The Peru Gazette

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Highway Superintendent Mike Farrell informed the board that the transmission on the main loader the highway department uses to load the sanding trucks was failing. Farrell says the transmission began slipping two weeks ago, and a relief valve has been repaired. However, a piece of metal was found during the repair indicating a larger problem. A rebuilt replacement transmission would cost $31,000 with a $10,000 core rebate, resulting in a possible final cost of $21,000 to the town. Farrell questions whether it’s worth investing that kind of money into a loader that’s close to twenty years old.

Farrell also informed the board that repairs were performed on the truck that is about to receive a new sweeper. The main computer needed rebooting and an oil seal was repaired (both under warranty). Farrell then reported that the new GMC pickup is in the shop for the third time with computer issues that seem to be unique to only that truck.

The School Street sidewalk was discussed. Until DOT (Department of Transportation) approves the sidewalk, the town cannot maintain it including clearing it of snow.  The board approved a motion to accept  a one-year warranty from the contractor starting February 14, 2011. This is in response to a recommendation from Wayne Ryan from AES (Architecture, Engineering, and Land Surveying Northeast). It’s hoped that accepting the warranty will spur DOT to sign off on the sidewalk allowing the town to take it over and begin maintaining it.

Town Supervisor Peter Glushko informed the board that Code Enforcement Officer Paul Blain was on a 30-day leave of absence. The board later approved a motion to bring in a temporary/full time replacement for Blaine during his leave. No information as to the reason for Blaine’s absence was revealed during the meeting.

Walking Trail and Heyworth/Mason Park Project Manager Adele Douglas recently met with councilors Kregg Bruno and Susan Polhemus to discuss the updated budgets for the projects and whether the construction should go out to bid or be conducted by town crews. The town has two years to complete both projects as stipulated in the grant agreements.  A grant will cover 80% of the cost of the trail project, leaving the town to cover costs of $132,000. Another grant will cover 50% of the park project leaving $83,000 for the Town. The Town budget shows that to date $69,000 has been set aside for the trail and $30,000 has set aside for the park. Adele Douglas informed the board however that only $12,500 (est.) is actually in the reserve account. It’s believed the balance is in the unappropriated fund account and was never transferred. However, it is also possible the money may have been spent. Town Supervisor Peter Glusko plans to investigate the matter to determine exactly where the money is or where it went. A workshop on this matter is scheduled for Monday, March 21st at 6:30PM.

In other action the board:
·    Approved a motion to allow W/S Superintendent Greg Timmons to receive proposals from engineers that may be hired to address the ongoing problem of haloacetic acids in the town water.
·    Discussed expanding cable and Internet access to rural areas. Town Supervisor Peter Glushko states he is committed to bringing these services to all of Peru specifically naming Calkins and Parsons Road. Glushko went on to say that by providing Internet access wherever it can be provided is a good thing that will, “. . . entice people to move here, increasing the tax base which would lighten the tax burden on everyone.” Glushko believes the cable franchise agreement states that if 20 houses exist within a 1-mile area Charter is obligated to provide service. He then asked the Town Attorney Don Biggs to look at the cable franchise agreement and advise the board what options exist to bring cable to those who want it.
·    Passed a motion to donate the six old voting machines to Peru Central School.
·    Approved the 2011 contract with Elmore’s SPCA.
·    Town Councilor Jim Douglass publicly thanked Brian Westover and the Peru Volunteer Fire Department on the quick and thorough response to a carbon monoxide alarm that recently went off in his house.
·    Minutes for the January 24th Public Hearing and Regular Meeting were approved and can be found at: http://www.perutown.com/min11.htm
·    Department reports were received and can be found at: http://www.perutown.com/town.htm

A recording of the meeting can be heard at: http://d1091839.domain.com/PeruTown/TBMeeting-02-14-2011.WAV

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15PM.