The Peru Gazette

Peru Gazette File Photo

By John T Ryan

To choose a large company or a small provider: that was the question before the Peru Town Board at its Monday, March 23, 2015 meeting. “Small” won out as the board voted 4-0 to select Simon Moore as the Town of Peru’s new IT provider. The Board interviewed five companies, which they characterized as “all well-qualified.” Simon Moore and SymQuest were the two finalists. SymQuest’s clients include Clinton County, medium-sized corporations and institutions. Simon Moore is a sole-proprietor who serves several smaller communities and clients. The choice was complicated when SymQuest offered the town a free system-wide IT assessment. Moore said he would match Symquest’s offer. Supervisor Peter Glushko felt a comparison of the assessments would assist the board in making its choice. Counselors Jim Douglass, Brandy McDonald and Donald McBrayer (Councilman Kregg Bruno was not present) didn’t feel comfortable requesting a free assessment if the company was not going to be selected. They were ready to make a hiring decision. They also liked Moore’s $45 per hour cost versus Symquest’s $17,000 to $24,000 annual cost (the cost would depend on the assessment results). After considerable discussion the board voted 3-0 against conducting the free assessments with Glushko voting in favor. Then they voted unanimously to hire Moore who will conduct his own free assessment.

Water-Sewer Department Superintendent Greg Timmons reported receipt of the long-range sewer system study. The voluminous report recommended in excess of $4.5 million in repairs and upgrades over the next ten years. AES Engineering would like to give a PowerPoint presentation on the project. Timmons said, “Our timing is good. Grant money should be available.” Supervisor Glushko told the Peru Gazette he anticipates that some of the cost will have to be paid by users.

In the public comment portion of the meeting this reporter asked about the cancellation of the Wednesday, March 18^th Zoning Board Meeting. Zoning Board Liaison Donald McBrayer said only four of the seven board members would have been able to attend the meeting, therefore any vote to approve an agenda item would have had to be unanimous. Faced with those odds, the applicant chose to delay action until next month. The application involved the former log home sales office at 3085 Main Street. The property is zoned commercial; however, a party would like to purchase it as a residence. Councilman McBrayer noted that the zoning board does not have alternate members at this time and that they are needed. Delaying Zoning Board action can result in inconvenience and the loss of a property sale.

Non-Profits, local communities, museums and businesses may have more volunteers when the WEP’s (Work Experience Program) gets into operation. CEO Lance Falcon told the board that WEP’s has received a New York State non-profit designation. Falcon said the program would link high school students who are looking for work experience with local businesses, communities and non-profits. The program’s goal is to provide students with leadership and teamwork skills along with the opportunity to work alongside experienced people from all walks of life. Falcon is seeking board members and projects. (The Peru Gazette interviewed Lance Falcon on Thursday, March 26^th. A story on the WEP’s program will be published in the next few days.)