The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

The Peru Town Board took the occasion of its May 23^rd meeting to congratulate Bill Downs for being chosen as the New York State Rural Water Association’s Plant Operator of the Year. Downs received the recognition at the Association’s annual meeting in Saratoga. Supervisor Peter Glushko, Water Superintendent Greg Timmons, Downs’ wife Donna and other Town employees witnessed the ceremony. Downs thanked the Town Board, his supervisor Greg Timmons and the late Bob Timmons for all their support.

Supervisor Peter Glushko announced that Town Historian Ron Allen has received notification that the Heyworth-Mason Building has been designated on the National Register of Historic Buildings.

In other actions the Board:

Heard Greg Timmons’ report that the engineering firm hired to recommend improvements to Peru’s water treatment process is testing water. The Town is in the process of purchasing chlorine-testing equipment and will need to purchase two particle counters and associated software at a cost of approximately $11,000. The Board passed a resolution to purchase this equipment with the monies to be taken from the Water Department’s 2011 account. The bonds being issued to finance water treatment improvements will reimburse the Water Department. The Board also scheduled a workshop for Wednesday, June 1^st, at 7 p.m. to discuss the items that will have to be purchased to support the water improvement project.

Approved a resolution to enter into a shared services agreement with the Town of Black Brook. A Peru Water Operator will assist the Town of Black Brook when the Black Brook operator is unavailable. The Town of Peru will be reimbursed by hourly rate and for mileage. The contract agreement extends to December 31, 2011.

Approved contract with Northern Snow and Dirt for culvert construction on the Fox Farm Road at a cost of $62,000.

Approved a resolution authorizing the hiring of Penny Relation for training a part-time court clerk to stand in for the full-time clerk who is on sick leave. Relation will work on Fridays at the rate of $18.00 an hour beginning on May 20, 2011. The Board will reevaluate the situation on about August 31^st.

Counselor Susan Polhemus is conducting a required town audit. All money-handling personnel and their procedures will be audited.

Discussed the proper disposal of several discarded town computers and monitors. Supervisor Peter Glushko said the Town Hall basement space where this equipment is currently being stored is needed for long-term storage of town documents including court records. Minor renovations will have to be done to secure the documents.

Approved advertising the upcoming dog census.

Discussed transferring a Jeep from the possession of the Dog Control Officer to the Water and Sewer Department. Greg Timmons said his personnel have been using the vehicle and it is ideal for their needs. The Water and Sewer Department would transfer $10,000 to the General Fund and a more usable vehicle would be purchased for the Dog Control Officer. A used small pick-up was discussed.

Approved a resolution to sell .25 acres of Town property on the Sullivan Park Rd. to Scott and Kathy Mitchell for the price of $3,250. The sale will be advertised and will take place in 30 days unless a member of the public files an objection.

Learned from Highway Superintendent Mike Farrell that the Town Highway Garage roof is leaking water and that improved attic ventilation is needed. Repair alternatives will be investigated.

Briefly discussed a Press Republican “Speakout” comment regarding the condition at the Little Ausable River Park Gazebo. Supervisor Glushko stated that anyone having complaints should directly contact the town officials. “Speakout” rarely states enough details to understand the nature of a problem. Glushko concluded, “Let’s hear any complaints. Speakout tells us nothing. It just aggravates.”

Learned from Highway Superintendent Farrell that asphalt costs have risen significantly. The Town attempts to blacktop four highway miles each year and this may not be possible. Paving is costing $57,000 a mile.

Learned from Kathy Flynn that flooding at some of the town’s athletic fields is preventing their use for practice. Coaches and players should stay off those fields.

Authorized payment of $140,771 in bills.

Adjourned at 9 p.m.