The Peru Gazette

Peru town officials learned that it would cost more to keep Town of Peru’s highways safe this coming winter at their Monday, September 8, 2014 meeting. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell informed the Board that salt will cost $73.65 a ton, 27% higher than budgeted and increasing the total cost from an estimated $75,000 to $110,000. Counselors discussed reducing salt usage and other alternatives, but concluded that safety is their highest priority. The salt is especially needed on lightly traveled highways. Salt industry officials attribute the price increase to last year’s hard winter. Inventories have been depleted and communities have placed large orders for this winter. It’s the old supply-demand story.

In other actions the Board:

• Reappointed Deborah Witherwax to the Board of Assessment review.
• Approved renewal of the Cable Franchise Agreement with Charter Communications. The Town of Peru receives approximately $60,000 annually as a franchise fee.
• Set the Walking Trail Official Opening Ceremony for October 5, 2014. The ribbon cutting will be held at Sullivan Park at 1:00 p.m. Participants will walk the 1.25 mile trail to Heyworth-Mason Park for light refreshments, children’s activities and a brief program. Interpretative signs and a safety sign on Route 22 will be erected. The trail has been deemed ready for final inspection.
• Counselors emphasized that the walking trail is not a dog park. Dogs are to be on leashes and users must clean up after their animals. It will be a wonderful community resource if all users follow the rules.