The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Unplanned expenses, debt and concern about cost estimates were the primary topics at the April 14^th Peru Town Board meeting. In the not too distant future, the Town of Peru will be incurring in excess of $1,000,000 in debt. Supervisor Peter Glushko said he would research borrowing costs prior to the next Board meeting. Bonds are typically paid over a 25, 30 or 35 year period. Current interest rates range between 3 and 4%.

General Town Bonds (Debt)

Walking Trail – $210,400

Town Hall Entrance Steps – $95,800

Total General Bonds  – $306,200 

Highway Department Bonds (Debt)

Fuller Road Culvert Repairs – $301,225

Highway Garage Roof (Estimated) – $150,000

Hurricane Irene Related Road Repairs – $330,336

Total  Highway Department – $781,561 

Overall Total Bonding – $1,087,761 

The Town Hall entrance steps upgrade project will cost $31,000 more than anticipated. The Town Board initially placed a $60,000 limit on the project and asked the Town’s contract engineer to design a project within that limit. When the bids were opened on April 19^th, Northern Snow and Dirt of Plattsburgh submitted the low bid of $91,000. At this meeting the Board decided that pavers would enhance the Town Hall’s appearance more than concrete steps bringing the total project cost to $95,800. Engineers said their $60,000 estimate was based on an understanding that the Town would demolish the existing steps; however, several weeks ago counselors decided to not use Town personnel citing concerns about buried utilities, liability and other matters.

The Heyworth/Mason Park to Sullivan Park Walking Trail will cost the Town $210,400. The total project cost is $860,000 including engineering and inspection. Federal and NYS grants total $649,600 and the Town will bond for $210,400. Depending on when the cost estimates were made, the Walking Trail cost exceeded estimates by between $100,000 and $200,000.

The Highway Department will be incurring debt for its garage roof repairs, Fuller Road culvert repairs and Hurricane Irene road repairs that were not reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

While the garage roof bid specifications have not been finalized, the cost is estimated at between $150,000 and $200,000. Engineers determined that wood beams, rather than steel beams would be sufficient, significantly reducing the cost from initial estimates. Counselor Kregg Bruno, a contractor (not an engineer) by trade, had consistently stated that wood beams would be sufficient.

The Fuller Road culvert replacement project will result in a debt of $301,000. Initial estimates for that project totaled $250,000. Modifications required to satisfy U.S. Fish and Wildlife regulations were a factor in that cost increase.

Counselor Jim Douglas expressed concern about the accuracy of cost estimates saying any future estimates must be more accurate. Counselor Kregg Bruno has often expressed frustration about engineers not responding to his inquiries.

In other actions:

On a positive note, Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell informed the Board that an additional $20,000 from New York State C.H.I.P.S. monies would enable his staff to pave an extra quarter-mile of highway this summer. Unfortunately, the escalating cost of asphalt will limit paving to approximately 2.5 highway miles, down from the desired 4 or 5 miles. The Highway Department’s budget has been severely affected by the cold, stormy winter and a significant increase in the cost of asphalt. Farrell said the old section of the Sullivan Road would have top priority followed by Buttonwood and Woodland Drives in the hamlet.

The Town Board is seeking volunteers for a Main Street Planning Committee. The Town recently received a 100% funded grant to develop a plan for Main Street enhancements. Supervisor Peter Glushko emphasized that plan would not be implemented until the Town has the necessary funds in hand. The plan could be shelved indefinitely pending funding availability.

The Board adjourned for a 25-minute Executive Session to discuss an employee’s work history.