The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Cybersecurity improvements, two Town Court clerk resignations, a damaged highway monitoring camera, and preparations for the 2027 budget highlighted the Peru Town Board’s recent meeting.

2027 Preliminary Budget Hearing November 5

Supervisor Craig Randall reported that the board is preparing its 2027 Preliminary Budget for presentation at a public hearing scheduled for November 5 at 5 p.m.

Town Invests in Cybersecurity Protection

Recognizing the growing threat of cyberattacks, the town is moving forward with a cybersecurity assessment funded by a $20,000 grant from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation.

The board approved a contract with Suozzo, Doty & Associates for up to $20,000. The firm will conduct a cybersecurity risk assessment, identify and prioritize vulnerabilities, recommend corrective measures, develop security policies, prepare a compliance readiness report, inventory town assets, and provide training materials.

Telegraph Road Culvert Project Completed

In other positive news, Randall reported that the Telegraph Road culvert project was completed on budget.

The Gazette will follow up on its request for the project’s total cost, including design, planning, and engineering expenses.

Changes to Board and Court Personnel

The board reappointed Garrett Mastic as Planning Board Chairman for a full seven-year term beginning January 1, 2027, and reappointed Mark Hamilton to the board.. It also accepted Robert LePage’s resignation due to his moving out of the area.

Town Court clerks submitted resignations.

Holly Stone, who served as court clerk for 15 years, submitted her resignation effective October 19. The board accepted her resignation and thanked her for her long and dedicated service.

Andrew Bizga, the court’s second clerk, submitted his resignation in a letter dated October 2. The board also thanked him for his service.

To fill the vacancies temporarily, the board hired Pamela St. John as a temporary court clerk, effective October 26, at $35 per hour. She will also assist in training the new clerks. Supervisor Randall said the positions would be advertised very soon.

Town Attorney Matt Favro noted that St. John retired from the Town of Plattsburgh approximately six months ago after roughly 35 years of service. He strongly endorsed her hiring, stating, “You could not have found a better person. Keep her on board as long as you can.”

Highway Monitoring Camera Damaged

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that a vandal or vandals damaged one of the Highway Department’s road-monitoring cameras.

The cameras monitor winter road conditions during the November 1 through April 1 winter season. Farrell emphasized that these are not the Flock cameras used for license plate recognition, distinguishing them from other camera systems.

Farrell also reported that the Highway Department is outfitting its trucks with snowplows. He encouraged residents to check the stability of their mailboxes before winter arrives. Snow pushed by highway plows can easily damage or knock over improperly secured mailboxes.

Recreation and Historian’s Activities

Recreation Director Kristen Marino reported that basketball registrations are underway. The program typically attracts between 80 and 110 children in grades 3 through 6. Marino is still seeking an assistant for the basketball program.

Town Historian Helen Nerska reported on several recent and upcoming activities.

On September 26, she organized a tour of the Old Peru Village Cemetery, located behind TD Bank, focusing on Revolutionary War veterans buried there. She also helped organize the October 10 Battle of Valcour ceremonies associated with the unveiling of the Peru Dock Interpretive Center panels. Town Supervisor Craig Randall was the Master of Ceremonies at the Peru Dock event.

In October, Nerska conducted a Lapham Mills History Chat featuring several people who grew up near the area’s historic mills. When the mills were operating, Lapham Mills served as Peru’s downtown.

Upcoming events include a December 9 History Chat with Peasleeville residents and a Holiday Open House at the Historian’s Office on December 14.

Nerska also noted that the New York State Legislature passed a resolution recognizing the Battle of Valcour’s important role in the American Revolution. The resolution will be framed and displayed in an appropriate location in Town Hall.

Wastewater Treatment Plant

The board approved three contract directives submitted by Murnane Builders in connection with the ongoing Wastewater Treatment Plant project.

Click here for the Peru Gazette meeting video.