The Peru Gazette

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday March 23, 2026 at the

Peru Town Hall. Those present were Mr. Craig Randall, Supervisor; Mr. Kregg Bruno,

Councilman ; Mr. Eric Duquette, Councilman; Mr. Mel Irwin, Councilman; Mr. Nick Weaver,

Councilman; Mr. Matthew Favro, Town Attorney and Mrs. Christine Crawford, Town Clerk.

Also present were Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent; Ms. Pamela Barber,

Confidential Secretary to the Board; Ms. Helen Nerska, Historian; Mr. T’chaka Sikelianos, Dog

Control Officer and Mrs. Kristen Marino, Recreation Director.

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mr. Randall, with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion by Mr. Bruno; seconded by Mr. Duquette to approve the minutes from the March 9,

2026 Regular Meeting and the March 20, 2026 Special Meeting.

Ayes 5, Noes 0

Motion Carried

Community Input

Corey Trombley asks if he should still communicate with Town Attorney Matt Favro, or the new

counsel the Board has decided to retain. Mr. Favro directs him to send communication to him

for now.

John Ryan asks if there are any pending or ongoing legal cases against the Town. Mr. Favro

responds that the town has received a Notice Of Claim, but there is nothing else pending.

Discussion: Mr. Farrell gives an update on the Telegraph Road Over Dry Mill Brook Project.

This Project is set to start in June, the box culvert will be ready.

Discussion: Mr. Randall gives an update on the Water Plant Upgrade Project. He explains our

water filtration system, and the requirements of New York State that need to be met. The Town

has financed this Project with both a grant and a loan. The Project is going well and everything

is on track.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 26.03-23-1

A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL FROM ATLANTIC TESTING

LABORATORIES FOR CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS ENGINEERING AND

TESTING SERVICES FOR THE LYONS ROAD CULVERT PROJECT.

MOTION: Mr. Weaver SECOND: Mr. Bruno

WHEREAS, the Town Board has received the Atlantic Testing Laboratories proposal and

agreement in front of them for the testing required for the Lyons Rd. Culvert Project.

WHEREAS, the Town Board acknowledges that Atlantic Testing Laboratories was the only

proposal received but meets all specifications needed.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, that the proposal from Atlantic Testing Laboratories at a cost as per attached fee

schedule is hereby accepted. An exact cost cannot be determined before site conditions are

encountered and determined. The Town Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute any further

documentation necessary to facilitate the proposal and it is further,

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call: YES NO

Kregg Bruno x

Eric Duquette x

Mel Irwin x

Nick Weaver x

Craig Randall x

Carried: Ayes 5, Noes 0RESOLUTION NUMBER: 26.03-23-2

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF GAVIN THERIALT

AS A PERMANENT FULL TIME LABORER EFFECTIVE APRIL 21, 2026.

MOTION BY: Mr. Irwin SECOND BY: Mr. Duquette

WHEREAS, the Town Board has agreed that a new permanent laborer necessary for the

effective operation of the Peru Water/Sewer/Parks Department following the recommendation of

Town Water & Sewer Superintendent, Courtney Tetrault, and

BE IT RESOLVED, that Gavin Theriault be hired as a full time laborer for the Town of Peru at

an hourly rate of pay to be $18.29, with a start date of April 21, 2026

AND, BE IT RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call: NO

Kregg Bruno x

Eric Duquette x

Mel Irwin x

YES Carried: 5Ayes, 0 Noes

Nick Weaver x

Craig Randall x

RESOLUTION NUMBER 26.03-23-3

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF DEBT SERVICE ACCOUNT TO

FUNDS THE INVOICES DUE FOR THE H-34 WATER TREATMENT PROJECT.

MOTION: Mr. Bruno SECOND: Mr. Weaver

WHEREAS, In order to meet the financial needs for the management of the Town Peru Water

Treatment Project Account, funds need to be transferred from the Debt Service Account Funds

to the H-34 Water Treatment Plant Project Fund to cover the payments prior to EFC funding.

BE IT RESOLVED, That the Town Board has authorized the transfer the total amount of

$26,304.80 (Twenty six thousand three hundred four dollars and eighty cents)of current

invoices to cover the payments for the H-34 Water Treatment Plant Project.

AND FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

YES NO

Carried: 5 Ayes, 0 Noes

Roll Call: Kregg Bruno x

Eric Duquette x

Mel Irwin x

Nick Weaver x

Craig Randall x

RESOLUTION NUMBER 26.03-23-4

A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF ASSESSOR, SEAN

MASTEN TO APPOINT JAMES DOUGLASS TO THE TOWN OF PERU BOARD OF

ASSESSMENT REVIEW EFFECTIVE MARCH 23, 2026.

MOTION: Mr. Duquette SECOND: Mr. BrunoWHEREAS, Sean Masten, Town of Peru Assessor, has requested that Town Board accepts his

recommendation offered March 12, 2026.

THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, the Peru Town Board agrees with the recommendation to accept the James

Douglass to the Town of Peru Board of Assessment Review. He will be finishing Roy Perry’s

term expired September 30, 2025. His appointment is for five years and will be effective through

September 30, 2030.

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call: NO

Kregg Bruno x

Eric Duquette x

Mel Irwin x

Nick Weaver x

YES Carried:5 Ayes, 0 Noes

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 26.03-23-5

Craig Randall x

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF TAYLOR JO SWAN

AS DEPUTY TOWN CLERK AND DEPUTY REGISTRAR OF VITAL

STATISTICS FOR BETTER COVERAGE FOR THE SERVICES TO THE

TOWN RESIDENTS.

