Town Board takes step to solving water quality problems
Gazette file photo
By John T. Ryan
This evening’s meeting opened with a moment of silence in memory of former town supervisor Jerome Downs who passed away the morning of April 25th.
The Peru Town Board made a concrete step forward to improving the town’s water supply at its April 25, 2011 meeting. The Board hired A.E.S. Engineering of Plattsburgh to conduct a Disinfectant By-Product Engineering Study on the Peru water system. Phase One costs will not exceed $23,920. Five firms competed for the contract. Peru has received water quality violation notices from the Clinton County Health Department for about the last four years. (See previous story for details)
In an effort to reduce outside maintenance costs, the Board authorized a pay rate of $22 an hour for a MEO (Mechanic and Equipment Operator) position in the Town Highway Department. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said the person he plans on hiring is extremely well qualified. In-house maintenance should reduce heavy equipment maintenance costs from $90+ per hour at V. S. Jerry and similar companies to $22 an hour. Farrell said, “This is a once in a lifetime chance to get someone like this.” The NYS Civil Service Commission authorized the MEO as a non-advertised position.
The Board also:
Approved an Eagle Scout Service Project proposal from James Downs of Peru Troop 49. Downs will oversee construction and attachment of flower boxes under the four hamlet welcome signs. Labor will be provided by Troop 49 and by volunteers. Downs believes that Troop 49 will be interested in the long-term maintenance of the boxes. Supervisor Pete Glushko asked Downs to consult with Lawrence Ewald Sr. of the Peru Lions Club since the Lions Club erected, paid for and maintains the welcome signs. Downs said he would complete the project this summer.
Set a date of May 9, 2011 at 6:15 p.m. for a Public Hearing on a proposed closing ordinance for all town parks. The Board is considering setting a sunrise and sunset closing time. The ordinance is related to park vandalism.
Set a date of May 9, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. for a Public Hearing on the Community Development Block Grant for the South Acres Mobil Home Park improvements.
Approved refinancing a $730,000 water department bond at a reduced interest rate.
Approved a Clinton County 911 Office request to change the starting point of Pleasant Street from the intersection of Route 22 and Pleasant Street to the intersection of Main Street and Pleasant Street.
Authorized the transfer of $6,455.68 from the snow removal account to the snow removal overtime account. Overtime costs have exceeded budgeted costs.
Received information from Ann Wilke on Peru Dog Park progress. Peru is competing in an Internet-based contest titled “Bark For Your Park.” The community demonstrating the most enthusiasm and commitment to its dog park has the chance to win $100,000. Community members are encouraged to submit comments in support of Peru at www.barkforyourpark.com. An informational meeting on the dog park project will be held on Friday, May 6th at 7 p.m. at the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center. Peru Central Middle and High School art students are submitting logos and names for the park. The winning logo and name will be chosen at the May 6th meeting.
The Board authorized payment of bills totaling $211,753 and the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Posted: April 25th, 2011 under Town Board News.