The Peru Gazette

This year’s fall foliage hasn’t been as colorful as some years due to a number of factors, including the drought.

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1. Call Meeting to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call 

4. MOTION/DISCUSSION: To Accept Reports from all Departments: (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; Banking Reports, and JCEO);

5. MOTION: Acceptance of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of September 22 and Special Meeting of October 2, 2025

6. Community Input. 

7. DISCUSSION: Update from AES Engineering Nathan Bull on Peru WWTP Upgrade Project.

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:   Approval to Sign Amendment #1 to Owner-Engineer Agreement by AES Northeast

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Work Change Directive GC-CD.01 Effluent Manhole/PTA Footing

10. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval to Grant Supervisor Randall Execute Work Change Directive Prior to Board Approval for Project Efficiency

11. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of John W. Danforth Company Pay App. #3 for Peru WWTP Project. 

12. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of Murnane Building Contractors Pay App. #3 for Peru WWTP Project. 

13. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of Triangle Electrical Systems Pay App. #5 for Peru WWTP Project. 

14. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of John W. Danforth Company Pay App. #3 for Peru WWTP Project. 

15. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval to Sign Endyne Proposal/Agreement for the Pilot Testing Program for the Peru Water Treatment Plant.

16. DISCUSSION: Telegraph Road Culvert Project Engineering Update.

17. DISCUSSION/MOTION:  Hiring of Surveyor for McGarr Rd Dispute.

18. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approve Sale of 2002 E 350 Service Van

19. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approve Sale of 2006 Ford F350 Truck

20. DISCUSSION: Other Business: Council Comments

21. DISCUSSION: Other Business: Department Head Comments.

22. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

23. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay October 2025 Bills.

24. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

25. MOTION: Return from Executive Session. 

26. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.

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Sept. 28 – [PLATTSBURGH, NY] – North Country Honor Flight is proud to announce its upcoming Flights 66 and 67 on Saturday, October 4, 2025, honoring North Country veterans with a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Washington, D.C.

This dual mission marks a monumental accomplishment — more than 1,000 North Country veterans will have flown with North Country Honor Flight since its founding. These October flights represent the last send-offs of the 2025 season, capping a remarkable year of honoring those who served.

The day begins with a patriotic send-off ceremony at 7:00 a.m. at the U.S. Oval, where family, friends, and community members are invited to gather in support of these heroes. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and take part in this moving tradition.

This flight is made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of the CVPH Foundation, whose support helps ensure that every veteran travels free of charge to see their memorials.

North Country Honor Flight is a 100% volunteer-led nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring America’s veterans by flying them free of charge to visit their memorials in Washington, D.C. The trips provide an opportunity for veterans to reflect, remember, and receive the recognition they have long deserved.

The community is reminded that this is the FINAL send-off ceremony of the 2025 season—a chance to come together and show our veterans that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

For more information on upcoming flights, or ways to support the mission, please visit www.northcountryhonorflight.org.

Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025 – A typical fall Saturday morning at Rulf’s Orchard. The Woodley family from Champlain stopped by as have many others.

Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025 – A typical ANY Saturday morning at Dunkin Donuts on the Bear Swamp Rd.

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By John T Ryan 

Warning: Some readers and video viewers may find the wording on Mr. Guynup’s shirt objectionable. 

Peru, NY – Following department reports Peru Town Supervisor commented on that the town board’s September 22, 2025 agenda was unusually brief. When he called on Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup the evening’s atmosphere changed. Guynup, who resigned his position effective September 30, stood up, removed an outer article of clothing to reveal a shirt labeled, “It’s OK. I’m  on 500 mg. of Fukitol.”

Guynup stated the following: “Thank you. You’ll get me out of here early. I’ve got some things I’d like to talk about. John, please get a closeup this (pointing to his shirt) OK. Thank you. So you asked me to conduct an exit interview and as we read the handbook it says the confidential secretary should be here. She’s here now so I’m OK with conducting it right now. OK. The first thing I’d like to talk about is I filed a harassment charge against Mrs. Miller back in July of 2024. I got a letter seven months later that said that, nah, we’re ok. Seven months ok! What I’m most upset about is the toxic behavior that’s still present to this day in this town hall and it stinks. A lot of people in the town don’t know about it, but it stinks, but they should know about it. OK. And with that anyone who would like to read the letter and my complaint it’s right here.” (At this point Mr. Guynup made a 15-second personal allegation against Mrs. Miller that is not related to her duties as town clerk; hence, the Gazette deleted his allegation from this story and the video.) Guynup continued, “Harassment doesn’t mean nothing. Good night.”  He then put his chair in the rack and exited the building. 

