December 21, 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, Linda Weeden, and Allen Hitchcock. Also present: Lucia Suarez, Pierre Masuy, John Weeden, Charles “Butch” Shaw, John Haverstock, and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
MINUTES
The minutes from the December 7, 2011 meeting were signed, with no corrections.
ORDERS
The Orders in the amount of $307,554.96 and payroll in the amount of $13,074.91 were signed, with the following comments:
J. Gagnon inquired about the expense for the Wastewater Treatment Facility storage building. J. Haverstock explained that this was for a 10’ X 10’ storage shed for tools and chemicals. Bob Berardo was able to find a good deal at Garden Time during their
end-of- season sale.
A. Hitchcock inquired about the expense for a digital camera. J. Haverstock explained that this was for the Recreation Department as the old camera was no longer charging properly.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT:
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
- The Water Project has shut down in the Village. There is hope that this final portion of the project will finish in the spring, however, there has yet to be a funding availability determination from USDA.
- Phase I of the sewer project is complete. Phase II is in “shut-down” until spring. The excavation and installation of a new pump station on Elm Street is complete and the controls for the pump station are expected to arrive in mid to late January.
- The staff is now enrolled in one of two MVP health plans, as approved by the Union.
- The COPS grant funded full-time police officer has been hired. Jeffrey Warfle accepted the position. There will be interviews of candidates to fill Officer Warfle’s part-time hours. Officer Warfle will be attending the Police Academy in the near future. It is likely that the training is covered under the COPS grant. This training is expected to last for 60 – 90 days.
- Jack Shedd has submitted a letter of resignation from the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Mr. Shedd indicated that he will gladly serve as an alternate to the Board.
- New e-mail addresses have been assigned to Town Office employees. These addresses are available on the Town website.
- The Transfer Station will close at noon on Christmas Eve. The Town Office and Town Services will be closed on Monday, December 26, 2011 in observance of Christmas Day and Monday, January 2, 2012 in observance of New Years Day.
- The Town Treasurer has confirmed receipt of $25,000 from the Denison Fund to reimburse the Town for renovations done at the Fire Station in 2008-2009.
A. Hitchcock indicated that 5 out of the 11 services in the area of the Village Green have been replaced. There is a request in to the USDA for the remaining grant funding to be available in the spring to finish this portion of the project.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
T. Hooker reported that the Irene Fundraisers collected $50,742.74. The Committee volunteers included: Mike Blanchard, Ed Keith, Jr., Jon Keith, John Haverstock, Helen McKinlay, Bradley Keith, Hank Pelkey, Butch Shaw and Tom Hooker. A special thank you was conveyed to the Pittsford business community. There were many volunteers that helped in many ways.
There were 45 individual families that were assisted in the towns of Rochester, Brandon, Bridgewater, Center Rutland, North Clarendon, Pittsford, Florence, Randolph, Proctor, Rutland Town, Rutland City, and Stockbridge.
OLD BUSINESS:
Discussion of Police Cruiser Purchase:
J. Haverstock reported that the new vehicle was damaged in the parking lot of Foster Motors before delivery to Pittsford. This damage has been repaired by Foster Motors at no cost to Pittsford. The Town Manager was authorized to proceed with the acquisition of the vehicle.
Continued Discussion of Budget Preparations:
The latest version of the budget was included in the packets for review. This version included the transition from the Equipment Rental Fund.
NEW BUSINESS:
OMYA Update on Business Activities:
Pierre Masuy was present to discuss the operations at OMYA. This visit is part of an ongoing series of discussions in which OMYA updates the Town on its latest activities and business performance.
State Legislative Preview:
Rep. Shaw was present to discuss prospects for the upcoming Legislative Session, which begins on January 3, 2012. As Chair of the BCA, he noted that there had been discussion regarding increasing the polling hours from 10 AM – 7 PM to 7 AM – 7 PM. This would involve hiring more poll workers. The topic of poll hour increases and the tax abatement requests will be discussed by the Board of Civil Authority at a meeting on January 18.
Update from Water & Sewer Commission:
A. Hitchcock indicated that the Elm Street pump station replacement is still in progress and the remaining portion of Phase II is in the winter shut-down mode.
Joint Proposal of Fire District No. 1 and Golf Course/Corn Hill Residents to Connect to Town Water System:
The members of the Select Board received a copy of the proposal that was reviewed by the Water & Sewer Commission. Mark Youngstrom was at the meeting to discuss this proposal with the Water & Sewer Commission. A. Hitchcock explained the proposal and the proposal is still in the beginning stages.
Special Appropriation Request:
J. Haverstock reported that he had received a funding request of $100.00 from Northern Vermont Resource Conservation Development Council, which seeks the help in lieu of the now-defunct George D. Aiken RC &D Council serving southern Vermont.
There was some discussion concerning Special Appropriations in general. The Board discussed that the entities that wish to be included in the request should submit a letter of interest.
Motion by A. Hitchcock and seconded by L. Weeden to require any organization that requests assistance submit a request in writing prior to January 15. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
J. Haverstock will send a letter to the current recipients and will also contact the legal staff at VLCT with regard to this request.
Budget Update:
J. Haverstock reported that the General Fund expenses are currently at 47.94% of budget; Highway Department revenue is at 100% with an additional $30,000 in state aid yet to be received and the expenses are at 67.65% of budget.
OTHER BUSINESS:
A. Hitchcock inquired if a complaint has been received regarding the roadside dumping of approximately 32 bags of garbage. J. Haverstock indicated that this complaint has been received and forwarded to the Police Department. There was identification in the bags, therefore, the Police Officers will be contacting this individual concerning this violation.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None necessary at this time.
The meeting adjourned at 7:39 PM.
The next regular meeting will be held on January 4, 2012.
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
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Linda Weeden, Selectman