Town of Pittsford
Select Board Meeting
May 20. 2015
The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM by Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman.
Select Board members present: David Trombley, Thomas Hooker, W. Joseph Gagnon, and Thomas “Hank” Pelkey. Absent: Jane Cornell. Also present: Shawn Erickson, Otto Hanson, John Haverstock, and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
- Pelkey stated that there was no need at this time for Executive Session.
- Trombley indicated that there was a need to amend the agenda to add discussion of a letter received from Kathy Brown under Old Business. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to amend the agenda and accept the agenda as amended. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
MINUTES
The Select Board minutes from the May 6, 2015 Select Board meeting were signed, with no corrections.
ORDERS
The orders, in the amount $35,968.59 and $13,174.36 (Payroll) were approved with the following discussion:
- Gagnon inquired the expense for Ferguson Waterworks in the amount of $5,371.25 for Florence Line Repair at the May 6 meeting. J. Haverstock reported that there was a water line break in the area of the well station in Florence.
- Gagnon also inquired the expense Listers’ Reappraisal Service. J. Haverstock stated that this was for the software to be used during the reappraisal process.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
- Haverstock reported on the following:
- No Parking signs have been posted as per the Parking Ordinance that has been adopted. Chief Warfle, J. Haverstock, and S. Erickson toured streets that were posted. There was also a recent request for Public Records with regard to the Parking Ordinance. Information regarding this request was included in the packets.
- D. Trombley and S. Erickson met with J. Haverstock, Joe Massores and the VLCT Representative to review Mr. Massores’ claim regarding property damage on his Oxbow Road property.
- There were trees planted at the Recreation Area on May 20, and more will be planted at the Kendrick Dam site on May 22. The trees were received through grant funds received by the Rutland County Conservation District. Students from the Stafford Technical Center did the actual tree planting.
- The Memorial Day Parade will take place on May 25, beginning at 12:30 PM. The Municipal Office and related services will be closed on that day.
- There have been two VTrans grants awarded for $175,000 each. One grant will pay for the reconstruction and paving on West Creek Road from the Railroad trestle to the Bovey Farm and the other grant will cover the culvert replacement work in East Pittsford and on Fire Hill Road.
- Shawn Hendee has resigned as the 9-1-1 coordinator. Any Pittsford resident that is interested in serving in this capacity is encouraged to call the Town Manager.
- J. Haverstock will be attending the Brandon Leicester Goshen Salisbury Mosquito District meeting in Brandon on May 21.
PUBLIC COMMENT
- Erickson discussed the firewood concern that was raised at the May 6 meeting. Mr. Erickson stated that the roads used to transport the firewood were posted. However, when the roads are posted travel is acceptable if frozen or cold and the trucks are loaded light. The trucks that were used to go to his residence (which his son now occupies) were not tandems, but, single axle and the 550. D. Trombley stated that he brought this concern to the Select Board due to the fact that taxpayers raised the concern and he felt obligated to address the concerns as raised. J. Gagnon stated that there were some logs that were sold to his lumber company and they will take any wood in the future for their wood chip business, as long as there is no wire.
The Select Board recessed at 6:49 PM and convened as the Liquor Board.
The Select Board reconvened at 6:53 PM.
Mr. Hanson exited at 6:53 PM.
OLD BUSINESS
Discussion of Letter from Kathy Brown:
- Trombley read the following letter, as written by Kathy Brown:
May 7, 2015
“Dear John,
I have just had a visit with Trish Lewis. I am extremely disappointed and a bit angry with the decisions reached by the Select Board at last night’s meeting. A seven member board is cumbersome and our work will be slowed significantly by that large a representation. It is extremely difficult to work with members who come on the commission with an agenda, especially in light of recent increase in negative attitudes that specifically relate to the work of the group. To pass over someone who has already expressed an interest in serving as an alternate is a slap in the face, and to say that just because he isn’t a long time resident is just wrong. One recent remark at one of our meetings indicated that one of the newest members came so far as to threaten an end to zoning in the town. These folks fail to answer me when I question what their specific objections are but simply say “you can’t tell me what to do with my property”. What a narrow minded attitude and yet that is what is so prevalent and making our jobs even harder,. Suffice it to say that we have a long road ahead of us and it is that the Select Board did not recognize or vote in favor of our suggestions. I am not pleased with this kind of attitude on the part of the Board. With the demise of Allen Hitchcock it would appear that there is no longer a voice of reason in our town government.
Kathy”
- Trombley asked that the Town Manager send an e-mail to Ms. Brown asking for an apology.
- Pelkey stated that Ms. Brown is entitled to her own opinion.
- Hooker stated that no one was pleased with the letter and that the Select Board did what the Pittsford residents wanted, as expressed at the Public Hearings that were held.
- Gagnon stated that the Board acted on the public input that was gathered. T. Hooker stated that the Select Board members reviewed the recommendations as presented by the Planning Commission individually and came to the same results and conclusions.
Cristina Kumka, who serves on the Planning Commission, stated that there are possibly agendas on the Planning Commission and they need to be addressed and the members need education. J. Haverstock stated that there is a Spring Seminar coming in the near future and VLCT may be asked to come to Pittsford to host a workshop. J. Haverstock will schedule a training session.
NEW BUSINESS
Review State’s Bridge Inspection Report:
- Erickson stated that the State inspects the bridges every other year and compiles a status report.
The Kendall Hill Bridge needs to have the piers cleaned and repaired. The steel plating is also “getting thin”. J. Haverstock reported that the Rutland Regional Transportation Council classifies this bridge as “important” and the State identified this bridge as “key”. Therefore, there is a possibility of a 90% grant fund available to replace the bridge.
- Hooker inquired about the status of the culvert in the area of the Fire Station. S. Erickson stated that the bottom is rotting.
The culvert in East Pittsford (near Meadowlake Drive) needs anchoring and has moved 1” since 2008.
The Iron Master and Sangamon Bridges are in good condition.
The Cooley Bridge is in need of replacing the speed limit sign (which has been completed since the inspection report information was compiled).
The Depot Road bridge needs to have the steel beams painted and the planks replaced. However, the date on the report is 2012 and not 2014. J. Haverstock will research this discrepancy.
- Hooker inquired about the status of the railroad bridge that has been classified as “ready to collapse”. J. Haverstock will contact the State of Vermont for a status report as there are fuel tankers that travel this bridge several times a day.
OTHER BUSINESS
None presented at this time.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None necessary at this time.
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on June 3, 2015.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
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Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman
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Thomas Hooker, Vice Chairman
______________ABSENT___________
Jane Cornell, Selectman
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- Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
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David Trombley, Selectman