The Peru Gazette

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday May 11, 2026 at the

Peru Town Hall. Those present were Mr. Craig Randall, Supervisor; Mr. Mel Irwin,

Councilman; Mr. Nick Weaver, Councilman and Mrs. Christine Crawford, Town Clerk. Also

present were Mr. Matthew Favro, Town Attorney; Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer

Superintendent; Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent; Ms. Pamela Barber, Confidential

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

Officer. Absent were Mr. Kregg Bruno, Councilman; Mr. Tyler Jarvis, Deputy Highway

Superintendent and Ms. 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. Weaver; seconded by Mr. Irwin to approve the minutes from the Regular

Meeting of April 17, 2026.

Ayes 3, Noes 0

Motion Carried

Community Input

Marque Moffit gives the Town an update on Library events. She thanks the Town for allowing them to use the park and for waiving the fee. The Library has 2 fundraisers coming up, the annual Book Sale from June 10-13 and a community wall calendar is in the works which will contain photos of the Town of Peru. The Library is also launching a survey to make sure all needs are met. Mr. Randall shares what a great team the Library has, and the Board thanks Ms. Moffit for the updates.

Teresa Larsen questions the town contract with LCT, but will hold her comments for later.

Corey Trombley is still looking for information on the LCT agreement, and he is advised by Mr.

Randall to have his attorney contact the Town’s Attorney for this project.

Motion by Mr. Weaver; seconded by Mr. Irwin to table accepting reports from all Departments.

Ayes 3, Noes 0

Motion Carried

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 26.05-11.01

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUOZZO, DOTY & ASSOCIATES TO ASSIST

WITH A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION AND GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE

SECURE PROGRAM FOR THE TOWN OF PERU

MOTION: Mr. Weaver SECONDED: Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, NYS recently made changes to 6 NYCRR PART 750 which impacts needs

for wastewater treatment facilities related to cybersecurity and emergency response

planning. Municipalities are required to be compliant with these requirements in March

of 2027. In general, these requirements require a municipality to develop an Emergency

Response Plan, conduct a cybersecurity evaluation, and impose new reporting

requirements, and

WHEREAS, To assist municipalities with compliance, NYS EFC has issued the

Strengthening Essential Cybersecurity for Utilities and Resiliency Enhancement

(SECURE) Program. This program provides funds for evaluation and implementation.

The evaluation phase consists of a 0% match grant up to $50,000.

WHEREAS, To assist municipalities with this effort, SDA is reaching out to communities

which may be impacted to assist with a preliminary evaluation and grant application. Please note

grant applications are due by May 15th

. As this is the first year this application is available and

based on the past working relationship with your community

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that is proposing to provide the initial

evaluation and grant application at no charge to the community. the Town of Peru Board

grants authorization to the Town Supervisor to sign the Suozzo, Doty, & Associatesproposal #28-037 to complete and submit the grant application form, along with any other

necessary documents required for the grant application.

RESOLVED,this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call: YES NO

Kregg Bruno absent

Mel Irwin x

Nick Weaver x

Craig Randall x

Carried: 3 Ayes; 0 Noes

RESOLUTION NUMBER:26.05-11.02

A RESOLUTION REQUESTING PROPOSALS FOR A COMPANY TO SERVE AS A

FOOD SCRAP COLLECTION HAULER FOR THIS RECYCLING PROGRAM IN THE

TOWN OF PERU.

MOTION: Mr. Weaver SECOND: Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, The Town of Peru, Clinton County, NY is seeking to continue its current food

scrap collection program for residents. The collection point will be set up at 9 Cross Street, at the

Town of Peru Highway Department. We envision this to be a 12-month program, with the

possibility of extension.

WHEREAS The Town of Peru is requesting companies to submit a proposal to serve as the

hauler for the food scraps collected by this program.

WHEREAS, In order for the Peru Board to review each document, your proposal must be

received by May 20th, 2026. Send your proposal to: Craig Randall, Town Supervisor, Town of

Peru, 3036 Main St., Peru, NY 12972. (supervisor@perutownny.gov). The Town Board will

review all proposals and make a recommendation regarding the choice of competitors at the

regular meeting on May 28, 2026 .

RESOLVED, the Peru Town Board agrees with the recommendation of sending out RFPs to

food waste collection hauling firms for one year.

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call: YES NO

Kregg Bruno absent

Mel Irwin x

Nick Weaver x

Craig Randall x

Carried: 3 Ayes; 0 Noes

RESOLUTION NUMBER 26.05-11.03

RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF PERU APPROVING AN

APPOINTMENT OF MICHAEL PRATT OF CODE NAVIGATION SERVICES, LLC.

MOTION: Mr. Irwin SECOND: Mr. Weaver

WHEREAS, Duane Bibeau is currently undergoing the mandatory New York State certification

process for code enforcement officials; andWHEREAS, the Town requires assistance regarding the administration and enforcement of the

Town of Peru Zoning Law (the “Zoning Law”); and

WHEREAS, the Town recognizes the need to appoint a qualified individual to serve as code

enforcement officer (the “Interim Code Enforcement Officer”) to ensure the proper administration

and enforcement of the Zoning Code until Duane Bibeau has completed the requisite certification

process; and

WHEREAS, upon consideration of the qualifications of eligible individuals, the Town Board has

determined that Michael Pratt, of Code Navigation Services, LLC possesses the qualifications and

experience necessary to fulfill the duties of Interim Code Enforcement Officer to work on the Lake

Champlain Transportation Co. Marinas Projects specifically.

