The Peru Gazette

Peru Gazette Telegraph Rd.Culvert file photo

Replacing culvert cost $2 million+

Prior to the vote, Farrell related the four-year history of this project.  Farrell said at the board request, he prepared Bridges New York grant applications for 2022, 2023, and 2024; none were successful. In 2022, C&S estimated the project cost at $999,805. In 2023, it was $1.4 million, and in 2024, just over $1.4 million.

Responding to comments on the Peru Gazette’s Facebook page asking why the town highway department couldn’t do the work, Farrell said, “We don’t have the equipment or the manpower. It’s a 24-ft wide concrete box culvert. It takes a huge crane to move it. The hole for the culvert is much deeper than our equipment can handle.”  Over the past several years New York State and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have added numerous permit requirements adding to the complexity of any large project. A mussel study on this project cost thousands of dollars.

Discussing their reasoning for moving forward on the project, board members commented. Supervisor Craig Randall pointed to project delays and ever-increasing construction costs, stating, “Even though the bid was higher than expected, time is money.” Councilman Eric Duquette, a home building contractor by occupation, said, “We’re fighting the inevitable. We’ve been kicking this down the road for a long time. Most other contractors’ plates are full. We were lucky that Luck Brothers bid.” Melvin Irwin said, “Everybody wishes we had multiple bidders, but we’ve got to move ahead.” Kregg Bruno said, “I know it’s a lot of money, but it’s got to be done.” Michael Farrell added that this area has very few contractors that bid on projects this large, and most contractors have many open jobs. He said, “Today’s generation doesn’t want to do this kind of work any longer.”  Counselor Nick Weaver was not present at the meeting. 

Under the public comment on agenda items portion of the meeting the Peru Gazette asked if the town would maintain project databases so that ongoing and final total project net costs would be available to the public. Pam Barber pointed out that grants would have to be taken into account, but it could be done. The Peru Gazette had difficulty obtaining project ongoing and total costs prior to Mr. Randall taking office, especially when unexpected major expenses were incurred. 

On a more positive note, the board hired Duane Bibeau as Code Enforcement Officer (CEO), effective February 1, and Taylor Jo Swan as part-time Code Enforcement Secretary, effective February 3.  Both Bibeau and Swan will also be subject to a one-year probationary period. Acting CEO Steve Imhoff will help educate Bibeau on the many responsibilities of the CEO. 

The board approved selling the Jenkins Street tennis court property to Hidden Springs LLC, a.k.a. Jon Rulfs, for $40,000, conditional on completion of a survey and drainage line installation. The property has been on the market for a few months. 

Youth Director Krista Marino reported that 90 or more youths registered for the Whiteface Mountain Ski Program, which she believes is an all-time high number.  Peru Cheerleaders expressed interest in cheering at Saturday basketball games; however, the Clinton County Youth Commission views the basketball program as non-competitive, therefore it would be unfair to only have one team with cheerleaders. 

The Recreation Assistant position is still open. Marino thinks it would be a great summer opportunity for graduating seniors. There is also one open position on the Youth Commission with potentially more to come. 

In other actions, the board approved: 

Its $80,000 contract with the Peru Free Library

Its Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board contract of $300 

Closing all of Judge James Kirby’s bank accounts

Acceptance of a Murnane Bldg. Contractors change order credit in the amount of $26,096.12 related to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project. 

Click here for the Peru Gazette meeting video