The Peru Gazette

Peru Town Board Meeting of February 5, 2024

Last September, when only one contractor submitted a bid to replace the deteriorating Cook Road culvert, Superintendent Michael Farrell recommended rejecting the bid, stating it was too high and he thought more contractors would bid in 2024. Farrell was correct! Three contractors submitted bids last week. Ed Garrow and Sons Inc. submitted a bid of $142,936, $77,064 lower than Fuller Excavating and $112,000 less than Luck Bros. Inc. Supervisor Brandy McDonald commented, “It’s a good deal for us.” Michael Farrell said he worked with Garrow before he became highway superintendent. He commented, “Garrow is a very good contractor. He may take a little longer, but his work will be as good as the other two. I’m glad we threw out the bid we got last year.” Heavy rain and the resulting high water damaged the culvert a few weeks ago. Farrell hired Fuller Excavating to do temporary repairs for $14,000; nevertheless, the cost to replace the culvert is $93,064 less than last year’s $250,000 bid.

The board renewed its computer and software service contract with the LayerEight Group of Plattsburgh. The board and staff praised LayerEight’s service, especially its rapid response times. Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup commented, “They’re wonderful to work with.” Budget Officer Pam Barber commented, “As I’ve said many times, it’s the best money the town’s ever spent.” The contract calls for LayerEight to be paid $2,749.95 monthly over the three-year contract. The town and LayerEight can cancel the contract with 30 days’ notice. Before hiring Layereight, the board employed several one-person operations, a frustrating experience.

The board tabled two items: the request to award compensatory time to on-call water-sewer department employees and the Planning Board’s request for a moratorium on self-storage unit construction. Supervisor McDonald said the planning board should formally request the board to take action. At a time when the town needs more users on its water-sewer system to finance operations and upgrades, self-storage units would not need water and sewer services. The moratorium would not affect the two in-progress applications.

Bob Guynup told the board that Planning Board member Ali Webbinaro wants Peru to participate in the NYS Pro-Housing Communities Program. Last August, Governor Kathy Hochul launched the statewide initiative to give participating entities priority consideration for up to $650 million committed to housing growth, including affordable housing. Supervisor McDonald said we need affordable housing and that existing projects have a four to – five-year waiting list. However, he cautioned that having a competent entity operate the units is the most critical issue. Citing projects in the City and Town of Plattsburgh, he said some projects can be community-positive while others can be community-negative. Bob Guynup said it would benefit the board to learn more details from Ali Webbinaro.

The board would like to fill the open recreation assistant position. Recreation Director Kristen Marino said she’s made people aware of the opening; however, there hasn’t been a positive response. Brandy McDonald asked the Peru Gazette to publicize the open job.

When asked for comments under “Other Business,” new board member Eric Duqette, a contractor by profession, addressed the staff, saying, “I’ve had the opportunity to work with a lot of municipalities. I’ve got to say I’m excited to be involved with you guys.” Giving a thumbs up, Duquette said, “Seeing you firsthand, you know what you’re doing. I’m glad to be a part of it.” (Note – On February 8, Duquette told the Peru Gazette his praise applies to all the town employees and department heads.)