March 2, 2009 ~ Lothrop School Gymnasium

Selectmen Present:  Thomas (Hank) Pelkey, Chairman, Allen Hitchcock, Vice Chairman, W. Joseph Gagnon, David Markowski, Thomas Hooker. Also Present: Matthew Harvey, Moderator, John Haverstock, Town Manager, Helen McKinlay, Town Clerk, Jean Parker, Recording Secretary. Approximately 115 guests

Moderator Matthew Harvey called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM and read the following warning:

The legal voters of the Town of Pittsford are hereby notified and warned to meet at the Lothrop School Gymnasium in the Town of Pittsford , on Monday, March 2, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. to transact the following business not involving voting by Australian ballot.

The warning was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Tom Hooker read the dedication of the annual report.  The honorees were the late Harold Haviland and Raymond “Bud” Parker. Also honored was Bob Parker who continues to contribute to the community.

Article 1. To hear the reports of the Town Officers and take appropriate action thereon.

A motion was made by Robert Webster and seconded by Bruce Rowe to act on Article 1.  The motion was passed.

Moderator Harvey did a quick review of the report and invited general questions of the material.  He advised that further questions of individual items would be addressed as the articles were acted on.

Discussions:

Vital Statistics (Gordon Delong)– will take up under other business

Special Projects (Kathy Rider)- John Haverstock spoke about the Arch street sidewalk project and the West Creek Road paving project. Generally Special Projects are one-time things, not recurring expenses.

Baird Morgan questioned the Garbage Bag Charges revenue increase.  Hank Pelkey explained that there is a $53,000 budget gap and that the Board is proposing an increase in the cost of the annual transfer station permit from $15.00 to $20.00 with a $20.00 punch card instead of the $40.00 punch card currently given.

Terry Poor questioned the $6,000 Mower Replacement Fund. John Haverstock explained that this fund was set up so that the next time we need to purchase a mower we will have the money set aside.  This mower would have an expected life of 5 to 6 years.

Reg Charbonneau commented that he mows for a living and that he could get a fully loaded Kubota for about $14,000 and $30,000 was out of line.

Dave Markowski explained that this tractor included backhoe and bucket attachments and as it was set up was about $23,000.  The money came from the Equipment Fund because the Recreation Department did not have the money for it so they decided a fund should be set up for future purchases.  It was also noted that there was other equipment included with this purchase.

Mark Winslow, a Recreation Committee member, reaffirmed that the tractor did include a bucket and backhoe and that they have been used to work on the baseball fields and for other grounds maintenance.

Kathy Rider questioned if the grounds maintenance was contracted.  John Haverstock replied that Joe Pomykala who is a part time worker on staff with the town did it.

Jim Radamacher questioned the debt schedule for the sewer loans.  Helen McKinlay said that she believed the discrepancy between budget and actual expense was due to refinancing.

Baird Morgan questioned the $37,500 for the Sewer Plant improvements.  John Haverstock explained that there are two issues that the town is dealing with at the wastewater treatment plant.  The first is improving the ventilation in the chemical storage room because both operators have reported occasional difficulty in breathing after working with the chemicals that are in a confined space. The second item is providing some sort of structure to protect the digesters from the weather.

Baird Morgan questioned the approximately $23,000 in legal expenses.   Hank Pelkey replied that the board budgeted $23,700 for legal fees and so far have spent $26,835.  He went on to say that there was an individual in town who has brought suits against the town and that one of the suits had been amended four times.  Most of the articles against the town have been dropped.  The individual brought another suit that attempts to overturn the present zoning regulation because he was not granted a permit.  If he is successful with this suit his application will then fall under the old zoning regulations, which are tougher than the current ones so he will still not be able to obtain the permit he requested.  So far the legal fees for these suits have totaled $20,500.

Bruce Paynter responded that he is the person who has brought the suits against the Town. The first suit had to do with a subdivision permit and it was a normal appeal after a zoning board decision.  He stated that the Town was not required to appear at these proceedings but they chose to. He said the second suit has to do with the Town Plan and his motivation for the suit was to let the people have input into the plan.

Don Nickless indicated that he had comments regarding the Town Plan but would hold them until later for Article 7, other business.

Tom Carrara stated that as he recalled from attending past meetings the town was making ordinances without a Town Plan in place, which is illegal.

Ellen Garneau asked who decides when legal fees will be incurred instead of granting a permit.  Is there a meeting on it?

