The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan 

The Town of Peru is dealing with a troubling issue: thieves have stolen and damaged street and stop signs. At the town board meeting on Monday, March 24, Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that one or more individuals have taken approximately 30 signs and 10 posts over the winter months. When the thieves cannot remove a sign, they drive over the sign and its post. Farrell noted that it will be challenging to catch those responsible, as the signs are often out of sight of residences or cameras such as on the John Boswell and Davern Roads. The total replacement cost as of now is about $4,000.

Residents Scott and Tricia Thurber of 482 Laphams Mills Road raised concerns about the status of a house at 496 Laphams Mills Road. (According to tax rolls, the property is owned by Chad Snow.) Mrs. Thurber asked Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup about the conditions that lead to a house being condemned, the process for obtaining a certificate of occupancy after condemnation, the steps taken to ensure necessary improvements are made, and how an occupant can be removed from a residence without a certificate of occupancy. They also inquired whether the Clinton County Health Department has condemned the property. Guynup stated he is responsible for the condemnation process and did not recall if this property had been condemned. He also mentioned an aggressive dog on the property, adding that he would need to be accompanied by a sheriff’s deputy if he returned. The Thurbers said they and some neighbors feel unsafe due to the situation. Supervisor Craig Randall thanked the Thurbers for bringing the issue to the board’s attention and indicated that there would be a follow-up. (See discussion beginning at the 3:10 mark and concluding at the 23:50 mark of the meeting video).

Youth Director Kristen Marino announced that sign-ups for summer youth activities began on Monday, March 23. Youths not residing in the Town of Peru must obtain a waiver from the Clinton County Youth Bureau. Sign-ups for fall sports will begin in June.

In other actions, the board:

– Approved an annual $5,000 contract with the Clinton County Youth Bureau.

– Authorized a temporary $200,000 loan to finance the purchase of a 2025 Western Star plow truck for the highway department.

– Reviewed the engineer’s monthly report for the Telegraph Road culvert project, which is still on track for a bid advertisement by August 15.

– Approved hiring an appraiser or contacting real estate agents to appraise the Jenkins Street tennis court property the board intends to sell.

-Reappointed Terry Aubin to the Board of Assessment Review.