The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan 

Peru – The Peru Town Board conducted its December 14, 2020 meeting online via Zoom. The Department Heads participated via Zoom. The Peru Gazette was not permitted to video the meeting. Supervisor Brandy McDonald explained, “Most Town Boards are going Zoom only or meeting with Boards only and no one from the outside until we get over the hump of Covid-19.” 

The $5 million+ sewer line upgrade project was the primary discussion item. Three contractors submitted base and alternate bids for the December 10th bid opening. Base bids include all the work that must be accomplished to ensure the system’s safe and efficient operation. Alternate bids include the work that should be done but might have to be delayed because of excessive cost. Rifenburg Construction of Troy, NY submitted a bid of $3,712,939 and an alternate bid of $1,380,506.50, Reale Construction of Ticonderoga submitted a base bid of $5,028.000 and an alternate bid of $1,529,000. Luck Brothers Inc. of Plattsburgh submitted a base bid of $4,412,988 and an alternate bid of $1,435,860. Supervisor McDonald said he would like to see the project proceed as far as possible. Water-Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault said he hopes it includes the Elm St. portion which transports effluent from parts of Pleasant St., Laflure Lane, Paine Street and Washington Street. Peru’s engineers are examining the bids. The Board plans to make a decision at its December 30th meeting. 

A few residents have asked counselors about keep the Walking Trail open during the winter months, but it’s not going to happen for several reasons. The Town’s current snow removal equipment would damage the stone chip walkway. Town Attorney Matt Favro is of the opinion that icy conditions would be an insurance cost issue. Favro recommended that the Town erect signs stating, “The trail is not maintained in winter. Use at your own risk.” The Board agreed and signs will be erected.

Beginning January 1, 2021, water and sewer district residents will see a small increase in their metered rates. It will be reflected in first-quarter bills. Water rates will increase by $2 every three months. Sewer rates will increase by $5 every three months. 

New York State requires all government entities to develop and publish an emergency preparedness plan. Supervisor McDonald said most area towns have hired Emergency Preparedness Solutions (EPS) of Utica, NY to prepare their plans. He said EPS is an experienced company and knows what NYS expects. The Town Board approved a $3,000 contract with the EPS. 

Peru Central School buses will continue refueling at the Town Highway Garage. The Board renewed a Fuel Depot Agreement with the school.  The agreement will continue indefinitely, subject to termination by either party. 

The Town of Peru and Town of Ausable will become joint owners of a paver. The Board approved a shared services agreement to purchase the 2005 used paver at the cost of $60,000 ($30,000 each). The towns will share paver maintenance costs.  The purchase coincides with the Highway Department’s sale of an old paver, an old truck, a sand screener and other items. Those sales should offset the $30,000 paver cost. 

Brentwood Industries was hired at the cost of $5,200 for installation oversight of the new clarifier at the wastewater treatment plant. Town personnel will do the actual installation. Courtney Tetreault researched hiring an outside firm to install the clarifier; however, at $47,000, he deemed the cost too high. 

Replacing the collapsing culverts at the Telegraph Road-Sullivan Road intersection is taking on a high priority. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said the dip in the highway is getting worse. The Board asked Farrell to gather more information for its December 30 meeting. Farrell would like to solicit bids as soon as possible with construction taking place next year. 

The Board reappointed Jeremiah Cross as Town Property Assessor through December 2023. Peru contracts with Clinton County for his services. 

The Board adjourned to an Executive session at 7:06 p.m. to discuss a contract issue.