The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan 

Peru School District Superintendent Dr. Thomas Palmer addressed the Town Board and residents regarding the District’s Capital Project that will be voted on by voters on May 15, 2018. The District seeks approval for an $18,485,000 “Three R” Capital Project that the Board says is designed to renovate, rejuvenate and restore existing facilities and meet the demands of 21st century learning. Dr. Palmer said the project would be financed by an existing $1,750,000 District Capital Reserve Fund, $700,000 from the District’s current fund balance and the remaining 88% by New York State school aid. 

The project includes restoring roofs, pavement and playgrounds; renovation of obsolete infrastructures such as heating and cooling systems, communication systems, plumbing fixtures, windows and lighting; rejuvenation of existing space such as the K-2 House kitchen, 3-5 House library, 3-5 art room, and High School science and art rooms. A project highlight is the conversion of an existing gym space into a two-level fitness center. It would include weight lifting equipment, cardiovascular fitness equipment, and a wrestling/fitness studio. Public access to the fitness facility during evening hours is anticipated. LED lighting for night games and events will also be installed at the stadium/track. 

An informational session on the Capital Project will be held on Tuesday, May 8th at 7 PM in the Middle/High School Community Room. An informational mailing is being made to all households in the District.  Dr. Palmer is also appearing before several town boards and community groups. To view Dr. Palmer’s presentation view the video from the 11:40 to 18:30- minute mark. Click here for Capital Project details.

Beth Spaugh-Barber of Rehoboth Homestead on Route 9 – Jabez Allen Road continued her effort to be permitted to fly banners or fluttering signs at her Route 9 farm stand. Spaugh-Barber was looking for a “workaround” to the existing zoning law which only permits such signs during limited periods such as grand openings. She began her presentation by stating, “It will be a cold day in hell before we can get the Zoning Board to change.” None of the Board members expressed agreement with her proposal. Counselor Melvin Irwin suggested that she work her proposal up through the Zoning Board.  See video from the 4:18 to the 10:40-minute marks. 

Bids on the Main Street Upgrade Project will be solicited on May 27 with a pre-bid conference on May 2, bid opening on May 10 and bid award on May 14.

Planning for the hamlet’s sewer system upgrade continues. The Board approved a contract with AES Engineering at an amount not to exceed $50,000 to conduct preliminary design which includes such things as aerial mapping and archeological studies. USDA recently denied the Town’s application for a low-interest loan for the $4 million project.  The Town is appealing the denial because financing the project through commercial banks would result in significantly higher interest charges. The Town hopes to begin construction in 2020. The Board approved a loan of $50,000 to the Sewer District from the General Fund to finance AES work.  NYS has awarded the Town 25% grant funding.

Supervisor Brandy McDonald said residents have been asking questions on broadband expansion in the Town. NYS recently awarded monies to make broadband available to every residence or business in the Town. The funds were awarded to companies such as Verizon and Primelink, not to the Town.  An exact time schedule has not been finalized. Work has to be completed no later than February 20, 2020. 

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell continues to explore the installation of plastic liners in the deteriorating culverts at the Telegraph Street – Sullivan Road intersection. Installing liners rather than replacement should save significant money. Farrell is not sure if U.S. Fish and Wildlife or New York State DEC will approve the plastic liners. They have been approved in several other states.  

Town plows damaged five or six mailboxes during recent storms. Superintendent Farrell said he had removed the plow wings; nevertheless, the heavy ice damaged mailboxes. The Town replaces mailboxes, but only when the boxes were properly installed and when they are directly impacted by a Town plow.  The Town replaced one of the damaged boxes. 

The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 7:40 PM to discuss the employment history of an employee.