Town Board accepts Eric Duquette’s resignation from the town board
Eric Duquette – Peru Gazette file photo
Peru, NY – At its April 27 meeting the Peru Town Board accepted Eric Duquette’s resignation from the board effective Wednesday, April 27. Duquette cited an increasingly busy professional and personal schedule and his inability to give the position the position the dedication it deserves as the reasons for his decision. The resolution stated that the board “sadly” accepted Duquette’s decision. Councilman Kregg reacted, stating, “It’s too bad that frivolous articles are being placed in front of him that kind of forced his hand to retire early. He made a great contribution to the town board, and the taxpayers will suffer not having him on here.” Councilman Melvin Irwin said,”The taxpayers will suffer a lot by not having his oversight and input on several projects. A case in point is the water-sewer project, where we’re considerably under budget.” Supervisor Craig Randall said Duquette’s knowledge and background have been extremely helpful. When it came time to accept the resignation, Councilman Nick Weaver voted, stating, “Reluctantly yes.” Voters elected Duquette to the office in November 2024. Later in the meeting, Councilman Kregg Bruno tried to introduce a motion to have former councilman Rick Barber fill in for Eric Duquette on the board. Councilman Melvin Irwin told him to “wait.” (See the Peru Gazette video at the 17:28 mark for the resignation resolution.)
As the Peru Gazette reported in its coverage of the board’s April 13 meeting, the town has ongoing Code Enforcement issues with Lake Champlain Transportation, DBA Lake Industries, related to its Valcour Island Marina (formerly known as Sung Harbor Marina), the former Mariner Restaurant and Bar, and a nearby campsite. After negotiations, the board reached an agreement with LCT to provide a path for LCT to achieve a timely opening while still complying with the Zoning Law. The agreement rescinded a cease-and-desist order and permits work on the properties to continue, provided LCT brings all outstanding issues into compliance. At tonight’s meeting, former Mariner Restaurant co-operator Teresa Larson asked who drafted the agreement between the town and LCT, and the authority under which the town is granting variances to LCT. Counselor Melvin Irwin said the town’s outside attorney drafted the agreement. Supervisor Randall said he could not answer the authority question. Town Attorney Matt Favro did not attend this meeting. (See Peru Gazette video between 1:48 and 3:53 for this exchange.)
Cory Trombley, owner of three apartments located between the marina and the campsite is concerned with multiple issues related to the town’s enforcement of its building codes and zoning law. He asked when the town or its attorney would respond to the Freedom of Information Act requests he filed 6 to 8 weeks ago regarding his issues. The board did not answer his question. (See Peru Gazette video between the 1:48 and 6:17 minute marks for Larson and Trombley’s remarks)
Other Issues and Department Reports
Councilman Kregg Bruno reported that he saw a near-collision on Route 22 at the entrance to the town’s disc golf course. One vehicle stopped suddenly, causing the two cars behind it to brake hard. He requested that signs be erected to mark the disc golf course entrance. Supervisor Randall said the issue will be investigated.
Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that his staff is replacing a culvert on Mud Pond Road, servicing vehicles, and preparing for a major spring cleanup. He also said that the New York State Department of Labor has a new regulation requiring every contractor working for a town to register online. Farrell believes several contractors may not have applied yet or may not want to go through the hassle of getting one.
Historian Helen Allen reported that Peru’s America250 celebration officially began when she and Craig Randall unveiled an America250 banner on a utility pole in front of the town hall this afternoon. Allen said Peru’s many scheduled America250 events are listed on the town’s website.
Supervisor Randall conducted an internal audit of Peru Town Court records on April 14. He and the court liaison, Councilman Melvin Irwin, said the records were in excellent condition.
The board approved these resolutions:
- Hiring Arnold Construction in an emergency for $4,350 to clean and inspect by camera the 8-inch main sewer line from Bear Swamp Road to Union Road.
- Transferring $14,800.90 from the debt service account to the Waste Water Treatment Plant to cover payments before receiving New York State grant funding.
- Awarding the portable toilet rental for town parks to Morrisonville Septic, LLC for the 2026 season at $780 per month. Morrisonville Septic submitted the lowest of the three bids.
- Purchasing a used 2015 light tower for emergency use by the highway and water/sewer/parks departments for $3,499. Taylor Rental offered the tower for auction.
- Paying claims, bills, and invoices totaling $1,483,228.39.
Posted: April 28th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, America 250 Events, Business News, Community Events, General News, Lake Champlain News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Planning Board News, Political News, Town Board News, Zoning Board News.