PERU – Members of the Worthly Pond Association told selectmen Monday night the town needs to do something about soil erosion and milfoil that threaten the pond’s water quality.

President Cynthia Kelley said a survey of the entire pond found 32 areas in need of erosion control. But the biggest concern, she said, is the invasive plant milfoil, which is not known to be in the pond but has invaded lakes in the area.

The plant can spread rapidly and alter the waterbody’s ecology by robbing it of oxygen and interfering with plant and marine life and recreational activities. Another result can be lower values for lakeshore property.

Association member John Shea said the town needs to do something to prevent it from getting into Worthley Pond.

Kelley said the Snowmobile Club has offered to help, and selectmen will talk with them. Someone will have to be in charge of checking boats for milfoil before letting them into Worthly Pond.

Selectman Norman DeRoche asked Shea if he would contact other towns with lakes or ponds to see what they are doing to protect their ponds from the plant infestation.

Peggy Turner of Families in Crisis Task Force came with a group to discuss a letter announcing the kitchen in Rockemeka Hall used by the agency would be closed.

Selectman Jim Pulsifer said the reason is there is no money to heat the building. He also said the price of gas, oil and electricity is up and the water heater is oil and inefficient.

Voters approved $25,000 to maintain the building and $1,800 has been used since Jan. 1.

Pulsifer suggested the discussion be continued at the Sept. 8 board meeting.

Turner also asked how much it is costing the town to sue four homeowners who are supposed to pay a portion of the new septic system at the Peru Elementary School. The town voted in the 1980s to allow the abutters to use the school’s septic system, and when it was rebuilt they were supposed to share the cost. The town is suing to get payment.

Selectman Kathy Hussey said Road Commissioner David Gammon found the street signs at Hammond Hill were gone after he replaced them for the sixth time Aug. 22. He also has a problem with ATVs and trucks running over the piles of sand on Pleasant Street.

Building permits were signed for Clinton Delano, Randall Brooks and Andy St. Pierre.

Selectman Kathy Hussey said she visited the Dickvale Cemetery and made a plan of the available lots.