The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan 

Communication failures and costly culvert replacements were primary topics at the Monday, March 13, 2023, Peru Town Board Meeting. 

Moore Drive resident Robert Annis told the board that on March 1, he called the town highway garage twice to report that a highway department snowplow had knocked down his and his neighbor’s mailbox. The highway department person answering the phone said he would look into it but did not take Annis’ name or address. When Annis called back five minutes later, another person said something about it being a New York State issue. Highway Department Superintendent Mike Farrell apologized and said he didn’t get the message. After stating that the town does not replace downed mailboxes on its right of way, Farrell emphasized that plow operators try their best to avoid hitting them. Farrell believes snow pushed by the plows and deteriorating mailbox posts are the primary reasons for the damage. 

Addressing Supervisor Brandy McDonald, Annis said he emailed McDonald on March 1 and called him on March 2 using the email address and phone number listed on the town’s website. McDonald said he didn’t receive the email or the phone call and stressed that he always returns phone calls. He said that the email may have gone into his Junk Mail. Annis said he wasn’t concerned with a $30 mailbox; he just wanted someone to take ownership of the issue. Board members Melvin Irwin and Kregg Bruno also apologized, saying the communication problem shouldn’t have happened, and welcomed phone calls to them. McDonald said, “If something like this happens again, stop by the town hall and report it. There’s always someone here.” Annis departed, appearing to be satisfied with the board’s response. (After the meeting, McDonald sent the Peru Gazette a photo of Annis’s email residing in his Junk Mail folder.) 

Later in the meeting, Brandy McDonald recommended that people erecting mailboxes refer to U.S. Postal Service specifications. In addition, he urged people to position mailboxes 45 inches above the road surface rather than the Postal Service’s 41-inch minimum. Town snowplow blades are under 45 inches in height.

Only two companies submitted bids on demolishing the derelict School Street residence. Matt Favro said the board might be able to proceed with two quotes. However, the board took no action. 

The town hall’s air conditioning system needs replacement. In addition, seeking to conserve energy, the board plans to install a dropped ceiling in the town hall’s primary meeting room. The board will be advertising for bids for both projects, with the bid opening on April 10 at 10 a.m. 

Correction – March 16 at 10:09 AM. Sullivan Road was corrected to read Telegraph Road and Wescott Road was included.