Town of Pittsford
Select Board Meeting
December 4, 2013
The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM by Allen Hitchcock, Chairman.
Select Board members present: Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Thomas Hooker, Jane Cornell, Allen Hitchcock, and W. Joseph Gagnon.
Also present: Mike Laurent, Peg Flory, Joan Curtis, Sam Markowski, Thomas Markowski, Linda Fox, Eileen Simolardes, Dave Markowski, Jason Gibbs, Wayne Williams, Steve Beck, Trish Lewis, Charlie Pughe, Beverly Peterson, Bruce Edwards, Bethany Menkart, Cathy Rider, Jim Rademacher, Lee Kahrs, John Haverstock and Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary.
MINUTES
The Select Board minutes from the November 20, 2013 meeting were signed, with no corrections.
ORDERS
The orders in the amount of $89,615.01 and $10,670.59 (Payroll) were approved with the following discussion:
J. Gagnon inquired about the tax credit refund of $6,555.44. J. Haverstock explained that there are instances that a mortgage company pays property taxes, as does the property owner creating a double-payment. Other times, the Homestead Declaration impact is miscalculated, thus resulting in a rebate.
A. Hitchcock inquired about the expense to Florence Crushed Stone for sewer and class 3 roads. J. Haverstock explained that the stone was for 2 projects and each department is billed separately.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
· The Water System upgrade is complete with just a few “punch list” items to be completed. There is 1 meter remaining to be installed at an abandoned home.
· The VHC Navigator recently met with the participants of the health insurance plan and returned on November 22 to assist employees with the enrollment process. However, the website was not working properly and it was determined that small businesses can contact insurance companies directly. The plans should be in place with Blue Cross/Blue Shield before January 1, 2014.
· The materials have been delivered for the roof project at the Fire House. The contractor is expected to begin the project on December 9, with an anticipated 7 – 10 days of construction.
· There will be a Staff Meeting on December 12 at 9 AM. Select Board members are invited to attend.
· Jim Stewart from OMYA will be present at the December 18 meeting to discuss OMYA’s performance.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Cathy Rider inquired where the funds were coming from to repair the fire house roof. J. Haverstock explained that the project went to bid and the funds were available in the General Fund surplus.
OLD BUSINESS
Remarks from VT Gas Representatives:
Eileen Simolardes was present to discuss the proposal of a VT Gas pipeline from Middlebury to Rutland (Phase III). International Paper Company has paid $45 million to support Phase II to run the pipeline under Lake Champlain.
There were questions from Select Board members concerning the size of the proposed pipeline and opposition. Ms. Simolardes answered these questions and addressed the concerns that were raised by the members of the Select Board.
There were also questions and opposition from members of the public with concerns about the project. Ms. Simolardes also addressed these questions and concerns.
The Select Board welcomes any input from the public with regard to the proposed project.
Mike Laurent, Joan Curtis, Sam Markowski, Thomas Markowski, Eileen Simolardes, Dave Markowski, Jason Gibbs, Wayne Williams, Steve Beck, Charlie Pughe, Beverly Peterson, Bethany Menkart exited at 7:09 PM.
Rutland Regional Planning Commission:
Trish Lewis, representative to the Rutland Regional Planning Commission, was present to discuss the proposed increase in fees to the Commission. This increase is not an immediate increase and the Town will be informed for the purpose of budgeting.
Trish Lewis exited at 7:13 PM.
NEW BUSINESS
Presentation of Third Draft of FY 2014/2015 Budget:
J. Haverstock explained that he has modestly trimmed the budgets of the Listers, Town Clerk and the Highway Departments. Currently, the General Fund and Water budgets are “close” to balanced and the Sewer budget will be reviewed and the sewer fees will also be adjusted in the near future.
The Highway revenue is “short” with relation to the proposed work plan. The “shortfall” was discussed and there are possible ways to complete the projects from various income sources. There was also discussion concerning the application for grant funding for various highway projects.
Authorization of Town Manager to Bid at Tax Sales:
J. Haverstock reported that there were initially 13 properties that were on the list for delinquent tax sales. Currently, 5 of these properties have resolved their debt.
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to authorize the Town Manager to place bids at the tax sale. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Authorization to Purchase Clearlane:
J. Haverstock included the information in the packets for the proposed purchase of Clearlane for the Highway Department.
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to purchase necessary Clearlane at a price of $78.43 per ton. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Appointment of New Town Moderator:
J. Haverstock reported that Jim Carvey has agreed to serve as Town Moderator. Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to appoint Mr. Carvey as Town Moderator for the next Town Meeting. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
J. Haverstock was instructed to send a letter to Matt Harvey thanking him for his service to the Town.
J. Haverstock reported that Mr. Carvey will be attending training sessions and will be meeting with Mr. Harvey.
Execute Modified Certificate of Highway Mileage:
J. Haverstock explained the modification. There is 0.15 mile of road on Old Hubbardton Road running westward from Markowski Road that the Town maintains and which is included in the current certificate. However, there is another 0.18 mile of road on Old Hubbardton Road that runs eastward from Fire Hill Road that is not yet included.
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by J. Cornell to execute the modification. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Gift of Life Marathon will be held on December 17 in Rutland. In the past, interested employees were allowed two hours time off to attend. The Select Board agreed to continue the allowance.
Cathy Rider expressed praise to the Highway Department for their maintenance of the highways in the winter, as well as the new pavement on the Sangamon Road.
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, and may be jeopardized by public disclosure at for Executive Session.
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 7:30PM.
J. Haverstock was invited to stay.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 7:37PM, with no action taken.
The meeting adjourned at 7:37 PM.
The next meeting will be held on December 18, 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
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Jane Cornell, Selectman
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Thomas Hooker, Selectman