The Peru Gazette

   The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on June 22, 2026 at the Peru Town Hall.  Those present were Mr. Craig Randall, Supervisor; Mr. Richard Barber, Jr., Councilman; Mr. Kregg Bruno, Councilman; Mr. Mel Irwin, Councilman and Mrs. Christine Crawford, Town Clerk.  Mr. Nick Weaver, Councilman was excused.

Also present were Mr. Matthew Favro, Town Attorney, Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent; Ms. Pamela Barber, Confidential Secretary to the Board; Ms. Helen Nerska, Historian; and Mr. T’chaka Sikelianos, Dog Control Officer.

Mr. Tyler Jarvis, Deputy Highway Superintendent and Ms. Kristen Marino, Recreation Director

were absent. Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent was excused.

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mr. Randall, with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

               

Motion by Mr. Bruno; seconded by Mr. Barber to approve the minutes from the Regular Meeting of  June 8, 2026.

Ayes 4,  Noes 0                 

Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Irwin; seconded by Mr. Bruno to approve the minutes from the Special Meeting of  June 15, 2026.

Ayes 4,  Noes 0                 

Motion Carried

Community Input 

Teresa Larsen again questions the validity of the contract between the Town and LCT.  She mentions deadlines and says she would like answers.  The contract is under consideration by Town Counsel and Counsel for the Client.   Mr. Randall stresses that this is the same answer for everyone that asks. Ms. Larsen mentions the possibility of legal action and says she will continue to come to the Town Board meetings.    Mr. Randall says the Board is not being combative and will continue to give the same answer about this being in the hands of Counsel.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 26.06-22.01

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PERU WWTP UPGRADES – CHANGE DIRECTIVE GC-CD.07 BY THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR MURNANE BLDG. CONTRACTORS AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

MOTION: Mr. Barber    SECOND:  Mr. Bruno

WHEREAS, The Town Board has the Work Change Directive GC-CD.07 for Project #5508 for Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades contract dated January 22, 2026 and items before it.

WHEREAS, Contractor is directed to proceed promptly with the following change(s):

Description:

1. In the Solids Handling Building (SHB), remove and dispose of the chimney and patch the existing concrete floor as required.

2. In the Solids Treatment Building (STB), remove & dispose of the chimney, housekeeping pad, and patch the existing concrete floor.

3. In the PTA Building, provide insulation, Z furring, and gypsum on various walls as detailed on the attached Proposal request.

Refer to attached Proposal Request GC-PR.13 for additional details.

RESOLVED, that the Contractor shall Proceed on a Time and Material basis. Provide time and material tracking documents for review and approval. 

WHEREAS, The necessity to proceed for schedule or other reasons, 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call:		YES	NO
	Richard Barber Jr.	x
	Kregg Bruno	x
	Mel Irwin	x
	Nick Weaver	excused
	Craig Randall	x

Carried:4 Ayes;0 Noes

RESOLUTION NUMBER:26.06-22.02

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PERU WWTP UPGRADES – CHANGE DIRECTIVE M-CD.02 BY THE MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR K & L PLUMBING & HEATING AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

MOTION:  Mr. Bruno   SECOND:  Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, The Town Board has the Work Change Directive M-CD.02 for Project #5508 for Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades contract dated February 23, 2026 and items before it.

WHEREAS, Contractor, K & L Plumbing & Heating is directed to proceed promptly with the Work Change Directive M-CD.02 as per attached:

Description:

1. Add epoxy coating to Unit Heaters UH-15 and UH-16, per Proposal Request M-PR.01.
2. Revisions to ductwork to elevated ERV-1 on roof, per Proposal Request M-PR.02.

