The Peru Gazette

Summary of Peru Board Meeting of March 8, 2021, chaired by Deputy Supervisor Jim Douglass 

By John T. Ryan 

Highlights: CLINK HERE FOR FEBRUARY 2021 DEPT REPORTS

Replacement of the deteriorating Telegraph Rd. culvert and bridge will be delayed pending NYS grant awards. The Board decided to delay the projects after grant writer Liz Tedford informed them that NYS would not award grants until at least November or December 2021 and that grant monies cannot be applied to work in progress. If Peru qualifies, construction will hopefully begin in 2021. Peru will be competing for two grants – one for the culvert and one for the bridge. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell commented, “I’m not an engineer, but it looks like the bridge is the highest priority.” The grants would pay up to $1 million with no local match funding required. 

Youth Commission representative Emily Sypec told the Board that registration for spring, summer, and fall sports programs would begin on March 15. The Youth Commission has been meeting online via Zoom. Counselor Kregg Bruno, a Board liaison to the Commission, noted that the Commission is planning to update its by-laws.

The Board approved James Francesconi’s appointment as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup commented, “The Board is now up to full strength with five members.” (Backup members are always needed. At this time, there are no backup members.)

Water-Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault received approval to hire a seasonal worker for up to six months. Tetrault included the funds in his 2021 budget. Tetrault noted that one staff member is sidelined because of an injury. 

AES Engineering held productive meetings with the sewer system upgrade contractor. The Water-Sewer Department will be soon contacting affected property owners to renew easements.

A few Highway Department and Water-Sewer Department personnel have received the COVID vaccine; however, vaccination personnel turned away others. The worker’s vaccine priority is in a state of confusion.  (Note – Governor Cuomo authorized the vaccinations on March 9, 2021)

Cell phone carrier T-Mobile wants to locate an electric generator under the Peru water tower. T-Mobile currently rents tower space for its cell phone equipment. A generator should ensure service during power outages. 

Counselors plan to finalize the Town’s emergency response plan at a March 15th, 6 p.m. workshop. 

The meeting adjourned to an executive session at 6:37 p.m. for discussion of personnel matters. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell participated.