PERU — Residents using water from the Worthley Pond spring should boil the water before using it, selectmen secretary Angela Barkhouse advised Monday night at the selectmen’s meeting.

Board of Selectmen Chairman Jim Pulsifer stated that DHS had told them to put the notice on the well instead of the bulletin board, so people would be sure to see it. Pulsifer said that the well will need maintenance in the spring. Barkhouse said she had tested the water on Thursday, but DHS came on Friday and got a positive test. DHS told Barkhouse to test the office water as well.

A major discussion at the meeting involved how the town hires assessors. Members of the group Peruvians for Honest Government have insisted that the cost can be reduced if the town hires someone less expensive than the assessor to oversee yearly maintenance assessment on homes.

Pulsifer offered to look into the situation, but added that consistency is important and having the same assessor do the yearly check on maintenance made good sense.

The board voted not to support Black Mountain Ski Resort with the funds requested. When Warren Oldham objected to the vote, he was told he was out of order, as the selectmen were discussing the issue and it was not open session.

The board voted to have an article on the November ballot to ask the town to approve going out to bid for an assessor.

Health Affiliates Maine had been using a room in the town office for bi-monthly meetings. Since it is a for-profit organization, Town Clerk Vera Parent suggested they be referred to the old school for a possible meeting place, as it would cost more in the winter to heat the normally unused room in the town office, and the cleaning costs would be higher in the winter.

The board signed the appointment papers for Selectman Lee Merrill to fill the position of temporary Animal Control Officer, starting last week. Marie Eastman asked if this was a conflict of interest. Pulsifer responded that it was a temporary remedy and not a sought-after position, adding that selectmen often take on more responsibilities as needed.

Road Commissioner Joe Roach reported that the roads were faring well with all the rain. He also wanted people to know that he is available to all residents and offered his phone number, 562-4657.

Roach had a complaint on Pleasant Street in a turnaround used by buses, highway trucks and fire engines. He said loitering was a problem and trash was being left in the road. The board voted to let Roach put up a sign to discourage loitering.

In an open session, Larry Porter questioned the cost of phones for the road crew. Pulsifer said they would be discussing the issue with Roach at an upcoming meeting.

The board adjourned to an executive session to discuss an issue with a permit.