The Peru Gazette

By John T Ryan 

Peru – Supervisor Brandy McDonald began the meeting on Monday, August 8, 2022, by asking for a moment of silence for Peru Town Justice Larry Cabana, who passed away on Saturday, August 6. Cabana was first elected as town justice in 2014. Later in the meeting, Town Attorney Matt Favro stated that his father, attorney Gary Favro, was Larry Cabana’s close friend. He said Justice Cabana, a rough and tumble former NYS Conservation Officer, transitioned into being a judge. He often sought Gary Favro’s legal knowledge. Favro said Judge Cabana cared deeply about Peru and loved this town. (36.58 minutes to the 38.35-minute mark of the video). 

Longtime Peru Youth Director John Flynn is retiring effective August 17, 2022. The board accepted Flynn’s resignation letter without comment. The board will advertise the position and consult with the Youth Commission as soon as possible. Flynn served the town for twenty-five years.

Peru’s rich history was a primary meeting topic. Most people know Robin Caudell as a longtime Press-Republican staff writer; however, she’s also a founding member of North Country Underground Railroad and Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum. Caudell addressed the board regarding the former Stephen Keese Smith/Richard Stafford farm being offered for sale. A historical marker in front of the Union Road farmhouse describes one of its barns as part of the Underground Railroad. She read sections of Peru’s Comprehensive Plan which emphasizes preserving historic places. and outlined what she sees as the property’s potential, including being a living museum and a centerpiece of local history. (See 3.20 to 13.20-minute mark of the video) Counselor Kregg Bruno thanked Caudell for her presentation, saying he learned a lot. Editor’s Note – The Peru Gazette will do a story if Caudell’s vision moves forward.

Councilman Rick Barber reported the  Heyworth-Mason Park bell tower is ready to be installed. A bell that once sounded at lunchtime for workers at the Heyworth Starch Mill and Mason Lumber Company will be placed at the tower’s peak. Rick Barber, a descendant of the Heyworth and Mason families, conceived the idea, gave the bell to the town, and led the project. Editor’s Note – Town Parks Department personnel erected the tower and bell on Tuesday, August 10. The Peru Gazette is planning a future story on the bell’s history. 

Another councilman wants people to know Peru’s history and beautify Heyworth Mason Park. Councilman Melvin Irwin initiated an effort to place “Old Peru” paintings in the boarded-up windows of the park’s stone building, a former starch factory. The town is not funding the project. Irwin is seeking families or individuals to sponsor the paintings, which will cost about $200 each. Anyone interested should call Irwin at 518-578-5782. 

Water-Sewer-Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetrault reported that the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation issued a satisfactory rating for Peru’s wastewater control plant following its recent inspection. Tetrault has copies of the report if anyone would like to review it. 

Elm Street resident Charles Poirier asked if he would have to pay to connect to the street’s new sewer line. Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault said residents on the south side of Elm Street would not have to connect to the new line. The existing line that travels behind those homes will not be disconnected. Residents can continue using it. If and when they decide to connect to the new line, they will be responsible for the cost. Residents on the north side of the street will not have to bear the cost because the main sewer line is on the north side. The town will connect them at no charge. Lateral pipes will pass under the highway to serve residents on the south side of the street.  They will be capped until residents decide they want to connect. 

Newly appointed Town Historian Helen Nerska will hold office hours on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to Noon. 

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell described how the storm drainage, primarily from Peru Central School, impacts Elm Street homes. There’s also a school drainage issue at the end of School Street. Councilman Rick Barber noted the school’s vast blacktopped areas. The runoff has got to go somewhere. The school does not have a legal obligation to consult with the Peru Planning board when undertaking a construction project.

Courtney Tetrault said his staff would install a shade structure at the Heyworth Mason Dog Park. Peru applied for and received a $4,000 Clinton County Tobacco Settlement Fund Grant to fund the project.  

In agenda actions, the board: 

Approved payment #2 to Luck Brothers for $3,852.42 related to the Telegraph Road culvert replacement project. 

Approved payment #6 of $103,290.84 to P & H Senesac, Inc. for work on the wastewater treatment plant’s lagoon decommissioning project. That project is complete. 

Approved advertising for bids for a highway department salt brine applicator. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell hopes to reduce road-salt use using the latest technology. 

Approved standardization of the wastewater treatment plant’s equipment and services. Superintendent Courtney Tetrault said standardization would improve parts acquisition and stocking. 

Approved hiring a seasonal worker in the Water-Sewer-Parks Department. 

Editor’s correction: Justice Larry Cabana was elected in 2014, not 2010, as originally stated.  The Heyworth Mason Park bell sounded for workers at the Heyworth lumber and starch mills, not the A. Mason Mill.