Town of Pittsford
Select Board Meeting
November 6, 2013
The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM by Allen Hitchcock, Chairman.
Select Board members present: Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Thomas Hooker, Allen Hitchcock, and W. Joseph Gagnon. Absent: Jane Cornell.
Also present: Shawn Erickson, Bob Harnish, Don Nickless, Chris Beitzel, Kathy Brown, Bruce Edwards, Jamie Stewart, Rick Bloomer, Jane Lazorchak, Linda Fox, Randy Adams (6:45 PM), John Haverstock and Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary.
MINUTES
The Select Board minutes from the October 16, 2013 meeting were signed, with no corrections.
ORDERS
The orders in the amount of $782,611.69 and $9,537.04 (Payroll) were approved with the following discussion:
J. Gagnon inquired about the expense for Champlain Construction for the water expansion project. J. Haverstock indicated that the project was paid, with the exception of the additional Corn Hill pipeline replacement portion.
J. Gagnon inquired the expense to Sullivan & Powers for the external audit. Following discussion, the Board agreed that the current auditing firm is thorough and better than firms that previously bid on the work.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
- The water system expansion project’s switch-over occurred on October 7, with Town water being supplied to new customers since then. There are a few punch-list items to be completed by Champlain Construction. NEMRC has been contacted regarding the billing for the new customers, with service from October 7 through December 31. Legal counsel advises that there must be a vote of the registered voters of the Town to approve the merger of Fire District #1 and the Town water system. This process can occur at Town Meeting by Australian ballot.
- The Union contract has been drafted and approved by the Union. There will be a VHC navigator in Friday, November 8 to explain to covered employees the health insurance enrollment process. The representative will return later in the month to do the actual enrollments.
- Congratulations to the Nickwackett Hose Company and the Pittsford Fire Department on another successful Haunted House event.
- A new bay door has been installed in the police garage to allow for improved accessibility. Thank you to Chucky Charbonneau and the highway department staff for completing this work.
- The roof replacement work at the Fire House will be occurring soon.
- Atty. Kupferer is working on the 12 parcels that are involved in the tax sale. Following contact and advertisements, the tax sale is scheduled to occur on December 17, 2013.
- A settlement of $4,000 has been agreed to with the owner of a heavy vehicle that caused damage to Whipple Hollow Road.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None presented at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
Update on the Union Contract:
J. Haverstock explained that this topic was included in the Town Manager’s Report.
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion of Potential Transfer of Bloomer Parcel of Property in West Rutland and Pittsford to the State:
Jane Lazorchack was present to explain the proposed transaction. Mr. Bloomer owns 74 acres, of which 54 acres is located in West Rutland and the rest in Pittsford. Ms. Lazorchack explained that there are two active deer yards on the property, which the State is looking to protect. West Rutland requested that gates be installed at the property to help decrease the dumping of rubbish that has been occurring on the property. A. Hitchcock inquired if the Pittsford land would become part of the PILOT program. Ms. Lazorchack confirmed this and indicated that 20 acres would come out of the tax base.
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to approve the proposal. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
J. Lazorchack and R. Bloomer exited at 6:46 PM.
Remarks from Rutland Economic Development Corporation:
Jamie Stewart was present to discuss the proposed VT Gas project. Currently, Rutland County is not on the proposed map. There have been companies identified that would benefit from the pipeline, in the event that the line were to come to Rutland County. Anyone with questions or comments was invited to call Mr. Stewart.
Mr. Stewart exited at 6:55 PM.
Remarks from Town Planning Commission Chair Re: Zoning Ordinance Revision Efforts:
D. Nickless explained that the changes were on the map that was previously presented for the Select Board members to review. The proposed changes focus on preventing strip development, sprawl, expand the village, and eliminate a small section of industrial area on the north end of town. There is a public meeting being scheduled for early December with a Public Hearing tentatively scheduled for December 19.
K. Brown and C. Beitzel exited at 7:03 PM.
Presentation of Initial Draft of FY 2014/2015 Budget:
J. Haverstock read a memo to the Select Board and presented the initial draft of the budget. Various budget points were discussed. Anyone with any questions or comments is welcome to contact J. Haverstock.
Discussion of Highway Department Work Plan and Budget Proposal:
Shawn Erickson was present to discuss the proposed work plan for the Highway Department. Currently, paving is a priority on the Class 3 roads. There will be an application for grant funds for Class 2 roads. Therefore, there is no budget in the proposed plan for Class 2. However, if the Class 2 grant is not received, there will be some movement of projects and funds from Class 3 roads. The plan is to finish Windy Hill Road, and to pave Elm Street, Cooley Bridge and Gorham Bridge Road. There will be some shoulder work and gravelling of Class 3 roads. Other projects proposed from the Highway Department are to replace the culvert on Pine Woods Road; repair the runners on the Depot Bridge; and have a contractor paint the underside of Iron Master and Depot Bridges.
A. Hitchcock inquired if there has been an increased accumulation of trash on roadsides. S. Erickson indicated that there is roadside trash in “certain areas”.
Discussion of Recreation Department Work Plan and Budget Proposal:
Randy Adams was present to discuss the proposed work plan for the Recreation Department. A “thank you” was given to the Highway Department for their assistance in projects over the past year. The work plan that is proposed is to level fund the budget. R. Adams explained that the last summer saw busy times at the Recreation Area with busy swim lessons (which broke past records); the Boys & Girls Club met at the area; Day Camp had the 3rd highest attendance; and the group rentals were increased. Volunteers spread new chips under the swing sets. The chips were purchased and volunteers were available to spread them.
Brandon has hired a new Recreation Director, who is working together with Pittsford Recreation Department on building joint programs.
Discussion of Tree Planting Budget Proposal:
Bob Harnish was present to propose planting trees in order to beautify the Town. There were 22 trees planted on Arch Street last year along Elm Street and the hope is to plant 20 trees in various areas in Town each year. Following discussion, it was noted that the trees along Elm Street may be planted out of the Right of Way and it was agreed that an agreement with the landowners may be a good idea to avoid any issues in the future. Mr. Harnish will check with other towns to see how they handle similar situations and report back. In the future, there may be a chance for community groups to be involved in the planting and maintaining of any young trees. Mr. Harnish is requesting an annual appropriation of $3,000 toward the purchase of the trees, which would cost approximately $4,600 with the balance would come from fund raising efforts. J. Gagnon indicated that he has properties that have some young trees that he is willing to donate for transplant. Mr. Harnish will keep this offer in mind in the future.
R. Adams and S. Erickson exited at 7:34 PM.
Execution of Water Project Funding Documents:
J. Haverstock reported that Paul Giuliani has forwarded the documents for the $154,000 loan toward the $260,000 project. The Select Board members present signed the documents.
D. Nickless exited at 7:37 PM.
OTHER BUSINESS:
None presented at this time.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None presented at this time.
The meeting adjourned at 7:39PM.
The next meeting will be held on November 20, 2013.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
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Allen Hitchcock, Chairman
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Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Vice Chairman
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W. Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
_______________ABSENT__________
Jane Cornell, Selectman
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Thomas Hooker, Selectman