The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Peru, October 13, 2022 – Wage increases are impacting Peru, especially in the town highway department. At last night’s meeting (October 13, 2022), the town board accepted equipment operator Jason Burl’s resignation. Supervisor Brandy McDonald commented, “Unfortunately, this won’t be the last. There are more coming up, possibly two more.” Later McDonald said, “If we lose more than two employees, there are some roads that aren’t going to get plowed this year.” 

Wage competition from other towns, the state, and private industry is the primary reason employees are leaving, especially competition for employees possessing a Class A heavy equipment operating license. McDonald said Clinton County is starting people at $28 hourly, about $8 an hour more than Peru. Other towns have raised pay by $2.00 or $2.50 hourly, plus longevity percentage increases. Private companies are paying $10 to $12 more hourly, plus offering matching benefits and sign-on bonuses. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell recalled when government entities didn’t lure employees from other government entities. He concluded, “It’s frustrating. It’s a revolving door.” McDonald said the board would include wages in the town’s 2023 budget discussions.   

The Elm Street sewer line replacement project is nearing completion. Michael Metcalf of AES Northeast, the town’s contracting engineering firm, told the board that Luck Brothers Construction would perform line testing next week. Road reconstruction will begin on October 24, with the completion date planned for Veterans Day, November 11.

Metcalf also reported a meeting with Rifenburg Construction, the contractor responsible for phase #1 of the sewer system upgrade project. Metcalf said he reached an agreement over the few remaining issues and that the final financial figures should be forthcoming on October 14.

Luck Brothers will also be installing new sidewalks along Elm Street. Surveying is complete, with work beginning next week.

Peru and Black Brook are continuing their shared services cooperation. The board approved a resolution authorizing Michael Farrell to order a new John Deere 331G Tractor and Skid Steer at $120,187.96. Peru and Black Brook will each pay 50% of the cost. The towns use the equipment in road grinding-paving operations.

The board approved payments to Luck Brothers of $420,664.93 (Payment #2) for Elm street construction and $466,048.27 (Payment #4) for the Telegraph Road culvert construction.

Town Clerk Dianne Miller asked the board to consider implementing a purchase order system. She believes requiring departments to have approved purchase orders for small items would save the town money. She cited $155 in savings for two purchases adding that at least three other local towns require purchase orders with the supervisor as the approving official. Supervisor McDonald said a workshop would be the best place to discuss the issue and work out any details.

Councilman Rick Barber reported that when the Peru Town Market opened at Heyworth Mason Park on Sunday, October 9, he rang the Heyworth Mason Park bell for the first time. Barber said it was loud and sounded great. Barber donated the historic bell to the town and coordinated the bell tower’s construction. His family has possessed the bell for almost 200 years.

Counselors are concerned about four-wheelers damaging town parks, especially at Lapham Mills. A yellow four-wheeler recently performed wheelies in the parking lot. A four-wheeler doing a similar maneuver on the grass would cause significant damage.

Water-Sewer-Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetrault said some residents complained about not being aware of the recent town-wide boil water order. Tetrault said he notified the health department, the Peru Gazette, several local businesses, WIRY, his department’s Facebook page, and the town website. Tetrault wants to do everything possible to notify residents. He told the board that a cell phone app might be an additional means of communicating emergencies to residents.

Interim Recreation Director Kristen Marino gave a detailed report on the many upcoming Youth Commission activities, including this Saturday’s 9 a.m. soccer season closing ceremony, with games beginning at 9:30. All the teams will participate in a shotgun start.

Peru’s kids will be able to participate in the Clinton County winter basketball program. Practice begins in January, with games from February – March.

A non-profit dedicated to delivering food to the needy and purchasing sports equipment for disadvantaged children is interested in conducting a springtime half-marathon in Peru. Marino will forward the information to the board. Marino’s report begins at the 45-minute 50-second mark of the accompanying video.

The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.