MOTION: Mr. Duquette SECOND: Mr. Bruno

WHEREAS, in a letter dated March 17, 2026 received from Christine Crawford, Town Clerk,

she has recommended that Peru Town Board approves the appointment of Taylor Jo Swan as

Deputy Town Clerk and Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics effective immediately.

WHEREAS, Taylor Jo Swan as Deputy will receive $1,575.00 for the remainder of the year;

THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, the Peru Town Board agrees with the recommendation of the Town Clerk,

Christine Crawford to approve the appointment of Taylor Jo Swan as Deputy Town Clerk

effective March 24, 2026 through December 31, 2026 for better coverage for the Town Clerk

services to the residents of Peru.

AND, BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call: NO

Kregg Bruno x

Eric Duquette x

Mel Irwin x

YES Carried: 5 Ayes, 0 Noes

Nick Weaver x

Craig Randall x

Discussion: The Town has received a request from the Peru Free Library to waive the fee for a

single event sponsored by the library that is free for the community.

Motion by Mr.Bruno; seconded by Mr. Duquette to waive the fee for this event.

Ayes 5, Noes 0

Motion CarriedDiscussion: Geri Favreau, President of the Clinton County Historical Association and Chair of

Clinton County’s America 250 Committee speaks on upcoming events in our Town and in

Clinton County. Ms. Favreau gave everyone a brochure listing these events, and presented the

Town with an America 250 banner which will displayed at the Town Hall. Ms. Favreau speaks

very highly of our Town Historian, Helen Nerska. Mr. Bruno agrees and says Peru is lucky to

have Ms. Nerska.

There will be a raising of the America 250 Banner at the Town Hall, with refreshments, with Ms.

Nerska warmly inviting the public. There are also plans to sell t-shirts and souvenirs throughout

the summer with a table set up at the Peru Town Markets.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 26.03-23-6

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE AES NORTHEAST PROPOSAL FOR THE

COMPLETION OF THE VALCOUR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT REPORT

UPDATE (PROJECT). ENGINEER’S SERVICES UNDER THIS AGREEMENT

(SERVICES) ARE GENERALLY IDENTIFIED AS UPDATING THE EXISTING

ENGINEERING PLANNING REPORT FOR THE VALCOUR WASTEWATER

TREATMENT PLANT TO THE EFC REPORT OUTLINE REQUIREMENTS WITH AN

EFFECTIVE DATE OF OCTOBER 2025 AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR

TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

MOTION: Mr. Bruno SECOND: Mr. Duquette

WHEREAS, the Town Board has the AES Northeast Proposal for updating the existing

engineering planning report for the Valcour Wastewater Treatment Plant in front of them,

WHEREAS, The purpose of this proposal is to complete engineering planning report to submit

to the NYSDEC for their approval regarding the Town’s Valcour Wastewater Treatment Plant.

THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, The approval of the AES Northeast Proposal for the updating of the Valcour

Wastewater Treatment Plant Report Upgrade per NYS DEC requirements at a cost estimated to

be Thirty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($30,000.00) plus all reimbursable expenses and

authorizing the Supervisor to execute the same.

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call: YES NO

Kregg Bruno x

Eric Duquette x

Mel Irwin x

Nick Weaver x

Craig Randall x

Carried: 5 Ayes, 0 Noes

Other Business

Mr. Randall is happy to report the Town Annual Financial Report was completed.

Mr. Duquette gives an update on the Sewer project, he has observed shingling, drywall and

windows and siding going up. The Project is coming along well, and is within budget.Mr. Farrell gives an update to the damage caused by high winds last week. Many trees were

down, and there was even a bit of freezing rain mixed in causing dangerous conditions. The

Town Highway Department worked hard to get roads cleared. The lack of lighting was

frustrating and the Board discusses the benefits of having emergency working lights. The Water

Department would also be able to use lights for difficult work during dark hours.

Ms. Nerksa has been preparing display cases and is excited that people have been dropping in to

discuss the history of Peru.

Ms. Marino says basketball season is finishing up. Clinton County has switched to grade level

instead of age, and the Peru Youth Commission will discuss these changes on the Town level.

She continues to seek an Assistant Youth Director. This is a paid position.

Discussion: Public comment on agenda items.

Ms. Favreau mentions how nice it is that Helen Nerska has such great town support and such a

nice space downstairs in the Town Hall. Mr. Randall agrees and confirms the importance of our

Historical Society as well as the many collections and artifacts from Peru history.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 26.03-23-7

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE POST-AUDIT PAYMENT OF CERTAIN

CLAIMS, BILLS AND INVOICES OF THE TOWN.

MOTION: Mr. Bruno SECOND: Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed and audited the following claims, bills and invoices

for services rendered and goods provided to the Town in March 2026.

From Town of Peru Vouchers for March 2026, #202600335 through and including #202600427

Abstract dated 03/23/26.

For the dollar amount totaling: $786,596.97 of that, $16,570.67 was wired, credit cards and

prepaid; and $770,026.30 remaining to be paid for March 2026.

WHEREAS, the Town Board finds said claims, bills, and invoices to be acceptable in form and

reasonable in amount.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, that payment of the aforementioned claims, bills and invoices is approved, and the

Supervisor be and hereby is authorized to make such payment; and be it further,

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

NO

Roll Call: YES Kregg Bruno x

Eric Duquette x

Mel Irwin x

Nick Weaver x

Craig Randall x

Carried: 5 Ayes, 0 Noes

Motion by Mr.Bruno; seconded by Mr. Duquette to Adjourn to Executive Session at 7:03p.m.

Ayes 5, Noes 0

Motion Carried

Motion by Mr.Weaver; seconded by Mr. Bruno to Return from Executive Session at 7:26 p.m.

Ayes 5, Noes 0

Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Duquette; seconded by Mr. Weaver to adjourn the regula