Town of Pittsford
Select Board Meeting
March 2, 2016
FINAL
The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM by John Haverstock, Town Manager
Select Board members present: Jane Cornell, David Trombley, Thomas Hooker, W. Joseph Gagnon, and Thomas “Hank” Pelkey. Also present: Paul Lathrop, John Haverstock, and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
J. Haverstock indicated that this was the Select Board Organizational Meeting.
T. Hooker nominated T. Pelkey to serve as Chairman. Seconded by J. Cornell. Motion passed 4 – 0 – 1 (Pelkey abstained).
J. Cornell nominated T. Hooker to serve as Vice Chairman. Seconded by D. Trombley. Motion passed 4 – 0 -1 (Hooker abstained).
J. Haverstock indicated that there was a need for Executive Session for one personnel issue. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to enter into Executive Session for one personnel issue. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Motion by D. Trombley and seconded by T. Hooker to amend the agenda to add two Liquor Board permit requests and to appoint a representative to the Rutland Regional Planning Commission. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Motion by D. Trombley and seconded by J. Cornell to appoint Kelly Giard as Recording Clerk. Following discussion, this motion was withdrawn. Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to appoint Linda Drummond to the position of Recording Clerk. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to approve The Reporter as the Official Newspaper. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to approve the meeting schedule as follows: 2016–March 2 and 16; April 6 and 20; May 4 and 18; June 1 and 15; July 6 and 20; August 3 and 17; September 7 and 21; October 5 and 19; November 2 and 16; December 7 and 21; 2017–January 4 and 18; February 1 and 15; March 1 and 15. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Motion by D. Trombley and seconded by J. Cornell to appoint the following:
Animal Control Officers – J. Michael Warfle; Cody Hesse
Delinquent Tax Collector – John Haverstock
Emergency Management Coordinator – Jason Davis
Enhanced 9-1-1 – Sherry Reed; Alternate–VACANT
Fence Viewers – W. Joseph Gagnon; John C. Fox; VACANT
Fuel Coordinator – John Haverstock
Town Service Officer – John Haverstock
Pound Keepers – Edward Fox; VACANT;
Tree Warden – Shawn Erickson
Tree Warden Assistant – Randal S. Adams
Rutland County Solid Waste Representatives – Sherry Reed; Alternate – VACANT
Rutland Regional Planning Commission – David Soulia; Alternate – David Mills
Rutland Regional Transportation Council – Margaret “Peg” Flory; Alternate – John Haverstock
Recreation Committee (3 yr – 2019) – Kelly Connaughton; Mark Poljacik; John White
Surveyor of Wood – Kenneth Gagnon
Motion approved unanimously 5 – 0.
MINUTES
The Select Board minutes from the February 17, 2016 Select Board meeting and the Special Select Board Meeting of February 29, 2016 were signed, with no corrections.
ORDERS
The orders, in the amount $57,327.96 and $12,334.71 (Payroll) were approved, with the following discussion:
J. Gagnon inquired about the expense for $16,861.41 for the reappraisal project and inquired if this was a final payment. J. Haverstock stated that this was a progress payment and that John Eugair reports that the project is running on schedule.
J. Gagnon requested a comparison to last year with regard to the use of the deicing agents used by the Highway Department as this year has been a mild winter. J. Haverstock will research this information and report at a future meeting.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
The Highway Fund, General Fund and Police Department funding were all approved at Town Meeting.
Congratulations to re-elected Select Board Members Jane Cornell and Joe Gagnon, to re-elected Lister Donna Wilson and to re-elected Town Moderator Jim Carvey (re-elected by write-in votes). The Otter Valley Union Unified budget passed.
The OMYA Act 250 hearing will be held on March 17 in the Municipal Office Conference Room
There was a pre-bid meeting with interested contractors with regard to the Village sidewalk project and contractors walked the route. The bids are due on March 16. Resident Paul Lathrop inquired if this was going to be an asphalt or concrete sidewalk. J. Haverstock stated that this decision would be based on the bids received.
Mr. Lathrop inquired if there were any physical standards required for the Police Department personnel. J. Haverstock stated he will check the job descriptions and advise. T. Hooker explained that the officers must pass physical testing upon completion of the Police Academy. J. Haverstock will discuss physical requirements with the Police Academy.
Mr. Lathrop inquired about the $4,000 car allowance. J. Haverstock explained that he receives a car allowance, as does the Town Accountant. Mr. Lathrop recommended giving up the car allowance to the individuals that requested $1,500 for the abused children at Town Meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Paul Lathrop, resident of Plains Road, stated that he would like to see the speed limit on Plains Road lowered due to the increase in the number of people (including children who walk and bicycle on Plains Road. Mr. Lathrop stated that the posted speed limit is 35 and he is constantly seeing people “jump” out of the road. D. Trombley inquired what speed limit is preferred by Mr. Lathrop. Mr. Lathrop stated 20 – 25 mph. T. Pelkey stated that this is something that will have to be looked at before any changes are made. D. Trombley inquired if Mr. Lathrop felt that the 35 speed limit is being abused. Mr. Lathrop stated that he does feel that this is being abused. Mr. Lathrop stated that he has given the Police Department permission to sit in his driveway to monitor. T. Pelkey stated that there will need to be research on this topic and J. Haverstock stated that there would need to be traffic studies conducted prior to any changes.
OLD BUSINESS
None presented at this time.
NEW BUSINESS
Appointment(s) to Fill Elected Office(s) left unfilled by Election if needed:
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to appoint the following:
Trustee of Public Funds – Rob Howland
Town Agent – Margaret “Peg” Flory
Grand Juror – Peter Cady
MacLure Library – Shirlee Nickless
Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
J. Gagnon inquired how the remaining vacancies would be advertised. J. Haverstock stated that there would be postings in the Newsletter, Municipal Office and website.
Appointment(s) to Fill Vacancies among Officials, Board Members and Commissioners, if needed:
None necessary.
Appointment to the Rutland Regional Planning Commission:
J. Haverstock stated that the members of the Planning Commission discussed this appointment at their recent meeting. David Soulia agreed to be the Town Representative and David Mills agree to the be Alternate. This was voted on with the other appointments.
The Select Board recessed at 6:57 PM.
The Select Board reconvened at 7:03 PM.
BUDGET STATUS UPDATE:
J. Haverstock reported that the General Fund expenses are at 72.43% of budget and the Highway Fund expenses are at 89.76% of budget. The fiscal year is 66% complete.
OTHER BUSINESS
None presented at this time.
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, and may be jeopardized by public disclosure at for Executive Session.
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 7:04 PM. The Town Manager was invited to remain for Executive Session.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 7:09 PM, with no action taken.
The meeting adjourned at 7:09 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on March 16, 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