The Peru Gazette

By John T Ryan (I do not have a video of this meeting because of a camera failure.) 

At the Peru Town Board meeting on September 8, Clinton County District Attorney Andrew Wylie addressed an incident that occurred on September 2 in the Peru Town Court. A defendant with a history of mental health issues failed to comply with Judge Jim Kirby’s order to undergo a mental evaluation. Upon reappearance in court, Judge Kirby mentioned the possibility of committing the individual to the Clinton County Jail for evaluation. The defendant reacted becoming disruptive to the extent that the assistant district attorney, who was six and a half months pregnant, expressed serious concern for her safety.

Wylie also recounted a recent suicide attempt in Chazy Town Court, where a defendant brandished a razor blade and cut his wrist. He summarized the situation by saying, “With the mental health and drug issues we have in our community, there’s a lot more opportunity for violence in our town courts. The judges have no means of protecting themselves.” Wylie is worried that his staff members may resign rather than appear in certain town courts.

Currently, the courts in Plattsburgh, Beekmantown, and Clinton have security measures in place. Wylie believes it is time for Peru to consider adding security, especially since it has the second-highest town caseload in the country. Peru Town Justice Scott Thurber agreed, stating, “I’m very concerned about the safety of attorneys and court staff.” Wylie estimated that security would cost between $100 and $200 an hour, but he is uncertain if the Sheriff’s Department can provide the necessary personnel. In response, the board agreed to ask the Sheriff’s Department for court coverage, and Wylie suggested that hiring a retired police officer could be an alternative.

In a more positive development, Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that NYSEG might be able to continue supplying power to its customers during the culvert installation process on Telegraph Road. He expects a decision from NYSEG by the end of September.

The board passed a local law allowing it to propose exceeding the 2026 tax cap if necessary. No members of the public attended the 5:45 p.m. public hearing that preceded the board meeting.

Given the number and cost of the wastewater treatment plant and culvert replacement projects, the board voted to engage an audit firm to oversee the financial aspects of these projects. Supervisor Craig Randall commented that this decision is prudent, as the town may spend between $45 million and $50 million on these initiatives.

In other actions, the board accepted the resignation of Code Enforcement Officer Robert Guynup, effective September 30, with his last day in the office being September 22.

The meeting then adjourned to executive session to discuss a personnel issue.