The Peru Gazette

GAZETTE FILE PHOTO

By Donald McBrayer

The Town Board held its Regular Meeting on Monday, April 11th. Everyone was in attendance.

The meeting started off with a complaint by Dennis Curtin about the watershed issue on Spitfire Drive. Mr. Curtin expressed frustration with the lack of action concerning the water that floods his property, the town attorney’s response, and named the Planning Board as responsible due to its lack of proper planning when approving the subdivision. Town Attorney Don Biggs plans to meet with Mr. Curtin to address the issue and any legal options.

With enthusiastic applaud Arik Robinson, Patrick Hogan, and Dan Lennon, along with their parents and coaches, were recognized for their athletic achievements in the past year. All three young men were rewarded plaques, and recognized by Resolution by the board for their athletic achievements.

A new Code Enforcement/Zoning Officer was named. Frank Slycord will be taking over the position that was recently made vacant by the resignation of Paul Blaine and will be starting May 2nd. Mr. Slycord is currently the part-time CEO for the towns of Chazy & Elizabethtown and has an extensive experience in the field. Slycord will be receiving $35,000 annual starting pay that will be adjusted upon certification and will be on a 90 day probationary period beginning May 1st. Mr. Slycord stated he was looking forward to working with the Board and everyone in Peru.

In other Action the Board:

• Approved a Resolution to hire a part-time Interim Court Clerk.
• Accepted the resignation of the Highway Department employee Bryan Duprey. Highway Superintendent, Mike Farrell spoke very fondly of Mr. Duprey stating that he was “one hell of an employee” and wished him the best of luck.
• Set a Workshop date for Water Quality options & the Highway Dept. Mechanic/MEO position on Monday, April 18th at 6:30 PM.
• Reviewed the proposed Interpretive Signs for the pending Heyworth/Mason Park. Adele Douglas publicly thanked Steve Woodruff, Joanne Kennedy, Donald McBrayer, and Thomas Pray for their research and help with the signs. The signs are on display at the Town Hall, and can be viewed at: http://www.perutown.com/HMsigns.htm
• Discussed the problem of ongoing vandalism under the Main Street Bridge. Options of cameras, additional lighting, State Police patrols, and an ordinance to enforce park hours were considered. Donald McBrayer suggested considering the hiring of a part-time constable to address the ongoing vandalism and possible future problems once the Walking Trails and Heyworth/Mason Park is completed. Town Supervisor Peter Glushko responded stating such a position would bring a lot of liability and training issues. McBrayer questioned why it would be any more complex than the hiring of a Code Enforcement Office and questioned whether the cost of vandalism to public property wasn’t more costly. Mr. Glushko concluded the conversation indicating all options are being considered and the problem will be addressed.
• Approved minutes for the March 28th Public Hearing & Regular Meeting. The minutes can be viewed at: http://www.perutown.com/min11.htm

The Meeting was adjourned at 8:30PM.

An audio recording of the meeting can be heard at: http://d1091839.domain.com/PeruTown/TBM-4-11-11.WAV