Town of Pittsford
Select Board Meeting
April 16, 2014
DRAFT
The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM by Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman.
Select Board members present: Allen Hitchcock, Thomas Hooker, Jane Cornell, W. Joseph Gagnon, and Thomas “Hank” Pelkey.
Also present: Bruce Edwards, Trish Lewis, Ann Rademacher, Jim Rademacher, Kelley Lyons, Luke Shullenberger, Beth Richards, John Haverstock and Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary.
MINUTES
The Select Board minutes from the April 2, 2014 regular meeting were signed, with no corrections.
ORDERS
The orders in the amount of $75,695.82 and $9,312.40 (Payroll) were approved with the following discussion:
- J. Gagnon inquired if the expense for snow blades was for stock for next season. J. Haverstock indicated that these were purchased for upcoming seasons.
- J. Gagnon inquired about the expenses for water meter installations. J. Haverstock indicated that most of the water meters were installed by Town employees when the merger took place. However, there were five that needed a plumber to install. The installation of these five meters completes the project.
- A. Hitchcock inquired whether the electricity expense as being listed as “all usage”. J. Haverstock believes that this expense was a partial payment.
- A. Hitchcock inquired about the expense “to unthaw sewer”. J. Haverstock indicated that this was at the Wastewater Treatment Facility.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
- The Feinstein Challenge is ongoing through April 30. Donations can be left at the Food Shelf location or at the Municipal Offices.
- The Spring Newsletter has been completed for review and will be delivered to residents in the near future.
- Green-Up Day will take place on May 3. OMYA will be providing a receptacle and volunteer staff at the Municipal Office to assist residents with their green-up bags.
- There will be a meeting on May 5 with the Town Manager, Funding Representatives, engineer and contractors concerning the Dam removal project. There will be another meeting immediately following this meeting with abutters and other stakeholders.
- A thank you card was received from Joan Rost for flowers that were sent to her at the time of her husbands’ passing.
- Rep. Shaw reports that the Fire District #1 merger is “moving along well” in the Legislature.
- The Water & Sewer Commissioners voted on April 15, 2014 to forward the Sewer Ordinance to the Select Board for its review and adoption.
- Letters have been sent to property owners in the area of the Arch and Pleasant Street sidewalk project to request easements.
- The Town Manager will tour Randall Park with a representative from the Agency of Natural Resources to discuss the drainage issues in the area.
- The Recreation Department has sent a Request for Bids to contractors with regard to the resurfacing of the tennis and basketball courts. These bids will be reviewed at the May 7 meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None presented at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
Review Proposed Language for Town Green Historical Marker:
The information was included in the packets and the Historical Society is recommending the marker have information regarding furnace production in Pittsford. The Select Board agreed with the proposed language, however, would like the Historical Society to review the number of characters that are included as the marker is allowed a specific number.
NEW BUSINESS
Remarks from Green Lantern Capital re: Proposed Solar Array Project on Kendall Hill Road:
Luke Shullenberger from Green Lantern Capital was present to discuss a proposed solar array project that is slated for property now owned by Carmella Carter. The property has been subdivided and the entrance to the property is off of Kendall Hill Road. There is currently a Purchase and Sales Agreement on the property to construct a 500 kilowatt net meter solar project.
Mr. Shullenberger explained that there are financial benefits to municipal entities, as well as tax assessment income. Mr. Shullenberger indicated that there is a possibility of the Town saving between $4,700 and $4,800, guaranteed, on its electrical utility bills.
Mr. Shullenberger indicated that permits are required from the Public Service Board, following input from the Rutland Regional Planning Commission, Select Board and abutters. There are also various tests that must be conducted as part of the application process. Mr. Shullenberger explained the usage of the generated power and how the investor commitments work.
Mr. Shullenberger exited at 7:18 PM.
Execution of Chittenden Trail Alteration Report of Findings and Order:
The Select Board members attended a joint meeting recently and this document required signatures of the members present.
Remarks from Pittsford Farmers’ Market:
Kelley Lyons and Beth Richards were present to discuss the plans for this year’s market days.
Ms. Richards indicated that their hope is to have the market on the Village Green. The ownership of the parcel was discussed and the Green is in the State Right of Way.
Ms. Lyons indicated that she has spoken with the Congregational Church and hopes to include them in fundraising approximately once per month. Ms. Lyons also indicated that the Farmers’ Market will be communicating their intentions to the abutting neighbors.
OTHER BUSINESS
Allen Hitchcock indicated that he has chosen not to seek re-election in the next election cycle and plans to resign effective June 30, 2014. The members of the Select Board expressed gratitude to Mr. Hitchcock for everything he has done for the Town and noted that he will be greatly missed.
Fire Chief Hooker explained that the current ladder truck is 33 years old and is in need of replacement. Chief Hooker indicated that a replacement truck has been located and the information on this truck was in the packets for review. The truck is a 1998 E-1 with 58,000 miles. The truck has a 75 foot ladder. The town indicated that the only issue with the truck is that the truck is too small for booming growth in North Ridgeville, Ohio. There has been a refundable deposit placed on this truck and the members will be going to inspect and purchase the truck in the near future. Motion by J. Cornell and seconded by A. Hitchcock to authorize the Fire Chief to purchase the proposed fire truck at a total cost not to exceed $160,000, to include the lettering and return of the vehicle. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0 with T. Hooker abstaining.
J. Haverstock read a draft e-mail to VTrans with regard to the condition of Route 7, sidewalks and the water and sewer infrastructure in Pittsford. The Select Board agreed to send this email to VTrans.
Police Chief Warfle has indicated that the police cruiser (Dodge Charger) is in need of replacement. The vehicle is a 2007 with approximately 90,000 miles. J. Haverstock indicated that there is approximately $16,000 in the replacement fund and the Kelley Blue Book indicates a possible trade-in/resale value of approximately $8,500. The Select Board members agreed that the investigation should begin to replace this vehicle. T. Hooker recommended also exploring the possibility of leasing vs. purchasing.
J. Cornell inquired about the status of the Elm Street dogs that were reviewed under a dog hearing recently. J. Haverstock explained that the owners still reside on Elm Street and there have been no further complaints about the situation. The dogs do require to be registered at this time and the Town Clerk’s Office is looking into this situation.
Trish Lewis was present and updated the Select Board on the happenings within the Rutland Regional Planning Commission. Some of the noted points are that the search for the new Executive Director will begin on May 1 and VT Gas was present for their presentation with regard to Phase III.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
T. Hooker made a motion and seconded by T. Pelkey to go into Executive Session for contractual and personnel issues, where premature knowledge would be damaging to the Town, and may be jeopardized by public disclosure.
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 and contractual at 7:54PM.
J. Haverstock, A. Rademacher, and J. Rademacher were invited to remain for Executive Session.
A. Rademacher and J. Rademacher exited Executive Session at 7:58 PM.
The Select Board came out of Executive Session at 8:15, with J. Cornell moving to appoint Bradley Keith interim Deputy Fire Warden. Seconded by Allen Hitchcock. Passed 5 to 0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM
The next meeting will be held on May 7, 2014.
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