The Peru Gazette

By John T Ryan

The Peru Town Board’s December 29 meeting included fond and respectful farewells as participants thanked outgoing councilman Jim Douglass and Town Clerk/Tax Collector Dianne Miller.

Jim Douglass, elected in November 2009, served on the board for sixteen years, including several years as deputy town supervisor. He did not seek reelection. Douglass expressed his appreciation to everyone, including his fellow board members. Addressing the public, he said, “You are lucky to have a town board like Peru has.”

Voters elected Dianne Miller as Town Clerk/Tax Collector in November 2018 and 2022. Speaking about Miller, Confidential Secretary/Budget Officer Pam Barber stated in part, ” She has taken care of the townspeople as if they were her own family, and she will be missed by them. Some townspeople came in tears because she won’t be here to help them.” Barber talked about working closely with Dianne Miller, saying they made a great team. Addressing Miller’s successor, Christine Crawford Barber said, “Good luck, I hope to have the same rapport with you.” Craig Randall said, “There’s no question in my mind that your professionalism in terms of your function as town clerk is exemplary, and that’s exemplified by the fact that other town clerks look to you for information quite often. “ Randall said Miller should be proud of her service. Town Attorney Matt Favro cited both Pam Barber and Dianne Miller for going above and beyond the call of duty in the performance of their duties. He said, “Dianne, I tell people you’re the best, if not one of the best, in the state. Other people look to you for guidance.”

The comments regarding Jim Douglass are at the 30:25 – 31:20 minute mark of the Peru Gazette’s video. The remarks about Dianne Miller appear from the 36,35 – 45:01 minute mark. Click here to view video. 

Looking to the future, Supervisor Craig Randall said, “We look forward to the new year and creating a new team and making it all come together as it’s supposed to, so the community is well represented.”

Later in the meeting, following a brief executive session he requested, Craig Randall cited Pam Barber for the “incredible number of hours” she put in during 2025 to keep the town’s many operations flowing, to the point that she used very little of her vacation time. Randall asked for an exception to the town’s normal 40-hour vacation time rollover policy, in the form of compensating Barber for the vacation time she would have otherwise taken. The board concurred. A resolution to approve the compensation will be placed on the board’s January 12 meeting agenda.

Youth Director Kristen Marino reported that 137 children signed up for the town’s winter basketball program. The program takes place over eight Saturdays beginning January 24.

In other actions, the board:

Approved its 2026 Meeting Schedule.

Rescheduled the Telegraph Rd. Dry Mill Culvert Bid opening until January 21 at 11 a.m.

Approved the 2026 contract with Essex County to plow the Terry Mountain Road for $70 per visit.

Designated the American Rescue Act $15,592 balance for the ongoing sewer plant upgrade project.

Appointed James Falvo as Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman and James Fracesconi as Vice-Chairman

Appointed Garrett Mastic as Planning Board Chairman and Peter Stone as Vice-Chairman.

Incorporated the AES Engineering Wastewater Treatment Plant Project Report in the meeting minutes.

Appointed Robert LePage to the Planning Board,

Approved two money transfers and five line item transfers to finalize the 2025 budget.

Renewed its Real Estate Contract with Tina Calkins-Covey for the Jenkins Street (Tennis Court) Property.

Approved ordering a 2027 Eastern Start Plow Truck from RR Charlebois in for the amount of $351,927.