The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

The Peru Town Board agenda is typically routine, but the meeting almost always involves essential decisions and discussions. Oftentimes, the most important items come to light under “Other business.”

At its Monday, August 24th regular meeting Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that his paver is non-operational because replacement parts are not available. The Town paid $55,000 for the used paver several years ago. Farrell estimates that a used paver would cost $100,000 today. Plans to pave the Jabez Allen Rd. are in jeopardy.

Water/Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault said irresponsible 4-wheel drivers are damaging the water treatment plant grounds. He recommended that the Board post the property.

Supervisor Brandy McDonald also reported that several teens are roaming about the hamlet in the early morning hours stealing street signs. McDonald wants to know what’s happening, but he recommended that people “CALL THE COPS!”

Responding to a request from Youth Director John Flynn the Board is looking into improving the road leading to the concession stand at Laphams Mills Park. Paving the road would be costly, but laying down a binder and sealing it is being considered.

John Flynn asked for the Board’s opinion on beginning youth soccer on September 21st. NYS COVID-19 regulations permit its resumption. The Youth Commission is divided on the issue. Flynn is comfortable about following the COVID regulations, but expressed concern about spectator compliance and behavior. Town Attorney Matt Favro said there had been few if any problems conducting baseball in Plattsburgh adding the Town of Peru is not legally responsible for spectator behavior. The important thing is to comply with NYS COVID regulations. The Board gave its verbal approval for soccer to proceed. The Youth Commission will make the final decision.

Constructing an outdoor 70 ft. x 44 ft. volleyball court at Laphams Mills Park is also being explored. The cost was estimated at $4,300; however, Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said he would provide the screened sand and gravel at a much-reduced cost. The volleyball court will be all or at least primarily financed by gifts given in honor of the late Alan Brault. Brault was a longtime Chairman of the Peru Youth Commission.

Responding to a Peru Gazette question, Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup said the Washington Street/Orchard View residential development project is at a standstill pending construction of a permanent drainage basin. One or two lots may have to be used to locate the basin. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers is requiring the basin. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation also has outstanding issues.

Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup said he will be recommending to the Zoning and Planning Boards that they return to in-person meetings beginning October 1st.

In agenda items the Town Board:


Agreed to purchase a parcel from the Peru Community Church at the cost of $9,000. A new sewer system pump station will be constructed on the parcel.


Approved a 3-year contract for assessment services with Clinton Count Real Property Office. The Town will pay the County per $14.50 parcel with increases of $.75 per parcel the first year, and $.25 in the second and third years. 
There are 3,214 parcels in Peru. That’s $46,632 for year #1 assessment services.

Scheduled a public hearing on a solar farm local law for Monday, September 14th at 5:45 p.m.

Renewed its Clinton County WIC Clinic Memorandum of Understanding

Adopted a so-called LGS-1 records retention schedule. Dog licenses, employee pay records, building permits are shredded after being maintained for a specified period of time. Town Clerk Dianne Miller commented that she each month sets aside the oldest documents for shredding. Actual shredding takes place every two or three years.

Scheduled 2021 budget workshops. All meetings are at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, September 16th Special Meeting to present a tentative budget and conduct a water/sewer/Valcour workshop

Wednesday, September 23rd Highway Budget Workshop

Wednesday, October 7th General Budget Workshop

Wednesday, October 16th Salaries Workshop

Wednesday, October 21st Budget Review Workshop

Thursday, November 5th Public Hearing on Preliminary Budget

Monday, November 16th Special Meeting to Adopt Final Budget