The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Highlights of Town Board’s July 28, 2015

At the recommendation of retiring Water/Sewer Department Superintendent Greg Timmons, the Town Board appointed Courtney Tetrault as the Interim Water/Sewer Superintendent. Tetrault must pass the civil service exam and finish in the top three to be named permanent Superintendent.  He will start at $52,500 annually and receive a $2,000 raise upon successfully passing the civil service examination.

Unison Corp. has offered the Town of Peru a substantial six-figure upfront payment for a cell site easement on the Town’s water tower. In return Unison would receive the current cell site annual rent stream (about $35,000), plus escalators. In addition Unison would receive 60% of the rent derived from future lease agreements concluded over the 45-year lease period. The Town would receive 40% of the rent derived from future agreements. The Board is concerned that some communications companies may be being leasing tower space at less than market rates. Unison, based on its knowledge of the communications industry, would theoretically be able to obtain market-based lease rates. The Board will investigate the issue. Town Attorney Donald Biggs said there must be consultants who would assist the Town in evaluating Unison’s offer. Unison gave the Board until August 18^th to accept its offer.

At the Board’s June 8^th and July 13^th meetings Peru resident Bruce Germain complained that an unoccupied Lewis Street property was an eyesore because of glass and refuse littering the lot and various animals occupying the property. Supervisor Peter Glushko reported the Lewis Street residence has been cleaned up. Code Enforcement Officer Frank Slycord was successful in contacting the property owner.

Supervisor Glushko reported that the July 19^th Second Annual Peruvian Festival was very successful. This year’s festival emphasized Peruvian food with a professional chef preparing a multi-course meal served at the St. Augustine’s Parish Center. Councilman Kregg Bruno was impressed how our guests so beautifully sang both the United States and Peru national anthems. Supervisor Glushko said the visitors appreciated our hospitality and were gracious guests.