Town of Pittsford
Select Board Meeting
March 18, 2015
The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM by John Haverstock, Town Manager
Select Board members present: Jane Cornell, Thomas Hooker, W. Joseph Gagnon, and Thomas “Hank” Pelkey. Absent: David Trombley. Also present: Chief Mike Warfle, Officer Erik Wilder, Officer Stephane Goulet, John Sly, John Eugair (6:39 PM), John Haverstock and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
AGENDA ADOPTION
T. Pelkey reported that there is a need for Executive Session for 3 Personnel Concerns. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to enter into Executive Session for 3 Personnel Concerns. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
AGENDA AMENDMENTS
T. Pelkey stated that there is a Recreation Department item and Liquor Board application to add to the agenda.
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to make the mentioned amendments to the agenda. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
MINUTES
The Select Board minutes from the March 4, 2015 Select Board meeting and Special Select Board meeting of March 11, 2015 were signed, with no corrections.
ORDERS
The orders, in the amount $18,005.55and $13,756.57 (Payroll) were approved, with the following discussion:
J. Gagnon inquired about the expense for water thawing. J. Haverstock explained that this is for a new device for the Water Department.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
- There is still time for participation in the Feinstein Food Challenge to support the Pittsford Food Shelf. Donations of cash or non-perishable food items can be left at the Food Shelf or the Municipal Offices. The deadline for donations is April 30.
- The Town Manager and the Highway Foreman have met with Brian Sanderson from VTrans regarding grant possibilities for highway work and structures.
- Paving bid RFP’s have been sent to four possible contractors and are due back in April. One stipulation that is included in the RFP is a completion date and penalty provision.
- Credit and debit card transactions are now available at the Town Clerk’s office. Any fees for these transactions will be passed along to the card user.
- Representatives from Neighborworks will be in attendance at the April 1 meeting to discuss possibilities for assisting residents.
- The Historical Society has submitted information regarding the text for the Highway Marker to be installed at the Village Green. The information was included in the packets for review.
- There will be a Rabies Clinic and Dog Licensing Opportunity on March 21 from 9:00 – 11:00 AM at the Municipal Office
- The Town Manager will be out of the office on March 23 and March 24.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None presented at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
Act on Proposed Amendment to Zoning Ordinance:
The Select Board met in Deliberative Session on March 11 to discuss the Proposed Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. There was a draft letter summarizing this discussion included in the packets for review. The general agreement of the Select Board was to send the letter to the Planning Commission.
Consider Membership in Rutland County Chamber of Commerce:
J. Gagnon and J. Cornell inquired what this membership benefits included for the Town. J. Haverstock that this would cost approximately $260.
Motion by J. Gagnon and T. Hooker to not proceed with the membership. Motion passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
Consider Purchase of Taser(s) for Police Department:
Officer Erik Wilder and Officer Stephane Goulet presented a proposal to the Select Board to purchase tasers for the Police Department. Asst. Chief John Sly from the Rutland Town Police Department was also present to discuss the purchase of the devices. There was discussion of policies and procedures, in the event that the devices were purchased.
T. Pelkey inquired about the cost of training. Officer Goulet explained that neighboring town departments would assist in the training. J. Haverstock also explained that there are some classes available at the Police Academy. Asst. Chief Sly stated that there are State certified instructors and the training is accepted by the Academy.
J. Haverstock inquired what situations would warrant the use of a taser. Asst. Chief Sly explained various scenarios and Chief Warfle explained a recent incident in Town where a taser would have been useful.
J. Haverstock inquired which officers would be using the devices. Officer Goulet stated that Officers Wilder, Goulet and Pratico would be using the devices.
T. Pelkey inquired whether the funds were available in the Police Department’s budget. Chief Warfle stated that he is waiting for information from Linda Drummond as he feels that some of the equipment recently purchased with Omya grant funds were misapplied.
J. Gagnon inquired where the responsibility lies in the event there is a death resulting from the tasing. J. Haverstock explained that the Town would be responsible and the VLCT would be involved as insurer. This is one reason the recommended policies would be adopted and followed.
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to table the decision until a future meeting so the funding information and final quotes may be obtained and a full board is present. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Chief Warfle, Asst. Chief Sly, Officer Goulet and Officer Wilder exited at 7:07 PM.
Review Proposed Policy for Handling Parking Ticket Appeals:
J. Haverstock explained that the proposed procedure is included in the packets for review. Chief Warfle has reviewed the policy and has no recommended changes.
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to accept the policy. J. Cornell agreed to be the Hearing Appeals Officer. The motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Discussion of Listers’ Compensation:
J. Eugair was present to discuss the Listers’ Compensation and the Re-Appraisal procedures.
J. Eugair stated that the Request for Proposal is being drafted and 5 or 6 firms have been identified to receive the RFP.
J. Eugair recommended compensating the Listers’ on an hourly basis, especially during the re-appraisal process. There was discussion that some towns stipend and some towns pay on an hourly basis.
Following a lengthy discussion, the Select Board recommended that there be a full board meeting with all of the Listers present prior to any changes. This item was tabled to a future meeting.
J. Eugair exited at 7:21 PM.
Consider Changing Size of the Planning Commission:
J. Haverstock explained that the current size of the Planning Commission is with one vacancy. There are two residents interested in joining the Planning Commission. Following discussion, the Planning Commission will be consulted prior to increasing the size of the Commission. This topic was tabled.
Execute Annual Financial Plan for VTRANS:
J. Haverstock explained that this form is an annual requirement.
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to sign the document. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0 and the document was signed.
Certify Compliance with Road and Bridge Standards:
J. Haverstock explained that this is also an annual state requirement and Highway Foreman Erickson has stated that the Town is in compliance with the standards. Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to sign the document. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Approve Rutland County Public Works Mutual Aid Agreement:
J. Haverstock explained that there are other areas that have a mutual aid agreement with neighboring communities (water and sewer; fire) to assist when the need arises. The Rutland Regional Planning Commission recommends this agreement be signed by towns within Rutland County. There is no commitment involved. The Select Board authorized the Town Manager to sign the agreement.
Set Date for Pittsford Day Celebration:
J. Haverstock recommended Saturday, August 15 as a proposed date. The Select Board agreed to the date of August 15.
Recreation Committee Officers:
Randy Adams submitted a memo stating that the Recreation Committee recently met and proposed Chair Rob Ketcham and Vice Chair Kathy Shortsleeves. Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to approve the proposed officers for the Recreation Committee. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Recreation Fees:
Randy Adams recommended that the fees at the Recreation Area remain as in the past year. The Select Board agrees to this recommendation.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Select Board recessed at 7:28 PM to convene as the Liquor Board.
The Select Board reconvened at 7:29 PM and entered into Executive Session to discuss Personnel Concerns.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
T. 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.
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 7:29 PM. The Town Manager was invited to remain for Executive Session.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 7:55 PM, with no action taken.
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on April 1, 2015.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
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Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman
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Thomas Hooker, Vice Chairman
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Jane Cornell, Selectman
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W. Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
______________ABSENT___________
David Trombley, Selectman