The Peru Gazette

By Donald McBrayer

The Town Board held their Regular Meeting on Monday February 26. Everyone was in attendance. Six Eagle Scouts were recognized and awarded certificates for their achievements by Town Supervisor Peter Glushko.

• Nathan Tuller (not present) — Received Eagle on 9/4/11. Nathan replaced the concrete footers for the cannons at the American Legion Post 20 on Quarry road in Plattsburgh as well as a stone pathway to walk around and look at the cannons.
• Thomas Gwinn, Jr.- Received Eagle on 8/13/12. Thomas plated shrubs at the base oval separating the sports field from the memorial located at the flag pole. This was to hopefully stop the athletes from walking over it with their cleats and equipment.
• John Graziane- Received Eagle on 10/08/12 . Jon repaired the Veterans Memorial on Military Turnpike as well as placed fencing and a sign dedicated to the men and women of the Armed Services.
• Nathan Halaburda- Received Eagle on 12/17/12. Nathan constructed new fencing over at the Animal Shelter on Connecticut Ave. This will allow more opportunity for the dogs to get exercise.
• Kyle Kemp (not present) —Received Eagle on 12/17/12. Kyle constructed a trail with stone at the St. Anne’s Shrine in Peru for their walk of faith. He also placed rocks around the 2 ponds to help stop erosion that was occurring.
• Rafael Rivera IV-Received Eagle on 11/26/12. Rafael constructed fencing at the Lion Mountain baseball field to shield players on either bench from foul balls hit in that direction.

The Town Board unamimously passed a Resolution granting Cold War Veterans a limited property tax exemption. The Board held a Public Hearing prior to the Regular Meeting for input on the proposed law. No one attended. The property tax exemption will apply to Cold War Veterans serving in the United States Armed Forces during the time period of September 2nd, 1945 to December 26, 1991.  A maximum exemption would enable an eligible veteran to deduct $12,000 from the taxable value of his or her primary residence. A typical eligible veteran would save $40 to $50 yearly. This law does not exempt Cold War Veterans from paying  school taxes. To see a draft version of this law visit: Veterans Tax Ememption Draft Also see our previous story by clicking here.

In other business the Town Board:

• Scheduled two Workshops on Wednesday, March 6th at 6:30PM for Highway and 7:30PM for Water/Sewer & Valcour Sewer.
• Informed the Department heads to inventory all equipment and property so an updated and accurate accounting can be supplied to New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal (NYMIR).
• Received an update from Liz Tedford on a $300,000 grant-loan which the Town will apply for to replace the Highway Garage roof. The total estimate of the replacement is expected to be $336,352. Highway Superintendant Mike Farrell informed the board the repairs must be done by next winter.
• Passed a Resolution  stating the town and Peru Central School will share the Fuel Depot on Cross Street  as a cost savings measure for both entities.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 PM.