PERU – Sixteen residents and abutters attended a public hearing Monday night on the proposed cell tower to be built off Teela Lane on the Clinton Bradbury property. Though several questions arose for the U.S. Cellular representative, most seemed comfortable with the answers given.

Pam Chambers, representing Black Diamond Consultants, explained how U.S. Cellular was working with the governor to satisfy coverage for small towns. They are proposing to build a tower in Canton at the same time as Peru in order to hook up for complete coverage in the area.

Chambers said the 250-foot tower will be built on a 100- by 100-foot area on the Bradbury property. A road will be constructed on his property to allow trailers to bring in the tower, which will be constructed in sections.

When questioned as to how it would fall, if this ever happened, Chambers said the first section would only bend down because the wires are encased inside the tower rather than outside. It would not fall all the way and would not endanger any abutting property. The tower will be 18 feet wide at the bottom and 4 feet at the top.

Selectman Chairman Bill Hine asked Code Enforcement Officer Jack Plumley if he saw any problems. Plumley said he had spoken to the Department of Transportation and they had good reports on work Black Diamond has done in the state. He said he saw very little environmental impact but would keep an eye on the project.

Dicky Powell, a former selectman, spoke of a special rock that had historical significance and hoped this would not be disturbed. Plumley asked for the location.

No action was taken to approve the tower application, but Hine said that may be taken up at their next meeting.

Town Clerk Vera Parent is asking that people consider coming by the office to pick up an absentee ballot for the March 19 referendum because the ballot is six pages long.

Selectmen are considering appointing Dale Carlton as capital project manager for roads if the $400,000 bond passes. Carlton is retired from the Department of Transportation.

Selectmen believe the road commissioner will have his hands full taking care of regular road projects and will need help with the major projects.