Peru board authorizes Smart Growth grant application to update 2006 comprehensive plan; approves intermunicipal services and new bank depository

Town Supervisor Craig Hando said the Town of Peru will seek state Smart Growth Community Planning funds to produce a new comprehensive plan, noting it has been nearly two decades since the current plan was completed in 2006. The board unanimously authorized the Lake Champlain–Lake George Regional Planning Board to submit an application that would cover up to 90% of project costs with a 10% local match, which may be cash or in-kind contributions.

Diane read the resolution aloud, which specifies the grant program and the required match. Supervisor Hando and other board members said they expect a community-driven process similar to the prior update and that the town would appoint a committee (including planning-board members) if the grant is awarded. Hando also noted two documents for staff signature — an NWBE compliance form and an executive-order certification — that are binding only if the town receives the grant.

In related administrative business the board approved a shared-services agreement to allow the town highway department to rent, borrow, lease or exchange equipment with the Town of Jay and other nearby municipalities. Highway staff described the practical arrangements used in past cooperative work and said the agreement formalizes routine intermunicipal assistance.

The board also approved a resolution authorizing NBT Bank as an additional depository for specific town accounts; staff explained that FDIC insurance covers $250,000 per depositor and that the town’s investment policy requires securities to secure deposits above that amount. Board members said the town will update its 1997 investment policy and bring recommended changes back to the board. One member, Mr. Randle, abstained from the NBT Bank vote and explicitly stated he was a retired MBT Bank officer and wanted to avoid any appearance of conflict.

Votes at a glance - Smart Growth planning grant authorization (comprehensive-plan resolution): mover Craig Hando; second Diane; outcome: approved, roll-call recorded affirmatives from Mr. Bruno, Mr. Duket, Mr. Irwin and Mr. Randall; members excused or absent noted. - Shared-services highway agreement with Town of Jay: mover (board motion); outcome: approved by roll call. - NBT Bank added as additional town depository: mover (board motion); outcome: approved; Mr. Randle abstained. - Post-audit payment of July claims and vouchers: outcome: approved (see separate vote listing below).

Why it matters: Updating the comprehensive plan would set town policy for growth, housing and land‑use priorities and could shape zoning and capital investments. The shared-services measure and depository arrangement affect how the town procures and secures services and funds.

What’s next: If the Smart Growth application is successful the town expects to appoint a community committee and proceed with a multi-stage planning process; the board also will return with proposed updates to its investment policy for formal approval.