The Peru Gazette

Public Hearing scheduled for another multi-million dollar infrastructure project

By John T Ryan 

Peru, NY – If you are one of the many people waiting for the Telegraph Road Dry Mill Brook culvert to be replaced, there was good news for you at the February 9 Peru Town Board meeting. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that a Notice to Proceed has been issued and that the project should be completed by October 1. Farrell said there was a misunderstanding regarding the box culvert delivery date at the bid opening. At the board’s last meeting, Farrell reported that the culvert wouldn’t be delivered until at least Oct. 1. 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulations should also expedite the project. The regulations prohibit any in-stream work beginning October 1 to avoid disturbing spawning fish or their habitat. Farrell said he’s trying to find a certified bridge inspector who would charge less than $250,000, the first price he received. The inspector has to be on-site daily, and a construction trailer must be in place.  Farrell’s comments begin at the 23-minute mark of the Gazette’s meeting video. 

Engineering plans for upgrading Peru’s Reservoir Road water source and treatment system is at the design stage. Peru’s contracted engineering firm, Barton  and Loguidice, estimates that the project will cost approximately $9.4 million. The town plans to fund the project through a 50% grant the town received from the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation and a 0% interest anticipated 30-year term loan. The board will inform the public about the project at a Public Hearing on February 23, 2026, beginning at 5:45 p.m. 

AES Northeast Supervising Engineer Nathan Bull reported that the wastewater treatment plant project is going as planned. Two structures are on schedule.  Site-work and prep are on track. The preliminary treatment – Administration building is enclosed enough to allow contractors to continue work. Costs are as planned. Bull’s report begins at the 4-minute mark of the Gazette’s meeting video. 

Later in the meeting, the board approved four contractor payments related to the wastewater treatment plant project: $174,116.06 to Murnane Building Contractors; $349,464.67 to John W. Danforth Company; and $173,731.25 to K & L Plumbing Inc., plus a $3,849 Change Directive to J.W. Danforth.  

Mike Farrell reported that his personnel will have to remove a power pole near the soon-to-be-replaced Lyons Road culvert. Bid opening on that project is scheduled for February 20 at 11 a.m.  Farrell is also continuing to plan for the Westcott Road culvert replacement project. He said that safety dictates the project must take place within the next two years. 

Historian Helen Nerska reported having America 250 planning underway and that she is looking forward to spring/summer historical tours in Peasleeville and Lapham Mills. 

Youth Director Krista Marino reported the January 23 statewide State of Emergency required her to cancel Saturday basketball games. Some towns did not realize that NYS requires game cancellation during a state of emergency. 

At 6:46 p.m. Supervisor Randall asked the board to adjourn to a litigation related executive session with no further meeting decisions expected. 

Correction 1/10/26 at 3 p.m. Replaced “executive sessions” with “personnel issues.”

Click here to view the meeting video.