The Peru Gazette

By John T Ryan 

Earlier this month, Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetrault reported that reckless electric bike riders damaged the walking trail. At the Monday, June 8, board meeting, resident Matt Leclair said the riders are typically 11 to 15 years old and asked the board to find a space on town property where they could ride and have fun. Town Supervisor Craig Randall said the board has been discussing the issue. The town owns property north of the walking trail; however, Councilman Rick Barber said the purchase agreement included a prohibition on motorized vehicles. Barber suggested that the former owners, John and Penny Clute, might agree to an amendment permitting electric bikes. Supervisor Randall said he will look into that possibility and check on any insurance impact. The goal is to keep the bikes off the streets and the walking trail, and have them in a safe environment.

Walking Trail perimeter damage

The board then recognized retired Peru Central science teacher Lincoln Sunderland for his work preserving Peru history. Town Historian Helen Nerska said, “We intimated his recognition when, in the historian’s office, we kept referring back to this book – which we began respectfully calling our Peru History bible.” Sunderland has written at least three books compiling Peru’s history.  

L-R Lincoln Sunderland, Town Supervisor Craig Randall (Beverly Sunderland Bortnick photo)

The board also heard from former New York State Assemblywoman Janet Duprey, who used the occasion to recognize Sunderland for his role as president of the leadership group that founded Apple Valley Senior Housing. Duprey said, “We couldn’t have done it without you.” The “We” included Janet Duprey, James Hutchinson, Curtis Shipman and Sunderland. They held their first meeting in 1977, and the beautiful facility opened in 1980. Follow this link to the complete story on these presentations.

The board heard from Engineer-in-Training Marc Nummelin regarding Engineering Ventures’ design plans for the new Westcott Road bridge, which services four homes on the dead-end road. Engineering Ventures recommends installing a pre-engineered bridge adjacent to the existing bridge. Traffic would continue during construction, and site development costs would be kept to a minimum. Responding to questions from Counselors Kregg Bruno and Melvin Irwin, Nummelin informed the board the new bridge would safely accommodate heavy vehicles logging trucks, although he said he would double-check. He left a packet with the board with project details and anticipated construction costs. He said it take the bridge company about 90 days to fabricate the bridge. 

The board accepted Casella Waste Systems’ proposal to serve as the town’s food waste recycling program vendor for one year. Casella has been conducting a successful trial program and has the capability to store, compost, and process the waste. Supervisor Craig said River Valley Regeneratives LLC also submitted a good proposal. 

The board heard from Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell, who attended a training meeting in Ithaca last week. He said he heard horror stories of state and federal agencies taking many months to approve projects while costs escalated by millions of dollars. He said, “This is the problem with this whole system.” 

Finally, AES Northeast and Barton & Loguidice, the consulting engineers for the wastewater and water treatment plant projects, reported that both projects are on schedule and proceeding smoothly. Contractors discovered that the roof on the existing wastewater treatment building needs to be replaced, so there will be unanticipated expenses.  

The board approved payments to contractors for the wastewater treatment plant project: Murnane Building Contractors, John W. Danforth, K&L Plumbing, and Triangle Electric. 

Historian Helen Nerska, Recreation Director Kristen Marino, Highway Superintendent Farrell, and Deputy Highway Superintendent Tyler Jarvis also gave brief reports.