Hank Pelkey replied that when a suit is brought against the town the town has an obligation to defend itself.  John Haverstock added that when a suit is brought to him he reviews it, brings it to the attention of the Select Board for discussion.  The Select Board decides whether and how to defend the town.  He then works with the staff and attorneys to defend the town.

Peter Cady thanked the Trails Committee for providing the trails and inquired if there was a regulation on having dogs on leashes on the trails.  He also asked about regulations for ATV’s and snowmobiles.

Baird Morgan replied that motorized vehicles were not allowed on the trails and that dogs must be on leashes.  Decals are used to mark the trails but often come up missing.

Reg Charbonneau commented that in some places there is no place to park in the winter to use the trail.  One example is the trail off Adams Road .  John Haverstock indicated that this is private property and that would be an item for the Trails Committee, Rec Department, and Highway Department to address.

Jessica Stout introduced herself as being new in town and asked if there was a leash law.  John Haverstock replied that there is a leash law and she could obtain a copy of the ordinance at the Town Clerk’s Office.  She replied that she walks with her dog on a leash but encounters other dogs that are not on leashes.

Mark Winslow made the motion to accept the reports of the Town Officers.  It was seconded by Shannon Murray and passed.

Mr. Poor made the motion to move Article 2, seconded by Ernest Brod. Matthew Harvey read the article:

Article 2.  To see if the voters of the Town of Pittsford will appropriate the sum of

$1,217,593 (One Million, Two Hundred Seventeen Thousand, Five Hundred Ninety-Three and no/100ths Dollars) to defray the General Expenses of the Town for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, of which the sum of $948,613 (Nine Hundred Forty-Eight Thousand, Six Hundred Thirteen and no/100ths Dollars) is to be raised by property taxes?

Hank Pelkey introduced himself as the Chairman of the Board.  He indicated that he would do an overview of the General Fund, Dave Markowski will follow with Water & Sewer, Joe Gagnon with Highway. Tom Hooker and Allen Hitchcock will offer supplemental information.  Mr. Pelkey then introduced John Haverstock as the new Town manager.

Mr. Pelkey thanked John Haverstock, Linda Drummond , Helen McKinlay and her staff and all of the department heads for their help on the budget.

Mr. Pelkey indicated that the General Fund budget is up $73,575 over last year.  The driving forces behind the increase are an18.6% health insurance increase and salary increases of 4% per union contract.  There is also the increase of fuel and heating oil for which the board has budgeted an increase of 20%.  He reported that there are repairs needed for the Town Office that was built in 1985.  They are limiting the work this year to roof repairs and roof related items and minor repairs to make the lobby more accessible for the handicapped.

Hank Pelkey reported a balance in the General Fund of $365,077 for fiscal year 08 which is up from a balance of $263,411 for fiscal year 07.  This is because revenues were $79,000 more than budgeted and expenses were $23,000 less.  When the Board sets the tax rate in July they will assess the financial status of the town and decide how much of the balance to carry forward and how much will be used to give back to the taxpayers.

Dave Markowski reminded the audience that in November 2007 it was decided by the Select Board to form a Water & Sewer Commission.  They have been working on updated projects and concerns for the whole town.  There are 54 hydrants to provide fire protection for the town.  Sitting on the commission is Helen McKinlay, John Lapre, Allen Hitchcock, Hope Rantanen and Dave Markowski. They hired Otter Creek Engineering to do a water system analysis for upgrades to the water system.  The Town has a gravity fed system that comes from a 270-acre area called Sand Springs in Chittenden and feeds into a reservoir.

The system was installed in the late 1800’s and upgraded in early 1920’s.  There have been some sections upgraded since then but the Town has some deficiencies and is working under a temporary permit from the state for low pressures and low volumes in some areas of the town.  It is anticipated that a bond vote of 4.5 million will be brought to the voters for the upgrades needed to bring the system into compliance, provide fire protection, and to connect the Pittsford and Florence water systems.  The first leg that will have to be done is Route 7 South from the junction of Oxbow Road and Route 7 down almost to Giddings Manufacturing.  A 1-inch line serves this section and it is believed that we are losing a lot of water from this area.  This area is working under the temporary permit from the state.

