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: Mike Warfle, Dave Soulia, Jay Thornton, Wayne Wilmans, Brian Stoy, Ann Rademacher, John Haverstock, Elysa Smigielski and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
T. Pelkey made a motion to go into Executive Session for two personnel concerns and one legal concern. The motion was seconded by T. Hooker. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
T. Pelkey made a motion to amend the agenda to include Right of Way access; shooting concerns at Rowe Gravel Pit; and mowing at the well property in Florence. 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 September 16, 2015 meeting and the minutes of the Dog Hearing of September 16, 2015 were signed, with no corrections.
ORDERS
The orders, in the amount $76,130.45 and $11,834.91 (Payroll) were approved with the following comments:
J. Gagnon inquired about why each diesel purchase must generate a separate line item in the order rather than combining them all into one item. J. Haverstock explained the process of how the invoices are entered and noted that there were 3 weeks between meetings, causing even more items to appear in the orders.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
- The solar project in Chester went online on September 23. This project will be benefiting Pittsford as it generates credits toward the Town’s Green Mountain Power utility bills. The savings will be reviewed annually with Green Lantern’s finance partner.
- The budget season has begun. All Department heads have been asked for their specific work plans and budget proposals.
- The Red Cross Shelter Initiative training occurred on September 21.
- The Town Manager is working with OMYA representatives on the Florence Fire Substation lease renewal.
- Pike Industries has been in Town paving the roads that were presented as part of the Highway Department work plan. Pike will be returning to pave the West Creek Road segment that was recently reconstructed by Markowski Excavating. Part of this project is covered with a VTrans grant.
- A VTrans Grant has been received for ditch clearing and stone placement on Depot Hill Road.
- The annual external audit by Sullivan and Powers will take place from November 2 – 5 .
OMYA representatives will be hosting a Chamber Mixer at the Marble Museum in Proctor on October 13. - The Haunted House will be held on October 16 – 17 and October 23 – 24.
- A grant has been received in the amount of $187,000 to be used for the Village Sidewalk Project.
- Construction is anticipated for 2016 spring/summer construction season.
- Trish Lewis and Kathy Brown have resigned their positions as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of the Town Planning Commission. Dave Soulia and Dave Mills have been elected to the Chair and Vice Chair positions, respectively.
- Information was included in the packets resulting from an online discussion comparing tandem and single axle trucks within municipal highway department fleets.
- The Staff Picnic was held on October 2 at the Recreation Area.
- The Town Manager and Town Clerk’s Offices will be closed on October 8 so the staff can attend VLCT training sessions in Killington. The Town Office and related services will be closed on October 12 in observance of Columbus Day.
D. Trombley inquired if there was any further information received with regard to the Planning Commission Zoning Regulation discussion of the last Select Board meeting. T. Pelkey explained that the process starts again and hearings and meetings will be held in the future.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None presented at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
Review of Handicapped Access Upgrades at Town Offices:
J. Haverstock stated that Countryside Glass did the door portion of the project and Richard Reed & Son did the sidewalk access. T. Hooker stated that the deterioration of the sidewalk was a safety concern, therefore, it was necessary to do the projects together.
T. Pelkey stated that there was an informal approval to spend $17,500. However, the rear exit sidewalk was added, which on the front sidewalk brought the price to $19,700. T. Pelkey stated that there is currently approximately $18,000 in the building fund.
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to use General Funds for these door and sidewalk upgrades. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
The Select Board recessed at 7:03 PM to convene as the Public Hearing for the Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Select Board reconvened and resumed its regular agenda at 7:08 PM.
NEW BUSINESS
Review Detour Plan for Kendall Hill Road Railroad Crossing Project:
Brian Stoy, of Frontier Railroad Services, was present to discuss the upcoming railroad crossing upgrade project on Kendall Hill Road. Mr. Stoy explained that local traffic will be detoured onto Depot Hill Road and truck traffic exiting/entering OMYA will be directed over the West Creek Road (north end) into Brandon via Union Street.
The project is expected to occur from Thursday through Sunday, October 15 – 18.
Mr. Stoy explained that there would be message boards notifying drivers htat this project would be happening.
T. Hooker indicated that there would be an additional fire truck stationed at the Florence substation or at Omya. Mutual aid may also be summoned from either Brandon or Proctor/Rutland Town, depending on the location of any fire.
D. Trombley inquired whether Brandon officials have been contacted with regard to the increased in traffic on the back roads. Mr. Stoy stated that he has been working with the DPW Department Head in Brandon.
Mr. Stoy stated that OMYA will restrict truck traffic during this project.
D. Trombley inquired if there would be adequate traffic control. Mr. Stoy stated that there would be 24/7 traffic control and VTrans engineers are involved in the process.
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to approve the detour proposal as presented. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Mr. Stoy, Mr. Wilmans and Mr. Thornton exited at 6:54 PM.
Review and Consider Homestead Declaration Penalty Abatement Request:
J. Haverstock reported that the Moriglioni’s have requested an abatement in the amount of $243.58.
H. McKinlay has been consulted and she feels that this is an electronics issue at the State level and recommended granting the request.
This topic was deferred to Deliberative Session.
Review Recreation Committee Letter of Resignation:
A letter has been received from Mark Winslow stating that his business has been taking up more of his time. Therefore, he finds it necessary to resign from the Recreation Committee.
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by D. Trombley to accept the resignation with regret and to instruct Randy Adams to solicit a replacement. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Appoint Town Delegate to VLCT Business Meeting:
The general consensus of the Select Board was to appoint John Haverstock, Town Manager, as the Town Delegate to the VLCT business meeting.
Request for Right of Way Access:
A request was received from Gary Young and Julie Falco on Whipple Hollow Road for access onto the Town road.
Highway Foreman Shawn Erickson has approved the application with the condition that the driveway be sloped to keep runoff away from the Town road.
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to sign the request with the conditions stated. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Discussion on Shooting at the Rowe Gravel Pit:
M. Warfle stated that Ron Crossmon has contacted VSP and Warfle with regard to shooting at the Rowe Gravel Pit because bullets were ricocheting in the trees.
VSP recommended the Town consider instituting a Noise Ordinance. Following much discussion, J. Haverstock will be sending a letter to Mr. Rowe explaining his liability for harm which may be caused by shooting in the pit.
Discussion of Mowing in the Area of the Florence Pump Station:
D. Trombley stated that he was contacted by Frank Bovey, Jr. stating an interest in mowing the field that abuts the Florence Pump Station. Currently, Walter Champine mows the area. However, has just mowed the area for the first time this year and Mr. Bovey would mow the area more frequently as he is interested in the hay.
Because the Select Board does not wish to “step on anyone’s toes”, J. Haverstock will research and advise at a future meeting.
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, and to also go into Deliberative Session regarding the Moriglioni matter.
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 Legal and Personnel at 7:20 PM with the Town Manager. M. Warfle was invited to remain for 1 Personnel concern.
M. Warfle exited Executive Session at 7:45 PM.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 7:53 PM and entered Deliberative Session at 7:53 PM.
The Select Board exited Deliberative Session at 8:04 PM.
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to pay Denise Mahoney $599 in supplemental wages for her recent work filling in after Jean Parker Shoemaker’s retirement. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:06 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on October 21, 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