Select Board
June 20, 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, Ann Rademacher, Jim Rademacher, Allen Mills, Bobbie Mills, Donald Parker, Kathy Parker, Brook Aldrich, Carol Aldrich, Stephen Wright, Emerson Frost, Susan Shaw, Elizabeth Frost, Brian Wood, Stephen Rosato, Vanessa Mills-Holmquist, Kathy Gecha, Mike Gecha, Virginia Anderson, Chris Beitzel, Hilary Poremski-Beitzel, Hilary Redman, Ronald Davis, Sandy Fink, Mike Horner, Melanie Clerihew, Ernie Clerihew, Rob Howland, Rick Curtis, Marguerite Beaudon, Barbara Champine, Beverly Peterson, Edwin Kent-Hart, Ferne Faivre, Thon Christiana, Jill Christiana, Tammy Davis, Christopher Davis, Mary Lou Brod, Ernie Brod, Karen Webster, Bob Webster, Thad Poremski, Stephanie Wright-Kennedy, Ed Wheeler, Don Nickless, Dorothy Wheeler, Rod Drown, Shelley Poremski, Sonny Poremski, Charles “Butch” Shaw, John Haverstock and Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
MINUTES
The Select Board minutes from the May 24, 2012 Special Meeting were signed, with no changes. The Select Board minutes from the June 6, 2012 meeting were signed, with no changes.
ORDERS
The orders in the amount of $1,465,025.40 (General Fund) and $17,221.31 (Payroll) were approved, with the following discussion:
A. Hitchcock inquired about the expense labeled “Monthly Hosted Solution”. J. Haverstock indicated that this was for the computer system for the land records in the Town Clerk’s Office.
A. Hitchcock inquired about the expense for meter installations. J. Haverstock indicated that these were for additional water meter installations that were outside the scope of the original project and were not malfunctioning meters
J. Gagnon inquired about the expense labeled “Police Entrance and Repair.” J. Haverstock indicated that the office relocation was within the estimate (of approximately $3,400); the additional cost includes other items such as lighting, communications (phone, internet, etc), and a custom workstation (as the room was too small to accommodate a standard sized desk). Some other expenses included in the invoice also include some work that was done in the Town Clerk’s Office.
J. Gagnon inquired if the expense for $181,533.19 for sewer upgrade completed the expenses for the project. J. Haverstock indicated that there is still paving to be done in the coming weeks.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
- The water project is complete with approximately $35,000 in grant funding remaining. Most of the remaining funds will be spent to purchase parts and meter assemblies for future use and installations.
- The sewer project is also complete, with the exception of paving Arch and Pleasant Streets. Engineer, Mike Smith is working on the financial accounting to determine the status of the grant funds. Arch Street pavement will be ground and mixed with smaller stone to provide a smoother surface until the paving portion of the project can be completed.
- FEMA is increasing its compensation to towns affected by Tropical Storm Irene from 75% to 90%. There is anticipation that the State of Vermont will be contributing 5% of expense to towns, thus, resulting in a 95% reimbursement to the Town of Pittsford.
- There will be an Act 248 Symposium about the Public Service Board, hosted by the Rutland Regional Planning Commission on June 28, 2012 at 6:00 PM at the Rutland Intermediate School.
- The Pittsford Farmer’s Market opened last week on Route 7, just north of the Blanchard property. The market will be open on Wednesday and Saturday every week during the summer.
- The Police Department offices have relocated to the former location of the Water Department.
- There will be a Model T Car Tour in Pittsford on July 17. There is expected to be 200 vehicles with approximately 475 visitors coming to Pittsford. This is being coordinated with the Recreation Department. This tour will be in Pittsford in the morning hours.
- There will be an Electronics Waste disposal on June 30, 2012 from 9 AM – 3 PM at the Rutland High School parking lot off of Woodstock Avenue.
- The Town Manager will be out of the office on Monday and Tuesday of next week.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None presented at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
Discussion of Wind Power Proposal:
Rob Howland, consultant for Reunion Power, requested that the Board of Selectmen take no action at this time and explained benefits of the wind power project, and referred to a letter from Reunion Power, dated June 18.
A. Hitchcock indicated that the neighboring town plans should have similar requirements and requested that the four neighboring towns work together on revising their Town Plans.
Following Mr. Howland’s presentation, residents made comments in opposition to the project. Some of these comments included the destruction that was seen at other wind project locations, Hubbardton’s resolution, the tax credits being minimal the Town Plan revisions necessary.