Asked for a comment yesterday, Dianne Miller stated, “I have sought legal counsel and will continue to review this matter with them and may comment at a later date.” 

Today Town Supervisor Craig Randall commented, “The Town Board acknowledges Mr. Guynup’s dissatisfaction regarding delay in its response to a harassment complaint filed by Mr. Guynup with the Town against its Town Clerk. The board did conduct an investigation of the complaint and took appropriate action based on its findings. The timing of its actions overlapped its former Supervisor and current Supervisor. The Town Board regrets that its action taken failed to resolve the working relationship between the two parties.”

In other meeting news: 

Resident John Kelley expressed concern about rising property taxes. Kelly said he owns five properties, and the taxes could exceed $30,000 if increased in 2026. Supervisor Craig Randall explained the budget formulation process, including board workshops when counselors examine each department’s 2026 spending requests. Randall said that his door is always open to answer questions and the workshops are open to the public. The workshop schedule is ported on the town website. 

A Liberty Road resident inquired about the town’s plans to pave the road, citing the presence of potholes. Superintendent of Highways Michael Farrell said Liberty Road isn’t on the 2026 paving schedule, but agreed to look over the road’s issues. There one home on Liberty Road with a second home under construction. 

Farrell also reported that NYSEG has rerouted electric power on both sides of the closed Telegraph Road culvert. He said the town should advertise for bids very soon, but he doesn’t anticipate construction beginning this year.

Luck Brothers won the bid award for a Fuller Road culvert with a bid $274,650. The culvert is between Lapham Mills and Bear Swamp Road—stakes and a ribbon mark the culvert.

Recreation Director Kristen Marino reported that eight Pee Wee and eight Mite teams are participating in soccer. She had to reduce the number of teams because she didn’t have enough coaches, adding that she will still  find a place for every child.  

The board appointed Daniel Hamilton to be a member of the Planning Board. His term of office ends December 31, 2031.

The Golden Apple Club received permission to meet monthly at no charge in the town hall’s lower floor. The club anticipates that about one-half of its meetings will be at other locations.

Governor Hochul News Release of 9/26/25 – As part of New York’s all-of-the-above energy strategy, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a coordinated set of actions to accelerate the deployment and construction of reliable and clean energy across New York State that will help stabilize energy prices. Recognizing the near-term need for power to meet increasing electricity demand as well as economic development needs and the importance of adapting to shifting federal policies, Governor Hochul is launching a new solicitation for renewable energy and directing state agencies to work together to responsibly advance shovel-ready renewable energy projects as quickly as possible. These efforts are designed to support New York ratepayers by using sunsetting federal clean energy tax credits to bring down costs.

“While the federal government takes us backward on energy policy, New York will not be thwarted in its commitment to clean energy. By directing our state agencies to move projects across the finish line, we are seizing every opportunity to leverage federal incentives, reduce costs for ratepayers, and build a more resilient, sustainable and reliable energy grid,” Governor Hochul said. “Together, these actions are expected to unlock billions in private investment, create thousands of good-paying jobs, and build a durable energy economy that benefits New Yorkers for decades to come.”

New York’s current pipeline of large-scale renewable energy is comprised of 102 solar, land-based wind, hydroelectric and offshore wind projects operating and under development that will deliver over 9.7 gigawatts of clean power to the grid when completed – enough energy to power over 3 million New York homes. The development of projects as a result of this solicitation is expected to spur over five billion dollars in clean energy investments and create more than 2,500 family-sustaining jobs in the energy economy across New York.

Jails and prisons across the state are facing many crises. Someone should tell the Commission of Correction

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Health officials are urging Vermonters to protect themselves from mosquito bites, warning that Eastern equine encephalitis, while rare, can be serious and deadly to humans.

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All Counties Outside of New York City to Receive At Least $1 Million Through Noncompetitive Grant Program

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $85 million in grant funding has been allocated to county level primary Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and primary PSAP backup centers to prepare for the implementation of Next Generation 911 (NG911) in 57 counties across the state. The NG911 Grant Program is specifically to support call handling equipment to include interfaces and software applications needed for agencies to receive and process incidents with the goal of increasing statewide capabilities to accept NG911 calls in accordance with the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) i3 standards. All eligible counties received a base amount of $1 million in funding and the remaining funds were allocated based on population.

