The Peru Gazette

Peru, NY – The Peru Town Board conducted its routine town business agenda Monday on Monday, October 27; however, in addition to routine actions, several essential items came to the public’s attention. 

Supervisor Craig Randall related a letter he received from the Joint Council of Economic Opportunity (JCEO) stating that Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will not receive November assistance. Those programs, plus a furnace-cleaning and replacement program, depend on federal funding that the Congressional budget impasse has halted. JCEO encourages individuals and organizations to make monetary and food donations. 

Councilor Melvin Irwin asked people to be aware of the Jamaican workers who come to Peru.  About 200 men were to return home this week; however, the impending devastating hurricane in Jamaica delayed their departure until at least next week.  The storm closed all the airports in Jamaica. 

Loyal Henry asked that the town install a 3-way stop sign at the Blake Road-Fox Farm Road intersection.  Henry said the visibility at the intersections is abysmal, and he’s been involved in two accidents there over the years. Highway Superintendent  Michael Farrell said he has no objections to Mr. Henry’s request. The board voted to place a resolution authorizing the sign installation on the next meeting’s agenda. 

Resident John Kelley asked if he could repair the crumbling pavement in front of his property. Mike Farrell said this was the first he’d heard about the problem and said he would investigate. Town Attorney Matt Favro said he’s uncomfortable permitting a resident to repair town roads; nevertheless, he would look into its legality. 

Mike Farrell reported that on Wednesday, October 22, the highway department paved 4,000 feet of the River Road as far as the Donahue Road, and the Allen Hill Road from the River Road to the Rod and Gun Club. Farrell said he is doing his best to have the county apply striping; however, he’s not sure the county has any paint remaining. If necessary, he will hire Greg Dashnaw, who has a walk-behind striper.  

Historian Helen Nerska said 20 people participated in the recent downtown history walk. The walks have been well-received, so Nerka plans ot conduct more next year. A Valcour America 250 event at the Peru Dock was also successful and well-publicized. 

Youth Director Kristen Marino said the recent “Move Up” event under the lights at Peru High School’s “Apple Bowl” was successful. Marino thanked the coaches, the Youth Commission, and the town field maintenance crew for outstanding work. She also thanked Finney Sports for providing free t-shirts to all the players. 

In other actions, the board: 

• Scheduled a public hearing for November 5 at 5:15 pm to approve new telecommunications tower regulations. The board hired Richard A. Comi as a consultant to help implement the complex regulations. 
• Approved hiring Atlantic Testing Laboratories for materials engineering and testing services at the Fuller Road culvert project. 
• Approved Patrick McFarland and Robert LePage appointments to a seven-year term as Planning Board alternate members 
• Approved Garrett Mastic’s appointment as an alternate Planning Board Member to fill the seat that opened when Ryan Davies resigned. The term of office ends on December 31, 2026. 
• Approved polices recommended by NYMIR Insurance regarding water department water shut-offs and hydrant flushing logging. 
• At 6:39 pm, the meeting adjourned to Executive Session. Supervisor Randall said he didn’t anticipate any board actions after the session. 

Click here to view the Peru Gazette’s meeting video