May 18, 2011
The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM by Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman.
Select Board members present: Joseph Gagnon, Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Thomas Hooker, and Allen Hitchcock. Absent: Linda Weeden. Also present: Dorothy Parkinson, Charles “Butch” Shaw, Kim Lyon-Pratt, Tom Carrara (6:46 PM), Jeff Warfle (7:06 PM), Mike Warfle (7:06 PM), Mark Youngstrom (7:12 PM) John Haverstock, and Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary.
MINUTES
The minutes from the May 4, 2011 meeting were signed with no corrections.
ORDERS
The Orders in the amount of $89,753.03 and payroll in the amount of $11,744.08 were signed, with the following comments:
A. Hitchcock inquired about the expense to Markowski Excavating for a pump control. J. Haverstock reported that this was an expense of the water project.
J. Gagnon inquired about the expense to Fairfield, LLC. J. Haverstock reported that this was for the outfitting of the new 550 truck.
J. Gagnon inquired about the expense to UI Insurance for Fire Accidental/Sickness insurance. T. Hooker reported that this is an annual expense to cover all firefighters.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT:
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
- The Water Project contingency funding should be exhausted by late May or early June and the projects should be complete.
- The Sewer Project update meeting will be held on May 24, 2011 at 9:00 AM, followed by a tour of the upgraded facility at 10:00 AM. The digester covers still need to be installed. There is anticipation that Phase II will be going to bid during the week of May 23. VTRANS has rejected funding of the culvert on the Arch Street portion of the project.
- The Water Department office construction will begin the week of May 23.
- Green-Up Day was a success, thanks to OMYA, Keith’s Country Store and all others involved. There were 80 bags of roadside trash collected the day before by OMYA employees. There were 110 bags turned in at the Transfer Station and at the Municipal Offices, as compared to 120 last year.
- The Caverly timber sale is complete. Randy Adams and J. Haverstock walked the project and removed the “Danger” signs. Consulting Forester Eric Hansen is pleased with the work that was done.
- AOT has expressed interest in proposing a Park & Ride Facility in Pittsford and will be present at the June 1 meeting to discuss this proposal. This meeting will be advertised as to notify the members of the community.
- A fishing derby will be held on May 21 for children ages 2 – 12.
- A Conditional Use permit was heard by the Zoning Board of Adjustment at their meeting on May 16 with regard to the expansion of the Rowe Gravel Pit on Furnace Road. The ZBA will meet in a closed door Deliberative Session on June 14 to continue reviewing testimony and information.
- The Town Manager will be at a seminar for the Vermont City and Municipal Managers Association in Burlington on May 19 and May 20.
- There will be a staff meeting on May 26 at 9:00 AM.
- The Town Offices and departments will be closed on May 30, in observance of Memorial Day.
A. Hitchcock discussed the mailing that was received with regard to an educational session for managing salvage yards and encouraged that a representative be present. J. Haverstock indicated that he has forwarded this to the Listers’ and the Planning Commission members.
An e-mail was included in the packets concerning the Feinstein Food Challenge. Robin Rowe is waiting for the final tally and will forward the information when received.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
T. Carrara reported that the internal liner for trucks that he discussed at a previous meeting is not waterproof and the body would not be protected from water and debris.
Kim Lyon-Pratt was present to discuss her concerns about the permit for the Rowe Gravel Pit. Ms. Lyon-Pratt submitted a petition against the opening of the pit. J. Haverstock accepted the petition.
OLD BUSINESS:
Consider Conversion of Constables Office to Police Department:
Mike Warfle was present to propose the conversion of the Constables Office to a Police Department. Mr. Warfle indicated that there would be no additional expense to the Town. On the contrary, he noted that there were grants that could be applied for and possibly obtained to cover equipment, such as radios and computers, as well as an increase in the income received from the issuance of traffic tickets.
There was much discussion concerning costs and changes. Mr. Warfle indicated that there would be no additional costs or substantive changes.
Motion by A. Hitchcock and seconded by T. Hooker to accept the proposed conversion of the Constable’s Office to a Police Department pursuant to 24 V.S.A. Section 1931 (a), that Pittsford’s law enforcement staff be immediately converted from a Constabulary to a municipal police department, with Constable Mike Warfle serving as Chief of Police and Special Officers Lema Carter, Jeffrey Warfle, Erik Wilder and Brent Garrow serving as police officers in the newly constituted Pittsford Police Department and that all officers, including the Chief, should promptly renew their Oaths in writing and providing such writings to the Town Clerk for recording. J. Gagnon recommended tabling this item until the board is complete, due to the absence of L. Weeden. Motion passed 3 – 1 (Gagnon).
