The Peru Gazette

By Donald McBrayer

The Peru Town Board held their regular meeting on Monday, August 22nd. Everyone was in attendance.

There was a discussion on an imbalance in regards to the shared services contract with the Town of Jay. Highway Superintendent Mike Farrell claims overtime and other expenses in the area of $33,000 are owed to Peru for services performed in Jay. Farrell explained that much of it involved excessive winter snow removal. He went to report that FEMA was not covering expenses incurred during that time period. Mr. Farrell said he very much values the relationship the two towns have and hopes the board will work to resolve the imbalance in a way that preserves that relationship. Town Councilor Jim Douglass suggested that the board contact Jay to suggest doubling up the two towns paving crews and equipment to expedite planned paving projects in Peru helping to offset the imbalance. No action was taken.

Mr. Farrell then informed the board that insurance would not cover the cost of fixing the highway garage roof. The roof leaks during winter snow buildups allowing water to seep into the garage’s electrical panel box. He went on to say more support was needed for the roof either in the way of more trusses or by some other means. He indicated he was not sure what action to take.  Town Supervisor Peter Glushko suggested that he contact the Town Engineer Peter Gibbs to determine the best approach to resolving the leak.

In other action:

• Water Superintendent Greg Timmons informed the board that the work along Locust Drive and Main Street was progressing well and should be completed soon. Timmons also reported that water would soon be switched to the new 12” main on River Road now that it has passed its final inspections.
• The board was encouraged to attend the Comprehensive Planning Board Meeting this Thursday at 6:30 PM to discuss the proposed agricultural overlay maps being planned for the new zoning ordinance.
• Dog Control Officer Kelly Allen presented a notice she plans to use for the dog census that will be conducted later this year. There was some discussion as to the options one has to license their dog. Town Clerk Kathy Flynn said applications for dog licensing can be mailed in, left in the drop box, or brought in during her scheduled hour.
• Town Councilor Susan Polhemus expressed concern about $12,000 in Park Reserve money that has yet to be transferred to the appropriate accounts. Mr. Glushko said that the process to transfer the funds was slow due to poor accounting practices in the past and that it would take time to sort out. Mrs. Polhemus countered, suggesting that two years was more than enough time to complete the transfer. Mr. Glushko again reiterated that the money was there, but more time was needed to track everything that was done with it.
• The board approved minutes for the 08/08/2011 meeting. They can be found at: http://www.perutown.com/min11.htm
• The board was reminded that Bootleg would be performing Sunday the 28th at the Gazebo for this summer’s final gazebo concert.

The Meeting was adjourned at 8:55 PM.