Town of Pittsford Select Board Meeting
December 21, 2016
The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM by Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman.
Select Board members present: Jane Cornell, David Trombley, Thomas Hooker, W. Joseph Gagnon, and Thomas “Hank” Pelkey. Also present: Shawn Erickson, Mike Warfle, John Haverstock, and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
J. Haverstock indicated that there was a need for Executive Session for one personnel issue to discuss personal vehicle use for Town business; one personnel issue to discuss Town Report; and 1 legal issue to discuss the possible transfers of land with the school district. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to enter into Executive Session for personnel and legal. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to adopt the agenda as posted. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
MINUTES
The Select Board minutes from the December 7, 2016 meeting were signed, with no corrections.
ORDERS
The orders in the amount $137,635.85 and $15,992.28 (Payroll) were approved, with the following discussion:
J. Gagnon inquired a possible double billing from Champlin Associates. J. Haverstock will research and not send the checks until this can be sorted out.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
· The Municipal Offices and related town functions will be closed on December 26 in observance of Christmas and on January 2, 2017 in observance of New Year’s Day.
· Rick Schiller was the highest bidder of the only property that was sold at the recent tax sale. The property owners have one year to pay all related costs and taxes to redeem and retain ownership.
· The Water and Sewer Commission has approved the purchase of a 52 hp tractor from Champlain Valley Equipment.
· The deadline for any articles to be included in the Town Report is December 31.
· The Police Department’s speed cart is expected to be delivered in the near future.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None presented at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
Review Options to Procure New Police Cruiser:
Police Chief Warfle was present to discuss the possibility of leasing a new police cruiser. The vehicle that is being proposed has a total lease cost of $30,579. The old cruiser has a trade-in value of $9,500, leaving a balance of $21,079 (lease of $5,768.99 per year for 4 years and a final payment of $1 for purchase of the cruiser).
Chief Warfle stated that the Durango has just returned from the garage after having a leaking transmission repaired under warranty.
T. Hooker inquired if there was enough in the Cruiser Replacement Fund to cover the lease on the first year, which J. Haverstock confirmed.
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to authorize the lease/purchase of the new police cruiser. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0. Chief Warfle stated that there is a 3 – 6 month delivery lead time on the vehicle.
Chief Warfle exited at 6:43 PM.
Consider Request for Contribution Toward Chittenden Dam Warning Siren:
The Select Board had a discussion about whether to place this item on the Town Meeting Warning. The Board unanimously decided to instruct the Town Manager to compose a letter to Jan Sotorakis stating that there is no interest contributing funds toward this project.
Presentation of Second Draft of FY 2017 – 2018 Municipal Budgets:
J. Haverstock presented the third draft of the FY 2017 – 2018 budget.
The General Fund proposal is reinstating the $35,000 transfer to the Water Fund for the hydrants. T. Hooker stated that it would be beneficial to have the Water Department purchase Storz fittings on 10 to 12 hydrants for the larger diameter hoses. It was agreed that this transfer payment would only be made if the General Fund balance held enough funds.
The Highway Fund proposal decreases the proposed paving budget increase by $19,000.
The General Fund budget would result in tax increase of 7% and the Highway Fund budget would result in a tax increase of 8.2%.
J. Cornell inquired about the Management/Mileage budget being previously budgeted at $300 and currently showing $2,241 in expenses. J. Haverstock will discuss this with the Bookkeeper and report at a future meeting.
There was extended discussion concerning whether borrowing would be needed in order to reconstruct roads in Florence.
Consider Request from REDC/RRCC for Contribution Toward Killington Valley Marketing Effort and for Appointment of a Town Representative to a Committee:
T. Pelkey stated that the Boys and Girls Club had an appropriation included in the budget. However, the Brandon facility has closed and the Rutland office was contacted for information as to how many individuals from Pittsford were benefiting from programming. This information has not been received. T. Pelkey recommended to the Select Board that this allocation be redirected to the REDC/RRCC project.
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by J. Cornell to redirect the $3,000 allocation from the Boys and Girls Club to REDC/RRCC. D. Trombley recommended that this be a one year trial period, which was agreed. Motion passed 4 – 1 (Gagnon). J. Haverstock will be in contact with Rula Moradi regarding possible service as Pittsford’s representative on one of the group’s committees.
NEW BUSINESS
Consider Appointing Junk Ordinance Enforcement Officials:
J. Haverstock stated that the Town Junk Ordinance requires the Select Board to appoint a representative(s) to resolve any junk ordinance violations. A resolution was read appointing the Zoning Administrator, Town Manager, and Police Chief.
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to sign the proposed resolution. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Review Draft Letter to Junk Ordinance Violator:
J. Haverstock included a draft letter to a landowner on Fire Hill Road who appears to be in violation of the Junk Ordinance. D. Trombley recommended that the addresses be confirmed as there are two different addresses referenced in the several letters.
The Select Board signed the letter.
Consider Request from Group Seeking Special Appropriation (Big Heavy World):
A request was received for $250 to support local musicians. The Board denied the request as there was no apparent benefit to Pittsford residents.
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 to discuss the use of personal vehicles for Town business, the Town Report and possible land transfers, 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 discussions at 7:20 PM. Town Manager Haverstock and Shawn Erickson were invited to remain for Executive Session.
Shawn Erickson exited Executive Session at 7:31 PM.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 7:38 PM, with no action taken.
The meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on January 4, 2017.
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