NOW, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town hereby appoints Michael Pratt to the

position of Interim Code Enforcement Officer, effective immediately. The Interim Code Enforcement

Officer shall perform all duties and responsibilities as prescribed by the Zoning Law and the

applicable New York State laws and regulations; and at an hourly rate of $125.00 (One Hundred

Twenty Five Dollars) per hour

BE IT THEREFORE, RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute any

and all documents necessary to effectuate this appointment; and

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

NO

Roll Call: YES Kregg Bruno absent

Mel Irwin x

Nick Weaver x

Craig Randall x

Carried: 3 Ayes; 0 Noes

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 26.05-11.04

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF RICHARD BARBER

AS INTERIM TOWN COUNCILPERSON TO FILL THE SEAT OF ERIC

DUQUETTE UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2026.

MOTION: Mr. Weaver SECOND: Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, The Peru Town Board has recommended that Richard Barber be appointed to fill

the Town Councilperson seat being vacated by Eric Duquette as he has already held a

Councilman’s position and left in good standing.

THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, the Peru Town Board recommends and appoints Richard Barber to complete the

term of the Town Councilman’s seat being vacated by Eric Duquette on April 27, 2026 as

interim Town Councilman through December 31, 2026 when the next general election

Councilperson winner will take over.

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call: YES NO

Kregg Bruno absent

Mel Irwin x

Nick Weaver x

Craig Randall x

Carried: 3 Ayes; 0 NoesDiscussion: Mr. Randall and Mr. Irwin give updates on the WWTP project, all of the following

payment amounts have already been approved and all are under budget.

Motion: Mr. Weaver makes the motion to approve Murnane Building Contractors Pay App #10

for Peru WWTP Project, seconded by Mr. Irwin.

3 Ayes; 0 Noes

Motion Carried

Motion: Mr. Weaver makes the motion to approve John W. Danforth Company Pay App. #10 for

Peru WWTP Project, seconded by Mr. Irwin.

3 Ayes; 0 Noes

Motion Carried

Motion: Mr. Irwin makes the motion to approve K&L Plumbing & Heating Pay App.#5 for Peru

WWTP Project, seconded by Mr. Weaver.

3 Ayes; 0 Noes

Motion Carried

Motion: Mr. Weaver makes the motion to approve Triangle Electrical Systems Pay App. #8 for

Peru WWTP Project, seconded by Mr. Irwin.

3 Ayes; 0 Noes

Motion Carried

Discussion: Mr. Randall goes over the update from Barton & Loguidice. Everything is on track,

and we are waiting for a wetland permit.

Other Business

Ms. Nerska has shirts available on Mondays. She lets everyone know the Babbie Farm opens

this weekend, and an exhibit for the Battle of Valcour will be on display.

Mr. Tetrault updates the Board on the Wastewater Plant Project, which is moving along great

with all contractor’s there every day. Building should be closed in by the end of Summer. Solid

Treatment building will remain. The Bear Swamp problem has been addressed, with additional

cameraing of a few known problem areas elsewhere in town. Mowing is in full swing, and fields

have been maintained and prepared for sports.

Mr. Farrell states paving is backed up due to weather. Roadside mowing starts tomorrow, and

he asks that all signs in the right of way be removed for safety reasons. All signs need to be at

least 15 feet from the edge of the road. Mr. Ryan will help let the public know through the Peru

Gazette. Spring cleanup of roads is almost finished.

There was vandalism at Sullivan Park. The bleachers were shot up, but remain usuable.

Ms. Barber has the flyers out for the 2026 Peru Summer Concert Series at Heyworth Mason

Park. There are 10 concerts scheduled with the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center

being a rain back up venue.

Public Comments on Agenda Items

Teresa Larson has questions about the contract between the Town of Peru and LCT. She has

questions about Code Enforcement and why the Town is hiring so many people to fill the role.

Ms. Larson also questions Mr. Dennis Curtain’s involvement in decision making and also

questions the Town Board’s authority in making the contract. Supervisor Randall explains the

difficulty in waiting for our new Code Enforcement Officer to finish training and hiring extra

help to process permits and deal with all the projects going on in our town. Ms. Larson is

unhappy with the contract between the town and LCT and she questions many aspects of this

contract. She will send an email to Mr. Favro and Mr. Brody Smith and Mr. Favro, with the

Board’s permission will try to answer some of her questions.

Corey Trombley also has questions about the Codes Office. He would like to know why Code

Enforcement does not attend Board meetings, and requests that they be at the next one.

Mr. Randall stresses that this is a difficult situation and the Town is trying to move forward. He

says he will ask that the Code Enforcement attend the next meeting, but they may choose not to.RESOLUTION NUMBER: 26.05-11.05

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE POST-AUDIT PAYMENT OF CERTAIN

CLAIMS, BILLS AND INVOICES OF THE TOWN.

MOTION: Mr. Weaver 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 May 2026.

From Town of Peru Vouchers for April 2026, #202600608 through and including #202600694

Abstract dated 5/7/26.

For the dollar amount totaling: $221,377.96 of that, $18,452.58 was wired, credit cards and

prepaid; and $202,925.38 remaining to be paid for May 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.

Roll Call: YES NO

Kregg Bruno absent

Mel Irwin x

Nick Weaver x

Craig Randall x

Carried: 3 Ayes; 0 Noes

Motion by Mr. Weaver; seconded by Mr. Irwin to adjourn to executive session at 7:00 p.m.

Ayes 3, Noes 0

Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Weaver; seconded by Mr. Irwin to return from executive session at 7:20 p.m.

Ayes 3, Noes 0

Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Weaver; seconded by Mr. Irwin to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:21 p.m.

Ayes 3, Noes 0

Motion Carried