Select Board
June 6, 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: Kit Hudson, Allen Mills, Roberta Mills, Kathy Parker, Donald Parker, Ron Davis, Louise Davis, Stephen Rosato, Jim Rademacher, Ann Rademacher, Kathy Gecha, Mike Gecha, Jean Corbett, Brook Aldrich, Carol Aldrich, Brian Wood, Joe Hamilton, Sonny Poremski, Karll Sokol, Chris Beitzel, Michael Poremski, Bev Peterson, Bob Welch, June Welch, Emerson Frost, Jocelyn Frost, Vanessa Mills-Holmquist, Don Nickless, Thor Christiana, Ernie Clerihew, Tom Carrara, Hilary Redman, John Haverstock and Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
MINUTES
The Select Board minutes from the May 16, 2012 meeting were signed, with no changes.
ORDERS
The orders in the amount of $180,556.57 (General Fund) and $11,153.77 (Payroll) were approved, with the following discussion:
J. Gagnon inquired about the payment for the Town Office insulation project. J. Haverstock explained that this was for the complete project.
J. Gagnon inquired about the expense for highway signs. J. Haverstock indicated that this was for replacement signs, which were necessary due to either damage or theft.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
- The water project is complete, with approximately $35,00 remaining. There has been a request made to the USDA to use the remaining funds to pave Mechanic Street. An answer is expected soon.
- The sewer project is also complete and waiting for paving to occur. There have been reports that Arch Street is extremely rough and some tires may have been punctured. There has been discussion with the contractor to either grind the remaining asphalt to eliminate the sharp edges or to contact Wilk Paving to check on availability to pave sooner than the end of July/beginning of August.
- A tour of the wind towers in Sheffield has been rescheduled to June 20. Any interested individuals should contact the Town Manager. A letter was received from ANR (Agency of Natural Resources) dated May 25, with a clarification of its position regarding the proposed wind power project. Anyone wishing to receive a copy should contact the Town Manager.
- Jeff Warfle has graduated the Police Academy and is the first Pittsford Police officer to do so. Congratulations to Jeff.
- The relocation of the Police Department office is nearly complete.
- The US Fish & Wildlife Service has expressed interest in, and support for, the demolition of the Kendrick Pond. More information will be forthcoming.
- There will be a staff meeting on June 14 at 9:00 AM and the members of the Select Board are invited to attend.
- The external audit by Sullivan & Powers has been scheduled for the week of September 10.
- Work has begun on Depot Hill Road. The road will be closed, except for local traffic for approximately one month – except nights, weekends, and transfer station operating hours.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None presented at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
Wind Power Remarks:
Dr. Rademacher made a presentation on research that he has done with regard to the proposed Wind Power Project.
Following Dr. Rademacher’s presentation, noting problems with the proposal Wind Power Project, such as aesthetics, noise, the current glut of energy and the sanctity of historic places, residents made the following comments:
- The project is designed to address our dependence on foreign oil and the related huge cost to the military in respect to lives and material.
- This is not a well-sited wind project.
- The Town Plan does not allow for development above 800’, which this proposed project would be.
- There are health problems, associated with wind projects.
- Mammals communicate via infrasound, which the turbines will emit. However, the mammals can control the intensity.
- Meetings that were held by Reunion Power have changed from town to town. In Hubbardton, topography was discussed.
- Reunion Power is not a Vermont company, however, is based in New Jersey with an office in Manchester, VT.
- The information that is being given with regard to the noise levels is based on smaller versions of the turbines as there are no turbines currently constructed at the proposed height.
- Reunion Power is not in this project to be “green”. They are in this project to make money.
- The Planning Commission was asked to hold an emergency meeting to change the Town Plan. Don Nickless, Chairman of the Planning Commission, stated that the Planning Commission is looking into the possibility of hosting a Public Meeting to gather information. This meeting may be in conjunction with the June 28 meeting.
- There is opposition because there is a full view of the ridgeline from all four affected towns.
- There are statutes that indicate an amendment to the Town Plan can be requested, and there is a group of residents that is willing to change the Town Plan.
- The final site-plan is not formulated and is very vague – residents will be allowed a very minimal amount of time for public input.
Farmer’s Market Update:
The Pittsford Farmer’s Market will begin operation on June 13. The location will be 2 lots north of Blanchard’s Auto Sales on Route 7. The market will be open 2 days per week.
Update on Joint Proposal to Connect to Town Water System:
J. Haverstock indicated that there is no report from the Engineers with regard to the Fire District #1 request to connect to the Town Water System. Once the report is received, the report will be distributed to the members of the Water & Sewer Commission and Select Board for review prior to their meetings on June 19 (Water & Sewer Commission) and June 20 (Select Board).
NEW BUSINESS
Access/Right of Way Permit Application:
A request has been received from Thomas Loyzelle for a residential Right of Way on the Chittenden Road in East Pittsford. Shawn Erickson has reviewed the application and approved it, with no conditions.
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to approve the request. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Consideration of Planning Commission Stipend Proposal:
J. Haverstock reported that he has had conversations with Don Nickless, Chairman of the Planning Commission, with regard to the possibility of a stipend for the members of the Commission.
D. Nickless indicated that there are currently 3 members serving on the Planning Commission, most putting in many volunteer hours with no stipend. He opined that a modest stipend might help recruit additional membership.
T. Pelkey requested that a proposal be submitted to the Town Manager for review at the next meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS
None stated at this time.
BUDGET STATUS UPDATE:
J. Haverstock reported that General Fund revenues are at 93.5% of budget; expenses are at 85.3% of budget. The Highway Fund revenues are at 108% of budget; expenses are at 95.8% of budget. Water Fund revenues are at 99.57% revenue; and expenses are at 85.15% of budget.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
J. Haverstock reported that there are Personnel Issues to be discussed in Executive Session.
T. Pelkey made a motion and seconded by T. Hooker to go into Executive Session for personnel issues, where premature knowledge would be damaging to the Town, at 7:28 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 personnel at 7:28 PM.
John Eugair, Bob Harnish and Linda Trask were invited to Executive Session and exited at 7:43 PM, with no action taken.
Jeff Warfle and his K9 companion “Doc” entered Executive Session and exited at 7:55 PM, with no action taken.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 7:56 PM.
John Eugair discussed his desire to renumber all parcels based on a combination of street number and 9-1-1 addresses to make parcels easier to locate on maps. Dean Russell has quoted a price of $1100 for this project. The matter was tabled, pending further research concerning costs and benefits of the proposal and the status of the Listers’ budget. John Eugair discussed the current workload, the reasons for it and the prospect of a re-appraisal in the future. It was agreed that the Listers’ would propose a re-appraisal plan and budget in the future.
Steve Rosato complained about on-going noise from OMYA. T. Pelkey asked Mr. Rosato to submit his complaints in writing to the Town Manager.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM.
The next meeting will be held on June 20, 2012.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
_________________________________
Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman
_________________________________
Allen Hitchcock, Vice Chairman
_________________________________
W. Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
_________________________________
Jane Cornell, Selectman
_________________________________
Thomas Hooker, Selectman