The Peru Gazette

By John T Ryan 

Peru, NY At its regular meeting on March 25, 2024, The Peru Town Board acted on or discussed several ongoing issues, including affordable housing and water treatment.  

The board took a necessary first step to be named a pro-housing community, passing (5-0) a resolution affirming its wish to address the housing crisis by adopting the pro-housing community pledge. A Pro-Housing designated community will receive funding priority for several state discretionary programs, including the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), the N.Y. Forward program, and more. Click here to view the resolution

The pledge includes:

• Streamlining permitting for multi-family housing, affordable housing, accessible housing, accessory dwelling units, and supportive housing.
• Adopting policies that affirmatively further fair housing.
• Increasing development capacity for residential use.
• Enacting policies that encourage a broad range of housing development, including multi-family housing, affordable housing, accessible housing, accessory housing, accessory dwelling units, and supportive housing.

Peru’s water treatment plant has issues meeting County Health Department water turbidity regulations before and immediately after heavy rain. The board hired consultants Barton and Loguidice of Albany, NY, to determine what the town must do to bring the plant into compliance. Capital improvements are likely necessary. 

The board authorized AES Northeast to submit a Clean Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA) Grant Application for the wastewater treatment plant upgrade. The board rejected a 25% WIIA grant two years ago because it fell far below project cost estimates. Now, it hopes to qualify for a 50% grant. In late March, Courtney Tetrault also submitted information on the upgrade to Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for consideration. Hopefully, Congresswoman Stefanik will support the project when the town applies for a federal grant. 

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) mandated that Peru officially decommission its unused Brand Hollow Road wastewater bed and the associated cement block building. Courtney Tetrault told the board, “I have the $33,000 engineering cost in my budget.” The board plans to find a solution before its next meeting. 

Peru is considering a shared services agreement with the Town of Ausable, whereby Courtney Tetrault will assist Ausable with its wastewater treatment issues. Tetrault said he would work 30 hours quarterly in Ausable, traveling to and from Ausable in a Town of Peru vehicle. Town Attorney Matt Favro wants a written agreement setting Tetrault’s priorities, especially if a region-wide emergency ever ensues. 

Councilman Jim Douglass conducted an internal audit of the Peru Town Court. Douglass said the court’s records are well organized and things are being done well. He added, “The court is very busy!” 

The board approved the planning board’s recommendation to appoint retired Peru High School teacher Jerry McGovern as an alternate planning board member. The term of office is seven years. 

The Youth Commission has a new member, Adam Senecal. He replaces John Whitmarsh.  

Matthew Burnell will join the Water-Sewer-Parks Department as a part-time seasonal laborer at a $17.26 hourly pay rate. Courtney Tetrault said he received ten applications for the position. 

Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup expects another solar energy project proposal very shortly. The town requires a “public benefit” payment from solar farm developers. Guynup suggested using the public benefit money to hire a professional to help complete the ongoing zoning law update. 

Matt Favro complimented Dog Control Officer T’Chaka Sikelianos for resolving a recent dangerous dog incident. Sikeliaianos said the town needs to identify a facility that is willing to take dangerous dogs. Dr. Erik Eaglefeather of Eagle’s Nest Veterinary Clinic offers the service at $500 annually. The board will contact Dr. Eaglefeather.  

The meeting adjourned to an executive session at 6:56 p.m. to discuss pending litigation and personnel issues. The board did not take any action following the executive session.