Chuck Charbonneau asked how much water we are losing.  Allen Hitchcock responded that from the amount of water that leaves the reservoir about 60% is lost (not paid for).  Some of the loss is because a lot of the meters don’t work and those people pay a flat rate.  The upgrade includes the cost of updating the metering system with meters that can be read without access to the structure so people will then be paying for the actual amount of water they use.

Chuck Charbonneau asked if we didn’t have the loss of water if that would take care of the possibility of the springs drying up so that we wouldn’t have the expense of joining the two systems.   Dave Markowski replied that the state and federal governments highly recommend that we create a backup water source for Pittsford and it could be federally mandated to have a backup for the springs.

Bob Miller asked if water would be available to areas not currently served.  Dave answered that is determined by line size and volume.

Tom Carrara followed with questions on leaks and metering.  Allen Hitchcock replied that they don’t know if there are physical leaks, if they are not getting accurate measurements, or if there is over usage in the town and people are not being billed for all of the water they use.   They do know that they are dealing with 3 and 4-inch lines that are over 120 years old.

Ernest Clerihew asked if there would be a possibility to tap into some of the stimulus money.  Mr. Markowski replied that is part of the March 9 meeting.  He will also be attending a meeting in Waterbury on March 20.  One of the qualifiers for the money is that the project would have to be ready for construction soon.  The project is still in the design stage and the Commission is trying to get as much information as they can to get the best upgrade with the least expense for the users and taxpayers.

Emerson Frost asked what chemicals were added to our water and if the same chemicals were used in Florence and Pittsford.  Dave Markowski answered that chlorine was added and we do not have fluoride added.

Kathy Rider asked if the people that are not on the water or sewer system would have to share the cost of the water/sewer upgrades and was told that there would definitely be a bond vote coming.  Dave Markowski explained that everybody benefits from the water for fire protection so everybody would share the cost.  The sewer upgrade expenses may be billed only to those who are on the system.

Shannon Murray asked if the line would extend past Sawdi’s.  At this time the plan is to replace the line from the junction of Routes 3 and 7 south 5500 feet to the Rowe property.  To go beyond that would require an additional pump station.

Reg Charbonneau asked if the town had plans to bring someone in to learn the system before Bruce Babcock retired.  He noted that Bruce has a lot of knowledge and a lot of the information is not available on maps.  Dave stated that they have made an allowance in the budget to bring on someone to work with Bruce.  They are looking into finding someone with ties to the community that is interested in learning the system.  Although Bruce Babcock is not planning to retire soon, it is a good idea to bring someone on to learn from him.  Some education and certification is needed for this position.

Mr. Markowski then went on to describe various testing that will be conducted on the sewer line this spring to locate leaks.  In one test a television camera is put into the line and in another test the line is filled with a “smoke” which is non-toxic and which we may see coming out of the manholes.

Barbara Pierce spoke about the budget for the listers’ services.  She feels that the published numbers misrepresent the facts since there was a cap on the amount they could spend.  Mr. Pelkey replied that what they budgeted included extra money since the Board recognized that the listers’ department was short staffed and they might need to hire outside assistance.

Tom Carrara added that someone from town had applied for the position and was turned down.  Although this is considered a personnel issue, Mr. Pelkey did say that the thought was that the individual was looking for a short-term arrangement and the Board is not looking for that kind of an arrangement.  No other names have come across the table for consideration.

Jack Rogers spoke on the stipend agreed on and noted that since they don’t have a full board of listers not all of the money budgeted for stipends was used.  He said that he is the only lister and that one person alone cannot do the job.  He advised that it would cost $40.00 to $50.00 per hour to hire a professional and it would be much more cost effective if we could find people to apply for the positions.

Tom Carrara wanted to make a motion that the voters mandate how much the listers are paid instead of that being a board decision.  He said he felt there were personality issues and that the current board cannot agree with anybody.

Matt Harvey advised that there was a motion on the floor and that if Mr. Carrara wanted to make an amendment to that he would have to rephrase it so that it would relate to Article 2.   It was decided that it would be better to address this under ”Other Business”.

Tom Carrara then said that he thought the rules for Vermont said that even if we hired an assessor we would still have to have three listers and questioned if we would be any better off financially.

Mr. Pelkey replied that the Board would like to have three listers, too.  Tom said that the Board can’t agree with anybody.  Mr. Pelkey assured him that there were not personalities involved.

Ken Gagnon made the motion to move Article 2 to vote. Emerson Frost seconded. The motion passed unanimously.  Matt Harvey then read Article 2.

