Trying to hold down insurance costs and drafting an open burning law
By John T. Ryan
The Peru Town Board meeting of Monday, February 9, 2009 centered on insurance cost reduction and a proposed open burning law. Supervisor Donald Covel was excused and Counselor Peter Glushko presided.
As they did with health insurance, the Board is making a concerted effort to reduce liability insurance costs. Town equipment and property is valued at over $17 million. The Board appointed Counselor Tom Powers to look into the insurance alternatives. Powers commented, “In the course of inventorying our equipment and facilities we found facilities that are not listed on our current policy: The Little AuSable Park playground and the playground and ball field at Laphams Mills.” The Board has approached three local insurance carriers asking each to make a March 2nd one-half hour presentation accompanied by a sealed bid. The companies include: CFA Agency, Latremore Insurance and Northern Insuring Agency. Northern Insuring has provided the coverage for the past eighteen years. The Board did consider going out for bid; however, the Town’s current policy expires on March 31st and the bidding process would take several months. Counselor Powers said insurance is a professional service and exempt from competitive bidding under General Municipal Law Section 103.
The Board discussed the formulation of an open burning law proposal. Open burning regulations have been recommended by the Town’s Comprehensive Planning Committee. The Board’s primary goal appears to be to prohibit burn barrels and open burning inside the Peru hamlet. Counselor Cortland Forrence asked if it would be possible to permit the burning of grass and leaves during one week in the spring and one week in the fall. Counselor Tom Powers doesn’t favor any exceptions saying, “If we’re doing this to improve the quality of life, let’s pass the law.” Powers brought up environmental concerns and mentioned a recent television special that described two towns that had prohibited open burning about ten years ago. Today town leaders claim the life expectancy of its residents has been extended by as much as six months. Counselor Glushko favors opening the Town owned land opposite the Barney Downs Road Convenience Station for a few days in the spring and fall to allow leaves, pine needles, etc., to be hauled to the site. At its next meeting the Board hopes to schedule a public hearing on a proposed law.
The meeting closed with a one hour Executive Session for personnel matters.
Posted: February 15th, 2009 under Town Board News.