The Peru Gazette

Peru, NY, April 26, 2026  – The April 13 Peru Town Board meeting included the board approving an agreement on an outstanding zoning enforcement issue and interaction regarding the board’s compliance with the NYS Open Meetings Law.

Zoning Law Enforcement 

Background: In June 2023, Lake Champlain Transportation (LCT) purchased Snug Harbor Marina, Mariner Restaurant and Bar, the Valcour Boat Rentals building, and the nearby campground, all Route 9 properties on the shore of Lake Champlain. LCT undertook several marina and building upgrades, requiring approvals from multiple state and federal agencies and the Town of Peru. At a February 11 Planning Board meeting, the owner of three parcels adjacent to the LCT properties raised concerns about reduced lake access to his property and LCT’s compliance with Peru’s Zoning Law.  On February 27, Peru’s Code Enforcement Officer, Duane Bibeau, raised concerns about LCT’s compliance with Peru’s zoning law and site plan review requirements, and directed that all activities on the properties cease and desist until the permit and site plan issues were resolved. At a March 20 Special Meeting, the town board authorized hiring outside legal counsel with expertise in code enforcement matters.

At this meeting the board approved amended agenda Item 19 giving the supervisor authority to sign an agreement with LCT that stated, “after negotiations, the board reached an agreement with LCT “in order to provide a path for LCT to have a timely opening and still comply with the Zoning Law.”  The agreement rescinds Bibeau’s cease-and-desist order and permits work on the properties to continue. LCT agreed to bring outstanding issues into compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and the town agreed to issue building permits and certificates of occupancy if the CEO’s inspections find that LCT complies with all applicable laws and regulations. LCT Resolution of April 15, 2026     LCT Agreement. April 15 amended agenda

Acting on agenda item 18, the board approved hiring Jason Poulin as Interim Code Enforcement Officer for a minimum of two hours a week. He joins Stephen Imhoff, the Town of Plattsburgh’s CEO, who also works for the Town of Peru a few hours a week. Peru’s full-time CEO, Duane Bibeau, is working for his code enforcement officer certification.

Open Meeting Law

Peru Gazette Editor John Ryan addressed the board regarding its compliance with the New York State Open Meetings Law, particularly the availability of board meetings action documents. On February 17, Ryan sent the board an email stating that, after researching the NYS Open Meetings Law, he concluded that documents to be acted on at board meetings should be available to the public prior to the meeting and posted on the town’s website. He also included Open Meeting Law provisions regarding executive sessions and the public access to meeting minutes. Subsequently, Supervisor Craig Randall and Deputy Supervisor Melvin Irwin agreed that changes are needed; however, it will take time because some agenda items requiring complex resolutions often arrive at the supervisor’s office on Friday, the day the board is required to publish the agenda. Ryan has cited the Town of Plattsburgh as a community that complies with the Open Meeting Law. Randall responds that his research indicates that Plattsburgh has different practices and more resources than our small community. Ryan also expressed concern about public notice of Special Meetings held on short notice. The board has been posting the notices on the LCD screen at Little Ausable River Park. It has historically emailed regular meeting agendas to the Peru Gazette. Ryan appreciates this courtesy and would like it to apply to Special Meetings, especially those called on short notice. He makes every effort to video-record all board meetings. Open Meetings Open Meetings Law Email 

The Board approved the following:

• Thanks to a resolution passed at this meeting, henceforth, the town board will work in partnership with the highway superintendent to decide which town roads will be paved each year. The change complies with NYS Highway Law Section 284. Up until now, Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell has made the paving decisions. Farrell admitted he was happy to share the decision-making (and complaints) with the board.
• In other actions, the board approved: 
• A janitorial contract with Robert Crawford at a $19.50 hourly rate from April 14, 2026, to December 31, 2026, and from January to December 2027. 
• Purchasing a New Holland L334 wheeled skid steer loader for primary use at the wastewater treatment plant from the company quoting the lowest price, Taylor Equipment Sales Powersports, at a price of  $84,024.15. This purchase brings the town into compliance with the Waste Water Treatment Plant Contract. 
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Project payments to Murnane Building Contractors, John W. Danforth, K & L Plumbing and Heating, and Triangle Electric. 
• Use of Heyworth Mason Park by the Autism Alliance of Northeastern New York. 
• The annual contract with Casella Waste Systems for the rental and services for the waste and recycling dumpsters. 

Department Reports – March 2026

Click here to view the Peru Gazette meeting video