PERU – In a work session Monday night, selectmen and Road Commissioner David Gammon discussed long-range road maintenance.
The Summer Road budget has not been increased for several years. Money more will be required if the necessary work is to be done in a timely manner.
Gammon will develop more accurate estimates for projects that should be completed next summer. Selectmen will prepare a warrant item for the next annual town meeting requesting funds for these projects. They said they think voters will approve the money if they know how it will be spent.
Selectmen will hold a work session at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17, to further refine the long-range plans for paved and unpaved roads.
The Holman family trust, which owned the Demerritt Cemetery, has given title to it to the Demerritt Cemetery Association. The association will begin selling lots next spring and will be responsible for maintaining the cemetery. The town will be asked to turn over to the association funds it holds for the perpetual care of the cemetery.
A public hearing will be held at 5:45 p.m. on Dec. 5 before the selectmen’s meeting to discuss cleaning up the old Diamond Mill. The River Valley Growth Council is applying for a $200,000 grant to cover the cost of the cleanup. The public hearing is a required part of the application process.
Progress is being made on the new SAD 21 school proposed for Peru. A public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Dirigo High School Cafeteria, 99 Weld St., Dixfield. This meeting will provide information on the new school, which is proposed to be built on Route 108. The proposed school will cost approximately $14 million. A referendum will be held on Dec. 13 to approve or reject the project. Voters will also be asked to authorized an additional $150,000 for a multipurpose athletic field to serve the new school.
The state Department of Environmental Protection staff visited the closed Peru municipal landfills. They recommended that the sites be regularly maintained to remove woody growth and invasive species growing on the sites. They recommend that grass, to be mown at least once a year, should cover the sites. They also noted damage from four wheelers and suggest the town take steps to keep vehicles off of the sites.
The selectmen will ask further clarification from the DEP before cutting any trees.
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