The Peru Gazette

By John T Ryan 

May 19, 2026, Peru, NY – Controversy continues over Lake Champlain Transportation’s (LCT) work at the former Olde Valcour Marina/Snug Harbor Marina/Mariner Restaurant and the nearby Valcour Campsite. At the Peru Town Board meeting on Monday, May 11, 2026, Corey Trombley—owner of the adjacent Lighthouse Apartments—and Theresa Larson, former co-operator of the Mariner Restaurant, questioned the board. Both Trombley and Larson raised several concerns, particularly regarding an April 13, 2026, agreement between the Town and LCT. This agreement revoked the Code Enforcement Officer’s Cease and Desist Work Order and allowed LCT to continue work as long as it complies with the Zoning Law. Trombley expressed frustration that neither the town nor its outside attorney had responded to his questions. Larson alleges that a local attorney has a  conflict of interest in the matter. She worries that the Town-LCT agreement sets a bad precedent. Town Attorney Matt Favro is not involved in this issue but has received the board’s permission to ask the outside attorney to respond to questions when appropriate.

In a related action, the board appointed Michael Pratt of Code Navigation Services, LLC, as Interim Code Enforcement Officer at a rate of $125 per hour. Pratt will assist Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) Duane Bibeau with matters related to Lake Champlain Transportation. On April 13, the board hired an interim CEO, but Supervisor Randall noted that the person did not report for duty.  Steve Imhoff, CEO in the Town of Plattsburgh, declined to be involved in the LCT matter. He continues to assist Bibeau on other  office matters. Note: This zoning controversy involves several complex issues and parties, including state agencies. The Peru Gazette does not have the time or expertise to address all details. (See 35.25 – 58.36 minute mark in the Peru Gazette video for the meeting discussion.)

Moving on to other board matters, Marque Moffett, Vice President of the Peru Free Library Board, thanked the board for waiving its customary fee for using Heyworth-Mason Park. The library is sponsoring a juggling event there on July 23. Moffett described additional upcoming events, such as a used book sale from June 10-13. “Last year we sold all our books, so we have a fresh stash this year.” The library is also collecting photos for a community calendar fundraiser and will conduct a June survey to gauge community interests. Supervisor Craig Randall congratulated Moffett and acknowledged the library’s ongoing projects. 

Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetreault reported that vandals “shot-up” the bleachers at Sullivan Park.  Supervisor Randall mentioned installing cameras at the park.  

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said frequent rains will delay his paving schedule. Roadside moving is scheduled to begin on May 12. Farrell reminded residents that any signs within the town right-of-way (15 feet of the pavement edge, or within 25 feet of the center-line) may need to be moved for roadside mowing. Having an operator get off the tractor would slow the project and would be a safety hazard. 

Pam Barber reported that the Heyworth-Mason Park summer concert schedule for 2026 consists of 10 bands, including two new bands. Concerts will be held on Sundays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., beginning June 8 and concluding August 30, 2026. Supervisor Craig Randall thanked Barber for the energy she invests in scheduling the bands. 

Historian Helen Nerska reported that there’s good demand for Peru’s America250 shirts. They are priced at $15 each and are available in Nerska’s office on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Superintendent Courtney Tetreault reported that good progress continues on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project and expects buildings completion by the end of summer 2026.  Project completion is slated for spring 2027. Barton and Loguidice Consulting’s planning and design for the water treatment plant project continues on schedule. Additionally, Tetrault’s staff will have the veteran banners in place by Memorial Day. 

The Board approved the following Resolutions/Motions: 

A resolution appointing Richard “Rick” Barber as interim town councilman until December 31, 2026, to fill the seat of Eric Duquette, who resigned effective April 27.  Barber has 6 years of experience as a councilman. He was elected in November 2017 and reelected in 2020. 

A resolution authorizing the law firm of Suazzo, Doty, & Associates to apply—at no charge—to submit a grant application that, if awarded, would assist Peru in developing its cybersecurity Emergency Response Plan. New York State has mandated that each municipality complete such plans. 

A resolution to request proposals to serve as Peru’s food scrap collection hauler for its food recycling program. The collection point at 9 Cross Street will remain. The program, which began as a test, now has 38 participating residents and has collected about 2,000 pounds of food.  

In financial matters, the board authorized payment to the four contractors working on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project: Murnane Building Contractors ($634,186.27), John W. Danforth Co. ($298,856.55), K & L Plumbing and Heating ($43,035), and Triangle Electrical Systems ($54,157.56). Reports indicated that this project is on schedule and below budget. 

The board adjourned to Executive Session to discuss pending litigation with no further action anticipated.  The supervisor did not specify the nature of the litigation. 

Click here to view the Peru Gazette May 11 Meeting video 

Click here to view a Peru Gazette bleacher video 

Click here to view Peru Gazette story of April 24. 2026 which includes more details including a link to the Town-LCT Agreement. 

Click here for August 29, 2024 story on LCT purchasing the Lake Champlain shoreline property