The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

At the Peru Town Board’s Monday, July 8th regular meeting Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetrault reported that an employee was recently injured injured when the string trimmer he was operating near the dog park accidentally struck a hypodermic syringe. The syringe became airborne resulting in the needle penetrating the employee’s wrist. He received several preventative shots at CVPH Medical Center and periodic blood tests will be necessary. Tetrault said this is the first time he has seen a syringe at the park.

The Northern Insuring Agency currently provides the Town’s liability and workman’s compensation insurance. Northern Insuring Vice-President Ed Davis and Senior Service Coordinator Kristi Johnson asked the Board to consider hiring Northern Insuring as the Town’s health insurance broker. Burnham Benefit Advisors is the current broker; however, it has been acquired by the Alera Group of Deerfield, Illinois. Ms. Johnson stressed that Northern Insuring is locally-owned and she would be a local contact for personal service. Burnham Benefit Advisors is still located in Lake Placid and responds to insurance questions from its Lake Placid office. This year the Town paid about $210,700 for health insurance. A 7% increase is expected next year.

In 2016 the Town purchased the former Peru Federal Credit Union building on Davey Drive for use as the community’s new court house. Judge Jim Kirby volunteered his time to renovate the building, but now it’s time to replace the roof. Counselors Rick Barber and Jim Langley are acquiring prices. Asphalt and/or steel roofs are being considered. The Town may purchase the materials and contract for installation.

Superintendent Courtney reported that AES Engineering has completed the survey required for the sewer system upgrade. The Board scheduled a workshop for July 16, 2019 at 5 p.m. to discuss any outstanding issues with AES personnel. The workshop is open to the public.

In the next few days Park’s Department personnel will be installing metal screen on the baseball dugouts. It will cost less than $1,000.

Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup recommended scheduling a public hearing regarding proposed zoning changes near the Dashnaw Road – Bear Swamp Road intersection. Five property owners adjacent to the property in question will be notified by mail.

Counselor Jim Douglass suggested billing other towns when Peru’s Dog Control Officer (DCO) has to answer calls because their DCO is not available. Douglass mentioned a $100 charge. HIs suggestion was discussed, but no action was taken.

Background checks for all Youth Commission coaches and personnel (35) have been completed. More checks are expected for fall sports.

Deputy Supervisor Jim Douglass chaired this meeting. Supervisor Brandy McDonald was at the CVPH Emergency Room being treated for elbow issues related to his recent shoulder surgery. He arrived at the Town Hall just as the meeting concluded.