Motion by A. Hitchcock and seconded by J. Cornell to resolve that the Pittsford Select Board publicly declare its opposition to the Reunion Industrial Wind Project on Grandpa’s Knob. J. Gagnon stated that the decision is being made before the facts are complete and encouraged residents to attend the meeting on June 28 with the Public Service Board. Chairman Pelkey asked for individual voice votes, which were as follows: Selectman Cornell – yes (opposed); Selectman Hitchcock – yes (opposed); Selectman Hooker – yes (opposed); Selectman Gagnon – yes (opposed); and Chairman Selectman Pelkey – yes (opposed).
Chairman Pelkey wished to thank Mr. Howland, Dr. Rademacher, and all of the individuals who spent much time attending meetings and doing research on the proposed project.
All but 18 residents exited at 7:12 PM.
Status Update on Joint Proposal to Connect to Town Water System and Discussion of Potential Bond Vote:
J. Haverstock indicated that there are 3 entities wishing to connect to the Town Water System. Currently, Fire District #1 is wishing to dissolve and be absorbed by the Town’s water system. The Proctor/Pittsford Country Club, and 8 Corn Hill Road residents tied to its service line wish to connect to the system. The system has the capacity to service these customers, due to the upgrades that occurred with the recent upgrade project on Route 7. Mark Youngstrom discussed this proposal with the Water & Sewer Commission at their recent meeting and the Commission supported the proposal. The cost would be approximately $260,000 to connect the users. Revenues from new customers are expected to exceed costs There are USDA/Rural Development funds available for this type of project and there is a possibility that these funds would be available at a similar loan/grant package as with the recent water upgrade.
The proposed resolution is as follows:
“WHEREAS, Pittsford Fire District Number 1 wishes to dissolve and connect it’s current water distribution system to the Town of Pittsford’s water system; and
WHEREAS, the Proctor-Pittsford Country Club and eight (8) residences sharing a common water service line, currently served by the Town of Proctor, also wish to connect to the Town of Pittsford’s water system; and
WHEREAS, an engineering study has established that revenues generated by these new customers would equal or exceed the cost to construct a connection between the Town’s water system and these potential new customers;
RESOLVED, that a proposal for the issuance of general obligation bonds of the Town in the aggregate amount not to exceed Two Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars ($260,000.00) to pay for the cost of same, subject to reduction through the receipt of any state or federal grants-in-aid and other financial assistance, should be submitted to the legal voters of the Town at a special meeting thereof to be duly called and held for that purpose on July 31, 2012;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all acts relating to the proposition of incurring bonded indebtedness and the issuance of general obligation bonds of the Town of Pittsford for the purpose of constructing and operating said improvements within the corporate limits of the Town be in accordance with the provisions of Chapters 53, 89 and 120 of Title 24, Vermont Statutes Annotated.
Dated: June 20, 2012 PITTSFORD BOARD OF SELECTMEN”
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to accept the proposed resolution. J. Gagnon inquired if there had been any consideration for fire protection in the Corn Hill area to be included in this proposal. A. Hitchcock indicated that there had been some consideration, however, it would be cost prohibitive. Motion passed 4 – 0 – 1 (Pelkey recused himself).
Update on Proctor Water Abandonment News and Discussion of Potential Bond Vote
J. Haverstock explained the State loan funds that were available for residents that will be abandoned by the Proctor Water System. These funds would be borrowed by the Town and made available to Proctor water customers within Pittsford. The interest rate from the State will be at 0 – 3%.
The following resolution was proposed:
“WHEREAS, the public interest and necessity demand that financial assistance be offered to Pittsford residents facing the imminent loss of their water supply due to the Town of Proctor’s decision to abandon service to out-of-town customers; and
WHEREAS, the State has appropriated $200,000.00 for use by municipalities whose residents require replacement water sources as a result of public water supply system abandonment;
RESOLVED, that a proposal to authorize the Town of Pittsford to borrow up to Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) from the State of Vermont, for use as a loan fund to assist residents of the Town affected by such abandonment in securing replacement water supplies should be submitted to the Town at a special meeting thereof to be duly called and held for that purpose on July 31, 2012.
Dated: June 20, 2012 PITTSFORD BOARD OF SELECTMEN
J. Gagnon inquired if the residents who have already drilled the wells would be able to apply for the loans. J. Haverstock believed so and indicated that this is one issue that will be researched.
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by A. Hitchcock to approve the resolution. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Consideration of Stipend for Planning Commission:
J. Haverstock reported that Don Nickless, Chairman of the Planning Commission has submitted a request for a stipend for the Planning Commission members. The proposal is for $500 per year per member.
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by A. Hitchcock to grant a $500 stipend to the members of the Planning Commission, as requested. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Discussion of Police Dog Cruiser Kennel:
J. Haverstock reported that Chief Warfle is investigating the acquiring of a dog kennel for the Police Department K-9, Doc. There are possibilities of obtaining this kennel through the Department of Motor Vehicles at little or no cost. More information will be forth coming at a future meeting.
