Town of Pittsford
Select Board Meeting
April 15, 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: Bob Harnish (6:36 PM), Mike Mullin, John Haverstock, and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
Pelkey stated that there was a need for Executive Session for 2 Personnel concerns, to include the Town Manager. D. Trombley asked for an Executive Session for one Personnel concern. J. Haverstock requested Executive Session for Contract concerns. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to enter into Executive Session for 3 Personnel matters and one Contractual matter. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Pelkey indicated that there was a need to amend the agenda to add the signing of the dog warrant, officially appoint Brad Keith as Assistant Fire Warden and review a resident proposal for a warning siren. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to amend the agenda and accept the agenda as amended. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
MINUTES
The Select Board minutes from the April 1, 2015 Select Board meeting were signed, with no corrections. The Liquor Board minutes from the April 1, 2015 meeting were signed, with no corrections.
ORDERS
The orders, in the amount $36,131.20 and $9,871.35 (Payroll) were approved, with the following discussion:
Gagnon inquired about the expense for Route 7 Segment 1 engineering. J. Haverstock explained that this was in relation to the water line project that had been completed to increase pressure to the Rowe Apartments. VTrans is reviewing the placement of the infrastructure since some of it now conflicts with their latest design for Route 7 upgrades. There was discussion on this topic and J. Haverstock stated that this was a Water Fund expense.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
Haverstock reported on the following:
- The Feinstein Food Challenge continues until April 30. The Food Shelf will receive a matching donation for every dollar worth of food collected. Residents are encouraged to send donations to the Food Shelf or deliver items to the Food Shelf at Keith’s Country Store or the Municipal Office entryway.
- The Spring Newsletter will be sent to the printer in the next couple of days.
- Credit and Debit card transactions are now being accepted at the Town Clerk’s Office.
- The Red Cross Shelter Initiative will be holding a half-day training session for any volunteers that are interested in becoming part of the program. This program will require a half day training session per year and the Town will receive 50 blankets, 25 cots and 10 cases of water to assist in the event there is a necessity for an emergency shelter. There is still a need for 5 volunteers.
- Green Lantern Capital will soon begin work on the solar array project off of Kendall Hill Road. This is the rear of the Carmela Carter property. Further information was included in the packets for review.
- A ruling in favor of VTrans has been made by the Court with regard to Right of Way disputes along Segments 3 and 4 of Route 7 on the north end of Town. J. Haverstock read the e-mail aloud and a copy of this e-mail was in the packets for review.
- Thank you to OMYA for their generous annual donation of $500 toward the purchase of Memorial Day flags.
- The Town Manager will be out of the office on April 27 and 28.
Trombley inquired the information that was included in the packets with regard to the speed limit cart. J. Haverstock explained that he was researching the cost of such a unit, which could be used throughout Town and near the school.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None presented at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
Continued Discussion of Lister Compensation:
Bob Harnish was present on behalf of the Listers to discuss a memo that was sent to the members of the Select Board outlining the compensation proposal.
Haverstock inquired if all the Listers were in agreement with the proposal. Mr. Harnish stated that they were and that he would be taking more time off and the compensation proposal would compensate the remaining Listers accordingly. There was some discussion of the Listers’ requirements to allow this change, such as punching a time clock, which is acceptable by the Listers. There were also some concerns regarding the Union Contract. T. Pelkey explained that the Listers are not considered hourly employees as they are elected positions.
The written communications between T. Pelkey and the Listers were discussed. Following discussion, a motion was made by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to allow the Listers to determine their own method of compensation, providing they not exceed the current annual budget of $21,600. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
NEW BUSINESS
Review Paving Bids:
Haverstock reported that the paving bids were opened and a summary was included in the packets for review.
The lowest bidder was Pike Industries with a price of $65.20 per ton for surfacing of the Terounzo Road, Pine Woods Road and upper portion of Oxbow Road. T. Pelkey explained that the 3 roads were separated from the West Creek Road project as this project is grant funding-dependent.
Gagnon inquired if the bid included recycled material. Mr. Mullin stated that the bid did not include the recycled material and stated that the use of “RAP” would save the Town “a couple bucks” per ton. Mr. Mullin explained that there is no performance difference in the recycled material as opposed to the first run material and VTrans requests the recycled material in all of their specs. Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to award the paving bid to Pike Industries in the amount of $65.20 per ton. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Mr. Mullins exited at 7:09 PM.
Execution of Dog Warrant:
Haverstock explained that this is an annual exercise that authorizes the Animal Control Officers to follow-up with dog owners who have not registered their dogs. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to approve. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Deputy Fire Warden:
The State form, appointing Bradley Keith as Deputy Fire Warden, was signed.
Grant Proposal for Siren:
Information was included in the packets from Jan Sotirakis regarding seeking grant funding to obtain a warning siren for use in the event of a catastrophic event at the Chittenden Dam. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by J. Cornell to approve the request for a letter of support. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
OTHER BUSINESS
None presented at this time.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Pelkey made a motion and seconded by T. Hooker to go into Executive Session for personnel and contractual, 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 7:18 PM, with the Town Manager invited to remain.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 7:30 PM.
Motion by D. Trombley and seconded by T. Hooker to adopt a policy prohibiting anyone in the employ of the Town from using Town equipment for personal purposes on private property. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:32 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on May 6, 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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- Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
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David Trombley, Selectman