The Peru Gazette

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday, February 24, 2020 at the Peru Town Hall. Those present were Mr. Brandy McDonald Supervisor; Mr. James Douglass, Councilman; Mr. Kregg Bruno Councilman; Mr. Melvin Irwin, Councilman; Mr. Richard Barber Jr., Councilman; Mr. Matthew Favro, Town Attorney; Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk. Also present Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent; Ms. Pamela Barber, Secretary to the Board; Mr. Dave Drollette, Dog Control Officer and Mr. Bob Guynup, Zoning Officer

The meeting was called to order at 6:02 PM by Mr. McDonald, with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion by Mr. Barber; seconded by Mr. Bruno to approve the minutes from the February 10, 2020 meeting.
Ayes 5 Nays 0 Motion Carried

Community Input and Questions
None

Current Sign Ordinance
Business sign owner and Peru resident Kevin Soucia asked about a streamlining process of permits for code compliance signs. Mr. Guynup stated the code would need to be amended.
Mr. Guynup and Mr. Favro will be moving forward to begin the process to amend several codes in the zoning law book.

Sewer Project Update
Mr. McDonald stated 5 ½ easements left to be signed.

PCSD Budget Development Process Forum
Mr. McDonald shared with the board members and community that a budget forum is being held March 10, 2020 at 7 PM at Peru Central School. All are welcome.

Reminder of Sewer Workshop March 2 at 6:00 PM
REMINDER to all – Sewer Update Workshop March 2, 2020 at 6 PM.

Front Entrance Paver Area
Mr. Tetrault shared a concern for possible tripping hazard due to the front entrance pavers moving. The board agreed and the repair will be addressed in the spring.

Youth Activities
Mr. Bruno expressed concerns that our youth did not have enough winter activities offered or available. He suggested possible sledding or snowshoeing as the Town of Plattsburgh has. Ice Skating is offered at Sullivan Park. Mr. Tetrault is going to reach out to NYSEG for possibly another light pole as Mr. Bruno was asked by a few residents for more lighting at Sullivan Park.

Other Business
Mr. Irwin expressed disappointment with the Zoning Board on their decision concerning the former Apple Blossom property. All board members agreed with Mr. Irwin. Mr. Favro stated each application needs to be dealt with individually on self-created hardship and to set guidelines to allow fairness with each situation.
Mr. Bruno commended Chad Frechette, Courtney Tetrault and Judge Kirby after recent visits with them in their facilities for a job well done.

Mr. Farrell shared overtime hours to date. 2019- 1368 1/2 hours and 2020-1103 ¾ hours.
Mr. Farrell stated the salt and sand supply should be enough for this winter. Darryl Martineau will be retiring in April. At this time a replacement is not imminent. Mr. Farrell will be attending CHIPS meeting, March 4, 2020 in Albany. A 7 year extended warranty has been purchased for the new trucks.
Mr. Tetrault stated activated carbon will be getting switched out this week.
Mr. Drollette is updating his dog license files.
Mr. McDonald thanked Robert Crawford for communicating loss of heat in Town Hall February 17. Parts were not readily available for repair of furnace. Infrared heaters were purchased for heat to enable employees to work until furnace was repaired.
Ms. Barber recommended a security camera to be installed downstairs in the JCEO area.
Motion by Mr. Barber; second by Mr. Irwin to purchase security camera.
5 Ayes 0 Nays

Public Comments on Agenda Items Only

Mr. Ryan asked if Mr. Favro was asked to attend zoning board meetings. Mr. Favro stated yes.
Mr. Ryan also asked about timing of sewer project.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 20.2.24-1

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE POST-AUDIT PAYMENT OF CERTAIN CLAIMS, BILLS AND INVOICES OF THE TOWN

MOTION: Mr. Douglass SECOND: Mr. Bruno

WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed and audited the following claims, bills and invoices for services rendered and goods provided to the Town in February 2020:

From Town of Peru Vouchers in February 2020; #20200170 through and including #202000212.

Abstract dated 2/24/2020

For the dollar amount totaling: $70,854.46; of that, $18,266.07 was wired, credit cards and prepaid; and $52,588.39 is remaining to be paid and

WHEREAS, the Town Board finds said claims, bills and invoices to be acceptable in form and reasonable in amount;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, that payment of the aforementioned claims, bills and invoices is approved and the Supervisor be and hereby is authorized to make such payment; and be it further

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays

Motion by Mr. Bruno seconded by Mr. Irwin to adjourn Regular meeting at 6:50 PM to Executive Session- No decision will be made.
Motion by Mr. Douglass seconded by Mr. Irwin to return to Regular meeting at 7:08 PM

Motion by Mr. Barber; seconded by Mr. Irwin to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:09 PM.
Ayes 5 Nays 0 Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor _________________________Councilman

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