The Peru Gazette

Peru – At the Peru Town Board’s September 28th meeting Counselor, Kregg Bruno suggested setting term limits for members of the Peru Youth Commission, saying it would be good to get “new blood and new ideas.” He mentioned two people had approached him about being on the Commission. Town Attorney Matt Favro interjected that some bodies use staggered terms to attract new people. 

At last night’s Town Board meeting (October 15, 2020), Youth Commission Chairman Greg Mills forcefully explained the Youth Commission’s make-up to the Board. (View from the 15:43 to 28.56-minute marks of the Peru Gazette video) He said, “We are a group of volunteers, We’re not elected officials. We’ve never denied membership to anyone, and there is no limit on the number of members. We have nine members right now, but over the years, it ranged from five to twelve.”  Mills named the Youth Commission members, pointing out that five of the nine members currently have children involved in sports programs. The other four members used to have participating children, and all the members are strong sports advocates who serve as coaches, preparing fields and other capacities. At the end of the discussion, Councilman Bruno said, “After hearing from you, Greg, we absolutely don’t need term limits. I’ll tell the interested persons to get hold of you.” 

Town Attorney Matt Favro joined the Youth Commission discussion regarding legal issues and potential liability.  He asked what the Commission’s precise legal relationship is to the Town. Mills said he regards the Youth Commission as an advisory body. The Commission invites anyone applying to serve to submit a letter of interest, which is forwarded to the Town Board. Mills assumed the Board had been approving all Youth Commission members. Presently, the Commission sends meeting minutes to Councilmen Rick Barber and Jim Douglass, the Board’s  Youth Commissions Liaisons. Favro suggested the minutes be forward to all Board members saying, “The more information we have coming here, the better.” Councilman Bruno recommended that Youth Commission information and membership criteria be placed on the Town’s webpage. 

The current Peru Commission members are: 

Greg Mills – Chairman – 15 years of service 

Emily Sypec – Vice-Chairman – 2 years of service 

Brian Marino – 10 years of service 

Bill Myers – 8 years of service 

Carrie Beattie – 7 years of service 

Jim Bousquet – 7 years of service 

Jonathan Whitmarsh – 4 years of service 

Kristen Ojdea Blair – 2 years of service

Krista Bull – 6 months of service 

In other actions: 

Peru’s major sewer upgrade project is going out to bid a second time. One contractor bid on the project last May far above the $4 million to $4.5 million project estimates. At the Town Board’s October 15th meeting, the Board authorized AES Engineering to prepare bid specifications for advertising with a bid opening on December 9th. Work is scheduled to begin as soon as weather permits in 2021. 

New York State has directed that all towns develop and file an emergency health plan. For example, if Highway Department snowplow personnel contract COVID-19 this winter, who will plow town roads—the same apples to water-sewer personnel and all essential workers.  The plan isn’t limited to COVID-19. It would also be in place for other local, state, or national emergencies. 

The Board approved the Highway Department’s request to sell a 1998 International truck, a paver, a screener, and a few other items. Auctions International will conduct the sale. 

Water-Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault reported that the Hometown Hero Banners will be taken down next week. 

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell is still compiling information on the repair of Telegraph Street-Sullivan Road culverts. A new bridge and a 180 ft. long culvert between the roads will be necessary. 

Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup reported that a Buffalo, NY firm inquired on solar farm development in the Town. 

The Board scheduled a  sewer system upgrade workshop for October 26th at 5 p.m. 

The meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 6:47 p.m. to discuss personnel matters.  Supervisor Brandy McDonald said no actions would be taken following the session.