April 21, 2010
The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM by Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman.
Select Board members present: Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Joseph Gagnon, Thomas Hooker, Linda Weeden, and Allen Hitchcock. Also present: Linda Drummond, Shawn Erickson, Anita Paynter, Ken Robie, Ken Upmal, Ron Gauthier and Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
MINUTES
The minutes from the March 31, 2010 meeting were reviewed and signed with no corrections. The Dog Hearing minutes from March 17, 2010 were signed with 1 correction to add John Weeden as being present.
ORDERS
The Orders of $369,467.90 (General Fund) and $11,380.74 (Payroll) were approved and signed following discussion as stated below:
J. Gagnon inquired about the purchase for $74.60 for fuel at Allied Auto. T. Hooker explained that this was for an additive for the Fire Department.
L. Weeden inquired about the purchase for Disc Golf. T. Pelkey explained that this is for the Recreation Area and a reimbursement forthcoming.
L. Weeden inquired if there was a reimbursement received with regard to the recent expenditure to McDuff Electric for the repairs at the Transfer Station. L. Drummond indicated that this was received, minus the $500 deductible.
T. Hooker inquired about the purchase from HSMC for fire monitoring. L. Drummond indicated that this is for the monitoring that is shared with the Highway Department.
J. Gagnon inquired about the various charges to Otter Creek Engineering and inquired if they were for the Water Project. A. Hitchcock indicated that these charges are reviewed monthly and these payments are based on a monthly expense and are covering various parts of the Water Project.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT:
There was no Town Manager’s Report.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Ken Upmal and Ken Robie from the State Agency of Transportation and Ron Gauthier from DuBois & King were present to discuss the Route 7 upgrade. There is a hope to have a Public Hearing in July to discuss the State’s Historical Right of Way, in the vicinity of Furnace Road and Route 7, south to just past the Barnard Funeral Home. The AOT is looking to “clear up titles” for properties involved in the Historical Right of Way.
Mr. Upmal indicated that the AOT will communicate with the Town with regard to the public meeting details. Mr. Upmal and Mr. Gauthier explained the Historic Right of Way and left a map in the Conference Room for any general public review.
A. Hitchcock expressed importance to communicate with the residents involved in the process.
T. Hooker recommended a formal News Release be submitted to the local newspapers and to notify the general public in as many ways as possible.
Mr. Upmal inquired about the status of the waterline placement on Route 7 south. This was referred to Otter Creek Engineering for review of the placement and right of way.
Mr. Upmal indicated that a copy of the letter would be on file in the Town Clerk’s Office for review by the general public.
Mr. Upmal, Mr. Robie, and Mr. Gauthier exited at 7:08 PM.
OLD BUSINESS:
Discussion of Tandem Truck Bids:
S. Erickson recommended the purchase of the Freightliner tandem truck (bid $110,955). Mr. Erickson indicated that the International truck bid $109,655 was lower but that he felt that the SCR emissions in the Freightliner package were more to his liking.
J. Gagnon inquired if the 7 year warranty is additional. Mr. Erickson indicated that the traditional warranty is 5 years and that the 7 year warranty is an extended warranty. Mr. Erickson indicated that if the vehicle is in the shop for repair, a plow vehicle is usually available for use during this down time.
Motion by A. Hitchcock and seconded by T. Hooker to purchase the Freightliner tandem truck for the amount of $110,955, to include the A-Tech Body. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Discussion of Highway Garage Fuel Tank:
T. Pelkey explained that a proposal for environmental consulting services from Otter Creek Engineering is included in the packets for review. This proposal indicates a total of $4,000. Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by A. Hitchcock to authorize Otter Creek Engineering to perform the work to be done at a proposed cost of $4,000. J. Gagnon inquired if there were any competitive services that would offer a lower price. S. Erickson indicated that this needs to be done immediately and that Otter Creek Engineering completes the necessary paperwork with regard to this project. There will be a need to put the actual removal of the tank to bid.
L. Drummond indicated that J. Haverstock spoke with the State of Vermont and it was indicated that Otter Creek was recommended as they are certified to do this type of environmental consulting work and that Otter Creek has certified contractors to do the work.
Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Mr. Erickson exited at 7:18 PM.
NEW BUSINESS:
Budget Status Report:
None presented at this time.
Update of Activities of the Water & Sewer Commission:
A. Hitchcock reported that the water project construction is roughly 50% completed and the metering is also roughly 50% completed.
A. Hitchcock reported that Route 7 is currently under budget and ahead of schedule, however, Route 7 south has hit more ledge and we will need to remove more rock; there have been numerous requests for connections and hook-ups; the traffic control on Route 7 has been great. Plains Road traffic control needs some improvement. There is one house on Pine Woods Road that will need attention from Markowski to be connected.
A. Hitchcock reported that the sewer lines on Arch, Pleasant, and Mechanic Streets can not be included in the water project, despite earlier indications. This issue was discussed at the Water & Sewer Commission’s meeting on April 20. There was also discussion at the Commission’s meeting to include some funding from the Water Project to repave these streets once both the water and sewer projects are completed. The bond vote and funding needs to be completed before the end of August. Mike Smith is working on this and will get the information necessary to the Commission. Mike Smith also indicated that there are some issues at the Depot Hill pump station and these potential repairs will be reviewed and possibly included in the bond.
L. Weeden inquired if there was any progress on the Proctor water situation. A. Hitchcock explained that there is no resolution and there is not much that Pittsford can do that Proctor can not continue to do. A. Hitchcock indicated that this has been communicated to Proctor.
Application for Access/Right of Way Permits:
Kyle Alberty has submitted an application for property located at 5131 Whipple Hollow Road. Shawn Erickson reviewed this property and recommended that a 15” culvert will need to be installed and the driveway grade slopes away from the Town Highway to drain properly. Motion by J. Gagnon and seconded by L. Weeden to approve the application with the conditions by Mr. Erickson. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Kimber Harvey submitted an application for property located at 49 Humphrey Road. Shawn Erickson reviewed this property and there are no conditions set forth. Motion by J. Gagnon and seconded by A. Hitchcock to approve the application as presented with no conditions. Passed unanimously 5 – 0.
OTHER BUSINESS
A certificate for the Opening of a Public Highway was received from the State of Vermont with regard to Gorham Bridge Road (Town Highway 14). The certificate was signed.
T. Hooker reported that the new fire truck is completely in service.
An invitation was received from the Rutland Natural Resources Conservation district invited the members of the Select Board and Planning Commission to the Annual Meeting and luncheon to be held on May 10, 2010 at the Rutland Regional Medical Center Leahy Center. Members were given the registration information.
LIQUOR BOARD
The Board recessed as the Select Board and convened as the Liquor Board at 7:36 PM and approved the minutes of the March 31, 2010 meeting with no changes.
The Board reconvened at 7:38 PM.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None required at this time.
The next meeting will be held on May 5, 2010.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary _________________________________
Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman
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Allen Hitchcock, Vice Chairman
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W. Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
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Thomas Hooker, Selectman
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Linda Weeden, Selectman