Article 2.  To see if the voters of the Town of Pittsford will appropriate the sum of $1,217,593

(One Million, Two Hundred Seventeen Thousand, Five Hundred Ninety-Three and no/100ths Dollars) to defray the General Expenses of the Town for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, of which the sum of $948,613 (Nine Hundred Forty-Eight Thousand, Six Hundred Thirteen and no/100ths Dollars) is to be raised by property taxes?  The vote was taken and it passed with only two nays.

Article 3. To see if the voters of the Town of Pittsford will appropriate the sum of $932,921 (Nine Hundred Thirty-Two Thousand, Nine Hundred Twenty-One and no/100ths Dollars) to defray the Highway Expenses of the Town for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, of which the sum of $822,171 (Eight Hundred Twenty-Two Thousand, One Hundred Seventy-One and no/100ths Dollars) is to be raised by property taxes?

After reading article 3 Mr. Harvey asked Selectman Joe Gagnon to give an update on the highway department.   Mr. Gagnon thanked the highway crew and commended them on a job well done this winter.  He noted that it was not uncommon to see the crew out plowing and sanding at 3:30 am on Corn Hill Road so that people like him could get out in the morning.  Mr. Gagnon then talked about some of the accomplishments of the department.  The paving of Hitchcock Road was completed.  The crew rebuilt the sidewalk on the west side of Arch Street and built a retaining wall.  He spoke about the Kendall Hill bridge repairs that were originally estimated at $180,000 but turned out to be a lot more and said that we were very fortunate to have had a surplus in the budget to tap into for this project.  These repairs should add 15 to 20 years to the life of the bridge.

The Town bought a used arm mower last year for $32,000 and put an additional $14,000 into repairs.  This is very useful on roadside mowing and it is expected that this mower will last several years. The mower saves a lot of man-hours on work that would have been done by hand.

West Creek Road has been readied for paving. Dave Markowski and his crew did the work.  It was decided to put off the paving until this spring because it was getting late in the fall and the delay would give the road work a chance to settle. The delay will not add to the cost of the project.

The department is hoping to upgrade West Creek Road from the railroad depot in Florence to the Proctor/Pittsford line this year if the funds are available.  Ditching work is planned for Long Trail Road and culverts on Fitzgerald Road in Florence .

A Bridge repair Fund was started last year with $25,000.  An additional $50,000 will be put in annually to cover the cost of future repairs.  The Board has budgeted $158,000 for the Equipment Replacement Fund.  $73,000 could be used to replace one of the trucks and the other $85,000 might be used to purchase a used grader.

Matt Harvey asked that somebody move and second Article 3 so we can have discussion on it.  It was moved by Bob Miller and seconded by Baird Morgan.  Mr. Harvey invited questions from the attendees.  Barbara Lacey questioned the increase in medical insurance and John Haverstock replied that what was budgeted  for fiscal year 09 was too optimistic and what they have budgeted for fiscal year 10 is much mor realistic with the 18% increase.

Other discussion included comments on the Depot Hill Bridge work. Tom Carrara questioned the testing done, the quality of the materials, and the overall quality of the work.  He stated that the finish is very bumpy and the truckers are complaining about it.  A protective sealer was applied to the bridge, which was left a little rough so that it would not be as slippery as it would be if it was paved. Mr. Carrara suggested that the highway or fire department spray wash the bridge every year after the salt season and apply another coat of sealer.

Chuck Charbonneau questioned if the sidewalk work on Arch Street would be held off until after they decide what is going to be done with the sewer.  He will be replacing the sewer line to his house.  Mr. Gagnon replied that he assumed any water and sewer work would be done first.

Terry Poor asked about the Equipment Rental Fund that John Haverstock explained was an internal accounting method of tracking the man-hours on the various pieces of equipment.  It is a way of setting aside funds to replace equipment as it wears out.

Bob Miller moved to vote on Article 3.  It was seconded by Baird Morgan and was passed.

Matt Harvey read Article 4.

“To see if the voters of the Town of Pittsford will appropriate the sum of $19,000 (Nineteen Thousand and no/100ths Dollars) to defray the Village District’s Expenses for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, of which the sum of $19,000 (Nineteen Thousand and no/100ths Dollars) is to be raised by property taxes?”

