The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM by Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman.
Select Board members present: Jane Cornell, W. Joseph Gagnon, David Trombley, Thomas Hooker and Thomas “Hank” Pelkey. Also present: Shawn Erickson, Brad Keith, Ed Keith, Jr, Derek Saari, John Haverstock, and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
T. Pelkey stated that there is a need for Executive Session for one legal concern and one personnel issue. T. Pelkey invited the Town Manager to remain for Executive Session. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to enter into Executive Session for these items. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
T. Pelkey indicated that there was a need to amend the agenda to include a Road Access Permit; Zoning Board of Adjustment appointment; tax sale discussion and Rutland County Solid Waste District appointment. T. Hooker seconded to amend the agenda and accept the agenda as amended. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
MINUTES
The Select Board minutes from the August 5, 2015 Select Board meeting were signed, with no corrections.
ORDERS
The orders, in the amount $5,446.78 (FY ’15); $47,140.72 (FY’16) and $14,869.34 (Payroll) were approved, with the following discussion:
J. Gagnon inquired about the property taxes that were paid to Chittenden. J. Haverstock explained that the taxes were for the Town Forest/water source parcel.
J. Gagnon inquired about the cost of the culverts. J. Haverstock explained that the Town purchases the culverts for the projects to save money. D. Trombley inquired who determines the size of the culverts. S. Erickson stated that the Town determines the size. J. Gagnon inquired about the availability of a State engineer for highway projects. S. Erickson stated that an engineer is available, if necessary.
J. Gagnon inquired the expense to Marble Valley Transit. J. Haverstock explained that the $5,000 was for the annual appropriation.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
- Pittsford Day was a great success. The expenses are at approximately $14,000.00 and the revenues are at approximately $2,000.00, resulting in a net cost of $12,000.00 on a project budgeted for $10,000.00. Any and all participants were thanked for their contributions in making the day a success.
- The Hazard Mitigation Plan was in the packet for review.
- Jean Parker Shoemaker has retired. Her last day of employment was August 14. Currently there are 21 applications for the Assistant Clerk/Treasurer position and interviews will be occurring soon.
- The external audit will begin on September 3 – 4 and 16 – 17.
- The Town Manager, Highway Foreman Shawn Erickson and Dave Markowski were at the site of the West Creek Road project and determined the project will begin on September 8 and last for approximately three weeks.
- The handicap accessibility project will commence in early September, according to representatives from Countryside Glass.
- VLCT has communicated that the Town is covered up to $10 million in liability for any event and permitting the sale of fireworks does not void coverage.
J. Cornell inquired about the status of the Red Cross emergency shelter training. J. Haverstock indicated that there are currently eight interested volunteers and the Red Cross would like to have ten to do the training.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Derek Saari was present to express his dissatisfaction with the Listers. Mr. Saari stated that he has received multiple calls from the Listers wishing to inspect his property. Mr. Saari stated that they are welcome. However, they must walk to the property to understand the real issue that Mr. Saari is disputing. Mr. Saari stated that he will schedule the visit once he receives a 911 address. Mr. Saari explained that he has volunteered a lot of time in the drafting of the Town Plan and the Zoning Ordinances within Town. However, he will be discontinuing his volunteer services.
OLD BUSINESS
Recap of Pittsford Day Event:
T. Pelkey read a letter of thanks to any and all participants that were involved in making Pittsford Day a success this year. A notice of thanks will be published in a future edition of the Reporter.
Continued Discussion of Salt vs Sand on Town Roads:
D. Trombley stated that he has heard concerns throughout Town concerning the use of marble chips on Town roads.
The current mix that Pittsford uses is 25% sand and 75% marble. T. Hooker stated that the marble chips do not grind up and he has heard negative comments. However, S. Erickson hears positive comments.
S. Erickson brought various samples of various sand/marble mixtures and discussed each mixture.
The Select Board agreed that the current practice will remain in effect.
Continued Discussion of Oxbow Road Project:
J. Haverstock explained that, at the last meeting, Mr. Massores, an Oxbow Road resident, inquired about the reasons for the project. Mr. Massores was asked to provide a list of questions and concerns to the Town Manager for review by the Select Board. However, this information was not received.
S. Erickson viewed Mr. Massores inquiries from the prior Select Board meeting via PEG TV. He stated that the culvert did not need replacing as it was replaced 14 years ago, was plastic and embedded.
S. Erickson showed pictures of the project and explained that there were 8” wheel ruts that have been corrected; the bank at the top was shaved to improve visibility; a 120’ drainage pipe was installed on one side of the road and an 80’ drainage pipe was installed on the other side of the road as the road has traditionally been extremely wet.
T. Hooker inquired when the sinkhole on Arch Street will be reviewed. S. Erickson stated that there may be a possibility of having Pike do a “shim” coat in the area of concern.
Discussion of Massores Property Damage Claim:
J. Haverstock reported that there was a letter in the packet for review stating the Town’s position in this matter. No discussion took place as Mr. Massores was not present.
NEW BUSINESS
Zoning Board of Adjustment Appointment:
J. Haverstock explained that there is currently a vacancy on the Zoning Board of Adjustment and two interested residents. Sherry Reed and Ed Keith, Jr. have expressed interest in the position.
Motion by J. Gagnon and seconded by T. Hooker to appoint Ed Keith to the Zoning Board of Adjustment position. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to appoint Sherry Reed as the Alternate to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Rutland County Solid Waste District Appointment:
J. Haverstock reported that Sherry Reed is interested in serving as the Pittsford Representative of the Rutland County Solid Waste District.
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to appoint Ms. Reed to the Rutland County Solid Waste District. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Discussion of Possible Tax Sale:
J. Haverstock explained that this is an annual exercise and letters are traditionally sent to property owners that are over 2 years and over $1,000 delinquent in their property taxes. The Select Board agreed to start these proceedings.
Road Access Permit:
J. Haverstock indicated that GRO Solar has requested an access permit for the Kendall Hill Road solar project. S. Erickson has reviewed the project and has recommended that an 18” culvert be installed.
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by D. Trombley to approve the request with the stipulations that were outlined by the Highway Foreman. The motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
T. Pelkey made a motion and seconded by J. Cornell to go into Executive Session for legal and 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 with the Town Manager for the purpose of Legal and Personnel at 7:20 PM.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 7:34 PM, with no action taken.
The meeting adjourned at 7:34 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on September 2, 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
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David Trombley, Selectman