The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

The Town of Peru’s health insurance broker has informed the town that employee health insurance premium will increase by 35% next year if no changes are made.  Since health insurance costs the town approximately $160,000 annually, an increase of that size has the potential of costing the town an additional $56,000. That was the big news at the November 23, 2009 Peru Town Board meeting. In response, the Town Board scheduled a November 30^th, 6:30 p.m. workshop with the broker, Clark Forster Insurance, and requested that Deputy Town Supervisor Cortland Forrence call a special meeting on December 3, 2009 at 7 p.m. to vote on any necessary changes in the town’s health insurance program.  Counselor Brandy McDonald stated that premium increases in his workplace were approximately 11% and he was hopeful that the town could hold any increase to this level.  Counselor Tom Powers pointed out that a few years ago the town’s premiums were over $200,000, but through the hard work of the board and the cooperation of the employees the premiums had been reduced to the current $160,000.

Counselor and Supervisor-elect Peter Glushko chaired the meeting in the absence of Deputy Supervisor Forrence.

The Peru Town Hall will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 26 & 27, 2009.

In other actions and reports:

• The Board will advertise in the Press Republican for a new information technology (IT) contract employee.  The town’s current IT provider is not offering the town a new contract.
• Water and Sewer Superintendent Greg Timmons reported that the 2011 New York State Water Discharge Permit Fee (SPDES) will increase from $1,875 to $3,500.
• The Board requested prices from two parties for painting the town hall ceiling. The majority of counselors were not in favor of installing a suspended ceiling.  Counselor Glushko expressed the view that the newly elected town officials Kregg Bruno and James Kirby should be excluded from the bidding because of public perceptions of their close connections to the town. 
• New carpet will be installed in the town hall in the next few days.
• The Board approved the letting of contracts for the extension of water and sewer districts on the Bear Swamp Road.
• The Board discussed attendance at the upcoming training school for newly elected town officials. 
• The Board appointed Donald McBrayer to the Committee to Implement the Comprehensive Plan. This committee’s mandate will expire in 2010. It is scheduled to report its findings in early 2010.
• Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that the New York State Highway Department has approved a 35 MPH speed limit for the Quaker Springs subdivision. A Strackville Rd speed limit was deemed not warranted.
• Town Clerk Kathleen Flynn reported that the town’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, December 4^th at 7 p.m. Santa will be arriving on his blue fire truck as always.  As Counselor Peter Glusko said, “It’s a wonderful community event.”
• Kathleen Flynn also reported that there is a push to get tax bills online as soon as possible. Putting the bills online will cost the town approximately $1,500.  Since this push came after the town’s budget process, Peru may not have the monies available to put the bills online in 2010.  The budget will be reviewed to determine if monies can be found.
• The Board approved payment of $205,655.08 in bills.

The meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m.