff might be able to use the sidewalk plow to forge a path to the dog park. Stay tuned!

The Board authorized the Water and Sewer Department’s purchase of a new Chevrolet Tahoe SUV at a cost of $34,006.02 and the sale of the department’s Ford F250 truck for $3,400. It has 240,000 miles. Joe Basil Chevrolet of Depew, NY was the low bidder.

The skating rink/basketball court online fund drive has reached $4,100. AES Engineering and the Peru Farm Center made recent generous donations. Courtney Tetrault said the rink is being used and that his staff is flooding the rink to maintain a good surface.

Courtney Tetrault also reported receipt of a New York State grant in the amount of $30,000 for preliminary enginering evalutation of the town’s waste water/sewage treatment plant. Upgrades to that facility will be a priority, once the sewer line and pumping system upgrade is complete.

Tetrault also reported that recent lead and copper samples fell within safe drinking water levels. NYS required several more samples than it has in the past.

Jeremiah Cross was approved as the town tax assessor through December 31, 2018. The town has a 3-year assessment service contract with Clinton County extending to September 30, 2019. Counselor Langley suggested a 12-month evaluation period. Cross replaces Tim Surpitski, who was transferred to another assignment. See separate story.

Counselor Jim Langley motioned for an Executive Session to discuss the employment history of Town Supervisor Peter Glushko.

At the request of Governor Andrew Cuomo, residents will be able to prepay their 2018 land taxes. Town Clerk Kathleen Flynn will be in her office on Friday, December 29th from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. Payments postmarked by December 31st will also be accepted. Payments must either be in the amount of the total annual tax or one quarterly installment.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell is still working with the Peru School District to improve the catch basin adjacent to the school’s tennis courts. Water is flowing off school grounds resulting in Jenkins and Pleasant Street flooding.

Volunteers to serve on the Planning and Zoning Boards are still being sought.

Don Control Officer David Drollette reported that more people are complying with dog licensing laws. Drollette picked up 28 dogs in 2017, down from 53 in 2016. He remarked, “The word must be getting out.”

Judge Jim Kirby asked the Board to encumber budget monies to improve soundproofing in the new court house. The lawyer-client conference room needs sound-proofing.

County Legislator Peter Keenan reported that sales tax collections are $2 million ahead of 2016 and $1 million more than projected. Work on the $38 million Clinton County Airport upgrade will proceed now that the Luck Brothers lawsuit has been dismissed.