The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

The Town Board meeting of Monday, July 14^th adjourned at 10:15 p.m. following a 40-minute Executive Meeting on personnel issues and long discussions of several other items.  Town Counselors’ frustration with inaccurate engineer cost estimates dominated the meeting as bids came in higher than expected on yet another project. In January 2013, the Town of Peru received a $235,000 Safe Routes to School Program grant. To date planning and engineering costs total $45,000 with more costs to be incurred for supervision and inspection. Equipment and construction costs were estimated at $145,000, but when the bids were opened on July 3^rd, the lowest bid meeting specifications totaled $195,618. While the Town is not at financial risk since the program is 100% federally funded, counselors no longer trust engineer cost estimates. Counselors asked how they could make engineering firms more accountable.

Counselor Jim Douglass was in favor of rebidding the project. Counselor Kregg Bruno suggested asking the Peru Central School to assume a great share of the cost since most of the improvement will take place on the school campus. He said, “The Town has gotten the grant. I think the school should come up with some money.” Prior to the Board’s July 28^th meeting, the Board will look into reducing the project scope or delaying the project until a time when construction companies have less work. It appears to be a seller’s market at this time.

The Safe Routes to Schools Program is designed to improve safety of the crosswalk on 22B; build sidewalks where needed on campus to keep students from walking where cars and buses are driving; install bike racks at all entrances and; an educational, in-school component, to raise awareness and encourage walking and biking to school safely.

The Board’s frustration with engineers virtually exploded when Glushko reported that repairs to the Highway Department Garage roof could cost $33,000 more than estimates. The contractor performing the work observed additional roof panels in need of replacement and many loose panel screws. Waterproof insulation was also recommended. Counselors Kregg Bruno and Brandy McDonald said all these issues were thoroughly discussed with engineers during the bid formulation process. Bruno said members expressed skepticism at the insulation proposal stating that keeping water out was the reason the roof was being repaired. Installing screws and replacing needed panels appeared to be absolutely necessary. A decision will be made at the Monday, July 28^th meeting. 

Code Enforcement Officer Frank Slycord reported that he has issued building permits for twelve new single-family homes since January 1^st. Seven homes are site-built homes, three are modular homes and two are doublewide homes.

The Board interviewed five candidates for the Dog Control Officer’s position. The Board is expected to announce its choice at its Monday, July 28^th meeting.

The Board approved the installation of three fingerprint-based time clocks. Wells Communications will train personnel and install the clocks in the Town Hall, the Water Department and the Sewer Department at a cost of $3,188. The clocks should result in more accurate computation of regular and overtime hours worked.

Supervisor Peter Glushko addressed the Board regarding the July 20^th International Peruvian Festival. Plans are in place for 11 a.m. ceremonies at the Town Hall followed by food and entertainment in Calkins Hall at the St. Augustine’s Parish Center. Only two local residents have stepped forward to house the visitors (Glushko and Counselor Donald McBrayer); therefore, the Town will be assuming the cost of some housing and the food to be served.

New Peru resident Judi Grant addressed the Board stating that she would like to serve on town committees. She said, “I would like to invest my time in the community.” After some discussion, the Board asked Grant to do fact-finding on instituting a farmer’s market at Heyworth/Mason Park next summer.