January 13, 2025, Peru Town Board Meeting Highlights
By John T Ryan
Bruce Drive residents John Roberts and Karyn Langlas expressed disappointment that construction on the closed Telegraph Bridge may not occur this year. At a December board meeting, Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell stated that it’s his “gut feeling” that construction may not begin in 2025. Bid opening is August 15, which Farrell has said is not the best time of year to gear up and begin construction in this region. Langlais questioned “gut feelings.” stating, “We’re looking for facts, not feelings. It’s twelve miles out of my way for two vehicles every day.” Roberts said the delays seem excessive, given that it’s been 18 months since the town learned it had to replace the bridge. Roberts and Langlais said there didn’t appear to have been a follow-up with engineers until she and Roberts started pushing. Town Supervisor Craig Randall responded that there had been follow-up over the last two months. Counselor Eric Duquette commented that, in his experience, engineering firms are hard to push and that environmental approvals take a lot of time. Farrell cited the mussel study as a hold-up. (See video 2:20 to 10:25 minute mark for this discussion.)
The board approved two contracts with Atlantic Testing Laboratories for subsurface and geotechnical evaluation services related to the Lyons Road ($23,805) and Fuller Road ($23,580) culverts.
The board also accepted Ryan Davies’s resignation from the Planning Board, reappointed Richard Williams as Chairman, and appointed Justin Wilson as Vice-Chairman.
The board authorized advertising bids on the multi-million million dollar treatment plant upgrades. See Peru Gazette Story
Michael Farrell will travel to Albany on Monday, March 5, to participate in lobbying for state highway improvement funding (CHIPS). Farrell said he hadn’t determined the 2025 paving schedule but would pave Telegraph Road until the bridge. The Highway Department maintains 83 miles of town roads.
Courtney Tetrault advised the board that the town hall basement ceiling needs attention.
1/25/25 1:20 PM Correction – Telegraph Road construction corrected from 2024 to 2025.
Posted: January 25th, 2025 under General News, Highway Dept. News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Town Board News.