Dorothy Wheeler made the motion to move on Article 4 and it was seconded by Emerson Frost.  There were no comments or questions on the article.  The vote was taken and the article was passed unanimously.

Article 5. “To see if the Town will authorize collection of taxes on real and personal property by its treasurer in three equal installments, due on or before August 10, September 10, and November 12, 2009 ” was read.

Bruce Rowe moved to act on Article 5.  Second was Bob Miller.  Kit Hudson questioned the installment dates and Helen McKinlay explained that the first two dates were not mandatory and there is no interest or penalty as long as you pay your taxes by the third installment date.  The vote was taken and the article passed unanimously.

Article 6. To see if the Town will appropriate and authorize to be raised by taxation $91,000.00 (Ninety-one thousand and 00/100ths Dollars) for use of the Select Board to either:

(a) join the Brandon Mosquito District ($48,000.00, Forty-eight thousand and 00/100ths Dollars), to make its first annual contribution to the district; ($25,00.00, Twenty-five thousand and 00/100ths Dollars) to purchase two used pickups, two sprayers and ($18,000.00, Eighteen thousand and 00/100ths Dollars) and to commit to long term membership within the District; or

(b) use such funds, or a portion thereof, to accomplish mosquito spraying on its own.

A motion was made by Bob Miller and seconded by Myra Poor to act on Article 6.  John Haverstock explained that this article was in response to a petition signed by 230 residents and presented to the Board.  Mr. Haverstock and the Board have not taken a position either for or against the article.  Mr. Haverstock was charged to attend the Brandon Mosquito District meeting to research the issue.  The language of the article sums up what would have to do be done to join the Mosquito District.  The advantage of joining the district would be to take advantage of their experience, personnel and infrastructure and the Brandon Mosquito works with the State entomologists.  He also noted that there are those who have concerns about the safety of the chemicals being used and their long-term effects.

Moderator Harvey invited questions from the townspeople a lot of discussion followed.  Peter Cady asked what the tax impact would be and Mr. Haverstock said that he thought it would be about a 4% addition to the budget the first year because of the buy in and equipment costs but the following years would not be as much though there would be a commitment to a long term membership to the district.

Jim Rademacher proposed an amendment to Article 6 to read “to see if the Town will appropriate and authorize the use of $91,000 from the General Fund balance for the use of the Select Board to either join the mosquito district or to use such funds to accomplish the mosquito spraying on its own”. It was not seconded.

Ken Gagnon offered that whether the money came from the General Fund or not it was still spending money and that his personal feeling was that it was a waste of his resources.  He added that the spray was poison.

Kathy Rider suggested that we not rush into this and that a committee be formed to work with the select board to research the issue further.

Mr. Frost asked if we had to buy into a mosquito district to be able to get the aerial spray and Mr. Haverstock replied that we must belong to a district that cooperates with the State.

Moderator Harvey reminded everyone that any comments at this time had to be on the amended article.  Allen Mills asked if a yes vote to the amendment meant that we were approving the money.  Moderator Harvey stated that the vote was only to change the wording of the article.  Mr. Harvey read the article as amended again.  A vote was taken and the amended article was rejected.

Since the amended article was defeated the discussion went back to Article 6 as it was originally proposed.

The discussion then focused on the effectiveness of the spray, the dangers and the benefits.

Motion was made to move the question by Mark Winslow and seconded by Baird Morgan.  The vote was taken to move the question and passed. Article 6 was read again and the vote was taken.  Article 6 was defeated.

Moderator Harvey read Article 7: “To transact such other non-binding business as legally may come before said meeting at this time.”

Emerson Frost made the motion to move on Article 7.  Jaime Stewart seconded it.

Don Nickless, Chairman of the Planning Commission, gave a brief history of the Town Plan that was adopted in 2000.  The law provides that the Plan is only good for five years and must be readopted or amended and readopted.  The Plan was not readopted in 2005 and expired.  In 2006 the Commission tried to readopt the 2000 Plan without any changes but the Rutland Regional Planning Commission did not approve it.  Minor revisions to update information in some sections and adding a section on childcare were made and the revised plan was adopted in 2007.  The 2000 Plan goals were basically unchanged in the Plan adopted in 2007.  There were no ordinances adopted that required a Town Plan to be in place from the time the Plan had expired until it was readopted in 2007.  A legal claim to that effect had been made and was subsequently withdrawn.  Since readopting the plan the Commission has been working on updating data.  They contract with the Regional Commission to accomplish this task and to ensure that Pittsford’s

Plan is consistent with the Regional Plan.  A draft document is now in place and intended to stimulate public comment.  Much of the document presents information on the Town as it is today.  The goals for the future will flow from the plan.  The draft amended plan will be posted on the Town website and will be available at the Town Office and Library.  A meeting is tentatively planned for March 26 at 7:00 pm .  The public is encouraged to attend.  People unable to attend the meeting may submit written comments and drop them off at the Town Office.