Trash on Elm Street:
There was discussion on the report of trash on Elm Street. A. Loomis has been made aware of this situation and will be reporting on the Town’s options.
Meeting with the Police Academy:
J. Haverstock and T. Pelkey recently met with the authorities at the Police Academy regarding recent activities at the Proctor-Pittsford Rifle Range. The investigative report was reviewed and will be a public document.
NEW BUSINESS:
Execute Certification Acknowledging Receipt of VTrans Bridge Inspection Report:
S. Erickson will be present at the June 1 meeting to discuss the condition of the Town’s bridges. The certificate of acknowledgement was signed.
Review Bids on Sale of Used F-550 Highway Truck:
J. Haverstock indicated that there were no bids received with regard to the used F-550 truck, stating that the minimum bid level may have been too high. The vehicle will go back to bid, without a minimum stated.
Application for Access/Right of Way:
Motion by J. Gagnon and seconded by T. Hooker to accept the Right of Way application submitted by Jon & Sally Leonard for access on the north side of Creed Hill Road. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Discussion of Proposed New Water Ordinance:
Mark Youngstrom was present to discuss the proposed new water ordinance. Mr. Youngstrom asked for any comments.
J. Haverstock discussed the inclusion of meter tampering in the ordinance.
Mr. Youngstrom indicated that Pittsford can be proud of its “clean” Water System Permit.
A. Hitchcock expressed concerns about data keeping and the Town’s records management. Mr. Youngstrom indicated willingness to meet with Bruce Babcock and Shawn Hendee to discuss this issue.
D. Parkinson inquired if there are daily usage readings taken at the reservoir. M. Youngstrom indicated that these readings do occur daily. T. Pelkey deferred any further questions to the Water & Sewer Commission.
Mr. Youngstrom exited at 7:40 PM.
Discussion of Potential Enrollment in COPS Program:
Jeff Warfle was present to discuss the possibility of enrolling in the COPS Program. Mr. Warfle explained the program as paying with Federal grant funding a full-time officer’s salary and benefit for 3 years of a 4 year commitment. There is a deadline of May 25, 2011 to apply for this enrollment and grant program.
Following much discussion, T. Hooker made the motion and A. Hitchcock seconded to accept the proposal to enroll in the COPS Program.
J. Gagnon indicated that this topic should be tabled until there is a full board present, due to the absence of L. Weeden. J. Haverstock indicated that L. Weeden expressed to him, via phone conversation, her objection to enrollment in the program.
The motion passed 3 – 1 (Gagnon).
Vermont Legislative Session Recap:
Rep. Shaw was present to discuss the recently concluded Legislative Session.
Highlights included:
- 571 bills were introduced and 58 were passed.
- Transportation funding passed at 100% with no cuts. There will be less paving of State roads.
- The Building Community Grants received a funding increase.
- The marijuana dispensary bill passed, however, local towns can opt.
- Public Records bill had changes and 2 employees were encouraged to attend the training sessions that will be held to review these changes.
- The Vital Records bill was discussed and towns can choose not to participate in this bill.
- Public Meeting Laws bill was sent back to the Committee for further work.
- The Current Use bill covered withdrawal penalties.
- Reapportionment begins this year.
- 9-1-1 calls from cell phones will be locatable via GPS programming.
- Ken Upmal will be planning a meeting in June or July concerning Route 7.
- Segment 3 designs are waiting for the drawings of the municipal waterlines. J. Haverstock explained that Stantec is working on this project.
- Proctor water abandonment situations were discussed. The proposal to fund loans for personal water wells was too late for inclusion in the Capital Bill.
Property Tax Sale:
J. Haverstock reported that there are 13 properties that are delinquent in property taxes over $1,000 and 2 or more years delinquent. J. Haverstock reported that there have been no arrangements made to date. J. Haverstock was instructed to proceed with the tax sale and any further discussion will be deferred to Executive Session.
BUDGET UPDATE:
J. Haverstock reported that the General Fund expenses are at 87% and the Highway Fund expenses are at 112% of budget. The Highway expenses are out of line due to the timing of the Whipple Hollow Road project.
OTHER BUSINESS
None.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.
The next regular meeting will be held on June 1, 2011.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
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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
_________ABSENT_____________
Linda Weeden, Selectman