The Peru Gazette

June 23, 2025, Peru Town Board Meeting – Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported electric line relocation issues related to the closed Telegraph Road culvert/bridge that could delay the project. The large crane required to install  the heavy box culvert needs a wide-clearance space, resulting in the relocation of power poles. Thus far, neither of the two nearby property owners has agreed to grant an easement for the poles. Mike Farrell will look into burying the power lines or temporarily relocating the poles. The discussion takes place between the 26 and 33 minute marks of the meeting video. 

Farrell is collaborating with the town’s supervising engineering firm, Engineering Ventures, to prioritize the replacement of the culverts on Telegraph Road, Lyons Road, and Westcott Road. Farrell said his priorities are Fuller Road and Lyons Road.  Farrell said Engineeriug Ventures has many projects on its work schedule.

The Highway Department repaired Telegraph Road shoulders. Paving will begin when Noel J. Burnell Paving is ready to go. Burnell is handling all the town’s paving due to persistent maintenance and parts availability issues with the town paver.

Town Historian Helen Nerska conducted a “History Chat” with members of the Peru High School Class of ’57 on June 23. She will conduct a Peru Walking tour on Saturday, June 28.

The Board:

Authorized signing a real estate sales contract with ReMax Realty for the sale of the town’s tennis court property at 7 Jenkins Street for $60,000.

Approved the August 9, 2025, use of Heyworth Mason Park for a fundraiser to benefit the North Country Honor Flight. The organizer, Amanda Garner, said she hopes to have 40 to 50 vendors, a classic car show, and two food trucks on site. The board emphasized that she must comply with all health department, waste disposal, insurance, and parking requirements and work closely with the town.  Because the event will benefit the Honor Flight, the board will refund the rental fee if the user leaves the park in good condition.

Approved Adirondack Regional Theater’s application to use Heyworth Mason Park on August 8, 2025. Shakespeare’s Mid-Summer Night’s Dream is on the program.

Accepted with regret and appreciation Richard Williams’s resignation as Chairman and member of the Peru Planning Board. Williams served on the board for about 24 years, with about fifteen years as Chairman.

Appointed Justin Wilson as the new Planning Board Chairman for the remainder of Richard William’s term of office.

Appointed Allison Webbinaro as Planning Board Vice-Chairman to complete Justin Wilson’s term as Vice-Chairman. 

Approved an agreement with Fiscal Advisors’ Financial Services to oversee the financing of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project (WWTP).

Approved Credit Order Change #1 on the WWIP.  Because the contractor is using a smaller pipe, the price declined by $22,015.