The Peru Gazette

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday, February 22, 2021 at the Peru Town Hall. Those present were Mr. Brandy McDonald, Supervisor; Mr. James Douglass, Councilman; Mr. Richard Barber Jr., Councilman; Mr. Kregg Bruno, Councilman; Mr. Mel Irwin, Councilman; Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk; Mr. Matt Favro, Town Attorney; Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent; Ms. Pamela Barber, Secretary to the Board. And Mr. Dave Drollette, Dog Control Officer. Via zoom Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent and Mr. John Flynn, Recreation Director.

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

Motion by Mr. Barber; second by Mr. Irwin to approve the minutes from the February 8, 2021 meeting.
Ayes 5 Nays 0 Motion Carried

Community Input and Questions

None

Parsons Road Abandonment

Mr. Farrell stated at the start of Telegraph Road to the turnaround is 2795’ on Parsons Road. The town does not maintain after the turnaround and hasn’t for many years. Mr. Favro recommended that Sullivan Orchards’ attorney have a land survey done to get the correct meets and bounds to finalize paper work for abandonment.

Walking Trail Extension

Easements will be required from the property owners. Town will provide insurance coverage for the use of their property. Adele Douglass will contact Mr. Swain regarding the proposed/requested path of the trail. She will follow up with the Town attorney after for the writing of the easements.

Resolution No. 21.02.22-1

A RESOLUTION TO CORRECT A TYPOGRAPHICAL ERROR IN 2021 TOWN OF PERU AND PERU FIRE DISTRICT’S BUDGET.

Motion By: Mr. Barber Second By: Mr. Douglass

WHEREAS, In 2020 it appears the Town of Peru levied and raised an additional $10,000 in tax levy due to a typographical error that went unnoticed until the 2020 Real Property taxes were paid. When the issue was discovered our County Attorney advised them to correct that error on the 2021 budget for the Peru Fire District. However, the Town of Peru included a lesser amount of the actual amount of taxes to be raised.

WHEREAS, on the 2021 budget the Fire District references a $10,000 “refund” to the County however the “refund” should have been handled as a reduction in the Fire District tax rate; but instead of deducting the $10,000 revenue from the 2021 budget they actually added that to the total taxes to be levied.

WHEREAS, on the 2022 budget, the Peru Fire District will need to reduce their levy in the amount of $9,443 which is difference between the $10,000 listed incorrect as expenditure & the error carried over onto the Town of Peru budget amount of $663,773 which should have been $674,330 a difference of $557.00.

WHEREAS, Whereas the Town of Peru must pay the Peru Fire District the amount of $557.00 to make the Peru Fire District “whole” and will make up the difference on the 2022 budget.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, 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 x

Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays

Complete Streets Funding Opportunity

This program is to promote health and safety. Biking and hiking trails, new road development no funds possible/available. DASNY is involved with the dos and don’ts of the Trail grant money from Billy Jones’ office which is a totally different funding opportunity.

Sewer Project Update

Mr. Tetrault stated no update at this time.
Mr. Bruno asked for clarification of the discussion of the advanced $1,000,000.00. Ms. Barber explained Ted Trespasz was securing the advance at this time; the amount is $ 785,700.00 with an interest possibly as low as 1.72%.
AES Northeast’s Mike Metcalfe has asked for a pre-pre construction meeting. The meeting is set for March 8, 2021 at 5 PM.

Other Business

Mr. McDonald received a text from Judge Cabana- court is now open with limited amount of people in building.
Mr. Bruno asked if any other councilmen were receiving an email from MRC-.Mr. Barber stated he was. Ms. Barber stated that they are a playground equipment company and not who we get our youth sporting equipment from and the business needs to be blocked.

Mr. Drollette expressed heartache with a dog missing and then found deceased. The horses on Lapham Mills Road have become an issue again. The issue is being addressed.
Mr. Drollette has asked all residents to please call him first (518-578-2217) with all dog issues. Mr. Drollette always keeps the board and community informed.

Mr. Tetrault reported de-chlorination levels returned satisfactory.
Mr. Tetrault and Mr. Flynn coordinated in purchasing hockey nets.
The first hockey clinic was very well received with 14 youth participating. Mr. Flynn thanked Courtney and his staff for maintaining and continuing to do a great job on the skating rink.
Mr. Flynn announced a Youth Commission meeting via zoom would be held Tuesday night (March 23, 2021) at 6 PM.
Mr. McDonald and Mr. Douglass stated a job description is needed for the vacant court clerk position. Once the description is received from Judge Kirby, Mrs. Miller will advertise the position.
Mr. Guynup stated a new member (Jim Francesconi) will be joining the Zoning Board.
Mr. Guynup was made aware Dollar General was not in compliance. After speaking with manager a “critical ticket” needs to be sent to headquarters for the issues to be resolved by the company. The manager has filed and Mr. Guynup is checking frequently that issues are being resolved.
Mr. Farrell has asked the residents to please clear snow around there mailbox. Mr. Farrell stated the new loader has arrived. Mr. Farrell indicated the CHIPS money is still at 20% – 15% back to town and state holding 5%. Casella is there part with placement of receptacle containers after pick up. The 2 of 4 heaters in highway garage no longer function. Mr. Farrell is asking for an emergency purchase in the amount of $ 4,800.00 to replace.

Mr. Bruno requests a motion for an emergency purchase for heaters in the Highway garage in the amount of $ 4800.00.
Motion by Mr. Bruno; second by Mr. Irwin to approve an emergency purchase for heaters in the Highway garage in the amount $ 4800.00.

5 Ayes 0 Nays Motion Carried

Public Comments on Agenda Items Only

Mr. Ryan asked about the grant for walking trail extension. Mr. Jones advocated the grant of $125,000.00 back in September 2020.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 21.02.22-2

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

MOTION: Mr. Bruno SECOND: Mr. Douglass
WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed and audited the following claims, bills and invoices

for services rendered and goods provided to the Town in February 2021:

From Town of Peru Vouchers in February 2021; #202100136 through and including #2021000205,

Abstract dated February 22, 2021

For the dollar amount totaling: $109,407.95, of that, $16,318.12 was wired, credit cards and prepaid; and $93,089.83 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 x Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays

Motion by Mr. Bruno; second by Mr. Irwin to adjourn Regular Meeting at 6:43 PM to Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter. No decision will be made.

Motion by Mr. Douglass; second by Mr. Irwin to return to Regular Meeting at 7:14 PM Motion by Mr. Bruno; second by Mr. Barber to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:15 PM.

Ayes 5 Nays 0 Motion Carried _________________________Supervisor _________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman