The Peru Gazette

By John T Ryan 

Peru, NY –  The verbal volley between Theresa Larson and the Peru Town Board continued at the Town Board’s June 22nd Meeting. In June 2024, Lake Champlain Transportation (LCT) purchased six parcels, including the former Snug Harbor/Olde Valcour Marina, the Mariner Restaurant, which Larson co-operated, a dive shop, a campground, and properties directly across Route 9. Larson questions the legality and the precedent of the agreement the town reached with LCT. The agreement suspended the February 27 Cease and Desist Work Order issued by the Peru Code Enforcement Officer for alleged failure to obtain several building permits and a site plan approval. 

The agreement permits LCT to apply for building permits post-construction and to acquire temporary Certificates of Occupancy for work already performed, provided the work is brought into compliance. A June 10 deadline related to work at the dive shop and electrical work at the campsite was part of the agreement.  Larson asked about the June 10 deadline and said she can’t get answers to her questions from either the town’s attorney or the supervisor. Supervisor Craig Randall repeated what he said at previous meetings, “The matter is under consideration by the town counsel.” Larson responded, “We’ve been pretty patient about moving forward with a lawsuit, but at this point our hands are tied. We don’t want to put this burden on the town…” At this point, Councilman Kregg Bruno stated. “You keep threatening; you just come here every month saying the same thing over and over. Why don’t you just go ahead with it?”  After a few more comments, Larson and the person accompanying her exited the meeting. 

Town of Peru – LCT Agreement

Other Issues: 

The board discussed creating a place for young people to ride e-bikes and pedal bikes on the town-owned 100+ acre property north of the walking trail. Town Attorney Matt Favro will review the purchase contract to determine whether the town has the right to use the property for this purpose. If not, would the seller agree to modifying the contract to permit the proposed use? At the Board’s last meeting, Councilor Rick Barber said the town purchased the land utilizing a grant that may restrict the property’s future use. Attorney Favro said someone should also check the impact on the town’s liability insurance cost. 

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell requested and received permission to use plastic liners to repair two culverts on Lapham Mills Road. Farrell said the work can be done in one day with no traffic stoppage. The Precision Group will inspect, video, pressure-clean, and install the liners for a cost of $52,851.50. 

Councilman Rick Barber reported that the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) approved the town’s erection of an American Flag at the Peru Dock, provided it is illuminated at night. Barber said a solar-powered light is acceptable to DEC. 

The board thanked Rulfs Orchard for donating 18 hanging flower baskets for use at Little Ausable River and Heyworth/Mason Park. It also thanked Kevin Soucy, owner of Signs and More on Mason Street in Morrisonville, for his no-charge replacement of all the exterior town hall lettering. 

Helen Nerska said her office will be selling Peru’s America 250 T-shirts at the June 27 town market at $15 each. Nerska also reported that the June 13 Lapham Mills Road history walk, narrated by Bob McGee, was informative and well received.  

Pam Barber reported that the summer concerts at Heyworth Main Park begin on Sunday, June 28, 6 to 8 p.m. 

The Board Approved: 

A Change Directive with Murnane Building Contractors at the Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade involving chimney and roofing repairs at the existing  materials handling building on a time and materials basis. Murnane will submit tracking documents for board approval. 

A Change Directive with K&L Plumbing at a total cost of $$8,828 involving application of epoxy coating to heaters and ductwork changes.  

A Change Directive with Triangle Electrical Systems providing for equipment and wiring to maintain power to the critical system during the transition to the new utility service.  Time-and-material tracking documents will be submitted for approval. 

A Resolution authorizing the hiring of Brandon Barnaby as a part-time seasonal worker in the water/sewer/parks department at an hourly rate of $18.29 with a June 30 start date. 

Click here to view the Peru Gazette Meeting video