Town of Pittsford Select Board Meeting
June 1, 2016
The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM by Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman.
Select Board members present: Jane Cornell, Thomas Hooker, W. Joseph Gagnon, and Thomas “Hank” Pelkey. Absent: David Trombley. Also present: Rula Moradi, Chris Cadwell, Greg Baldock, Mike Warfle, Ray Pierce, John Eugair, John Haverstock, and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
J. Haverstock indicated that there was a need for Executive Session for a personnel issue and a legal issue. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to enter into Executive Session for personnel and legal. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to amend the agenda to add to old business discussion concerning fireworks and salvage yard permits and to add to new business discussion of a catering permit. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
MINUTES
The Select Board minutes from the May 1, 2016 Select Board meeting were signed, with no corrections.
ORDERS,
The orders in the amount $158,282.09 and $12,616.67 (Payroll) were approved with the following discussion:
J. Gagnon inquired about the expense for the highway safety locks in the amount of $2,008.50. J. Haverstock explained that the expense was for tailgate safety locks that were recommended by VLCT, as well as the Town Safety Committee. J. Haverstock indicated that there was a 40% grant received toward the project.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
- There will be a Pittsford Day planning meeting on June 8 at 6:30 PM at the Municipal Office.
- The sidewalk construction project will begin mobilization on June 6. Letters have gone to the residents that live along the route and Bob Rossi, the resident engineer, will be contacting residents directly.
- The Town Manager will be attending a conference in Montpelier on June 10 with a focus of Policing in the 21st Century.
- There will be a meeting on June 21 at the Municipal Offices regarding the VTrans safety study to be conducted along the Whipple Hollow Road in both Pittsford and West Rutland.
- Steve Belcher from the Historical Society has taken a number of pictures from the Memorial Day parade and has compiled them onto a CD.
- Sullivan and Powers will be conducting their annual external audit the week of September 19, 2016.
- The Zoning Administrator has changed his Friday hours to 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM.
- As of June 1, the budget cycle is 11 months complete. The General Fund expenses are 92.44% of budget; the Highway Fund is 105% of budget; the Water Fund is doing well; the Sewer Fund is in the black for the year.
- J. Gagnon inquired if there were any savings as a result of the mild winter. J. Haverstock stated that there was a bit of a savings on heating fuel, diesel and labor. However, the increase in the expense was due to the West Creek Road project, which cost $325,000 and the grant was only for $175,000.
- T. Hooker inquired about the status of the traffic study that was conducted on Plains Road. J. Haverstock explained that there have been some personnel changes at the Rutland Regional Planning Commission and the report is expected in the near future.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None presented at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
Update on Solar Project on Markowski Property:
Mr. Cadwell indicated that the required permit application will be submitted to the State later this month. The remaining discussion was deferred to Executive Session.
Re-Appointment of Trustees of Public Funds:
J. Haverstock explained that Rob Howland and Jim Rademacher did not file petitions to be placed on the ballot at the time of Town Meeting and did not receive enough write-in votes to be appointed by the voters. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to re-appoint Jim Rademacher and Rob Howland to the position of Trustee of Public Funds and ratify actions taken by them since Town Meeting. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0. J. Haverstock stated that any member of the community is eligible to serve in this position in the future and should contact the Town Manager for further information.
Review of Box Culvert Installation Bids:
J. Haverstock reported that additional information has been received on the low bidder for the box culvert installation project. Masterson & Son Construction was the low bidder at $42,013.48. J. Haverstock reported that references were checked and reports were included in the packets for review. Josh Masterson and Bruce Meacham recently met with the Town Manager and Highway Foreman and the recommendation is to award the contract to Masterson & Son Construction.
Motion by J. Gagnon and seconded by J. Cornell to award the project bid to Masterson & Son Construction in the amount of $42,013.48. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Continued Discussion of Police Chief’s Proposal Regarding Fees for Services:
Chief Warfle explained that the Police Department currently charges $50 per hour for coverage at Recreation Area events, and has charged this amount for the last 3 years, with no concerns or issues.
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to accept the Police Fee proposal as initially presented. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Discussion of Fireworks:
Chief Warfle stated that he has received a number of complaints regarding residents setting off fireworks. Currently, it is illegal to possess or light fireworks in Vermont, however, it is legal to sell them. T. Hooker stated that he has received complaints as well and he has signed no permits for fireworks that were sold at the Greeno’s fireworks shop. The Greeno’s were required under their permit to provide adequate paperwork, confirm age of purchasers, confirm insurance and confirm education on safety with customers.
J. Haverstock recommends a friendly reminder be placed on the website as well as the newsletter reminding residents of these requirements. J. Haverstock stated that this is a one-year permit, which is subject to review.
Chief Warfle stated that the State and Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms issued the permit to sell. However, it is illegal to possess the fireworks.
T. Pelkey would like the topic deferred to legal counsel and invite the Greeno’s to the next meeting for a continued discussion. Chief Warfle would like to inspect the area with T. Hooker.
Ray Pierce stated that the noise starts at approximately 7:00 PM and continues until 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM and is very disturbing to his ill dog.
Chief Warfle will attend the next meeting for continued discussion.
Salvage Yard Permit:
J. Haverstock stated that the State has misplaced the permit that was approved for Brown’s Salvage Yard. The Select Board re-signed a copy of the permit from 2 years ago.
NEW BUSINESS
Update on Town Wide Re Assessment:
John Eugair was present to discuss the reassessment. Vision Appraisal finished recently and the files have been submitted to the Town. J. Eugair stated that grievance notices were sent out on May 31.
J. Eugair reported that the Grand List was down 6.3%; 239 properties were increased in value; 200 properties remained the same (within $1,000); 32 hearings were held by Vision. June 16 is the Grievance Day for the Listers. The State will be notified of the outcome so a CLA can be established. J. Haverstock inquired when the Grand List would be lodged. J. Eugair stated that this cannot be lodged until the State information is received.
J. Gagnon inquired if houses and structures values were down and the land values were increased. J Eugair stated that most older homes were decreased, based on the last 3 year’s sales averages; commercial property values were increased, since the last assessment values were so low.
J. Haverstock inquired about the interior access percentage. J. Eugair stated that approximately 55% of the residents allowed interior access.
J. Eugair stated that the Listers would like to see a Technical Review every 3 years as 9 years is too much time between assessments. A quote for this service is expected in the near future.
Highway Access/Right of Way Permit:
A Highway Access/Right of Way permit for Otter Valley Solar was in the packets for review. Shawn Erickson recommends approval. Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to approve the request. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Consider Enacting an E-911 Ordinance:
D. Trombley had asked about whether there was a law requiring posting 911 addresses. J. Haverstock reported that there is no State law requiring this. However, there were examples of other town ordinances included in the packets for review. The item was tabled until Mr. Trombley is present for the discussion.
Request for Catering Permit:
A request has been received for the Palms Restaurant to cater a wedding at the Markowski Farm. This permit can be signed by the Town Clerk, following Select Board approval. The Select Board agreed to the request.
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 and legal 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 Legal at 7:13PM., Chris Cadwell, Greg Baldock and Town Manager Haverstock were invited to remain for Executive Session.
Mr. Cadwell and Mr. Baldock exited Executive Session at 7:35 PM.
John Eugair joined Executive Session at 7:35 PM.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 7:50 PM, with no action taken.
The meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on June 15, 2016.
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
________________ABSENT_________
David Trombley, Selectman