The Peru Gazette

Barber Welcomed; “Children at Play” Signs Come Down; Bosley Appointed to Zoning Board; and More 

The Peru Town Board conducted a regular meetin on Monday, December 10, 2018

Supervisor Brandy McDonald welcomed Rick Barber to the Town Board. Barber was elected in November to fill the remaining year in Brandy McDonald’s counselor term.  When McDonald was elected as Town Supervisor he gave up his counselor seat.  Republicans (Barber, Jim Langley and Melvin Irwin) now have a 3 to 2 majority on the Board. 

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that at the recommendation of a NYS insurance representative all “Children at Play” signs have been removed. Farrell said NYS believes the signs encourage children to play in the street. A Cornell University website stated: 

NYS Supplement guidance for this sign is as follows:

“Use of the CHILDREN AT PLAY sign should be limited to locations where, because of unusual conditions, motorists might not expect children to be playing in the vicinity of the roadway. The CHILDREN AT PLAY sign should not be used on highways where obvious residential development alerts drivers to the possibility of children at play.”

Studies have found that excessive use of this sign causes drivers to develop an insensitivity to the sign’s intended goal. It is recommended to use this sign only in limited critical situations…The use of Children at Play signs should only be used when there is an engineering need to do so. They should NOT be used for political reasons, or to appease vocal residents.”

The Board appointed James Bosley to the Zoning Board of Appeals to replace Dwane Bast who resigned his position. Bosley’s term will end on December 31, 2019. 

Trespasz & Marquardt, LLP was chosen as the Town’s legal counsel for the short and long-term borrowing related to the upcoming sewer system upgrade. The Board also approved a resolution authorizing a $4,030,070 bond to finance the project. 

The Board authorized a principal payment of $5,000 and the renewal of a $126,000 bond anticipation note to finance purchase of the new Town Court building. 

Prior to tonight’s meeting the Board participated in a 45-minute workshop with its IT consultant Patrick Garsow who made several recommendations involving equipment upgrades and internet security. The Board will consider his recommendations, all of which cost money. 

Supervisor McDonald thanked everyone associated with the November 30th Christmas Tree lighting including: Judy Akey who organized the event and her family who assisted her, Jim Douglass the MC, the Water & Sewer Department personnel who erected the lights, Dan and Linda Covel who donated the tree for the second consecutive year, Dunkin Donuts for the hot chocolate and donuts, Julie Burdo and Bob Akey who assisted Santa, the Peru Fire Department that transported Santa and the Peru Community Church which hosted the party. 

Henceforth, monies collected in the Zoning/Codes Office accompanied by a copy of the receipt given to the payee will be given to the Town Clerk at the close of each week. The Town Clerk will, in turn, issue a receipt to the Zoning/Codes Office. Town Clerk Dianne Miller researched the proper procedure with the Association of Towns. 

The online crowd-funding drive to improve the Sullivan Park ice rink raised $13,079.  When the monies are received the Highway Department will be reimbursed for paving and making other upgrades to the rink.  

The Clinton County Health Department has recommended that the Town acquire a generator to power the Town Hall during power outages. People with certain medical equipment need access to electricity during a widespread power outage.