Town departments and NYSEG work together to open roads, America 250 highlighted, town jobs filed, and infrastructure updates
Front – Helen Nerska, Geri Favreaux, Craig Randall, Back L-R – Melvin Irwin, Eric Duquette, Kregg Bruno, Nick Weaver
By John T Ryan
Several Town of Peru personnel had a busy St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. At the town board meeting on March 23, Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that his first call came before 3 a.m. Extremely high winds had downed trees and power lines, blocking most roads west of Calkins Road. Some trees fell from their roots, bringing down more trees and power lines. Farrell described strong cooperation among his department, the water-sewer-parks department, the Peru Fire Department, and NYSEG. His crew and the fire department parked trucks to block roads and halt traffic. Farrell said, “We actually ran out of cones.” There were issues, especially with motorists who ignored cones and drove around downed trees and limbs. Farrell added, “We had problems with lighting. We’re not equipped to work in nighttime situations like this.” Coordination was also difficult because of limited cell service, especially on Patent Road.
Geri Favreau, President of the Clinton County Historical Association and Chair of Clinton County’s America 250 Committee, addressed the board. Favreau gave the board a brochure of upcoming America 250 activities and presented an America 250 banner, one of 19 she is distributing throughout the county. America 250 County Celebrations Speaking about the county’s historical museum, Favreau said that even though the county museum is in the city, it serves every community. Dannemora currently has a museum exhibit celebrating its 125th anniversary. Peru Town Historian Helen Nerska has several events planned in our town. America250 events calendar for Town Council
Turning to infrastructure updates, replacement of the deteriorating Lyons Road culvert should begin in June and be completed by Labor Day. The board authorized hiring Atlantic Testing Laboratories for material testing, with costs based on site conditions encountered.
Supervisor Craig Randall said engineers indicate that the Dry Mill Brook Telegraph culvert replacement project will begin in late spring and should be completed by early fall.
The engineering firm AES Northeast will update its NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) planning report for the Valcour wastewater treatment plant at an estimated cost of $30,000. Supervisor Randall said the plan must be updated if the town is to remain eligible for EFC grant funds.
Counselors are pleased with the progress at the wastewater treatment plant project, which is on schedule and on budget. During this meeting, the board authorized a $26,304.80 transfer from the debt service account to the water treatment project account to pay outstanding invoices.
On Friday, March 20, the board held a special meeting to authorize hiring an outside attorney with land-use expertise. During the community input portion of this meeting, the Peru Gazette asked Town Attorney Matt Favro whether the town has any ongoing or pending legal cases. Favro said the town received a “Notice of Claim” related to the Mariner restaurant property, but no other cases are pending.
Moving on to personnel updates, the board approved the appointment of Taylor Jo Swan as Deputy Town Clerk/Registrar of Vital Statistics. She will be paid $1,500 for the remainder of the year. The position has been vacant since Judy Akey resigned, effective December 22, 2025. Swan also serves as the Code Enforcement Office Secretary.
Roy Perry recently resigned from the town’s Board of Assessment Review. The board appointed former councilman Jim Douglass to replace him, effective March 23, 2026.
The water/sewer/parks department has a new full-time employee. The board authorized hiring Gavin Therialt as a permanent full-time laborer effective April 21, 2026.
Recreation Director Kristen Marino still needs to fill the assistant recreation director position. No one has applied for the vital paid position. Marino is planning summertime sports. A change may be needed regarding team qualifications. Marino also said that the Clinton County Youth Bureau is organizing teams by grade rather by age, the practice Peru has historically followed. The Youth Commission will have this matter on its March meeting agenda.
The board approved the Peru Free Library’s use of Heyworth-Mason Park for a July 23, 7 to 8 p.m. family event featuring juggler Stephen Gratto. The board waived its usual $50 fee but asked that event organizers clean up any trash.
The meeting adjourned to an executive session to discuss pending litigation with no further action anticipated.
Posted: March 25th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Community Events, General News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru/Regional History, Town Board News.