Attachments:

Proposal Request M-PR.01, including K&L Cost Proposal, dated 05/26/2026 Proposal Request M-PR.02, including K&L Cost Proposal, dated 06/11/2026

Directive to proceed promptly with the Work described herein, prior to agreeing to change in Contract Price and Contract Time, is issued:

$8,828 to be charged against the General Allowance as follows:

• • $3,848.00
  • $4,980.00

RESOLVED, said proposed Work Change Directive shall be amended with cost to be charged against the General Allowance.

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call:		YES	NO
	Richard Barber Jr.	x
	Kregg Bruno	x
	Mel Irwin	x
	Nick Weaver	excused
	Craig Randall	x

Carried: 4 Ayes; 0 Noes

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 26.06-22.03

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CHANGE DIRECTIVE E-CD.02 BY THE ELECTRICAL  CONTRACTOR, TRIANGLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS FOR PROJECT #5508 FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT UPGRADES DATED NOVEMBER 5, 2025 AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

MOTION:  Mr. Barber SECOND:  Mr. Bruno

WHEREAS, The Town Board has the Work Change Directive E-CD.02 for Project #5508 for Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades contract dated November 5, 2025 and items before it.

WHEREAS, to provide equipment/wiring to maintain power to critical process equipment/systems during the transition to the new utility power service.

Attachments:

1. E-PR.04
2. Triangle Electrical Systems not to exceed estimate, dated 6/9/2026
3. Email from Triangle Electrical Systems acknowledging work will be performed on a Time and Material basis.

RESOLVED that the contractor Proceed on a Time and Material basis. Provide time and material tracking documents for review and approval. This Change Directive shall be amended with the final cost deducted from the Contingency Allowance.

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call:		YES	NO
	Richard Barber, Jr.	x
	Kregg Bruno	x
	Mel Irwin	x
	Nick Weaver	excused
	Craig Randall	x

Carried: 4 Ayes;0 Noes

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 26.06-22.04

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT WITH CMC FOR THE USE OF  THE IN QUICK BRIDGE SYSTEM FOR THE WESTCOTT RD. CULVERT/BRIDGE PROJECT.

MOTION:  Mr. Bruno SECOND:  Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, The Town Board has InQuick Bridge System specifications in front of them,

WHEREAS,  The Highway Superintendent has requested the Board to approve the agreement with CMC for the In Quick Bridge System for the Westcott Rd. Culvert/Bridge Replacement due to safety concerns and this as the most economical and expeditious path to take to get this project completed in a timely manner

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That the Peru town Board approves CMC to complete the engineering of the use of the In Quick Bridge System for the Westcott Rd. Culvert/Bridge System. This contract price will be $418,581.00 and authorizes the Supervisor to sign said agreement

AND BE IT RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call:		YES	NO
	Richard Barber, Jr.	x
	Kregg Bruno	x
	Mel Irwin	x
	Nick Weaver	excused
	Craig Randall	x

Carried: 4 Ayes;0 Noes

RESOLUTION NUMBER:  26.06-22.05

A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE CONTRACT OF THE PRECISION GROUP TO PERFORM CCTV SERVICES, JETTING/CLEANING OF THE CULVERTS AND INSTALLATION OF UV CIPP LINING OF TWO CULVERTS ON LAPHAMS MILLS ROAD AND TO ALLOW THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

MOTION:   Mr. Barber  SECOND: Mr. Bruno

WHEREAS, the Town Board has received state contract pricing from Precision Trenchless LLC, for Cleaning, CCTV, Bypass, CIPP lining & Traffic work for the Town of Peru 30 inch culvert rehab is  the most reliable and cost effective for the Town of Peru 

WHEREAS; the contract includes:

 

• CCTV with thumb drive videos and reports 
• High pressure jetting and cleaning of all pipe prior to UV CIPP installation 
• Installation of 30-inch UV CIPP approximately 135lf 2 line segments 
• Bypass of all water throughout installation process up to 4” capacity. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, that the cost for the work is attached and is $52,851.50 (Fifty two thousand eight hundred fifty one dollars and fifty cents) and the Town Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute the contract.