Noise Complaint:
A noise complaint has been received from Mr. Rosato with regard to OMYA. J. Haverstock indicated that there is no noise ordinance in effect in town. A copy of the complaint was distributed to the members. A. Hitchcock recommended that this item be tabled until the members have had a chance to review the complaint and Omya’s response.
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion of Potential Purchase of Ditch Mower:
J. Haverstock reported that he has had discussions with Shawn Erickson concerning the ditch mower, which is 9 years old and is having some issues and is nearly non-functional.
Three bids were received: $8300 (delivered) from Greenwood; $8,495 (not delivered) from Champlain Valley Equipment; $9,000 from Giddings Equipment. There was discussion and the members have asked that Shawn be present at a future meeting for continued discussions.
Discussion of Fuel Bids:
J. Haverstock presented the following fuel bids for review:
Proctor Gas Inc., 2 Market St., Proctor, VT 05765
Fixed price bid of $1.87/gallon for estimated 3800 gallons delivered propane to several locations in Pittsford/Florence.
Gecha Fuels, 107 Gecha Lane, Pittsford, VT 05763
#2 heating fuel oil delivered will be $0.24 margin over Rutland/Middlebury rack pricing.
Today that would equate to a fuel price of $3.07/gallon today, including all fees.
Off road and ultra low sulfur diesel $0.24 margin over Rutland/Middlebury rack pricing. This would equate to a fuel price of $3.18/gallon today, including all fees.
Mac’s Flame Rite, 126 Post St., P O Box 865, Rutland, VT 05702
Option One: #2 heating fuel $0.15 margin over Rutland rack pricing.
Today’s current delivered price is $2.9465 per gallon.
Option Two: Fixed price of $3.135 for #2 fuel oil approximately 6,500 gallons.
This offer shall expire in seven (7) days if not accepted.
Ultra low sulfur diesel (undyed for highway use) & off road diesel $0.15 per gallon. Today’s current delivered price is $3.0465 per gallon.
Champlain Valley Plumbing & Heating Inc., 185 Exchange St., P O Box 723
Middlebury, VT 05753
6,500 gallons #2 heating fuel Valero Rutland rack price + $0.10/ gallon capped at $3.15.
12,000 gallons Ultra Low sulfur diesel $0.10 over Valero Rutland rack price.
Today’s is $2.90 + .10 = $3.00. (dyed product is allowed to be burned in over the road municipal vehicles), Town option-clear diesel would be same price.
2,000 gallons ultra low sulfur diesel for off road same as price above.
Motion by J. Gagnon and seconded by T. Hooker to accept the lowest bidders for all fuels. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0. (The lowest bidders were: Proctor Gas for propane; Champlain Valley Plumbing & Heating for fuel and diesel).
OTHER BUSINESS
Lister Vacancy:
J. Haverstock reported that, due to the passing of Lister Dave Chapman, there is a Lister’s vacancy and there will be a candidate interview on July 11.
Request from the Town Clerk:
Helen McKinlay has indicated that the funds from the sewer loan and grant funding is slow in being recovered and has asked for authorization to seek necessary loan funding if and when necessary. J. Haverstock will ask that Helen be present at the next meeting for further discussion.
BUDGET STATUS UPDATE:
None presented at this time.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
T. Pelkey reported that there are Personnel Issues to be discussed in Executive Session.
T. Pelkey made a motion, seconded by T. Hooker, to go into Executive Session for personnel issues where premature knowledge would be damaging to the Town, at 7:40 PM. The motion was passed unanimously.
In accordance with 1§VSA 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 7:40 PM.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 8:00 PM. There was no action as a result of Executive Session.
Chris Beitzel presented a petition to the Select Board as follows:
“We, the undersigned registered voters of Pittsford are in favor of amending the town plan. The purpose of amending the town plan is to address changing circumstances in Pittsford regarding the industrial wind proposal, to clarify conflicting town plan language and to create a clear written community standard for the Public Service Board. This amended town plan seeks to comply with statutes listed in the Vermont Municipal and Regional Planning & Development Act and specifically Title 24, Chapter 114; 24 VSA section 4384 (b) as well as referring to Title 24: Chapter 117; 24 VSA Section 4385 (d).”
A. Hitchcock encouraged the Planning Commission Chairmen from the affected towns to work together in drafting similar town plan revisions.
Mike Gecha offered to be a member of the Planning Commission and offered a 5-year commitment.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM.
The next meeting will be held on July 11, 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