The Peru Gazette

By John T Ryan 

The January 12, 2026, town board roll call included Town Clerk/Tax Collector Christine Crawford and Councilman Nick Crawford.  Supervisor Crag Randall and fellow board members welcomed them, with Councilman Kregg Bruno pointing out that there are two state wrestling champions on the board, referring to Nick Weaver and himself.  

Cody Douglass, representing the Clinton County Health Department, and Abby Bruzas, representing Casella Waste Systems, told the board that Peru residents and nearby communities will have the opportunity to participate in a pilot food waste collection program. Its goal is to extend the Clinton County Landfill’s useful life, process waste for use by residents, and reduce the harmful greenhouse gases emitted by landfills. Douglas said our nation historically wastes an estimated 40% of its food, with average Americans accounting for one-half of that, not commercial users.  The program will kick off on February 3 at the highway garage. People coming will receive a ventilated 2-gallon compost bucket with instructions and will see the collection container at the highway garage.  Participants will also be given a combination for the lock securing the collection container.  Food and beverages will also be served, and a raffle will be held.  People who are unable to attend will be able to pick up the buckets at Peru Town Hall. 

Town Justice Scott Thurber, accompanied by Justice Sarah Mitchell, informed the board that Tuesday traffic court proceeding will begin at 5 p.m. rather than 6 p.m. Thurber said the change will enable more people to appear in court should they want to do so. The new hours should be more convenient for people to appear in court.  Thursday and Friday court hours are also changing to offer better service.  Sarah Mitchell commented that the newly installed security system is working well and is appreciated, especially by the district attorney and court personnel. 

New Peru Town Court Hours: 

Mondays and Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Tuesdays 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Thursdays and Fridays – 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The town  continues to follow the culvert replacement schedule that Supervisor Craig Randall requested and Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell formulated. The board approved advertising for bids for the Lyons Road Culvert Replacement Project. Bid opening for the long-awaited Telegraph Dry Mill Brook project will take place on January 21 at 11 a.m. 

The town is compensating Confidential Secretary Pam Barber for the many extra hours she worked in 2025, to the point that she could not take her earned vacation time. She will be paid $2618.24 for 94 hours of work. Supervisor Randall brought the matter to the board’s attention, stating that the town’s ongoing projects created much additional work for Barber. 

The Youth Commission is losing a six-year member, Krista Bull. The board accepted Bull’s resignation effective January 11. Bull has served as Commission Secretary and on the Sponsorship and Softball/Baseball Committees. In a note accompanying her resignation, Bull thanked the board for the opportunity to serve and said she was stepping down due to family responsibilities as her children move into middle school and high school sports and activities. Supervisor Randall praised Krista for her commitment, as did Youth Director Kristine Marino, who stated, “We are going to miss Krista Bull greatly. She has been an immense help!”

Both the highway and water and sewer departments have faced challenges from recent snowstorms and three water line breaks during very cold weather.   Deputy Highway Superintendent Tyler Jarvis commented, “Mike and I were running around like chickens with our heads cut off for a couple of days.” Nevertheless, they got the job done. Courtney Tetreault  reported that contractors at the water treatment plant project are working through the winter weather and making good progress. His department also has an opening for a maintenance position. Engineers completed their water treatment plant study and submitted it to the state and county health departments.

Historian Helen Nerska reported that she should be posting a new History Chat soon and that she is working on America 250 planning.  

Youth Director Kristen Marino said that the seven-team basketball program is underway and there’s good cooperation with the school district. She’ s already thinking ahead to next summer’s activities. One person has reached out to her regarding the open Youth Commission position. 

Your reporter asked three questions during the public portion of the meeting: 

What is the status of the three current job openings:  Code Enforcement Officer (CEO), Secretary to the Code Enforcement Officer, and DeputyTown Clerk/Tax Collector? Supervisor Randall said interviews have been conducted for the CEO positions and the town is awaiting background checks before making the appointments official.  No action has been taken on the Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector position. 

Would the board provide me with copies of the meeting resolutions at the meeting? Pam Barber said that not everyone is entitled to see the backup materials the board receives. Supervisor Randall said he and Pam would take the matter up with Town Attorney Matt Favro. 

When the board calls an executive session, especially on personnel issues, would the board reveal which department is affected?  Pam Barber said they could check with the Association of Towns, but she doesn’t think more information on personnel issues should be disclosed. Supervisor Randall feels the current practice is correct. Your reporter disagrees, believing the public has a right to know if a specific department has a significant personnel issues.  

In other actions, the board approved payments related to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project: Payment #6 to Murnane Construction, $446,689.37; Payment #6 to Danforth Construction, $209,638.40; Payment #5 to Triangle Electric, $10,418.65; and a Murnane Construction Work Change Directive in the amount of $10,418.65. 

Click here for the Peru Gazette meeting video.