Mr. Nickless recognized the work of the many volunteers on various organizations in Town: the Fire Department, First Response, the Food Shelf, Trails Committee, Pittsford Day Committee, and Rec Committee.  The work and dedication of the volunteers make the community a much better place to live.  He noted that the Planning Commission currently has only three members and suggested that those people who have questions, complaints, or concerns about Town issues might consider joining the Planning Commission.

Baird Morgan commented on Green-Up Day, which is the first Saturday in May.  Omya is the primary sponsor.  They will have a dumpster at the Town Office for people to deposit the trash.  Those wishing to be involved can call Randy Adams and he will make sure that you get the bags you need.

Mr. Morgan spoke about being one of the authors of the first Town Plan.  In 1997 there was a series of town meetings.  The asked the people what they liked about the town, what they saw as challenges to the town, and where the people would like to see the town in 25 to 30 years.  One of the wishes was to have a Village Center .  The PCC, Pittsford Community Corporation, was formed to help fulfill the goals of the Town Plan. At this time they have agreed in principle to purchase the Forrest property on Elm Street across form Kamuda’s Store.  Many ideas on what to do with property have been suggested. They include housing, a post office, and commercial properties.  Starting in May they will hold a series of Town meetings to see what the citizens would like to see on this property.  They plan to come back in the summer, consolidate the ideas and move forward.

Gordon Delong then spoke on the way that vital statistics are currently reported in the Annual Report.  He would like to see the names published as they were before.  Mr. Harvey put the question in the form of a motion to include names in the vital statistics.  Both Bruce Paynter and Jim Rademacher offered a second to the motion.  The vote was taken and passed unanimously.

Mr. Harvey then read the following from the warning at 9:55 pm :

“At the close of the above business, the meeting shall be recessed until Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the Municipal Office Building , 426 Plains Road , Pittsford to vote by Australian Ballot of the following matters, to wit:

8. To elect the following officers of the Town:

a.       A Town and School District Moderator for a term of one (1) year

b.       A Selectman for a term of three (3) years

c.       A Selectman for a term of two (2) years

d.       A Lister for a term of one (1) years

e.       A Lister for a term of two (2) years

f.         A Lister for a term of three (3) years

g.       A Grand Juror for a term of one (1) year

h.       A Town Agent for a term of one (1) year

i.         A Trustee of Public Funds for a term of three (3) years

j.         A Maclure Library Trustee for a term of one (1) year

k.        A Pittsford School District Director for a term of two (2) years

l.         A Pittsford School District Director for a term of three (3) years

m.      An Otter Valley Union School District Director for a term of three (3) years”

Ken Gagnon made the motion to adjourn.  Jamie Stewart seconded it.  The vote was taken and passed. The meeting was adjourned at 10:0 pm.  Peg Flory then spoke on what was going on in Montpelier in reference to the highway funding and how it could affect Pittsford.  There will be some stimulus money available.  This use of the money will be directed at the Sate level instead of local.  It appears that the Route 7 project will go on as scheduled.  There is also stimulus money in the federal package for such things as salt sheds and sidewalk improvements.

Ms. Flory spoke about the efforts to assess the efficiency of State government.  She said that currently the State is spending more money than it can afford and that it makes promises to the residents but does not fund them.  The legislature is making a real push to make sure that they analyze bills and make sure the funding is available.

Respectfully submitted:                                           Attest:

Jean Parker, Recording Secretary                          Helen McKinlay, Town Clerk

Matthew Harvey, Moderator

Annual Meeting Minutes

March 2, 2009 ~ Lothrop School Gymnasium

School Board Members Present: Odell Johnston, Sr., Charles Pitts, Jr., Gerald Bernard, David Lacy. Also Present:  Matthew Harvey, Moderator, Helen McKinlay, Town Clerk, Jean Parker, Recording Secretary. Approximately 35 guests

The Pittsford Town School District Meeting was called to order at 10:10 P.M. by Moderator Matthew Harvey.

