The Peru Gazette

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday, March 9, 2020 at the Peru Town Hall.  Those present were Mr. Brandy McDonald Supervisor-Excused; Mr. James Douglass, Deputy Supervisor; Mr. Melvin Irwin, Councilman; Mr. Richard Barber; Councilman; Mr. Kregg Bruno, Councilman and Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk.  Also present were Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent;  Ms. Pamela Barber, Confidential Secretary to the Board and Mr. Dave Drollette, Dog Control officer. 

The meeting was called to order at 6:02 PM by Mr. Douglass, with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Motion by Mr. Bruno; seconded by Mr. Barber to approve the minutes from the February 24, 2020 meeting.   Ayes 4   Nays 0 Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Bruno; seconded by Mr. Irwin to include the reports from the following departments into the official record of tonight’s meeting.  (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; JCEO and Banking Reports).  No JCEO or Code/ Zoning Reports submitted

Ayes 4   Nays 0                                            Motion Carried

Community Input and Questions

Mr. Ryan asked about winter activities. Mr. Barber stated the town had the largest attendance for skiers at Whiteface for our youth. 

Mr. Bruno corrected his comment from the previous meeting on the number of youth and chaperones for the ski program. He also commended Mr. Mills on a great job with the program.

No applicants have been received for zoning board members at this time.

Donations for a Wreath for “The Wall That Heals” Tour

Town of Peru supervisor and councilman have donated for a wreath to sponsor.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 20.03.09-1

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TOWN’S SLUDGE REMOVAL AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH NEW ENGLAND WASTE SERVICES OF ME, INC. (DBA CASELLA ORGANICS) DATED MARCH 3, 2020 AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

Motion: Mr. Irwin                      Second: Mr. Bruno 

WHEREAS, the Town Board has the amendment to the agreement  before it between the Town of Peru and NEWS of ME, Inc. for the removal of the Town’s Sewer Plant sludge at a base rate of $76.00 per wet ton of residuals removed and  landfill fees of $103.00 per wet ton; THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, said proposed agreement is approved and the Supervisor be and hereby is authorized to execute said agreement.

AND, BE IT RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call:		YES	NO
	Richard Barber, Jr.	x
	Kregg Bruno	x
	James Douglass	x
	Mel Irwin	x
	Brandy McDonald	Excused

Carried: 4 Ayes 0 Nays

Mr. Tetrault stated due to a raven, sticks have been found in the sludge causing the removal to the landfill at a higher rate. Screening for the prevention of this will be put into place as soon as the sludge container has been emptied. 

2020 Budget Adjustment for Election Chargeback Encumbrance

Not needed, software issue resolved.

Set date for Sewer Workshop for April 9 at 6:00 pm

Motion by Mr. Bruno; seconded by Mr. Irwin to set sewer workshop April 9, 2020 at 6PM to be held at the town hall.

Ayes 4 Nays 0

Sewer Project Update

All easements on North Bend have been signed except TD Bank. Mr. Tetrault is expecting that to be signed within the next week. The project will be split. Maiden Lane and North Bend will be the first phase. D.O.T. has plans for final review.  Beginning of April is when plans will go out to bid.

Time is of the essence before all contractors are busy with other projects.

North Country Honor Flight Fundraising Dinner

Mr. Douglass stated a fundraiser will be held March 20, 2020. Community is invited to attend.

Other Business

Mr. Tetrault stated all new carbon was installed at the Water Treatment Plant.

Mr. Farrell stated a possibility of a new skid steer for the snow removal of sidewalks possible purchase from the Town of Plattsburgh.

Mr. Farrell stated Lloyd Provost will be highway foreman effective April 2, 2020 to fill position of retiring Darryl Martineau. Mr. Farrell is also filing paperwork to civil service for the position title to be changed to Deputy Highway Supervisor. When required paperwork has been approved, a resolution will be required.

Ms. Barber stated the K – 5 PTO will be having a fun run April 25 for K-5 children. 

Mr. Douglass and Mr. Bruno commented on accomplishments of 3 local athletes-

• Charles Remillard and Dan Lennon- Olympic Trials 
• Jordan Bushey-National Wrestling Champion.

Public Comments on Agenda Items Only

Mr. Ryan commented about the possibility of lower interest rates this year to do both phases of sewer project. At this time it is not feasible due to necessary easements on Elm Street.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 20.03.09-2

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE POST-AUDIT PAYMENT OF CERTAIN CLAIMS, BILLS AND INVOICES OF THE TOWN

MOTION: Mr. Bruno                                              SECOND: Mr. Barber 

WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed and audited the following claims, bills and invoices for services rendered and goods provided to the Town in March 2020:

From Town of Peru Vouchers in March 2020; #202000213  through and including #202000276.

Abstract dated 3/9/2020

For the dollar amount totaling: $65,172.35; of that, $13,538.97 was wired, credit cards and prepaid; and $51,633.38 is remaining to be paid and

WHEREAS, the Town Board finds said claims, bills and invoices to be acceptable in form and reasonable in amount; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, that payment of the aforementioned claims, bills and invoices is approved and the Supervisor be and hereby is authorized to make such payment; and be it further

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call:		YES	NO
	Richard Barber, Jr.	x
	Kregg Bruno	x
	Mel Irwin	x
	James Douglass	x
	Brandy McDonald	Excused

Carried: 4 Ayes 0 Nays

Motion by Mr. Barber; seconded by Mr. Irwin to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:42 PM.  

Ayes 4   Nays 0   Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman