The Peru Gazette

• Highway Department to purchase Gradall Excavator and pick-up truck
• Highway Department Sand-Salt Usage Declines
• Sewer System Needs Upgrades
• And More

By John T. Ryan

The Mason family’s presentation of an historic artwork to the Town of Peru was not the only important subject at the Monday, February 8, 2016 Peru Town Board Meeting.

The Town Board approved the Highway Department’s purchase of a 2016 Ford F-250 four-door pickup truck replacing a 15 year old and well-worn pickup. The truck will be purchased under NYS contract from Henderson Ford in Rochester, NY at a cost of $29,171.75. When the new truck was discussed Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said he was a “Chevy man,” but he’d be satisfied with either truck. The bid for a competing Chevrolet truck was $881 higher than the Ford. Counselor Jim Langley asked it there was any reason not to purchase the Ford. When Farrell responded “no,” the board voted to purchase the Ford.

A Highway Department Gradall excavator five-year lease contract was approved at a cost of $58,276 annually. At the board’s last meeting Counselor Jim Langley asked if a used machine had been considered stating that Farrell’s predecessor Elmer Duprey had purchased a used machine that lasted 17 years. Since that meeting Langley learned that the new machine was already on order. At this meeting he voted against the purchase stating he didn’t have enough information to make the town responsible for a $58,276 per year five-year lease. All other counselors voted yes.

Superintendent Farrell reported that the mild winter has resulted in a reduction of both overtime and in sand-salt usage. Salt usage has been reduced to the point where Farrell may have a problem storing the salt already ordered for next winter. The supplier charges a $12 to $13 per ton fee when contracted salt cannot be delivered.

Water-Sewer Department Superintendent Courtney Tetrault said he would be meeting the town engineers and grant writer to discuss a grant application for upgrades to the town’s sewer pipes, pumping stations and treatment system. Some sewer pipes were installed in the 1930’s. A 2015 engineering study estimated needed upgrades at approximately $4 million. The budget being considered by the NYS Legislature includes sewer system grant monies.

Supervisor Peter Glushko said he thinks the fire suppression and fire department access issues regarding a new retail sales building at Rulfs Orchard are on the way to resolution. The Zoning Board will review the matter at its Wednesday, February 16^th meeting.

The 2016 town contract with the Elmore SPCA for its dog shelter services was approved.

Supervisor Glushko proposed lowering the Town Hall’s main room ceiling to just above the beams citing improved acoustics and energy conservation. The board will investigate the cost.

Counselor Jim Langley spoke about a January decline in Clinton County’s sales tax collections. In 2015 the Town of Peru received $1,335,587 in sales tax collections. Lower gasoline prices and fewer Canadian shoppers thanks to declining value of the Canadian dollar are largely responsible for the sales tax collection decline.

Counselor Donald McBrayer, liaison to the Zoning/Planning department, will be preforming the annual internal audit of that department in the very near future.