The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

November 9, 2020, Peru Town Board Meeting Highlights:

The estimated $5 million-plus District #1 sewer upgrade project will be the subject of a November 23, 5:45 p.m. Public Hearing. The Town has been awarded a $1 million grant and secured long-term low-interest financing; however, the cost is very high for a system with only about 550 users. Click here for an earlier story. 

After listening to the advantages and disadvantages of a concrete three-sided box culvert vs. aluminum tubing, the Board reached a consensus that concrete would be the best choice. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell determined that a 180-foot long culvert needs to be installed near the Telegraph-Sullivan Road intersection to prevent a road collapse. Engineering Ventures engineer Mark Decrescente stated that a $300,000+ concrete culvert would cost about 25% more than an aluminum structure. Still, the aluminum structure would have many more “unknowns” such as useful life.

The Board is weighing two alternatives for expanding Peru’s walking trail – A trail from the Buttonwood subdivision to Sullivan Park vs. extending the existing walking trail to Lapham Mills Park. Councilors plan to walk the routes and conduct a workshop on November 23. Grant monies may be available for the project.

A Christmas Tree lighting ceremony may be scheduled for December 4 at 7 p.m. at the Little Ausable River Park Gazebo. The Board will investigate COVID-19 restrictions before making a final decision.

Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup reported that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has a host of outstanding issues with the Orchard View/Washington Street development. Guynup, Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell and developer William Sawyer participated in a 1.5-hour online meeting with NYS DEC and the Army Corps. Most issues involve disturbed wetlands and the phase #4 street connection near Maplewood Drive. Maplewood Guynup said the DEC made only a few comments. Guynup expects developer William Sawyer to submit amended plans to the Planning Board in January or February with all issues hopefully resolved by May.  Phase #2, the up–the-hill section where one home was constructed,  cannot be completed until Army Corps and DEC requirements have been satisfied.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell asked the Board to update the pay policy portion of the employee handbook. The Board scheduled a handbook workshop for December 7 at 5 p.m.

The Board scheduled a January 4, 2021 workshop to discuss the Town’s Emergency Health Plan. NYS requires that towns have a plan to keep services functioning during emergencies such as floods and pandemics.