Town of Pittsford
Select Board Meeting
February 4, 2015
The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM by Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman.
Select Board members present: Jane Cornell, David Trombley, Thomas Hooker, W. Joseph Gagnon, and Thomas “Hank” Pelkey. Also present: Tom Browe, John Haverstock, and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
AGENDA ADOPTION
- Trombley stated that there is a need for Executive Session for Personnel.
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to add Executive Session for Personnel to the agenda, to include the Town Manager. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to amend the agenda to include tabling the Auditors Presentation, adding consideration of a 9-1-1 Dispatch Consolidation resolution, a Liquor Board matter and a discussion of the sale of the police cruiser. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
MINUTES
The Select Board minutes from the January 28, 2015 Select Board meeting were signed, with no corrections.
ORDERS
The orders, in the amount $17,958.79 and $11,454.14 (Payroll) were approved with the following discussion:
- Trombley inquired why the payment for the replacement of the fire hydrant if it was to be paid by an insurance company. J. Haverstock explained that the request for reimbursement has been submitted to the truck driver’s insurance company, including 6 hours each for Shawn Hendee and Bruce Babcock’s labor.
- Gagnon noted that the police vehicles are being serviced out of Town and there was discussion regarding whether there is an establishment in Town to perform this work.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
- Haverstock reported on the following:
- VLCT will be hosting a Select Board Institute program. J. Haverstock has included information in the packets for Select Board members to review and register, if interested.
- Trish Lewis, Vice Chairman of the Planning Commission, will be in attendance at the February 18, 2015 Public Hearing on the proposed Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance and Don Nickless, the Chairman, will be in attendance at the February 25, 2015 Public Hearing.
- The Town Office and related services will be closed on February 16, 2015 in observance of President’s Day.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Cristina Kumka noted that the Stop sign at the Arch Street and Route 7 intersection was missing. T. Pelkey noted that the sign was replaced by VTrans this afternoon.
Tom Browe spoke in appreciation of Shawn Erickson and the entire Highway Department for their maintaining the roads during the winter weather.
OLD BUSINESS
Update on Town Meeting Preparations:
- Haverstock indicated that the Town Report has been proof-read and minor changes made prior to sending back to the printer. The dedication ceremony will occur on February 19, 2015 at 9:00 AM at the Town Hall (aka Lothrop School Gymnasium).
Jim Carvey and J. Haverstock will be attending a Town Meeting Tune-Up Seminar in Montpelier on Tuesday, February 10, 2015.
Discuss Possible Streetlight Conversion to LED’s:
- Haverstock reported that he has been in communication with Efficiency Vermont, Green Mountain Power and 7 other Town Managers to gather information with regard to the conversion to LED’s for streetlights. Most of the information received back has been favorable.
- Pelkey inquired how long the payback would be, in the event of a conversion. J. Haverstock explained that he has been told that the payback would be in 1.08 years, based on $11,000 charges ($5,000 in Town payments and $6,000 in Efficiency Vermont credits).
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by J. Cornell to move forward with the conversion. D. Trombley inquired what wattages would be installed. J. Haverstock explained that Green Mountain Power will make recommendations as to the wattages necessary to best match existing illumination levels. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Discussion of Police Cruiser Sale:
- Cornell stated concern over the sale of the police cruiser and feels that the purchaser misrepresented himself, which could be a violation of the terms of sale. The purchaser stated that the vehicle would be used in Maryland. However, the vehicle remains in Irasburg, VT with the police equipment still installed in the vehicle.
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by D. Trombley to instruct the Town Manager to send a letter to the buyer requesting that the light bar and radio be removed from the vehicle and be returned to the Town of Pittsford. J. Gagnon inquired if this would change the deal. J. Haverstock stated that the agreement was that the vehicle would be in Maryland and used for Police/Fire affiliation. The Irasburg Constable has stated that the current owner has no Vermont affiliation with Police or Fire. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
NEW BUSINESS
Presentation of External Audit Report:
This topic was tabled.
Discussion of Venue for Hearings on Proposed Amended Zoning Ordinance:
- Haverstock stated that he has been in communication with the Lothrop School and the gymnasium has been reserved by other groups for the nights of February 18 and 25. Therefore, the meetings will be held at the Municipal Office Conference Room.
9-1-1 Dispatch Consolidation Resolution:
- Hooker explained that the Governor is proposing the closure of two PSAP Centers in Vermont, with Rutland being one. A draft resolution opposing this plan was read. Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to sign the resolution as presented. J. Gagnon inquired the opinions of VSP officers. T. Hooker stated that the VSP is not allowed to express any opinion on the matter. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Select Board recessed at 7:04 PM to convene as the Liquor Board.
The Select Board reconvened at 7:09 PM.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
- Pelkey made a motion and seconded by T. Hooker to go into Executive Session for personnel, 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 discussions at 7:09 PM.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 7:55 PM, with no action taken.
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM.
The next meeting will be held on February 18, 2014.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
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Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman
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- Joseph Gagnon, Vice Chairman
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Jane Cornell, Selectman
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Thomas Hooker, Selectman
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David Trombley, Selectman