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call:		YES	NO
	Richard Barber Jr.	x
	Kregg Bruno	x
	Mel Irwin	x
	Nick Weaver	excused
	Craig Randall	x

Carried: 4  Ayes; 0 Noes

RESOLUTION NUMBER:26.06-22.06

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF BRANDON BARNABY AS A PART TIME SEASONAL LABORER FOR THE WATER/SEWER/PARKS DEPT. EFFECTIVE JUNE 30, 2026 AT A RATE OF $18.29 AS PER COURTNEY TETRAULT’S REQUEST. 

MOTION BY:  Mr. Bruno   SECOND BY:   Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, The Peru Town Board has agreed that a new part time seasonal laborer is

 necessary for the efficient operation of the Peru Water/Sewer/Parks Department following the recommendation of Town Water & Sewer Superintendent, Courtney Tetrault, and

BE IT

RESOLVED, that Brandon Barnaby’s hiring be to a part time seasonal laborer for the Town of Peru Water/Sewer/Parks Dept. at a hourly rate of pay to be $18.29 as per Courtney Tetrault’s request with a start date of June 30, 2026.

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call:		YES	NO
	Richard Barber Jr.	x
	Kregg Bruno	x
	Mel Irwin	x
	Nick Weaver	excused
	Craig Randall	x

Carried:4 Ayes; 0 Noes

Discussion:  Mr. Randall explains the C & S Companies Project Status Report for Replacement of Telegraph Road over Dry Mill Brook.   The project is going well and is currently under budget.

Mr. Randall also reads an update on the Wastewater Project,   with 42% of this project being complete.

RESOLUTION NUMBER:26.06-22.07

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZEING TRANSFER OF DEBT SERVICE ACCOUNT MONIES TO FUND THE INVOICES DUE FOR THE H-34 WATER TREATMENT PROJECT

MOTION BY:  Mr. Bruno   SECOND BY:   Mr. Barber

WHEREAS, In order to meet the financial needs for the management of the Town of Peru Water Treatment Project Account, funds need to be transferred from the Debt Service Account Funds to the H-34 Water Treatment Plant Project Fund to cover the payments prior to EFC funding

RESOLVED,  that the Town Board has authorized the transfer of the total amount of $23,235.10 of current invoices to cover the payments for the H-34 Water Treatment Plant Project.

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call:		YES	NO
	Richard Barber Jr.	x
	Kregg Bruno	x
	Mel Irwin	x
	Nick Weaver	excused
	Craig Randall	x

Carried:4 Ayes; 0 Noes

Discussion Other Business-Councilmen

Mr. Irwin gives a shout out to Rulf’s Orchard for the donation of hanging baskets for the gazebo.  Also many thanks to Kevin Soucia who is fixing the Peru sign in front of the Town Hall.

Mr. Barber has tentative approval for the flag pole at the Peru Boat Launch.  The flag will remain up at night, with a light.  October 10^th will be the official dedication.

Discussion Other Business- Department Heads.

Ms. Nerska held a successful tour of Laphams Mills and  has an upcoming History Chat at the Peru Free Library.  There will also be a Historian Tent at the Peru Town Market.

Mr. Farrell’s department has been busy mowing and trimming.  One mower is down but under warranty. All signs that were removed from the right of way for mowing purposes may be picked up at the Highway Department

Ms. Barber announces that the 2026 Peru Summer Concert Series kicks off the season June 28^th with the band Last Call.  The concerts are free on Sunday evenings from 6 to 8 pm and take place at Peru’s Heyworth Mason Park.   There is some discussion about possibly having a food truck at these concerts and Mr. Irwin will check into this.

Discussion The Board revisits the topic of electric bikes and scooters on town trails and parks.  Mr. Favro will inspect the deeds and contracts, but he cautions that any changes will open the door to all motorized vehicles.  Mr. Favro also suggested checking the Town’s Insurance coverage regarding this topic.