The Peru Gazette

By John T Ryan

July 14, 2025 Peru Town Board Meeting – Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell shared updates on the Telegraph Road culvert and bridge project, presenting both good and bad news. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has approved the town engineer’s plans. However, there is an issue with power lines near the existing culvert that will interfere with the large crane necessary to lift the new culvert into place. NYSEG would like to install new poles in a suitable location; unfortunately, property owners on both the east and west sides of Telegraph Road are not interested in selling or granting an easement and NYSEG isn’t entertaining a temporary pole relocation. Counselor Kregg Bruno offered to speak with a property owner again, and Michael Farrell will contact NYSEG to pursue a feasible solution. The town’s engineering firm, C&S, had previously stated that the project should be ready to advertise for bids by August 15, but it remains uncertain if that timeline will be met.

Additionally, Michael Farrell reported that the town generated $12,300 from the auction of surplus equipment from the highway department.

Resident Karyn Langlais inquired if there has been any consideration underway to change an elected town office to an appointed position. Councilman Kregg Bruno and Supervisor Craig Randall acknowledged that some individual board members have discussed this topic, but the board as a whole has not yet addressed any potential changes.

Recreation Director Kristen Marino announced that 236 boys and girls have signed up for soccer, including mini-mites almost 300 participate in the program indicating a positive future for the sport. She also mentioned that assigning children to soccer teams based on their school grade level rather than by age in under consideration following he Clinton County Youth Commission’s practice.

Town Historian Hal Nerska stated that a Peru Walking Tour is scheduled for October 18, starting at the Peru Community Church instead of the town hall. Nerska is also planning a walking tour of the Peru Cemetery and God’s Acre Cemetery on August 19th starting at 10 am at the Peru Cemetery.

On August 4, Nerska will conduct a History Chat involving the Peru High School classes of 1956, 1957, and 1958. John Ryan will video the chat. 

Courtney Tetreault reported that trucks are currently hauling dirt out of the wastewater treatment facility, and heavy-duty work is in progress.

The board approved the following items:

• Highway Department shared service agreements with the towns of Schuyler Falls and Dannemora.
• The Peru Girl Scouts are establishing a Little Lending Library at Lapham Mills Park.
• Payment of $35,336.10 to Triangle Electric for contract work completed at the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project.
• The purchase of a SCAG Tiger 29HP, 72-inch deck mower for the Water-Sewer-Parks Department from Taylor Equipment of Plattsburgh for $15,219, which is a state contract price.
• Declaring the Water/Sewer Department’s 2006 Ford F-350 as surplus equipment. The town will advertise locally to sell the truck.
• Accepting Matt Houser’s resignation from the Water/Sewer/Parks Department.  The town will advertise the position. 
• Appointment of Sean Masten as the new town assessor, effective October 1, 2025, for a six-year term. The town contracts with Clinton County for assessor services. Current assessor Jeremiah is transferring to another county position.
• Scheduling a board work session on July 22 at 4 pm. 

The meeting adjourned to Executive Session to discuss personnel issues at 6:54 pm with no action anticipated following the Session.