Town of Pittsford
Select Board Meeting
July 16, 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, David Trombley and Thomas “Hank” Pelkey. Also present: Linda Fox, David Pearson, John Haverstock and Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary.
MINUTES
The Select Board minutes from the July 2, 2014 regular meeting and the July 11, 2014 Special Meeting were signed, with no corrections.
ORDERS
The orders, in the amount of $12,793.91 (FY ’14); $36,253.62 (FY ’15) and $13,079.88 (Payroll) were approved, with no discussion.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
• Welcome Selectman David Trombley who is filling the vacancy left by the retirement of Allen Hitchcock.
• The fire department ladder truck is now being advertised on Firetec with a 30 day exposure at a price of $15,000.
• The Water & Sewer Department utility truck was advertised on Govdeals.com. However, the bids did not come in at the amount that has been offered by G. Stone Motors for a trade-in.
• July 15 was the deadline for the Summer edition of the Town Newsletter. Linda Drummond has indicated that articles can still be submitted and will be included as space permits.
• Kendrick Dam removal has begun. The top half of the dam has been removed and the excavation of the setiment has begun, which will take several weeks. The funders have expressed approval in the work that has been done so far.
• Tax bills will be going out in the next day or two as the needed special paper has just arrived.
• Pittsford Day will be held on August 16. Special thank you to OMYA for sponsoring Satin & Steel. Also a special thank you to Vermont Gas for sponsoring children’s activities.
• A thank you note has been received from the Lertola family for a contribution to the Wounded Soldier Fund in memory of their son who was recently killed in an automobile accident. A verbal thank you has been received from Joe Pomykala for the flexibility in his schedule to allow him to care for his ill wife.
• Fairpoint was replaced by Comcast at the Town offices on July 11.
J. Cornell inquired what would be done at the site of the Kendrick Dam, once construction is complete. J. Haverstock explained that there would be improved access to the area; restored natural flow of the stream and a picnic area. There may also be a historic marker placed with a portion of the foundation walls remaining.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None presented at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
Update on Mosquito Abatement Program Planning:
J. Haverstock gave a history of the topic. There was no support for the project at Town Meeting for the $80,000 initial start-up and $20,000 annual fees originally proposed several years ago to join the Brandon district. There were several more requests received recently in favor of the mosquito abatement. There has been a decision to seek State funding for the study of the mosquito abatement. Currently, there are 2 mosquito districts in the State. J. Haverstock explained that he is in the process of contacting the districts to learn more and to ask Brandon about the possibility of becoming an “add-on” to its district and is waiting for return communications.
J. Gagnon stated that the State should be included in future discussions. J. Haverstock explained that the Department of Agriculture is in charge of spraying and the State does statewide reviews of dangerous mosquitoes and orders spraying as necessary. Alan Graham has offered to assist the Town in the fall with mapping. T. Pelkey stated that this is probably the best option.
Continued Discussion of Potential Purchase of Used Leaf Vacuum:
J. Haverstock stated that an offer of $7,000 has been made and accepted by the Town of Putney for the purchase of their used leaf vacuum. Shawn Erickson will be going to Putney to bring the equipment back.
Other Old Business:
J. Haverstock reported that Phase II of the Basketball and Tennis Court Resurfacing project is in the works. The basketball backboards are over 20 years old and are rusting and misaligned. Randy Adams has researched and found pricing of $3,600 to do the project. This amount is within the Recreation Department authorization for expenditure and the Recreation Committee will install the new backboards.
NEW BUSINESS
Dave Pearson was present to discuss Habitat for Humanity of Rutland County. Complete information was included in the Select Board packets. Mr. Pearson stated that he can be contacted at 802-483-0086 or . J. Haverstock stated that he will work with Mr. Pearson to include a small informational piece for the upcoming newsletter.
Mr. Pearson exited at 6:48 PM.
OTHER BUSINESS
None presented at this time.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
T. Pelkey made a motion and seconded by J. Gagnon 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 7:03 PM.
J. Haverstock exited at 7:06 PM.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 7:29 PM.
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by J. Gagnon to extend indefinitely the freeze on stipends/salaries for elected officials. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Motion by J. Cornell and seconded by D. Trombley to nominate T. Hooker as Vice-Chair of the Select Board. Motion failed 2 – 3.
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by D. Trombley to nominate J. Gagnon as Vice-Chair of the Select Board. Motion passed 3 – 1 – 1. (Gagnon abstained. J. Cornell opposed.)
Jim Rademacher entered meeting and advocated pressing the Rutland Regional Planning Commission to become more pro-active in setting criteria to consider when addressing the siting of solar arrays. Per the Select Board, the Town Manager will communicate these sentiments to Trish Lewis, who represents the Town on the RRPC.
The meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM.
The next meeting will be held on August 6, 2014.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
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Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman
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W. Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
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Jane Cornell, Selectman
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Thomas Hooker, Selectman
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David Trombley, Selectman