The Peru Gazette

File Photo

By John T. Ryan

Employee issues dominated the Monday, September 13, 2010 Peru Town Board meeting. Counselors learned that the town will likely face increased workmen’s compensation and health insurance costs in the coming fiscal year. If the town concludes a contract by October 1^st it may be able to avoid the workmen’s compensation increase, however, health insurance will probably increase in the 12 to 15% range assuming the coverage remains the same. Supervisor Peter Glushko also presented counselors with a documentation received earlier in the day from former Town Supervisor Donald Covel. Covel contends that as a retired Town of Peru employee the Town should be paying for his health insurance. Supervisor Glushko said that in 2008 the Town Board voted to stop providing health insurance to town counselors.

Under “Other Business” Supervisor Glushko advised that he has been notified that the grant request for sewage system upgrades at the South Acres Trailer Park has been denied. The park’s owner is pursuing other funding sources and the town is assisting him in any way it can. Approximately 80 families live in the park. (See detailed story on this issue)

In the workmen’s compensation discussion it was very clear that the Board is not satisfied with the services being offered by its current carrier – the NYS Workman’s Compensation Alliance. Supervisor Glushko called the company reactive and not responsive. Water and Sewer Superintendent Greg Timmons said the Alliance does not offer the on-site safety programs and employee seminars that the town’s previous carrier, the Public Employer Risk Management Association (PERMA), offered. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said he has asked the Alliance for employee training, but hasn’t received a response. Northern Insuring representative Ed Davis recommended an alternative carrier to the council. Davis said that many local municipalities use this carrier and that they are very satisfied. Supervisor Glushko said the council will weigh all factors over the next few weeks. The town could return to PERMA; however, it charges about $10,000 more than the town’s current carrier.

The council has more time to deal with rising health insurance costs. Preparing for 2011 Supervisor Glushko asked Burnham Financial Services for an estimate of any cost increases. Burnham’s “best guess” is that Excellus Blue Cross-Blue Shield will increase its premium by 12.5%. Competing carrier increases may range up to 17.3%.

In other actions:

• The Board received monthly reports from all department heads with the exception of the Dog Control Officer.
• Approved a letter to be sent to the Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum endorsing its programs and the benefit it provides to town residents.
• Approved a resolution needed to solicit a five year Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) to finance the River Road water project. The Town plans to borrow up to $300,000 for the replacement of 3,000 feet of water pipe and associated valves, equipment and machines. The project survey has already been done and blueprints are expected within the next two weeks. It will be funded from the town’s general fund until the bond monies are received.
• Received a suggestion from Code Enforcement Office Paul Blaine regarding the “Healthy Workplace Program.” Blaine said the program is designed to improve employee interpersonal relationships. He gave the counselors packets describing the program and said he would like to see the program included in the Town Employee Handbook. The NYS Senate has passed a Healthy Workplace law while the Assembly has placed the bill on hold.
• Authorized changes to the Employee Handbook authorizing the Dog Control Officer to claim mileage when she uses her personal vehicle for town business. She does not have a town-owned vehicle. At the suggestion of Counselor Sue Polhemus, Supervisor Glushko will set up a mileage log sheet for the Dog Control Officer to maintain. The Code Enforcement Officer will also be authorized to claim mileage but only when his town-owned vehicle is down for repairs.
• Tabled a two-year snow and ice removal agreement with Clinton County. A resolution will be drawn up and presented at the board’s next meeting. The proposed agreement calls for a 0% reimbursement increase in 2011 and a 4% increase in 2012. The Town of Peru plows and sands 23.7 miles of Clinton County highways.
• Greg Timmons stated that he is researching the cost of hiring an environmental engineer who would review the town’s ongoing water quality issues. He is also meeting with vendors to explore the cost of ultraviolet technology. Quarterly water samples will be taken in the next few days which will help determine if the recent water tank cleaning resulted in any improvement.
• Received a letter thanking the people of Peru for their friendliness and hospitality displayed during the recent “Grand Tour” bicycling event.
• Accepted Peter Trout’s resignation from the Town Planning board. The Planning Board and Zoning Board have several openings. Interested persons should contact Paul Blaine.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.