Moderator Matthew Harvey read the first paragraph of the School District Warning:

“The legal voters of the Pittsford Town School District are hereby notified and warned to meet at the Lothrop School Gymnasium on March 2, 2009 at 6:30 PM to transact any business not involving voting by Australian ballot.”

Odell Johnston introduced himself as Board Chairman and introduced Board members Dave Lacy, Gerald Bernard, Chuk Pitts, and Superintendent Bill Mathis.  Mr. Johnston announced that this was Dave Lacy’s last night on the Board and that Dr. Mathis was retiring an the end of this year. Dr. Mathis and Dave Lacy both received a warm round of applause.

Barbara Lacy prepared the Powerpoint Presentation of the Pittsford School Directors which was presented by Odell Johnston.  The 2008/2009 budget was $3,700,073 and the proposed 2009/2010 budget is $3,656,252 reflecting a $43,821or 1.18% decrease.

Some of the accomplishments highlighted were the completion of the construction project to enhance security and make the School ADA compliant.  The School’s PA system has been upgraded to provide clearer communication between the office and the classrooms.

Some of the major budget drivers and changes cited to accomplish the net budget decrease included reducing the Library, Music, and French programs to 4 days per week.  A ½ full time equivalent teacher was added for kindergarten, teachers’ raises as per contract and support staff raises at 3.20%.  Budget increases were noted for the RNESU central office assessment, teachers’ early retirement benefits and a small amount for miscellaneous line changes.  There was no increase in health insurance premiums.  Budget decreases came from staff reduction and changes, a lower special education assessment, and lower transportation assessment.

The presentation then explained the 4 factors that determine how the education property tax rate is calculated.

1.     Per “equalized pupil” education spending

2.     State Base Education Amount

3.     State Base Education Tax Rate

4.     Common Level of Appraisal

Of the 4 factors the only one controlled by the School Board is the equalized pupil education spending and this is done through the process of setting the budget.

The presentation went on to explain the formula the State uses to determine the number of equalized vs. actual pupils and the reasons for using equalized pupils. It also went into equalized tax rates, grand lists, and common level of appraisal.

Following the presentation there was a discussion of French vs. Spanish and the value of foreign languages.  Mr. Frost questioned if Spanish was the first language of any of our pupils.  Dr. Mathis replied that Spanish is creeping up.  There was also discussion on the cuts to the library.  All of the students still have access to the library.

Article I           “To hear and act upon the reports of the Town School District Officers.”  The motion to move Article I was made by Bob Miller and seconded by Mark Winslow.  The article passed unanimously.

Article II         “To authorize the Board of School Directors to borrow money in anticipation of taxes to meet the necessary expenses of the Pittsford Town School District.”   The motion to move Article II was made by Bob Miller and seconded by Bob Harnish.  The article passed unanimously.

Article III        “To have presented by the Board of School Directors of the Pittsford Town School District its estimate of expenses for the ensuing year.” Motion to move the article was made by Bob Miller and seconded by Peg Flory.  The article passed unanimously.

Article IV        “To transact any other business proper to be done when met.”  Motion to move article IV was made by Jim Rademacher and seconded by Jocelyn Frost.  There was no other business to be discussed.

Moderator Harvey then read from the warning ‘The meeting shall then be recessed to Tuesday, March 3, 2009 in order to vote on the following articles by Australian ballot.

The motion to adjourn was made by Bob Miller and seconded by Peg Flory.

Moderator Harvey the read the following articles:

Article V         To elect the following officers:

A Town school director for a term of three (3) years.

A Town school director for a term of two (2) years.

A school director for Otter Valley Union High School District #8 for a        term of three (3) years.

Article VI        Shall the voters of the Pittsford Town School District appropriate the sum

of $3,656,252.00 (Three Million Six Hundred Fifty-six thousand two hundred fifty dollars and no cents) necessary for the support of its schools for the year beginning July 1, 2009.  The amount of such sum to be raised by taxes to be reduced by special education revenues, state aid, and other incomes.

Following the reading of  Articles V and VI  the vote on the motion to adjourn was taken and passed unanimously.  The meeting adjourned at 10:50 pm.

Respectfully submitted:                                                 Attest:

Jean Parker, Recording Secretary                               Helen McKinlay, Town Clerk

Matthew Harvey, Moderator