Town of Pittsford
Select Board Meeting
May 21, 2014
The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM by Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman.
Select Board members present: Thomas Hooker, Jane Cornell, W. Joseph Gagnon, and Thomas “Hank” Pelkey. Absent: Allen Hitchcock
Also present: Ann Rademacher, Linda Fox, Tim Cornell (6:41 PM), Mike Warfle (6:41 PM), John Haverstock and Kelly Giard Recording Secretary.
MINUTES
The Select Board minutes from the May 7, 2014 regular meeting were signed, with no corrections.
ORDERS
The orders, in the amount of $30,380.54 and $12,987.12 (Payroll) were approved, with the following discussion:
- J. Gagnon inquired about the expense for truck #5 brakes. J. Haverstock reported that the work was done “in house” to save money.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
- Preliminary approval has been received for a VTrans Structures Grant in the amount of approximately $93,000. This grant funding will be utilized for the repair work to be done on the Depot Hill Road and Iron Master (“Furnace Brook”) bridges. There was discussion on this topic and Vermont Protective Coatings was the lowest bidder on the project.
- There will be a staff meeting on May 22, 2014 at 9:00 AM and any Select Board member is invited to attend.
- The merger between Fire District #1 and the Town water system has been approved by the Legislature, Senate and the Governor.
- There have been discussions between the Town Manager, Town Clerk and Comcast with regards to changing the phone service to save funds and improve Internet service. The only lines that will not change will be the fire dispatch lines.
- The deadline for letters of interest for residents to fill the Select Board and Water & Sewer Commission vacancies is June 11, 2014. These vacancies are a result of Allen Hitchcock resigning these slots.
- The Municipal Offices and any town related services will be closed on May 26, 2014 in observance of Memorial Day.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None presented at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
Continues Discussion of Kendall Hill Road Solar Project:
J. Haverstock reported that there are no updates and that Green Lantern is continuing its research.
Continued Discussion of Police Cruiser Replacement:
Chief Warfle reported that he has spoken with the Police Officers, who would prefer a SUV over a sedan type vehicle and replace the charger. The SUV is wider, therefore allowing for more room for equipment and printers and is comparable to a sedan regarding mileage.
The proposed price for a new Charger is in excess of $26,000; the Durango is $27,700; and the Ford Explorer is $28,800. There is currently approximately $15,000 – $16,000 available in the Vehicle Replacement Fund and there is a possibility of selling the current Charger for approximately $8,000.
T. Pelkey inquired the remaining time on the COPS Grant. J. Haverstock believed that the commitment is approximately half complete.
T. Hooker stated that he would like to see the lease option explored. J. Haverstock indicated that the lease option increases the expense by approximately $3,000 overall. Chief Warfle explained that when he was researching pricing, he compared the 3 year lease with both Ford and Dodge. T. Pelkey recommended that a 2 year lease with both Ford and Dodge be explored and reported back to the Select Board. Chief Warfle will do this research. Chief Warfle explained that the Municipal Leasing Program has been researched and included in the packets. The buy-out a the end of the lease is $1.
J. Haverstock stated that the garage bay doors are adequately sized to accommodate another SUV.
J. Gagnon inquired about the additional cost for equipment. J. Haverstock indicated the cost to be approximately $5,000. However, Chief Warfle explained that there has been a grant awarded in that amount for the Annual Click-It or Ticket Campaign. Chief Warfle explained that as much of the currently used equipment will be salvaged for the new vehicle as possible. However, there are some pieces of equipment that will need replacing due to age and wear. Chief Warfle explained that the spot light, police wiring harness and center console have been included in the pricing that has been submitted.
Discussion of Preparations for Public Hearings on New Sewer Ordinance:
Engineer Mike Smith will be in attendance at the June 4, 2014 scheduled hearing on the new sewer ordinance. The second required hearing will be held on June 18, 2014. Both of the hearings will be held in conjunction with the Select Board meetings and the required notices will be posted in the traditional locations.
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion of Water Department Truck Replacement:
J. Haverstock reported that the Water & Sewer Commission recommends to the Select Board the bid from G. Stone Motors in the amount of $56,023.60 for the replacement of the Water Department truck.
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to award the bid to G. Stone Motors, as recommended by the Water & Sewer Commission. T. Pelkey inquired about the balance in the Truck Replacement Fund. J. Haverstock reported that there is between $58,000 and $59,000 available and the amount allocated to the fund annually is based on a 7 year replacement cycle. Trade-in options have not yet been explored. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Request for Burning Permit:
The McRae’s have made a request for a burning permit for a bonfire in their sheep pasture for August 2, 2014. The request has been reviewed by Fire Warden Bill Bowman, who has approved the request. However, the Burn Ordinance states that a request of this nature requires approval also by the Select Board. Fire Warden Bowman also indicated that the burn will be cancelled in the event of a “Red Flag” warning being posted.
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to approve the request. T. Hooker recommended that Fire Warden Bowman check on the burn. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
OTHER BUSINESS
None presented at this time.
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.
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 6:55 PM.
The Select Board came out of Executive Session at 7:02 PM, with the no action taken.
The meeting adjourned at 7:02 PM
The next meeting will be held on June 4, 2014.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
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Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman
_______________ABSENT__________
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