The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan 

December 12, 2022, Peru Town Board Meeting 

On December 5, Supervisor Brandy McDonald warned residents via Facebook that two guns and a bulletproof vest were among the items stolen from Washington, Paine, and Elm Street cars. Several residents’  security cameras photographed the alleged thief. McDonald said he hasn’t heard from the New York State Police. The State Police also declined to comment to the Peru Gazette. 

The board approved Town Law #3 of 2022, bringing Peru’s building, fire, and environmental codes in conformance with New York State’s latest standards. Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup said the law includes many changes. He cited an R49 insulation requirement as an example. The previous standard was R38.

The town recently replaced a massive Telegraph Road culvert at just over $2 million and plans to replace a bridge about one-quarter mile to the south next summer. Now Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reports that the two large aluminum culverts under that bridge have deteriorated to the point where he may have to restrict vehicle weights. He’s awaiting an engineer’s report. 

Farrell also reported that replacing a Cook Road culvert transporting a small stream will be much higher than he anticipated. The stream connects to a trout-bearing stream meaning the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulations will be in force. As a result, Farrell’s original $10,000 cost estimate could escalate to $50,000. 

Water-Sewer-Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetrault reported that a water line broke on Elm Street, meaning his personnel must dig up a portion of the newly paved street. Tetrault said he is bringing in special sensing equipment that will hopefully specifically identify where the break is. (December 14 – The water department repaired the line after digging an eleven-foot-wide, thirteen-foot-deep section of Elm Street behind the old Apple Blossom Florist. A cast iron pipe broke at a joint. Tetrault said shifting ground accompanies the winter conditions.) 

Responding to a Peru Gazette question Michael Farrell said he “shimmed” the Mannix, John Boswell, and Dashnaw Roads asphalt to fill potholes and prevent the formation of more potholes over the winter months. Next summer, he plans to pave the Dashnaw Road and one-half of the Mannix and John Boswell Roads. Unfortunately, the shimming resulted in stretches of very rough pavement. 

Peru resident Mike Derrick and Chris Maron, Executive Director of Champlain Area Trails (CATS), updated the board on the trail network CATS is developing in Peru near the Peru Rod and Gun Club. From Huckleberry Hill’s 1,500-foot peak, hikers can view vast portions of Peru, the Green Mountains, and the Adirondacks. Nearby Bennett Hill has a rocky overlook. There are about six miles of trails, some level, some gradual, and others steep. They should appeal to families and people of varying abilities. Mike Derrick, the trail Stewart, said CATS and Jim and Susan Allen, the property owners, agreed to a revocable easement, meaning CATS or Allens can terminate the easement after 60 days’ notice. (Click here to view the CATS presentation) 

Town Clerk Dianne Miller stated that she would have the same tax collection hours as last year. In addition, she plans to post them on the town website and the Peru Gazette. 

The board changed its December 29 meeting time to 10 a.m. for its last meeting of 2022. 

Brad Rushford is the Youth Commission’s newest member following the town board’s unanimous vote.  

Road salt prices have risen to the point where the board approved a $7,882 bid from Seney Fence Co. to purchase and erect a fence at the highway department’s salt storage area.