Town of Pittsford

Select Board

April 4, 2012

The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM by Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman.

 

Select Board members present:  Joseph Gagnon, Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Allen Hitchcock, Thomas Hooker and Jane Cornell.

 

Also present:  Lucia Suarez, Chris Beitzel, Thad Poremski, Sonny Poremski, Melvin Aldrich, Carol Aldrich, Bev Peterson, Allen Mills, Thom Christianson, Randy Adams, Vanessa Mills Holmquist, Sandy Gagnon, Mamie Rasmussen, Stephanie Kennedy, Ferne Faivre, Matt Harvey, Tom Carrara, John Haverstock and Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary.

 

MINUTES

The Select Board minutes from the March 21, 2012 meeting were signed, with no changes.

 

ORDERS

The orders in the amount of $31,645.49 (General Fund) and $9,907.89 (Payroll) were approved and signed with the following discussion:

 

A. Hitchcock inquired about the expense for $150 to Bernie Webster Plumbing and Heating.  J. Haverstock explained that this was an expense to deal with a blockage originating with Town infrastructure.

 

J. Gagnon inquired about the multiple expenses for ski refunds.  J. Haverstock indicated that this was due to the warmer than usual weather causing the ski area to close early.  There was no loss in revenue to the Town.

TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

J. Haverstock reported on the following:

• The water project work in the area of the Village Green is expected to begin on April 20.
• The sewer project work resumed on April 2.  This is for the construction of the new sewer line from the Fire House up Arch Street to the intersection of Elm Street and Route 7, as well as the final construction work on the Elm Street pump station.  The paving to Arch and Pleasant Streets will be in August.
• The new Highway truck has been ordered.  The unsuccessful bidders were notified, as well.
• There will be a Staff Meeting on April 5 at 9:00 AM.
• The deadline for the next issue of the Newsletter is April 15, with items directed to Linda Drummond.
• There will be fireworks training at the Fire Academy on April 18 from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Aldrich, Bev Peterson, and Allen Mills spoke regarding concerns about the proposed wind power project.  T. Pelkey asked residents with concerns about the proposed project approach the Select Board with their concerns in writing, so that information can be researched prior to any answers being made publicly.  Mrs. Aldrich read page 16 from the Town Plan that speaks about wind power.

 

Tom Carrara inquired the status of the Harrison (currently Graham) house on Plains Road that burned some time ago.  J. Haverstock indicated that this item was included on the agenda for discussion.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Farmers’ Market Discussion:

Kelley Lyons was present to give an update on her efforts to develop a Farmers’ Market.  Ms. Lyons gave descriptions of the locations that are proposed, the requirements to begin such a market, and the hours of operation that are proposed.

 

There was much discussion concerning the location of the Town Green, as the Congregational Church owns a portion of the proposed property.  The Church Trustees will be meeting to discuss the proposal, and currently, the Church is “interested, but concerned” in participating in the project, according to Matt Harvey.

Ms. Gagnon and Mr. Harvey exited at 7:11 PM

 

Loan Closing Documents:

The Town Council recommended the signing of an additional sewer loan document resolution.  The members of the Select Board signed this document.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Burn Permit Discussion:

Mamie Rasmussen was present to discuss the Town Ordinance regarding burn permits.  Ms. Rasmussen believes that the ordinance should include a statement indicating that the landowner has the right to deny a tenant from burning.  T. Pelkey indicated that the Ordinance would be reviewed and changes, if any, will be properly warned.

 

Discussion of Recreation Area Fees:

Randy Adams was present, representing the Recreation Committee, requesting an increase in the recreation area fees for the next year.  The Committee would like to set the fees as previously stated in 2011, with the exception of increasing the season pass fees by $5 for both resident and non-resident.

 

Motion by J. Gagnon and seconded by A. Hitchcock to increase the seasonal pass fees for both residents and non-residents by $5.  Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.

 

R. Adams gave an update on the Pittsford Day festivities.  The Recreation Department is recommending a 3-evening event (a Friday evening in June; a Saturday evening in July; and a Sunday evening in August).  The Recreation Committee requested that the Town designate the Pittsford Day Committee as a Town Entity and provide police coverage during the events.

 

Motion by A. Hitchcock and seconded by T. Hooker to designate the Pittsford Day Committee as a Town Entity and provide police coverage during the events.  Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.

 

Discussion of Recreation Committee Appointments:

The Recreation Committee recommends the appointment of Kathy Shortsleeves as Vice Chairman and Rob Ketcham as Chairman.  Motion by A. Hitchcock and seconded by T. Hooker to appoint the recommendations as presented by the Recreation Committee.  Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.

 

All guests except Tom Carrara and Lucia Suarez exited at 7:25 PM.

 

Request to Clear Private Property:

J. Haverstock indicated that Mr. McCuin has expressed concern over the Harrison

(currently Graham) property on  Plains Road.  J. Haverstock has contacted the Health Officer (Bruce Babcock), who was able to speak with the mortgage lender.  The bank will be taking formal title in the near future and will collect the garbage outside the structure and rehab or sell the property.  Mr. McCuin was notified of this information.

 

Consideration of Participation in “Way to Go” Commuter Challenge:

J. Haverstock read a resolution naming the week of May 14 – 18 as the “Way to Go” Commuter Challenge week.  Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to sign the resolution.  Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.

 

OTHER BUSINESS

The Board of Selectmen recessed to the Liquor Board at 7:34 PM.

 

The Board of Selectmen reconvened at 7:40 PM.

 

BUDGET UPDATE:

J. Haverstock reported that the General Fund expenses are at 74.5% of budget three-fourths of the way through the fiscal year; Highway expenses are at 88% of budget with revenues at 105% of budget.  The Highway variances are due to the FEMA funding received,  the unbudgeted expense to replace the Arch Street culvert, the mild winter, and an employee out on Workers Compensation.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

A. Hitchcock reported that there is a legal issue and a personnel issue to be discussed in Executive Session.

 

T. Pelkey made a motion and seconded by T. Hooker to go into Executive Session for legal and personnel issues where premature knowledge would be damaging to the Town at 7:43 PM.  The motion was passed unanimously.  J. Haverstock was invited to stay for Executive Session.

 

In accordance with 1VSA 312 (b), where premature general public knowledge would clearly place the Municipality or person involved at a substantial disadvantage, the Board unanimously agreed to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of Legal and Personnel at 7:43 PM.

 

The Select Board came out of Executive Session at 8:00 PM, with no action taken.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.

 

The next meeting will be held on April 18, 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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 Jane Cornell, Selectman

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Thomas Hooker, Selectman