PERU – Selectmen on Monday night gave approval for Cellular One to erect a cell tower off Teela Lane on the Clinton Bradbury property.

Cellular One representative Pam Chambers and Black Diamond Consultants representative Chad Hebert were present to answer questions.

The board approved the tower with three stipulations:

• the Peru Fire Department gets use of the tower for its communications, if needed.

• the code enforcement officer’s fees for any overseeing of the project will be reimbursed up to $200.

• Cellular One will put up a performance guarantee.

The big concern for Code Enforcement Officer Jack Plumley is soil displacement. Hebert said the tower should be finished in 6 to 8 weeks after beginning construction and the company intends to disturb as little soil as possible. Construction will begin as soon as Plumley thinks it advisable after mud season.

Dale Carlton, a retired Department of Transportation construction manager, spoke to the board regarding his possible roll in the capital improvement projects if a $400,000 bond is approved by town meeting voters on the March 19. The board is hesitant to have Road Commissioner David Gammon take on the projects in addition to his regular road maintenance.

The board agreed that $400,000 is a lot of money and selectmen want to spend it as efficiently as possible. Selectmen made it clear that it is their desire to have the town get the most for the money.

Carlton said he is retired, but will be happy to help if it will not cause a conflict with Gammon. He said he would not take the job as project manager of the projects if he does not have the full cooperation of Gammon. He made it clear that he will not work under stress of conflicts.

A public hearing on the annual referendum will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Peru Elementary School.