PERU – Former Selectmen Dennis Thibodeau questioned the town’s plan to repave roads “when tonight we have many impassable roads.”

He asked selectmen if they should not put off paving some roads and rebuild some dirt roads. Chairman Bill Hine said the warrant article that provided funds for paving listed the specific projects for which the funds would be used and could not be changed.

Last week, in response to residents complaining about impassable roads, Road Commissioner David Gammon said Peru was experiencing the worst mud season in his memory. This week, Gammon and his crew were fighting to save roads being washed out by heavy rain.

Longtime resident Warren Odham said the “stuff being put on roads is good fill but not road material. It is dirt, not gravel.”

“The whole country is in a mess,” he said when discussing the engineers who specify road materials. “What do engineers know about gravel?” he asked. He indicated that they had “too much education and not enough common sense and logic.”

While agreeing that the road material was unsatisfactory, Thibodeau supported the selectmen hiring an engineer to oversee the paving project.

Hine said that, weather permitting, state Department of Transportation consultant Phil Curtis will be in town to inspect the 9 miles of dirt road in Peru. Selectmen and the road commissioner are developing a comprehensive plan for improving Peru’s dirt roads.

Code Enforcement Officer Jack Plumley discussed the Appeals Board’s decision on the Bickford property. The Appeals Board confirmed that the Bickfords have been living in their home year-round but only have a permit for using it part time. Plumley said the Bickfords have been in violation for at least six months and the fine is $100 per day.

The Bickfords have applied for a permit to allow year-round occupancy but it is thought the house does not meet the requirements for full-time occupancy. Plumley said he felt the permit should be granted. “I can’t see putting a man out of his home,” he said.

Hine told Plumley that in reviewing the application he should follow the Shoreland Zoning Ordinance. He said that only the Appeals Board can issue a variance. Plumley took the application to the Planning Board for review.

Hine shared that Region 9, which provides vocational training for 42 SAD 21 students, proposes to increase its budget by 6.5 percent.

Patty Duquay, educational director for River Valley Health Care Coalition, will be presenting a slide show on global warming at Dirigo High School on May 1.