The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan 

Peru – The best news at the Peru Town Board’s Monday, September 28th meeting was the news that the Town had received a $20,000 Lake Champlain Basin Program grant. It will finance a Valcour sewer district manhole structure and a chemical dosing pump for the water treatment plant. The Board awarded an $11,500 contract to Camp Precast Concrete Products for the Valcour structure and an $8,272.92 contract to the JEM Company for the water treatment equipment. 

Councilman Kregg Bruno questioned spending $4,000 to refinish the floor at the historic Lyon Road School. He said, “It’s a money pit. Historical funds could be used for other purposes.” Bruno noted that Historian Ron Allen has been spending his entire budget on the school for several years while not announcing a specific plan for the building’s use. Councilmen Rick Barber and Jim Douglass defended the expenditure, saying that Allen plans to open the school to visitors as soon as it is presentable and outfitted like a period schoolhouse. The Board approved the expense 3 to 1 with Douglass, Barber, and Supervisor Brandy McDonald voting yes, while Bruno voted no. Councilman Melvin Irwin was excused because he was out of town. 

Water-Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault commented on a Sunday, September 19th, sewer line brake on the steep hill behind the Old Peru Cemetery. Some sewage found its way to the Little Ausable River.  Tetrault reported the break to DEC and his crews were able to make emergency repairs. A permanent fix will await the sewer system upgrade project. Bidding on that project will be announced on October 31st with a bid opening in December. 

Bruno asked if the Youth Commission has term limits for its members. He said he knows two individuals interested in serving. Bruno felt term limits would be a good idea while Councilman Barber and Councilman Douglass said the Town is fortunate to have volunteers willing to serve. Douglass cited the difficulty in getting volunteers for the Zoning and Planning Boards. Town Attorney Matt Favro said some towns use staggered terms.  Increasing the number of members of the Youth Commission was mentioned. Barber asked for the names of the interested individuals. He said he would talk to Youth Commission Chairman Greg Mills about inviting them to the next Youth Commission meeting. 

Supervisor Brandy McDonald asked Guynup if anything is being done about the small house on School Street that has been in horrible condition for several years.  McDonald has been getting complaints from nearby property owners. Guynup said he took the owner to court several months ago, a fine was levied, and as far as he knows the fine has not been paid. Unpaid taxes on the property were also advertised. He expressed frustration that his recommendations are not yielding results.

Councilman Bruno asked why the Mini-Mite soccer program isn’t being conducted. Youth Commission Liaison Rick Barber said Youth Director John Flynn worried about young children congregating, a danger in these pandemic times. He said Flynn believes children of this age would be very difficult to keep separate. Some parents have reportedly organized informal games at Heyworth Mason Park.

Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup said he thinks the Maplefields Subway should open in about two weeks. There has been an equipment delay issue. 

Councilman Bruno asked Guynup about the Orchard View/Washington Street residential project. Guynup said both the DEC and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers still have outstanding issues with the drainage basin. 

Two pit bulls killed a pig at a Fuller Rd. home according to Dog Control Officer David Drollette. While he has suspects, Drollette was unable to find conclusive evidence as to who owns the pit bulls. In another incident, a dog killed a neighbor’s cat. He will be issuing tickets.   

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell is still planning the Telegraph St. culvert and bridge project. He said it might qualify for as much as 95% to 100% reimbursement. 

Farrell also reported that he was able to pave most of the Jabez Allen Road. The Town’s paver still awaits parts; therefore, Farrell hired Burnell Paving to do the paving. Town trucks and personnel hauled the asphalt. Farrell has about $70,000 to $75,000 remaining in the paving account. Perplexed about the future of NYS highway funding, he asked the Board if he should use the money this year. The Board urged him to use the money since he has it in his possession.