Town of Pittsford Select Board Meeting
July 20, 2016
The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM by Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman.
Select Board members present: Jane Cornell, David Trombley, W. Joseph Gagnon, and Thomas “Hank” Pelkey. Absent: Thomas Hooker. Also present: Ann Rademacher, Jason Davis, Kevin Blow, Rick Conway, Rebecca Wilson, Richard LaRouche, Linda Bryant, David Soulia, John Haverstock, 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 D. Trombley to enter into Executive Session for personnel and legal. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by D. Trombley to amend the agenda to add to old business discussion concerning village sidewalks. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
MINUTES
The Select Board minutes from the July 6, 2016 Select Board meeting and July 14, 2016 Special meeting were signed, with no corrections.
ORDERS
The orders in the amount $17,807.90 (FY ’16); $52,803.80 (FY ’17) and $13,941.06 (Payroll) were approved, with the following discussion:
J. Cornell inquired about the expense in the FY ’17 expenses to Keith’s referencing Grease Trap Loan. J. Haverstock explained that it was a loan that was available for food service preparation establishments to properly install grease traps. This loan has been approved by the Water and Sewer Commissioners in the total amount of $8,500.
J. Cornell inquired about the expense in the FY ’17 expenses for “The Bus”. J. Haverstock explained that this was an annual appropriation to the commuter bus.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
· The Listers received 48 grievances following the Town-wide reappraisal. All of these grievances have been resolved with the exception of 3, which will come before the Board of Civil Authority in the near future.
· The group from Iowa State University will be at the Cooley Bridge performing weight testing on July 26.
· The Veterans Memorial monument has been blasted and lettered. The Historical Society will be gathering names to be inscribed on the plaques.
· Kitt Shaw and the Town Manager recently attended a Mosquito District meeting. The State has approved the application of larvacide on properties like the Pomainville property. However, there will be a cumbersome process in order to receive federal permission.
· The Town Manager will be on vacation for the week of July 25.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Linda Bryant, a resident at the corner of Plains Road and Route 7 was present to discuss a noise concern that sounded like “M80’s” that is so loud that it rattles her second floor windows. Ms. Bryant stated that her husband has health concerns and has had to be away from home for the last two weeks due to the noise. Ms. Bryant stated that she has discussed this with the Town Manager and the Police Chief, who said that the neighbors would be contacted. Mr. Haverstock reported that the Police Chief has checked with the neighbors, who are not hearing any of these noises. Richard LaRouche was present and stated that he was a neighbor of Ms. Bryant and believes that the noise is coming from the residence north of his, which is known as the “half-way house”. Mr. LaRouche stated the residents are shooting fireworks behind the house into the pine trees and expressed the same concerns as Ms. Bryant, adding that they are burning plastic weekly. Mr. LaRouche stated that this begins around dinner time until 9:00 – 10:00 PM, there is partying nightly with loud music until 1:00 AM – 2:00 AM. The Select Board instructed the Town Manager to instruct the Police Chief to follow-up on these complaints.
Ms. Bryant read from past minutes regarding fireworks permits. Ms. Bryant stated that her landlord went to the Greeno’s fireworks shop and there was no attendee at the tent. The Select Board stated that the requirement of the permit was that the fireworks be locked up when the business was closed.
Ms. Rademacher inquired if there was a Town noise ordinance. J. Haverstock stated that there is not a local ordinance, however, there is a State ordinance relevant to nighttime noise.
There was much discussion regarding the use of fireworks and permits. Mr. Soulia stated that he is aware of someone who tried to purchase fireworks and did not have a permit and was denied the sale. J. Gagnon stated that fireworks can be purchased in Rutland, New Hampshire, New York and just about anywhere.
OLD BUSINESS
Update on Pittsford Day Planning:
J. Haverstock reported that balloon magician Blaine Goad has been replaced by Joey the Magician. J. Haverstock will be meeting with Chief Hooker and Brad Keith prior to the August 13 event.
Review of Village Sidewalk Project:
Following discussion at the last Select Board meeting, Markowski Excavating has been authorized to purchase more blocks for the retaining wall securing the bank across from the Fire Station.
Review Terms of Proposed Settlement Agreement from Otter Valley Solar Project:
J. Haverstock reported that the concerns that have been addressed and the topic was deferred to Executive Session.
Discussion of Route 7 Sidewalks:
J. Haverstock reported that the sidewalks in the village along Route 7 are in poor shape. They are in the State Right of Way. A letter has been written to the State authorities to have these addressed prior to the Route 7 upgrade, which is tentatively scheduled for 2028. The Secretary of VTrans will be in Pittsford on August 12 to walk the sidewalks with the Representatives, Senators and Select Board members. J. Haverstock will advise of the time and further details.
NEW BUSINESS
Receipt and Review of Proposed Revised Zoning Ordinance:
The Proposed Revised Zoning Ordinance was included in the packet for the Select Board members to review. The members were asked to bring the document to the next few meetings for discussion. Planning Commission Chairman David Soulia explained that there was an edited copy, a finished copy and a change log included for the Select Board to reference. Mr. Soulia stated that the Planning Commission has held their required Public Hearings, with no complaints. The Select Board has set dates of August 17 and September 7 to hold its Public Hearings.
Consider Adoption of VT Alert System for Emergency Communications:
Jason Davis was present to discuss VT Alert, which is a communication system to relay important information to residents in a timely manner. Mr. Davis and the Town Manager met with Randy Bronson to discuss this program. There were many options and ways to use the free service. The Select Board recommends moving forward with this program.
OTHER BUSINESS
None presented at this time.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
T. Pelkey made a motion and seconded by D Trombley 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 7:23PM. Town Manager Haverstock was invited to remain for Executive Session.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 7:28 PM.
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by D. Trombley to approve and sign the proposed Settlement Agreement with Otter Valley Solar and to authorize the Town Manager to sign the draft letter in support of the project to be sent to the Public Service Board. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on August 3, 2016.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
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Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman
_______________ABSENT__________
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