“Public safety is my number one priority, and that means ensuring that we have the technology and equipment in place to support our first responders and their quick response to emergency situations,” Governor Hochul said. “These investments will ensure that our 911 systems are operating effectively and efficiently when any New Yorker reaches out for emergency assistance in their time of need.”

In January, Governor Hochul awarded $55 million statewide to enhance emergency communications systems, including $10 million awarded under the Public Safety Answering Point Grant Program, which encouraged the development of NG911 technologies and the Geographic Information System (GIS) data needed for NG911.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Governor Hochul understands that our 911 systems are key during any emergency, and this grant funding will help New York communities across the state prepare to implement NG911. The professionals who take emergency calls and dispatch responders are our first line of assistance and this funding will help support them with new equipment and software to increase their capabilities.”

New York State Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario said, “The transition to Next Generation 911 technology will significantly enhance our counties’ ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies. This $85 million commitment ensures that New York’s counties can implement the digital infrastructure needed to improve response times, enhance caller location accuracy, and ultimately save more lives. We appreciate Governor Hochul’s continued leadership in preparing our state for the future of emergency communications.

The NG911 Grants awarded today are:

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Harvest Weekend
Oct. 11th & 12th
10am – 4pm

•Demos include: cornharvesting & storing of corn, hit & miss engines, sawmilling, blacksmithing
•Kids games, corn box search, pumpkin making, butter making
•Popcorn and Cotton Candy
•Ride the stagecoach, antique fire truck and Thomas the Train
•Snacks and beverages available in the museum store
250 River Road, Peru,NY
518 • 643 •  8052

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced today that the former treasurer of the Durhamville Fire Department, Kimberly Simchik, pleaded guilty to stealing over $92,000 from the fire department over a seven-year period. As part of the plea, she will pay restitution of just over $92,000 and faces 1 to 3 years in jail at sentencing.

“Kimberly Simchik diverted fire department resources to bankroll her personal life, betraying the trust of the community she served,” DiNapoli said. “My thanks to Oneida County District Attorney Carville and the New York State Police for their partnership in holding her accountable.”

Carville said, “The Oneida County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the New York State Police and the New York State Comptroller’s Office for their assistance in bringing the defendant to justice. This reprehensible act has no place in our society.  Stealing from our volunteer service, the great men and women who dedicate their time and talent to the Durhamville Fire Department, is wholly unacceptable and inexcusable.  I would like to thank my Assistant, Assistant District Attorney Kurt Schultz, for holding Ms. Simchik accountable for her actions.” Read more »

New Yorkers Urged to Conserve Water During Ongoing Dry Conditions

View Map of New York State Drought Conditions 

Governor Kathy Hochul, with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, today announced a drought warning was issued in 12 counties in the Adirondack and Southern Tier regions and a drought watch was expanded to include six counties in the Susquehanna region. New York State is encouraging all residents, including those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks. 

“The less-than-normal amounts of rain have led to dry conditions for many counties in New York, resulting in the Adirondacks and Southern Tier counties being elevated to drought warning status and Susquehanna counties elevated to drought watch,” Governor Hochul said. “While New York State experts continue to closely monitor the data and conditions on the ground, we are taking proactive steps to support communities, farmers and local water suppliers. At the same time, we are urging everyone to do their part to conserve water so we can reduce stress on our resources and prevent more severe impacts in the weeks ahead.”

A drought watch or warning is now in effect for the entire state except for New York City and Westchester County. Drought conditions in this region are determined by New York City in close coordination with DEC. There are four levels of State drought advisories: watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. There are no mandatory State restrictions under a drought watch or warning. A warning declaration is a notice of impending and imminent severe drought conditions and includes increasing public awareness and voluntary water conservation. Public water supply purveyors and industries are urged to continue to implement local drought contingency plans.

The counties under the drought warning are Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chemung, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, northern Herkimer, Lewis, Steuben, St. Lawrence, and Warren. The counties added to the drought watch are Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Otsego, Madison, and Tioga.

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Land Bank plans to add 32 CrossMods over the next 2 years

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How to go about addressing EV charging gaps?

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Officials acknowledge lack of DEC permit, promise restoration after mountain bike races conclude

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