Town of Pittsford Select Board Meeting
February 1, 2017
The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM by Hank Pelkey, Chairman.
Select Board members present: Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Thomas Hooker, David Trombley and W. Joseph Gagnon. ABSENT: Jane Cornell. Also present: Shawn Erickson, John Haverstock, and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
T. Pelkey indicated that there was a need for Executive Session for one personnel issue – Town Manager; one contractual issue concerning the land transfer with the School; and one legal issue concerning the sale of property by auction. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to enter into Executive Session for personnel, legal and contractual matters. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
D. Trombley stated that there was a need to amend the agenda by adding under New Business the discussion of paving and road construction.
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to adopt the agenda, as amended. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
MINUTES
The Select Board minutes from the January 18, 2017 meeting were signed, with no corrections. The Liquor Board minutes from the January 18, 2017 meeting were signed, with no corrections.
ORDERS
The orders in the amount $71,795.43 and $13,074.47 (Payroll) were approved with the following discussion:
J. Gagnon inquired about the expense to A-1 Sewer and Drain Service for Plains Road. J. Haverstock explained that this was for a sewer line that was clogged. Bruce Babcock will be contacted for an update on the repairs.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
· The Town Report dedication ceremony will be held on February 21 at 9:00 AM at the Lothrop Gym. The Town Manager will contact the local press and the honorees.
· The final grant funding has been received from VTrans for the recent sidewalk project. The grant paid 83.5% or approximately $395,000 of the $474,000 total cost.
· Sullivan & Powers will be present at the February 15 meeting to present the audit report.
· An insurance check in the amount of $740 has been received to compensate the Town for damages to a bench at the Rec Area.
· The new police cruiser lease has been approved and delivery of the vehicle is expected soon.
· Rep. Shaw is expected to attend the February 15 meeting to update the Select Board on happenings in Montpelier.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None presented at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
Review Town Meeting Preparations:
The Select Board will meet at 6:10 PM, prior to Town Meeting. J. Haverstock reported that the school has been reserved; Moderator Jim Carvey will be attending a seminar in Montpelier to prepare for the meeting; the Boy Scouts have yet to confirm the presentation of colors. Chairman Pelkey will be discussing the General Fund/budget; Selectman Gagnon will be discussing the Highway Fund/budget, Water and Sewer Chairman Pearson will be discussing the Water and Sewer Funds/budgets. The Select Board agreed to these plans.
D. Trombley inquired about the Warning Article 2 and Article 3 and the funding sources. J. Haverstock explained that the amount to be raised by taxes is less than budgeted expenses because the funds have several revenue sources.
NEW BUSINESS
Consider Proposed Purchase (with trade) of New Bobcat for Highway Department:
Shawn Erickson was present to discuss the purchase of a new Bobcat for the Highway Department. The proposed equipment price is $39,178 plus accessories bringing the total to $43,320.56 (including a trade-in value of $6,800 for the old unit). The angle broom, blower and sander are not compatible to the new equipment; the angle blade and pick up broom will fit the new equipment and will be retained. There will also be an extra set of tracks included, as well as pallet forks.
D. Trombley inquired how the vehicle was spec’d out. S. Erickson explained that the sidewalks were measured and most of the skid steer vehicles are 5’ wide and over. This proposed Bobcat is 4 ½’ wide and is better suited to the Village sidewalk widths.
T. Hooker inquired if there was appropriate funding available. J. Haverstock stated that there was ample funding available in the Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Fund..
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by D. Trombley to purchase the Bobcat in the amount of $43,320.56, including accessories. J. Gagnon inquired where the equipment was being purchased. S. Erickson stated Champlain Valley Equipment. D. Trombley inquired about the delivery time. S. Erickson stated that this has not been determined. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Review Pittsford Day Fireworks Proposals:
J. Haverstock reported that C & C Fireworks and Northstar have submitted competing proposals to supply the fireworks display for Pittsford Day. Following review, J. Haverstock found some differences between the two proposals and will be contacting C & C Fireworks for their insurance coverage and to bring the proposals closer in line with each other. This topic was tabled until further information is received.
Consider Rescheduling March Select Board Meeting(s):
J. Havertock explained that the current March meetings are scheduled for March 1 and March 15. The March 1 meeting is before Town Meeting. Following discussion, the Select Board agreed to change the meeting dates from March 1 and March 15 to March 8 and March 22, respectively.
Remarks on Stormwater Management Study Regarding Castleton River Watershed (DEC):
J. Haverstock stated that a representative requested to be on the agenda and did not confirm attendance. The matter was tabled.
Discussion of Highway Paving and Construction:
D. Trombley discussed the paving and need reconstruction financing options.
D. Trombley and T. Pelkey will be meeting to discuss these options and the pro’s and con’s of bonding.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
T. Pelkey made a motion and seconded by T. Hooker to go into Executive Session for personnel to discuss the Town Manager; contractual to discuss the land transfer proposals with the School Board; and legal to discuss the sale of land via auction 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, legal and contractual at 7:06 PM. The Town Manager Haverstock was invited to remain for Executive Session.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 7:38 PM.
Motion by D. Trombley and seconded by T. Hooker to renew the Town Manager’s contract for another 3 year term, with the same terms as in the previous contract, with the exception that the Town Manager will receive a 3% increase in salary, effective February 12, 2017 and the Town Manager will no longer accrue compensatory time and will no longer be entitled to “sell” unused vacation time. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:39 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on February 15, 2017.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
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Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman
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Thomas Hooker, Vice Chairman
_______________ABSENT__________
Jane Cornell, Selectman
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W. Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
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David Trombley, Selectman